Several top pros -- including Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters -- using new paddles at PPA Tour Cape Coral Open

Alex Lantz

Director of Content

Last Edited

Feb 10 2026

Category

News

Several of the biggest names in pickleball are debuting new paddles this week at the PPA Tour Cape Coral Open.

In her first match of the week Tuesday, world No. 1 women's player Anna Leigh Waters was using her new Franklin signature paddle, which is called the C45 Aurelius. The paddle, which is a 12.7mm widebody shape and part of the existing C45 lineup, was approved by the United Pickleball Association of America late last week.

Learn more: C45 Aurelius now available for pre-order

The Aurelius -- a Latin word meaning golden -- has Waters' familiar crown logo on the face and is the thinnest paddle in the C45 line. That would likely make it the most poppy and the most maneuverable C45 model. The dimensions are very similar to what she has used previously. It's expected to be available to the public early next month.

World No. 1 men's player Ben Johns also appeared to be using a new paddle during his mixed doubles match Tuesday. JOOLA has been relatively quiet about the upcoming release of its Pro V paddle, but 11 JOOLA Pro V models showed up on the list of UPA-A approved paddles this week. The Pro V series is expected to be available for pre-order later this month.

Anna Bright also said on Instagram that she would be using the Scorpeus Pro V this week, and several other JOOLA players are expected to put the new models in play in Cape Coral.

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