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Franklin Sports Signature Series 16mm Pickleball Paddle

Franklin

Franklin Sports Signature Series 16mm Pickleball Paddle

86Universal Acclaim

The Franklin Sports Signature Series is widely praised for its excellent value, control, power, and sweet spot, with many reviewers calling it a top-tier budget paddle. However, the MaxGrit surface coating wears off rapidly with regular play—sometimes within days or weeks—which significantly undermines durability and performance for serious players, and some units have reported structural issues with loose handles.

Sentiment Breakdown

75 positive / 3 neutral / 22 negative

Pros

  • Excellent value for the price point
  • Strong control, spin, and power performance
  • Generous sweet spot and lightweight design
  • Comfortable grip and solid feel on impact

Cons

  • MaxGrit surface wears off rapidly (days to weeks with regular play)
  • Handle may loosen or separate from paddle face
  • Not recommended for serious/competitive players

What Reviewers Mention

Grit Durability
35% of reviews
Value for Price
24% of reviews
Control & Spin
22% of reviews
Power
19% of reviews
Build Quality & Durability
8% of reviews

Specifications

Weight8.3 oz
Core Thickness16 mm
Surface MaterialFiberglass
Core MaterialPolymer
ShapeElongated

Where to Buy

Most Recent Reviews: Showing 37 reviews

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

20Generally Unfavorable

Broken handle: Grit went away immediately. After a few uses the handle feels like it loosened from the face of the paddle.

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

20Generally Unfavorable

Broken handle: Bought this two months ago. The grit went away immediately. The biggest problem was after a few uses something must have broken or come loose because it feels like the handle and the paddle face are disconnected or loose.

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

80Universal Acclaim

Decent paddle for price!: Found it on sale and it was a good price! So far so good with playing!

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

100Universal Acclaim

Great Pickleball Paddle!: This is an awesome pickleball paddle. My husband and I both received these for Christmas and we love them. I have now bought two more for gifts, one for my son and one for his girlfriend. Nice sweet spot, comfortable handle, lightweight , I highly recommend!

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

80Universal Acclaim

Super racquet: Playing every day the max grit only lasts a month. But performs terrific.

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

80Universal Acclaim

A big step up from the starter paddle: My wife and I were given a pair of Signature paddles (and a set of basic paddles). We took the pickle-ball classes in October and then we switched over to the Signature when we went for open play in November. The grip is a little small for me, but wearing a glove helps take up most of the slack. The sweet spot is much larger on this than the original paddles. It doesn't hit quite as hard as the beginners, but it adds more control and a bigger sweet spot. A

Pickleball Warehouse logo

Pickleball Warehouse

user_generated source

100Universal Acclaim

Grit is here to stay: I have been using my signature paddle for a year and a half (four hours a week), and it is still darn gritty. I spin the heck out of the ball and love this paddle. Has good power and a good solid feel. I have played with more expensive paddles, but never one better than this one. Although I have yet to be able to teach her to spin, my wife's game has definitely improved with this paddle.

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

80Universal Acclaim

Nice paddle: Got this for my husband for his birthday. He liked it, said the ball popped off it real nicely. His only complaint was the handle was thicker than his other paddles, so he felt like his thumb was a bit sore the very first time he used it. But he says it’s fine now. He played in a you recently with it as well.

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

100Universal Acclaim

My game has improved with this paddle. The paddle is light weight, the grip is comfortable, looks great and is well made. I am enjoying the game much more with this paddle. You can really tell the difference between a Franklin and other brands.

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

100Universal Acclaim

Love it: Great pickleball paddle. Good quality for the price.

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

100Universal Acclaim

Pickleball Racket: One of the top five rackets in the market and so far, I agree with that assessment

Pickleball Warehouse logo

Pickleball Warehouse

user_generated source

60Mixed or Average

grit gone: After some use, the grit on the sweet spot wore off very quickly. So it lost the benefits of better control. Disappointing.

