The Q2 is the first paddle in RPM's new Q Series, built with paddle engineer and reviewer John Kew. It's a full-foam power paddle, and it comes in four shapes: widebody, elongated and two hybrids. Same build inside, four different ways to play. Here's how they compare, and how to pick yours.
The short answer
- Want stability and fast hands? The Widebody: the most stable Q2 and the quickest to swing.
- Want a bit of everything? One of the hybrids: the Hybrid Flat Top or the Hybrid Curve Top.
- Want reach and power? The Elongated: the longest face and the most swing weight.
- Heads-up: the Q2 is a power paddle built for intermediate-to-advanced players. If you rely on a soft game, start with the 16MM.
What every Q2 shares
Pick any Q2 and you get the same construction, so the choice comes down to shape and thickness.
- Multi-zone hybrid core. A fully molded EPP foam core with 3mm groove channels, tuned zone by zone for firmness, rebound and stability on off-center hits. Full foam puts the Q2 in the Gen 4 family.
- Axial Carbon Layup. RPM's patent-pending carbon layering, built for a more even flex across the face, so the ball comes off the same way wherever you hit it.
- CarbonBite surface. RPM's carbon fiber face, made for grip on the ball and spin. Reviewers rate its spin highly.
- Light and quick. Every Q2 weighs 7.7 to 7.8 oz on average, with a 5.5" handle and a 4.125" grip. Light enough to add lead tape if you want more weight.
- USA Pickleball approved. Every Q2 is on the USA Pickleball approved list. RPM doesn't list UPA-A approval. Here's how the two lists differ.
The four shapes at a glance
With the build the same across the range, shape decides how each one plays. The numbers that tell the story are swing weight and twist weight.
| Shape | Size | Swing wt 16 / 14 | Twist wt 16 / 14 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Widebody | 16.0" × 8.0" | 107 / 104 | 6.9 / 6.8 |
| Hybrid Flat Top | 16.3" × 7.7" | 110.5 | 6.5 |
| Hybrid Curve Top | 16.3" × 7.7" | 110.5 | 6.5 |
| Elongated | 16.5" × 7.5" | 114 / 112 | 6.1 / 6.0 |
RPM's published specs. Higher swing weight means more momentum (and power) through the ball; higher twist weight means more stability on off-center hits. We carry the two hybrids in 16MM. Every Q2 weighs 7.7 to 7.8 oz, with a 5.5" handle and a 4.125" grip.
14MM or 16MM?
The widebody and the elongated come in both. The 14MM versions are about 0.1 oz lighter, swing a little lighter too, and feel quicker and poppier off the face. The 16MM adds dwell time, which helps on dinks, drops and resets. Reviewers found the difference smaller than expected, and lean toward the 16MM for its balance of power and touch. If you're not sure, start with 16MM.
Widebody
Q2 Widebody: the most stable
At 16" × 8", the widebody has the highest twist weight in the range, so it holds steady on off-center hits. It also has the lowest swing weight, which makes it the quickest Q2 to get into position at the kitchen. Reviewers call it the most forgiving shape and an easy place to start.
Hybrid
Q2 Hybrids: the middle ground
Both hybrids are 16.3" × 7.7": more reach than the widebody and more forgiveness than the elongated. RPM lists the same weight, swing weight and twist weight for both, so the real difference is the top of the face. The Flat Top is squared off, which keeps more hitting surface up high. The Curve Top is rounded, for a more classic shape. If you can't decide, try both with an ambassador.
Elongated
Q2 Elongated: the most reach
The full 16.5" × 7.5" shape. It has the highest swing weight in the range (114 in 16MM), which adds momentum on drives, serves and overheads. The trade-off is the lowest twist weight, so it asks for cleaner contact at the kitchen.
Which Q2 is yours?
- 1You live at the kitchen line. Take the Widebody. The most stable face in the range, and the quickest to swing.
- 2You want the fastest hands possible. Take the Widebody 14MM. The lightest swing weight of any Q2.
- 3You do a bit of everything. Take the Hybrid Flat Top. Extra reach, with plenty of hitting surface up top.
- 4You want the hybrid size in a classic shape. Take the Hybrid Curve Top. The same size and specs, with a rounded top.
- 5You drive and attack from the baseline. Take the Elongated. The most reach and swing weight in the range.
- 6You want reach and a livelier response. Take the Elongated 14MM. Full reach with a slightly lighter, poppier feel.
Keep reading
Lineup compared
RPM Friction Pro V2 compared
RPM's other lineup: widebody, hybrid or elongated.
Read it →Paddle core
Gen 3 vs. Gen 4
What a full-foam core like the Q2's changes on court.
Read it →Paddle shape
Elongated vs. hybrid vs. widebody
What each shape does well, and how to pick yours.
Read it →Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Q2 Hybrid Flat Top and Curve Top?
The shape of the top of the face. Both are 16.3" × 7.7" and RPM lists the same weight, swing weight and twist weight for both. The Flat Top is squared off and keeps more hitting surface up high; the Curve Top is rounded.
Should I get the Q2 in 14MM or 16MM?
The 14MM is slightly lighter and poppier, and the 16MM adds dwell time for more control on soft shots. Reviewers found the difference smaller than expected, and lean toward the 16MM.
How is the Q2 different from the RPM Friction Pro V2?
The Q2 is a full-foam, Gen 4 paddle developed with John Kew, built around a multi-zone foam core. The Friction Pro V2 is RPM's updated Friction Pro. Both use the Axial Carbon Layup and a CarbonBite face. Here's how the Friction Pro V2 shapes compare.
Is the RPM Q2 approved for tournaments?
Yes, for USA Pickleball-sanctioned play. RPM lists USA Pickleball approval and doesn't list UPA-A.
Can I try a Q2 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 Q2 shapes side by side, talk through what suits your game, book a demo and get a good deal.
Find your ambassador