RPM's Friction Pro V2 comes in three shapes and two thicknesses, so there are six paddles to choose from. All six share the same construction inside, co-designed with pro James Ignatowich. Here's what changed from the original Friction Pro, how the three shapes compare, and how to pick yours.
The short answer
- Want forgiveness and fast hands? The Widebody: the widest face and the quickest swing.
- Want a bit of everything? The Hybrid Flat Top: some extra reach, without giving up much forgiveness.
- Want reach and power? The Elongated, the original Friction Pro shape.
- Then pick a thickness: 14MM for more pop and quicker hands, 16MM for more stability and a softer feel.
What every Friction Pro V2 shares
Pick any V2 and you get the same build, which makes the choice simpler: you're choosing a shape, then a thickness.
- CarbonBite face. RPM's carbon fiber surface, engineered for friction on the ball and serious spin.
- Axial Carbon Layup. New for the V2. Together with the enhanced foam ring below, it's what RPM uses to add spin and power over the original.
- Tri-Density Core with an enhanced EVA foam ring. Three materials of different densities, built to stretch the sweet spot out toward the edges and keep the paddle solid on off-center hits. A honeycomb core with foam puts the V2 in the Gen 3 family.
- DwellZone construction. RPM's inside build for more dwell time and a bigger sweet spot.
- Same grip and handle. All six have a 5.5" handle, long enough for two-handed backhands, and a 4 1/8" grip.
- Approved for tournament play. Every V2 is on the USA Pickleball approved list.
What changed from the original?
The V2 builds on the original Friction Pro rather than replacing it: the new Axial Carbon Layup and an enhanced EVA foam ring for more spin, more power and a bigger sweet spot. The V2 range comes in three shapes: widebody, Hybrid Flat Top and elongated.
14MM or 16MM?
All three shapes come in both thicknesses. RPM builds the 14MM for power, faster rebound and maneuverability, and the 16MM for stability and plush shock absorption. The 16MM is also about 0.1 oz heavier. Not sure? Choose your shape first, then the thickness. And thickness is only one of the things that decide power and control. Here are the other four.
| Shape | Size | Handle | Weight 16 / 14MM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Widebody | 16" × 8" | 5.5" | 7.9 / 7.8 oz |
| Hybrid Flat Top | 16.3" × 7.7" | 5.5" | 7.9 / 7.8 oz |
| Elongated | 16.5" × 7.5" | 5.5" | 7.9 / 7.8 oz |
RPM's published specs. Every V2 has a 4 1/8" grip.
Widebody
Widebody: the most forgiving
A 16" × 8" face, the widest in the range. RPM says the widebody has its lowest swing weights, so the paddle feels lighter and reacts faster in kitchen firefights, and the bigger sweet spot keeps off-balance mishits in play.
Hybrid Flat Top
Hybrid Flat Top: the middle ground
At 16.3" × 7.7", it sits between the other two shapes: more reach than the widebody and more forgiveness than the elongated. The flat top puts a little more weight up the face, which adds stability and helps drives plow through.
Elongated
Elongated: the most reach
The classic Friction Pro shape, 16.5" × 7.5". The extra length gives you reach for high balls, volley attacks and singles, and more leverage on serves and drives, so it plays the most like a tennis racquet. It's James Ignatowich's competition paddle, in 16MM.
Which Friction Pro V2 is yours?
- 1You live at the kitchen line. Take the Widebody 16MM. The widest face in the range, with a light, quick swing.
- 2You want the quickest hands and the most pop. Take the Widebody 14MM. The thinner core makes it the snappiest V2.
- 3You do a bit of everything. Take the Hybrid Flat Top 16MM. Some extra reach, without giving up much forgiveness.
- 4You want reach but don't want to give up the sweet spot. Take the Hybrid Flat Top 14MM. The hybrid face with a livelier 14MM core.
- 5You drive and attack from the baseline. Take the Elongated 16MM. The most reach and leverage, and the paddle Ignatowich plays.
- 6You want reach and a quicker paddle. Take the Elongated 14MM. The same shape with a lighter swing.
Keep reading
Paddle shape
Elongated vs. hybrid vs. widebody
What each shape does well, and how to pick yours.
Read it →Paddle core
Gen 3 vs. Gen 4
Where a honeycomb-and-foam core like the V2's fits in.
Read it →Lineup compared
JOOLA Pro V paddles compared
Six shapes, one build: another Gen 3 lineup.
Read it →Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Friction Pro and the Friction Pro V2?
The V2 adds RPM's new Axial Carbon Layup and an enhanced EVA foam ring for more spin, more power and a bigger sweet spot. The V2 range comes in three shapes, including the Hybrid Flat Top. The CarbonBite face, Tri-Density Core and 5.5" handle carry over. The original Friction Pro Elongated 14MM is still available.
Should I get the 14MM or the 16MM?
RPM builds the 14MM for power, faster rebound and maneuverability, and the 16MM for stability and plush shock absorption. Choose your shape first. If you're still unsure, the 16MM is the more forgiving of the two.
Which Friction Pro V2 is the most forgiving?
The Widebody. It has the widest face in the range, 16" × 8", and RPM gives the widebody its lowest swing weights.
What is a hybrid flat top paddle?
A hybrid sits between an elongated and a widebody in length and width. On the Friction Pro V2 Hybrid Flat Top, the squared-off top moves a little weight up the face for stability and drive power.
Is the Friction Pro V2 approved for tournaments?
Yes. Every Friction Pro V2 is on the USA Pickleball approved list. If you play UPA-A events, check the current UPA-A list too.
Can I try a Friction Pro V2 before I buy?
Yes. Find a Royal Ambassador near you to book a demo and compare two shapes side by side.
Torn between two? Ask a Royal Ambassador.
Your local Royal Ambassador is on court every week. Find yours to compare two Friction Pro shapes side by side, talk through what suits your game, book a demo and get a good deal.
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