Franklin Sports
Franklin Sports Signature Carbon
The Franklin Sports Signature Carbon is a midweight, elongated paddle built around a 13mm polypropylene core and raw T700 carbon face. It suits players who want extra reach, a longer two-handed handle, and a controlled all-court feel.
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
This paddle measures 16.5 by 7.5 inches and weighs about 7.5 to 8 ounces. Its elongated shape and 5.6-inch handle give you extra reach and room for two-handed shots. The 4.25-inch grip circumference and premium cushion grip should feel manageable for many hands, while the carbon face adds a textured hitting surface.
The 13mm polypropylene core keeps the paddle thinner than a control-focused thick model. Franklin says the perimeter construction enlarges the sweet spot and balances power with control. One review found a semi-soft feel and dependable blocks, but also reported a small sweet spot and weaker power. That conflict makes your priorities important: the specs suggest a responsive, versatile paddle, while the review points to less forgiving edge contact.
Play style
Choose it if you value reach, blocks, and placement more than maximum put-away power. The elongated profile and long handle support two-handed backhands and extended coverage on drives. Reviewers describe it as balanced and steady, with a less jumpy response that helps with resets and placement.
The raw carbon surface is intended to add traction for spin and finesse shots, but one review found only low to average spin. Players who rely on soft hands at the kitchen may appreciate the semi-soft feel, while heavy baseline hitters may want more pop. The 7.5-to-8-ounce weight should remain quick enough for hand battles, but the larger handle may feel bulky.
Best for
- Players wanting extra reach on returns and defensive blocks
- Two-handed backhand players who prefer a long handle
- Players upgrading to a carbon-faced paddle for more texture
- All-court players who prefer control over maximum power
Look elsewhere if
- Players who want strong pop for deep baseline drives
- Players who need a large, forgiving sweet spot
- Players sensitive to bulky handles
- Players seeking consistently high spin from the paddle face
Strengths
- Elongated 16.5-inch shape provides extra reach
- 5.6-inch handle supports two-handed shots
- Raw T700 carbon face adds surface texture for spin and finesse
- Midweight 7.5-to-8-ounce build supports a balance of speed and stability
- Reviewers find it steady for blocks and semi-soft at contact
Things to consider
- One review reports a small sweet spot and frequent edge mishits
- Reported power ranges from balanced to lacking, so big hitters may want more pop
- Spin feedback is mixed despite the textured carbon surface
- The handle may feel bulky with its 4.25-inch circumference
- The elongated shape gives reach but offers less width than a standard paddle
Specs
| Brand | Franklin Sports |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7.8 oz |
| Core thickness | 13 mm |
| Core material | 13mm polypropylene |
| Face | Carbon fiber |
| Face material | T700 raw carbon fiber |
| Shape | Elongated |
| Length | 16.5 in |
| Width | 7.5 in |
| Handle length | 5.6 in |
| Grip circumference | 4.25 in |
| Handle | Long, cushioned handle |
| USA Pickleball approved | Yes |
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 Sports Launches The Carbon STK Paddle | Franklin Sports
- Franklin Signature Carbon Pickleball Paddle | Dick's Sporting Goods
- Franklin Signature Carbon Stk review: specs, what stands out, where to buy – PickleRickle