Franklin Pickleball has quickly become one of the most recognized names in the sport. As a division of Franklin Sports, a company with decades of experience in athletic gear, they’ve made a major impact by offering high-quality paddles, balls, and accessories for players at every level.
They were one of the first major brands to fully commit to pickleball, recognizing its rapid growth and massive potential. Now, Franklin Pickleball products are seen in tournaments, retail stores, and courts worldwide.
Their X-40 outdoor ball is a tournament favorite. Their paddles are used by top pros. And their commitment to innovation is helping shape the future of the game.
Whether you’re just starting out or fine-tuning your competitive edge, Franklin Pickleball delivers the gear you need to play your best.
Who Is Franklin Pickleball?
Franklin Sports saw the rise of pickleball early. They recognized its potential and made a bold move—diving in headfirst.
They were one of the first big sports brands to invest heavily in pickleball, sponsoring top players like Ben Johns and showing up at major events like the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships. Their gear isn’t just available—it’s everywhere, now in over 30,000 retail locations worldwide.
Why such a big push?
Because pickleball isn’t just growing—it’s exploding. The sport is competitive, accessible, and fun for all ages, and Franklin wanted to be at the center of it. But they didn’t stop at sponsorships. They worked directly with pro players to fine-tune their equipment, taking feedback and constantly improving their designs.
One of their biggest contributions? The X-40 Outdoor Pickleball—the official ball of the 2021 U.S. Open Pickleball Championships. Known for its durability and playability, it quickly became a tournament favorite.
As an official partner of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), Franklin is focused on expanding the sport’s reach and making it more accessible to players of all levels. Even during the pandemic—when many sports brands struggled—Franklin’s pickleball line surged in popularity, proving the sport’s resilience and growing demand.
Looking ahead, Franklin isn’t slowing down. They’re planning new partnerships, product lines, and even a dedicated line of pickleball apparel and footwear. They’re not just following the trend—they’re helping shape the future of pickleball.
Who is Franklin Sports?
Franklin Sports isn’t new to the game. They’ve been making sporting goods since 1946.
It all started as a family-run business, founded by Irving Franklin, with a focus on baseball. Over the years, they expanded into football, hockey, soccer, and more. If you’ve ever owned a pair of Franklin batting gloves, you know they’re a staple in the baseball world.
But Franklin isn’t just about one sport. They’ve built a reputation for making high-quality, affordable gear across multiple sports—and always adapting to what athletes need.
That same mindset led them to pickleball. They saw the sport growing, recognized the demand for better equipment, and jumped in with the same innovation and dedication that made them a trusted name in sports for nearly 80 years.
Today, Franklin Sports is a global brand, with products sold in major retailers and used by players at every level. Their expansion into pickleball is just the latest example of how they continue to evolve and shape the future of sports.
What Franklin Pickleball Offers
Franklin Pickleball has built a solid lineup of gear designed for players of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first paddle or a seasoned pro needing tournament-grade equipment, Franklin has something for you.
Here’s what they bring to the court:
- Paddles – Franklin offers a range of paddles, from entry-level composite options to high-performance carbon fiber models. Their pro-endorsed paddles, like the ones used by JW Johnson, are designed for serious competition.
- Pickleballs – The X-40 Outdoor Pickleball is one of the most widely used balls in the sport. It’s the official ball of the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships and a go-to for many competitive players.
- Nets & Court Accessories – Franklin provides portable nets, ball hoppers, and training equipment to help players improve their game anywhere.
- Bags & Storage – From simple paddle covers to full-size pickleball backpacks, Franklin makes it easy to carry your gear in style.
- Apparel & Footwear – Looking ahead, Franklin is expanding into pickleball-specific clothing and shoes, making them one of the few major brands offering a full range of gear.
What sets Franklin apart is their balance of quality and affordability. Their products are designed to perform at a high level while remaining accessible to a wide range of players.
Whether you’re playing for fun or chasing championship titles, Franklin has the gear to keep you in the game.
What Are The Best Franklin Pickleball Paddles?
