Franklin C45 Anna Leigh Waters Aurelius
Best discount code for this paddle: Use code KITCHEN for 15% off
- Shape
- Widebody
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 3
- Handle Length
- Short
- Certification
- Dual Certified
- Price
- $229.99
Our take on the Aurelius ALW
The Anna Leigh Waters C45 Aurelius is designed using Franklin’s widebody shape and is available in three thicknesses: 12.7mm, 14mm and 16mm. All of the Aurelius paddles have an extremely low swingweight, making them very maneuverable in fast exchanges at the kitchen line.
Is the Aurelius ALW worth $229.99?
Yes, if speed and spin are your priorities. At $229.99 it sits in the high price range, and the very low 99 swing weight makes it extremely quick in fast exchanges at the kitchen line.
Who should buy the Aurelius ALW?
Advanced players who value hand speed and spin at the kitchen, and fans of Anna Leigh Waters’ signature paddle. The widebody shape gives a large sweet spot for consistent contact. If you want to finish points with raw power, look elsewhere.
Buy it if
- You want elite hand speed
- You play fast exchanges at the kitchen
- You want a widebody sweet spot
- You're willing to add weight for stability
Skip it if
- You want power out of the box
- You want a full-foam Gen 4 core
- You want stability without added weight
How does the Aurelius ALW play?
Spin is high and power is medium, with the very low swing weight making the paddle extremely maneuverable up front. The 16mm Gen 3 core is not full foam, so it feels more traditional. Stability is the trade-off, and added weight helps it feel more planted.
What are the strengths and trade-offs of the Aurelius ALW?
Its biggest edge is speed and spin from a very low swing weight. The main cost is limited power and a need for added weight to feel stable.
Strengths
- Extremely low swing weight
- Elite speed and spin for advanced players
- Large widebody sweet spot
- Approved by both USA Pickleball and the UPA-A
Trade-offs
- Lacks power out of the box
- Often needs added weight for stability
- Gen 3 core, not full foam
- High price at $229.99
Closest match we’ve tested
Franklin C45 Anna Leigh Waters Aurelius vs RPM Friction Pro V2 Widebody
Same widebody shape, same 16mm Gen 3 core and nearly the same power.
- Shape
- Widebody
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 3
More specs
- Paddle Type
- All Court
- Static Weight
- 7.6 oz
- Swing Weight
- 99
- Twist Weight
- 6.2
- Handle Length
- Short
- Certification
- Dual Certified
15% off with code KITCHEN
- Shape
- Widebody
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 3
More specs
- Paddle Type
- All Court
- Static Weight
- 8 oz
- Swing Weight
- 110
- Twist Weight
- 7.2
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- USAP
15% off with code KITCHEN
15% off with KITCHEN
15% off with KITCHEN
Not sure yet? Compare the Franklin C45 Anna Leigh Waters Aurelius against any paddle
See their stats, price and playability side by side
Questions people ask about the Aurelius ALW
Which Franklin paddle does Anna Leigh Waters use?
Anna Leigh Waters plays her signature Franklin C45 Aurelius, which Franklin announced in January 2026 after she left Paddletek. It comes in 12.7mm, 14mm and 16mm.
Is the Franklin C45 Anna Leigh Waters Aurelius good?
Reviewers see it as an elite speed-and-spin paddle for advanced players, with a very low swing weight of 99 in 16mm, but it lacks power and often needs added weight to feel stable.
How thick is the Franklin C45 Anna Leigh Waters Aurelius?
It comes in three core thicknesses. The 16mm version is a widebody with a short handle and a medium 6.2 twist weight.
Is the Franklin C45 Anna Leigh Waters Aurelius a foam paddle?
Not a full-foam one. It has a Gen 3 core rather than the Gen 4 full-foam construction used in many newer paddles.
How much does the Franklin C45 Anna Leigh Waters Aurelius cost?
$229.99, which puts it in the high price range for pickleball paddles.
Is the Franklin C45 Anna Leigh Waters Aurelius USAP approved?
Yes, it's approved by both USA Pickleball and the UPA-A, so it's legal in any sanctioned tournament.
What are some Franklin C45 Anna Leigh Waters Aurelius alternatives?
RPM Friction Pro V2 Widebody
Power 79Spin 95
16mm Gen 3 · Swing weight 110
Franklin Red, White & Blue C45 Dynasty
Power 75Spin 78
16mm Gen 3 · Swing weight 117
How we test every paddle
Why trust our ratings? Every paddle is played by Team Kitchen, our team of expert paddle reviewers, and measured on the same scale before we rate it.
- Expert reviewers. All 5.0+ players, testing alongside other high-level players in their area.
- Hours of drills and games. Every kind of shot, in real points, to see how a paddle plays in a match and not just on paper.
- Measured on the same scale. Power, spin, swing weight and twist weight for every paddle, so any two compare fairly. The Aurelius ALW measured power 79, spin 80, swing weight 99 and twist weight 6.2.
- One ball for every test. The Life Time LT Pro 48.