By Coach Paul — Head Coach at ThePickleballHubUK & Littleport Aces
One of the most common questions I get at demo days is the same one I hear in coaching sessions and DMs every week:
"Which RPM paddle should I choose?"
The honest answer is: it depends on your playing style, whether you play more singles or doubles, and what characteristics you value most in a paddle. Having tested the full RPM range and watched players of all levels use them on court, here's my complete breakdown of the four paddles — and which one is right for you.
Quick Answer: The RPM Range at a Glance
- Ryan Fu Signature 14mm — The Spin & Speed Specialist
- James Ignatowich Signature 16mm — The Reliable All-Court Performer
- Q Series 14mm — The Singles Beast
- Q Series 16mm — The Complete Package (my top pick overall)
Ryan Fu Signature 14mm — The Spin & Speed Specialist
The Ryan Fu Signature is built for players who love to play fast. Its thinner 14mm core delivers excellent responsiveness, making it a fantastic choice for hand battles, counters and aggressive shot-making.
Best For
- Advanced doubles players
- Fast hands specialists
- Players who create their own power
- Aggressive counter-attackers
Strengths
- Exceptional spin potential from the raw carbon surface
- Fast through the air for quick swings
- Lightning reactions at the kitchen line
- Excellent for speed-ups and counters
Coach Paul's Verdict
"If you love speeding up play, countering attacks and creating heavy spin, this paddle is an absolute weapon."
👉 Shop the Ryan Fu Signature 14mm
James Ignatowich Signature 16mm — The Reliable All-Court Performer
The James Ignatowich Signature offers more stability and forgiveness than the Ryan Fu model. The thicker 16mm core absorbs pace beautifully and gives you excellent control during longer rallies — perfect if you're the player who likes to dictate from the kitchen.
Best For
- Competitive doubles players
- Control-focused players
- All-court competitors
- Players wanting consistency above all
Strengths
- Stable in hand battles
- Excellent, forgiving sweet spot
- Predictable, repeatable feel
- Strong control on resets, dinks and drops
Coach Paul's Verdict
"A rock-solid paddle that does everything well. If you want control, stability and confidence in every rally, this is your paddle."
👉 Shop the James Ignatowich Signature 16mm
Q Series 14mm — The Singles Beast 🏆 Best RPM Paddle for Singles
The Q Series 14mm is the most explosive paddle in the RPM line-up. Designed for players who want maximum power, speed and put-away ability — if you take the initiative and finish points, this paddle was made for you.
Best For
- Singles players
- Tennis converts
- Aggressive competitors
- Players who love attacking
Strengths
- Explosive power on drives and smashes
- Fast and lively feel through every swing
- Huge put-away potential
- Outstanding attacking capability
Coach Paul's Verdict
"If you want maximum pop, speed and finishing power, this is the paddle you want in your hand."
Q Series 16mm — The Complete Package 🏆 Best Overall RPM Paddle
If someone asked me to choose one RPM paddle that does everything exceptionally well, this would be it. The Q Series 16mm combines stability, forgiveness, power and control better than any other paddle in the range.
Best For
- Competitive doubles players
- Tournament players
- All-court players
- Anyone wanting one paddle that can do it all
Strengths
- Massive, forgiving sweet spot
- Outstanding stability in hand battles
- Effortless resets and drops
- Power when you need it
Coach Paul's Verdict
"If someone asks me for one RPM paddle that does everything exceptionally well, this is the paddle I hand them first."
Coach Paul's Final Rankings
- 🥇 Q Series 16mm — Best Overall RPM Paddle
- 🥈 Q Series 14mm — Best Singles Paddle
- 🥉 Ryan Fu Signature 14mm — Best Fast Hands & Spin Paddle
- 4️⃣ James Ignatowich Signature 16mm — Best Control & Stability Option
How to Choose the Right RPM Paddle for Your Game
- Play fast? Look for spin, pop and a faster swing weight → Ryan Fu 14mm or Q Series 14mm
- Need control? Choose more stability and a larger sweet spot → James Ignatowich 16mm or Q Series 16mm
- Play doubles? Focus on control, consistency and forgiveness → Q Series 16mm
- Play singles? Go for power, speed and explosiveness → Q Series 14mm
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best RPM paddle for doubles?
The Q Series 16mm is my top pick for competitive doubles. Its massive sweet spot, stability and control on resets make it the most reliable paddle for the dinking and hand-battle game that defines doubles.
What's the best RPM paddle for singles?
The Q Series 14mm is built for singles. The explosive power and pop let you dictate from the baseline and finish points — perfect for tennis converts and aggressive players.
14mm or 16mm — which thickness should I choose?
A 14mm core gives you a faster, livelier, more responsive feel — better for power and quick hands. A 16mm core absorbs pace, gives a larger sweet spot and offers more control — better for resets, dinks and consistency.
Can I try an RPM paddle before I buy?
Yes. At ThePickleballHubUK we offer demo paddles so you can experience the differences yourself before making a decision. Just get in touch to arrange yours.
Do you ship RPM paddles across the UK?
Yes — we offer free UK shipping on every RPM paddle, dispatched fast from our UK stock.
Final Thoughts from Coach Paul
The good news is there isn't a bad paddle in the RPM range. Each model has a clear purpose and appeals to a different type of player. If you're unsure which RPM paddle is right for you, I always recommend trying them side-by-side.
At ThePickleballHubUK we offer demo paddles so you can experience the differences yourself before making a decision.
- 🏓 Demo before you buy
- 🇬🇧 Free UK Shipping
- 📩 Need advice? Get in touch and I'll help you find the right paddle for your game.
