RPM Pickleball Paddles Are Now Available at Pickleball Central
by Pickleball Central Experts on May 6, 2026
Meet the RPM Friction Pro lineup—Designed and built by Top Pro Player, James Ignatowich. These paddles deliver unmatched spin, unbelievable power, precise control, and truly modern pickleball performance.
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RPM Pickleball Paddles: Now Available at Pickleball Central
RPM Pickleball paddles are now available at Pickleball Central, bringing one of the most hyped, new paddle brands to players looking for elite spin, confident power, and reliable control.
RPM stands for “Revolutions Per Minute,” and spin is central to the brand’s identity. The RPM Friction Pro series is built for players who want to shape the ball, attack with confidence, and still have enough touch for resets, drops, and fast exchanges at the kitchen.
You can now buy RPM pickleball paddles at Pickleball Central, or browse our full Pickleball Paddle Collection to compare more options from the most reputable pickleball brands in the space.
Who Founded RPM Pickleball?
RPM Pickleball was founded by professional pickleball player James Ignatowich, and that player-first approach shows up throughout the lineup. Instead of starting with a generic paddle concept, RPM is built around what competitive players need on court: spin that creates pressure, power that remains playable, and feel that holds up during fast, high-stakes points.
That makes RPM especially interesting for players who want equipment that is shaped by the modern game—faster hands, heavier drives, aggressive topspin, and more versatility in transition play.
Why RPM Paddles Are Getting So Much Attention
RPM has captured the attention of top pros and players at all levels, because their paddles simply feel and play better. Feedback from players include the following benefits:
- Elite spin potential —for serves, rolls, drives, and aggressive shaping
- Modern power —that helps players attack without giving up touch
- Strong dwell time —for a connected feel through contact
- Multiple shapes and core options —for all different player types
What Reviewers Are Saying About RPM Paddles
RPM paddles have earned attention and high-praise from trusted pickleball reviewers for their spin, power, touch, and high-level playability. Here are just a few quotes from top reviewers:
“This is one of the few paddles that actually feels like it’s pushing the game forward.”
— The Kitchen Pickleball
“This feels like a paddle designed by someone who actually competes at a high level.”
— John Kew Pickleball
“It’s not just a power paddle—it actually plays really well in the soft game too.”
— Matt’s Pickleball
“The spin on this paddle is ridiculous… easily one of the highest-spin paddles out right now.”
— John Kew Pickleball
“This is a paddle you can actually use in tournament play and trust in every part of the game.”
— Matt’s Pickleball
RPM Friction Pro V1 vs V2: What Changed?
One of the biggest questions players have is how the RPM Friction Pro V2 compares to the original Friction Pro (V1). The quick answer: the original Friction Pro is more raw and explosive, while the V2 models are designed to feel more refined, controlled, and balanced.
“The V2 feels more controlled and more refined—it’s easier to trust in the soft game.”
— Pickleball Willy
“They toned down some of the wildness from the original and made it more playable overall.”
— PickleBaller
| Version | Best Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Original Friction Pro | More raw, explosive power and spin | Players who want maximum offensive upside |
| Friction Pro V2 | More controlled, refined, and predictable | Players who want all-court performance and easier touch |
The original RPM Friction Pro Elongated has been discontinued, but the V1 story still matters because Pickleball Central currently carries the RPM Friction Pro Widebody V1. Customers comparing the current RPM lineup should think of the V1 Widebody as the more forgiving, familiar, control-focused option, while the Elongated V2 is the newer, more offensive and refined platform built for reach, spin, leverage, and a more modern attacking game.
RPM Paddle Comparison: V1 Widebody vs V2 Elongated
| Paddle | Available Thicknesses | Best For | Choose 14mm If... | Choose 16mm If... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RPM Friction Pro Elongated V2 | 14mm, 16mm | Reach, leverage, spin, drives, counters, and attacking play | You want faster, more offensive pop, and quicker hands. | You want added dwell, stability, pocketing, and more controlled power. |
| RPM Friction Pro Widebody V1 | 14mm, 16mm | Control, forgiveness, resets, blocks, and doubles exchanges | You want quick rebound, reactive counters, and crisp hand speed. | You want extended dwell, softer feel, stability, and more forgiveness. |
The Best RPM Paddles for Spin, Power, Control, and Forgiveness?
Best for Reach + Offense
Choose the Elongated V2 if you want more reach, leverage, spin, and attacking power. Select the 14mm for more pop and speed, or the 16mm for more dwell and control.
Friction Pro Elongated V2
Best for Control + Forgiveness
Choose the Widebody V1 if you want a larger sweet spot, more forgiveness, and more stability in doubles. Select the 14mm for quick rebounds, or the 16mm for more control.
Friction Pro Widebody V1Compare. Try. Play with Confidence.
Not sure which RPM paddle to buy? Compare your options, then take one to the court with our 30-Day Paddle Test Drive.
✔ Play with it for up to 30 days
✔ Return it—even after use*
✔ Find the paddle that truly fits your game
*Some exclusions apply. Learn more
Written by: Pickleball Central
For over 20 years, Pickleball Central has been helping players find the perfect pickleball gear for their game—offering expert paddle guidance, player-focused product comparisons, and the largest selection of pickleball equipment on the planet.
RPM Pickleball Paddle FAQs
What are RPM pickleball paddles?
RPM pickleball paddles are performance paddles designed for spin, power, control, and modern competitive play.
Who founded RPM Pickleball?
RPM Pickleball was founded by professional pickleball player James Ignatowich.
Which RPM paddles does Pickleball Central currently carry?
Pickleball Central currently carries the RPM Friction Pro Elongated V2 and the RPM Friction Pro Widebody V1. Each model is available in both 14mm and 16mm variants.
What is the difference between RPM Friction Pro V1 and V2?
The V1 Widebody emphasizes forgiveness, stability, and control in a wider 16-inch by 8-inch shape, while the Elongated V2 adds more reach, leverage, and offensive power in a 16.5-inch by 7.5-inch elongated shape.
Should I choose the RPM Elongated V2 or the Widebody V1?
Choose the Elongated V2 if you want more reach, spin, leverage, and attacking power. Choose the Widebody V1 if you want more forgiveness, stability, control, and confidence in doubles exchanges.
Should I choose 14mm or 16mm?
Choose 14mm if you want faster rebound, more pop, and a quicker attacking feel. Choose 16mm if you want more dwell time, control, stability, and a more forgiving response.
Will Pickleball Central carry the new RPM Q2 paddles?
Yes, Pickleball Central will soon offer the new RPM Q2 pickleball paddles, developed in collaboration with legendary paddle engineer and reviewer John Kew Pickleball.
What's new in the RPM Q2 paddles?
The RPM Q2 paddle lineup features refined, full-foam construction designed for a more powerful and predictable response across the face. These paddles balance controlled aggression, accessible power, and long-term durability.
Who might prefer to wait for the RPM Q2 paddles?
The RPM Q2 paddles are best for players who want elite power, improved stability on off-center contact, and consistent performance from baseline drives to fast-paced kitchen exchanges.
Find the Right RPM Paddle for Your Game
Compare all four RPM paddles, or use our Paddle Finder Quiz for more help choosing.
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