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Franklin

item #:
FRKL230-0001

Franklin C45 Anna Leigh Waters Aurelius ALW Pickleball Paddle

$229.99
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Details

Traditional shape pickleball paddle with a 45 degree T700 carbon face, double-thermoformed unibody construction, and PowerFlex core in 12.7mm, 14mm, and 16mm for faster pop, balanced response, or more control.

Lightweight/Small Grip

Franklin C45 Anna Leigh Waters Aurelius ALW Pickleball Paddle

Built for players who want a pro-level traditional shape with easy hand speed and a lively all-court response, the Franklin C45 Anna Leigh Waters Aurelius ALW Pickleball Paddle uses a 15.7in x 7.9in profile that feels quick through firefights while still offering enough width for confident blocks, counters, and roll volleys. We found this shape especially useful for aggressive doubles players who want to speed the ball up, redirect pace, and stay dangerous at the kitchen without giving up stability on full swings.

Franklin pairs that shape with a double-thermoformed unibody frame, a 45 degree T700 carbon fiber peel ply face, and the PowerFlex polymer core with inner foam to give the paddle a crisp, poppy response that still feels controlled on contact. Being the Anna Leigh Waters shape, we know it is built with high-level competition in mind. The 12.7mm is the most explosive and quickest off the face, the 14mm gives us a balanced blend of pop and touch, and the 16mm settles the platform down for players who want a little more dwell and forgiveness.

+ Key Features
  • Double-Thermoformed Unibody Construction - Franklin reinforces the paddle structure twice to increase overall strength, improve long-term integrity, and reduce vibration when contact speeds up.
  • 45 Degree T700 Carbon Fiber Surface - The peel ply carbon face is laid at a 45 degree angle to create consistent surface texture, helping us grab the ball better for heavier spin and more confident shot shaping.
  • PowerFlex Core - The PowerFlex polymer core is built to deliver lively rebound while maintaining enough touch for resets, counters, and controlled placement.
  • Inner Foam Channel - Perimeter foam helps preserve structural stability and adds a more solid, connected feel, especially when contact drifts outside the center of the face.
  • Anna Leigh Waters Pro Shape - This traditional shape keeps the paddle maneuverable in hand battles while still giving us enough width and stability to handle fast exchanges and attack out of transition.
+ 12.7mm | Fastest Rebound and Maximum Pop
The 12.7mm is the most explosive option in the lineup. It gets through the ball the fastest, so counters, speed-ups, and aggressive drives come off the face with the most immediate rebound. We liked this version most when attacking out of hand battles or looking to pressure opponents with quick acceleration off compact swings. The tradeoff is a firmer feel with less dwell time on soft resets and drop shots.
+ 14mm | Balanced Pop and All-Court Response
The 14mm sits in the middle of the lineup and gives this platform its most balanced response. It still has clear pop on drives, flicks, and putaways, but it feels a touch more settled than the 12.7mm when absorbing pace or shaping softer balls. For us, this is the best fit for players who want one paddle to handle fast exchanges, attacking transitions, and controlled counters without leaning too far toward either extreme.
+ 16mm | More Dwell, Stability, and Forgiveness
The 16mm gives the C45 platform a calmer and more controlled feel through contact. We noticed more dwell time on resets, better forgiveness when blocking pace, and a slightly softer response on drops and touch shots. It still has plenty of put-away ability because the face and foam keep the paddle lively, but compared to the thinner options it is the most composed choice for players who want stability and a little more margin in the soft game.
 
Expert Review
"This paddle is just so quick in our hands, and the face has plenty of bite. The 12.7mm is the hottest, the 14mm is the most balanced, and the 16mm feels the calmest on resets and blocks."
PickleballCentral Gear Expert

Frequently Asked Questions

+ What is the difference between the 12.7mm, 14mm, and 16mm C45 Aurelius ALW?
The 12.7mm is the quickest and most explosive, the 14mm gives you the most balanced mix of pop and control, and the 16mm offers the most dwell time, forgiveness, and stability.
+ Which thickness should aggressive players choose?
Most aggressive players who want the fastest counters and most immediate pop will prefer the 12.7mm. If you still want offense but with a little more control, the 14mm is a strong middle ground.
+ Which thickness is best for control and resets?
The 16mm is the best choice for players who want the most settled response on drops, blocks, and resets. It feels softer through contact and gives you a little more margin when absorbing pace.
+ Is the 14mm the safest choice for most players?
For a lot of players, yes. The 14mm gives us enough pop to stay aggressive while still feeling more manageable than the 12.7mm and more lively than the 16mm.
+ Does the thinner core sacrifice too much control?
Not necessarily. The 12.7mm still has usable control because the carbon face and foam help keep the response connected, but it is firmer and more reactive than the thicker options.

Specifications

Franklin C45 Anna Leigh Waters Aurelius ALW Pickleball Paddle Technical Specifications
Average Weight: (12.7mm) 7.45 ounces, (14mm) 7.75 ounces, (16mm) 7.8 ounces
Weight Range: (12.7mm) 7.2 - 7.7 ounces, (14mm) 7.5 - 8.0 ounces, (16mm) 7.6 - 8.0 ounces
Grip Circumference: 3.9" (Small) Actual grip sizes may vary up to 1/8"
Grip Style: Perforated, Cushioned
Grip Manufacturer: Franklin
Handle Length: 5.1"
Paddle Length: 15.7"
Paddle Width: 7.9"
Paddle Face: T700 Carbon Fiber Peel Ply Texture
Core Material: PowerFlex Polymer Core with Inner Foam
Core Thickness: 12.7mm (0.50"), 14mm (0.55"), 16mm (0.63")
Construction: Double-Thermoformed Unibody
Edge Guard: Yes
Manufacturer: Franklin Sports
Approvals: USAP, UPA
Made in China
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