Franklin Sports PRO Pickleball Paddles – C45 Carbon Fiber Series - Official USAP + UPA Approved – Pro Player Design
Best for
Best for power
Amazon rating
Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score
Based on 1 trusted source
Current price
$229.99
Updated May 17, 2026 · 1 min read
Sources behind this verdict
10 reviewers weighted by source trust
The consensus
What reviewers found
Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.
Across the reviewers we read, the Franklin C45 is the power-leaning standout in this pool. A dedicated r/Pickleball thread titled 'the Franklin C45 is an annoyingly great 8.5/power' paddle praises its solid feedback, dwell time and spin, and a follow-up thread describes 'near edge-to-edge sweet spot; probably the largest one of any 14mm paddle I've owned.' Specialist site pickleballstudio.com adds that the paddle feels firm and stiff while letting the ball sink in more than typical stiff paddles, an unusual combination. The consensus crack in the verdict is durability.
What reviewers liked
- r/Pickleball community describes one of the largest 14mm sweet spots they've encountered
- Strong consensus on power and pop across community and specialist sources
- Surface dwell time praised for spin generation despite a stiff overall feel
- Light for a 14mm paddle, accommodates lead-tape customization
Where it falls short
- Multiple r/Pickleball threads document fast durability degradation
- Surface grit reported as 'not all that gritty' relative to the price tier
- $230 price is hard to swallow given documented short life cycles
- 4.2 Amazon rating is the lowest among premium paddles in this pool
Across the reviewers we read, the Franklin C45 is the power-leaning standout in this pool. A dedicated r/Pickleball thread titled 'the Franklin C45 is an annoyingly great 8.5/power' paddle praises its solid feedback, dwell time and spin, and a follow-up thread describes 'near edge-to-edge sweet spot; probably the largest one of any 14mm paddle I've owned.' Specialist site pickleballstudio.com adds that the paddle feels firm and stiff while letting the ball sink in more than typical stiff paddles, an unusual combination.
The consensus crack in the verdict is durability. An r/Pickleball thread explicitly titled 'Franklin C45 Parris Todd durability issues' includes a user reporting they 'have gone through countless C45s' and that it's 'the best paddle on the market for the first 5 days.' That's a serious caveat for a paddle at this price point, and it's reflected in the 4.2 Amazon average across 155 reviews, lower than the inflated 4.8s on this list.
For players who prioritize drive power, speedups and a forgiving 14mm sweet spot, the trust-weighted evidence supports the C45. Just budget for replacement cycles.
- Unrivaled Strength
- The C45 paddle is constructed using a double thermoforming process designed to maximize the integrity of the paddle by enhancing the structure — not once, but twice — which increases the strength of the unibody design and helps to reduce vibration
- 45 Degree Carbon Surface
- The T700 Carbon Fiber peel ply texture is applied at a 45 degree angle to provide a natural, consistent texture throughout the entire paddle face, which maximizes grit and spin potential and allows players to increase shot precision and control
- Powerflex Core
- Our special PowerFlex 14mm polymer core is crafted with premium precision and an inner foam layer that gives players extra pop on their shots while also providing the paddle with additional structural integrity
- Superior Grip
- The C45 grip is made from a high-quality wrap designed with proper absorption capabilities and a premium tacky grip to greatly reduce paddle vibration and ensure that players maintain the strongest grasp possible
- Usap/Upa Approved
- Approved by both USA Pickleball and the United Pickleball Association for competitive play. Overall Specs: 16.4" inches (L) x 7.6" inches (W) – 5.6" inch handle length – 4.3" inch handle circumference – 7.5 - 7.9oz weight – 14mm thick core - Elongated Shape - Swing Weight: 114 – Twist Weight: 6.2
The Franklin C45 feels like a better Mod. Solid feel and feedback, equally good dwell and spin from said dwell (surface is not all that gritty) and a ...
The C45 with perimeter weighting has a near edge to edge sweet spot; probably the largest one of any 14mm paddle I've owned or hit with.
Trust tier reflects our editorial assessment of the source, not the individual quote. Hover for the rationale. See how we tier sources →
“C45 Carbon Fiber Series” · Official USAP + UPA Approv
If the consensus convinced you
Check current price on Amazon
Pricing and availability change frequently. Tap through to confirm before buying.