Franklin C45 Pickleball Paddle Review: Lightweight poppy powerhouse
The Franklin C45 is a hybrid paddle designed for aggressive players seeking speed and power. Weighing between 7.6 and 7.9 ounces, it’s lightweight and responsive, making it ideal for those who want quick reactions at the net. But, while it has several things working in its favor, there are a few areas that need tweaking to unlock its full potential. Let’s dive in and see if the Franklin C45 could be your next go-to paddle.
Franklin C45: Key Features and Specs
Core: 14mm, hybrid core with thermoformed design
Weight: Static weight between 7.6 to 7.9 ounces
Swing Weight: 104
Twist Weight: 5.6
Handle Length: 5.7 inches
Handle Circumference: 4.3 inches
Price: $229 (discounts may be available, use code PickleballBlast when active)
Things I Love About the Franklin C45
1. Speed at the Net
The first thing you’ll notice with the Franklin C45 is its fast hand speed. The swing weight of 104 is incredibly low, which translates to quick reactions during fast-paced net play. If you’re someone who thrives in hand battles, you’ll appreciate how agile this paddle feels in your hands.
2. Responsive Feel and Power
Despite being lightweight, the Franklin C45 offers a solid, stiff feel. The linear power ensures that you get exactly what you put into your shots, especially during big swings. The responsive nature makes it a great choice for players who want to stay connected to their paddle, particularly in aggressive exchanges.
3. Excellent Power and Pop
When it comes to power, the Franklin C45 shines. It delivers ample pop for quick counters and hand battles. The power at the net is solid in its stock form, but adding weight enhances this feature significantly. With weight added, the paddle unlocks full power potential, making it more dangerous from the baseline as well as on putaways.
Optimizing the Franklin C45: Adding Weight
While the Franklin C45 is playable in its stock form, adding weight is where the paddle truly excels. If you’re willing to experiment, you can enhance the paddle’s performance and unlock a fuller, more stable feel. With weight added, it becomes even more powerful, offering a more substantial sweet spot and increased plow-through on your swings.
However, adding weight does reduce some of the paddle’s hand speed at the net. So, if speed is your priority, you may prefer to play it lighter, especially for quick net play and soft shots. But if power and stability are key for you, adjusting the weight to your preference will give you a more robust paddle.
What Needs Improvement
1. Spin: Average Performance
While the Franklin C45 offers decent spin, it doesn’t stand out compared to other paddles on the market. If spin is a key part of your game, you might find it lacking compared to some of the higher-end options. That being said, you can still shape shots reasonably well, but it’s not the best choice if you’re looking for exceptional spin.
2. Quality Control and Longevity Concerns
The biggest concern with the Franklin C45 is the quality control and potential longevity issues. My paddle has some minor cosmetic flaws, like a non-flush edge guard, which could be a sign of future issues. Other reviewers, like Chris from Pickleball Studio, have experienced paddle faces separating from the edge guard over time. Though these could be isolated issues, they’re worth considering before making a purchase, especially with the paddle's premium price point.
Who Should Buy the Franklin C45?
The Franklin C45 is ideal for aggressive players who want a quick, responsive paddle that can pack a punch when needed. Its low swing weight makes it perfect for net play and fast exchanges, but to truly unlock its power, you’ll want to experiment with adding some weight.
Players who enjoy tweaking their paddle setup to match their style will get the most out of the Franklin C45. If you’re not interested in experimenting with weight, you can still enjoy it as a lightweight, poppy paddle, but it may not reach its full potential without adjustments.
Final Thoughts
The Franklin C45 is a fun, fast paddle that works well for aggressive players, especially those who like to play at the net. With its low swing weight, power, and pop, it’s a solid choice for singles and doubles players alike. Just keep in mind that quality control could be a concern, and you may need to add weight to unlock its full power.
At $229, it’s on the pricier side, but with the potential to dial in your setup, it’s definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a paddle that can adapt to your style.
