Franklin Pro Pickleball Paddle: Authoritative Court Test Report

The first thing I look for is the kinetic feedback—that unmistakable hollow power Franklin manages to inject into their polypropylene cores. After years competing with their flagship models, I can confidently say the latest generation of the franklin pro pickleball paddle maintains its reputation as the most spin-friendly performance paddle available under $100. My goal here is to cut through the marketing noise and share exactly what I found after extensive court time with their top-tier offerings, focusing on the details that truly matter to advanced players seeking a competitive edge. I have put these paddles through high-stakes tournament simulation, and the results are incredibly compelling.

My Performance Review of the Franklin Pro Pickleball Paddle Lineup

I spent over three months rigorously rotating through Franklin’s premium lineup across singles and doubles play, analyzing everything from reset touch to drive stability. Here are my detailed findings on the models that truly impressed me.

Franklin Sports Pro Pickleball Paddles – Signature Series Pro Paddle (16mm Core)

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When I tested this Signature Series paddle, I immediately noticed how Franklin engineers integrated multiple technologies into a cohesive design focused on dampening. I found the pairing of the thick 16mm polypropylene core with the fiberglass face creates a performance profile that addresses the advanced player’s need for control without sacrificing the classic Franklin power delivery. The weight, typically ranging from 7.9 – 8.3 oz, sits perfectly in the mid-heavy category, which I prefer for stability at the net.

Key Specifications:
– Weight: 7.9 – 8.3 OZ (Mid-Heavy)
– Grip Circumference: 4.5″ (Larger Profile)
– Core Material: 16mm Polypropylene
– Surface Texture: MaxGrit Fiberglass
– Paddle Dimensions: 16.5″ L x 7.5″ W

Performance & Features (What I Found):
The thicker 16mm core is the star here. I experienced exceptional absorption during the soft game. Dinking felt plush and predictable; I could really trust my dropshots to stay low and die just over the net. Power is adequate, certainly enough for effective overheads, but this is clearly tuned for control players. The MaxGrit surface is aggressive, providing excellent traction, which helped me consistently impart heavy topspin on my drives and serves. I noticed the large 4.5″ grip circumference gave me fantastic leverage and reduced vibration significantly, protecting my elbow during long testing sessions.

Strengths
I loved the exceptional sweet spot size and consistency I measured across the face. The massive dampening capabilities make this one of the quietest and most comfortable franklin pro pickleball paddle models I’ve used.

Limitations
The 16mm core, while superb for control, required me to exert slightly more effort for third-shot drives compared to thinner carbon models.

Ideal For: Control Dominance: Based on my testing, I recommend this model for competitive doubles players who prioritize reset ability and soft game mastery, or those who need superior shock absorption in a mid-heavy frame.

Franklin Sports Pro Pickleball Paddles – Signature Series Pro Paddle (13mm Core, Gold)

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Putting the 13mm Signature Gold in my hand felt immediately faster; I experienced a noticeable jump in swing speed during my first warm-up session. I found that reducing the core thickness dramatically shifts the power dynamic, creating a distinctly crisp, responsive feel that begs for aggressive play. The lighter weight, typically 7.5 – 8 oz, coupled with the 13mm polypropylene core, really came alive during fast hands battles at the NVZ.

Key Specifications:
– Weight: 7.5 – 8 OZ (Mid-Light)
– Grip Circumference: 4.25″
– Core Material: 13mm Polypropylene
– Surface Texture: MaxGrit Fiberglass
– Swing Weight: 116 kg/cm2 (High Power potential)

Performance & Features (What I Found):
This paddle is pure kinetic energy. The dwell time is shorter than the 16mm, translating into significant pop for driving deep into the court. I found my serves gained immediate velocity, and my two-handed backhands felt effortless to accelerate. While the MaxGrit surface still gives me phenomenal spin generation, I had to dial back my touch shots slightly—the ball rockets off the face faster, demanding more disciplined technique during dinking exchanges. The 4.25″ circumference is snappy and perfect for quick transitions.

Strengths
The raw power and maneuverability I observed were outstanding. This is the fastest swinging franklin pro pickleball paddle in the Signature Series, allowing for incredibly fast blocks and counter-attacks.

Limitations
I noticed a slight reduction in overall sweet spot size and forgiveness compared to its thicker counterpart.

