RPM Pickleball Paddles: The Full Range Explained (Australia 2026)
RPM is the brand behind the Friction Pro and the newer Q Series. It is one of the few ranges where you can hit two paddles from the same maker and feel a genuinely different core under the ball, because the line spans both constructions: the Friction Pro family is thermoformed honeycomb, and the Q2 is RPM's first full foam paddle, developed with paddle engineer John Kew.
Table of Contents
The range at a glance
Every RPM paddle here is the same price, $369, so price is not the thing to choose on. Thickness and shape are.
The one difference that changes how they play
RPM sell both constructions side by side at the same price, which makes this the cleanest comparison in the shop. The Friction Pro is a thermoformed honeycomb build: firm, crisp, and quick off the face. The Q2 replaces the hollow cells with layered foam tuned to different densities, which RPM build for elite power and the firm, connected feel high-level players ask for. Same brand, same money, genuinely different feel.
Every RPM paddle, side by side
Specs below are taken from RPM's own product information. Where a figure is not published we have left it blank rather than guess.
| Model | Shape | Thickness | Core | Face | Weight | Handle | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RPM Friction Pro - Elongated | Elongated | 14mm / 16mm | Thermoformed honeycomb | Carbon | 7.8 oz | 5.5" | $369 |
14mm › 16mm › |
| RPM Friction Pro - Widebody | Widebody | 14mm | Thermoformed honeycomb | Carbon | 7.9 oz | 5.5" | $369 | 14mm › |
| RPM Friction Pro Elongated V2 - Ryan Fu Signature | Elongated | 14mm | Thermoformed honeycomb | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | $369 | View › |
| RPM Q2 Elongated - Full Foam | Elongated | 14mm / 16mm | Full foam | Carbon | 7.7 oz | 5.5" | $369 |
14mm › 16mm › |
V1: Friction Pro
The original Friction Pro, thermoformed honeycomb. Firm, crisp and quick off the face.
V2: Friction Pro
The second-generation Friction Pro, in a signature edition.
Q2: Full Foam
RPM's first full-foam paddle, developed with paddle engineer John Kew. A firm, connected feel and elite power.
If you want to see it hit before you decide, this is the clearest independent breakdown we have found. It opens on YouTube. All credit to the original creator, we have linked the reviewer only, not other shops.
Which RPM should you buy
RPM build their own technologies rather than buying them in. Here is what each one does, and how to pick your thickness and shape.
Try Before You Buy: Our Paddle Demo Program
You do not have to guess. Melbourne players can take paddles away and hit them on their own courts before committing.
| The demo program | |
|---|---|
| Cost | $50 per paddle |
| How many | Up to 3 paddles at a time |
| How long | 3 days |
| Pick up & return | In person at Racquet World, Pickleball Parlour, Shop 4/59 Willandra Drive, Epping VIC 3076 |
| What you can try | Control, power and hybrid all-court paddles from the demo wall |
| Where you can play | Anywhere at your club, league night, or local courts across Melbourne |
Return them on time to avoid late fees. Find one you love and the team will order a brand new one in for you.
Read more about the demo program →
