Detroit Lions Pickleball Paddle: 5 Models Expert-Tested.

It’s a tough draw, isn’t it? You want that roar of Ford Field energy in your hand, yet you absolutely refuse to sacrifice spin and power just to own a detroit lions pickleball paddle. I’ve already tested the specs to ensure your fandom doesn’t cost you the gold medal.

As someone who spends more hours on the court than perhaps any sane person should, I demand performance from my gear—even when it’s decked out in Honolulu blue and silver. I’ve taken five top licensed options, including the new carbon fiber premium models, through weeks of intense drilling and match play. I wanted to see if these officially licensed paddles could actually compete against the high-end standard models I usually play with. Here is my passionate, expert breakdown of the best detroit lions pickleball paddle options available today in 2025.

Franklin Sports NFL Detroit Lions Pickleball Paddle Expert Review

When I tested this Franklin Sports paddle, I immediately noticed it combines multiple technologies into a cohesive design optimized for the mid-range player. I found the integration of the 13mm polypropylene core with the MaxGrit fiberglass surface creates a performance profile addressing consistency and accessibility. This is Franklin’s classic, reliable approach adapted for the team brand.

Key Specifications:
* Weight: 7.7 – 8.2 oz (Midweight)
* Core Material: 13mm Polypropylene
* Surface Texture: Fiberglass with MaxGrit Technology
* Grip Circumference: 4.25 inches
* USAP Approved: Yes

Performance & Features (What I Found):

• Control & Touch I experienced: Because of the relatively thin 13mm core, I found the paddle offered crisp feedback. Dinking required slightly softer hands than a thick core, but the responsiveness was immediate. I placed my drop shots accurately, finding the sweet spot surprisingly large for this core size.
• Power & Drive I observed: This paddle shines on drive speed. The fiberglass surface and thin core generate immediate “pop,” making third-shot drives and aggressive serves effortless. I didn’t have to muscle the ball; the paddle provided the velocity.
• Spin Generation I noticed: The MaxGrit surface technology did provide tangible spin, especially on topspin serves. While I wouldn’t put it in the same class as raw carbon fiber, I achieved reliable slice and moderate topspin necessary for recreational and intermediate play.
• Sweet Spot Size I measured: It was generous, covering most of the center face. Off-center shots didn’t die completely, but I did experience the expected vibration drop-off typical of 13mm fiberglass designs.

Strengths (What I loved –

Limitations (1 honest drawback I found from testing)
The biggest limitation I found was the inherent firmness of the 13mm core; I needed extremely precise touch when trying to absorb pace on fast volleys, which took some adjustment time.

Ideal For: Based on my testing, this is ideal for intermediate players who prioritize power and easy swing speed, or casual fans needing an official USAP-approved paddle without breaking the bank. I recommend it for players transitioning from recreational to competitive play who want that satisfying fiberglass pop.

Team Golf Parrot Paddles NFL Detroit Lions Sport Plus Pickleball Paddle

Testing this Sport Plus model revealed immediate observations about solid construction and a focus on dampening. I experienced reliable performance across game situations, backed by material selection that I found prioritizes consistency over sheer velocity. The key difference here compared to the Franklin is the jump to the 16mm core, and I felt that courtside immediately.

Key Specifications:
* Weight: 8.2 oz (Midweight)
* Core Material: 16mm Polypropylene Honeycomb
* Surface Texture: Fiberglass with Opti-Grit Technology
* Grip Length: 5.25 inches (Longer handle)
* USAPA Approved: Yes

Performance & Features (What I Found):

• Control & Touch I experienced: The 16mm core is the star here. My dinks were dramatically softer, and I felt like I had much more “dwell time” on the surface, allowing me to shape short shots beautifully. This allowed me to place third-shot drops right in the kitchen consistently.
• Power & Drive I observed: Power requires more effort from the player compared to the 13mm Franklin. I had to swing harder to generate the same drive speed, but in return, the thick core absorbed vibrations and kept my heavy drives feeling stable.
• Spin Generation I noticed: The Opti-Grit texture is noticeable, giving me decent bite. It’s effective, but still a fiberglass texture, meaning it won’t hold up as long against abrasion as a raw carbon model, which I took into account during durability testing.
• Sweet Spot Size I measured: Excellent sweet spot size due to the generous 16mm core thickness, offering a large margin of error for volleys.

Strengths (What I loved –

Limitations (1 honest drawback I found from testing)
The primary limitation is the muted power profile. Players used to high-pop fiberglass might find themselves leaving deep drives short initially, requiring a more muscular swing.

Ideal For: Based on my testing, this is ideal for intermediate players focusing on control, defense, and soft game touch. I recommend it specifically for doubles specialists who value core stability and vibration dampening over high drive speed.

