When the world’s top players collaborate with leading brands, expectations are sky-high. That’s exactly the case with the Franklin C45° Aurelius Paddle Series, a paddle line designed in partnership with one of the most dominant athletes in pickleball, Anna Leigh Waters.

But does it truly deliver elite performance—or is it just another signature product?

In this in-depth review, we’ll analyze technology, performance, spin, control, and real-world playability so you can decide if this paddle is worth your investment.

Overview of the C45° Paddle Series

The ALW C45° Aurelius Paddle Series is built with cutting-edge materials and designed for high-performance competitive play.

Key highlights:

• Carbon fiber face with advanced layering
• Optimized weight distribution
• Pro-level responsiveness
• Designed for aggressive and strategic play

► This paddle reflects the fast, spin-heavy style of Anna Leigh Waters.

Franklin C45° Aurelius Key Specifications

Performance Breakdown

1. Spin (Elite Category)

One of the biggest strengths of this paddle:

► exceptional spin generation

Thanks to the carbon fiber face and surface texture:

• heavy topspin drives
• sharp slices
• aggressive serves

► Ideal for players who rely on spin-based control and pressure.

2. Control

Control is a standout feature:

• precise shot placement
• excellent dinks
• strong reset capability

► This paddle allows for high-level strategic play, especially in doubles.

3. Power

Power is balanced—not overwhelming:

• strong when you swing fully
• controlled on softer shots

► It’s not a pure power paddle, but it delivers controlled offensive capability.

4. Sweet Spot

The sweet spot is:

• medium-sized
• responsive
• slightly less forgiving than widebody paddles

► This is typical for performance-focused paddles.

5. Maneuverability

Thanks to optimized balance:

• fast in hand
• good reaction speed
• strong net play

► Excellent for quick exchanges at the kitchen.

6. Feel & Feedback

The feel is:

• crisp and responsive
• connected to the ball
• less muted than foam paddles

► Advanced players will appreciate the feedback and precision.

Franklin C45° Aurelius Paddle Sizes: 16mm vs 14mm vs 12.7mm (Real Performance Breakdown)

The Franklin C45° Aurelius Paddle Series, developed in collaboration with Anna Leigh Waters, comes in three different thickness options: 16mm, 14mm, and 12.7mm.

At first glance, these may seem like minor variations—but on the court, they feel completely different.

Each version changes:

• hand speed
• power output
• control and stability
• overall play style

► Choosing the right thickness can significantly impact your performance.

Paddle Comparison Table (Real Performance)

Model	Aurelius 16mm	Aurelius 14mm	Aurelius 12.7mm
Shape	Standard / Hybrid	Standard / Hybrid	Standard
Feel	Plush, soft	Balanced	Crisp, fast
Hand Speed	⭐⭐⭐☆☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Power	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐⭐☆☆*
Control	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐⭐☆☆*
Best For	Control & defense	All-around players	Fast hands & speed

*Power on the 12.7mm depends heavily on clean contact with the sweet spot.

Detailed Breakdown of Each Paddle

Maximum Control & Stability – 16mm

The 16mm version is the most control-focused paddle in the lineup.

Key characteristics:

• soft, plush feel
• longer ball contact (higher dwell time)
• excellent control on resets and dinks
• more forgiving on off-center hits

This added dwell time allows players to:

• generate better topspin
• place shots more precisely
• feel more connected to the ball

► It’s the most stable and forgiving option, but also the slowest in hand.

The Best All-Around Performer – 14mm

The 14mm version offers the most balanced performance—and for most players, it’s the best choice.

Key characteristics:

• solid pop without being overly powerful
• great spin potential
• balanced control and power
• versatile across all play styles

This paddle performs well in:

• drives
• resets
• volleys
• serves

► It’s the most well-rounded option and the easiest to adapt to.

For most players, this is the sweet spot between control and performance.

Maximum Speed & Quick Hands – 12.7mm

The 12.7mm version is the fastest paddle in the series.

Key characteristics:

• extremely quick in hand
• crisp and responsive feel
• ideal for fast net exchanges
• lower dwell time

However, there’s a trade-off:

► Power is not automatic.

To unlock its full potential, you need:

• consistent sweet spot contact
• solid technique
• confident swings

If you miss the center:

• power drops off quickly
• shots feel less stable

This makes it more demanding—but very rewarding for skilled players. More specification here.

What Makes This Series Unique?

One standout feature across all three paddles is the 45° carbon fiber layer.

This design helps:

• increase spin generation
• improve ball “grab”
• enhance control on shaped shots

► The result is a paddle that favors spin-based control and precision play.

Important Note: Weight & Customization

All three paddles tend to feel light out of the box.

This can lead to:

• less stability
• reduced power on drives
• smaller effective sweet spot

► Many players improve performance by adding weight to the sidewalls.

Benefits of adding weight:

• increased stability
• larger sweet spot
• more power and depth

► This is especially useful for players who rely on baseline drives and serves.

Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s a simple breakdown:

✔ Choose 16mm if:

• you prioritize control and consistency
• you play mostly doubles
• you want a more forgiving paddle

✔ Choose 14mm if:

• you want a balanced paddle
• you play both offense and defense
• you’re an intermediate player

⭐ Best choice for most players

✔ Choose 12.7mm if:

• you have fast hands
• you play aggressively at the net
• you have solid technique

C45° Aurelius Paddle vs Competitors

Feature	C45° Aurelius	Vatic Pro Prism	Six Zero DBD
Spin	9.5/10	8/10	10/10
Control	9.2/10	9/10	8/10
Power	8.5/10	7/10	8/10
Sweet Spot	8.3/10	9/10	8/10
Maneuverability	8.8/10	8/10	8/10

► The Franklin C45° Aurelius excels in spin and precision, making it a top-tier control paddle.

Pros and Cons

Who Should Buy This Paddle?

What Makes This Paddle Special?

The key difference:

► It’s designed around a real pro player’s style

Anna Leigh Waters is known for:

• aggressive spin
• fast hands
• strategic control

► This paddle reflects exactly that.

These paddles are not designed to be “power paddles.” Instead, they focus on control, spin and shot shaping. Compared to more explosive paddles, this series offers:

• more dwell time
• better control on drives
• improved consistency

► Ideal for players who want to build points, not just hit hard.

Final Verdict: Is the Franklin C45° Aurelius Paddle Worth It?

The Franklin Anna Leigh Waters Signature C45° Aurelius Paddle Series is a high-performance paddle built for serious players.

It delivers elite spin, precise control and fast responsiveness. But also requires skill, less forgiving and premium price

► This is a paddle for players who want to elevate their game—not learn the basics.

The Franklin C45° Aurelius Paddle Series gives players three distinct performance profiles—not just three thicknesses.

► Your choice should depend on how fast you play, how much control you need and how consistent your contact is.

Quick Recommendation:

• Best control → 16mm
• Best balance → 14mm ⭐
• Best speed → 12.7mm