Franklin Sports is a brand most Filipino players know from its pickleballs, but it also makes a serious range of carbon fiber paddles, and PickleballPH lists a big part of it. The paddles come in two families: the C45 series, with pro signatures and prices from ₱12,490 to ₱14,260, and the FS Tour series at ₱7,640. Between them you get shapes from short and wide to long and narrow, cores from 12mm to 16mm, and weights from featherweight to standard.
This guide goes through nine Franklin paddles sold in the Philippines and explains how to choose. It is a research guide based on Franklin’s own listings, not a hands-on test, and every number is the manufacturer’s. Several of these paddles were showing as sold out at PickleballPH when I checked, and I have marked which ones are in stock.
What C45 and FS Tour mean
The C45 series is Franklin’s top line. The name refers to a T700 carbon fiber face applied at a 45-degree peel-ply angle, which the listings say creates a consistent grit across the whole surface for spin and shot precision. Under the face, C45 paddles use a double-thermoformed unibody frame, a large inner foam channel that Franklin says preserves the PowerFlex polymer core, and a high-quality tacky grip.
The FS Tour series is the more affordable line. It also uses a T700 raw carbon fiber face and a thermoformed, epoxy resin-injected unibody frame, but it pairs a polypropylene core with a high-density foam perimeter to enlarge the sweet spot. It comes in Tempo and Dynasty shapes and, in the featherweight version, a lighter build. All of them are USA Pickleball approved.
| Paddle | Shape (L × W) | Handle | Core | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C45 Dynasty | 16.4 × 7.6 in | 5.6 in | 14 or 16mm | 7.5–8.0 oz | ₱12,490 |
| C45 Hybrid | 16.3 × 7.6 in | 5.7 in | 14mm | 7.6–7.9 oz | ₱12,490 |
| C45 Tempo | 15.7 × 7.9 in | 5.1 in | 14 or 16mm | 7.5–8.0 oz | ₱12,490 |
| C45 Aurelius (A. L. Waters) | 15.7 × 7.9 in | 5.1 in | 12.7, 14, 16mm | 7.5–8.0 oz | ₱14,260 |
| C45 Hayden Patriquin | 16.4 × 7.6 in | 5.6 in | 14 or 16mm | 7.6–8.0 oz | ₱14,260 |
| C45 Parris Todd | 16.3 × 7.5 in | 5.7 in | 13.25mm | 7.6–7.9 oz | ₱14,260 |
| FS Tour Dynasty 16mm | 16.5 × 7.5 in | 5.6 in | 16mm | n/a | ₱7,640 |
| FS Tour Tempo 14mm | 15.9 × 8 in | 5 in | 14mm | n/a | ₱7,640 |
| FS Featherweight Dynasty | 16.5 × 7.5 in | 5.6 in | 12mm | 7.3–7.6 oz | ₱7,640 |
Prices are the peso prices listed at PickleballPH at the time of writing. The C45 Dynasty, C45 Hybrid and C45 Aurelius were in stock, and the rest were showing as sold out.
C45 Dynasty: the elongated all-rounder
At ₱12,490, the C45 Dynasty is the best-value way into the C45 series, and it is in stock. It has an elongated shape at 16.4 by 7.6 inches with a 5.6-inch handle and a 4.3-inch grip circumference. You can choose a 14mm core, at 7.5 to 7.9 ounces with a swing weight of 114, or a 16mm core, at 7.6 to 8.0 ounces with a swing weight of 116.
Franklin says the double-thermoformed frame reduces vibration, and the PowerFlex polymer core with a large inner foam channel delivers explosive pop without sacrificing control. The twist weight is 6.2 for the 14mm and 6.3 for the 16mm, which is stable for an elongated paddle. The 14mm version is the poppier of the two, and the 16mm is the softer, more controlled choice.
C45 Hybrid: the fast one
The Hybrid is the same price at ₱12,490 and also in stock. It is 16.3 by 7.6 inches with a 5.7-inch handle and a 14mm core, and it has the lowest swing weight in the C45 range at 104, with a twist weight of 5.6. A low swing weight means it moves quickly, which suits fast hands battles at the kitchen, while the lower twist weight means it is less stable on off-center hits.
It weighs 7.6 to 7.9 ounces and, according to the listing, gives impressive pop with excellent control and consistency. If you play a lot of quick exchanges and you hit the center of the face most of the time, this is the paddle that is built for you.
C45 Aurelius: the Anna Leigh Waters signature
The Aurelius, at ₱14,260, is the signature paddle of Anna Leigh Waters, and Franklin describes it as trusted by the number one player in the world. It uses a shorter, wider traditional shape at 15.7 by 7.9 inches with a short 5.1-inch handle and a 3.9-inch grip circumference, which is smaller than the other C45 paddles. It comes in three core thicknesses: 12.7mm, 14mm and 16mm, with weights from 7.5 to 8.0 ounces.
That smaller grip and short handle suit players with smaller hands, and the wide face gives a large sweet spot. It is also the paddle in the range with the most choice of core thickness, which lets you decide between a thin, poppy 12.7mm feel and a softer 16mm one. It was in stock when I checked.
