Franklin Sports PRO Pickleball Paddles - C45 Carbon Fiber Series
Carbon fiber performance from an established sporting goods brand -- the Franklin upgrade path for serious recreational players.
Updated
- Carbon fiber face for spin and speed at Franklin's competitive price point
- Strong feedback, USAP and UPA approved for league play
- Franklin PRO series -- upgrade from the beginner Pilot paddle
Best For / Not For
Best for
- Franklin brand users who want to upgrade from polypropylene to carbon fiber
- Intermediate players who want carbon fiber performance without JOOLA's premium pricing
- Competitive recreational players needing dual USAP and UPA approval
Not for
- Players who specifically want the Ben Johns or Selkirk brand cachet
- Advanced competitive players who prioritize the spin edge of the JOOLA CFS surface
Key Details
When to Choose Franklin Over JOOLA
The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS and the Franklin PRO C45 both use carbon fiber surfaces and are USAPA/USAP approved. The practical difference is brand community and texture quality. JOOLA has built the strongest brand association in modern competitive pickleball and the CFS texture is specifically engineered for Ben Johns' spin-focused game. Franklin's C45 is a solid carbon fiber option that typically costs less. If price is similar on the day you shop, the JOOLA is the better choice based on its larger buyer base and brand support. If the Franklin is meaningfully cheaper, the carbon fiber performance difference is small enough that the savings are worth it.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Carbon fiber face for spin and speed
- Strong feedback and USAP and UPA dual approval
- Franklin PRO series -- designed for competitive play
- Lower price than JOOLA Hyperion for similar carbon fiber construction
Cons
- The smallest buyer pool of the paddles in this review
- Carbon fiber surface quality may not match JOOLA's CFS texture over time
- Less community discussion and video review content than JOOLA
Bottom Line
Consider the Franklin PRO C45 if you want carbon fiber performance at a lower price than the JOOLA Hyperion. When prices are comparable, the JOOLA's larger buyer base and brand community make it the stronger pick.
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