Hey everyone,

I’ve been putting the new RPM Friction Pro V2 (16mm) through its paces for the last few weeks, and wanted to drop a comprehensive, honest review based on my time with it on the court.

If you're just looking for a deal, you can use code [JTAM15] for 15% off RPM Pickleball paddles at checkout. For those interested in the performance breakdown, here is how it actually plays.

First Impressions & Hand Feel (Out of the Box)

The standout feature for me is how incredibly plush this feels right out of the box. A lot of 16mm paddles on the market right now feel a bit hollow or stiff initially, requiring a ton of lead tape just to get a decent sweet spot and some plow-through.

Not this one. The dampening and plushness feel dialed in perfectly from day one. That said, while I like it stock, I did end up adding two 0.1-gram lead tapes to the neck of the paddle. It doesn't need a massive weight overhaul, but that tiny bit of extra mass right at the throat gives me just a bit more stability on off-center resets and blocks at the kitchen line.

The Spin Engine: Drives and Slices

In terms of spin, the V2 absolutely justifies the hype. The grit on the face is premium, and it generates an insane amount of RPMs (pun intended) with very minimal effort.

• Slices: I don’t need a massive, exaggerated cut to keep the ball low. A short, controlled stroke sends back a heavy, skidding slice that keeps opponents uncomfortable.
• Top Spin Drives: Dipping the ball at the opponent's feet on thirds feels almost effortless. The ball catches the face beautifully, giving me massive confidence to swing fast without fearing the ball will fly long.

The Verdict

This is a plush, control-oriented 16mm paddle that doesn't compromise on top-tier spin generation, making it easily one of the best releases this year. It gives me the confidence to play a soft game while packing enough bite to punish the ball when needed.

Again, if you decide to grab one, use code [JTAM15] for 15% off RPM Pickleball paddles.

Drop a comment below if you have any questions about the swing weight, resets, or how it compares to other raw carbon paddles!