RPM Blackout V2 vs RPM Q2 Elongated
RPM Blackout V2 vs RPM Q2 Elongated: two elongated 16mm RPM paddles at almost the same price, both Professional, both Power and Spin, both with the same CarbonBite carbon face, so the whole decision is generation and core. The Blackout V2 is the Gen 3 paddle: a tri-density honeycomb-and-EVA-foam core, a swing weight of 117 for the most plow-through, and a twist weight of 6.5, at $358. The Q2 Elongated is the newer Gen 4 paddle: an EPP full-foam core with 3 mm groove channels, a lighter swing weight of 114 for a quicker, crisper feel, and a twist weight of 6.1, at $357.50. Want the heavier, more forgiving honeycomb-and-foam plow? The Blackout V2. Want the newer, quicker, full-foam feel? The Q2 Elongated. Every real spec is below, then our honest take on who each suits.
We stock both at Pickld. Here is the honest read.
RPM Blackout V2 vs RPM Q2 Elongated: specs side by side
| Spec | Blackout V2 | Q2 Elongated |
|---|---|---|
| Price (RRP) | $358.00 | $357.50 |
| Weight | 224 g (7.9 oz) | 221 g (7.8 oz) |
| Swing weight | 117 | 114 |
| Twist weight | 6.5 | 6.1 |
| Spin | Not published | Not published |
| Core | Tri-density honeycomb + EVA foam | EPP full-foam (3 mm groove channels) |
| Face | CarbonBite carbon fibre (Axial Carbon Layup) | CarbonBite carbon fibre |
| Core thickness | 16 mm | 16 mm |
| Shape | Elongated | Elongated |
| Generation | Gen 3 | Gen 4 |
| Grip | 5.5 in length, 4.125 in circumference | 5.5 in length, 4.125 in circumference |
| Skill tier | Professional | Professional |
| Play style | Power, Spin | Power, Spin |
| Availability at Pickld | In stock; the product page is the live figure | In stock (also offered in 14mm); the product page is the live figure |
| Warranty | RPM manufacturer warranty (handled by Pickld) | RPM manufacturer warranty (handled by Pickld) |
Specs are the manufacturer figures we hold on each product page. Where a number is not published by the maker, we say so rather than guess. Availability moves, so the product page is always the live answer.
How they actually play
RPM Blackout V2 Elongated
The Blackout V2 is RPM's Gen 3 elongated paddle and the heavier hitter of the two. Its tri-density honeycomb-and-EVA-foam core gives a firm, springy pop with real plow behind it, and at a swing weight of 117 it is the paddle that drives through the ball hardest in this pair. The CarbonBite carbon face with its Axial Carbon Layup bites for spin, and a twist weight of 6.5 keeps the face steadier on off-centre contact than the Q2's 6.1. It is billed Professional across Power and Spin, so it rewards a confident swinger who wants mass and stability out of an elongated head. If you want the more forgiving, more driving honeycomb-and-foam feel, this is the one, and it costs $358.
RPM Q2 Elongated
The Q2 Elongated is RPM's newer Gen 4 paddle and the quicker, crisper feel. It swaps the honeycomb core for an EPP full-foam build with 3 mm groove channels, which lands at a lighter swing weight of 114 and a lower 221 g on the scales, so it is faster to swing and quicker to reset while keeping the same CarbonBite carbon face for spin. Its twist weight of 6.1 is a touch lower than the Blackout's, the usual trade for a lighter, livelier head. It is billed Professional across Power and Spin, comes in 14mm as well as this 16mm, and at $357.50 sits right beside the Blackout on price. If you want the newer full-foam feel with faster hands, this is the pick.
The verdict: which should you buy?
- Pick the Blackout V2 if you want the Gen 3 tri-density honeycomb-and-foam core, the highest swing weight of 117 for plow-through, and the higher twist weight of 6.5 for a steadier face.
- Pick the Q2 Elongated if you want the newer Gen 4 EPP full-foam core, a lighter swing weight of 114 for quicker hands, and the option of a 14mm build.
And who each one is not for
Skip the Blackout V2 if you want the lightest, quickest head. The Gen 4 Q2 Elongated has the lower swing weight and the full-foam feel for faster hands.
Skip the Q2 Elongated if you want the most plow-through and the steadiest face. The Blackout V2's higher swing weight and higher twist weight drive harder and hold steadier on off-centre hits.
These are two elongated 16mm RPM paddles at almost the same price, so the decision is generation and core: Gen 3 honeycomb-and-foam plow or Gen 4 EPP full-foam speed. To see the wider bracket, browse our professional paddles, power paddles and spin paddles collections. Not sure on shape or weight? Browse the full paddle range.
More paddle comparisons
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the RPM Blackout V2 and Q2 Elongated?
They are two elongated 16mm RPM paddles at almost the same price, both Professional and both Power and Spin, with the same CarbonBite carbon face, so the difference is generation and core. The Blackout V2 is the Gen 3 paddle on a tri-density honeycomb-and-EVA-foam core with a swing weight of 117, at $358. The Q2 Elongated is the newer Gen 4 paddle on an EPP full-foam core with a lighter swing weight of 114, at $357.50.
Which RPM paddle has more power?
The Blackout V2 has the higher swing weight at 117 versus the Q2's 114, so it drives through the ball with more plow-through and mass. The Q2 Elongated is still a Power paddle, but its lighter Gen 4 full-foam build trades some of that plow for a quicker, crisper feel. Neither RPM publishes a spin RPM figure, so we do not quote one.
Is the Gen 3 or Gen 4 RPM core better?
Neither is better outright. The Blackout V2's Gen 3 tri-density honeycomb-and-EVA-foam core is springier and drives harder with a higher twist weight of 6.5 for a steadier face. The Q2 Elongated's Gen 4 EPP full-foam core is lighter and quicker with a crisper feel. It comes down to whether you want plow-through and stability or speed and a livelier head.
Do these RPM paddles come in different thicknesses?
The Q2 Elongated is offered in both 16mm and 14mm on its product page, so you can pick the thicker, more forgiving build or the thinner, more responsive one. The Blackout V2 in this comparison is the 16mm elongated build. The product page is always the live answer on thickness options and stock.