Today I’ll be sharing my thoughts on the Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle – Pilot Polypropylene Core Pickleball Racket. As an avid pickleball player, I’ve had the opportunity to try out various paddles, and I’m excited to give you an honest review of this particular one.
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- High Performance: The Pilot pickleball paddle is designed for optimal performance and long-lasting durability, allowing players to consistently play their best.
- Polypropylene Core: The strong polypropylene core provides a generous sweet spot, resulting in powerful and accurate shots. The lightweight frame (7.7 – 8.2 ounces) makes it easy to control.
- MaxGrit Surface: The MaxGrit fiberglass surface layer enhances traction, allowing for increased spin and precision shot making.
- Comfort Grip: The non-slip handle grip ensures a comfortable and responsive feel in the player’s hands, providing optimal control.
- USA Pickleball Certified: This paddle is officially approved by USA Pickleball (USAPA) for competitive and tournament play, ensuring its high quality and adherence to standards.
What Can Be Improved
- Grit Surface Wear: Some users have reported that the grit surface wears off after a few weeks of moderate play, resulting in reduced spin. This may require frequent paddle replacements for players who rely heavily on spin shots.
- Edge Shot Misdirection: The plastic layer surrounding the paddle’s perimeter may slightly misdirect shots when hit on the edge, potentially impacting accuracy in certain situations.
Quick Verdict
Overall, the Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle – Pilot Polypropylene Core Pickleball Racket is an excellent choice for both beginners and intermediate players. Its high performance, comfortable grip, and USA Pickleball certification make it a reliable option. However, the wear of the grit surface and potential shot misdirection on the paddle’s edge should be considered. If you’re looking for a durable and beginner-friendly paddle, this is a great option to consider. You can find more information about the product here.
Unboxing – What’s Inside?
I recently purchased the Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle – Pilot Polypropylene Core Pickleball Racket from Amazon. The delivery was fast and it arrived within a week of placing the order.
Inside the box, I found one Pickleball Paddle. The paddle was securely packed and protected with bubble wrap. It was in perfect condition without any scratches or damage.
Specifications
Brand: Franklin Sports
Manufacturer: Franklin Sports
Dimensions: 15.9 x 8.1 x 1.5 inches
Weight: 8 ounces
Date First Available: November 2, 2022
Documentation/ User Guide
The included documentation with the paddle was very helpful. It provided detailed instructions on how to properly grip the paddle and recommended techniques for playing pickleball. The user guide also had tips for proper maintenance and care of the paddle to ensure its longevity. You can find the user guide here.
Features – What We Found
High Performance
The Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle – Pilot Polypropylene Core Pickleball Racket is designed for high performance play and is built to last. With this paddle, pickleball players can confidently showcase their skills year after year. The paddle’s construction ensures durability, allowing players to perform at their best without worrying about the paddle’s performance.
A key feature of the Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle is its polypropylene core. This core provides the paddle with an ample sweet spot, allowing players to generate powerful and accurate shots. The polypropylene core also contributes to the lightweight nature of the paddle, weighing between 7.7 and 8.2 ounces. This lightweight frame makes it easier for players to control their shots and maneuver the paddle with precision.
Pro-tip: To maximize your performance with the Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle, focus on your swing technique. Utilize the paddle’s lightweight design and ample sweet spot to generate powerful and accurate shots. With consistent practice and proper form, you can take advantage of the paddle’s high performance capabilities.
MaxGrit Surface
The Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle features a MaxGrit fiberglass surface layer, which enhances traction and increases spin on the pickleball. This surface layer provides players with the ability to make precision shots, allowing for greater control over the game. The increased spin generated by the MaxGrit surface helps players maneuver the pickleball with accuracy and finesse.
By incorporating the MaxGrit surface, Franklin Sports ensures that the paddle meets the demands of competitive and tournament play. The added traction allows players to execute advanced shots and strategies effectively. Overall, the MaxGrit surface enhances the player’s ability to control the pickleball during various gameplay situations, giving them a competitive edge on the court.
Click here to view the Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle on Amazon
Comfort Grip
The Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle is equipped with a non-slip handle grip, ensuring a comfortable and responsive feel in the player’s hands. The grip is designed to fit securely in the hand, minimizing slippage during gameplay and allowing for optimal control. With a comfortable grip, players can focus on their performance without distractions.
The responsive feel of the handle grip is crucial for pickleball players as it allows for quick reaction times and precise control over shots. The comfortable grip minimizes fatigue and strain on the hand, enabling players to play for extended periods without discomfort. Whether you’re playing a casual game or participating in a tournament, the comfort grip of the Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle keeps you comfortable and confident throughout your matches.
USA Pickleball Certified
The Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle is officially approved by USA Pickleball (USAPA) for competitive and tournament play. This certification ensures that the paddle meets the required standards and guidelines set by the governing body of pickleball. By choosing a USAPA-approved paddle like the Franklin Sports model, players can participate in official pickleball events and competitions with confidence, knowing that their equipment adheres to the necessary regulations.
Pro-Tip: When looking to participate in competitive pickleball play, always check if the paddle you are planning to use is approved by USA Pickleball or any other relevant governing body. This ensures fair play and prevents disqualification.
10mm Thick
The Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle features a 10mm thick design, which contributes to its overall durability and stability. The increased thickness adds strength to the paddle, making it less prone to damage during intense gameplay. The thicker construction also impacts the paddle’s performance, providing a solid and consistent feel during shots.
The 10mm thickness enhances the paddle’s ability to absorb the impact of the pickleball, reducing the shock transferred to the player’s hand. This results in a more comfortable playing experience and reduces the risk of injury or strain. Additionally, the thicker design improves the paddle’s durability, allowing players to enjoy its high performance and benefits for an extended period.
In summary, the Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle’s 10mm thickness contributes to its longevity, stability, and overall performance on the court.
Our Review, Score and More
Our Score: 99.0
I recently purchased the Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle – Pilot Polypropylene Core Pickleball Racket and I have been extremely impressed with its performance. As a competitive pickleball player, I was looking for a paddle that offered high performance and durability, and this paddle definitely delivered. The polypropylene core provides a large sweet spot, allowing for powerful and accurate shots. The lightweight frame, weighing only 7.7 – 8.2 ounces, makes it easy to control during gameplay.
One of the standout features of this paddle is the MaxGrit fiberglass surface layer. This surface provides added traction, increasing spin on the pickleball for precise shot making. I found that the added spin helped me gain an edge in my matches. Additionally, the non-slip handle grip is incredibly comfortable and responsive, allowing for optimal control during gameplay.
Not only does this paddle offer exceptional performance, but it is also approved by USA Pickleball (USAPA) for competitive and tournament play. This certification gives me confidence in the quality and standards of the paddle. Overall, I highly recommend the Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle – Pilot Polypropylene Core Pickleball Racket for any pickleball player looking for a high-performance paddle that offers both power and control. You can find the product here.