Ideal For: Aggressive Singles Players: I recommend this for players seeking maximum paddle speed and easy power delivery, especially those who rely on fast hands and deep, penetrating drives.

Franklin Sports Pro Pickleball Paddles – Signature Series Pro Paddle (13mm Core, Blue)

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I’ve seen many advanced players struggle to find a fiberglass paddle that truly maximizes power without excessive vibration—I found that the 13mm Blue model solves this balance directly. Franklin’s design philosophy here clearly focuses on harnessing the core’s stiffness for ballistic speed while maintaining the beloved MaxGrit spin profile. In my testing, the composition addresses common power frustrations through strategic weight distribution and the snappy 13mm core.

Key Specifications:
– Weight: 7.5 – 8 OZ
– Grip Circumference: 4.25″
– Core Material: 13mm Polypropylene
– Paddle Shape: Standard Elongated
– Twist Weight: 6.95 kg/cm2 (Decent stability for a thin core)

Performance & Features (What I Found):
Performance-wise, I found this identical to the Gold 13mm model, confirming the consistency in Franklin’s manufacturing specifications across different colorways. My focus here was on durability assessment during extended competitive play. The fiberglass face held up well to repeated drilling and fast play, maintaining the grit I needed for slice and topspin consistency. I appreciated how easily I could manipulate the ball on low-velocity shots due to the MaxGrit technology, making dropshots surprisingly effective despite the core’s power emphasis.

Strengths
The speed off the face is addictive. I consistently generated more pace on my third-shot drives than with most other fiberglass paddles I’ve tested in this price bracket.

Limitations
Like the Gold version, I had to be very precise on soft shots, as the thin core lacks the inherent forgiveness of 16mm paddles.

Ideal For: Spin and Velocity: I recommend this paddle for the high-intermediate to advanced player who loves the feedback and feel of fiberglass but needs max power capability for winning points at the baseline.

Franklin Sport Pro Pickleball Paddles – FS Tour Dynasty Pro Player (14mm Polymer Core)

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In my review of today’s high-performance paddle market, I noticed the FS Tour Dynasty stands out through its shift to T700 raw carbon fiber—a significant comparative advantage over the Signature Series’ fiberglass. I observed engineering refinements during my extended play sessions, positioning this franklin pro pickleball paddle as a meaningful upgrade for spin enthusiasts who demand a softer, control-oriented touch than fiberglass allows. The 14mm core thickness is the optimal sweet spot for balanced play.

Key Specifications:
– Weight: 8 – 8.4 oz (Mid-Weight)
– Grip Circumference: 4.3″
– Core Material: 14mm Polymer Core
– Surface Texture: T700 Raw Carbon Fiber
– Construction: Foam Injected Perimeter/One-Piece

Performance & Features (What I Found):
This paddle is the epitome of the modern control paddle. The raw carbon surface offered me substantially more grit than the MaxGrit fiberglass, allowing me to rip sidespin serves and heavy topspin rolls with ease. The 14mm core provides a lovely blend: enough control to absorb pace at the net, but enough responsiveness to drive the ball through the court. The high-density foam perimeter injection enhanced the sweet spot size dramatically—I felt virtually no dead spots, even closer to the edges. This one-piece construction felt rock solid when I needed to block power volleys.

Strengths
The T700 carbon face provides industry-leading spin generation and phenomenal consistency. I found the enhanced perimeter stabilization makes this paddle exceptionally reliable during fast kitchen battles.

Limitations
I noticed the elongated shape (16.5″) sometimes felt slightly less quick than standard shape paddles during overhead exchanges, despite the moderate weight.

Ideal For: Modern All-Court Player: I strongly recommend this for advanced players transitioning from fiberglass who demand elite spin performance and enhanced structural stability for tournament play.

Franklin Sport Pro Pickleball Paddles – FS Tour Dynasty Pro Player (16mm Polymer Core)

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The build quality of the 16mm FS Tour Dynasty immediately communicated design intentionality: this paddle is built to be a velvet hammer. I found that Franklin specifically paired the highly textured T700 carbon face with a thick core and foam perimeter to achieve maximum forgiveness and vibration dampening. The resulting feel is incredibly soft, allowing me to focus entirely on precision and spin placement.

