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    Engage Alpha Pro vs Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 16mm

    Engage Alpha Pro 7.8oz 16mm pickleball paddle — Carbon fiber face

    Engage

    Alpha Pro

    $199.99

    7.8–8.2 oz · 16mm core · Multiple

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    vs
    Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 16mm 7.6oz 16mm pickleball paddle — T700 carbon fiber peel ply at 45-degree angle face

    Franklin Sports

    C45 Aurelius 16mm

    $230

    7.6–8 oz · 16mm core · Elongated

    Pickle's 5-axis score

    Based on published specs, ranked against all 320 paddles we cover. Diff highlighted when one paddle leads by 0.5+ points.

    Engage Alpha ProFranklin Sports C45 Aurelius 16mm

    Engage Alpha Pro vs Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 16mm across five scored traits: Power, Hand speed, Forgiveness, Touch, Spin.

    Comparing two is a start. Answer five quick questions and we'll rank the whole catalog for how you play.

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    Reach vs. maneuverability

    Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 16mm trades a touch of maneuverability for more reach at the line; Engage Alpha Pro is easier to whip around in hand fights.

    Side-by-side specs

    SpecEngage Alpha ProFranklin Sports C45 Aurelius 16mm
    Weight7.8–8.2 oz7.6–8 oz
    ShapeMultipleElongated
    Core thickness16mm16mm
    Core materialPolymer honeycomb—
    Face materialCarbon fiberT700 carbon fiber peel ply at 45-degree angle
    Handle length5.25"5.1"
    Price$199.99$230

    What the spec differences mean

    • Weight. Engage Alpha Pro is listed at 7.8–8.2 oz; Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 16mm at 7.6–8 oz. At the low end of each listed range, the Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 16mm is 0.2 oz lighter. How paddle weights compare across our catalog
    • Handle length. Engage Alpha Pro has a 5.25" handle; Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 16mm has a 5.1" handle, so the Engage Alpha Pro handle is 0.15" longer. What grip length changes
    • Face material. Engage Alpha Pro lists its face as Carbon fiber; Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 16mm lists T700 carbon fiber peel ply at 45-degree angle. Paddle face materials explained

    Who each paddle is for

    Engage Alpha Pro

    Best for 3.5+ players who prioritize control and reach who play with a balanced two-handed/one-handed mix. The standard shape rewards clean contact, the 16mm core gives you a soft touch window, and the face surface keeps spin honest without overdoing it.

    Playing style: balanced

    Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 16mm

    Best for 3.0+ players who want a forgiving control feel who play with a balanced two-handed/one-handed mix. The elongated shape extends your reach at the kitchen line, the 16mm core gives you a soft touch window, and the raw textured carbon face holds spin on rolls and resets.

    Playing style: all-court

    Pickle's verdict

    These two play alike.

    Pick on price, feel or looks.

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