Franklin C45 Parris Todd Review
Consensus score
Thirteen point two five millimeters. Parris Todd played a thinner paddle for years because thin means pop on short strokes, and when Franklin built her signature model she wanted that pop with a little more control. So they split the difference between the 14 and 16mm C45s and landed here. Reviewers describe the fastest C45 in the line: lightning hands, heavy spin, and a power gap at $230 that you will need tungsten tape to close. Stop looking at me, swan: it is gorgeous, and it is a little fragile.
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 80/100 (Good) — aggregated Oct 2026 from expert and owner reviews — how we rank.
The consensus verdict
Best for
Advanced all-court players who supply their own pace, kitchen fighters who want the quickest C45, and tinkerers happy to add weight. Reviewers say the hand speed and spin are genuinely special.
Not for
Anyone who wants easy power without extra work, players with bigger hands (the 4.15" grip is small), and buyers who expect premium build quality at $230 given the edge guard complaints.
Consensus 80/100 · Good
Weighted from Pickleheads' scored review (3.5/5), Pickleball Central's expert review, and Golf Galaxy and Dick's owner reviews. Hand speed and spin lead the scoring; the power gap for the price and the edge-guard quality complaints are the deductions.
Specs
| MSRP | $229.95 |
|---|---|
| Shape | Hybrid 16.3" x 7.5" |
| Thickness | 13.25mm |
| Face | T700 carbon fiber with 45° peel ply texture |
| Core | PowerFlex core, double thermoformed with foam perimeter |
| Weight | 7.6–7.9 oz |
| Handle | 5.7", 4.15" grip (small) |
| Measured (third-party) | Swing weight ~101 (very low, per independent playtest measurement) |
| Approval | USAP and UPA-A approved |
Specs from Franklin and retailer listings; measured figures from independent reviewer data (unit-to-unit variance applies). Boundary note: $229.95 sits in our $200+ tier by rule.
What reviewers agree on
Strengths
- The fastest C45. Around 101 swing weight, the quickest in Franklin's line. Reviewers say hands feel faster on every exchange, and the thin core gives a crisp, lively response with tons of feedback.
- Spin comes easy. The 45-degree peel ply face grips the ball evenly across the surface. Topspin drives feel heavier, kitchen rolls bite a little more, and shaping shots feels natural rather than forced.
- It turns heads. The lilac and pink-blue colorways with chrome accents draw compliments every session, per reviewers. Style does not change the shot, but confidence is real.
Weaknesses & caveats
- The power gap is real. Pickleheads put it plainly: gorgeous, ultra-light spin machine, but the power gap is too big at a premium price. Big hitters will want added weight for easier putaways, which is extra work on a $230 paddle.
- Edge guard quality issues. The most consistent owner complaint: guards popping off within weeks, edge paint wearing fast, and warranty support that disappoints. Budget for edge tape and go in with eyes open.
- Small grip, light frame. The 4.15" grip will not suit bigger hands, and the light stock build means hard-hit balls can push it around until you add weight.
Synthesized from expert reviews (Pickleheads, Pickleball Central), The Kitchen's design coverage, owner reviews, and player-community discussion. How we rank →
Who it's for
Who it's for
- Advanced players who generate their own power
- Kitchen fighters who want maximum hand speed
- Tinkerers who will tape it up without complaint
Who should skip it
- You want easy power out of the wrapper — the rest of the $200+ tier asks less of you
- Bigger hands that need a full-size grip
- You expect flawless build quality at this price
Pro usage
Parris Todd — Franklin C45 Parris Todd 13.25mm, her signature paddle, designed around the thinner core she has preferred for years. See the full tracker →
Where to buy
Check price at Dick's →
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← Best paddles $200 & up · C45 Dynasty review · Grit & spin explained · Paddle shapes explained
Parris Todd FAQs
What does the 13.25mm core change vs the 14mm C45?
Quicker feel with more pop on short strokes — exactly what Todd wanted for kitchen exchanges. The tradeoff is less built-in power on big swings. Fast hands first, easy putaways second.
Are the edge guard problems real?
Enough owners report guards popping off and edge paint wearing that you should take it seriously. It is the most consistent complaint across retailers. Edge tape is cheap insurance.
Who is this paddle for?
Advanced all-court players who supply their own pace and want the fastest C45. If you need the paddle to supply easy power, the standard 14mm C45 models ask less of you.