The Franklin Forte is a paddle built from the ground up for kids. Lighter and shorter than a grown-up paddle, with fun, colorful designs, it’s made to fit small hands and make learning pickleball easy and enjoyable. Best of all, it’s a quality, affordable starter paddle from a trusted brand, and it’s even legal for junior tournaments. Here’s who it fits, how it plays, and whether it belongs in your young player’s bag.
Verdict
Franklin Forte
A lightweight, kid-sized starter paddle that’s easy to control, USA Pickleball approved, and built with fun designs young players love.
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Lightweight and kid-sized
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Easy to control
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USAP approved, fun designs
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Modest spin
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Kids outgrow it
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Basic fiberglass face
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Specs
| Spec | Detail |
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| Shape | Widebody |
| Core | 10 mm polypropylene honeycomb |
| Face | Textured fiberglass |
| Length | 15.7 in |
| Width | 7.8 in |
| Handle length | 4.75 in |
| Weight | 7.2 to 7.6 oz |
| Approval | USAP approved |
Performance
Power
Power is gentle and age-appropriate, which is exactly what a young player needs. The polypropylene core gives the ball a steady, manageable pop, so kids can hit serves and drives with enough pace to enjoy the game without the paddle feeling unwieldy. It’s not built to overpower anyone, and that’s the point, since controllable power helps kids build good technique rather than just swinging hard.
Control
Control is the Forte’s biggest strength for young players. The lightweight frame and ample sweet spot make the ball easy to direct, so kids can place shots and keep rallies going as they learn. Because it’s easy to swing, children stay in control of the paddle rather than the paddle controlling them, which builds confidence quickly. For a learner, that forgiving, predictable feel is exactly right.
Spin
Spin is modest, which is perfectly fine for the age group. The textured fiberglass face lets young players start to feel how spin works and add a little shape to their shots, but it won’t generate the heavy spin of an advanced carbon paddle. For kids who are still mastering the basics of contact and placement, the spin on offer is more than enough to learn with.
Feel
Feel is light, comfortable, and friendly. The reduced weight keeps young arms from tiring out during long sessions, the shorter handle fits small hands properly, and the non-slip grip keeps the paddle secure. The ample sweet spot makes mishits forgiving, so kids get rewarded for effort rather than punished for imperfect technique. It’s a setup designed to make pickleball fun from the first swing.
Best For
The Forte is a great match for younger kids, roughly ages five to twelve, who are just starting out in pickleball. The shorter handle and lighter weight are sized for small hands and growing players, making it easy to control and comfortable to swing, which helps build proper technique and confidence. Because it’s USA Pickleball approved, it also works for kids who want to play in junior tournaments. Older teens and adults will need a full-size paddle, and advancing young players will eventually outgrow it.
Comparison
vs. JOOLA Megalodon
Against the JOOLA Megalodon, both are youth paddles built for smaller players, so the choice often comes down to size, weight, and design preference. The Forte leans into fun, colorful styling and a light, easy-to-control feel for younger beginners, making it an approachable first paddle. Compare the exact dimensions to match your child’s age and hand size.
vs. HEAD Radical Elite
Against the HEAD Radical Elite, you’re looking at the natural next step. The Radical Elite is a full-size adult beginner paddle, so it’s the kind of paddle a child graduates to once they outgrow the Forte’s smaller size. The Forte is the better fit for young kids now, while the Radical Elite suits bigger, more advanced juniors and teens.
Value
For a kids paddle, the value is excellent. You’re getting a well-made, durable, USA Pickleball approved paddle from a trusted brand at a budget-friendly price, sized correctly for young players and built to survive enthusiastic use. Since kids grow and improve, you won’t want to overspend on their first paddle, and the Forte hits the sweet spot of quality and affordability. It’s an easy, sensible first purchase.
Final
The Franklin Forte is a thoughtful, well-built starter paddle that gets the important things right for young players. Its light weight, kid-sized handle, easy control, and fun designs make learning pickleball comfortable and enjoyable, and USA Pickleball approval means it can even go to junior tournaments. Its modest spin and the fact that kids will eventually outgrow it are minor notes for a first paddle. For young beginners, it’s an excellent, affordable choice.
FAQs
What age is the Franklin Forte good for?
It’s best for younger kids, roughly ages five to twelve. The shorter 4.75-inch handle and light weight are designed for small hands and growing players, making it easy to control. Bigger or older kids and teens may be ready for a full-size paddle instead.
Is the Franklin Forte USA Pickleball approved?
Yes. The Forte is approved by USA Pickleball, which means it’s legal for sanctioned and tournament play. That’s a nice bonus for a kids paddle, since it lets young players use the same paddle for casual games and junior competitive events.
Is the Franklin Forte good for beginners?
Yes, it’s designed as a kids starter paddle. The light weight makes it easy to swing, the ample sweet spot is forgiving on mishits, and the comfortable grip helps young players hold it correctly. It’s built to make learning the game simple and fun.
When should my child upgrade from the Forte?
Consider upgrading when your child outgrows the smaller size and lighter weight, or when their skills advance and they want more performance. At that point, a full-size, lightweight adult beginner paddle is usually the natural next step up.
What is the Franklin Forte made of?
It uses a 10mm polypropylene honeycomb core paired with a textured fiberglass face. The core provides a forgiving sweet spot and controllable power, while the fiberglass surface adds a bit of spin. Together they create a light, durable, easy-to-use paddle suited to young players.
