DinkSpec

Vatic Pro PRISM Flash 16 vs Friday Original 16

Our call: Vatic Pro PRISM Flash 16 (DinkScore 88 vs 84) — but the per-spec wins below can flip it for your game.

★ Our pick

Vatic Pro

PRISM Flash 16

best budget raw-carbon paddle

Spin4/5
Power3/5
Control4/5
Forgiveness4/5

Friday

Original 16

budget all-court starters

Spin4/5
Power3/5
Control4/5
Forgiveness4/5
Vatic Pro PRISM Flash 16 vs Friday Original 16 specification comparison
SpecVatic Pro PRISM Flash 16Friday Original 16
FaceRaw carbonRaw carbon
CorePolymer honeycombPolymer honeycomb
Thickness16mm16mm
ShapeStandardStandard
Weight7.9 oz8 oz
Swing weight ≈112113
Price bandUnder $100Under $100
Arm-friendlyYesNo

The verdict

Buy the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash 16 if you want the better overall package — it leads the DinkScore 88 to 84 and is the stronger fit for best budget raw-carbon paddle.

Buy the Friday Original 16 if its strengths match your game — it's built for budget all-court starters. Still torn? The Paddle Finder weighs the full database against your answers, not just these two.