RPM Jade
Our take on the Jade
The Jade is RPM’s first paddle built on an MPP floating foam core, and it delivers elite spin thanks to the brand’s new SICmatrix silicon carbide surface, a durable grit that is touted to hold up even after several months of heavy play. The predictable response off the face lets you be extremely precise with the pace and shape of your shots, and in our early time with it we’ve been extremely impressed.
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 4
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- USAP
- Price
- $269.99
Is the Jade worth $269.99?
Yes, if lasting grit and ultimate spin is what you’re looking for. At $269.99 it sits in the premium price range, and the money goes toward RPM’s first MPP floating core and a silicon carbide surface built to keep its grit.
Who should buy the Jade?
High-level players who want explosive power with enough predictability to shape drives and work fast kitchen exchanges. It suits anyone who has worn the grit off previous paddles and wants spin that holds. Players who need a large, forgiving face will prefer the widebody version.
Buy it if
- You want elite spin that doesn't fade
- You want power with a predictable response
- You like RPM's foam-core feel
- You want elongated reach
Skip it if
- You need a UPA-A approved paddle
- You want to spend under $250
- You want a widebody sweet spot
How does the Jade play?
Power is explosive but predictable, with the MPP floating core and soft EVA foam surround tuned for an oversized sweet spot and long-term durability. The SICmatrix face generates spin most paddles can’t match, and the 112 swing weight keeps the elongated shape quick from baseline drives to kitchen exchanges.
What are the strengths and trade-offs of the Jade?
Its biggest edge is elite, durable spin on an explosive foam core. The main cost is a premium price and a medium twist weight rather than a high one.
Strengths
- SICmatrix surface for elite, lasting spin
- Explosive power with a predictable response
- RPM's first MPP floating foam core
- Quick for an elongated at 112 swing weight
Trade-offs
- Premium price at $269.99
- USAP approved only, not UPA-A
- Medium twist weight on off-center hits
Jade vs J6CR
Power
RPM Jade
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 4
Additional details
- Brand
- RPM
- Paddle Type
- Power
- Static Weight
- 7.8 oz
- Swing Weight
- 112
- Twist Weight
- 6.2
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- USAP
Power
Honolulu J6CR
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 4
Additional details
- Brand
- Honolulu
- Paddle Type
- Power
- Static Weight
- 8 oz
- Swing Weight
- 112
- Twist Weight
- 6.2
- Handle Length
- Long
- Certification
- USAP
Not sure yet? Compare it against any paddle
Stack up to three paddles and compare stats, price and playability
Questions people ask about the Jade
How much does the RPM Jade cost?
$269.99, which puts it in the premium price range for pickleball paddles.
What is the SICmatrix surface on the RPM Jade?
RPM's proprietary silicon carbide surface. It's built to generate elite spin and keep generating it far longer than textures that smooth out with use.
Is the RPM Jade USAP approved?
Yes, it's USA Pickleball approved.
What is the swing weight of the RPM Jade?
112, which is medium, with a 6.2 twist weight. It's a 16mm elongated paddle with a 5.5-inch handle.
Is the RPM Jade a power paddle or a control paddle?
A power paddle. RPM built it around an MPP floating core surrounded by soft EVA foam for explosive pop with a predictable, controllable response.
What shapes does the RPM Jade come in?
Elongated and widebody, each in 14mm and 16mm, all at the same price.
What are some RPM Jade alternatives?
How We Tested
Our paddle reviewers (all 5.0+ players) work with other high-level players in their area to test paddles on a variety of shots. This testing involves several hours of drills and games in an effort to determine how the paddle impacts performance in real-world scenarios.
We use the Life Time LT Pro 48 pickleball for our testing.