RPM V2
Best mid-budget thermoform power paddle in 2026 — if you want the JOOLA/Selkirk-class build at half the price and can live with a smaller brand's customer support.
Playstyle
Reviewer's assessment on a 0–10 scale. Higher is more, not better.
- PowerServe + put-away speed9.0/10
- ControlTouch, resets, dink stability6.0/10
- SpinSurface grip + topspin potential8.0/10
- FeelDwell time + hand feedback5.0/10
Pros
- Thermoform construction at sub-$200 — uncommon at this price
- Elongated 16.5" shape gives standard reach with above-average put-away power
- Light at 8.1 oz for a power paddle
Cons
- TODO: verify edge-guard quality and spin durability with current production batch
- Smaller brand presence; less warranty support than Selkirk/JOOLA if you have an issue
- TODO: verify exact 2026 retail price — RPM is sometimes discounted below MSRP
Specs
| Brand | RPM |
|---|---|
| Price | $199.99 |
| Weight | 8.1 oz |
| Grip circumference | 4.25″ |
| Grip length | 5.5″ |
| Paddle length | 16.5″ |
| Paddle width | 7.5″ |
| Core thickness | 16 mm |
| Core material | polypropylene honeycomb |
| Surface | Raw carbon fiber thermoform |
| Shape | elongated |
| Playstyle | power, spin |
| Skill level | intermediate-to-pro |
Draft review. Specs reflect public-source category positioning for the RPM V2 line. Vincent has not personally tested this paddle; verify with current manufacturer spec sheet before publishing.
How it plays
The RPM V2 series is the brand's 2024–2026 flagship — thermoform construction at a price tier most thermoform paddles don't compete in. The elongated 16.5″ shape and ~8.1 oz weight target the same player profile as a Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Invikta, but at a third the price.
The Raw carbon fiber face is the brand's marketing focus. Reviewer-aggregator data from Pickleball Studio and similar sources places spin and power in the upper-quartile of paddles tested under $200 in 2025–2026.
Who it's for
Intermediate-to-pro players who want a thermoform power paddle without paying premium-brand markup. Especially good as a "second paddle" if you're not sure you want to commit $250+ to learn whether thermoform construction matters for your game.
What I'd skip it for
If you value brand support, warranty, or the resale value of a recognized name (Selkirk, JOOLA, Paddletek), the RPM trades that for price. If your game is touch-first, the muted feel of thermoform is going to fight you — pick the Engage Pursuit Pro1 Widebody instead.