RPM Friction Pro - Elongated (16mm) V2 - James Ignatowich Signature

The RPM Friction Pro V2 is the paddle James Ignatowich actually plays: a Gen 3, full-foam elongated build engineered for power-baseline players who want elite spin without giving up control. RPM's Axial Carbon Layup and a tuned EVA foam ring deliver one of the largest, most connected sweet spots on the market, with the torsional stability to hold up on off-centre hits.

Highlights

• Elite spin & power: CarbonBite carbon face built for heavy topspin and a lively pop off the baseline.
• Huge, stable sweet spot: Gen 3 tri-density core and EVA perimeter ring for forgiveness on mishits.
• 16mm control: the thicker core adds touch and dwell time for resets and dinks.
• Tournament-legal: USAP approved, PBCoR .43.

The pro behind it

Co-designed and signed by James Ignatowich, a top-10 world-ranked professional and one of the most recognisable players in the game. The V2 refines his original Friction Pro with a new carbon layup and an even bigger sweet spot.

How it plays

Ignatowich's own description of the V2 is the most useful line on RPM's page: "forgiving, and controllable, but the top end power and spin are elite." That is the designer talking about his signature paddle, so weigh it accordingly, but it matches what the construction is set up to do. The tri-density core stacks three foam densities to keep the response solid all the way to the edge, the enhanced EVA perimeter ring adds stability without deadening the face, and RPM claim the combination produces the biggest sweet spot on the market. The CarbonBite surface is tuned for friction, which is where the heavy topspin and biting slices come from.

On the numbers, this is a committed elongated build: 16.5 inches long, a swing weight of 117 and a twist weight of 6.5. That swing weight rewards players who take a full cut at the ball with real plow-through on drives, and the 16mm core keeps enough dwell for the reset game. If you want the same RPM quality in a more balanced all-court package, the RPM Q2 is the steadier choice, and the RPM Jade is the newer power-and-spin flagship if the spec sheet has you curious.

What's in the box

• 1 × RPM Friction Pro V2 Elongated 16mm paddle

Why buy from Pickld

• Free Australian shipping over $150
• 30-day returns on unplayed paddles
• Pickup by arrangement from our Hornsby warehouse
• Pickld is an authorised RPM reseller in Australia, so warranty claims come to us, not an overseas portal

Not sure an elongated power paddle is your fit? The paddle finder works it out in a few questions, or browse the full RPM range.

Shipping. Free standard shipping Australia-wide on orders over $150. Flat $9.99 under $150 ($19.99 for bulky items like nets and ball machines). Order by 12pm Mon to Fri and it ships the same day from our Sydney warehouse. Pickup is an option at checkout.

Returns. Unplayed and still in its original packaging? You have 30 days to send it back. If you've played with it and aren't loving it, talk to us. We can't promise a return on used gear, but we'll do what we can to help you find the right fit. Anything faulty is covered separately, and we'll look after that with the maker. Full returns policy.

Pre-orders. Changed your mind? You can cancel any time before it ships and we'll refund everything you've paid, deposit included. If your date moves by more than two weeks, we'll email you before the old date passes: keep your spot and we'll put a FlexTac overgrip 3-pack in with your order, on us, or cancel for a full refund.

Your RPM paddle is covered by RPM's manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. If a fault develops, contact Pickld and we'll manage the claim with RPM on your behalf, so you never have to chase overseas support yourself.