Friday Pickleball Aura vs RPM Friction Pro 14mm Elongated
Pickle's 5-axis score
Spec-grounded, quartile-ranked across the 322-paddle catalog. Diff highlighted when one paddle leads by 0.5+ points.
The value vs. premium matchup
The Friday Pickleball Aura's 16mm core delivers a more forgiving sweet spot, while the RPM Friction Pro 14mm Elongated's 14mm core trades a little plush feel for quicker ball speed. Friday Pickleball Aura is the value pick at $129. RPM Friction Pro 14mm Elongated is the premium option at $249 — you're paying for the
Side-by-side specs
| Spec | Friday Pickleball Aura | RPM Friction Pro 14mm Elongated |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 8–8 oz | 7.8–7.8 oz |
| Shape | Elongated | Elongated |
| Core thickness | 16mm | 14mm |
| Core material | EPP foam core with EVA foam and unique throat foam | — |
| Face material | Carbon fiber | CarbonBite Surface (textured carbon fiber) |
| Handle length | 5.5" | 5.5" |
| Price | $129 | $249 |
Weight
Shape
Core thickness
Core material
Face material
Handle length
Price
What the spec differences mean
- Weight. Friday Pickleball Aura is listed at 8 oz; RPM Friction Pro 14mm Elongated at 7.8 oz. At the low end of each listed range, the RPM Friction Pro 14mm Elongated is 0.2 oz lighter. How paddle weights compare across our catalog
- Core thickness. Friday Pickleball Aura has a 16mm core; RPM Friction Pro 14mm Elongated has a 14mm core, so the Friday Pickleball Aura core is 2mm thicker. What core thickness changes
- Face material. Friday Pickleball Aura lists its face as Carbon fiber; RPM Friction Pro 14mm Elongated lists CarbonBite Surface. Paddle face materials explained
Who each paddle is for
Friday Pickleball Aura
Best for 3.5+ players who prioritize control and reach who play with a balanced two-handed/one-handed mix. The elongated shape extends your reach at the kitchen line, the 16mm core gives you a soft touch window, and the face surface keeps spin honest without overdoing it.
Playing style: balanced
RPM Friction Pro 14mm Elongated
Best for intermediate players (3.5-4.5) looking for a balanced upgrade who play with a balanced two-handed/one-handed mix. The elongated shape extends your reach at the kitchen line, the 14mm core balances pop and control, and the face surface keeps spin honest without overdoing it.
Playing style: power
Both are great. Pick by playstyle, not specs.
Pick the Friday Pickleball Aura if…
- ✓you prize control on resets and dinks
- ✓you like reach at the kitchen line
Pick the RPM Friction Pro 14mm Elongated if…
- ✓you want a quick, hands-first paddle
- ✓you like reach at the kitchen line
More matchups with the Friday Pickleball Aura
More matchups with the RPM Friction Pro 14mm Elongated
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