{"product_id":"rpm-friction-pro-v2-16mm-elongated-pickleball-paddle","title":"RPM Friction Pro V2 16MM Elongated Pickleball Paddle","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"max-width:900px;margin:0 auto;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;color:#1a1a1a;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- 1. INTRO --\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:26px;margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003eRPM Friction Pro V2 16MM Elongated\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:18px;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 14px;\"\u003eReach, grit, and a sweet spot that forgives you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Friction Pro was RPM's breakout paddle. The V2 is the version that fixes what nobody was really complaining about and makes it better anyway — a new Axial Carbon Layup and a reworked EVA foam ring around the Tri-Density core, wrapped in the same CarbonBite face that got RPM its name in the first place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 16mm in an elongated shape, this is the settled, stable end of the line. You get the extra half-inch of reach for singles and overheads, but the thicker core keeps the ball on the face long enough that you can still reset and dink without fighting the paddle. It's James Ignatowich's own competition stick, which tells you roughly where the ceiling is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"background:#C5EA6C;padding:10px 14px;border-radius:6px;font-weight:600;display:inline-block;margin:6px 0 22px;\"\u003eUSAP approved \u0026amp; UPA-A approved — legal for both sanctioned circuits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- 2. BEST FOR --\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:20px;border-left:4px solid #C5EA6C;padding-left:12px;margin:28px 0 10px;\"\u003eBest For\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 8px;padding-left:20px;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSingles players who need reach on passing shots and overheads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDrivers who live at the baseline and want depth with pace\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnyone chasing heavy topspin — this is a grit-first paddle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTennis converts who want the leverage of a longer handle and a longer face\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlayers who liked the original Friction Pro but wanted more stability\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- 3. SKILL LEVEL --\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:20px;border-left:4px solid #C5EA6C;padding-left:12px;margin:28px 0 10px;\"\u003eSkill Level\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntermediate through professional.\u003c\/strong\u003e The 16mm core and the enlarged sweet spot make this the more forgiving of the two Friction Pro V2 thicknesses, so a solid 3.5 can absolutely play it. But an elongated shape asks for a repeatable swing — if your contact point is still wandering, a widebody will treat you better while you sort it out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- 4. WHY PLAYERS LIKE IT --\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:20px;border-left:4px solid #C5EA6C;padding-left:12px;margin:28px 0 10px;\"\u003eWhy Players Like It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0;padding-left:20px;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe grit is the point.\u003c\/strong\u003e CarbonBite is engineered around the coefficient of friction on the face. Spin is not an afterthought on this paddle, it's the design brief.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBig sweet spot for an elongated.\u003c\/strong\u003e The EVA foam ring plus the Tri-Density core keeps off-center contact from going dead — usually the tax you pay for a long face.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePower you can aim.\u003c\/strong\u003e 16mm adds dwell and shock absorption, so the pace is there without the ball flying off the face on resets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLong handle.\u003c\/strong\u003e 5.5\" gives you room for two hands on the backhand and leverage on serves.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- 5. VIDEO --\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:20px;border-left:4px solid #C5EA6C;padding-left:12px;margin:28px 0 10px;\"\u003eSee It In Action\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"background:#fff4d6;border:1px dashed #d4a72c;padding:12px 14px;border-radius:6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTODO — video embed.\u003c\/strong\u003e No official RPM video URL sourced for the Friction Pro V2 16mm Elongated. Pull one from RPM's YouTube channel or request an asset from the rep before this section ships.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- 6. SPECS --\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:20px;border-left:4px solid #C5EA6C;padding-left:12px;margin:28px 0 10px;\"\u003eSpecs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;font-size:15px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background:#f5f5f5;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;font-weight:600;width:42%;\"\u003eShape\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;\"\u003eElongated\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCore Thickness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;\"\u003e16mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background:#f5f5f5;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePaddle Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;\"\u003e16.5\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePaddle Width\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;\"\u003e7.5\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background:#f5f5f5;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHandle Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;\"\u003e5.5\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;font-weight:600;\"\u003eGrip Circumference\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;\"\u003e4.125\" (thin)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background:#f5f5f5;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;font-weight:600;\"\u003eAverage Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;\"\u003e7.9 oz (range 7.7–8.1 oz)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;font-weight:600;\"\u003eSwing Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;\"\u003e117\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background:#f5f5f5;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;font-weight:600;\"\u003eTwist Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;\"\u003e6.