Friday Aura Pro Metallic Pickleball Paddle

Overview

Summary

Friday describes the AURA PRO as the power half of its AURA pairing, and the description fits. It is a high-performance paddle in the brand’s fourth generation, built from a full-foam core, a carbon frame and an internal weighting system designed to give attacking players a loud, poppy and decisive feel. When you drive or counter, the paddle makes a sharper sound and sends the ball off faster than you would expect from a paddle that still feels controlled at the net.

Three technologies stand out. The first is the ElasTECH internal perimeter weighting system, which is patent-pending and moves mass to the edges to enlarge the sweet spot and stabilise contact. The second is a Quad-Foam core, made from four layers of foam that deliver a firm ball feel, high bounce and a good ability to steer the ball and add spin. The third is a blow-molded carbon frame that has been thermoformed twice, a manufacturing approach borrowed from squash and padel, which makes the paddle stiffer and more durable under heavy use.

The Metallic colourways, such as Eclipse, Terra, Lunar and Pink Blackout, are cosmetic variations of the same construction, and several other special editions exist.

Strengths

• Explosive power. The paddle is built to finish points and punish short balls.
• Larger effective sweet spot. The internal perimeter weighting improves stability on off-centre hits.
• Durable frame. The double-thermoformed carbon construction resists the stress of aggressive play.
• Spin-friendly. The foam core and textured face help players shape the ball in attack.
• Striking looks. The metallic finishes stand out and hold their appeal.

Weaknesses

• Loud and lively. Players who prefer a quiet, muted paddle may find the sound and pop too much.
• Less forgiving of weak technique. It rewards decisive swings more than hesitant ones.
• Not a soft-touch specialist. The AURA (non-Pro) version is the more controlled alternative.
• Price level. The metallic and limited editions can cost more than the base model.

Who it is for

Advanced and aggressive intermediate players who want a modern full-foam paddle with plenty of pop and a stable frame. It suits doubles players who counter-attack from the kitchen, and singles players who want more weight in their drives. Players who mainly rely on soft dinks might prefer the standard AURA.

Specifications

Buying note. Friday releases many colourways and kits under similar names. Check that the edition on your order is the Metallic version of the AURA PRO and not the standard AURA.

Looking for more? Browse our Friday pickleball paddles or the full range of pickleball paddles.