Gearbox Pressure X 8E Elongated 16mm vs RPM Pickleball Friction Pro Elongated V2
Both paddles are scored using the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model. RPM Pickleball Friction Pro Elongated V2 takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
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Quick answer
RPM Pickleball Friction Pro Elongated V2 wins this matchup for most players: it takes spin, control, forgiveness and value on Paddle DNA against the Gearbox Pressure X 8E Elongated 16mm, which costs $279.99.
Power
Too close to call
92 vs 91
Spin
RPM Pickleball Friction Pro Elongated V2
94 vs 88
Control
RPM Pickleball Friction Pro Elongated V2
86 vs 82
Forgiveness
RPM Pickleball Friction Pro Elongated V2
84 vs 80
Hand speed
Too close to call
Not verified — incompatible or unavailable measurements
Value
RPM Pickleball Friction Pro Elongated V2
$249.99 at IQ 86.3 vs $279.99 at IQ 82.7
Overall pick: RPM Pickleball Friction Pro Elongated V2 · $249.99 · IQ 86.3
Paddle DNA head-to-head
Estimated scores: the Gearbox Pressure X 8E Elongated 16mm Paddle DNA is our estimate from published specs, not a sourced profile.
- 91Power92
- 82Control86
- 88Spin94
- 80Forgiveness84
- 81Sweet spot86
- 82Stability88
- 73Maneuverability72
- 89Pop88
- 81Touch82
- 82Consistency86
- 75Swing weight80
- 78Twist weight86
- 60Launch angle60
- 88Plow through88
- 78Softness74
Gearbox Pressure X 8E Elongated 16mm vs RPM Pickleball Friction Pro Elongated V2 specs
Every spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | Gearbox Pressure X 8E Elongated 16mm | RPM Pickleball Friction Pro Elongated V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $279.99 | $249.99 — better |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 82.7 | 86.3 — better |
| Weight(oz) | 8 | 7.9 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 16 | 16 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | Not verified | 117 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | Not verified | 6.5 |
| Shape | elongated | elongated |
| Face length(in) | 16.5 | 16.5 |
| Face width(in) | 7.375 | 7.5 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4 | 4.125 |
| Surface | UD tapered carbon fiber with SpinLock system | CarbonBite raw carbon with Axial Carbon Layup |
| Core material | SSTCore Micro Cell EPP/XPOP foam with SST 2.0 carbon ribs | Tri-Density honeycomb core with EVA foam ring |
Gearbox Pressure X 8E Elongated 16mm verdict
A premium yellow Elongated+ foam-and-carbon-rib design at $279.99. Choose it for Gearbox’s construction and grip fit, not an assumed numerical swing-weight or spin win. Comparable swing/twist measurements are unverified; every DNA trait is an editorial estimate.
RPM Pickleball Friction Pro Elongated V2 verdict
The James Ignatowich signature build is an unapologetic attack paddle: 16.5 in of reach, a grippy CarbonBite face and a tri-density core that launches drives without giving up the sweet spot the first V2 lacked.
The verdict
Comparable swing and twist measurements are not verified for both paddles. DNA scores are estimates, not laboratory results; compare construction, fit and price rather than a numerical inertia winner.
Which one is right for your level?
Each call below re-weights the Paddle DNA traits that matter at that level, so the winner can differ from the overall pick.
Which one should you buy?
Gearbox Pressure X 8E Elongated 16mm
Players who prefer Gearbox’s Pressure X construction and can demo the exact 8E before paying a premium
Read the Gearbox Pressure X 8E Elongated 16mm review →RPM Pickleball Friction Pro Elongated V2
Aggressive singles and drive-first players
Read the RPM Pickleball Friction Pro Elongated V2 review →Where to Buy
Gearbox Pressure X 8E Elongated 16mm
RPM Pickleball Friction Pro Elongated V2
Gearbox Pressure X 8E Elongated 16mm vs RPM Pickleball Friction Pro Elongated V2 FAQ
- Can these swing and twist weights be compared?
- Not yet. One paddle lacks verified compatible catalog inertia. Retailer-scale readings are shown separately and excluded from numerical comparisons.
Related comparisons
The other matchups shoppers open in the same session as this one.
- CRBN⁴ TruFoam Barrage vs RPM Friction Pro Elongated V2
- 11SIX24 Ultré Power 2 vs RPM Friction Pro Elongated V2
- Pressure X 8E Elongated 16mm vs Spitfire Elongated 16mm
- Friction Pro Elongated V2 vs CRBN-1X Power Series
- Friction Pro Elongated V2 vs Coral Pro
- Friction Pro Elongated V2 vs Q2 Elongated 16mm
- Pressure X 8E Elongated 16mm vs Labs Project 006
- Pressure X 8E Elongated 16mm vs Labs 008 Project 16
Also worth comparing
Head-to-heads that share DNA with this matchup — useful if you're still deciding between shapes, cores or price tiers.
- Pressure X 8E Elongated 16mm vs Spitfire Elongated 16mm
- Pressure X 8E Elongated 16mm vs Loco 16mm Hybrid
- Pressure X 8E Elongated 16mm vs Q2 Elongated 16mm
- Pressure X 8E Elongated 16mm vs Oni 16
- Friction Pro Elongated V2 vs Ultré Power 2
- Friction Pro Elongated V2 vs 1X TruFoam Power
- Friction Pro Elongated V2 vs Agassi Pro 16
- Friction Pro Elongated V2 vs Hyperion Pro V 16
Top alternatives to both
Paddles that beat one of these two on a specific trait or on price.
Guides featuring these paddles
Still deciding? These buying guides put Gearbox Pressure X 8E Elongated 16mm and RPM Pickleball Friction Pro Elongated V2 in context against the rest of the database.
Read the full reviews: Gearbox Pressure X 8E Elongated 16mm and RPM Pickleball Friction Pro Elongated V2. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.