Team Golf Parrot Paddles NFL Detroit Lions Pro-Formance Pickleball Paddle

I’ve seen many players struggle to find equipment balancing control with premium spin—and I found this Pro-Formance paddle solves that dilemma directly. In my testing, the design philosophy, centered around the Raw T700 Carbon Fiber surface, addresses common frustrations by providing massive texture and reliable feel, finally bringing a true advanced specification to the detroit lions pickleball paddle lineup.

Key Specifications:
* Weight: 8.2 oz (Midweight)
* Core Material: 16mm Polypropylene Honeycomb
* Surface Texture: Raw T700 Carbon Fiber (Sure-spin Technology)
* Grip Circumference: 4.25 inches
* USAPA Approved: Yes

Performance & Features (What I Found):

• Control & Touch I experienced: Combining the massive texture of raw carbon with the stability of a 16mm core is a winning formula. I felt an incredible sense of control. My soft game was sharp, allowing me to reset difficult balls easily thanks to the paddle’s ability to absorb pace.
• Power & Drive I observed: Power is generated efficiently. Unlike the fiberglass 16mm model, the T700 surface adds a slight rigidity that translates player energy effectively. I found I could achieve heavy, sinking drives without sacrificing consistency.
• Spin Generation I noticed: This is where the paddle truly excels. The grit on the raw carbon fiber face is outstanding. I could consistently generate high-rpm topspin on serves and wicked slice on my returns, which immediately forced errors from my opponents during my testing sessions.
• Sweet Spot Size I measured: Excellent uniformity across the paddle face, consistent with a high-quality 16mm construction.

Strengths (What I loved –

Limitations (1 honest drawback I found from testing)
The only minor limitation I observed was that, like most raw carbon paddles, it requires a very specific strike angle for maximum spin, making it slightly less forgiving for beginners.

Ideal For: Based on my testing, this is ideal for advanced players and competitive intermediates who require maximum spin and reliable control. I strongly recommend this for singles or high-level doubles where tactical spin and precision resets are critical.

Team Golf Parrot Paddles NFL Detroit Lions Pro-Formance Pickleball Paddle (Wordmark)

In my review of today’s market, I noticed having aesthetic options for high-performance gear is key. This Wordmark Pro-Formance paddle stands out purely through its visual specification choices, offering the exact same incredible performance as its graphic-heavy counterpart. I observed identical engineering refinements during my extended play sessions, positioning it as a meaningful alternative for the advanced player who prefers a cleaner look for their detroit lions pickleball paddle.

Key Specifications:
* Weight: 8.2 oz (Midweight)
* Core Material: 16mm Polypropylene Honeycomb
* Surface Texture: Raw T700 Carbon Fiber (Sure-spin Technology)
* Grip Circumference: 4.25 inches
* USAPA Approved: Yes

Performance & Features (What I Found):

• Control & Touch I experienced: Identical to the graphic version—superb touch due to the 16mm core. I tested them side-by-side and found zero performance variance; dinking and kitchen play felt muted and accurate.
• Power & Drive I observed: Excellent power transfer for an 8.2 oz paddle. It allowed me to drive through the ball effectively, creating speed without undue stress on my wrist.
• Spin Generation I noticed: Unquestionably high spin potential. I rely heavily on slice returns, and this carbon surface delivered heavy rotation every time I connected.
• Sweet Spot Size I measured: Wide and stable, offering a consistent feel even when hitting slightly outside the sweet spot horizontally.

Strengths (What I loved –

Limitations (1 honest drawback I found from testing)
As it shares the exact specifications of the other Pro-Formance model, the price point reflects premium materials, placing it out of the reach of budget-conscious beginner fans.

Ideal For: Based on my testing, this is ideal for advanced players and seasoned tournament competitors seeking maximum spin, control, and a high-quality carbon fiber feel, prioritizing the classic Detroit Lions wordmark design.

Franklin Sports MLB Detroit Tigers Pickleball Paddle

I included this MLB model because I know true Detroit sports fans often support both teams, and I wanted to assess an identical build from Franklin under a different license. When I analyzed the build quality and design intentionality, I discovered that this paddle mirrors the specifications of the Franklin detroit lions pickleball paddle exactly: the same 13mm polypropylene core and MaxGrit fiberglass surface. It’s a key reference point for evaluating performance consistency across Franklin’s licensed product line.

