RPM Friction Pro
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 Elongated
This paddle — designed by pro player James Ignatowich — has everything a player could want: Top-tier spin, great power and effortless control.
Right now the RPM Friction Pro comes in 4 options: 16mm elongated, 14mm elongated, 16mm widebody and 14mm widebody.
Check out our in-depth review of the RPM Friction Pro here.
Is the Friction Pro Elongated worth $249.99?
Yes, for players who want one paddle that does everything well. At $249.99 it sits in the high price range, and it brings touch and power from the baseline to the kitchen line. We think it is elite in several categories.
Who should buy the Friction Pro Elongated?
Players who want big power on serves, drives and putaways with the plush feel of a 16mm core. It suits patient players who work from the baseline to the kitchen line and like heavy topspin from the gritty carbon face.
Buy it if
- You want power and touch in one paddle
- You like shaping drives, flicks and speed-ups
- You value reset comfort in transition
- You prefer a muted, plush feel to a firm one
Skip it if
- You want maximum pop in hands battles
- You prefer a firmer feel like the JOOLA Pro IV
- You want a widebody sweet spot
- You need a UPA-A approved paddle
How does the Friction Pro Elongated play?
The gritty carbon surface and high dwell time make it easy to shape drives, flicks out of the air and speed-ups. The 16mm core shines in transition, keeping points alive on resets, and bigger swings get plenty of plow-through power. A medium 117 swing weight and 6.1 twist weight keep it steady.
What are the strengths and trade-offs of the Friction Pro Elongated?
Its biggest edge is the full package of touch and power from every area of the court. The main cost is less pop than the 14mm version in hands battles.
Strengths
- Plush, muted feel with high dwell time
- Elite spin from a gritty carbon face
- Big plow-through power on drives and putaways
- Comfortable, reliable resets in transition
Trade-offs
- Less pop than the 14mm in hands battles
- More muted feel than the firmer JOOLA Pro IV
- Other paddles bring more raw firepower
Closest match we’ve tested
RPM Friction Pro 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
- 7.9 oz
- Swing Weight
- 117
- Twist Weight
- 6.1
- 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 against any paddle
See their stats, price and playability side by side
Questions people ask about the Friction Pro Elongated
Is the RPM Friction Pro worth $249.99?
Yes, if you want an all-around paddle. We think it's elite in several categories and offers the full package of touch and power from the baseline to the kitchen line.
RPM Friction Pro vs JOOLA Pro IV: which is better?
It's close and mostly personal preference. They're built similarly, but the RPM feels slightly more muted and plush thanks to softer perimeter foam and extra foam in the throat, while the JOOLA plays firmer.
Should I get the 14mm or 16mm RPM Friction Pro?
The 16mm if you want big power on drives and putaways with a plush feel in transition. The 14mm trades some dwell time for extra pop and maneuverability in hands battles.
Does the RPM Friction Pro have good spin?
Yes. Its carbon fiber surface is gritty compared with most paddles, and with its high dwell time it's easy to shape drives, flicks and speed-ups.
Is the RPM Friction Pro USAP approved?
Yes, it's USA Pickleball approved.
What are some RPM Friction Pro alternatives?
RPM Friction Pro V2 – James Ignatowich signature paddle
Power 84Spin 92
16mm Gen 3 · Swing weight 119
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 Elongated measured power 85, spin 94, swing weight 117 and twist weight 6.1.
- One ball for every test. The Life Time LT Pro 48.