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Elongated16mmPower
RPM Friction Pro V2 Elongated 16mm pickleball paddle
Austin Hardy

Tested by Austin Hardy

PPR Certified Coach · Pro Player · 12+ years coaching

RPM

Friction Pro V2 Elongated Review + Discount Code

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Discount Price

$212.49$249.99

You save $37.50

Promo Code

15% off at checkout

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Austin's Take

Austin Hardy

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Weight & Balance

How this paddle compares to 173+ 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.

Play StylePower

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

Specifications

Dimensions

ShapeElongated
Core Thickness16mm

Categories

Play StylePower

Who Friction Pro V2 Is For

Buy if
  • You want raw power and pop on drives and serves
  • You like extra reach and leverage on groundstrokes
  • Medium swing weight (116.91) 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
  • You want maximum pop — thinner cores are snappier
  • You're a touch-first player who rarely drives

Ready to buy? Use code PLAYBOOK for a discount.

Buy at RPM

Methodology

How we tested the RPM Friction Pro V2

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.

Also From RPM

Other paddles in the RPM lineup — different shapes, cores, and price points to consider.

Browse the full RPM brand page →

Playing Feel

RPM Friction Pro V2 feelPower

The RPM Friction Pro V2 is a 16mm elongated paddle weighing 8.1 oz with a swing weight of 116.91 and twist weight of 6.28. Expect a firm, powerful feel with pop on drives and serves. The higher swing weight delivers momentum through contact, rewarding full swings.

Swing Weight

Average
116.91avg 113.96
93.59124.18

Near average.

Twist Weight

Average
6.28avg 6.25
2.367.87

Near average.

16mm CoreElongated8.1 oz

Video Review

RPM Friction Pro V2 — Full Review

RPM Friction Pro V2 — Full Review

Written Review

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

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.

Discussion

Have questions or thoughts about the RPM Friction Pro V2? Join the conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the swing weight of the RPM Friction Pro V2?

The RPM Friction Pro V2 has a swing weight of 116.91, which is above the catalog average of 113.96.

Who should buy the RPM Friction Pro V2?

The RPM Friction Pro V2 is a elongated 16mm paddle best suited for power-oriented players who want pop and drive on their shots.

Is there a discount code for the RPM Friction Pro V2?

Yes! Use code PLAYBOOK at checkout to save 15% on the RPM Friction Pro V2. This code is verified and active.

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Friction Pro V2

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