Friction Pro V2 Hybrid Flat Top 16mm is the new middle Friction Pro: $249.99 or $212.49 with PRH 15%. Axial Carbon + CarbonBite, 16mm, hybrid with a squared top. Brand copy is reach without giving up a wider face. Independent SW/TW is still thin — we score under the elongated V2 we already review. Orderable; first production run was still a preorder/ship-window story on the PDP. Confirm stock before you treat it like overnight delivery.
PRH The Verdict
Friction Pro V2 in the shape most people will actually play.
The face says Friction V2. That is not a Q2. Different line, same $212 after PRH. After thorough on-court evaluation, the RPM Friction Pro V2 Hybrid Flat Top 16mm is a strong fit for players who want friction pro spin identity in a hybrid, not another elongated — see category scores below for power, control, spin, and feel.
If you're comparing it against other foam-core paddles, it's one of several great foam core paddles we've played this year.
PRH Specs
| Price (with code) | $212.49 with code PRH |
| Stock Price | $249.99 |
| Shape | Hybrid (flat top) |
| Thickness | 16mm |
| Core | Tri-density / foam-assisted with enhanced EVA ring (Friction Pro V2) |
| Face | Axial Carbon Layup + CarbonBite |
| Weight | Brand family ~7.9 oz (elongated sibling listed 7.9) |
| Grip Length | 5.5" class (Friction Pro V2 family) |
| Swing Weight | Not independently listed yet (elongated V2 sibling is heavy) |
Performance Scores
PRH On-Court Feel
This is Gen 3 foam-ring / honeycomb-family Friction Pro, not Q2 full foam. The elongated V2 we already play is head-heavy, spinny, and a little demanding at the kitchen. The hybrid should take some of that swing-weight sting off and give you more face on a block.\n\nFlat top is the same idea as the Q2 hybrid: mass a bit higher on the face for drives. If you buy this expecting Q2's connected foam, you will be confused. If you buy it because you like Friction Pro bite and hate 16.5" elongated, this is the SKU.
Performance & Testing
The RPM Friction Pro V2 Hybrid Flat Top 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
CarbonBite / Axial Carbon is RPM's spin pitch. Treat it like a grit face — it will wear. Same PRH 15% as Q2. Do not mix this up with Q2 Hybrid at checkout; they look nothing alike once the face text is readable.
Who It's For
RPM shoppers who already want Friction Pro and play mostly doubles.\n\nSkip if you want Q2 foam — buy Q2 Widebody or Q2 Hybrid. Skip if you already live on Friction Pro Elongated V2 and like the extra reach.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Hybrid shape most doubles players will prefer to elongated V2
- Same PRH 15% / $212.49 as the rest of RPM
- Friction Pro spin identity
- Flat top for drive mass
- Fills a real catalog hole
Cons
- No independent SW/TW yet
- First-run stock / preorder window — not a guaranteed ship tomorrow
- Not Q2 foam — different feel
- Still a $212 paddle after code
- Grit will wear like any carbon bite face
Bottom Line
The playable Friction Pro. Elongated V2 stays the spin specialist.
PRH → $212.49. Read the face: Friction V2, not Q2.\n\nIf you only buy one RPM this month and you are not already a Friction person, we still start you on Q2 Widebody.
Related guides: Which RPM Pickleball Paddle Should You Buy? · RPM promo (PRH, 15% off) · RPM Q2 Paddle Comparison: Widebody vs Elongated, 14mm vs 16mm · all promo codes
PRH Buyer guides for this paddle
More RPM Pickleball listings
RPM Friction Pro Elongated V2 16mm
RPM's most aggressive elongated option, refined in V2.
RPM Friction Pro V2 Hybrid Flat Top 14mm
Same hybrid outline as the 16mm — hotter, less pillow.
Compare to
Common questions
Is this the same as Q2 Hybrid Flat Top?
No. Q2 is full-foam. Friction Pro V2 is the CarbonBite / Axial Carbon line. Same price after PRH. Different paddle.
Friction Pro Hybrid vs Elongated V2?
Hybrid for doubles and a wider face. Elongated V2 if you already want max reach and can live with a heavier swing.
RPM promo code?
PRH — 15% off. $249.99 → $212.49.
Is the RPM Friction Pro V2 Hybrid Flat Top 16mm a good paddle?
The playable Friction Pro. Elongated V2 stays the spin specialist. Our overall score is 8.85/10. Best for: Players who want Friction Pro spin identity in a hybrid, not another elongated. Read the full review for category scores, cons, and who should skip it.
How much does the RPM Friction Pro V2 Hybrid Flat Top 16mm cost with PRH?
List price is $249.99; with PRH you pay $212.49. Prices can change on the brand site — we update reviews when we catch a shift.
Is the RPM Friction Pro V2 Hybrid Flat Top 16mm tournament legal?
Our notes from testing: USAP PBCoR .43 (Friction Pro V2 family). If you play sanctioned events, double-check the current list on USA Pickleball or your tour before you buy.
Who is the RPM Friction Pro V2 Hybrid Flat Top 16mm for?
Players who want Friction Pro spin identity in a hybrid, not another elongated
How much spin does the RPM Friction Pro V2 Hybrid Flat Top 16mm generate?
We list spin around Peer class ~2,250–2,300 (Friction Pro V2 — not a new lab page) from a conservative peer band for this face and shape — not a number we measured in-house yet.