Franklin C45 Hybrid
Best discount code for this paddle: Use code KITCHEN for 15% off
- Shape
- Hybrid
- Core Thickness
- 14mm
- Core Type
- Gen 3
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- Dual Certified
- Price
- $229.99
Our take on the C45 Hybrid
The original C45 model from Franklin remains one of the best paddles on the market. The curved top edge and maneuverability of this paddle lets players whip through the ball, generating top-tier spin with pinpoint control.
Is the C45 Hybrid worth $229.99?
Yes, if you live at the kitchen line. At $229.99 it sits in the high price range, and you get high-end pop in hands battles from a very light, curved-top paddle that takes added weight well and stays quick even with tape on it.
Who should buy the C45 Hybrid?
Players who do their best work in fast hands battles and like a light paddle, including anyone who enjoys customizing weight. The curved top edge suits aggressive flicks out of the air. If you want plush drops and resets, this probably isn’t the paddle for you.
Buy it if
- You want high-end pop in hands battles
- You like a very light, whippy paddle
- You enjoy customizing weight with tape
- You flick aggressively out of the air
Skip it if
- You think of yourself as a reset king
- You want big power on serves and drives
- You won't add any weighted tape
- You dislike an adjustment period on drops
How does the C45 Hybrid play?
Swing weight sits at a low 106, so the paddle is quick and gives you confidence on reflex volleys. The curved top edge and thin 14mm profile keep it maneuverable with tape on. Drops and resets take a couple of hours to dial in, and stock power on serves and drives improves with tungsten tape on the top edge.
What are the strengths and trade-offs of the C45 Hybrid?
Its biggest edge is hand speed and pop at the net. The main cost is soft-game plushness, since drops and resets take real adjusting.
Strengths
- Curved top edge for whippy flicks
- Lots of room to customize with tape
- Dual foam perimeter adds flex and forgiveness
- Good putaway power once weighted
Trade-offs
- Lacks plow-through on serves and drives stock
- Resets and drops need adjustment time
- Needs weighted tape to reach its potential
Closest match we’ve tested
Franklin C45 Hybrid vs Luzz Glider
Same hybrid shape and same Gen 3 core.
- Shape
- Hybrid
- Core Thickness
- 14mm
- Core Type
- Gen 3
More specs
- Paddle Type
- Control
- Static Weight
- 7.6 oz
- Swing Weight
- 106
- Twist Weight
- 5.6
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- Dual Certified
15% off with code KITCHEN
- Shape
- Hybrid
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 3
More specs
- Paddle Type
- All Court
- Static Weight
- 7.9 oz
- Swing Weight
- 107
- Twist Weight
- 6.1
- 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 Hybrid against any paddle
See their stats, price and playability side by side
Questions people ask about the C45 Hybrid
Who should buy the Franklin C45 Hybrid?
Players who want lots of pop at the kitchen line and a lighter paddle. The curved top edge and thin 14mm profile make it extremely maneuverable in hands battles.
Is the Franklin C45 Hybrid a foam core paddle?
Not fully. Its PowerFlex core is polypropylene honeycomb with a dual foam perimeter, and the foam lets it flex more for extra power, pop and forgiveness.
What is the swing weight of the Franklin C45 Hybrid?
106, which is low, with a 5.6 twist weight. It's so light you'll feel confident on reflex volleys, though resets take some adjusting.
Does the Franklin C45 Hybrid need lead or tungsten tape?
It helps. Stock, it lacks plow-through on serves and drives, and tungsten tape on the throat and top edge adds stability and power without hurting maneuverability.
Is the Franklin C45 Hybrid 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 Hybrid alternatives?
11SIX24 Vapor Jelly Bean
Power 65Spin 76
16mm Gen 2 · Swing weight 115
Franklin C45 Parris Todd Signature
Power 77Spin 81
13mm Gen 3 · Swing weight 104
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 C45 Hybrid measured power 56, spin 66, swing weight 106 and twist weight 5.6.
- One ball for every test. The Life Time LT Pro 48.