REVIEWS
IN THE KNOW : EQUIPMENT
TMPR EXPANSE ( INDIGO ICE ) LX REVIEW
FRANKLIN SIGNATURE PADDLE REVIEW
By Jack Bandel
Look / Cosmetics : 4 / 5 These “ Indigo Ice ” paddles are unique looking . Blue graphics with the familiar large “ T ” logo in the middle with an “ ice ” pattern surrounding it . Shape is mostly traditional ( 16 x 8 ) with rounded corners . Handle is a typical 5 ” in length . The Indigo Ice color is only offered for a limited time , so if you ’ re a fan of this look , grab one now .
Serves / Returns / Groundstrokes : 4 / 5 The Expanse LX leans more toward the control side . It has decent power , but you need some input to drive the ball hard through the court . All court players will like this model due to its excellent target ability and predictable response . All shots are executed equally well — serves , returns and backcourt drives were all excellent with no glaring weaknesses . Just a great paddle from all over the court .
Touch / Feel : 4.25 / 5 Control in the kitchen is very solid with this paddle . It ’ s fun playing defense and extending rallies while waiting for your opponent to make a mistake . Again , consistency and predictability come to the forefront , as with groundstrokes . The rounded edges make this paddle quick to maneuver around the neck and add to its defensive prowess . Drop shots off of hard drives are also easy to execute .
Sound / Sweet Spot : 4.5 / 5 The traditional , rounded paddle shape makes this paddle easy to use and appeals to a wide variety of ability levels . The generous sweet spot seems to extend outward more than other paddles and helps keep the ball in play when you miss slightly . This paddle feels very aerodynamic and fast . Has a nice , rewarding , smooth sound , which should appeal to everyone .
Summary : 4.19 / 5 Another solid offering from TMPR in an eye-catching , unique color . Solid all-court paddle that leans toward control over power . The traditional / oval shape makes for an easy-to-use paddle that players of all skill levels can benefit from . TMPR ’ s combination of lower-than-average price and high-quality paddle is tough to beat . Check out this one or some of the other models if you ’ re looking for something new .
Look / Cosmetics : 3 / 5 Comes in four color choices : blue , black , white and pink , including an attention-getting hot pink . Simple , abstract design , with vertical lines against a solid color background . Extra-long handle , which former tennis players will like ( as will those with two-handed backhands ). Long , narrow paddle shape ( 16.5 ” x 7.5 ”), and the weight is 7.5-8 oz ., which should appeal to most serious players . Also comes in two thickness sizes ( 13mm and 16mm ), which is a nice option . I tested the 13mm .
Serves / Returns / Groundstrokes : 4.5 / 5 This paddle definitely has a lot of pop ! If you are a control-oriented player , I would recommend the thicker 16mm model for more control . The long handle makes long drives from the baseline effortless . Franklin ’ s “ Max-Grit ” rough fiberglass surface also gives you above-average spin and was great for hard , low slice returns .
Touch / Feel : 3 / 5 I didn ’ t have any issues with this paddle in the kitchen on long dink rallies , but I believe that this paddle won ’ t be the best for those who want a buttery soft feel . The fiberglass surface is just a nice allaround performer that does everything very well . The long handle does come in handy on those wide-angle dinks and gives you extra reach around the kitchen . If you are more of a control / feel player , definitely go for the thicker 16mm option .
Sound / Sweet Spot : 4 / 5 Solid pop sound that won ’ t offend . Sweet spot is better than average for a narrow paddle and seems to extend outward toward the tip . This gives you more “ usable ” reach , and shots near the top still feel solid . Very playable paddle for almost all ability levels and pretty forgiving for a high-level , tournament-ready paddle .
Summary : 3.6 / 5 There is one thing I haven ’ t mentioned yet and that is VALUE ! This paddle retails for only $ 100 , which could make it the best bangfor-your-buck paddle out there . In a market where pro-level paddle prices are going higher and higher , Franklin must be commended for putting out a high-quality and tournament-proven product at such a reasonable price point . For a budget-priced paddle that plays way above its price tag , you can ’ t go wrong with this Signature model from Franklin .
For more information , visit the Pickleball Paddle Reviews group on Facebook . Paddle manufacturers : Contact Jack Bandel at
jackbandel @ gmail . com if you ’ d like your products to be reviewed .