Franklin has a nice selection of pickleball paddles. Here is our list of some of the best Franklin Pickleball Paddles:
Best Franklin Paddle for Beginners:
Franklin X-1000 Pickleball Paddle
If you’re new to pickleball and looking for a solid paddle that won’t break the bank, the Franklin X-1000 is a great option.
It features a wide 8.25” composite fiberglass face, giving you a larger sweet spot and more room for error—perfect for blocking at the kitchen line and making consistent shots.
The 13mm polymer honeycomb core provides a great mix of power and control, while the fiberglass surface adds extra pop to your shots. At 7.7 – 8.2 oz, it’s a comfortable midweight paddle that gives you just the right amount of power without feeling too heavy.
The 5” handle with a 4.25” medium grip circumference makes it easy to hold and maneuver, offering a comfortable feel for most players.
Best of all, the X-1000 is USA Pickleball approved, meaning it’s ready for both casual games and tournament play.
If you’re just getting started and want a reliable paddle with great value, the X-1000 is an excellent choice.
Best Franklin Paddle For Intermediate
Franklin Christine McGrath Pickleball Paddle
The Franklin Christine McGrath Signature Pickleball Paddle is a great choice for intermediate players looking to level up their game.
One of its standout features is the MaxGrit surface, designed to maximize spin and control. Whether you’re placing a soft dink at the kitchen or ripping a powerful drive, this paddle gives you the ability to mix up your shots with precision.
At 8″ wide, it has an oversized sweet spot, which not only helps with consistency but also reduces vibration for a smoother feel on contact. The medium-weight build strikes a perfect balance between touch and power, making it a solid all-around paddle.
Designed for players who want to blend strategy with performance, the Christine McGrath Signature Paddle delivers an intuitive feel that helps you execute your shots with confidence.
Plus, it’s USA Pickleball approved, so whether you’re playing casually or in tournaments, this paddle is ready to perform.
Best Franklin Paddle for Advanced Players: Signature Carbon STK
The Signature Carbon STK Paddle is Franklin’s top-tier paddle, built for players who demand high performance on the court.
Made with a Toray T700 Carbon Fiber surface, this paddle delivers an elite combination of power, spin, and control. The elongated shape provides extra reach, making it ideal for strong groundstrokes and aggressive play.
Franklin offers the Carbon STK in two thicknesses:
- 14.5mm for more power
- 17mm for enhanced control
Whichever you choose, the 16.5” x 7.5” design ensures precise shot execution and excellent balance.
The 5.6” handle is slightly longer than standard, giving players extra leverage and making it a great option for two-handed backhands. Plus, the cushioned grip provides comfort and stability, even in intense matches.
If you’re an advanced player looking for a paddle that can keep up with fast-paced, high-level play, the Signature Carbon STK is one of the best Franklin has to offer.
The Franklin Pickleball Difference
What sets Franklin Pickleball apart from other brands?
It’s their commitment to quality, innovation, and accessibility.
Franklin isn’t just making paddles and balls—they’re constantly improving their gear by working directly with pro players, testing new materials, and refining designs to give players an edge.
Their MaxGrit technology enhances spin and control. Their X-40 ball is one of the most widely used in professional tournaments. And their diverse paddle lineup ensures that whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, there’s a Franklin paddle designed for your game.
But it’s not just about the products.
Franklin is helping grow the sport. They’re an official partner of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), sponsor top players, and continue to make pickleball more accessible by getting their gear into major retailers worldwide.
Whether you’re just picking up a paddle for the first time or competing at the highest level, Franklin gives you the tools to play your best.
That’s the Franklin Pickleball difference.
Conclusion
Franklin Pickleball has cemented itself as a major player in the sport, offering high-quality gear for all levels of play. From the beginner-friendly X-1000 to the pro-level Signature Carbon STK, they’ve built a lineup that balances performance, innovation, and affordability.
Their X-40 ball is a tournament staple. Their MaxGrit technology gives players extra spin and control. And their partnerships with top pros and the PPA show their dedication to pushing the sport forward.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking for a high-performance paddle to take your game to the next level, Franklin has something for you.
So next time you step onto the court, you’ll know—you’re playing with a brand that’s helping shape the future of pickleball.
