As a local manufacturer of athletic items, Franklin Sports began in 1946. Irving H. Franklin, who along with his brother Sydney created Franklin Sports in 1946, had the creative notion to focus an entire product line on one athlete, Joe Namath. Franklin has partnered with some of the top sportsmen in the world of sports over the years, including superstars like Sugar Ray Leonard, David Robinson, Dan Marino, and Barry Bonds.
Franklin is a leading name in the pickleball industry and has been producing paddles for over 20 years. They offer a variety of high-quality US-made paddles for every skill level and pricepoint. Ben Johns and Christine McGrath, two elite professionals, are in their camp, making them a force to be reckoned with. You can’t go wrong with any choice from the Franklin lineup.
Here are our top 5 picks in the Franklin lineup.
1. Best Overall – Franklin Sports Pro Pickleball Paddle
WHAT WE LIKED
+ Perfect weight
+ Very high quality core material
+ Excellent power response
+ Excellent spin control with the MaxGrit face technology
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE
– Nothing! We thought this paddle was an excellent value
Franklin Sports Pro Pickleball Paddle – USAP Approved Paddle with MaxGrit Technology – Elongated Handle for Maximum…
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PROFESSIONAL QUALITY: Designed by Franklin pickleball pros, this premium quality paddle has been constructed to compete, and win, at the highest level
MAX-GRIT: This paddle is constructed with max grit surface coating technology designed to achieve maximum spin and dampen vibration for optimal control and precision play
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Price: $94.99
2. Best Value – Franklin X1000 Pickleball Paddle
WHAT WE LIKED
+ Great Pricepoint
+ Most comfortable grip
+ Good balance of power for drives and precision for volleying
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE
– The paddle face wasn’t as grippy and responsive with spin control
Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle – Polypropylene Core Pickleball Racket
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LIGHTWEIGHT MATERIAL: The polypropylene core creates a strong and durable paddle that is USA Pickleball (USAPA) approved
COMFORT GRIP: Keep your hands in the game with our form fitting non-slip grip handle
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Price: $59.96
3. Best Bargain – Franklin Sports Aluminum Pickleball Paddle
WHAT WE LIKED
+ Beginner Friendly
+ Very forgiving hitting surface
+ Excellent Price
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE
– Generated less power than the previous options
– Weaker spin control
– Some might not like the metal surface of the paddle
Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle – Aluminum Pickleball Racket – USA Pickleball (USAPA) Approved
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USA PICKLEBALL APPROVED: This paddle is approved for tournament play by USA Pickleball (USAPA)
COMFORT GRIP: Keep your hands in the game with our form fitting non-slip grip handle
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Price: $16.89
4. Best Old School – Franklin Sports Wooden Pickleball Paddle
WHAT WE LIKED
+ Retro Look and Feel – They sound great
+ Comes as a set with balls for easy play
+ Excellent Price
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE
– Wood is less responsive than the polymer core modern paddles
– Slightly different head shape takes getting used to
Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle and Ball Set – Wooden Pickleball Rackets + Pickleballs – 2 Players – USA Pickleball…
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INCLUDED: (2) USA Pickleball approved wooden paddles and (2) X-40 pickleballs are included in the set
COMFORT GRIP: Keep your hands in the game with our form fitting non-slip grip handle
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Price: $24.84
5. Best Set Bargain – Franklin Sports Aluminum Pickleball Paddle Set
WHAT WE LIKED
+ Price! – For only $10 more than the single paddle you get an additional paddle and balls
+ Same positives as the single paddle
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE
– Same weaknesses as the single paddle
Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle and Ball Set – Aluminum Pickleball Rackets + Pickleballs – Jet – USA Pickleball (USAPA…
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INCLUDED: (2) USA Pickleball approved aluminum paddles and (2) X-40 pickleballs are included in the set - everything you need to get started!
COMFORT GRIP: Keep your hands in the game with our form fitting non-slip grip handle.
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Price: $45.92
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