When it comes to pickleball gear, few brands are bigger or more well known than Franklin Sports. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just stepping onto the pickleball court for the first time, you’ve probably seen the Franklin name.
Franklin’s full line of pickleball products – paddles, balls, bags and nets – has made them a major player in the pickleball industry.
This post is a comprehensive and honest review of Franklin Sports as a pickleball brand – what they offer, how they compare to others and what to expect when you choose Franklin for your pickleball needs.
History of Franklin Sports and Entry into Pickleball
Franklin Sports is a family owned sporting goods company founded in 1946. Initially the company produced general sporting goods but has since expanded into almost every sport imaginable – baseball, soccer, football, golf, track and more.
The brand has a long history of producing durable, high quality sporting goods at a competitive price.
Franklin entered the pickleball market relatively recently, as the sport was taking off in the US and around the world.
The company saw the opportunity to get in early and capitalize on the sport’s rapid growth and broad appeal across all age groups.
Today Franklin Sports offers a full line of pickleball products for players of all skill levels. From paddles to courts to balls to accessories, you’ll see Franklin at both amateur pickleball games and pro tournaments.
Franklin’s Pickleball Products
1. Pickleball Paddles
Franklin Sports offers pickleball paddles for different player preferences, skill levels and playing styles. Here’s a quick look at some of the most popular Franklin paddles:
Franklin Signature Pickleball Paddles: Franklin’s popular Signature line features paddles designed in collaboration with some of the top players in the pickleball world – Ben Johns who is considered one of the best players in the game.
The Ben Johns Signature Paddle is one of Franklin’s most popular and well known products, lightweight construction with high performance materials.
The paddle has a fiberglass surface and polypropylene core which provides control and power.
Franklin Carbon Fiber Paddles: If you want more power in your game, Franklin also offers carbon fiber paddles.
These paddles have more pop on the ball, perfect for players who react fast and play aggressive. While carbon fiber paddles are more expensive than fiberglass options, they’re still priced competitively to other premium paddles from other brands.
Budget Options: Franklin doesn’t just cater to pros or advanced players. They also offer more affordable paddles for recreational or beginner players. These budget options often feature composite materials that still provide good control and power without the high price.
Paddle Design and Innovation: Franklin is known for constantly innovating their paddles and ball itself. They release new models to address the changing needs of pickleball players – more ball spin, better ball control, lighter paddles for longer play.
2. Pickleballs
One of Franklin’s most popular products is their pickleballs, especially the X-40 Outdoor Pickleball. The X-40 is the official ball of USA Pickleball (USAP) and is considered one of the most durable and consistent balls on the entire Franklin pickleball product line. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Durability: X-40 is built to withstand heavy use and outdoor conditions. It’s a one-piece rotationally molded design which means long lasting performance even on rough surfaces like asphalt or concrete.
Performance: 40 precisely drilled holes in the X-40 provides consistent bounce and flight. Whether you play in calm or windy conditions, the ball is engineered to perform the same way every time, perfect for recreational or professional players.
Versatility: While Franklin’s X-40 is designed for outdoor play, they also offer indoor pickleball balls with slightly larger holes and designed for better bounce on indoor courts.
Besides the X-40 ball, Franklin also offers other pickleball balls for different game play preferences – beginner friendly and practice balls.
3. Pickleball Nets and Court Equipment
Franklin also offers portable pickleball nets, the Franklin Sports Half-Court Pickleball Net System is perfect for players who want to set up a temporary game at home or in a park. Their net systems are easy to set up, durable and portable – perfect for casual play or small events. Franklin’s pickleball nets are lightweight and come with carrying cases for easy transport.
4. Pickleball Accessories
Besides paddles and balls, Franklin also offers balls:
Pickleball Bags: Franklin offers pickleball bags from basic sling to full backpack with multiple compartments for paddles, balls and personal items. Their bags are designed for functionality and comfort with padded straps and easy access compartments.
Court Accessories: Franklin sells pickleball boundary markers, replacement grips and other accessories to help you maintain and customize your equipment.
Performance and User Feedback
1. For Beginners
Franklin’s paddles and accessories are perfect for beginners who want an affordable and durable entry point to the sport. One of Franklin’s strengths is its wide availability in major retail stores like Walmart, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Amazon. Beginners tend to go to Franklin for its accessibility and quality. The more affordable paddles perform well enough for beginners who are still developing their game.
2. Intermediate to Advanced Players
For players with more experience, Franklin’s premium paddles like the Ben Johns Signature Paddle provides a noticeable improvement in control and response. Intermediate and advanced players rave about Franklin’s paddles for its power and finesse, allowing for more aggressive shots and play while still maintaining control.
3. Professional Players
One of the biggest proof of Franklin’s credibility as a pickleball brand is its use by professional players. The partnership with Ben Johns has put Franklin paddles in the pickleball spotlight, many top level players recognize the brand’s high performance gear.
Franklin’s Competitive Positioning
Franklin Sports faces competition in the pickleball space from brands like Selkirk, Paddletek and Onix who have made significant inroads in the market by producing high quality pickleball courts and gear. But Franklin’s advantage lies in its wide range of products and affordability. While brands like Selkirk focus on premium paddles, Franklin can cater to both ends of the market.
Strengths of Franklin:
Affordability: Franklin has paddles at different price points so it can cater to beginners, casual players and serious players.
Reputation: With the backing of a big established sports brand, Franklin has brand recognition and trust.
Official Ball Provider: Franklin is the official ball provider of USA Pickleball so there’s credibility and trust in its product.
Weaknesses:
Niche Appeal: While Franklin is good across the board, some high performance players still prefer brands like Selkirk or Paddletek for their ultra premium paddles which often have advanced technology and materials that Franklin is still catching up to.
Innovation in Paddles: While Franklin’s paddles are popular, there’s room for more innovation in unique paddle technologies for specific play styles.
What to Expect When You Choose Franklin
When you choose Franklin Sports for your pickleball gear you can expect quality, affordability and wide availability. Franklin’s paddles and balls are often available in major retail stores so it’s easily accessible to all franklin pickleball players of all levels everywhere. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade as you advance, Franklin has options for all budgets.
Players who buy Franklin products can expect durability especially in their balls and mid range paddles. Franklin is a brand that listens to player feedback and always improve their products so whatever paddle or ball you buy, it will go through several iterations of refinement.
Conclusion
Franklin Sports is a trusted and established brand in the pickleball world. From paddles and balls to nets and bags, Franklin has a full range of products for all skill levels and of play. They may not be the first choice for elite players looking for latest technology but Franklin paddles provides good performance and great value for most players. As pickleball continues to grow, Franklin’s commitment to quality and affordability will keep them a major player in the market and their products will remain a favorite among many pickleball players.