REVIEWS
IN THE KNOW : EQUIPMENT
FRANKLIN CARBON STK PADDLE REVIEW
By Jack Bandel
Look / Cosmetics : 3 / 5 Comes in basic flat black . Not much to say about the cosmetics . Franklin name in gold lettering at the bottom and no other graphics on the face . Light vertical lines can be seen against the black background . Semi-long handle ( 5.6 ”), which should work well for two-handed backhands . Long / narrow paddle shape ( 16.5 ” x 7.5 ”) and the weight is 7.5-8 oz ., which should appeal to a wide variety of players . Also comes in two thickness sizes ( 14.5mm and 17mm ). I tested the 14.5mm , which is kind of the average thickness you see . The surface feels quite gritty , especially when you rub it vertically .
Serves / Returns / Groundstrokes : 3.5 / 5 I struggled a bit at first to get enough power behind my serves and groundstrokes . I was expecting more power from the thinner option , so I ’ m guessing the 17mm one would provide lots of control . It ’ s not ultralow powered , but it definitely leans toward control . Spin on serves and slice returns was very good with the textured surface .
Touch / Feel : 4.5 / 5 Franklin ’ s nitro-infused carbon surface works extremely well for the soft game . The ball feels very soft off the face , and this really helps you keep the ball down on your dinks . This paddle is for those patient touch / feel players who want to frustrate you into mistakes . There ’ s not a lot of put-away power , so if you like to wait out those kitchen rallies , this is your weapon . The long handle also helps on wide angles and those shots that are almost out of reach . Again , if you need even more control than this , the thicker size should provide that in spades .
Sound / Sweet Spot : 3.5 / 5 The sweet spot felt about average to slightly larger than average as far as sweet spots go , but one thing that brings the score down is that when you hit near the edge , you get a weird sound that doesn ’ t feel solid . Other than that , the sound is pretty quiet , and the paddle performs well when you stay within the sweet spot . For that reason , I would say this paddle is meant for more advanced players who wouldn ’ t struggle with the sweet spot .
Summary : 3.6 / 5 The paddle is a pretty good value for $ 150 considering you are getting a cutting-edge carbon fiber face combined with a high-end polymer core . There are many paddles out there with similar specs that cost a lot more , so Franklin gives you good bang for your buck here . This paddle is the same shape as the signature model , so if you like that one but want a more control-oriented , softer paddle with great spin , check out the STK .
For more info , go to the Pickleball Paddle Reviews group page on Facebook . Paddle Manufacturers : Contact Jack Bandel at
jackbandel @ gmail . com if you ’ d like your products to be reviewed .