When Friday Pickleball launched the Aura Pro, it set a new baseline for what players should expect from a Gen 4 full-foam power paddle. Built with a dual-foam core, raw T700 carbon fiber face, and Friday's patent-pending ElasTECH internal perimeter weighting system, the Aura Pro delivers explosive pop while retaining an astonishingly forgiving sweet spot.
However, choosing the right paddle isn't just about core technology—it’s about shape. The Aura Pro is available in three distinct shape profiles: Elongated, Widebody, and Hybrid. Here is a breakdown of how each profile performs on the court so you can select the perfect weapon for your playstyle.
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| Metric | Elongated | Hybrid | Widebody |
+----------------+---------------------+-------------------+-------------------+
| Dimensions | 16.5" x 7.5" | 16.375" x 7.625" | 16.0" x 8.0" |
| Average Weight | 8.0 oz (227g) | 7.9 oz (224g) | 7.9 oz (224g) |
| Swing Weight | 116 (High Reach) | 112 (Balanced) | 108 (Fast Hands) |
| Twist Weight | 6.15 | 6.40 | 6.80 (Max Sweet) |
| Best For | Drives & Overheads | All-Court Play | Kitchen Resets |
+----------------+---------------------+-------------------+-------------------+
1. The Elongated Profile (16.5” x 7.5”)
The Profile: Longer, narrower, and weighted toward the tip. This is the most popular profile for players coming from a tennis background who naturally leverage full arm swings.
- Swing Weight: 116
- Twist Weight: 6.15
- On-Court Performance: Generates maximum leverage and head speed. Your baseline drives will carry deeper, serves will pack extra heat, and overhead smashes are lethal.
- The Trade-Off: A slightly higher swing weight means faster hands are required at the net, and the sweet spot is concentrated higher up the face.
2. The Widebody Profile (16.0” x 8.0”)
The Profile: Shorter and wider with maximum surface width. Designed specifically for players who prioritize hand speed, defense, and consistency.
- Swing Weight: 108
- Twist Weight: 6.80
- On-Court Performance: Boasts the highest twist weight in the lineup, making off-center hits remarkably stable. The low swing weight allows lightning-fast kitchen hand battles and effortless block resets.
- The Trade-Off: You give up about a half-inch of reach compared to the elongated shape.
3. The Hybrid Profile (16.375” x 7.625”)
The Profile: The best-of-both-worlds shape. It trims a fraction of an inch off the elongated length to widen the mid-section.
- Swing Weight: 112
- Twist Weight: 6.40
- On-Court Performance: Offers a smooth transition between power and speed. You retain nearly all the reach of an elongated paddle while gaining noticeable speed during fast volley exchanges at the kitchen line.
- The Verdict: If you are unsure which shape to buy, the Hybrid is the safest, most versatile choice for all-court double play.
Order your USAPA-approved Friday Aura Pro directly from pkbrsports.com with fast UK delivery.