Paddle of the Week Ep. 11 — The Paddle That Surprised Me & The Bag That Carried It All: POTW Episode 11 Breakdown

Introduction

Some weeks in gear testing are predictable—you know what will shine, what needs tweaking, and what probably won’t make the cut. Other weeks surprise you. Episode 11 was one of those weeks.

This lineup brought contrast. Not just between paddles, but between expectation and experience. I tested two new offerings from Franklin—the C45 Dynasty and C45 Tempo, both 14mm builds with the raw carbon look and thermoformed promise. I revisited the Friday Fever, a sub-$100 paddle that punches well above its price tag. And I spent serious time with Volair’s V.1F Hybrid, a paddle that wasn’t even on my radar a few weeks ago but may now be one of the most exciting all-court options available.

But it wasn’t just about paddles.

Two accessories stood out this week—not as afterthoughts, but as real performance tools. The ADV Pickleball Pro Bag redefined how I think about court storage and gear organization. And the Brioti FOCOS performance glasses changed how I see—literally and figuratively—the game I play nearly every day.

Some of what I tested this week felt off until I made adjustments. Some performed straight out of the wrapper. One paddle required a deep dive into customization to unlock its potential—and when it clicked, it clicked hard. Another, surprisingly, needed nothing.

If you’re new here, this is what we do: we talk gear. Real gear. I put paddles and accessories through their paces in drills, rec play, and competitive settings. Then I break down what worked, what didn’t, and—most importantly—why.

And before we jump in, a quick heads-up: if you’re trying to find the right paddle for your game, check out the Paddle Finder on mattspickleball.com. It now has over 230 paddles indexed and lets you filter by every characteristic I’ll mention today. If you’re not sure what’s best for your playstyle, use the tool—or reach out. I’m always happy to help.

Also, a shoutout to this episode’s sponsor, Bodhi Pickleball. If you haven’t tried their overgrips, speed caps, or tungsten tape yet, now’s the time. Use code MPB at checkout to save 15%.

Alright. Gear is prepped. Notes are logged. Let’s dive into what Episode 11 had to offer—and the gear that earned a permanent spot in my rotation.

Brioti FOCOS Glasses: Clarity That Doesn’t Flinch

I used to think protective eyewear was for other people—the ultra-cautious types, or maybe those playing at indoor rec centers with low ceilings and fast balls. I didn’t see the need, especially outdoors, where visibility and space seemed like givens. That changed the day a teammate of mine took a full-speed drive to the face.

We were at an early morning round robin—nothing high stakes, just a weekly run with a solid group. I was on the next court over when I heard it: the unmistakable pop of a mishit, followed by a thud and a sharp grunt. The ball had caught him right on the cheekbone, just inches below his left eye. No fractures, luckily—but it could’ve been worse. That moment stuck with me.

So when I came across the FOCOS glasses from Brioti, I decided to give them a shot—not just for protection, but out of genuine curiosity. What I found wasn’t just a safety tool—it was a performance upgrade.

These Aren’t Your Average Shades

Let’s get something clear: these are not sunglasses. They’re Z87+ certified impact-rated eyewear built for performance. That Z87+ rating isn’t just a sticker—it means these lenses can take a hit. A real hit. We’re talking about surviving a direct drive from a thermoformed paddle without cracking or popping out. That’s peace of mind in a fast-paced game where reaction time is often measured in milliseconds.

But Brioti didn’t stop at protection. What sets these glasses apart is their OGMENT lens technology. It’s not just branding—it’s a real optical enhancement. OGMENT filters specific wavelengths in the light spectrum, optimizing contrast between the ball and its background.

Real-World Use Case: Night Play Under LEDs

One of the best real-world tests came during a Friday night doubles session. The court was dimly lit, humid, and the air had that sticky heaviness that fogs up just about everything. Not ideal conditions for glasses, but I threw on the FOCOS anyway.

Within ten minutes, I forgot I was wearing them.

No fog. No slippage. And more importantly—no visual fatigue. The ball tracked cleaner through LED shadows, and the OGMENT Boost lens picked up subtle details in spin and speed I might have missed otherwise. That optical clarity under pressure? Huge.

The BrimTrim Difference

If you’re a cap-wearer like me, you’ll appreciate this: Brioti integrated a small but impactful feature called BrimTrim. It’s an angled top frame design that allows the glasses to tuck under your hat’s brim without pressing into your forehead or forcing awkward positioning.