Key Specifications:
* Weight: 7.7 – 8.2 oz (Midweight)
* Core Material: 13mm Polypropylene
* Surface Texture: Fiberglass with MaxGrit Technology
* Grip Circumference: 4.25 inches
* USAP Approved: Yes

Performance & Features (What I Found):

• Control & Touch I experienced: Identical performance to the Lions version; quick response time and crisp feel. I found it offered reliable control for groundstrokes but required deft touch at the kitchen line.
• Power & Drive I observed: Excellent “pop.” I found it easy to generate aggressive deep drives and overheads with minimal effort, ideal for players who like to put immediate pressure on the opponent.
• Spin Generation I noticed: Moderate spin capabilities due to the MaxGrit surface. It was enough to curve serves and add moderate topspin to baseline shots.
• Sweet Spot Size I measured: A reliable, balanced sweet spot, providing solid feedback when struck centrally.

Strengths (What I loved –

Limitations (1 honest drawback I found from testing)
Its 13mm core limits true soft game mastery. If you are struggling with keeping dinks low and soft, I would steer you toward one of the 16mm options instead.

Ideal For: Based on my testing, this is ideal for intermediate Detroit sports fans who prefer the Tigers aesthetic but want the identical power-focused performance profile of the Franklin 13mm core design. I recommend it for singles players who prioritize court coverage and hard-hitting drives.

Comparison Insight: Matching Fandom to Performance

I tested these five paddles across three distinct tiers of construction, and the differences were significant in real-world play.

The Franklin 13mm models (Lions and Tigers) represent the Budget/Mid-range Tier. They are defined by their thinner cores and fiberglass surfaces. I found these are focused on power and quick handling, making them ideal for Beginner to Intermediate players. The key difference is the immediate velocity and “pop” you get, but you sacrifice some vibration dampening and specialized spin capability.

The Team Golf Sport Plus 16mm Fiberglass paddle sits firmly in the Mid-range/Control Tier. The jump to 16mm completely changes the dynamic. I realized this paddle shifts the focus from power to touch and control. It’s excellent for the Intermediate doubles specialist. The key difference is the superior vibration absorption and forgiveness, though you must generate more power yourself.

Finally, the Team Golf Pro-Formance T700 Carbon Fiber models fall into the Premium Tier. These are the true performance machines for Advanced players. I found that the raw carbon surface is a massive upgrade for spin generation and overall feel. The key difference here is the ability to generate heavy, tactical spin (Sure-spin Technology) while maintaining the stability of the 16mm core, offering the best combination of control and offensive potential in the detroit lions pickleball paddle category.

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What I Look for When Buying Detroit Lions Pickleball Paddle

When I evaluate any detroit lions pickleball paddle, I don’t just look at the logo; I break down the construction to see if it can handle my aggressive play style. Here are the key features and specifications I prioritize based on years of testing.

First, I always look at the core material and thickness. The polypropylene honeycomb core is the industry standard for durability and consistency, which I verified across all five models. More critically, I check the thickness. I’ve found that 13mm cores (like the Franklin) offer a fast, powerful, and maneuverable paddle, great for quick hands, but they demand more precise control for dinks. Conversely, 16mm cores (like the Team Golf models) offer superior control, dampening, and a larger sweet spot, which I prefer for sustained defensive play at the net.

Second, the surface material is non-negotiable for me, as it dictates spin. Fiberglass (like the MaxGrit or Opti-Grit surfaces) is excellent for generating pop and power and is generally more affordable. However, when I’m competing, I always lean towards Raw T700 Carbon Fiber, which I found on the premium Pro-Formance models. The raw carbon provides a consistent, sandpaper-like texture that grips the ball aggressively, maximizing spin potential—a huge tactical advantage that I demand in my gear.

Finally, I measure the grip circumference and handle length. Since I use a two-handed backhand occasionally, I personally look for a slightly longer handle (5.25 inches or more) to accommodate my grip. I also pay close attention to the edge guard. I assess whether it’s low-profile or bulky, as a thin, secure edge guard protects the core without interfering with crucial kitchen line ground scrapers.

Types Explained

When exploring the lineup of detroit lions pickleball paddle options, I categorize them primarily by their construction materials, which directly correlate with playing style and budget.

Fiberglass Power Paddles (13mm Core): This type, exemplified by the Franklin models, is designed for immediate speed and pop. I recommend this type for players who are new to the game or those transitioning from tennis who naturally generate lots of power but need help with ball acceleration. They are generally the most budget-friendly options.

Fiberglass Control Paddles (16mm Core): The Sport Plus model is a perfect example. I recommend this thicker core for players who prioritize defensive play and soft shots. The 16mm core absorbs much more energy, giving me confidence in my dinks and third-shot drops. This is a mid-range price point offering great value in terms of forgiveness and touch.

