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RPM Pickleball Paddles

RPM is a spin-focused paddle brand from pro James Ignatowich. Here is where to find its paddles.

Updated Oct 17, 2026. Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

RPM sells direct at rpmpb.com. Pickleball specialty shops also carry the lineup.

Professional insight

Club pros fit an RPM paddle by core thickness first. Shape follows, then weight and grip in hand.

Pop seekers want 14mm, soft-game players want 16mm.
The 5.5 inch handle suits two-handed backhands.
Original Friction Pro listings often get mistaken for V2.
Weigh used paddles and feel for remaining CarbonBite grit.

Check the label

Paddle graphics name the model: Friction Pro V2 or Q2.
Core thickness is printed as 14mm or 16mm.
Shape is marked Elongated, Widebody or a Q2 hybrid.
USA Pickleball approval mark appears on the paddle face or throat.
Listing or box cites PBCoR .43 approval.
V2 grip reads 5.5 in long and 4.125 in around.
Any printed serial number matches the box or receipt.

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RPM paddle lineup

Founder: James Ignatowich; Pro pickleball player
Face surface: CarbonBite carbon fiber
Core options: 14mm or 16mm; Tri-Density core

Original Friction Pro

The first RPM model. Sold in Elongated and Widebody shapes.

Friction Pro V2

The updated Friction Pro. Reviewers say it adds control and forgiveness.

Q2

First paddle of the Q Series. Co-developed with reviewer John Kew.

RPM Friction Pro V2 specs

Friction Pro V2 16mm Elongated, per the RPM listing
Spec	Value
Average weight	7.9 oz
Length x width	16.5 in x 7.5 in
Grip length	5.5 in
Grip circumference	4.125 in
Core	16mm Tri-Density
Face	CarbonBite carbon fiber
Swing weight	117
Twist weight	6.5
Balance point	247mm
Approval	USA Pickleball and PBCoR .43
Perimeter	EVA foam ring

Before you buy

Pick 14mm for more pop and 16mm for more cushion.
Choose Elongated for reach or Widebody for a wider face.
Check whether the listing is V2 or the original Friction Pro.
Q2 comes in four shapes, including two hybrids.
Confirm USA Pickleball approval if you play sanctioned events.

Sizing

The V2 handle is 5.5 inches long. That leaves room for two hands.

Stock grip circumference is 4.125 inches. Add an overgrip if your hand needs more.

RPM paddle cost per hour

Calculator

Spread your paddle price over one year of play.

Paddle price you paid

$

Hours played per week

Cost per hour over 52 weeks$0.00

Red flags

Listing does not state 14mm or 16mm.
No CarbonBite branding shown on the face.
Photos mix original and V2 graphics.
Weight far from the listed 7.9 oz average.
Seller cannot say if warranty claims apply.
Used paddle face looks smooth and worn.

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Care

1Wipe the CarbonBite face with a damp cloth after play.
2Let the face dry before bagging the paddle.
3Keep it out of hot cars to protect the foam ring.
4Swap the grip or add an overgrip when it slips.

Common questions

Who makes RPM pickleball paddles?: RPM Pickleball, founded by pro player James Ignatowich.
What does RPM stand for?: Revolutions per minute. It nods to the brand's spin focus.
Is the Friction Pro V2 tournament legal?: RPM lists it as USA Pickleball and PBCoR .43 approved.
What warranty does RPM offer?: One year on defects, with two claims per paddle.
Does the Friction Pro have a foam core?: No. It uses a honeycomb core with an EVA foam perimeter.