The Franklin C45 is one of those paddles that quietly wins people over. If you want something that feels controlled and comfortable without a steep learning curve, it’s worth a look. Here’s a clear breakdown of who it suits, how it plays, and whether it earns a spot in your bag.
Quick Verdict
Franklin C45
A fast, forgiving, control-first paddle with serious customization headroom. The C45 proves Franklin can build a legitimate Gen 3 performer, as long as you’re willing to dial it in.
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Very quick at the net
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Easy to add weight
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Longer reach and rough face
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Not very powerful at first
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Spin feels hit or miss
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Long-term durability uncertain
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Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7.6–7.9 oz |
| Core | 14mm PowerFlex Polypropylene |
| Face Material | Toray T700 Raw Carbon Fiber |
| Spin Surface | 45° Peel-Ply Texture |
| Thickness | 14mm |
| Shape | Hybrid / Elongated (16.3″ x 7.6″) |
| Handle Length | 5.7″ |
| Grip Circumference | 4.3″ (Medium) |
| Swing Weight | 104 |
| Twist Weight | 5.6 |
| Construction | Double-Thermoformed Unibody (Gen 3) |
| Edge Guard | Yes |
| Approvals | USA Pickleball, UPA-A |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Performance
Power
The C45 makes power on your terms. The flexing PowerFlex core returns energy nicely when you commit to a swing, and drives come off the face with a satisfying snap. But the low stock swing weight means it won’t bully the ball the way a heavier elongated paddle does straight out of the wrapper. Add a bit of lead tape around the perimeter and the ceiling jumps considerably. As shipped, treat it as a fast control paddle with pop, not a banger.
Control
This is the C45’s home turf. The light, balanced feel makes it easy to redirect pace, and the forgiving flex helps soft shots settle. Resets from the baseline land where you point them, blocks stay disciplined, and the speed at the net means you’re rarely late on a hands exchange. Players who win points through patience and quick reactions will feel right at home.
Spin
This is the most debated part of the paddle. The 45-degree peel-ply face is meant to maximize grit, and plenty of testers report spin on par with the top paddles on the market. Others, though, find the dip and shape on serves and drives a notch behind the current class leaders. The honest read: spin is solid and useful, but it isn’t a guaranteed standout, and your technique and weighting setup will swing your mileage more than usual.
Feel
The double-thermoformed build does its job, delivering a quiet, low-vibration response that feels clean rather than harsh. The flexing core gives contact a slightly softer, more connected sensation than a stiff Gen 2 paddle. Some players love the muted, planted feedback; others want a livelier, poppier face. The grip wrap is tacky and absorbs shock well over long sessions.
Best For
Control-oriented and reflex players (3.5–5.0) who live at the net and want the fastest hands possible. It’s a strong pick for counterpunchers, doubles players who value maneuverability, and anyone who enjoys customizing a paddle’s weight and balance to their exact taste.
Skip it if you want big power straight out of the wrapper, you’re not interested in adding tape to reach the paddle’s potential, or you specifically need a proven, set-and-forget durability record before you buy.
Comparison
vs. JOOLA Perseus Pro IV
The Perseus Pro IV is the heavier, more powerful elongated option with a higher swing weight and more raw drive out of the box. The C45 is faster and more forgiving but needs weighting to match that pace. Choose the Perseus for plug-and-play power; choose the C45 for hand speed and tunability.
vs. CRBN 3X Power 16mm
The CRBN 3X Power leans into a thicker, more stable, power-forward profile with a larger, planted sweet spot. The C45 is the quicker, lighter, more maneuverable paddle. Pick the 3X if you want effortless power and stability; pick the C45 if you want speed and the freedom to build it up yourself.
Value
For the right player, yes. You’re buying genuine pro pedigree, a quiet double-thermoformed build, best-in-class hand speed, and more customization headroom than almost anything in its tier. Against other premium Gen 3 paddles, the C45 holds its own on feel and maneuverability while giving you room to tune the rest.
The caveats are real, though. If you want a paddle that hits its full potential the moment you take it out of the box, or you need a long, proven durability track record, the value case softens. The C45 is at its best in the hands of a player who treats a paddle as a starting point, not a finished product.
Final
The Franklin C45 is a legitimately good paddle that demands a little partnership from its owner. The speed is exceptional, the build is clean, and the tuning potential is some of the best in its class. Lean into that, add the weight, dial in the balance, and you end up with a fast, controlled, genuinely competitive stick.
The honest knocks are the modest stock power, the spin that doesn’t wow everyone, and a Gen 3 durability story that’s still being written. None of those are dealbreakers for the player it’s built for, but they’re worth knowing going in.
If you’re a control-first player who loves quick hands and enjoys customizing your gear, the C45 belongs on your shortlist. If you want power and certainty straight out of the wrapper, look at a heavier elongated option first. Smart, fast, and built by a brand that’s been at this longer than almost anyone, just bring your lead tape.
FAQs
Is the Franklin C45 a power or control paddle?
Out of the box, the C45 leans control, thanks to its low swing weight and fast, forgiving feel. It has real pop when you commit to a swing, but it won’t out-hit heavier elongated paddles in stock form. Add perimeter weight and you can shift it meaningfully toward power without losing its quick hands.
What does the “45” in C45 mean?
It refers to the 45-degree angle at which Franklin applies the T700 raw carbon fiber face as a peel-ply texture. The brand says laying the carbon diagonally creates a more consistent grit pattern across the entire hitting surface, which is meant to maximize spin potential and surface grip.
Is the Franklin C45 USA Pickleball approved?
Yes. The C45 is approved by both USA Pickleball (USAP) and the United Pickleball Association (UPA-A), so it’s legal for sanctioned tournament play. You can use it confidently in USAP events, leagues, and club tournaments without worrying about gear restrictions.
Should I add lead tape to the Franklin C45?
Most players benefit from it. The C45 ships with a very low stock swing weight, which makes it fast but light on power and stability. Adding tape around the perimeter raises power and plow-through while keeping it swingable, and the paddle has enough headroom to absorb close to a full ounce comfortably.
How does the Franklin C45 hold up over time?
The double-thermoformed unibody build and one-year warranty are points in its favor. That said, the C45 is a Gen 3 foam-enhanced paddle, and that newer category as a whole hasn’t yet established a long-term durability record against core-crushing and dead spots. Expect solid performance, but go in knowing the long game is still unproven.
