Proton Series Four – Project Roadrunner

Our take on the Proton Series Four – Project Roadrunner

The Proton Series Four – Project Roadrunner makes it easy to control pace and spin on dinks because of its plush feel, while it has good pop in faster exchanges because of the Nomex layer in the core.

The edgeless design is a big plus in terms of hand speed and maneuverability, so you’re more likely to get the paddle where you need it in order to make good contact.

Find our full review of the Project Roadrunner here.

Is the Proton Series Four – Project Roadrunner worth $175?

Yes. At $175 it sits in the mid price range, and you get touch and pop in one paddle. A Nomex layer inside the polypropylene core adds a boost when you swing hard while soft shots stay soft.

Who should buy the Proton Series Four – Project Roadrunner?

Players who prefer dropping their third shot and then attacking with flicks out of the air once they reach the kitchen. The light, edgeless build helps hand speed, and the gritty carbon face with exposed Kevlar fibers gives plenty of spin to keep aggressive shots in.

How does the Proton Series Four – Project Roadrunner play?

Softer shots feel plush because the ball does not sink far enough to reach the Nomex, while drives and counters get a noticeable boost when it does. The 116 swing weight and edgeless design add hand speed, and it starts at a light 7.9 ounces. A low 5.7 twist weight means it can twist on hard attacks.

What are the strengths and trade-offs of the Proton Series Four – Project Roadrunner?

Its biggest edge is plush control on soft shots with real pop when you need it. The main cost is twisting against hard attacks unless you add weight.

Questions people ask about the Proton Series Four – Project Roadrunner

Is the Proton Series Four Project Roadrunner worth $175? +

Yes, if you want touch and pop in one paddle. Its hybrid core plays almost like two settings: soft on drops, resets and dinks, with a boost on drives and counters.

Who should buy the Proton Project Roadrunner? +

Players who drop their third shot and like to attack with flicks out of the air at the kitchen line. It's light and edgeless, which helps hand speed.

Does the Proton Project Roadrunner have good spin? +

Yes. Its gritty carbon fiber face with exposed Kevlar fibers spins the ball very well on drops, drives and serves, which helps you play aggressively in the transition zone.

What is the swing weight of the Proton Project Roadrunner? +

116, which is medium, with a low 5.7 twist weight. It starts out light at 7.9 ounces, so there's room to customize where the weight goes.

Does the Proton Project Roadrunner need lead or tungsten tape? +

It helps. Without an edge guard it can twist against hard attacks, and about 0.4 ounces of tape on the sides and top corners adds stability and plow-through.