C45 Tempo: the traditional shape
The Tempo, also ₱12,490, is the same traditional 15.7 by 7.9 inch shape and 5.1-inch handle as the Aurelius, without the signature price. It comes in 14mm and 16mm cores, with swing weights of 98 and 99 and twist weights of 6.6 and 6.7. That is the lowest swing weight and the highest twist weight in the range, which means it is the most maneuverable and the most stable on off-center hits.
The listing is a little inconsistent on approval: one line says the paddle is pending USAP and UPA approval, while the specifications say it is approved. If you plan to play sanctioned events, confirm the status with the seller. It was showing as sold out when I checked.
C45 Hayden Patriquin and Parris Todd: pro shapes
The Hayden Patriquin paddle at ₱14,260 is built on the same elongated 16.4 by 7.6 inch frame as the Dynasty, with a 5.6-inch handle and a 4.15-inch grip. Franklin says it is designed with an elongated shape for added reach and control, and you can choose between the explosive pop of the 14mm core and the added control and stability of the 16mm. It was out of stock.
The Parris Todd paddle, also ₱14,260, is an elongated signature at 16.3 by 7.5 inches with a 5.7-inch handle and a 13.25mm core, which is an unusual thickness that sits between the 12.7 and 14mm options. It averages 7.6 to 7.9 ounces and has a 4.15-inch grip. It was also out of stock.
FS Tour series: the cheaper way in
The FS Tour Dynasty 16mm, at ₱7,640, is a pro-style elongated paddle at 16.5 by 7.5 inches with a 5.6-inch handle. Franklin describes the 16mm polymer core as tailored for power players who want maximum pop and swing weight without sacrificing touch. It has a high-density foam perimeter and a 1/8-inch overlapping edge guard.
The FS Tour Tempo 14mm, at the same price, is the short, wide one at 15.9 by 8 inches with a 5-inch handle. Franklin says it balances power and control in a midweight, with excellent hand speed. The 8-inch width is the widest of any Franklin paddle in this guide, which makes it the most forgiving of the FS Tour options.
The FS Tour Featherweight Dynasty 12mm weighs only 7.3 to 7.6 ounces, which is the lightest paddle here. It uses a 12mm polymer honeycomb core with a foam perimeter and a 5.6-inch cushioned handle with a 4.3-inch grip. If you want maximum maneuverability or you are sensitive to arm fatigue, a lighter paddle makes sense. All three FS Tour paddles were out of stock.
Which Franklin should you buy
- Best value in stock: C45 Dynasty (₱12,490), with a 14mm or 16mm core.
- Fast hands: C45 Hybrid (₱12,490), with the lowest swing weight.
- Smaller hands and a big sweet spot: C45 Aurelius (₱14,260).
- Most stable on off-center hits: C45 Tempo (₱12,490), if you can find it.
- Lowest price: FS Tour paddles (₱7,640), when they are back in stock.
- Lightest: FS Tour Featherweight Dynasty (₱7,640).
14mm or 16mm?
The core thickness question comes up for every paddle in this range. A 14mm core is generally livelier, with more pop and a faster response, and a 16mm core is softer, with more dwell time and a more controlled feel. Franklin lists the swing weight and twist weight for both so you can see the difference: the Dynasty goes from 114 to 116 swing weight, and the Tempo from 98 to 99. The difference is small on paper, but you will feel it in the way the ball leaves the face.
If you hit hard and want to tame your power, go 16mm. If you rely on touch and want the paddle to do more of the work, 14mm is livelier. I look at this in more detail in my guide to choosing a paddle, though that one is aimed at beginners.
Are signature paddles worth it?
Three of the C45 paddles carry a pro name, and they cost ₱1,770 more than the unsigned Dynasty and Hybrid. The extra money does not buy a different technology: the listings describe the same double-thermoformed frame, foam channel and T700 face. What you get is a different shape or core choice, a signature graphic and the connection to a player you like. If the shape suits you, the signature version is fine. If you only want the performance, the unsigned C45 Dynasty or Hybrid is the better buy.
Grips, edges and the small details
Franklin’s listings mention a few small features that affect how a paddle lives in your hand. The C45 range comes with a tacky wrap grip meant to reduce vibration, and the FS Tour paddles use a perforated comfort grip with finger pad inlays. The FS Tour paddles also have a 1/8-inch overlapping edge guard that protects the face, and the C45 frame is a double-thermoformed unibody, which means the edges are part of the structure instead of a glued-on strip.
Grip circumference varies more than you might expect, from 3.9 inches on the Aurelius to 4.3 inches on the Dynasty and Tempo. If your hands are on the small side, the Aurelius and Patriquin are the ones to look at, and if they are larger, the 4.3-inch grips give you more to hold on to. You can always add an overgrip to build a handle up, but you cannot take material off.
Raw carbon care
All of these paddles use raw carbon fiber faces, which keep their texture only if you look after them. A dry eraser used every few sessions keeps the grit working, and my paddle care guide includes Franklin’s own Paddle Magic eraser. Store the paddle in a cover, because the edge guard and the face are what get damaged first.
My picks
- Best overall: C45 Dynasty (₱12,490).
- Best for smaller hands: C45 Aurelius (₱14,260).
- Best for quick hands: C45 Hybrid (₱12,490).
- Best budget when available: FS Tour Tempo 14mm (₱7,640).
Check stock before you set your heart on one, and buy from an official retailer. For a cheaper way to try a carbon paddle, the JOOLA paddles under ₱10,000 guide is worth a look.
