Franklin Sports
Franklin Sports Viper Carbon 2.0
A lightweight, elongated carbon paddle with an edgeless design. It suits quick net reactions, baseline drives, and players who want extra reach without a heavy swing.
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 Viper Carbon 2.0 weighs 7.6 ounces, with a listed range of 7.5 to 7.7 ounces. That keeps it light enough for fast exchanges at the net while still giving you useful reach. Its 16.5-inch length and 7.5-inch width favor coverage and leverage over a broad, compact shape. The 4.5-inch grip circumference should suit players who prefer a medium-sized handle.
The paddle uses a 10mm aluminum core and carbon fiber face. The thinner core points toward a quicker, livelier response rather than a thick, muted feel. Its edgeless construction removes the raised edge around the face, which can help keep edge contacts from catching. Reviewers liked the large sweet spot and manageable balance, but some reported chipping or surface wear after limited use. Check the edge and face regularly if you play around rough court surfaces.
Play style
This setup fits an active, quick-handed style. The light weight and elongated shape should help with fast volleys, reaction shots, and reaching wide balls. The extra length also gives baseline drives more leverage, though it may feel less compact during rapid hand battles than a shorter paddle.
The carbon face and large sweet spot suit players who want a responsive paddle for drives and general shot-making. Choose it for speed, reach, and forgiveness. Its edgeless design may appeal if you sometimes contact the ball near the paddle’s outer edge.
Best for
- Players who want quick reactions at the net
- Baseline hitters looking for extra reach and leverage
- Players moving to a first lightweight paddle upgrade
- Anyone who prefers a medium-sized grip
- Players who value a large sweet spot
Look elsewhere if
- Players who want a thick, softer-feeling core
- Players who need proven resistance to chips and surface wear
- Players who prefer a shorter, wider paddle for compact hand battles
- Players shopping for a paddle with a specific spin-focused design
Strengths
- Light 7.6-ounce weight supports quick reactions and easy handling
- 16.5-inch length adds reach and leverage on drives
- Carbon fiber face offers a responsive hitting surface
- Reviewers found the large sweet spot more forgiving on off-center contact
- Edgeless design keeps a raised edge from interfering with edge contacts
Things to consider
- The 10mm aluminum core may feel livelier and less muted than a thicker core
- Edgeless construction leaves the face edge more exposed to court damage
- Reviewers reported chipping and superficial scrapes, with durability feedback varying
- The elongated shape may feel less maneuverable during very tight hand exchanges
- The light construction may not suit players who prefer more weight behind their shots
Specs
| Brand | Franklin Sports |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7.6 oz |
| Core thickness | 10 mm |
| Core material | Aluminum |
| Face | Carbon fiber |
| Face material | Carbon fiber |
| Length | 16.5 in |
| Width | 7.5 in |
| Grip circumference | 4.5 in |
| USA Pickleball approved | Yes |
Not listed by the seller: shape, handle length, handle.
Specs come from the seller's product listing and may be incomplete or change between batches. Double-check before you buy.