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Pro Kennex Black Ace 16mm vs RPM Friction Pro Widebody 16

On published specifications these two are very close. Every derived index sits within 8 points, which is inside the margin of an estimate built from spec sheets. Choose on price, handle length, or whichever brand you can demo.

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Specification comparison of Black Ace 16mm and Friction Pro Widebody 16
Spec
Pro Kennex Black Ace 16mm pickleball paddle
Pro KennexBlack Ace 16mm
RPM Friction Pro Widebody 16 pickleball paddle
RPMFriction Pro Widebody 16
Price (MSRP)Manufacturer Spec$280.00$249.99
PowerDerived3436
ControlDerived6871
SpinDerived7985
ForgivenessDerived6567
Swing weight indexDerived2833
Core thicknessManufacturer Spec16 mm16 mm
Face materialManufacturer SpecToray carbonRaw carbon
Core materialManufacturer SpecPolypropylene honeycombPolypropylene honeycomb
ShapeManufacturer SpecWidebodyWidebody
LengthManufacturer Spec15.9"15.9"
WidthManufacturer Spec8"8"
Handle lengthManufacturer Spec5.3"5.5"
Static weightManufacturer Spec7.81 oz7.92 oz
Balance pointDerived20.7 cm20.9 cm
ThermoformedManufacturer SpecNoNo
USAP approvedManufacturer SpecYesYes
ReleasedManufacturer Spec20252025

These two are hard to separate

Every derived index is within a few points. Our scores come from spec sheets, and spec sheets can't capture feel — at this margin the honest answer is that you should demo both rather than trust a number.

Analysis

Where they actually differ

Only differences big enough to matter are listed. Anything inside the margin of an estimate is left out.

Face
Toray carbon against Raw carbon — the main driver of the spin difference.
Price
RPM Friction Pro Widebody 16 is $30 cheaper at MSRP.
Pro Kennex Black Ace 16mm pickleball paddle

Choose the

Pro Kennex Black Ace 16mm

  • You prefer the brand or the feel

No retailer links for this paddle yet.

RPM Friction Pro Widebody 16 pickleball paddle

Choose the

RPM Friction Pro Widebody 16

  • Budget matters — it's $30 less

No retailer links for this paddle yet.

Also consider

Other paddles in this range