Friday
Friday Aura Pro
The Friday Aura Pro is a 7.9-ounce, 16mm foam paddle with a carbon face and hybrid shape. It suits aggressive players who want strong power and spin with a more controlled response on softer shots.
Character from the specs · Balanced
Worked out from core thickness, weight, face and shape using general rules of thumb — not from a play test.
Is this paddle right for you?
4 quick questions, scored from the specs
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Overview
The Aura Pro uses a 16mm EPP foam core and T700 raw carbon fiber face. Its 7.9-ounce weight supports powerful swings without feeling excessively heavy. The hybrid shape gives it a balanced profile for players who want useful reach without choosing a fully elongated paddle. USA Pickleball approval makes it suitable for sanctioned play.
Reviewers describe a firm, crisp response with quick rebound, high power, and strong spin. Pickleheads also found a longer dwell time and a muted feel that helped with directional control. The foam construction gives the Aura Pro a distinctive response compared with conventional honeycomb paddles.
Play style
This paddle fits players who attack with drives, overheads, and fast counters. Reviewers consistently find substantial power and spin, while the 16mm core and foam construction make controlled placement more approachable than a purely pop-focused paddle.
It can also work for players developing a softer kitchen game, but it is not primarily a touch-first paddle. Choose it if you want strong power on full swings, quick rebound in hands battles, and enough dwell for directional control.
Best for
- Players moving up from a starter paddle who want more power
- Baseline players who hit aggressive drives and overheads
- Players who want strong spin from a raw carbon face
- Counterpunchers who prefer a firm, quick response
- Players wanting a performance paddle approved for sanctioned play
Look elsewhere if
- Players who want a soft, plush touch-first paddle
- Players who dislike loud, poppy foam-paddle feedback
- Players seeking the lightest possible paddle for fast hand speed
- Players who rely mainly on resets and delicate kitchen exchanges
Strengths
- High power for drives, overheads, and counters, according to multiple reviewers
- T700 raw carbon fiber face supports strong spin generation
- 16mm EPP foam core gives the paddle a firm response with some dwell
- 7.9-ounce weight balances swing power with manageable handling
- USA Pickleball approval supports use in sanctioned play
Things to consider
- Its power and pop may feel excessive if your priority is soft kitchen control
- The firm, crisp feedback may not suit players who prefer a plush feel
- The foam construction can produce a louder response than quieter control paddles
- Players wanting maximum reach may prefer a fully elongated paddle
- Players prioritizing quick hand speed may prefer a lighter paddle
Specs
| Brand | Friday |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7.9 oz |
| Core thickness | 16 mm |
| Core material | EPP foam |
| Face | Carbon fiber |
| Face material | T700 raw carbon fiber |
| Shape | Hybrid |
| USA Pickleball approved | Yes |
Not listed by the seller: length, width, handle length, grip circumference, handle.
Specs come from the seller's product listing and may be incomplete or change between batches. Double-check before you buy.
Sources
- Friday Aura Pro Review – Their New Pro-Level Foam Paddle for $159 | Pickleheads
- Friday Aura Pro – The Kitchen Pickleball
- Friday Aura Pro Review: Polymer-Like Foam Power Paddle
- Review: Breaking down the new Friday Aura and Aura Pro paddles – The Kitchen Pickleball
- Friday Aura Pro Elongated 16mm Review: Measured Specs
- Friday Aura Pro Paddle | Gen 4 (16mm) – Friday Pickleball