RPM Friction Pro V2 – James Ignatowich signature paddle
Best discount code for this paddle: Use code KITCHEN for 15% off
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 3
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- USAP
- Price
- $249.99
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.
Is the Friction Pro V2 Elongated worth $249.99?
Yes, if you want the Friction Pro V2 built to RPM founder James Ignatowich’s own preferences. At $249.99 it sits in the high price range, and you get a 16mm elongated paddle with elite spin and a classic Gen 3 feel.
Who should buy the Friction Pro V2 Elongated?
Players who want a power-leaning Gen 3 paddle with more pop than the original Friction Pro. It suits those who like a solid, stable feel and do not want to load up on perimeter weight, since it plays well stock.
Buy it if
- You want the founder's own paddle spec
- You want elite spin with a Gen 3 feel
- You live on flicks and speed-ups
- You want to play it close to stock
Skip it if
- You want a plush, soft-feeling paddle
- You want the most raw foam power
- You rely mainly on dinks and resets
- You need a UPA-A approved paddle
How does the Friction Pro V2 Elongated play?
It leans toward power, and the mix of dwell time and grit makes flicks and speed-ups superb. It feels softer than stiff, super-charged foam paddles like the Boomstik or RPM Q2. A 119 swing weight and 6.4 twist weight keep it stable, and it needs little extra weighting to play well stock.
What are the strengths and trade-offs of the Friction Pro V2 Elongated?
Its biggest edge is superb flicks and speed-ups with elite spin. The main cost is a bit less power than super-charged foam paddles.
Strengths
- Elite spin for shaping from the baseline
- Superb on flicks and speed-ups
- Solid, stable feel with little weighting
- More pop than the original Friction Pro
Trade-offs
- Less power than Boomstik or RPM Q2
- Original Friction Pro is better on dinks
- Original feels more plush on resets
Closest match we’ve tested
RPM Friction Pro V2 – James Ignatowich signature paddle vs JOOLA 3S Dual
Same elongated shape, same 16mm Gen 3 core and nearly the same power.
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 3
More specs
- Paddle Type
- Power
- Static Weight
- 8 oz
- Swing Weight
- 119
- Twist Weight
- 6.4
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- USAP
15% off with code KITCHEN
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 3
More specs
- Paddle Type
- Power
- Static Weight
- 8 oz
- Swing Weight
- 121
- Twist Weight
- 6.3
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- UPA-A
15% off with KITCHEN
Not sure yet? Compare the RPM Friction Pro V2 – James Ignatowich signature paddle against any paddle
See their stats, price and playability side by side
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?
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 Friction Pro V2 Elongated measured power 84, spin 92, swing weight 119 and twist weight 6.4.
- One ball for every test. The Life Time LT Pro 48.