Hybrid16mmControl
Tested by Austin Hardy
PPR Certified Coach · Pro Player · 12+ years coaching
Friday
Aura Hybrid 16mm Pickleball Paddle Review
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Discount Price
$109.65$129.00
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15% off at checkout
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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
Head-Light108.6avg 113.97
96.66124.18
Head-light and fast through the air — great for hand battles and quick reactions, less plow-through on drives.
Twist Weight
Forgiving5.91avg 6.2
2.367.87
Solid sweet spot for most players — handles normal off-center contact predictably.
Static Weight
Light7.6ozavg 7.96 oz
7.5 oz9.1 oz
Light in hand — quick reactions, easy on the wrist, less plow-through on drives.
Play StyleControl
Balance Point
How heavy the paddle feels and where the mass sits.
23.7 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.
23.7 cm(+2.7)
AVERAGE
Specifications
Dimensions
ShapeHybrid
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 want a balanced sweet spot with decent reach
- Low swing weight (108.6) means fast hands at the kitchen
- You prefer the soft, forgiving feel of a 16mm core
Skip if
- You want more power and plow-through on drives
- You want maximum pop — thinner cores are snappier
- You want to overpower opponents with pace
Ready to buy? Use code PLAYBOOK for a discount.
Buy at FridayGear We Recommend
All Gear$1,000 OffTesla Cybertruck
Because every serious pickleball player needs a seriously serious truck.
$69,990.00
10% OffCuurt Muuv Shoes
Court shoes built for natural movement. Designed specifically for the demands of pickleball.
$149.00
Pickle Clips Pickle Clips
The easiest way to keep your paddle secure. Clips onto any bag in seconds.
$19.99
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.
Volair CTRL 1 Forza
Hybrid · 16mm · $139.99
vs.
Gruvn MUVN-16HD Full Foam
Hybrid · 16mm · $169.00
vs.
APL Ascend
Hybrid · 16mm · $129.99
vs.
Selkirk Project 008 Tour
Hybrid · 16mm · $100.00
vs.
Friday Aura
Elongated · 16mm · $129.00
vs.
Maverix Havik Pro
Hybrid · 15mm · $119.99
vs.
Battle Paddles El Toro
Elongated · 16mm · $149.00
vs.
Luzz Glider
Hybrid · 16mm · $109.00
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 hybrid paddle weighing 7.6 oz with a swing weight of 108.6 and twist weight of 5.91. Expect a soft, controlled feel that shines at the kitchen line. Dinks and resets feel plush, with excellent touch on drop shots.
Swing Weight
Average108.6avg 113.97
96.66124.18
Near average.
Twist Weight
Average5.91avg 6.2
2.367.87
Near average.
16mm CoreHybrid7.6 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 108.6, which is below the catalog average of 113.97.
Who should buy the Friday Aura?
The Friday Aura is a hybrid 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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