Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 12.7mm (Anna Leigh Waters Signature) vs Volair Mach 1 Forza 14mm
Franklin Sports
C45 Aurelius 12.7mm (Anna Leigh Waters Signature)
$229.99
7.2–7.5 oz · 12.7mm core · Elongated
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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.
Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 12.7mm (Anna Leigh Waters Signature) vs Volair Mach 1 Forza 14mm 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.
Find my paddleThe value vs. premium matchup
Volair Mach 1 Forza 14mm is the value pick at $119.99. Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 12.7mm (Anna Leigh Waters Signature) is the premium option at $229.99 — you're paying for the T700 carbon fiber with 45-degree peel-ply texture (double-thermoformed unibody frame).
Side-by-side specs
| Spec | Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 12.7mm (Anna Leigh Waters Signature) | Volair Mach 1 Forza 14mm |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7.2–7.5 oz | 7.6–8 oz |
| Shape | Elongated | Elongated |
| Core thickness | 12.7mm | 14mm |
| Core material | PowerFlex polymer core | Polypropylene honeycomb |
| Face material | T700 carbon fiber with 45-degree peel-ply texture (double-thermoformed unibody frame) | Carbon fiber |
| Handle length | 5.1" | 5.5" |
| Price | $229.99 | $119.99 |
What the spec differences mean
- Weight. Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 12.7mm (Anna Leigh Waters Signature) is listed at 7.2–7.5 oz; Volair Mach 1 Forza 14mm at 7.6–8 oz. At the low end of each listed range, the Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 12.7mm (Anna Leigh Waters Signature) is 0.4 oz lighter. How paddle weights compare across our catalog
- Core thickness. Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 12.7mm (Anna Leigh Waters Signature) has a 12.7mm core; Volair Mach 1 Forza 14mm has a 14mm core, so the Volair Mach 1 Forza 14mm core is 1.3mm thicker. What core thickness changes
- Length and width. Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 12.7mm (Anna Leigh Waters Signature) measures 15.7" × 7.9"; Volair Mach 1 Forza 14mm measures 16.5" × 7.5". The Volair Mach 1 Forza 14mm is 0.8" longer. Paddle shapes and the size rule
- Handle length. Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 12.7mm (Anna Leigh Waters Signature) has a 5.1" handle; Volair Mach 1 Forza 14mm has a 5.5" handle, so the Volair Mach 1 Forza 14mm handle is 0.4" longer. What grip length changes
- Face material. Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 12.7mm (Anna Leigh Waters Signature) lists its face as T700 carbon fiber with 45-degree peel-ply texture; Volair Mach 1 Forza 14mm lists Carbon fiber. Paddle face materials explained
- Core material. Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 12.7mm (Anna Leigh Waters Signature) lists its core as PowerFlex polymer core; Volair Mach 1 Forza 14mm lists Polypropylene honeycomb. Paddle core materials explained
Who each paddle is for
Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 12.7mm (Anna Leigh Waters Signature)
Best for advanced power players (4.0+) who can manage a hot face who play with a quick, hands-first style. The elongated shape extends your reach at the kitchen line, the 12.7mm core delivers high pop with a tighter touch window, and the raw textured carbon face holds spin on rolls and resets.
Volair Mach 1 Forza 14mm
Best for intermediate players (3.5-4.5) looking for a balanced upgrade who play with a balanced two-handed/one-handed mix. The elongated shape extends your reach at the kitchen line, the 14mm core balances pop and control, and the face surface keeps spin honest without overdoing it.
Playing style: power, spin
Both are great. Pick by playstyle, not specs.
Pick the Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 12.7mm (Anna Leigh Waters Signature) if…
- you want quicker hands in fast kitchen exchanges
- you spin a lot of rolls and topspin serves
Pick the Volair Mach 1 Forza 14mm if…
- you swing through the ball and want plow-through on drives
More matchups with the Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 12.7mm (Anna Leigh Waters Signature)
More matchups with the Volair Mach 1 Forza 14mm
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