Franklin ALW C45 Aurelius Review
Consensus score
When the most dominant player in the sport changes paddles, you pay attention. Anna Leigh Waters left Paddletek in January after seven years and signed with Franklin, and the Aurelius is the signature paddle they built her. It is the strangest premium paddle you can buy: 15.7 inches long, as light as 7.2 ounces, with a 3.9-inch grip. Reviewers describe the same thing from every angle. It is a spin monster with silly hand speed that does not really work until you tape it up. You miss 100% of the shots you don't take, and with this paddle, you had better take them with lead tape on.
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. Our rankings are never influenced by commissions or brand partnerships. Consensus score 82/100 (Good) — aggregated Oct 2026 from expert and owner reviews — how we rank.
The consensus verdict
Best for
Advanced players who customize their gear, spin-first attackers who shape every ball, and smaller-handed players the 3.9" grip was made for. Reviewers say it is a blank canvas in the best sense.
Not for
Anyone who wants a paddle that works great out of the wrapper, two-handed backhand players (the 5.1" handle says no), and beginners. This is a specialist's tool, not a first paddle.
Consensus 82/100 · Good
Weighted from Pickleheads' scored category review, PickleLand's review, two YouTube playtests, and Pickleball Studio's assessment. Spin (9.5/10) and hand speed are elite; stock forgiveness, the tiny grip, and modest power are the honest deductions. The ALW halo does not inflate the score.
Specs
| MSRP | $229.99 (all three thicknesses) |
|---|---|
| Shape | Aurelius (compact widebody) 15.7" x 7.9" |
| Thickness | 12.7mm (ALW's spec) / 14mm / 16mm |
| Face | 45° T700 carbon fiber with peel ply texture |
| Core | PowerFlex polymer core |
| Weight | 7.2–7.7 oz (12.7mm) · 7.5–8.0 oz (14mm) · 7.6–8.0 oz (16mm) |
| Handle | 5.1", 3.9" grip (small) |
| Approval | USAP and UPA-A approved |
Specs from Franklin and retailer listings. Anna Leigh Waters plays the 12.7mm version on tour. Boundary note: $229.99 sits in our $200+ tier by rule.
What reviewers agree on
Strengths
- Spin for days. Pickleheads scored it 9.5/10, the highest spin mark in their testing. The light frame and 45-degree face let reviewers roll the ball wherever they wanted: dipping drives, heavy drops, lobs that stay in.
- The fastest-feeling paddle tested. A 10/10 for aerodynamics. Reviewers call it ridiculous in hand battles. If a ball is reachable, this paddle gets there.
- A tinkerer's dream. The light stock weight is a starting point, not a finished product. Reviewers who added weight say it stays fast while gaining the stability it lacks stock. For players who know exactly what they want, that is a feature.
Weaknesses & caveats
- Needs tape to behave. This is the near-unanimous caveat. Stock forgiveness is poor: the paddle can turn in your hand on off-center hits, and one expert assessment put it at 6/10 as it ships. Plan on adding weight.
- Tiny grip, short handle. The 3.9" grip and 5.1" handle suit smaller hands and rule out two-handed backhands. Pickleheads scored the grip 5/10. If you have big hands, wrap it up or move on.
- No easy power. At 6/10 for power, you are not hitting through anyone. Deep serves take work. What you get instead is placement and dip, which is a different kind of weapon, but it is not this one.
Synthesized from expert scored reviews (Pickleheads, PickleLand, Pickleball Studio), YouTube playtests, and player-community discussion. How we rank →
Who it's for
Who it's for
- Advanced players who customize with lead tape
- Spin-first players who shape the ball on every shot
- Smaller-handed players who want a fast, light frame
Who should skip it
- You want a paddle that is great out of the wrapper
- Two-handed backhand players — the handle is too short
- Beginners, who get more for their money under $100
Pro usage
Anna Leigh Waters — Franklin ALW C45 Aurelius (12.7mm), her signature paddle since signing with Franklin in January 2026. See the full tracker →
Where to buy
This is the 12.7mm, Anna Leigh Waters' own spec. The 16mm version is at JustPaddles too. Buying through these links supports our work at no extra cost to you.
← Best paddles $200 & up · C45 Dynasty review · Grit & spin explained · Paddle shapes explained
Aurelius FAQs
Which Aurelius thickness should I get?
The 12.7mm is ALW's spec: poppiest and quickest, least forgiving. The 14mm is the balanced middle most players should start with. The 16mm is softest and most controlled.
Does the Aurelius really need lead tape?
Reviewers say yes. Stock it is so light it can turn in your hand on mishits. Tape around the edges fixes forgiveness without killing the speed.
Is the Aurelius good for beginners?
No. It is light, demanding, and priced for players who already know their game. Beginners get more paddle for less money under $100.