A script-ready comparison of the 16mm elongated versions: what is actually different, who each paddle fits, and which claims should be tested on camera.
The Q2 is the immediate power-and-spin paddle. The Jade is the durable-spin alternative.
The paddles are unusually close in shape, weight, dimensions, and approval status. The meaningful differences are the face material, foam architecture, swing weight, and intended feel.
| Specification | RPM Q2 16mm Elongated | RPM Jade 16mm Elongated |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $249.99 | $269.99 |
| Shape | 16.5" × 7.5" elongated | 16.5" × 7.5" elongated |
| Average weight | 7.8 oz | 7.8 oz |
| Swing weight | 114 | 112 |
| Twist weight | 6.1 | 6.2 |
| Balance point | 248mm | 247mm |
| Grip | 5.5" handle · 4.125" circumference | 5.5" handle · 4.125" circumference |
| Core | Multi-zone EPP full-foam | MPP floating full-foam with EVA perimeter |
| Face | CarbonBite carbon surface | SICmatrix silicon-carbide surface |
| Approval | USAP PBCoR .43 | USAP PBCoR .43 |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime | Limited lifetime |
These are the elongated versions. The Q2 and Jade widebodies are substantially more forgiving and quicker at the kitchen because their wider faces carry higher twist weights and lower swing weights.
The Q2 uses a molded EPP foam core with integrated groove channels, TPU perimeter inserts, TPE neck inserts, and RPM's Axial Carbon Layup. The design goal is a firm, connected response with consistent flex and more stability across the face.
On court: expect more drive authority, serve pace, and plow-through. The 114 swing weight is slightly higher than the Jade's 112, but the tradeoff is somewhat more demanding hand speed.
The Jade uses an MPP floating foam core surrounded by soft EVA foam. Its headline feature is the SICmatrix silicon-carbide surface, designed to retain useful grit longer than ordinary textured faces.
On court: expect a slightly easier swing and a more controlled 16mm response. The key test is not whether it spins more when new, but whether it keeps its bite after months of play.
The Q2's CarbonBite surface is designed for high friction and strong immediate spin. One independent test recorded approximately 2,290 RPM on the Q2 elongated 16mm.
The Jade's SICmatrix surface is the durability story. Public independent testing has not yet established that the Jade produces more spin than the Q2 when new, so the defensible claim is about intended spin retention—not guaranteed higher RPM.
“The Q2 has strong measured spin right away. The Jade's advantage is supposed to be maintaining that spin for longer.”
Both full-foam builds avoid the traditional polypropylene honeycomb-core-crush problem. The Jade has the clearer surface-durability claim. Do not say its grit will never wear out; actual lifespan will depend on usage, balls, court surface, and cleaning.
Aggressive all-courtSinglesBaseline driver
Spin-firstAll-courtDurability-minded
You play mostly doubles, spend points at the kitchen, want more off-center forgiveness, or need faster hand speed. The widebody versions are the safer recommendation for many doubles players.
“RPM has two very similar-looking elongated foam paddles: the Q2 and the Jade. They share the same length, thickness, weight, and tournament approval—but they play toward two different priorities.”
“Both are 16mm elongated full-foam paddles. They measure 16.5 by 7.5 inches, weigh about 7.8 ounces, use a 5.5-inch handle, and are USAP-approved at PBCoR .43.”
“The Q2 uses RPM's CarbonBite carbon surface and a multi-zone EPP foam build. The Jade uses an MPP floating core with an EVA perimeter and the new SICmatrix silicon-carbide surface.”
Serve speedTopspin drivesSlices and rollsThird-shot dropsResetsCountersHand battlesOff-center hitsFatigueFace texture over time
“If you want maximum offensive punch for the money, get the Q2. If you already know you care about spin and hate watching a paddle's grit fade, the Jade is worth the extra $20. But if your priority is kitchen forgiveness, skip both elongated versions and look at the widebody models.”
We should not present these as settled facts until both paddles are tested side by side: whether Jade spins more when new; how long SICmatrix actually retains performance; whether the Q2 feels louder or firmer; whether the 2-point swing-weight difference is noticeable; and whether either paddle develops uneven feel over time.