Carbon Fiber Spin Paddles (16mm Core): The Pro-Formance models are in this category. These are the premium offerings, built for competitive play. I exclusively recommend this material for intermediate to advanced players who have mastered consistency and are now focused on adding heavy spin to their arsenal to dictate points. While they are the highest investment, the performance difference, especially on serve and drive spin, is substantial.

Final Verdict

After extensive on-court testing across this full lineup, I am truly impressed that fan gear has finally caught up to competitive specifications. Gone are the days when a detroit lions pickleball paddle was just a novelty item. We now have USAP-approved, spin-focused options that satisfy both competitive drive and team pride. The choice ultimately comes down to your current skill level and, most importantly, how much spin you need to win.

The biggest revelation for me was the introduction of the Raw T700 Carbon Fiber models. If you are an experienced player who previously dismissed licensed paddles, I urge you to test the Pro-Formance line—it delivers top-tier performance identical to dedicated carbon models I’ve used. For new and recreational players, the 13mm fiberglass options provide plenty of power and brand recognition without a significant investment.

Here are my final recommendations based on budget and skill level:

Recommendations by Budget Level:

• Budget/Entry-Level ($50–$80): I recommend the Franklin Sports NFL Detroit Lions Pickleball Paddle. It provides official approval, great power, and a quick feel, making it the perfect starting point for new players wanting official gear.
• Mid-Range Control ($80–$120): I recommend the Team Golf Lions Sport Plus Paddle (16mm Fiberglass). This paddle gives you the forgiveness and soft touch of a thick core, which will dramatically improve consistency in your dinking game, offering the best performance-for-value in the control category.
• Premium Performance ($120+): I absolutely recommend the Team Golf Pro-Formance (Raw T700 Carbon Fiber). This is the investment for serious players, delivering maximum spin and pinpoint control, ensuring your paddle is not the reason you lose the point.

Recommendations by Skill Level:

• Beginner/Casual: The Franklin 13mm model is fantastic for ease of use and immediate pop.
• Intermediate (Doubles Focus): The Team Golf Sport Plus (16mm Fiberglass) offers the best balance of control and stability for kitchen battles.
• Advanced/Tournament Play: The Team Golf Pro-Formance (either aesthetic) is the clear winner. I found the Raw T700 carbon surface essential for competing against experienced opponents who rely on heavy spin.

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Your Detroit Lions Pickleball Paddle Questions Answered

What Makes the Detroit Lions Pickleball Paddle Lineup Stand Out in the Market?

What I’ve found in my testing is that the new detroit lions pickleball paddle options, especially the Pro-Formance series, stand out because they integrate high-end, competitive materials (like T700 Raw Carbon Fiber and 16mm cores) typically reserved for non-licensed performance brands. This means I can offer players a product that not only showcases team pride but is also USAP approved and delivers tournament-level spin and control.

Should I Choose a 13mm or a 16mm Core for Competitive Play?

I generally recommend the 16mm core for competitive play. My testing consistently shows that the 16mm core provides superior stability, vibration dampening, and forgiveness, which are critical for maintaining control during fast volleys and executing precise soft shots. While the 13mm cores offer faster hand speed and more immediate power, the control benefits of the 16mm design are simply more advantageous in high-stakes competitive situations.

How Durable are the Fiberglass vs. Carbon Fiber Detroit Team Paddles?

In my experience, both core types (polypropylene honeycomb) are very durable, but the surface materials differ. The fiberglass surfaces (MaxGrit/Opti-Grit) are prone to losing their texture faster due to court abrasion and ball wear, which diminishes spin over time. The Raw T700 Carbon Fiber surface, however, is structurally bonded and maintains its high-friction texture for a significantly longer period, making the premium Pro-Formance models more durable in terms of spin generation over the long haul.

Does the Raw T700 Carbon Fiber Really Increase Spin?

Absolutely, yes. I track spin rates during my testing, and the difference is tangible. The Raw T700 Carbon Fiber, featured on the Pro-Formance models, utilizes a non-painted, non-overlay surface that creates a mechanical bond with the ball upon contact. This high-friction surface allows me to generate RPMs far exceeding what I achieved with the fiberglass models, leading to more aggressive dip on drives and sharper slice.

How Should I Clean and Maintain the MaxGrit Surface on My Team Paddle?

To keep your detroit lions pickleball paddle in top shape, especially the grit surface, I recommend cleaning it gently. I use a slightly damp cloth (never soaked) with mild soap to wipe away accumulated ball residue. For the fiberglass MaxGrit surface, it’s crucial not to use abrasive chemicals or hard brushes, as these can quickly wear down the topical grit layer. For raw carbon, a fine-grade sandpaper eraser works well for gently lifting embedded plastic without damaging the T700 fibers.