Franklin Sports
Franklin Sports Signature Series Carbon STK
The Franklin Signature Series Carbon STK is an elongated, midweight carbon paddle built for reach, blocking, and controlled contact. It suits players who want a longer handle and a softer feel more than maximum power.
Character from the specs · Control
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 uses a 17 mm polypropylene core with a carbon-fiber surface and one-piece construction. Its 7.9–8.3 ounce weight sits in a manageable middle range. The 16.5-inch length and 7.5-inch width add reach without creating an unusually narrow shape. Its 5.6-inch cushioned handle also gives you room for a two-handed backhand.
The thicker core and elongated shape point toward stability and control rather than an all-out power setup. Reviewers describe a semi-soft feel and reliable blocking, but they also report a small sweet spot and weaker edge performance. The 4.5-inch grip circumference may feel bulky if you prefer a slimmer handle.
Play style
This paddle fits a controlled game built around blocks, touch shots, and two-handed drives. The long handle helps with reach and two-handed shots, while the 17 mm core supports a softer response. Its listed weight should remain workable during hand battles at the kitchen.
The textured carbon surface is intended to add traction for spin and finesse shots. However, reviewer feedback is mixed: the surface texture is noticeable, while reported spin ranges from low to average. Players seeking easy baseline power should look elsewhere, since one review describes the paddle as lacking power.
Best for
- Players who use a two-handed backhand and want extra handle length
- Players who prioritize blocking and a semi-soft feel
- Players with a controlled kitchen game
- Players wanting an elongated paddle with moderate weight
- Players upgrading to a USA Pickleball-approved carbon paddle
Look elsewhere if
- Players who want strong built-in power on baseline drives
- Players who need a large, forgiving sweet spot
- Players who prefer a slim handle
- Players who require consistently high spin from the paddle surface
Strengths
- The 5.6-inch elongated handle supports two-handed shots and added reach.
- The 17 mm polypropylene core contributes to the semi-soft feel and reliable blocking reported by reviewers.
- The 7.9–8.3 ounce weight offers a manageable middle-ground setup.
- The carbon-fiber surface has noticeable texture and is designed to support spin and finesse shots.
- The paddle is USA Pickleball approved.
Things to consider
- A reviewer reports a small sweet spot and frequent loss of response on mishits near the edge.
- Reviewer feedback conflicts with the spin-focused marketing, with one review calling the spin low to average.
- One reviewer says the paddle lacks power, so big baseline hitters may want a livelier option.
- The 4.5-inch grip circumference may feel bulky in smaller hands.
- The elongated shape can favor reach and two-handed shots over a compact, quick feel.
Specs
| Brand | Franklin Sports |
|---|---|
| Weight | 8.1 oz |
| Core thickness | 17 mm |
| Core material | 17 mm polypropylene |
| Face | Carbon fiber |
| Face material | Textured carbon-fiber surface |
| Length | 16.5 in |
| Width | 7.5 in |
| Handle length | 5.6 in |
| Grip circumference | 4.5 in |
| Handle | 5.6-inch elongated cushioned handle |
| 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.