Paddle Comparisons
Paddle Comparisons
All three RPM series are built to professional performance standards and USAP-approved. The differences between them come down to construction and what that construction is optimized for.
Construction: Two Approaches
Full Foam — Q2 Series
The Q2 uses a full-foam core. No honeycomb. The entire interior is foam, with density and firmness tuned in targeted zones to control rebound characteristics. This construction produces a firm, direct feel and high power output. Energy transfer off the face is fast and efficient.
Gen 3 — Friction Pro & Friction Pro V2
The Friction Pro line uses a polymer honeycomb core surrounded by an EVA foam ring. The foam ring expands the effective sweet spot and modulates dwell time. The carbon fiber face handles spin generation. The Friction Pro V2 adds an Axial Carbon Layup on top of this, which increases spin output meaningfully over the original.
Where Each Series Sits
| Series | Construction | Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Q2 | Full Foam | Power — highest raw power output across the lineup |
| Friction Pro | Gen 3 (Honeycomb + EVA Foam) | Balanced — sits between the Q2 and V2 on both power and spin |
| Friction Pro V2 | Gen 3 + Axial Carbon Layup | Spin — highest spin output across the lineup |
Based on RPM internal testing.
Q2 — King of Power
Full-foam construction produces the highest power profile and most direct energy transfer in the lineup. The Q2's firm, connected feel suits players who want to generate power with an aggressive gamestyle. Torsional stability on off-center contact is also high — the Q2 holds its line on mishits better than a traditional honeycomb paddle.
Swing weights across the Q2 range from 104 (14MM Widebody) to 114 (16MM Elongated). Balance points sit between 243–248mm.
Friction Pro V2 — King of Spin
The V2 adds an Axial Carbon Layup to the Gen 3 construction. Our test results show this meaningfully increases spin output over the original Friction Pro. The V2 also benefits from the EVA foam ring's dwell effect, which gives the ball slightly more time on the face — contributing to both spin and shot-shaping ability. The 16MM Elongated V2 imparts extreme spin on the ball, which helps aggressive players looking to be more precise and controlled.
Friction Pro — The Orginal
The original Friction Pro sits between the Q2 and V2. It shares the Gen 3 construction with the V2 but without the Axial Carbon Layup, so the spin is less aggressive. The Friction Pro has the softest, most plush feel of our lineup. It is great for resets and drops, but also packs a punch on volleys and putaways. For players who aren't sure which end of the spectrum they want, the Friction Pro is the most versatile starting point in the lineup.
Choosing by Shape and Core
Within each series, the choice comes down to shape (elongated vs. widebody) and core thickness (14MM vs. 16MM).
- Elongated — more reach, higher swing weight, better suited to singles or aggressive play.
- Widebody — larger sweet spot, lower swing weight, more forgiving, maybe better suited to doubles and kitchen play.
- 14MM core — faster rebound, more pop, less dwell time.
- 16MM core — more stability, more dwell, slightly more controllable at pace.
Full specs for every model are available in the Paddle Database.