RPM Jade Pickleball Paddle: Specs, Price and First Look
Explore the new RPM Jade pickleball paddle, including its full-foam core, silicon-carbide face, specs, price, release date, and ideal player fit.
The RPM Jade pickleball paddle is the newest addition to RPM Pickleball’s full-foam lineup. Built for power and spin, it pairs an MPP floating foam core with a silicon-carbide surface that RPM says is designed to keep its texture longer than conventional paddle faces.
The Jade is available in four configurations: 14mm and 16mm cores in elongated and widebody shapes. This first look focuses on the RPM Jade 16mm Elongated, the model players are most likely to consider when they want reach, plow-through, and a more controlled feel than a thinner power paddle.
See the RPM Jade 16mm Elongated paddle, current price, and preorder availability on RPM Pickleball.
Paddle image provided by RPM Pickleball and adapted for this article.
RPM Jade Paddle at a Glance
According to RPM’s published specifications, the Jade 16mm Elongated includes:
- Shape: Elongated
- Core thickness: 16mm
- Core: MPP floating full-foam core with a soft EVA foam surround
- Surface: SICmatrix silicon carbide
- Average weight: 7.8 ounces
- Swing weight: 112
- Twist weight: 6.2
- Length: 16.5 inches
- Width: 7.5 inches
- Grip length: 5.5 inches
- Grip circumference: 4.125 inches
- Balance point: 247mm
- Approval listed by RPM: USA Pickleball PBCoR .43
- Launch price: $269.99
- Expected preorder ship date: September 30, 2026
Those numbers describe a relatively lightweight elongated paddle with enough handle length for a two-handed backhand. A swing weight of 112 should keep it quicker than many head-heavy power paddles, although actual weight and balance can vary between individual paddles.
What Is New About the RPM Jade?
The Jade combines three named technologies: an MPP floating core, a SICmatrix surface, and an Axial Carbon Layup. Together, they are intended to deliver controllable power, ball pocketing, and durable spin.
Because these are RPM’s product claims rather than our own long-term test results, players should treat them as a construction overview—not a guarantee of on-court performance.
MPP Floating Full-Foam Core
Instead of relying on a conventional polypropylene honeycomb core, the Jade uses a floating MPP foam core surrounded by softer EVA foam. RPM says the design is intended to resist the dead spots and structural breakdown that can occur as some honeycomb paddles age.
Full-foam construction can also give a paddle a more connected response across the face. The softer perimeter may help support off-center contact and reduce harsh feedback, while the central foam can be tuned for energy return.
The important caveat is that “full foam” does not automatically mean soft. The Jade is positioned as a power paddle, and its feel will depend on the density of the core, face layup, break-in behavior, and the player’s swing.
SICmatrix Silicon-Carbide Surface
The most distinctive feature of the new RPM Jade paddle is its SICmatrix face. Silicon carbide is an extremely hard material, and RPM uses it to create what the brand calls “Tier 1 durable roughness.” The goal is not only high initial spin, but also a texture that keeps its bite after extended use.
That matters because a paddle can feel exceptionally gritty when new and then lose spin as its surface smooths. RPM says independent ball-cannon testing confirmed the Jade’s long-lasting roughness, but the brand does not publish all of that test data on the product page. Independent wear testing will be useful once the paddle reaches more players.
Axial Carbon Layup
RPM’s Axial Carbon Layup strategically aligns the carbon fibers beneath the hitting surface. The company says this improves dwell time, ball pocketing, stability, and energy transfer.
In practical terms, longer dwell time may help players feel the ball remain on the face slightly longer during topspin drives, roll volleys, drops, and resets. Whether that sensation feels plush or firm will be a matter of personal preference.
How the 16mm Elongated Shape May Play
At 16.5 inches long and 7.5 inches wide, the RPM Jade 16mm Elongated favors reach and leverage. It should appeal to singles players, former tennis players, and aggressive doubles players who attack from the baseline and look for extra reach at the kitchen.
