Best Franklin Pickleball Paddles

Best Franklin Pickleball Paddles — quick answer

My top 5 picks, ranked, with the measurement that sets each one apart:

  1. 1. Franklin C45 14mm — spin 2252 rpm (camera-measured)
  2. 2. Franklin C45 Tempo 16mm — spin 2291 rpm (camera-measured)
  3. 3. Franklin C45 Dynasty 16mm — spin 2245 rpm (camera-measured)
  4. 4. Franklin C45 Parris Todd 13.25mm — spin 2166 rpm (camera-measured)
  5. 5. Franklin C45 Hayden Patriquin 16mm — spin 2245 rpm (camera-measured)

How these paddles are measured

The C45 Line ($229)

  1. 1. Franklin C45 14mm — Serve speed 60.1 mph (radar-gun tested, 45th percentile) · Spin 2252 rpm (camera-measured, 47th percentile) · Twist weight 5.7 (4th percentile) · Static weight 7.5 oz (1st percentile) · Swing weight 106 (6th percentile) · Core 14 mm · Price $229
  2. 2. Franklin C45 Tempo 16mm — Serve speed 59.8 mph (radar-gun tested, 36th percentile) · Spin 2291 rpm (camera-measured, 81st percentile) · Twist weight 6.5 (55th percentile) · Static weight 7.8 oz (9th percentile) · Swing weight 103 (2nd percentile) · Core 16 mm · Price $229
  3. 3. Franklin C45 Dynasty 16mm — Serve speed 60.1 mph (radar-gun tested, 45th percentile) · Spin 2245 rpm (camera-measured, 45th percentile) · Twist weight 6.1 (19th percentile) · Static weight 7.9 oz (31st percentile) · Swing weight 118 (75th percentile) · Core 16 mm · Price $229
  4. 4. Franklin C45 Parris Todd 13.25mm — Serve speed 59.9 mph (radar-gun tested, 38th percentile) · Spin 2166 rpm (camera-measured, 18th percentile) · Twist weight 5.6 (2nd percentile) · Static weight 7.5 oz (1st percentile) · Swing weight 101 (1st percentile) · Core 13 mm · Price $230
  5. 5. Franklin C45 Hayden Patriquin 16mm — Serve speed 60.1 mph (radar-gun tested, 45th percentile) · Spin 2245 rpm (camera-measured, 45th percentile) · Twist weight 6 (16th percentile) · Static weight 7.9 oz (27th percentile) · Swing weight 116 (60th percentile) · Core 16 mm · Price $230
  6. 6. Franklin Anna Leigh Waters Signature C45 Aurelius 16mm — Serve speed 59.9 mph (radar-gun tested, 38th percentile) · Spin 2269 rpm (camera-measured, 57th percentile) · Twist weight 6.2 (29th percentile) · Static weight 7.6 oz (2nd percentile) · Swing weight 100 (1st percentile) · Core 16 mm · Price $230

Frequently asked questions

Do Franklin C45 paddles really need weighted tape?
That's definitely a preference, but in my opinion...yes, most of them. Every C45 plays light stock and the lighter builds are unstable on off-center contact until you add tape to the corners or sides. Half a gram per inch is the starting point. The Dynasty 16mm is the most playable stock; the Parris Todd and Aurelius 12.7 need it the most.
Is the C45 worth $229 next to a JOOLA or Six Zero at the same price?
It depends on what you value. On raw power and spin numbers, the JOOLA Hyperion and Six Zero Coral out-measure the C45. On hand speed and the double-thermoform durability build, Franklin wins. It is a maneuverability-and-longevity paddle, not a firepower paddle.
What paddle does Anna Leigh Waters use?
Right now she plays on the C45 Hybrid and Dynasty builds. Her signature Aurelius was developed early in the platform and she dialed in her setup across the lineup during certification. The Aurelius still measures out as a legitimate light, quick paddle in its own right.
Which C45 should I buy first?
For most players, the Hybrid 14mm or the Dynasty 16mm. The Hybrid if you want fast hands and all-court balance, the Dynasty 16mm if you want reach and the most stability without tuning.
Are Franklin C45 paddles legal for tournaments?
Yes. The C45 line carries both UPA-A and USAP certification.
Which paddle on this list has the highest measured spin RPM?
Franklin C45 Tempo 16mm — 2291 rpm, camera-measured on the same protocol as every other paddle I test.
Which paddle on this list has the fastest measured serve speed?
Franklin C45 14mm — 60.1 mph, radar-gun tested.
What is the cheapest paddle on this list?
Franklin C45 14mm at $229.