The most effective app for leveling up your pickleball game.

Try the app

Paddle Comparison

Kobo Thunder Axe ∞ vs Ronbus Quanta R3

The Kobo Thunder Axe ∞ (SW 114.89) and Ronbus Quanta R3 (SW 115.4) sit 0.51 swing-weight points apart — close enough that shape, feel, and price become the real differentiators. The Ronbus Quanta R3 also has the wider sweet spot — TW 5.74 versus 5.21 — meaning more forgiveness on off-center hits. On price, the Ronbus Quanta R3 is $239 less expensive after the PLAYBOOK discount.

Who wins on what

Power

Ronbus Quanta R3

Higher Swing Weight (power) (114.89 vs 115.4, +0.51)

Hand Speed

Kobo Thunder Axe ∞

Lower Swing Weight (hand speed) (114.89 vs 115.4)

Sweet Spot / Forgiveness

Ronbus Quanta R3

Higher Twist Weight (forgiveness) (5.21 vs 5.74, +0.53)

Value

Ronbus Quanta R3

Lower effective price ($339.15 vs $99.99, with PLAYBOOK)

Side-by-side specs

Brand

Kobo
Ronbus

Model

Thunder Axe ∞
Quanta R3

Shape

Elongated
Elongated

Thickness

18mm
16mm

Weight

8.0 oz
7.8 oz

Swing Weight

114.89
115.4

Twist Weight

5.21
5.74

Play Style

control
all-court

Retail Price

$399.00
$119.99

Discount

15% (PLAYBOOK)
$20 (PLAYBOOK)

Effective Price

$339.15
$99.99

Kobo

Thunder Axe ∞

$339.15 (was $399.00)

Ronbus

Quanta R3

$99.99 (was $119.99)

See more comparisons like this — straight to your inbox

Weekly paddle picks, fresh comparisons, and exclusive discount codes.

Unsubscribe anytime · No spam · Free forever

Which paddle should you buy?

Pick the Kobo Thunder Axe ∞ if…

  • Your game leans control — this is tuned for that style.

Pick the Ronbus Quanta R3 if…

  • You want a bigger sweet spot — TW 5.74 is more forgiving on off-center hits.
  • You're price-conscious — about $239 cheaper after PLAYBOOK discount.
  • Your game leans all-court — this is tuned for that style.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Kobo Thunder Axe ∞ or the Ronbus Quanta R3 better for power?

The Ronbus Quanta R3 generates more power — SW 115.4 vs 114.89 on the Kobo Thunder Axe ∞, a 0.51-point gap that adds mass and momentum at contact. If you prioritize hand speed and maneuverability over raw power, the Thunder Axe ∞'s lower swing weight is the advantage.

Which paddle is more forgiving — the Kobo Thunder Axe ∞ or the Ronbus Quanta R3?

The Ronbus Quanta R3 is more forgiving with a twist weight of 5.74 vs 5.21 on the Kobo Thunder Axe ∞. Higher twist weight reduces energy loss on off-center hits, which matters most for kitchen-heavy players who take a lot of dinks and resets.

What is the price difference between the Kobo Thunder Axe ∞ and the Ronbus Quanta R3?

With the PLAYBOOK discount code, the Kobo Thunder Axe ∞ is $339.15 and the Ronbus Quanta R3 is $99.99. The Ronbus Quanta R3 is $239.16 cheaper. Apply PLAYBOOK at checkout on either brand's site to get the discount.

Compare other paddles in our database