Most glasses I’ve worn while wearing a cap either bump the brim or sit too low, blocking peripheral vision. The FOCOS avoided both. That kind of thoughtful design speaks to the level of testing and engineering they clearly put into this product. It’s not off-the-shelf eyewear rebranded for sport. It’s clearly built from the ground up with pickleball players in mind.

Fit, Feel, and Frame

The frame itself is made from STREX™ Nylon—a proprietary polymer that’s lightweight yet rigid enough to hold position even during quick cuts or head turns. I put them through their paces during several drills that had me scrambling at the kitchen, resetting low balls, and sprinting sideline to sideline. Not once did they slide.

Inside the nose bridge and temples, there’s enough flex to keep things comfortable without loosening their grip. Ventilation channels keep air moving, and anti-fog coating on the lenses did its job even when I was dripping sweat under a midday sun.

What Comes in the Box

Each pair comes with a molded protective case, a lens cleaning spray, microfiber cloth, and a pouch. Optional lenses are sold separately, and swapping them takes about ten seconds once you’ve done it a couple of times.

I’ve tested all three of their lens options:

• OGMENT 4D Shade: Mirrored, best for full sun. Great for hot, bright days with minimal cloud cover.
• OGMENT Boost: Light tint, perfect for overcast mornings or shaded courts.
• DINKUM+ Clear: Best for indoor play or nighttime sessions under LEDs. Blocks blue light without muting color.

Each lens offers its own tactical advantage, and if you play across varied lighting conditions, having all three is worth considering.

Final Verdict

Yes, they’re pricey—just over $200 with one lens. But these aren’t sunglasses from a big box retailer or some repurposed safety gear. These are purpose-built for pickleball: to protect your vision, enhance your perception of the game, and keep your focus locked in no matter the conditions.

If you play regularly—especially in tournaments or aggressive rec games—these are absolutely worth it. And when that inevitable ball comes flying toward your face? You’ll be glad you’re wearing them.

I’ll drop a link if you want to check them out, and as always, use code MPB at checkout to save a few bucks.

Franklin C45 Dynasty 14mm: A Paddle That Finds Its Voice—But Only If You Listen

Every so often, a paddle rolls into testing that’s more riddle than revelation. That was the Franklin C45 Dynasty 14mm for me. On paper, it looked like a winner—thermoformed body, dual-foam reinforcement, raw T700 carbon fiber face. Specs that would make any paddle junkie raise an eyebrow.

But the first few sessions? I’ll be honest: I didn’t get it. The C45 Dynasty in stock form felt like a high-performance car with no gas in the tank. It had the specs, the profile, the promise—but none of the payoff.

I took it through its paces during drills, live points, and tournament-style play. And the recurring feeling was frustration. Resets floated. Drives lacked conviction. Blocks felt flimsy. Even the sound was off—a kind of hollow “thunk” that didn’t match the aggressive look of the paddle in my hand.

From Skepticism to Commitment

Now, I’ve been here before. The original C45 Hybrid had a similar arc—it wasn’t until I added weight that it came alive. So rather than dismiss the Dynasty, I pulled out the tungsten tape.

Four strips. Four corners. Eight grams total.

What happened next was the turning point.

Suddenly, the paddle stabilized. The sweet spot expanded. Volleys found depth without needing full extension. Counter punches bit through the air with authority. And perhaps most importantly: I stopped second-guessing my technique. I could feel the feedback again. Not the harsh, jarring kind—but honest, actionable feedback that told me whether I was on time, squared up, and balanced.

Numbers Meet Feel

The C45 Dynasty clocks in at 7.9 oz stock, with a swing weight of 118.1. Twist weight? 6.05. That’s on the lower end for an elongated paddle, and it shows in stock form. There’s not enough torsional resistance to keep mis-hits from fluttering. Add weight, though—especially at all four corners—and that number doesn’t just shift. The paddle’s entire personality changes.

The added edge mass brought firmness and clarity to contact. Instead of the face collapsing slightly on hard hits, it held strong. Dwell time improved. Control sharpened. I started trusting it in hand battles, flick volleys, and last-second redirections—plays that had felt like a gamble earlier in testing.

This wasn’t just a tweak. It was a transformation.

