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