Franklin Sports
Franklin Sports Signature Carbon
A midweight, 13mm raw-carbon paddle with a long handle and cushion grip. It suits players who want quick handling, reliable blocks, and a comfortable feel more than maximum power.
Character from the specs · Power
Worked out from core thickness, weight, face and shape using general rules of thumb — not from a play test.
Is this paddle right for you?
4 quick questions, scored from the specs
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Overview
The Signature Carbon weighs 7.9 ounces, with the listed range spanning 7.7 to 8.1 ounces. Its 13mm polypropylene core and 15.9-by-8-inch shape keep it fairly maneuverable. The 5.1-inch handle gives you useful room for a two-handed backhand, while the 4.25-inch cushion grip favors a secure, comfortable hold.
Its T700 raw carbon fiber face is designed to add texture for spin and finesse shots. Franklin also lists a foam-infused edge guard and USA Pickleball approval. Reviewers describe a semi-soft feel, dependable blocking, and good balance, but they also report a smaller sweet spot, edge mishits, and a bulky handle.
Play style
This paddle fits a control-first game built around blocks, resets, and quick exchanges. Its weight stays manageable for hand battles, and the reviewer found it well-balanced with a semi-soft feel. The long handle also helps players who use two-handed backhands or want extra reach on drives.
Do not expect a power-focused paddle. One review calls its power low and its spin low to average, despite Franklin's claim that the raw carbon face delivers strong spin and control. If you rely on heavy baseline swings or want easy spin from every contact, look carefully at those conflicting opinions.
Best for
- Players who want a semi-soft feel for blocks and controlled exchanges
- Two-handed backhand players who value a longer handle
- Players who prefer a manageable midweight paddle for hand battles
- Players seeking a first carbon-face paddle with tournament approval
Look elsewhere if
- Players who need maximum power on baseline drives
- Players who prioritize a large, forgiving sweet spot
- Players with smaller hands who dislike bulky grips
- Players who depend on consistently high spin
Strengths
- 7.9-ounce weight supports maneuverability in hand battles
- 5.1-inch handle gives two-handed backhands useful room
- 13mm polypropylene core supports a semi-soft feel and dependable blocks
- T700 raw carbon face adds surface texture for finesse and spin potential
- USA Pickleball approval allows competitive and tournament play
Things to consider
- A reviewer reports a smaller sweet spot and frequent edge dead spots
- Reported power is low, so big baseline swings may feel underpowered
- Spin opinions conflict: Franklin promotes strong spin, while a reviewer reports low to average spin
- The 4.25-inch grip may feel bulky for players with smaller hands
- Check the exact shape and dimensions before buying because listed specifications differ across sources
Specs
| Brand | Franklin Sports |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7.9 oz |
| Core thickness | 13 mm |
| Core material | 13mm polypropylene |
| Face | Carbon fiber |
| Face material | T700 raw carbon fiber |
| Length | 15.9 in |
| Width | 8 in |
| Handle length | 5.1 in |
| Grip circumference | 4.25 in |
| Handle | 5.1-inch cushion grip |
| USA Pickleball approved | Yes |
Not listed by the seller: shape.
Specs come from the seller's product listing and may be incomplete or change between batches. Double-check before you buy.
Sources
- Franklin Signature Carbon STK Pickleball Paddle Review Review | The Skilled Pickle
- Franklin Sports Pro Pickleball Paddles - Signature Carbon Series -T700 Carbon Fiber Surface - USA Pickleball (USAPA) Tournament Approved - 13mm Polypropylene Core - BLUE | Franklin Sports
- Franklin Signature Carbon Pickleball Paddle | Dick's Sporting Goods