Shot by Shot: What Improved

• Power: Stock, it hit 56.5 MPH on serves and 36.9 MPH on punch volleys—putting its firepower score at 69. Not bad. But with added weight, it wasn’t just about power output—it was power usability. I didn’t have to swing as hard to get depth. The paddle did more of the work. Third-shot drops gained shape. Drives carried through the court with more zip and less shoulder.
• Spin: Spin was never the issue. At 2269 RPM, this paddle has top-tier capability. The face isn’t overly gritty, but it’s real T700 carbon and it bites. And with more mass behind the ball? You can access that spin with confidence. Topspin rolls dipped in. Inside-out flicks gained precision. It’s a spin tool, no doubt.
• Stability: This is where the weight made the biggest difference. Stock, the paddle felt unpredictable—especially on off-center hits or counters under duress. Once weighted, it became calm in chaos. Mishits had structure. The paddle no longer twisted in my hand or gave mixed signals on touch shots.
• Feel: Let’s be clear: this isn’t a plush paddle. If you want the soft, velvety feel of a Selkirk Luxx, this isn’t it. What the Dynasty offers is honest feel. When it’s tuned right, the paddle gives you everything you need to shape shots without masking your mechanics. It’s firm, but not punishing. The sound? Still a bit snappy, but deeper. Fuller. More resolved.

Why This Paddle Matters

The Franklin C45 Dynasty 14mm isn’t built for everyone. If you want instant gratification or plug-and-play performance, there are more accessible options. But if you’re the kind of player who likes to tinker—who understands that a paddle can be shaped as much by the user as by the manufacturer—this one holds real potential.

It’s a paddle that rewards intentionality. It forced me to slow down, tune in, and build it into something I could trust. And once I did, it returned the favor.

I wouldn’t call it forgiving. I wouldn’t call it easy. But I’d call it worthy. Especially if you’re a power-first player who values control on counters and drives, and you’re willing to take the time to dial it in.

Final Thoughts

Out of the box, the C45 Dynasty 14mm is incomplete. That’s not a flaw—it’s a design choice. It gives you the foundation: premium materials, high spin potential, a strong shape. But it leaves the final step to you.

For me, that meant four strips of tungsten, a few hours of experimentation, and a willingness to reframe my expectations.

And the result? A paddle that earned a place in my bag—not because it dazzled out of the wrapper, but because it asked more from me, and gave more back once I met it halfway.

Coming up next: we’ll take a deep dive into the C45 Tempo—a paddle that talks fast but stumbles until you teach it to walk with purpose.

Final Thoughts: The Gear That Earned Its Place—and the Work It Took to Get There

If there’s one theme that ran through this week’s testing, it’s this: gear doesn’t always shine straight out of the box. Sometimes, the best-performing tools are the ones that ask for patience, for tuning, and for a little bit of belief before they give you their best.

The Franklin C45 Dynasty 14mm reminded me what happens when you meet a paddle halfway—add the right weight, tune the balance, and suddenly it goes from disappointing to indispensable. The Tempo 14mm followed a similar arc: jittery at first, surgical once settled. Both paddles, in their own way, reinforced that the best setups are often built, not bought.

Then there was the Friday Fever—a paddle that shouldn’t be this good at $99, but is. It’s a testament to how far Gen 3 tech has come, and how smart design and modest customization can unlock more value than expected.

But perhaps most compelling this week were the accessories. The ADV Pickleball Pro Bag turned court chaos into calm with its layout, comfort, and build quality—it didn’t just carry my gear, it streamlined my day. And the Brioti FOCOS glasses? They didn’t just protect my eyes—they sharpened my vision and helped me see the game differently, literally and metaphorically.

And the Volair V.1F Hybrid? Quietly, confidently, it became my top paddle of the week. It didn’t need tuning. It didn’t need flash. It just needed time in hand—and once it had that, it delivered performance I didn’t want to put down.

If you're trying to find the right paddle for your game, don’t forget to check out the Paddle Finder on my site—now updated with over 230 paddles, filters by performance traits, and curated recommendations based on how you actually play. If you’re still unsure or want a second opinion, reach out. DM, email, Discord—I answer every message.

Lastly, a huge thanks to this week’s sponsor, Bodhi Pickleball. Their overgrips, speed caps, and tungsten tape were part of every paddle setup I tested. Use code MPB at checkout to save 15% and support the work behind this testing.

That’s a wrap for Episode 11. Whether you’re here for the gear insights, tuning advice, or just the stories from the court—I appreciate you being here. See you next week.

If you’ve got feedback, test results of your own, or gear you want to see in a future POTW, drop it in the comments or ping me directly.

Until then—play clean, play smart, and keep shaping the game that shapes you.