TL,DR;
The Franklin C45 14mm is a lightweight, maneuverable power-hybrid paddle featuring dual thermoforming, precision foam channeling, and a three-layer carbon fiber face. Designed for fast play, quick counters, and explosive pop, it offers a smooth, linear power profile without feeling overly hot. With a serve speed in the 74th percentile and punch volley speed in the 80th percentile, the C45 is one of the poppiest paddles on the market.
However, out of the box, the paddle feels light and lacks stability, making weight customization highly recommended for better control and forgiveness. Spin performance is solid but not top-tier (70th percentile at 2,252 RPMs), and while it doesn't match the reset monsters like the Vatic Pro Prism Flash, it's a fantastic option for offensive-minded players who prefer a quick, reactive paddle.
At $229 retail, the C45 competes with the top-tier thermoformed paddles of 2025. If you're interested, you can save 10% or more using my code MPB at checkout.
📌 Best For: Players who love fast hand battles, quick counters, attacking drives, and maneuverability.
📌 Not Ideal For: Players seeking maximum stability, a super-forgiving sweet spot, or elite spin generation.
Introduction
The Franklin C45 14mm Hybrid is Franklin’s entry into the rapidly evolving high-performance thermoformed paddle market. With a dual thermoforming process, precision-carved foam channels, and a multi-layer carbon fiber face, the C45 takes a different approach to delivering power and stability compared to its competitors. Franklin is known for making some of the most recognizable paddles in pickleball, but does the C45 stack up against the best power-hybrid paddles of 2025?
Over the past several weeks, I’ve put this paddle through its paces, testing it across multiple match scenarios, weight setups, and game styles. In this review, we’re breaking down how it feels on the court, where it shines, where it needs help, and how it compares to some of the most talked-about paddles on the market today.
First Impressions: What Stands Out About the Franklin C45?
I first saw the C45 in action at the PPA Masters when Franklin’s top pros debuted it in competition. Immediately, the paddle had people talking. It looked different and sounded different, and the pros wielding it seemed to have no trouble ripping through opponents with aggressive counterattacks and explosive putaways.
When I got the paddle in my hands, the first thing I noticed was its lightweight feel—7.52 ounces in stock form, which is on the lower end for thermoformed paddles. The metallic blue finish and glossy surface give it a premium look, a departure from Franklin’s more traditional designs. The handle, at 5.75 inches, feels comfortable and slightly elongated, making it a solid choice for two-handed backhands.
However, the sound of contact was the most noticeable first impression. Unlike the deeper thud I heard on the pro paddles, mine had a higher-pitched, crisp pop—suggesting a slightly different core structure or tuning.
How Does the Franklin C45 Perform on the Court?
Drives from the Baseline: Controlled Power with a Linear Feel
One of the first things I test on any paddle is how it performs on drives from the baseline. In modern pickleball, a good drive can set the tone for a point, whether you’re looking for outright winners or setting up a strong third shot.
The C45 generates power easily but in a controlled way. It’s not a trampoline paddle, meaning you won’t get unexpected power jumps from certain parts of the face. Instead, it has a linear power profile—meaning the harder you swing, the faster the ball comes off, without random acceleration jumps.
If you swing at 60% effort, the ball leaves the paddle at 60% power. If you ramp it up to 100%, you get full acceleration—but without surprises. This level of predictability is a major plus because it allows for precise targeting without feeling like you’re swinging at a spring-loaded paddle.
Serve and Drive Power Data
- Serve speed: 56.3 MPH (74th percentile)
- Punch volley speed: 37.7 MPH (80th percentile)
This means the C45 is one of the poppiest paddles on the market while still maintaining a controllable feel on baseline shots.
Transition Zone:
Punch Volleys, Countering, and ResetsMoving through the transition zone, the C45’s maneuverability stands out. At stock weight, the low swing weight (106.25) allows for incredibly fast hands, making it easy to react to counterattacks, flicks, and quick resets. However, the lack of stability at stock weight is noticeable when facing big hitters. Against fast drives, the paddle feels less stable on counters, meaning you might have to overcompensate with extra grip strength to avoid mishits. After adding 4-inch, 3-gram strips to both sides of the paddle, the paddle’s stability improved significantly:
- Static weight: 7.94 ounces
- Swing weight: 110.54
- Twist weight: 6.25
With this setup, the paddle felt far more solid when countering, absorbing power effectively without twisting in hand. Dinking, Resets, and Punches from the Kitchen.