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;font-weight:600;\"\u003eBalance Point\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;\"\u003e247mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background:#f5f5f5;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFace\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;\"\u003eCarbonBite carbon fiber\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCore\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;\"\u003eTri-Density honeycomb with EVA foam ring\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background:#f5f5f5;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;font-weight:600;\"\u003eConstruction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;\"\u003eAxial Carbon Layup, thermoformed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;font-weight:600;\"\u003eGrip\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;\"\u003eRPM padded, perforated\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background:#f5f5f5;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;font-weight:600;\"\u003eEdge Guard\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;\"\u003eYes — overlapping the paddle face\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCertification\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;\"\u003eUSAP approved (PBCoR .43) \u0026amp; UPA-A approved\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background:#f5f5f5;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;font-weight:600;\"\u003eColorway\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;\"\u003eBlack\/Red (James Ignatowich)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:13px;color:#666;margin-top:8px;\"\u003eSpecs published by RPM Pickleball. Individual paddle weights vary within the stated range; grip sizes can vary up to 1\/8\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- 7. PERFORMANCE NOTES --\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:20px;border-left:4px solid #C5EA6C;padding-left:12px;margin:28px 0 10px;\"\u003ePerformance Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSwing weight 117\u003c\/strong\u003e puts this on the heavier, more planted side. That's what you want off the baseline — it plows through the ball instead of getting pushed around — but it's a real number to be aware of if you're coming off a light widebody and you play a lot of fast hands at the kitchen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTwist weight 6.5\u003c\/strong\u003e is solid for a 16.5\" paddle. Off-center contact toward the tip stays more stable than the shape would suggest, which is the EVA ring earning its keep.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBalance point 247mm\u003c\/strong\u003e reads slightly head-heavy. Expect more free power on drives and a touch more effort on the third speed-up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:13px;color:#666;\"\u003eFigures above are RPM's published manufacturer specs. Third-party lab results for this model vary meaningfully between testing houses, so we've left outside lab numbers off this page rather than quote a figure we can't stand behind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- 8. QUICK BUYING SUMMARY --\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:20px;border-left:4px solid #C5EA6C;padding-left:12px;margin:28px 0 10px;\"\u003eQuick Buying Summary\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#f7f9f2;border:1px solid #C5EA6C;border-radius:8px;padding:16px 18px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBuy it if:\u003c\/strong\u003e you want elongated reach and real spin, you play singles or drive-heavy doubles, and you'd rather have stability than the absolute quickest hands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSkip it if:\u003c\/strong\u003e you're a hands-battle specialist who wants a low swing weight, or you're still developing a consistent contact point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsider the 14mm instead if:\u003c\/strong\u003e you want the same shape with a snappier release and a lighter swing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- 9. COMPARISON --\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:20px;border-left:4px solid #C5EA6C;padding-left:12px;margin:28px 0 10px;\"\u003eHow It Compares\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;font-size:15px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background:#1a1a1a;color:#fff;\"\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"padding:10px 12px;text-align:left;\"\u003ePaddle\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"padding:10px 12px;text-align:left;\"\u003eShape\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"padding:10px 12px;text-align:left;\"\u003ePrice\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"padding:10px 12px;text-align:left;\"\u003eWho it's for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background:#f7f9f2;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;font-weight:600;\"\u003eRPM Friction Pro V2 16mm Elongated\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;\"\u003eElongated\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;\"\u003e$249.99\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;\"\u003eReach + spin with a stable, forgiving feel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/spinwavepickleball.com\/products\/selkirk-labs-boomstik-16mm-pickleball-paddle-elongated\" style=\"color:#1a1a1a;font-weight:600;\"\u003eSelkirk LABS Boomstik 16mm Elongated\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;\"\u003eElongated\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;\"\u003e$333.00\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;\"\u003eSame shape, more raw power — and a bigger spend\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background:#f5f5f5;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/spinwavepickleball.com\/products\/joola-ben-johns-perseus-pro-v-blaze-red-16mm-pickleball-paddle\" style=\"color:#1a1a1a;font-weight:600;\"\u003eJOOLA Perseus Pro V 16mm\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;\"\u003eHybrid\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;\"\u003e$299.95\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;\"\u003eSplit