RPM Friction Pro V2 – James Ignatowich signature paddle
Our take on the Friction Pro V2 Elongated
As the Founder of RPM, pro player James Ignatowich got to customize his signature paddle exactly to the specs he prefers. His version of the Friction Pro V2 is a 16mm elongated shape that delivers elite spin and the classic “Gen 3” feel that many high-level players prefer.
In an interview with The Kitchen, Ignatowich said he has moved to China to be at the factory where RPM paddles are made, which has allowed him to be very hands-on and make small tweaks that ultimately impact performance. He compared the RPM Friction Pro V2 to an iPhone update — it’s not a complete overhaul, rather a 5-10% improvement from the original.
“With me in China I was able to really dial in the materials,” he said.
Find our full review of the RPM Friction Pro V2 here.
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 3
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- USAP
- Price
- $249.99
Is the Friction Pro V2 Elongated worth $249.99?
Who should buy the Friction Pro V2 Elongated?
How does the Friction Pro V2 Elongated play?
What are the strengths and trade-offs of the Friction Pro V2 Elongated?
Friction Pro V2 Elongated vs Friction Pro V2 Elongated
Power
RPM Friction Pro V2 – James Ignatowich signature paddle
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 3
Additional details
- Brand
- RPM
- Paddle Type
- Power
- Static Weight
- 8 oz
- Swing Weight
- 119
- Twist Weight
- 6.4
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- USAP
Power
RPM Friction Pro V2
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 3
Additional details
- Brand
- RPM
- Paddle Type
- Power
- Static Weight
- 8 oz
- Swing Weight
- 119
- Twist Weight
- 6.4
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- USAP
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Questions people ask about the Friction Pro V2 Elongated
Is the James Ignatowich RPM Friction Pro V2 worth $249.99?
Yes, if you want the Friction Pro V2 exactly as RPM founder James Ignatowich specced it: a 16mm elongated paddle with elite spin and a classic Gen 3 feel.
Is the James Ignatowich RPM Friction Pro V2 a power paddle or a control paddle?
It leans toward power and is superb on flicks and speedups. It has a bit less power than super-charged foam paddles like the Selkirk Boomstik or RPM Q2, and feels softer.
Does the James Ignatowich RPM Friction Pro V2 need lead or tungsten tape?
Not necessarily. It plays well stock and needs less perimeter weighting than most paddles, though some tungsten tape on the bottom sides can match your usual swing weight.
James Ignatowich RPM Friction Pro V2 vs RPM Friction Pro: which is better?
It depends on your priorities. The V2 has more pop and a slightly more solid feel, while the original is better on dinks and drops and feels more plush on resets.
Is the James Ignatowich RPM Friction Pro V2 USAP approved?
Yes, it's USA Pickleball approved.
What are some RPM Friction Pro V2 – James Ignatowich signature paddle alternatives?
RPM Friction Pro
RPM Friction Pro V2
RPM Friction Pro V2 – Ryan Fu signature paddle
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.