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RPM Review · Pickleball Playbook

RPMElongated16mm

RPM Friction Pro V2 Review: The Most Complete Paddle RPM Has Ever Made

James Ignatowich co-designed the RPM Friction Pro V2, and the result might be the most complete paddle RPM has ever made — elite spin, a massive sweet spot, and enough power to end points.

By Austin Hardy · Published June 9, 2026 · Independent review

170+ paddles tested
Hands-on testing

Independent — no brand paid for or approved this article

RPM Friction Pro V2 Review: The Most Complete Paddle RPM Has Ever Made

RPM Friction Pro V2 Review: The Most Complete Paddle RPM Has Ever Made

Quick Take

The RPM Friction Pro V2 is a statement paddle. Co-designed with James Ignatowich, it combines elite spin generation with a massive sweet spot and enough raw power to hurt opponents — and it does all three things simultaneously.

Elongated | 16mm | 7.91 oz | $219.99

Performance Snapshot

How the Friction Pro V2 measures against 172+ paddles in our database.

Swing Weight

Average
116.91avg 113.96
93.59124.18

Average swing weight — neither sluggish at the kitchen nor underpowered on drives. The all-court sweet spot.

Twist Weight

Forgiving
6.28avg 6.25
2.367.87

Solid sweet spot for most players — handles normal off-center contact predictably.

Static Weight

Average
8.1ozavg 7.97 oz
7.4 oz9.1 oz

Average weight — versatile across the court and easy to control for most players.

Balance Point

How heavy the paddle feels and where the mass sits.

RPM Friction Pro V2 balance point visualization
24.1 cm
Center

Head-Light

22.0 cm

(typical range)

Head-Heavy

25.5 cm

(typical range)

AVERAGE

Sits in the typical balance band — versatile across the court.

24.1 cm(+3.1)

AVERAGE

Specs at a Glance

  • Shape: Elongated
  • Thickness: 16mm
  • Weight: 7.91 oz
  • Swing Weight: 115.60
  • Twist Weight: 6.01
  • Co-designed with: James Ignatowich
  • Price: $219.99 — use code PLAYBOOK for 10% off

On-Court Performance

The Friction Pro V2's standout quality is its spin — the surface grabs the ball with authority and generates topspin and slice that genuinely challenge opponents. RPM's friction coating stays sharp and consistent throughout play. The sweet spot, for an elongated paddle, is impressively large — Ignatowich's influence on the face geometry is evident. At SW 115.60 and TW 6.01, the paddle sits in a balanced zone for elongated paddles: not too heavy through the swing, not too light to lose stability. Drives are powerful and penetrating, while the 16mm core keeps soft shots and dinks feeling connected and controlled.

Who Should Buy the Friction Pro V2?

  • Advanced players who want an elite spin surface on an elongated shape
  • Fans of James Ignatowich's playing style and paddle preferences
  • Players who want power and spin without sacrificing sweet spot size
  • Competitive players looking for a premium elongated option under $230

Verdict

The RPM Friction Pro V2 is a legitimate elite paddle — possibly the best RPM has made. The Ignatowich co-design shows in every detail. At $219.99, use code PLAYBOOK for 10% off and experience what happens when pro player feedback meets RPM engineering.

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