The 5.5-inch handle leaves room for a two-handed backhand without making the paddle unusually long overall. Its published 112 swing weight suggests a balance between drive power and hand speed, while the 6.2 twist weight indicates less resistance to twisting than a typical widebody.
That creates a familiar elongated-paddle tradeoff:
- More reach and leverage on serves, drives, overheads, and passing shots
- A narrower hitting face than the Jade widebody
- Less forgiveness on balls contacted near the side edges
- Potentially more power from a full swing
- More demanding positioning during fast kitchen exchanges
Players who value the largest possible sweet spot should compare the elongated model with the RPM Jade Widebody before buying.
Who Is the RPM Jade Paddle For?
The RPM Jade 16mm Elongated may suit:
- Intermediate and advanced players who generate their own swing speed
- Players who prioritize topspin, slice, and roll volleys
- Former tennis players who prefer an elongated paddle and longer handle
- Aggressive all-court players who want power without choosing a 14mm core
- Buyers interested in durable-grit and full-foam paddle construction
It may be less suitable for beginners who need maximum forgiveness, players who strongly prefer a soft control paddle, or anyone who wants a budget-friendly upgrade. At its launch price, the Jade sits in the premium end of the pickleball paddle market.
14mm vs. 16mm RPM Jade
RPM offers the Jade in both 14mm and 16mm versions. In general, a thinner 14mm paddle is likely to feel quicker and more direct, with extra pop during counters and speed-ups. A 16mm paddle typically provides more stability, shock absorption, and touch.
Choose the 14mm Jade if you prioritize hand speed and a crisp response. Choose the 16mm Jade if you want a more composed feel for blocks, resets, and drops while retaining the line’s power-oriented construction.
These are general expectations based on core thickness. Players should look for independent measurements and on-court comparisons after the production paddles ship.
Is the RPM Jade Tournament Approved?
RPM lists the Jade 16mm Elongated as approved under USA Pickleball PBCoR .43. Tournament standards can change, and approval can vary by model, thickness, and sanctioning body. Competitive players should confirm the exact paddle name on the event’s current approved-equipment list before playing.
RPM Jade First-Look Verdict
The RPM Jade is an ambitious premium paddle for players who want three things at once: power, spin, and a surface engineered to retain its texture. Its floating full-foam construction and silicon-carbide face make it one of the more technically interesting new pickleball paddles of 2026.
The 16mm elongated model appears best suited to confident intermediate and advanced players who can take advantage of its reach and power. The central question is longevity: if the SICmatrix surface maintains useful spin through months of regular play, the Jade could justify its premium price better than paddles whose grit fades quickly.
Visit RPM Pickleball to compare all RPM Jade shapes, core thicknesses, prices, and availability.
If you are comparing construction types, read our guide to Gen 4 and full-foam pickleball paddles. You can also review the most important measurements in our guide to choosing a pickleball paddle.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the RPM Jade pickleball paddle come out?
RPM’s product page lists the Jade as a preorder scheduled to ship on September 30, 2026. Release timing and inventory can change, so confirm the latest estimate on RPM’s site.
How much does the RPM Jade cost?
The RPM Jade 16mm Elongated launched at $269.99. Check the manufacturer for current pricing, color options, discounts, and stock status.
Is the RPM Jade a full-foam paddle?
Yes. RPM describes the Jade as using an MPP floating full-foam core surrounded by soft EVA foam rather than a conventional polypropylene honeycomb core.
What surface does the RPM Jade use?
The Jade uses RPM’s SICmatrix silicon-carbide surface. RPM designed it to provide high spin with longer-lasting face texture.
Is the RPM Jade good for beginners?
It is positioned as a professional-level power paddle. A developing beginner may find a more forgiving widebody or control-oriented paddle easier to use and less expensive.
Specifications, price, approval status, shipping dates, and availability can change. Confirm current details with RPM Pickleball before purchasing.
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