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

60Mixed or Average

Honeycomb isn’t very strong not the best paddle, but still ok.

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

100Universal Acclaim

Bought this paddle for my 10-year old who is learning the game - way better control and stability for him versus a cheaper beginner paddle. Since there are no really good “kids” paddles this was recommended to me by a coach

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

100Universal Acclaim

I love the max grit signature paddle but wish the grit wouldn't wear off

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

100Universal Acclaim

Purchased the "pink paddle" for my wife and she loves it.

Pickleball Warehouse logo

Pickleball Warehouse

user_generated source

80Universal Acclaim

Great power, mediocre spin.: I have used this paddle for 7 months, and it is great when you buy it. It gets worse the more you use it because the grit on it wears off. I do not recommend for anyone who is an every week player, or anybody above 4.0+ in rating. I personally am a 4.5, and it wore off in a week.

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

100Universal Acclaim

I love this paddle! I have one in every color. Great power and control and price. Super solid feel and sound on impact.

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

100Universal Acclaim

I bought this paddle because it’s the best value for a quality product. This one is a replacement for the same model that I’ve worn off the grit from the original.

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

20Generally Unfavorable

Great at first. The MaxGrit wears off very quickly.: The maxgrit wore off after after 20hrs of play. The sweetspot was bald.

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

80Universal Acclaim

Great Value: Have enjoyed this paddle as it provides great feel and power. The grit on the surface also allows for a decent amount of spin. For 100 bucks this is a good value.

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

100Universal Acclaim

The all-white paddle (13mm) really stands out - haven't played with it yet to see how the white fares with my sweaty palms, but it sure is pretty! I have two other Franklin Signature paddles and I am super-happy with their performance. I play at least 3x/week.

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

100Universal Acclaim

Great paddle and a great value. Love the longer handle and control off the surface.

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

80Universal Acclaim

Love this paddle! I’m a 3.5 player. This is the second one I’ve bought. It’s a great paddle for the price. Gives me great touch and spin plus power. The only con is the grit wears off pretty much immediately. I would love it if the grit lasted longer, but I still like the paddle. I’m not sure it hinders my play at all.

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

100Universal Acclaim

Bethany is great. She walked me thru the entire process. She is great!!!

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

100Universal Acclaim

Purchased the Franklin Signature and I’m very happy with it. I play for a couple of hours most days and have had it about a month and it seems to be holding up just fine. Best value given that other paddles I have owned are now twice the price of this one.

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

100Universal Acclaim

This paddle is Great! Have been playing with different paddles. This one is by far the best. Love the weight, 16mm core, and larger grip. You can’t go wrong with this one. I even ordered an extra one. Pickleball Rocks R.C.

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

100Universal Acclaim

Love this paddle! Lots of power and control with an awesome solid feel and sound!

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

100Universal Acclaim

Betheny is the greatest !!!! I hope someone gives her a raise !! awesome gal and SO very helpful.

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

100Universal Acclaim

I was impressed that the best player in the world played with this design for 3 years. I like the length and width of the paddle

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

80Universal Acclaim

The paddle feels great but it's new. I'm hoping it is durable.

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

80Universal Acclaim

Overall good paddle but the grits at the middle of the paddle worn out (became smooth surface) after 3 days of play.

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

100Universal Acclaim

I put lead on the neck and added more gripping to the handle. Played really well with it. Nice feel.

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

100Universal Acclaim

This paddle is by far my favorite with control, spin and power.

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

80Universal Acclaim

Love how this paddle plays but the grit wears off within a few weeks. Not a problem if I were sponsored by Franklin, but I have to keep buying paddles.

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

100Universal Acclaim

I love the pink color. I'm a new Pickleball player and find this paddle to be lightweight and easy to grip.

Dick's Sporting Goods logo

Dick's Sporting Goods

verified_purchaser source

100Universal Acclaim

This is my second Franklin paddle. 16mm has an oversized grip that works for me.

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