Key Specifications:
– Weight: 8.5 – 8.8 oz (Heavy)
– Grip Circumference: 4.3″
– Core Material: 16mm Polymer Core
– Surface Texture: T700 Raw Carbon Fiber
– Paddle Dimensions: Elongated, 5.6″ handle

Performance & Features (What I Found):
This is the ultimate control franklin pro pickleball paddle in the lineup, in my opinion. The added mass (up to 8.8 oz) provides fantastic stability, which I leveraged heavily when resetting hard drives. The 16mm core eats up pace; my dinks and drops were incredibly soft, minimizing pop-ups. Despite the focus on control, the raw carbon face ensures that spin generation remains elite. I experienced deep penetration on slice serves because the heavy weight drives the ball forward after I imparted the heavy spin.

Strengths
The massive weight and thick core combine for unparalleled defense and control. I found the high mass effectively reduced twisting on off-center hits.

Limitations
The heavier weight profile required adjustment time, and I noticed it was slightly slower to accelerate on lightning-fast hands exchanges than lighter models.

Ideal For: Defensive Control Specialists: I highly recommend this to advanced doubles players who play primarily at the net, focusing on absorbing heavy pace, patient dinking, and maximizing spin placement.

Franklin Sports PRO Pickleball Paddles – C45 Carbon Fiber Series (14MM Blue Hybrid)

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The C45 tells a story of technological commitment, emphasizing a double thermoforming process that maximizes structural integrity. I was immediately intrigued by the 45-degree angled T700 carbon surface, which Franklin claims enhances grit consistency. The combination of this unique carbon application with the PowerFlex 14mm polymer core indicates a focus on providing enhanced pop within a control-oriented thermoformed structure, which I found fascinating during my first power baseline tests.

Key Specifications:
– Weight: 7.6 – 7.9 oz (Light-Mid)
– Core Thickness: 14mm PowerFlex Polymer Core
– Surface Texture: T700 Carbon Fiber (45-degree application)
– Construction: Double Thermoformed Unibody
– Swing Weight: 104 (Fastest Swing Weight in the Carbon Line)

Performance & Features (What I Found):
This paddle is explosive, surprisingly so given the 14mm core. The double thermoforming creates a stiffer, more responsive feel than the FS Tour line. I felt a “trampoline” effect on drives, leading to easier power generation than I anticipated from a control-oriented core. Crucially, the 45-degree carbon surface lived up to the hype—I experienced superb bite on the ball, consistently enabling aggressive cut shots and deep lobs. The lighter weight and low swing weight (104) make this the most whippy and fastest franklin pro pickleball paddle in their high-end carbon lineup.

Strengths
I found the blend of speed, power, and high spin potential to be exceptional. The premium grip absorbed shock beautifully, and the thermoformed construction feels incredibly durable.

Limitations
The increased stiffness from the thermoforming process meant I noticed slightly less touch and dampening than with the non-thermoformed 16mm FS Tour model.

Ideal For: Power Spinters: I recommend this for competitive singles or aggressive doubles players who value maximum hand speed, high spin capability, and the robust feel of thermoformed construction.

Franklin Sports PRO Pickleball Paddles – C45 Carbon Fiber Series (16MM RED Dynasty)

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I view the 16mm C45 Dynasty as the ideal bridge for advanced players who appreciate the control of a thick core but are looking to incorporate the modern power benefits of thermoforming. When I put this paddle to the test, I found it married the raw speed of the thermoformed construction with the inherent forgiveness of the 16mm core. This combination delivers potent power without the demanding precision often associated with thinner power paddles, making it surprisingly accessible for advanced players transitioning to modern tech.

Key Specifications:
– Weight: 7.6 – 8.0 oz (Mid-Weight)
– Core Thickness: 16mm PowerFlex Polymer Core
– Surface Texture: T700 Carbon Fiber (45-degree application)
– Construction: Double Thermoformed Unibody, Elongated Shape
– Swing Weight: 116 (High power, balanced by thick core)

Performance & Features (What I Found):
This paddle offers the best defensive integrity in the C45 series. The 16mm core absorbs heavy drives effortlessly, and the foam-encased structure keeps the paddle stable. When I needed power, the stiffness of the thermoformed construction provided a noticeable boost—I didn’t have to swing as hard as I did with the non-thermoformed 16mm FS Tour to generate comparable pace. My control over dinks was excellent, benefiting from the carbon surface’s texture and the thick core’s dampening, making it very effective for controlled offense.

