RPM Friction Pro V2
Our take on the Friction Pro V2 Elongated
The RPM Friction Pro V2 is an updated version that offers more power and pop than the original Friction Pro while maintaining the Gen 3 feel that many high-level players prefer.
In an interview with The Kitchen, RPM Founder and pro player James 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.
The Friction Pro V2 comes in three shapes — elongated, hybrid and widebody — as well as 14mm and 16mm options in each shape.
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
- 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 – 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
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Questions people ask about the Friction Pro V2 Elongated
Is the RPM Friction Pro V2 worth $249.99?
Yes, for players who want power with a Gen 3 feel. It's excellent on flicks and speedups, strong on drives and serves, and its gritty surface delivers elite-level spin.
Is the RPM Friction Pro V2 a power paddle or a control paddle?
It leans toward power, though not as much as super-charged foam paddles like the Selkirk Boomstik or RPM Q2. Its feel sits between the softer original Friction Pro and those stiffer paddles.
Does the RPM Friction Pro V2 need lead or tungsten tape?
Not really. It feels solid and stable stock and needs less perimeter weighting than most paddles, though a little tungsten tape on the bottom sides can match your usual swing weight.
RPM Friction Pro V2 vs RPM Friction Pro: which is better?
It depends on what you want. The V2 has more pop and a slightly more solid feel, while the original is better on dinks, drops and resets.
Is the RPM Friction Pro V2 USAP approved?
Yes, it's USA Pickleball approved.
What are some RPM Friction Pro V2 alternatives?
RPM Friction Pro
RPM Friction Pro V2 – James Ignatowich signature paddle
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.