Franklin C45 Dynasty & Tempo Paddle Review: New Shapes Same Paddle?
Franklin expands its C45 paddle lineup with the release of the Dynasty (elongated) and Tempo (standard) shapes, delivering lightweight, poppy paddles in both 14mm and 16mm cores. But do they live up to the original hybrid C45’s performance? Let’s dive in.
🚀 Franklin C45 Evolution: Now in Elongated and Standard Shapes
When Franklin first released the C45 Hybrid paddle, players loved its poppy feel and fast response—but many wanted it in more familiar shapes. Franklin listened. The C45 now comes in three shapes:
🟩 C45 Hybrid (original)
🟦 C45 Dynasty (elongated)
🟥 C45 Tempo (standard)
Even better, both the Dynasty and Tempo are available in 14mm and 16mm core thicknesses, giving players more control over their feel and performance.
✅ Pros: What Franklin Gets Right
1. Lightweight = Customizable & Arm-Friendly
All three shapes remain super lightweight, which is a win in two key ways:
🔁 More room to add lead tape without making the paddle feel sluggish.
💪 Easier on the joints, especially elbows and shoulders.
Even without added weight, the Dynasty and Tempo feel a bit more solid than the original Hybrid, which had noticeable dead spots stock. That’s a welcome improvement, though these both perform better with weight.
2. Fast Hands, Fast Play
The low swing weight and balanced construction make these paddles whippy and fast at the net. This speed combined with the paddle’s natural pop makes for lightning-quick hands battles and aggressive play.
3. Impressive Pop & Sneaky Power
These paddles bring plenty of pop and more power than you might expect. The 14mm Dynasty in particular is one of the poppiest paddles I've used recently. Serve speeds clocked in around:
Tempo: ~52 MPH
Dynasty: ~55 MPH
💡 Tip: The 16mm version dials back the pop slightly for better control.
⚠️ Cons to Consider
1. Weight Tuning Required
The lightweight setup means you'll likely want to add weight for optimal performance. While that's a plus for advanced players, less experienced players might not want to fuss with customization.
2. Price Point
At $229, these paddles aren’t the most expensive on the market—but they’re not budget either. You can use the code PickleballBlast to save 10%, bringing the price down to $207. Still, at this price, some players may hesitate.
3. Confusing Dimensions
The shapes are slightly nonstandard:
Dynasty (elongated) is 16.4" x 7.6"
Hybrid is 16.35" x 7.5"
Tempo (standard) doesn’t max out the legal size at 15.75” x 7.875”
This isn't inherently bad, but it's a little odd, especially when you’re choosing based on reach or power. The elongated and hybrid shapes are very close in dimensions, which could make decisions tricky.
🥇 My Top Pick: C45 Dynasty 16mm
After testing all the new versions, my personal favorite is the Dynasty 16mm:
✅ Good reach and power
✅ Still feels quick in hand
✅ Poppy, but not too hot to handle
✅ Great balance of control and aggression
The 14mm Dynasty is a close second and could become a favorite with more adjustment time, especially for players who like an ultra-aggressive playstyle.
📣 Got Questions?
Leave a comment or reach out! I’d love to help you out!
