Elongated16mmControl
Tested by Austin Hardy
PPR Certified Coach · Pro Player · 12+ years coaching
Friday
Aura Elongated 16mm Pickleball Paddle Review
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$109.65$129.00
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Austin's Take
Austin Hardy
The Friday Aura sits below the Aura Pro in the lineup — a more accessible price ($129) with a control focus. Both elongated and hybrid shapes give players options without breaking the bank.
Read full reviewWeight & Balance
How this paddle compares to 131+ paddles in our database.
Swing Weight
Average114.73avg 113.97
96.66124.18
Average swing weight — neither sluggish at the kitchen nor underpowered on drives. The all-court sweet spot.
Twist Weight
Good5.64avg 6.2
2.367.87
Decent sweet spot — handles modest off-center contact with reasonable stability.
Static Weight
Average8ozavg 7.96 oz
7.5 oz9.1 oz
Average weight — versatile across the court and easy to control for most players.
Play StyleControl
Balance Point
How heavy the paddle feels and where the mass sits.
24.0 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.
24.0 cm(+3.0)
AVERAGE
Specifications
Dimensions
ShapeElongated
Core Thickness16mm
Categories
Play StyleControl
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Who Aura Is For
Buy if
- You prioritize control, resets, and touch at the kitchen
- You like extra reach and leverage on groundstrokes
- Medium swing weight (114.73) offers a good balance of power and maneuverability
- You prefer the soft, forgiving feel of a 16mm core
Skip if
- You prefer a wider face for easier contact on fast exchanges
- Low twist weight (5.64) means off-center hits lose more pace
- You want maximum pop — thinner cores are snappier
- You want to overpower opponents with pace
Ready to buy? Use code PLAYBOOK for a discount.
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Methodology
How we tested the Friday Aura
Every paddle on this site goes through the same five-step protocol — lab measurement first, then structured on-court drills with a partner. No shortcuts, no guessing, no relying on the brand's spec sheet.
- Lab-measured specs. Static weight, swing weight, and twist weight measured on calibrated equipment — not pulled from the brand's claim sheet.
- 10-minute break-in. Drives, dinks, drops, and resets to let the face settle in before any verdict is recorded.
- Baseline power & spin. Drives, topspin patterns, and serves with a drilling partner to evaluate raw power and ball pocketing.
- Kitchen touch & control. Dinking, third-shot drops, and resets to evaluate dwell time, plushness, and mishit forgiveness.
- Transition firepower. Mid-court exchanges and hand-speed battles where shape and twist weight separate the great from the average.
How Aura Compares
Paddles in the same category and price range.
Compare Friday Aura Head-to-Head
Side-by-side spec breakdowns against the closest alternatives — drill into specs, price, feel, and who each one is for.
vs.
Battle Paddles El Toro
Elongated · 16mm · $149.00
vs.
SLK Halo Control
Elongated · 16mm · $100.00
vs.
Bread & Butter Filth
Elongated · 16mm · $165.00
vs.
Selkirk Vanguard Control
Elongated · 16mm · $150.00
vs.
APL Ascend
Hybrid · 16mm · $129.99
vs.
Volair CTRL 1 Forza
Hybrid · 16mm · $139.99
vs.
Holbrook Aero
Elongated · 16mm · $199.99
vs.
Friday Aura
Hybrid · 16mm · $129.00
Also From Friday
Other paddles in the Friday lineup — different shapes, cores, and price points to consider.
Browse the full Friday brand page →
Playing Feel
ControlThe Friday Aura is a 16mm elongated paddle weighing 8.0 oz with a swing weight of 114.73 and twist weight of 5.64. Expect a soft, controlled feel that shines at the kitchen line. Dinks and resets feel plush, with excellent touch on drop shots.
Swing Weight
Average114.73avg 113.97
96.66124.18
Near average.
Twist Weight
Average5.64avg 6.2
2.367.87
Near average.
16mm CoreElongated8.0 oz
Written Review
Friday Aura Review: Control Paddles for Consistent All-Court Players
The Friday Aura sits below the Aura Pro in the lineup — a more accessible price ($129) with a control focus. Both elongated and hybrid shapes give players options without breaking the bank.
Specs
- Core: 16mm
- Elongated — SW: 114.73, TW: 5.64, 8.0 oz
- Hybrid — SW: 108.60, TW: 5.91, 7.6 oz
- Price: $129 — save $10 with code PLAYBOOK
Control Feel
The Aura's 16mm core is soft and touch-oriented. At the kitchen, resets and drops come naturally. The hybrid's low SW of 108.60 keeps it maneuverable for quick exchanges. Neither shape will punish attackers, but they reward players who work on placement and consistency.
Verdict
The Friday Aura is a no-frills control paddle that does what it says it does. At $129 with $10 off using PLAYBOOK, it's an excellent choice for beginners and consistent mid-level players who don't want to overspend.
Discussion
Have questions or thoughts about the Friday Aura? Join the conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the swing weight of the Friday Aura?
The Friday Aura has a swing weight of 114.73, which is above the catalog average of 113.97.
Who should buy the Friday Aura?
The Friday Aura is a elongated 16mm paddle best suited for control-focused players who want touch and precision at the kitchen.
Is there a discount code for the Friday Aura?
Yes! Use code PLAYBOOK at checkout to save 15% on the Friday Aura. This code is verified and active.
Learn
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