Friday Aura Pro
Best discount code for this paddle: Use code KITCHEN for $10 off
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 4
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- USAP
- Price
- $169.00
Our take on the Aura Pro Elongated
Over the past two years Friday Pickleball has transformed from a company known for its viral videos to a legitimate player in the performance paddle market.
The brand took the next step on that journey in early 2026 with the launch of their Aura and Aura Pro paddles.
The Aura Pro is a full-foam paddle that delivers great pop in hands battles and big power on full swings like drives and overheads. It features a rubber ring around the core that gives the paddle a slightly more plush/less harsh feel than a lot of other full-foam paddles, which helped us get a good feel for the ball on shots that require more touch. In that sense it is an upgrade from a lot of the foam options we saw in 2025.
Check out our full review of the Aura and Aura Pro here.
Is the Aura Pro Elongated worth $169?
Yes. At $169 it sits in the mid price range, and it gets you close to what $200-plus foam paddles offer while saving $40 to $50, with a rubber ring that makes it feel less harsh than many full-foam paddles.
Who should buy the Aura Pro Elongated?
Budget-minded players who want modern full-foam pop and power with a touch more forgiveness on soft shots. It suits anyone who likes the floating-core feel but finds many foam paddles too stiff or harsh. If you want the softest touch game, the regular Aura fits better.
Buy it if
- You want full-foam power on a budget
- You like pop in hands battles
- You want foam that feels less harsh
- You like tuning power with tape
Skip it if
- You want the softest possible touch game
- You want a plush control paddle
- You need a UPA-A approved paddle
How does the Aura Pro Elongated play?
A fully floating EPP foam core wrapped in EVA foam delivers lively counters at the net and plenty of pace on drives and overheads. A rubber ring around the core softens it slightly, which helps on touch shots. Power is good out of the box, and tungsten strips on the sides push it to top-tier levels.
What are the strengths and trade-offs of the Aura Pro Elongated?
Its biggest edge is full-foam power and pop at a mid price. The main cost is that it still feels firmer than the plush Aura.
Strengths
- Great pop in hands battles
- Big power on full swings
- Rubber ring softens the foam feel
- Good power without adding weight
Trade-offs
- Still firmer than the Aura
- Only slightly softer than typical foam
- Elite pop needs added tungsten tape
Closest match we’ve tested
Friday Aura Pro vs Enhance DUO
Same elongated shape, same 16mm Gen 4 core and nearly the same power.
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 4
More specs
- Paddle Type
- Power
- Static Weight
- 8 oz
- Swing Weight
- 116
- Twist Weight
- 6
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- USAP
$10 off with code KITCHEN
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 4
More specs
- Paddle Type
- Power
- Static Weight
- 8.1 oz
- Swing Weight
- 119
- Twist Weight
- 6.3
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- USAP
$20 off with code KITCHEN
$10 off with KITCHEN
$20 off with KITCHEN
Not sure yet? Compare the Friday Aura Pro against any paddle
See their stats, price and playability side by side
Questions people ask about the Aura Pro Elongated
Is the Friday Aura Pro a power paddle or a control paddle?
It's a power paddle. Its floating EPP foam core gives great pop in hands battles and big power on drives and overheads.
Does the Friday Aura Pro need lead or tungsten tape?
Not necessarily, since the power is really good out of the box. For elite pop, 3-inch strips of tungsten tape on the sides push it to top-tier levels.
Is the Friday Aura Pro worth $169?
Yes. It offers many of the same qualities as $200-plus foam paddles for $40 to $50 less, so it's a good pick if you're budget conscious.
Is the Friday Aura Pro USAP approved?
Yes, it's USA Pickleball approved.
Who should buy the Friday Aura Pro?
Players who want a modern full-foam paddle that's a little easier on touch shots. A rubber ring around the core makes it more plush and less harsh than many foam paddles.
What are some Friday Aura Pro alternatives?
How we test every paddle
Why trust our ratings? Every paddle is played by Team Kitchen, our team of expert paddle reviewers, and measured on the same scale before we rate it.
- Expert reviewers. All 5.0+ players, testing alongside other high-level players in their area.
- Hours of drills and games. Every kind of shot, in real points, to see how a paddle plays in a match and not just on paper.
- Measured on the same scale. Power, spin, swing weight and twist weight for every paddle, so any two compare fairly. The Aura Pro Elongated measured power 87, spin 83, swing weight 116 and twist weight 6.
- One ball for every test. The Life Time LT Pro 48.