At the kitchen, the C45 requires a bit of adjustment for soft play. The sweet spot, while not tiny, is more compact than ultra-forgiving paddles like the Vatic Pro Prism Flash or Joola Hyperion 3S. The PU foam in the perimeter does a good job absorbing vibration, making dinks feel solid and connected.
However, precision matters—if you miss the sweet spot, you’ll feel a slight loss of control. Spin performance was measured at 2,252 RPMs (70th percentile), which is above average but not elite. It’s enough to shape shots effectively but not at the level of paddles designed purely for spin.
Overhead Smashes:
Power Without ExcessSome paddles make overheads feel out of control, but not the C45. Because of its layered carbon fiber face and dual thermoforming structure, overhead smashes feel firm and controlled, with enough power to put points away without going overboard.If you’re the type of player who likes to finish points with power but still wants a degree of placement control, the C45 delivers exactly that.
- Control
Best for strategic players who favor precision and placement over power, excelling in slow play and careful ball manipulation. - All-Court
Designed for versatile players who want the best of both worlds. These paddles balance control, power, and speed, adaptable to various playing styles. - Power
Ideal for aggressive players (aka, "bangers") who prioritize fast, powerful gameplay, sacrificing some control and sweet spot size for maximum force.
Performance Ratings: How Does the Franklin C45 Stack Up?
To get a well-rounded understanding of how the Franklin C45 performs, I’ve broken down its key attributes—control, power, spin, forgiveness, resets, touch, and more—on a scale from 1 to 5. This section highlights how the paddle performs in real-game situations, giving you a clear picture of its strengths and areas that might require adjustments based on your playstyle.
The C45 is marketed as a power-hybrid paddle, so naturally, it excels in certain areas while offering a balanced blend of pop, speed, and maneuverability. If you’re a player looking for a paddle with offensive capabilities while maintaining a degree of control, these ratings should help determine if the C45 is the right fit for your game.
Tools and Methods
To ensure accurate and reliable data, I used the following tools during testing:
- Radar Gun: To measure serve and punch volley speeds.
- High-Speed Camera (240 FPS): To capture spin RPM and paddle-ball interaction.
- Briffidi SW1: Equipped with a 5cm paddle adapter to measure swing weight and twist weight.
- BP1 Balance Tool: To determine the balance point of each paddle.
- Microscope: To analyze the surface texture for spin characteristics.
- Digital Scale: To measure static weight accurately.
Performance Metrics: Data-Driven Insights
Beyond subjective ratings, I’ve also tested the Franklin C45 using performance measurement tools to gather quantifiable data on its serve speed, punch volley speed, swing weight, twist weight, balance point, and more.
Understanding the numerical performance metrics provides an additional layer of clarity when comparing paddles. For example, knowing where the C45 ranks in percentiles for serve speed and pop helps assess its true power output relative to other high-performance paddles.
In this section, you’ll find the raw data from my testing, giving you an objective view of how the C45 stacks up in measurable aspects of performance.
Technology Breakdown:
What Makes the C45 Unique?
The C45 is not just another thermoformed paddle—Franklin developed a dual-stage thermoforming process to increase durability and consistency while maintaining a predictable power profile.
How the Dual Thermoforming Process Works:
- First Thermoforming Stage
- Franklin starts by heat-pressing the polypropylene core and carbon fiber face into a unibody structure.
- At this stage, no foam is added yet—the goal is to create a solid foundation before modifying the core.
- Precision CNC Foam Channeling
- A CNC machine carves out two specific foam channels along the edges of the paddle.
- This method is different from traditional foam injection, allowing Franklin to precisely control foam placement without breaking the core structure.
- Second Thermoforming Stage & Foam Insertion
- Polyurethane (PU) foam is added in the outer channel to absorb vibration and improve feel.
- EVA foam is placed in the inner channel to increase pop and responsiveness.
