Franklin C45 Series
Best discount code for this paddle: Use code KITCHEN for 15% off
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 3
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- Dual Certified
- Price
- $229.99
Our take on the C45 Dynasty
The 16mm version of the C45 Dynasty is the current paddle of choice for Hayden Patriquin, while Anna Leigh Waters (who signed with Franklin in early 2026) has been experimenting with multiple shapes in the C45 line. The entire C45 series has gotten great reviews and been a popular choice among pros and high-level amateurs since it’s release.
We recently went back and re-tested it against some of the more recent releases and found that it still holds up as a great option in the modern paddle landscape.
You can find our complete breakdown of the different C45 shapes here.
Is the C45 Dynasty worth $229.99?
Yes. At $229.99 it sits in the high price range, and the line remains a go-to for pros and strong amateurs while still standing up to newer releases. With four shapes, there is a C45 for most playing styles.
Who should buy the C45 Dynasty?
Players who want to match a paddle to their style: attackers take the Dynasty, pop-hunters who like a light feel take the Hybrid, kitchen-pop fans take the Parris Todd, and patient resetters take the Tempo. The 117 swing weight applies to the elongated 16mm version, so choose your shape first.
Buy it if
- You want a pro-proven paddle family
- You like light paddles you can tape up
- You want a choice of four shapes
- You play sanctioned events of any kind
Skip it if
- You want a heavy paddle straight from the box
- You want the Hybrid shape in 16mm
- You want to spend under $200
How does the C45 Dynasty play?
Every C45 is light, with a PowerFlex core whose foam layers flex on impact for pop and a forgiving feel, plus a 45-degree carbon face for spin. The 16mm elongated version is the one Hayden Patriquin plays, while the Hybrid, Parris Todd and Tempo all run noticeably lighter.
What are the strengths and trade-offs of the C45 Dynasty?
Its biggest edge is range, with a shape for aggressive, pop-first and patient players. The main cost is that each shape plays differently, so the right pick matters.
Strengths
- Four shapes to match different styles
- Light frames that take added weight well
- Flexing foam layers add pop and forgiveness
- Holds up against newer paddles
Trade-offs
- Swing weight varies a lot by shape
- Hybrid shape only comes in 14mm
- Light stock feel needs tape for stability
Closest match we’ve tested
Franklin C45 Series vs Selkirk Era Power
Same elongated shape, same 16mm Gen 3 core and nearly the same power.
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 3
More specs
- Paddle Type
- All Court
- Static Weight
- 7.8 oz
- Swing Weight
- 117
- Twist Weight
- 5.9
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- Dual Certified
15% off with code KITCHEN
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 3
More specs
- Paddle Type
- All Court
- Static Weight
- 8 oz
- Swing Weight
- 117
- Twist Weight
- 6.3
- Handle Length
- Long
- Certification
- Dual Certified
15% off with KITCHEN
Not sure yet? Compare the Franklin C45 Series against any paddle
See their stats, price and playability side by side
Questions people ask about the C45 Dynasty
Who should buy the Franklin C45 Series?
It depends on the shape: Dynasty for aggressive players, Hybrid for pop and a lighter feel, Parris Todd for kitchen pop over baseline power, and Tempo for patient resetters.
What shapes are available in the Franklin C45 Series?
Four: the Hybrid (14mm only), the elongated Dynasty and widebody Tempo (14mm or 16mm), and the Parris Todd signature, which has a thinner core.
Is the Franklin C45 Series worth $229.99?
Yes. It's stayed a favorite among pros and high-level amateurs since release, and when we retested it against newer paddles it still held up.
Is the Franklin C45 Series USAP approved?
Yes, it's approved by both USA Pickleball and the UPA-A, so it's legal in any sanctioned tournament.
What is the swing weight of the Franklin C45 Series?
117 for this elongated version, with a 5.9 twist weight. It depends on the shape, though, and the Hybrid, Parris Todd and Tempo all run noticeably lighter.
What are some Franklin C45 Series alternatives?
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 Dynasty measured power 75, spin 78, swing weight 117 and twist weight 5.9.
- One ball for every test. The Life Time LT Pro 48.