Strengths
I found this paddle offers an outstanding balance of control, durability, and accessible power, making the benefits of thermoforming usable in the soft game.

Limitations
Due to the blend of high swing weight (116) and thick core, it required slightly more wrist strength during prolonged fast-hands exchanges compared to the lighter C45 14mm.

Ideal For: Balanced Competitive Play: I recommend this to advanced players who want maximum stability and control while having high-performance power reserves for drives and overheads; perfect for high-level doubles where consistency is key.

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Comparison Insights: Differentiating the Franklin Pro Pickleball Paddle Models

Having tested all three core Franklin Pro series—Signature (Fiberglass), FS Tour (Traditional Carbon), and C45 (Thermoformed Carbon)—I can clearly delineate their target performance profiles. The Signature Series is Franklin’s legacy line; I find its defining characteristic is the lively pop and powerful feedback inherent to the fiberglass surface, making it the highest velocity option for players who enjoy a crisp feel and prioritize ball speed over extreme spin. Within the Signature models, the shift from 13mm to 16mm dictates the control level: I recommend 13mm for power-forward play and 16mm for maximum touch and dampening.

Moving to the FS Tour Series, I observed a dramatic increase in spin generation due to the T700 raw carbon face. These paddles prioritize control and plush feel; the one-piece, foam-injected design delivers stability but maintains a softer, more forgiving response than the thermoformed models. If you crave elite spin and maximum dampening, particularly in the heavy 16mm configuration, the FS Tour is my choice.

The cutting-edge C45 Series represents the integration of modern thermoforming technology. I found these paddles feel inherently stiffer and significantly more powerful than the FS Tour models of the same thickness. The C45’s unique 45-degree carbon surface gave me slightly better spin retention over the life of the paddle compared to standard carbon faces. I recommend the C45 14mm for advanced players seeking lightning-fast hand speed and aggressive power, while the C45 16mm offers that same stiffness and power but balances it with the stability needed for defensive tournament play.

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What I Look for When Buying Franklin Pro Pickleball Paddle

When I evaluate a franklin pro pickleball paddle, especially for advanced players, I look beyond the flashy graphics and focus strictly on specifications that directly translate into competitive advantage.

I prioritize several key features that I’ve found matter most:

• Core Material and Thickness: I immediately check the core type (Polypropylene vs. Polymer) and thickness (13mm, 14mm, or 16mm). For the soft game, 16mm is my baseline; if I’m searching for pure velocity, I pivot toward the 13mm or 14mm options. I find Franklin’s polymer cores in the FS Tour and C45 series offer superior dampening compared to the older polypropylene found in the Signature series.
• Surface Composition: This is critical for spin generation. I compare Franklin’s proprietary MaxGrit (fiberglass) against their T700 raw carbon fiber. If spin is my priority, the carbon fiber models are non-negotiable, as they consistently offer greater ball-grabbing texture than the fiberglass.
• Mass and Swing Weight: I look for paddles in the 8.0 oz range or slightly heavier, as I require the stability for counter-punching power shots. I personally track the listed swing weight (SW): lower SW models (like the C45 14mm at 104) confirm that the paddle will feel faster in hand, which is crucial for quick volleys.

Types Explained

Franklin segments their high-end franklin pro pickleball paddle line primarily by technology, which I have categorized into three distinct types based on material composition:

• Type 1: MaxGrit Fiberglass (Signature Series): These are traditionally lively and powerful paddles. I recommend this type for players who have excellent control mechanics and want a crisp, energetic feel off the paddle face, often preferred by those transitioning from tennis. They are also generally the most budget-friendly performance option Franklin offers.
• Type 2: T700 Traditional Carbon (FS Tour Series): These paddles are built for control and massive spin. I recommend this type for advanced players who play patiently and rely on heavy topspin and finesse over raw speed. The foam-injected perimeter is a huge plus for court stability, and I find the non-thermoformed construction provides maximum touch at the net.
• Type 3: T700 Thermoformed Carbon (C45 Series): This is the high-performance, power-focused segment. I recommend these for the most aggressive players who need the stiffness and power derived from the unibody construction but still require elite spin capability. The thermoformed structure is exceptionally durable, which I’ve found beneficial during rigorous tournament preparation.

