RPM Friction Pro V2 16mm Elongated review: is it worth $249.99?
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RPM's Friction Pro V2 16mm Elongated is a premium power-and-spin paddle with a 16.5-inch shape, published 117 swing weight, and an active 15% PRH audience offer.
Our verdict
A serious elongated paddle for players who want a thicker core, reach, and a power-and-spin design brief, with a meaningful 15% PRH discount—but it is too specialized to call a universal beginner pick.
Why we landed on Strong Buy
A serious elongated paddle for players who want a thicker core, reach, and a power-and-spin design brief, with a meaningful 15% PRH discount—but it is too specialized to call a universal beginner pick.
Who we'd buy it for Intermediate and advanced players who already like elongated paddles and want a thicker 16mm build with published power, reach, and stability specifications.
Who we'd tell to skip it You are buying your first paddle, prefer a widebody shape, need the quickest possible hand speed, or cannot try a premium elongated setup before spending $249.99.
The part we will not talk past $249.99 is premium-paddle pricing and should be matched to a player's preferred shape and swing weight, not bought on the discount alone.
Pros
- RPM lists a 16.5-inch elongated shape, 16mm core, 7.9-ounce average weight, and 117 swing weight.
- The official page publishes useful construction details including Axial Carbon Layup, CarbonBite surface technology, an EVA foam ring, and Tri-Density Core technology.
- The active RPM Pickleball relationship pays 15% commission and gives the audience 15% off the order with code PRH.
- The product-specific tracked link sends readers directly to the Friction Pro V2 16mm Elongated product.
Cons
- $249.99 is premium-paddle pricing and should be matched to a player's preferred shape and swing weight, not bought on the discount alone.
- The elongated profile and 117 listed swing weight may feel demanding for players who prioritize quick hands at the kitchen line.
- RPM's spin, power, forgiveness, and sweet-spot language is manufacturer information; we have not independently measured it.
- The product page showed high demand and an eight-business-day shipping estimate when checked, so delivery timing can change.
We’d buy the RPM Friction Pro V2 16mm Elongated if you already like elongated paddles and want a thicker 16mm build with published power, reach, and stability specs. We’d skip it if you are buying your first paddle, prefer a widebody shape, need the quickest possible hand speed, or cannot try a premium elongated setup before spending $249.99. At that price it is premium-paddle money even with the active discount, and the elongated shape is the downside if reach is not what your game needs.
RPM’s current product page and published specifications were checked September 6, 2026. Price, stock, shipping timing, product claims, and partner offers can change.
Quick answer
The Friction Pro V2 is worth considering if you want a 16.5-inch elongated paddle with a listed 7.9-ounce average weight, 117 swing weight, and 6.5 twist weight. RPM positions it around power, reach, spin, stability, and control. Those are clear design goals, but they do not guarantee that every player will find it fast, comfortable, or forgiving.
Choose it over the RPM Q2 14mm Elongated when you want the thicker core and more substantial listed swing profile. Choose neither if you are still deciding whether an elongated paddle works for your grip, backhand, and kitchen exchanges.
What RPM publishes
The official page lists a 16.5-inch length, 7.5-inch width, 5.5-inch grip length, and 4.125-inch grip circumference. It also lists a 7.9-ounce average weight, 117 swing weight, and 6.5 twist weight.
RPM describes the V2 around an Axial Carbon Layup, CarbonBite surface technology, an enhanced EVA foam ring, and a Tri-Density Core. The page says the 16mm elongated model is built for power, reach, aggressive play, stability, and control, and lists registered USAP PBCoR .43 approval.
Those are manufacturer specifications and positioning. They are useful for narrowing a purchase, not independent proof of spin rate, power, durability, or sweet-spot size. Production tolerances, grip changes, overgrip, and the player’s own swing can alter how the paddle feels.
The elongated shape is the first decision
An elongated paddle gives you more reach and leverage than a standard or widebody shape. That can help with high balls, drives, singles play, and a two-handed backhand. The tradeoff is a narrower face and a longer lever that may feel less immediate during fast hand battles.
If you already play with an elongated paddle, the Friction Pro V2’s identity is easy to understand: it is the thicker, more substantial option in the direct comparison with RPM’s Q2. If you normally use a widebody or a compact all-court paddle, demo or borrow an elongated shape before spending this much.
Friction Pro V2 versus RPM Q2 14mm
The closest comparison is not a cheap starter paddle; it is RPM’s own Q2 14mm Elongated. The Q2 is listed at 7.7 ounces, 112 swing weight, and 6.0 twist weight. The Friction Pro V2 is listed at 7.9 ounces, 117 swing weight, and 6.5 twist weight.
That five-point swing-weight difference is more useful than the two-tenths-of-an-ounce headline. The Q2 is the lighter-listed starting point. The Friction Pro V2 is the more substantial choice for a player who wants a thicker core and more listed plow-through. Neither set of numbers predicts your actual comfort or reaction speed.
Read the RPM Q2 versus Friction Pro V2 comparison for the side-by-side breakdown before choosing between them.
The active discount and tracked link
The existing active RPM Pickleball relationship shows 15% off the entire order. The customer code is PRH, the current partner code from the shared account.
Use the tracked Friction Pro V2 product link, then enter PRH at checkout if the discount is not already applied. The code is not a new discount code, and the live cart should be treated as the source of truth for exclusions and final pricing.
RPM’s page showed High Demand — Ships within 8 business days when checked. Confirm the current estimate before ordering, especially if you are buying for a tournament or a scheduled trip.
Who should buy it
The Friction Pro V2 fits an intermediate or advanced player who already likes elongated paddles, wants extra reach, and prefers a thicker 16mm response with a higher listed swing-weight profile. It is also a reasonable research pick for a singles-oriented player who wants a performance paddle with published specs instead of vague “pro-level” language.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you are buying your first paddle, prefer a widebody sweet spot, need the fastest hand speed possible, or cannot try a premium elongated setup before buying. A 15% discount lowers the price; it does not make the wrong shape right for your game.
Final verdict
The RPM Friction Pro V2 16mm Elongated is a serious reach-and-power option, not a universal best paddle. Its 16mm core, 16.5-inch shape, 117 listed swing weight, and CarbonBite/Axial/Tri-Density construction story give it a clear purpose. The active PRH offer makes the premium price easier to approach, but the fit decision still comes first.
Read RPM’s official Friction Pro V2 product page, confirm the live variation, stock, shipping estimate, and PRH discount, then use the approved tracked link if the profile matches your game. Well Worth It Lab may earn from the partner link, at no additional cost to the buyer.
Who it's for
Intermediate and advanced players who already like elongated paddles and want a thicker 16mm build with published power, reach, and stability specifications.
Who should skip it
You are buying your first paddle, prefer a widebody shape, need the quickest possible hand speed, or cannot try a premium elongated setup before spending $249.99.
In this review
- RPM Friction Pro V2 16mm Elongated Pickleball PaddleUse code PRH 15% off entire order for the audience; current partner codePrices change often; use the retailer link for the current price.
RPM Friction Pro V2 16mm Elongated Pickleball Paddle
Strong Buy
A serious elongated paddle for players who want a thicker core, reach, and a power-and-spin design brief, with a meaningful 15% PRH discount—but it is too specialized to call a universal beginner pick.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the RPM Friction Pro V2 16mm cost?
What are the RPM Friction Pro V2 specifications?
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Affiliate disclosure
Some links on this page may be affiliate links — we may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we think are worth considering. Verdicts are not influenced by commissions.