RPM Blog

The Grip of the Future: Why "Boxy" Handles Are on the Way Out
It is easy to get lost in the weeds of carbon fiber surfaces and swing weights, but we often ignore the only part of the paddle we actually touch: the handle. For a long time, handles were just "there," often chunky and square. But recently, a new standard has emerged that is changing how the game feels. The trend is shifting decisively toward rectangular handles—shapes that are wider across the palm than they are deep—like those seen on recent Joola (often pronounced "Yola") and RPM paddles. This isn't just an... Read more...
The Art of Weighted Tape: Where You Put It Changes Everything
The "Boomstick" Setup: Power at 10 and 2 Adding lead or tungsten tape is the easiest way to hack your paddle’s performance, and one of the most popular setups involves placing weight at the top corners—often called "10 and 2" or the "Boomstick" zones. Players love this spot for a reason: it drastically increases the paddle's twist weight. In a game where ball speeds are getting faster every month, boosting twist weight keeps your paddle stable during off-center hits and effectively broadens the sweet spot. Since we usually contact the... Read more...
The Great Debate: Does Surface Roughness Still Matter for Spin?
With all the buzz surrounding new paddle technology and shifting USAP regulations, a confusing narrative has started to spread in the pickleball community. Many players are beginning to wonder if surface roughness is becoming obsolete, replaced entirely by the concept of "dwell time." Read more...
RPM Friction Pro 16mm Elongated V2 Loyalty Program
At RPM Pickleball, our goal has always been to build paddles that players can trust—today and in the future. As part of that commitment, we want to share an important update regarding the Friction Pro 16mm Elongated (V1) Paddle and how we’re supporting our original owners through the launch of our next generation of technology. Read more...
Friction vs. Surface Flex: The Physics Behind Texture, Spin, and Dwell Time
Players love to debate the surface texture of a paddle, and this is done with good reason. The face material and its micro-profile directly influence how much spin you can create with the paddle and how much control you get out of each swing. Read more...
16MM vs 14MM Core: Why the Thicker Paddle is Now More Powerful
For years, the rule was simple: thinner core = more power, thicker core = more control. Players looking for an edge would logically gravitate to a thin core, believing a 14MM paddle would give them more "pop" than a 16MM paddle.  But with the rise of new paddle technology, that rule is obsolete. Read more...
Casey Diamond wins RPM Pickleball its First Official Pro Medal
Casey Diamond, one of the first players to compete with the RPM Friction Pro Paddle at the professional level, competed in all three divisions. Notably, he and Sofia Sewing took home the bronze medals in the mixed pro doubles division, crossing a milestone for RPM Pickleball along the way. Read more...