Overview

Manufacturer: Franklin
Model: C45
Handle material: fully encased handle, not-fully molded, foam injected
Certifications: USAP & UPA-A approved
Available Shapes:

Hybrid

• Length: 16.3 inches
• Width: 7.6 inches
• Thickness: 14mm
• Static weight: 7.4-7.9oz
• Handle length: 5.5 inches
• Avg Swing Weight: 104
• Avg Twist Weight: 5.42
• Avg Spin: 2,072RPM
• Avg Balance Point: 235mm

*Average stats are derived from Dinkbase, which normalizes paddle metrics from the top reviewers.

Weight setups:

Trial & Warranty:

• 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects including: 
  
  • Structural defects in the core or face materials
  • Delamination, cracking, or splitting not caused by misuse
  • Edge guard separation due to manufacturing issues
  • Handle failures or loose connection points due to construction defects
• What is not covered
  
  • Normal wear and tear, including surface scratches, fading, or cosmetic blemishes.
  • Damage caused by abuse, misuse, accidental drops, or improper storage (e.g., exposure to extreme heat or cold).
  • Modifications, alterations, or unauthorized repairs
  • Small fragmented glue particles that may loosen and cause a slight rattle inside the paddle, as this does not impact playability.
  • Replacement paddles provided under warranty are not eligible for a second warranty.

Core Material & Design

• Firm outer edge foam that covers entire perimeter
• Second, softer inner layer of foam that spans across sides and top of paddle
• 3 layers of carbon fiber on each face oriented at 45 degrees against each other

Price: $229 ($207 after code)

Pickleball Medicine

⚖️ Rating: Highly recommended
💰Discount code: PBMED for 10% off

Pros:

• Feels like an upgraded version of the Bantam TKO-CX
• More plush than the 11SIX24 power series due to dwell time
• Strong pop and extremely high maneuverability

Cons:

• Although dissection shows positive signs, Gen 3 paddles are notorious for their lack of durability
• Sweet spot on the smaller side
• Slight flexing at the neck, which may bother some players

Gameplay Performance

Pop and power

• Strong pop but not uncontrollable due to good dwell time
• Pop is in power category
• Power is close to Bantam TKO when weighted up
• Lower drive speed compared to Joola Perseus Pro IVs
• Pop falls just below the 14mm Joola Perseus Pro IV and slightly above the 16mm versions

Controllability

• Higher than expected dwell time makes it easier to shape the ball
• Higher on the pop spectrum, so may not be suitable for beginners

Sweet spot and forgiveness

• Feels like a better, plusher, and more forgiving 14.3 mm Bantam TKO-CX
• More plush than the 11SIX24 Power series due to better dwell time

‍

Weight and maneuverability:

• Extremely maneuverable due to low swing weight even with lead tape
• Felt a little flexing at the neck

Durability

• No significant break in after the first day of play
• When dissecting the paddle, face was adhered very tightly
• Honeycomb cells looked orderly and healthy
• EVA foam wasn’t adhered to honeycomb core and has space between foam and cells, which is a plus for durability
• Paddles where foam is adhered to cells causes it to separate and cause significant break-in. Too much foam will compromise cells as well. The gap helps C45 be more durable.

Spin:

• Very high spin coming out at 2,230 RPMs
• High maneuverability made it easy to shape the ball and move the ball around

Final Verdict

Recommended for: players who like customization, want high maneuverability, and offensive options at the net

Not ideal for: control-oriented players looking for a large sweet spot or do not want to customize their paddle

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John Kew

⚖️ Rating: Highly Recommended
💰Discount code: JOHNKEW for 10% off
👉 John Kew Stat Database

Pros:

• Power paddle with extremely high maneuverability and customization
• Fairly priced as it sits in the middle of most Gen 3 power paddles

Cons:

• Absolutely needs modification to reach its potential
• Unremarkable sweet spot

Gameplay Performance

Pop and power

• Exceptional pop provides great attacking option at the kitchen, but can lead to pop-ups for lower level players
• Fits squarely into power category, comparable to the 11Six24 Vapor Power, CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1 and Joola Scorpeus 3s
• Hits hard out of the box, but added weight gives it more plow-through for even higher levels of power

Controllability

• Added weight makes the face feel softer and gives it nice additional dwell time
• Pleasant feel when hitting the ball

Sweet spot and forgiveness:

• Small sweet spot stock
• Decent sweet spot when weighted up, not exceptional

Weight and maneuverability:

• Light stockweight feels like ball pushes the paddle around
• Very maneuverable even with added weight

Durability:

• Most likely won’t see as much core crushing like the Mod TA-15s, but we can expect break ins due to Gen 3 foam construction

Spin:

• Combination of peel-ply construction and good dwell time makes spin very strong

Final Verdict

Recommended for: lightweight power paddle

Not ideal for: players who are concerned about break-in, have difficulty controlling poppy paddles

Pickleball Studio

⚖️ Rating: Mixed Feelings
💰Discount code: PBSTUDIO for 10% off
👉 Pickleball Studio Stat Database

Pros:

• Tons of room to customize your paddle to meet your unique needs (the need for weight customization is overblown)
• With added weight, becomes a very powerful paddle
• Extremely maneuverable at the net

Cons:

• Durability issues is a major concern
• Poppiness can be hard to control and would be a better fit for more experienced players

Gameplay Performance

Pop and power

• Poppy paddle and provides offensive options at the net but not enough driving power in stock form
• Once weighted up, it’s a power paddle

Controllability

• More difficult to control for dinking and resets
• More suitable for higher level players
• Sweet spot felt small without weight, but didn’t have any complaints once weighted up
• Very noticeable dead spot at bottom of the face

Sweet spot and forgiveness:

• When brand new, feels stiffer 
• Ball sinks in paddle more than expected

Weight and maneuverability:

• One of the lightest stock paddles on the market
• Extremely maneuverable since stock weight is so low
• Even with added weight, this is where paddle shines

Durability:

• Gen 3 paddle construction raises eyebrows due to its reputation
• The paddle will change over time, especially compared to PaddleTek Bantams
• Experienced rattling due to loose glue or core, which is annoying for the price even if it doesn’t affect performance
• Paddle felt noticeably more plush, softer, and thunkier, with decreased tension on the face over time
• Edgeguard came loose and the carbon fiber face poked out over edge guard after 35 hours of playtime

Spin:

• Frustrating for certain shots on a consistent basis
• Didn’t get great shape on the ball
• Drastic difference from current main, TruFoam Genesis 2

Final Verdict

Recommended for: players who want a highly customizable paddle and are willing to take the risk with durability issues

Not ideal for: players who want a consistent paddle that will last a long time