C45° Carbon Fiber
Multi-directional weave for insane bite and spin
14mm Powerflex Core
Optimized balance of speed & massive control
Aurelius Shape
Official wide design of pro champion Anna Leigh Waters
USA Pickleball Approved
Tournament certified for competitive, sanctioned play
Play with the Speed of the World's #1 Champion
In competitive pickleball, hand speed at the kitchen line isn't just an asset—it is the difference between winning and losing. Designed in collaboration with pro phenom Anna Leigh Waters, the Franklin C45 Aurelius 14mm is a precision speed weapon built for rapid-fire hand battles. Combining a revolutionary 45-degree raw carbon fiber weave with an aggressive, shock-absorbing 14mm Powerflex Core, this paddle delivers ultimate energy transfer, consistent ball placement, and the lightning-quick swing weight necessary to dominate the fastest exchanges.
1 Revolutionary C45° Carbon Fiber Face
Most paddles apply raw carbon fiber at a standard 90-degree angle. The C45° series rotates premium Toray T700 carbon fiber by 45 degrees. This angular cross-weave aligns perfectly with the diagonal swing path of spin serves, cut shots, and roll-volleys, providing superior grip and multi-directional friction.
- Dramatically increased multi-directional ball grip for heavier spin
- Uniform face tension ensures a more consistent response across the surface
- Raw carbon texture grit stays textured, resisting court wear over time
2 Superior Grip & Cushion Wrap
Control begins at the handle. The Franklin C45 Aurelius is equipped with a premium high-quality grip wrap that offers outstanding tackiness and sweat absorption. Engineered to minimize paddle slippage even in high-perspiration tournament conditions, it allows for a secure grip with less squeeze tension—releasing your wrist for optimal snap and paddle maneuverability.
- High-tack grip texture ensures the paddle stays stable in your palm
- Specialized shock-dampening wrap absorbs vibrations, preventing elbow fatigue
- Thinner 3.9" grip circumference is ideal for fast, intuitive hand adjustments
3 Official Wide-Body Shape of the #1 Pro
The Aurelius features the exact traditional shape preferred by Anna Leigh Waters. Measuring 15.7 inches long by 7.9 inches wide, this wider profile pulls the sweet spot closer to your hands. The expanded horizontal surface provides massive defense-blocking capabilities and high forgiveness on off-center resets.
- Wider face maximizes the sweet spot horizontally, eliminating dead zones
- Lightweight weight distribution prevents wrist strain and fatigue
- Traditional 5.1" handle length provides maximum face area and reach balance
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
30-Day Court Trial
Take it to your court and play. If it doesn't instantly improve your hand speed and spin, return it within 30 days for a full refund.
Authentic USAPA Seal
Fully legal and officially approved by USA Pickleball. Registered on the official USAPA database for authorized club or national tournament use.
Free Secure Shipping
Complimentary tracked shipping included with every order. Dispatched from our warehouse within 24 hours with full tracking details.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Traditional raw carbon paddles align fibers at 90 degrees (vertical and horizontal). When you slice or apply heavy topspin, your swing path is almost always diagonal. By aligning the fibers at a 45-degree angle, the paddle face matches the natural trajectory of your swing, creating multi-directional friction and dramatically increasing ball-dwell time. This provides massive, consistent spin and prevents the ball from slipping off the paddle face.
Not at all. In fact, 14mm is widely considered the "sweet spot" for modern competitive pickleball. While a thinner core gives raw pop, it can lose control. The 14mm Powerflex Core provides incredible baseline drive power while maintaining the plush dampening required to execute soft third-shot drops and delicate dink battles at the kitchen line. It is the ultimate hybrid thickness.
Elongated paddles (16.5" x 7.5") have a higher swing weight and can feel head-heavy, reducing rapid wrist maneuverability. The Aurelius (15.7" x 7.9") wide-body shape brings the paddle's center of mass closer to your hand. This results in an incredibly low swing weight, giving you lightning-fast hand speed during rapid net battles while offering a much larger, wider, and more forgiving sweet spot.
To preserve the pristine micro-texture C45° carbon fiber face and keep dirt and oils off the grit, we highly recommend storing the paddle in a clean cover when not on the court. Each paddle shipped from our store comes packed securely to prevent any surface abrasion during transit.