RPM makes two of the most popular paddles in Australia right now, and they're the two we sell most of. The Friction Pro V2 (James Ignatowich's signature) is the established power-baseline weapon; the Q2 is RPM's newer Gen-4 full-foam evolution. Both are 16mm elongated spin monsters with RPM's CarbonBite face, so they're easy to cross-shop. Short version: buy the Friction Pro V2 for proven plow-through power and forgiveness; buy the Q2 for RPM's latest full-foam feel and slightly quicker hands.
The quick answer
- Buy the RPM Friction Pro V2 if you want the proven, Ignatowich-signed power-baseline paddle: more plow-through (swing weight 117), more forgiveness on off-centre hits (twist 6.5), and the feel that's made it our #1 seller.
- Buy the RPM Q2 16mm Elongated if you want RPM's newest Gen-4 full-foam build: a plusher, more connected response and slightly faster hands (swing 114), designed by John Kew.
What they share
- RPM's CarbonBite carbon-fibre face: elite, tour-level spin on both.
- 16mm core, elongated shape, 41.9 × 19.1cm, identical 5.5" handle and 4.125" grip.
- John Kew engineering DNA; both built for intermediate-to-advanced players.
The swing, reach and grip feel familiar between them. The difference is all in the core.
The specs, side by side
| Spec | RPM Q2 16mm Elongated | RPM Friction Pro V2 (Ignatowich) |
|---|---|---|
| Generation | Gen 4 | Gen 3 |
| Core | EPP full-foam (3mm groove channels) | Tri-density honeycomb + EVA foam |
| Face | CarbonBite carbon fibre | CarbonBite (Axial Carbon Layup) |
| Shape | Elongated | Elongated |
| Core thickness | 16mm | 16mm |
| Weight | 221g (7.8oz) | 224g (7.9oz) |
| Swing weight | 114 | 117 |
| Twist weight | 6.1 | 6.5 |
| Dimensions | 41.9 × 19.1cm | 41.9 × 19.1cm |
| Grip | 5.5" length · 4.125" circ | 5.5" length · 4.125" circ |
| Design | John Kew | John Kew + James Ignatowich |
The core is the whole story
The Friction Pro V2 is Gen 3: a tri-density honeycomb core with an EVA foam perimeter ring. That gives it a higher swing weight (117): more mass behind the ball, more plow-through power from the baseline, and a higher twist weight (6.5) so off-centre hits stay truer. It's the proven, stable, power-first paddle, and our best-seller.
The Q2 is Gen 4, RPM's first full-foam paddle: a precision-moulded EPP foam core with TPU perimeter inserts. Full foam gives a plush, connected feel through the sweet spot and a slightly lower swing weight (114) for quicker hands, with a touch less forgiveness (twist 6.1). It's the newer feel: softer and more ‘attached’ to the ball.
How each plays, and who it's for
Friction Pro V2: a power-baseliner's paddle. The extra swing weight loads up drives and overheads, and the higher twist weight keeps mishits honest in fast hands battles. If your game is built on heavy, spin-loaded power from the back of the court and you want a paddle that's been proven by thousands of players, this is it. Skip it only if you specifically want the newest full-foam feel.
Q2: RPM's latest. The full-foam core feels plusher and more connected on touch shots, and the slightly lower swing weight makes hands a touch faster at the kitchen, while keeping the elongated reach and elite spin. Skip it if you want maximum forgiveness and plow-through. The Friction Pro V2 edges it there.
The verdict
Both are elite spin paddles you genuinely can't go wrong with. They're our two best-selling RPMs for a reason. The Friction Pro V2 is the safer pick for power-baseliners who want plow-through and a proven, forgiving paddle. The Q2 is for players who want RPM's newest full-foam feel and a little more hand speed. Same tour-level spin either way.
Both ship free across Australia over $150, and we're an authorised RPM reseller: any warranty is handled here, not chased overseas.
Shop now: RPM Friction Pro V2 → · RPM Q2 16mm Elongated → · Browse all paddles →
Related: RPM Friction Pro V2 review · RPM Q2 review
