Franklin Signature Pro 16mm Review
A practical first real paddle for recreational players who want USAP-approved construction and a thicker 16mm feel without premium pricing.
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Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Franklin Sports |
| Weight | 7.9–8.3 oz |
| Thickness | 16mm |
| Length | 16.5" |
| Width | 7.5" |
| Grip length | 5.6" |
| Grip circumference | 4.5" |
| Surface | Fiberglass with MaxGrit |
| Core | Polypropylene honeycomb |
| Shape | elongated |
| Price range | $70–$100 |
Specs last verified 2026-09-10. Source: specification source.
What makes it different
Franklin’s Signature Pro 16mm sits in the accessible fiberglass tier with MaxGrit texturing and a thicker core. It is built to be a confidence paddle, not a tour showcase piece.
Power, control, and spin
On paper and by category, expect control-leaning thickness, moderate recreational power, and useful texture for players learning to shape the ball. It will not match premium raw-carbon spin ceilings.
Value
This is one of the clearest value stories in our catalog: enough paddle to play real open play, without asking a new player to fund a flagship.
Advantages
- +Approachable price for a USAP-approved paddle
- +16mm core favors control and a softer feel for newer players
- +MaxGrit surface helps generate spin without a steep learning curve
Tradeoffs
- −Not as powerful as premium carbon paddles
- −Larger 4.5" grip may feel thick for smaller hands
- −Build quality is solid for the price, not flagship-tier
Ideal player
- • Beginners upgrading from a starter paddle
- • Players shopping around or under $100
- • Recreational players who want a forgiving fiberglass face
Alternatives
Paddletek Bantam TS-5
A lightweight fiberglass-hybrid paddle from Paddletek—best framed as a hand-speed / value pick, not a thick-core carbon control paddle.
Check price on AmazonSelkirk LUXX Control Air Epic (InfiniGrit)
A thicker-core Selkirk control paddle for intermediate players who want soft, precise playability more than raw pace.
Check price on AmazonFAQ
Troxgo Editors
Research & editorial
We research manufacturer specs, compare paddles against consistent criteria, and explain who each product actually makes sense for—without fabricated “we tested it” claims.
Published 2026-03-20 · Updated 2026-03-20