RPM Friction Pro V2 — Review

Hector and have taken these six paddles out for their paces and loved them, checked all the boxes and a must try! This is definitely more than just an update to the original Friction Pro. RPM has taken what players loved about the original especially the spin and added new technology designed to improve power, stability, forgiveness and overall feel. There are six Friction Pro V2 configurations: Elongated, Widebody and Hybrid Flat Top in both 14 & 16mm. So there’s a V2 for players who want maximum reach, players who want a wider and more forgiving face, and players looking for something right in the middle. MY EXPERIENCE I’ve been playing the 16mm Widebody and the 16mm Hybrid Flat Top, and I think these two really show how versatile the Friction Pro V2 platform is. The 16mm Widebody gives me a very stable, comfortable feel with a generous hitting area. At the kitchen, I really like the combination of stability and maneuverability. When the hands battle speeds up, the paddle doesn’t feel cumbersome, and when I’m blocking or resetting, I get a solid, controlled response. The Hybrid 16 gives me a little different feel. The 16.3” x 7.7” shape gives me additional reach compared with the Widebody, while still maintaining a wider face and a very manageable feel. THE TECHNOLOGY The Friction Pro V2 combines: CarbonBite Carbon Fiber Surface Axial Carbon Layup Enhanced EVA Foam Ring Tri-Density Core DwellZone Sweet Spot Technology The goal isn’t simply to create more spin. RPM created a paddle that delivers serious spin while still giving you power, stability, forgiveness and control. That combination is what makes the V2 interesting. CARBONBITE + AXIAL CARBON LAYUP This is really the heart of the V2. The CarbonBite surface provides the friction that helps create the spin, while the Axial Carbon Layup is designed to enhance the overall performance of the paddle. On the court, you can really manipulate the ball. THE EVA FOAM RING RPM surrounds the core with an enhanced EVA foam ring designed to increase the effective sweet spot and add stability around the perimeter. That’s something I appreciate during fast doubles exchanges. Trust me you’re not always hitting the perfect shot from the perfect position. The V2 gives you some forgiveness when you don’t. THE SIX V2 MODELS 14mm Elongated This is the aggressive, fast-response version. The elongated shape gives you maximum reach and leverage, while the 14mm core gives you a quicker response. If you like attacking from the baseline, hitting aggressive drives and having extra reach at the kitchen, this is the version to look at. 16mm Elongated This is the big gun. The 16mm core gives you more stability and a more controlled feel than the 14mm while maintaining that 16.5” elongated profile. If you want reach, spin, power and stability, this is a serious combination. 14mm Widebody The Widebody takes the V2 technology and puts it into a more compact, forgiving shape. You give up some reach compared with the elongated, but gain a wider hitting area and a more maneuverable feel. For doubles players, that can be a very good trade. Think quick hands, forgiveness, pop and plenty of spin. 16mm Widebody - Nate’s pick! This is one of the two V2 paddles I’ve personally been playing. The 16mm core gives the Widebody a stable, controlled feel, while the 8” width provides a generous hitting area. For me, it’s a very comfortable doubles paddle. At the kitchen, I like how easy it is to maneuver during fast exchanges. On blocks and resets, it gives me the stability I’m looking for without feeling overly stiff. 16mm Hybrid Flat Top This is the other V2 I’ve been spending time with, and it has become a really interesting comparison to the Widebody. The Hybrid gives me more reach than the Widebody while still maintaining a wider hitting area. That extra length is noticeable when I’m reaching for a ball or attacking from deeper on the court, but the paddle still feels manageable during kitchen exchanges. SPACECOASTNATE’S FINAL TAKE I’ve tested a lot of paddles, and one thing I always tell players is: Don’t buy a paddle just because someone tells you it’s the newest or hottest paddle. Demo it! If you’re interested in trying the RPM Friction Pro V2, or hear the latest promotions reach out to SpaceCoastNate and we can get you into the right shape and core combination to test for yourself. Try before you buy. Royal Pickleball SpaceCoastNate Website: https://rpamb.com/SpaceCoastNate YouTube:    / @royalpickleball2379   #Pickleball #PickleballPaddle #PickleballReview #RPMPickleball #RPMFrictionPro #FrictionProV2 #PickleballSpin #SpinPaddle #CarbonFiberPaddle #PickleballGear #PickleballEquipment #PickleballDoubles #PickleballTips #PickleballCommunity #PickleballLife #PickleballAddict #PickleballPlayer #PickleballTraining #KitchenPlay #DinkAndDrive #PickleballPaddleReview #RoyalPickleball #SpaceCoastNate