The Franklin C45 Parris Todd is the signature paddle of all-court pro Parris Todd, and it brings a fresh hybrid shape to Franklin’s C45 family. Built around a triple-layer raw carbon face with an aggressive 45-degree texture, it’s made to spin and pop while staying quick in the hand. Add a long handle and a lightweight, balanced build, and you’ve got a serious all-court weapon. Here’s who it fits, how it plays, and whether it belongs in your bag.
Verdict
Franklin C45 Parris Todd
Fast hands, elite spin, and a connected feel that rewards technique. The Genesis 4 proves foam-core paddles can do it all — if you’re willing to invest.
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Elite spin
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Explosive pop, quick swing
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Long handle, forgiving sweet spot
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Slim stock grip
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Power-leaning control
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Premium price
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Specs
| Spec | Detail |
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| Shape | Elongated hybrid |
| Core | 13.25 mm PowerFlex polymer with foam perimeter |
| Face | Triple-layer Toray T700 raw carbon fiber |
| Construction | Double thermoformed unibody |
| Length | 16.3 in |
| Width | 7.5 in |
| Handle length | 5.7 in |
| Grip size | 4.15 in |
| Weight | 7.6 to 7.9 oz |
| Approval | USAP and UPA-A approved |
Performance
Power
Power is a real strength. The slightly thinner 13.25mm PowerFlex core gives the ball a fast, explosive pop off the face, and the elongated shape adds leverage for deep driven passing shots and overheads. Because the paddle is light with a quick swing weight, you can generate that pace without a heavy, labored swing. It hits hard while still feeling nimble, which is a tough balance to strike.
Control
Control is solid and helped by some smart engineering. Foam-infused channels around the core expand the sweet spot and add stability, so the paddle stays composed on counters and resets despite its pop. It leans a touch toward power because of the thinner core, so it’s not a pure soft-game specialist, but it gives you enough precision to stay dialed in. Franklin pitches it as power with control, and that’s a fair read.
Spin
Spin is the standout. The face uses a triple layer of Toray T700 raw carbon fiber finished with a 45-degree peel-ply texture, which grips the ball longer for elite spin. Topspin drives feel heavier and kitchen rolls bite a little more than usual, letting you pressure opponents with extra movement on the ball. For shaping shots, it’s among the better paddles in its class.
Feel
Feel is light, quick, and stable. At well under 8 ounces with a low swing weight, the paddle reacts fast in hand battles and feels easy to maneuver at the kitchen. The double thermoformed unibody build keeps it solid and vibration-free even on hard slams, which inspires confidence. The main note is the slim 4.15-inch grip, which some players will want to build up with an overgrip for a more filled-out feel.
Best For
The C45 Parris Todd is a great match for aggressive all-court players from the intermediate level up who want elite spin, explosive pop, and quick hands in one paddle. The long 5.7-inch handle makes it a natural for two-handed backhands and adds reach, while the light, balanced build keeps it fast at the net. It’s a strong pick for players who want to attack but still control counters and resets. Players who want a plush, control-first feel or a fuller stock grip may want to look elsewhere or add an overgrip.
Comparison
vs. JOOLA Perseus Pro IV
Against the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV, both are elongated paddles with power and spin, but the Parris Todd is notably lighter and quicker, while the Perseus brings a bit more raw, explosive power and a more established pro pedigree. The Perseus suits players who want maximum pace, the Parris Todd those who want elite spin with faster hands.
Value
For an aggressive all-court player, it’s a fair premium. You’re getting a pro signature paddle with elite spin, explosive but controllable power, a durable double thermoformed build, and a long handle, all in a light, quick package. The value case dips slightly because of the slim stock grip, which may need an overgrip, and the premium price. For players who want spin and pace with quick hands, though, it delivers a lot.
Final
The Franklin C45 Parris Todd is a confident, well-rounded paddle that gives aggressive players elite spin and explosive pop without sacrificing quickness. The long handle suits two-handed backhands, the foam-channeled core keeps it forgiving, and the double thermoformed build feels solid and vibration-free. With only its slim grip and power-leaning touch holding it back, it’s an excellent choice for all-court players who want to attack with spin and stay fast at the net.
FAQs
What is the difference between the C45 Parris Todd and the standard C45?
The Parris Todd is the signature edition, with a new elongated hybrid shape, a thinner 13.25mm core, a longer 5.7-inch handle, and a slimmer grip. That makes it lighter, quicker, and more reach-friendly than the standard C45, and tuned for an aggressive, two-handed-backhand all-court game.
What does the C45 texture mean?
The name refers to the paddle’s signature face treatment: a raw carbon fiber surface finished with a 45-degree peel-ply texture. That angled grit is what gives the C45 its strong grip on the ball, unlocking the elite spin the paddle is known for.
Is the C45 Parris Todd good for spin?
Yes, spin is its biggest strength. The face uses a triple layer of Toray T700 raw carbon fiber with a 45-degree peel-ply texture that grips the ball longer than most. Topspin drives feel heavier and kitchen rolls bite harder, making it one of the better spin paddles in its class.
Is the C45 Parris Todd good for two-handed backhands?
Yes. The long 5.7-inch handle gives you plenty of room to fit both hands comfortably, and the elongated shape adds reach. Combined with the light, quick feel, it makes two-handed backhands and stretch shots easy to execute.
Is the C45 Parris Todd a control or power paddle?
It’s an all-court paddle that leans slightly toward power. The thinner PowerFlex core delivers explosive pop, while the foam-channeled sweet spot and elite spin let you stay precise on counters and resets. It blends power and control, with power being the slightly stronger trait.
