The Franklin C45 Aurelius 12.7mm is Anna Leigh Waters' signature ultra-light pickleball paddle. It moves blazingly fast through the air, but the low static weight and 5.6 twist weight create stability issues against heavy hitters that limit who this paddle is right for.
The Verdict
Anna Leigh Waters' ultra-light signature paddle.
It plays like a feather — great until you face a heavy hitter. After thorough on-court evaluation, the Franklin C45 Aurelius landed in the upper tier of the paddles we tested in 2026.
If you're comparing it against other foam-core paddles, it's one of several great foam core paddles we've played this year.
Specs
| Overall Score | 8.6 / 10 |
| Price (with code) | $229.99 |
| Stock Price | $229.99 |
| Shape | Standard |
| Thickness | 12.7mm |
| Core | PowerFlex polymer with foam channel |
| Face | T700 carbon fiber (45° peel-ply) |
| Weight | 7.45 oz |
| Grip Length | 5.1" |
| Swing Weight | 92-104 |
Performance Scores
On-Court Feel
Drives require more physical effort because the paddle has minimal mass to do the work for you. Swinging it feels like a feather — perfect for rapid-fire volleys, but heavier hitters can bully you. The soft game is reasonable because the paddle is so easy to maneuver into position. When a ball catches the edge of the 12.7mm frame, the paddle twists noticeably in your hand. It's a specialty tool — great for what it is, frustrating when you ask it to do everything.
Performance & Testing
The Franklin C45 Aurelius went through our standard on-court protocol - drills, rec play, and at least one tournament match. Scores reflect consensus feedback, not a single reviewer's opinion.
Grit & Durability
The 45-degree peel-ply T700 carbon provides decent spin, though grit retention is average for the price point. The double-thermoformed unibody construction feels structurally sound and Franklin's build quality is generally solid. UPA-A certification is a plus for tournament players.
Who It's For
Players with elbow or shoulder pain who need the lightest paddle possible, and players who win through pure hand speed at the kitchen. Skip if you face heavy hitters, need a forgiving sweet spot, or want a paddle that does both offense and defense well.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Blazing fast swing weight (92-104)
- Excellent on the elbow and shoulder
- Anna Leigh Waters' signature paddle
- UPA-A tournament approved
- Available in three thicknesses
Cons
- Low twist weight (5.6) creates stability issues
- Short 5.1" handle limits two-handed backhands
- 12.7mm is the most demanding thickness
- No promo code available
- Generic feel at $229.99 vs foam alternatives
Bottom Line
A specialty paddle for hand-speed-first players.
Great at one thing — fast hands — but not the right pick for most players in 2026.
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