My Final Verdict on the Franklin Pro Pickleball Paddle Lineup

Having meticulously tested every high-end franklin pro pickleball paddle model, I can confirm that Franklin has successfully transitioned from being known primarily for their excellent value/performance paddles to being a major contender in the elite, raw carbon market. The consistent quality across the FS Tour and C45 lines is impressive, demonstrating a serious commitment to advanced player needs. They offer a comprehensive range, ensuring that whether you prioritize power, defensive control, or maximum hand speed, there is a specialized Franklin model tailored to your exact demands. The only general limitation I found across the brand is that their fiberglass Signature Series, while a great value, simply cannot compete with the level of raw spin generated by modern raw carbon fiber paddles—a necessary trade-off for budget-conscious players.

Key Strengths I Observed:

• Elite Spin Generation: The T700 raw carbon faces (FS Tour and C45) deliver spin capabilities comparable to any premium brand I have tested.
• Excellent Value in the Signature Line: For players seeking power and responsiveness under $100, the Signature franklin pro pickleball paddle models are industry leaders.
• Specialized Core Options: I appreciate the clear distinction between 13mm, 14mm, and 16mm cores, allowing precise tuning for power or control.
• Structural Integrity: The thermoformed C45 series and the foam-injected FS Tour models exhibit outstanding stability and durability under pressure.

Notable Limitations:

• Fiberglass (MaxGrit) spin, while good, quickly lags behind the raw carbon models in adverse conditions.
• The thicker 16mm models, particularly the FS Tour, can feel slightly sluggish in highly reactionary, fast-hands situations.

Who Should Buy Franklin Pro Paddles?

I strongly recommend the Franklin Pro lineup to advanced players who demand high-performance features but appreciate the established reputation and often competitive pricing Franklin offers compared to smaller boutique brands. If you are an all-court player seeking the ultimate balance of spin and forgiveness, the 14mm FS Tour Dynasty is my top recommendation. If you are a high-level singles player or an aggressive driver, I suggest the lightning-fast 14mm C45 Hybrid.

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The following comparison table is inserted automatically by the system.

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Your Franklin Pro Pickleball Paddle Questions Answered

What Are the Franklin Pro Pickleball Paddle That Advanced Players Prefer?

Based on the feedback I gather from my testing group and my own competitive experience, advanced tournament players tend to prefer the Franklin FS Tour Series (14mm or 16mm) for its exceptional spin and control, or the Franklin C45 Series for its increased power and thermoformed stiffness. The choice between them depends entirely on whether the player prioritizes plush control (FS Tour) or aggressive pace (C45).

How Does the MaxGrit Surface Technology Affect Spin?

The MaxGrit surface technology, primarily found on the Signature Series, is a specialized abrasive coating applied to the fiberglass face. In my testing, I found it provides good initial friction and is very effective for imparting moderate spin (slice and topspin) on the ball. However, MaxGrit tends to be slightly less durable and generates less overall rotation than the T700 raw carbon fiber surfaces used on the FS Tour and C45 models.

Is the 13mm or 16mm Core Better for Power Shots?

In my experience, the 13mm core is unequivocally better for generating raw power. The thinner core allows the ball to compress against the backing material more quickly, resulting in a higher exit velocity and a crisper feel. The 16mm core, by contrast, absorbs much more energy, reducing vibration and increasing control but requiring more swing effort to achieve maximum pace.

What is the Difference Between the FS Tour and C45 Series?

The primary difference lies in the construction process. The FS Tour utilizes a traditional, non-thermoformed build with a foam-injected perimeter, offering maximum dampening and a softer feel optimized for control. The C45 Series uses a double thermoformed (unibody) construction, resulting in a stiffer, more durable paddle with enhanced power and a slight “pop” off the face, making it better suited for aggressive driving.

How Do I Maintain the Fiberglass Surface of my Franklin Paddle?

I recommend regularly cleaning the fiberglass surface of your Franklin Signature Series paddle with a mild soap and water solution, using a soft cloth or brush. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, as these can degrade the MaxGrit coating over time. Crucially, always store your paddle in a protected case when not in use to prevent scuffing and grit degradation.