The RPM Friction Pro Elongated V2 16mm is the more aggressive RPM pick. You get big serve speed, strong punch volley numbers, and ~2,279 RPM spin from the Axial Carbon Layup face, with an enhanced EVA perimeter that widens the sweet spot vs the original Friction Pro.
The Verdict
RPM's most aggressive elongated option, refined in V2.
V2 keeps the firepower and adds enough sweet-spot improvements to make the elongated shape playable for more players. After thorough on-court evaluation, the RPM Friction Pro Elongated V2 16mm landed in the upper tier of the paddles we tested in 2026.
If you're comparing it against other foam-core paddles, it's one of several great foam core paddles we've played this year.
Specs
| Overall Score | 8.9 / 10 |
| Price (with code) | $212.49 with code PRH |
| Stock Price | $249.99 |
| Shape | Elongated |
| Thickness | 16mm |
| Core | Foam-assisted core with enhanced EVA perimeter ring |
| Face | Axial Carbon Layup |
| Weight | 7.9 oz |
| Grip Length | 5.5" |
| Swing Weight | 115 |
Performance Scores
On-Court Feel
On drives and serves, this paddle does what RPM elongated paddles are supposed to do — plow through the ball, generate spin, and produce serve speed in the low 60s MPH. The V2 update to the carbon layup and the wider EVA ring tightens up the sweet spot story compared with the original Friction Pro, but it's still a power-first paddle. Soft game and resets are the weaker side; the face is firm and the control score is the lowest in our current RPM lineup. Players who already attack and reset well will be fine. Players who lean on dwell time will prefer the Q2 Widebody 16mm.
Performance & Testing
The RPM Friction Pro Elongated V2 16mm went through our standard on-court protocol - drills, rec play, and at least one tournament match. Scores reflect consensus feedback, not a single reviewer's opinion.
Grit & Durability
Axial Carbon Layup and an enhanced EVA perimeter ring are the headline construction updates in V2. The carbon surface is standard raw-carbon grit. Build quality looks competitive with other premium elongated paddles in this price tier, though long-term independent durability data on V2 is still developing.
Who It's For
Aggressive singles players, baseline-first doubles players, and anyone who wants the elongated reach and serve speed of the Friction Pro with V2's expanded sweet spot. Skip if you play a soft-game-first style — the control score is below the Q2 Widebody 16mm, and so is the forgiveness.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong power and serve speed
- Excellent ~2,279 RPM spin
- Elongated reach helps on serves, drives, and overheads
- V2 expands the sweet spot vs the original Friction Pro
- Good fit for aggressive singles or power doubles players
Cons
- Control score is below the Q2 Widebody 16mm
- Less forgiving than the Q2 Widebody 16mm
- $249.99 puts it in the premium-elongated price band
- Not the best fit for soft-game-first players
- Independent V2 durability data still developing
Bottom Line
A power-first elongated paddle that earns its place in the RPM lineup through serve speed and spin, but the Q2 Widebody 16mm is still the easier buy for most players.
Pick this one if you specifically want the most aggressive elongated option in the RPM line. If you'd rather one paddle that does everything well, stay with the Q2 Widebody 16mm.
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