Franklin C45 Tempo
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 C45 Tempo
This is a great paddle for players who prefer to play a patient style and rely on resets and moving dinks around to win points. We felt like we would rarely miss a third-shot drop or reset in the transition zone with this paddle, but it still provided good pop in hands battles and enough putaway power to end a point when there was a good opportunity.
You can find our complete breakdown of the different C45 shapes here.
Is the C45 Tempo worth $229.99?
Yes, if you win points with resets and dinks. At $229.99 it sits in the high price range, and we consider the 16mm among the top control paddles out there, while it still offers pop for hands battles and enough putaway power to end points.
Who should buy the C45 Tempo?
Players with a patient style who win by resetting and working dinks around the kitchen. Third-shot drops and transition-zone resets feel very reliable, and the slightly slower ball lets you roll heavy topspin with confidence. Aggressive baseline players will prefer the elongated Dynasty.
Buy it if
- You win points with resets and placement
- You like heavy topspin dink rolls
- You want room to customize with weight
- You want a short handle and wide face
Skip it if
- You want maximum baseline power
- You prefer an elongated, long-reach shape
- You like a long handle
How does the C45 Tempo play?
At a very low 105 swing weight with a 6.5 twist weight, it is quick and stable. As the widest, shortest C45, measuring 8 by 15.9 inches, it offers a large sweet spot. The ball leaves the face a bit slower than on the Dynasty or Hybrid, which suits controlled shots.
What are the strengths and trade-offs of the C45 Tempo?
Its biggest edge is reset and drop reliability without losing hands-battle pop. The main cost is less baseline power than the elongated shapes.
Strengths
- Very reliable third-shot drops and resets
- Large widebody sweet spot
- Slower ball off the face aids topspin
- Pop for hands battles
Trade-offs
- Less raw power than the Dynasty
- Shortest shape trades away reach
- Putaway power is good, not big
Closest match we’ve tested
Franklin C45 Tempo vs Franklin C45 Anna Leigh Waters Aurelius
Same widebody shape and same 16mm Gen 3 core.
- Shape
- Widebody
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 3
More specs
- Paddle Type
- All Court
- Static Weight
- 7.9 oz
- Swing Weight
- 105
- Twist Weight
- 6.5
- 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
- 7.6 oz
- Swing Weight
- 99
- Twist Weight
- 6.2
- Handle Length
- Short
- Certification
- Dual Certified
15% off with code KITCHEN
15% off with KITCHEN
15% off with KITCHEN
Not sure yet? Compare the Franklin C45 Tempo against any paddle
See their stats, price and playability side by side
Questions people ask about the C45 Tempo
Who should buy the Franklin C45 Tempo?
Patient players who like to reset and move dinks around. Drops and resets are very reliable, and you still get good pop in hands battles and enough putaway power.
Is the Franklin C45 Tempo a power paddle or a control paddle?
It leans control. We think the 16mm is one of the best control paddles we've played, and the slightly slower ball lets you hit heavy topspin rolls with confidence.
What is the swing weight of the Franklin C45 Tempo?
105, which is very low, with a 6.5 twist weight. That leaves a lot of room to customize it with added weight.
What shape is the Franklin C45 Tempo?
It's a widebody, the widest and shortest C45 at 8 inches wide and 15.9 inches long, with a short 5-inch handle and a 16mm core.
Is the Franklin C45 Tempo 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 Tempo alternatives?
Franklin C45 Anna Leigh Waters Aurelius
Power 79Spin 80
16mm Gen 3 · Swing weight 99
RPM Friction Pro V2 Widebody
Power 79Spin 95
16mm Gen 3 · Swing weight 110
Franklin C45 Dynasty – Will Howells signature
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 C45 Tempo measured power 70, spin 78, swing weight 105 and twist weight 6.5.
- One ball for every test. The Life Time LT Pro 48.