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James Ignatowich plays the RPM Friction Pro — the flagship paddle from RPM Pickleball, the company he co-founded. It’s a switch from Selkirk, where he spent the earlier part of his pro career.
One of the most-followed players in the sport — and one of its most active paddle nerds — James Ignatowich is a constant search: what paddle does he use? As of the 2026 season, his gamer is the RPM Friction Pro, from his own brand.
I’m Jason Regan, a USA Pickleball Ambassador for North Central Massachusetts, tracking pro paddles across the tours.
What paddle does James Ignatowich use now?
Ignatowich plays the RPM Friction Pro, the headline model from RPM Pickleball — the brand he launched as a co-founder rather than a sponsored athlete. As the name (RPM — revolutions per minute) suggests, the paddle is built around spin and a lively, aggressive feel, which fits how Ignatowich actually plays: fast hands, heavy topspin, and a willingness to take the ball early and drive it. The Friction Pro was a Paddle of the Year finalist at The Dink’s awards, and Ignatowich has been public about iterating on the design, including moving manufacturing to sharpen the build. See it at RPM Pickleball → · Check Amazon →
Wait — didn’t he play Selkirk?
He did, and this is worth being straight about, because pro paddle situations change and not every source keeps up. Here’s what we’re going on:
- For the earlier part of his career, Ignatowich was a sponsored Selkirk pro, playing their Labs and Vanguard-era paddles.
- He then co-founded RPM Pickleball and moved to the brand’s own Friction Pro — going from endorsing a paddle to owning the company that makes it.
- Because it’s his own brand, this is about as stable as a pro-paddle answer gets: he isn’t going to sponsor away from a company he founded. If the model updates, we’ll update this page.
Why this paddle fits his game
Ignatowich is an aggressive, spin-first shot-maker who dictates with pace off both wings. A paddle engineered around grit and spin — with the pop to end points — is a natural match for a player who wins by pressuring opponents rather than out-patiencing them. It’s built for exactly the topspin-drive-and-attack style he’s known for.
Should you use his paddle?
A spin-forward, aggressive paddle rewards players who already generate their own topspin and want more bite and pop. If you’re still developing a reliable soft game, a more forgiving control paddle may serve you better first. Our best paddles guide helps you choose, our best spin paddles guide covers the grittiest options, and our full pro paddle list shows who plays what.
— Jason Regan, USA Pickleball Ambassador, North Central Massachusetts. Last updated September 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What paddle does James Ignatowich use?
As of the 2026 season he plays the RPM Friction Pro, the flagship paddle from RPM Pickleball, the brand he co-founded. He previously played Selkirk.
Did James Ignatowich leave Selkirk?
Yes. He was a sponsored Selkirk pro earlier in his career, then co-founded RPM Pickleball and moved to its Friction Pro paddle.
Is the RPM Friction Pro a spin paddle?
Yes. RPM stands for revolutions per minute, and the paddle is built around spin and an aggressive, lively feel that suits an attacking style.
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