the difference — reach without full elongated commitment\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/spinwavepickleball.com\/products\/rpm-q2-14mm-widebody-pickleball-paddle\" style=\"color:#1a1a1a;font-weight:600;\"\u003eRPM Q2 14mm Widebody\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;\"\u003eWidebody\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;\"\u003e$249.99\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;\"\u003eSame brand, opposite profile — quick hands and forgiveness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- 10. TECHNOLOGY --\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:20px;border-left:4px solid #C5EA6C;padding-left:12px;margin:28px 0 10px;\"\u003eThe Technology\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:block;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left:4px solid #C5EA6C;border-radius:6px;padding:14px 16px;margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 4px;font-weight:700;\"\u003eCarbonBite Surface\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;\"\u003eRPM built its whole identity around friction — the name literally stands for revolutions per minute. The face is engineered to maximize its coefficient of friction so the ball grabs and rotates rather than sliding off.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left:4px solid #C5EA6C;border-radius:6px;padding:14px 16px;margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 4px;font-weight:700;\"\u003eTri-Density Core\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;\"\u003eThree materials of differing density inside one core, tuned to widen the sweet spot and keep the paddle solid all the way out to the edge rather than going soft near the perimeter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left:4px solid #C5EA6C;border-radius:6px;padding:14px 16px;margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 4px;font-weight:700;\"\u003eAxial Carbon Layup (new for V2)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;\"\u003eThe structural change that separates the V2 from the original — a reworked carbon layup paired with an enhanced EVA foam ring for better energy transfer and a larger playable face.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-left:4px solid #C5EA6C;border-radius:6px;padding:14px 16px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 4px;font-weight:700;\"\u003eDwellZone\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;\"\u003eRPM's internal construction aimed at maximizing dwell time — how long the ball stays on the face. More dwell means more control on drops and resets, and more time for the grit to do its job.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- 11. FAQS --\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:20px;border-left:4px solid #C5EA6C;padding-left:12px;margin:28px 0 10px;\"\u003eFAQs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 4px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it tournament legal?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 14px;\"\u003eYes — USAP approved at PBCoR .43 and UPA-A approved, so it's legal on both circuits. No restriction to worry about here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 4px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e16mm or 14mm?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 14px;\"\u003e16mm for dwell, stability, and a more composed feel through contact. 14mm for a quicker release and a lighter swing. The 16mm is the more forgiving of the two and the one James plays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 4px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does the V2 differ from the original Friction Pro?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 14px;\"\u003eSame CarbonBite face and Tri-Density concept, but the V2 adds the Axial Carbon Layup and an upgraded EVA foam ring — aimed squarely at a bigger sweet spot and better energy transfer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 4px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill the 4.125\" grip be too thin for me?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 14px;\"\u003eIt's on the thin side. If you have larger hands or you're used to a 4.25\"+ circumference, plan on building it up with an overgrip — which most players do anyway.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 4px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's the warranty?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 14px;\"\u003eRPM covers the Friction Pro series for 365 days from purchase against manufacturing defects. Warranty claims run through us as your dealer — email us and we'll handle it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 4px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it come in other colors?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 14px;\"\u003eRPM makes the Friction Pro V2 in Black, Black\/Red, and Pink. We're stocking the Black\/Red — reach out if you want one of the others and we'll see what we can get.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- 12. NEED HELP CHOOSING --\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:20px;border-left:4px solid #C5EA6C;padding-left:12px;margin:28px 0 10px;\"\u003eNeed Help Choosing?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#1a1a1a;color:#fff;border-radius:8px;padding:20px 22px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003eWe're a real shop with real people who actually play. If you're stuck between this and something else in the lineup, tell us what you're playing now and what you want to change about it — we'll give you a straight answer, even if the answer is a cheaper paddle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;\"\u003eEmail \u003ca href=\"mailto:info@spinwavepickleball.com\" style=\"color:#C5EA6C;font-weight:600;\"\u003einfo@spinwavepickleball.com\u003c\/a\u003e or call \u003cstrong\u003e516-305-7377\u003c\/strong\u003e. Two locations: Great Neck and Long Beach, NY.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"RPM","offers":[{"title":"Black\/Red","offer_id":52442554663210,"sku":null,"price":249.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0772\/5039\/6458\/files\/Friction_Pro_V2_James_16E_-_Front.png?v=1788197823","url":"https:\/\/spinwavepickleball.com\/products\/rpm-friction-pro-v2-16mm-elongated-pickleball-paddle","provider":"Spinwave Pickleball Inc.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}