RPM Pickleball has built one of the most exciting paddle lineups on the market. With three distinct performance families — the Friction Pro, Friction Pro V2, and Q2 — there is an RPM paddle for almost every playing style.
But which one should you choose? Here’s how the current RPM lineup compares.
RPM Friction Pro – Best for Control & Touch
The original RPM Friction Pro is the control-focused option in the lineup. Its softer feel makes dinks, drops, resets, and defensive shots particularly easy to manage.
The 16mm version stands out for players who value consistency through the transition zone and precise pace control at the kitchen. You still have plenty of power available when attacking, but the Friction Pro prioritizes predictability and touch.
Available in Elongated and Widebody shapes with different core thicknesses.
Best for: Control, touch, resets and players who prefer a softer response.
RPM Friction Pro V2 – Best All-Around
The Friction Pro V2 builds on the successful original with additional power and pop while maintaining the familiar performance characteristics that made the Friction Pro so popular.
RPM introduced its Axial Carbon Layup together with an enhanced EVA foam ring to improve power, spin, sweet spot performance, and overall responsiveness.
The result is a slightly firmer and more aggressive paddle than the original without turning it into a pure power paddle. This balance makes the V2 our pick for the best all-around option in the RPM lineup.
It is available in Elongated and Widebody shapes, with 14mm and 16mm versions and multiple colorways.
Best for: All-court players looking for an excellent balance of power, spin, control and forgiveness.
RPM Q2 – Best for Power
If effortless power is the priority, look at the RPM Q2. Developed in collaboration with paddle reviewer and engineer John Kew, the Q2 takes RPM into full-foam paddle construction.
Its strategically tuned foam construction produces a firm, connected response with impressive power and a consistent sweet spot. The Q2 offers excellent stability on off-center contact while providing the energy needed for aggressive drives, counters, and put-aways.
RPM also offers a broad selection of Q2 shapes, including Elongated, Widebody, Flat-Top Hybrid, and Curved-Top Hybrid, alongside 14mm and 16mm options.
Best for: Aggressive players looking for effortless power, stability and full-foam performance.
Which RPM Paddle Should You Choose?
The differences are straightforward:
- Friction Pro: Best for control and touch
- Friction Pro V2: Best all-around performance
- Q2: Best for maximum power
Players who prioritize resets, drops, and a softer response should start with the Friction Pro. For the most versatile combination of offense and control, choose the Friction Pro V2. If your game revolves around attacking and generating easy pace, the Q2 is the strongest choice.
Whichever model you choose, RPM offers enough shapes and core thicknesses to further tailor the paddle to your individual playing style.
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