- The paddle is then heat-pressed again, sealing the structure and reinforcing durability.
This dual-stage process helps maintain the paddle’s performance over time, preventing dead spots, core crush, or early paddle deterioration.
Who Would Like the Franklin C45?
The Franklin C45 is not a one-size-fits-all paddle, but it offers a compelling mix of power, maneuverability, and speed that will appeal to certain types of players. Whether you're an aggressive attacker looking to dictate points with speed and precision or a strategic player seeking a balanced blend of power and control, the C45 has qualities that might fit your game. Here’s a breakdown of the types of players who would benefit most from this paddle:
1. Aggressive Players Who Thrive on Fast Hands and Quick Offense
- If you love to drive the ball hard, counterattack, and initiate fast-paced exchanges, the C45’s pop and maneuverability will suit your game well.
- With a punch volley speed ranking in the 80th percentile, this paddle offers one of the quickest responses on the market, making it a great option for hand battles at the kitchen and fast reflex counters.
2. Players Who Like a Lightweight Paddle with Offensive Potential
- The C45 comes in at a lighter stock weight than many other power-hybrid paddles, making it easier to swing, faster through the air, and highly maneuverable.
- If you prefer a paddle that allows for quick reaction times and flicks without feeling sluggish or overly head-heavy, this is a strong contender.
- That said, if you need more stability for countering heavy hitters, adding weight to the perimeter significantly improves its performance.
3. Power Players Who Want a Paddle That Feels Explosive (But Not Overpowering)
- While some paddles on the market offer excessive, uncontrolled power, the C45 delivers strong but manageable firepower, meaning it won’t feel overly jumpy.
- If you like a paddle that can generate pace but still keep the ball in play, this paddle provides a great middle ground between explosive energy and measured control.
4. Two-Handed Backhand Players Who Need a Longer Handle
- With a 5.75-inch handle length, the C45 is an excellent choice for players who utilize a two-handed backhand, offering enough room for a comfortable grip without feeling cramped.
- If you’ve been struggling with shorter handles on other paddles, you’ll likely appreciate the extended space the C45 offers.
5. Players Who Prefer a Linear Power Response
- Unlike paddles with a non-linear power profile that cause unexpected jumps in ball speed, the C45 delivers a more predictable and consistent power output.
- If you prefer a paddle that scales power proportionally to your swing speed, the C45's linear response will feel intuitive and reward clean mechanics.
Who Might NOT Like the Franklin C45?
- Players who want extreme stability right out of the box – The stock version of the C45 is lightweight and maneuverable, but lacks the inherent stability of heavier paddles. If you frequently face big-hitting opponents, you'll likely need to add weight to optimize performance.
- Control-Oriented Players Who Prioritize Touch and Feel – If your game is built around drops, resets, and dinking, there are better options available with larger sweet spots and softer feels. The Vatic Pro Prism Flash or the CRBN TruFoam Genesis are more forgiving alternatives for players who prioritize resets and soft game control.
- Players Who Rely on Maximum Spin – While the C45 ranks in the 70th percentile for spin, it doesn't quite reach the elite levels of the spinniest paddles on the market. If you rely on heavy topspin or slice, you might want a paddle with a more aggressive surface texture.
Final Verdict on Who Should Buy the Franklin C45
If you’re looking for a lightweight, maneuverable, and poppy paddle that plays fast at the net, delivers solid power without being overwhelming, and provides great speed in hand battles, the Franklin C45 is worth considering. However, if you prioritize resetting, soft game control, or maximum spin, you might find other paddles better suited to your style.This paddle is for players who want a fast, offensive tool that can be customized to their liking with added weight. If that sounds like your game, the Franklin C45 could be an excellent addition to your lineup.
Final Verdict: Is the Franklin C45 Worth It?
At $229, the Franklin C45 is an excellent paddle for offensive-minded players who want speed, pop, and a controlled power profile.
Would I recommend it? Yes, but with weight customization.
For players who love quick hands, fast counters, and offensive play, this paddle is a legitimate weapon—just be prepared to tweak the weight setup to maximize its potential.
For now? I’m having a hard time putting this paddle down.
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