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Since January, I’ve been testing Franklin’s much-anticipated C45° series as each Gen 3 release hit the market. I’ve now logged time with all five models—from the Hybrid in February to the Dynasty and Tempo in both 14mm and 16mm.
Three weeks ago, I shared my Dynasty review. This time, it’s all about the Tempo models—paddles I normally avoid due to their shorter handles and wider shape.
After four weeks of play, though, I was surprised enough to rate them twice: once stock, once modified. The results? The Tempo 16 earns 3.5 balls unmodified, 4.25 with mods. The Tempo 14 scores 3.75 unmodified, 4.5 with.
A rare case where adjustments completely changed my opinion.
- Double thermoformed strength for less vibration
- 45° carbon surface = max spin + control
- PowerFlex core adds pop + stability
- Tacky, absorbent grip for ultimate hold
Quick Video
By The Numbers
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 15.57” (both models) |
| Width | 7.9” (both models) |
| Thickness Options | 14mm and 16mm |
| Grip Length | 5.1” |
| Grip Circumference | 4.3” |
| Weight (as tested) | 7.61oz (DY14) • 7.74oz (DY16) |
| Weight (marketed) | 7.5–7.9oz (DY14) • 7.6–8.0oz (DY16) |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Price | $229.99 |
Nuts And Bolts
- Double thermoformed, unibody construction
- PowerFlex: polypropylene core – dual, multi-density foam channels
- Electroplated curved edge guard
- Triple-ply T700, 45ocarbon fiber face
- Perforated tacky grip
- USAP and UPAA-approved
First Impressions
Like the Hybrid and Dynasty, the Tempo stands out with its shiny electroplated edge guard, this time in bright fire-engine red. The build is classic C45°—Powerflex duo core (polypropylene honeycomb with foam channels), double thermoformed frame, tacky perforated grip, and the series’ signature 45° carbon surface for spin and dwell.
On-court, both felt quick, balanced, and lively. The 14mm is actually the lightest paddle I’ve tested, while the 16mm sits comfortably in my top three or four.
The drawback? The handle—too short for larger hands and limiting for a two-handed backhand.
Game On… Play Testing
I stepped on court with the Tempo 16 and within minutes I was muttering under my breath. Shots lacked pop, placement was inconsistent, and the shorter reach felt restrictive—especially after swinging the elongated Joola Agassi Pro IV the day before. The paddle was quick and agile at the kitchen, but overall it felt off-balance and unstable.
After two more weeks of testing, my view didn’t change. The 14mm Tempo brought a bit more power, as expected, but the same issues remained: limited stability, a smaller sweet spot, and overall disappointing performance for my all-court, power-leaning style. They were fast and maneuverable, but not confidence-inspiring.
By the twelfth outing, I had control but never comfort. So I made a rare move—something I almost never do in play tests or with my rec paddles. I reached for strategically placed weight to see if modification could transform the Tempos.
Time for a Mod
From what I’d read (and from Franklin’s own marketing and pro player notes), the C45° series—especially the Hybrid and Tempo—are prime candidates for customization. Their wide shape and lighter stock weight make them perfect for targeted tape mods to boost power and stability.
I started with my gut: 0.2oz of tungsten tape on each of the upper shoulders of the Tempo 14. The result? More power and balance, but still lacking stability and sweet spot forgiveness.
Next, I tried 0.1oz on each of the four shoulder corners. Bingo. After just a few games, the difference was undeniable—more power, better stability, and far more forgiving on mishits.
The same tweak on the Tempo 16 helped, though not nearly as much. With more tinkering, I’m sure it could improve further, but the 14’s transformation shocked me. A wide-body paddle I’d normally overlook suddenly felt like a legitimate option.
Comparing the Five Versions
Of all five paddles, the Dynasty 14 stood out as the best performer—and notably, I didn’t feel the need to modify it. However, I now wonder if a mod would help it to.
Close behind was the modified Tempo 14, then the Dynasty 16, the Hybrid, and finally both versions of the Tempo 16 (with and without mods).
| Category | Ranking (Best → Least) |
|---|---|
| Power | DY14 → Mod TE14 → DY16 → HY → TE14 → Mod TE16 → TE16 |
| Spin | DY14 → Mod TE14 → DY16 → HY → TE16 → Mod TE16 (tie with HY) |
| Control | DY14 = DY16 = Mod TE14 → HY → (Mod TE14 = TE16 = Mod TE16) |
| Hand Speed | TE14 → TE16 → HY → Mod TE14 → Mod TE16 → DY14 → DY16 |
| Overall Ratings | TE14 = 3.75 → Mod TE14 = 4.5 → TE16 = 3.5 → Mod TE16 = 4.25 |
The Final Score
| Category | Tempo 14 (Stock) | Tempo 16 (Stock) |
|---|---|---|
| Design / Build | 🎾🎾🎾🎾¾ (4.75) | 🎾🎾🎾🎾¾ (4.75) |
| Grip | 🎾🎾🎾🎾 (4.0) | 🎾🎾🎾🎾 (4.0) |
| Control | 🎾🎾🎾¾ (3.75) | 🎾🎾🎾¼ (3.25) |
| Spin | 🎾🎾🎾🎾½ (4.5) | 🎾🎾🎾🎾½ (4.5) |
| Power | 🎾🎾🎾🎾¼ (4.25) | 🎾🎾🎾¾ (3.75) |
| Price / Value | 🎾🎾🎾🎾 (4.0) | 🎾🎾🎾🎾 (4.0) |
The Franklin C45° line is well-built—solid Gen 3 tech with five shapes, two core thicknesses, and two grip lengths to fit different styles. Priced mid-pack among premium paddles, they’re also ripe for mods—a trait noted by pros and reviewers alike. If customizing isn’t your thing, these may not be ideal.
My take on the Tempos: great for players wanting a light, fast, agile paddle or a “canvas” ready for mods. Otherwise, I’d lean toward the Dynasty or Hybrid—both faster, more powerful, and more stable.
Pickle on my friends, pickle on…
