If you're shopping the entry tier, the Franklin Sweet Spot Trainer Paddle is Franklin's answer for competitive players who'll feel a 0.2oz weight difference and tune their paddles with lead tape.
Build at a glance
- Core thickness16mm
- Face materialTORAY T700 raw carbon fibre
- ConstructionPolypropylene honeycomb core
- ShapeElongated (16.5" length)
- Skill levelPro
- Play styleSpin
What this paddle does well
TORAY T700 carbon is the modern competitive standard — same weave grade you find on paddles £80 more expensive. The face grips the ball for proper spin generation without flexing unpredictably under impact.
The 16mm core is the modern club-paddle thickness sweet spot. Enough plush for soft hands at the kitchen, enough density for a meaningful third-shot drive when you need it.
Elongated 16.5" shape extends reach for poaches, overheads, and stretched defensive shots. Sweet spot is tighter, but rewards perfect contact.
Who it's for
This paddle is designed with competitive players who'll feel a 0.2oz weight difference and tune their paddles with lead tape in mind. It's a sensible upgrade from a wooden or generic starter paddle without overcommitting on a tour-tier purchase you might not match.
The honest trade-offs
You give up a small amount of raw pop compared to thinner-core paddles — most players don't notice it, but power-first hitters might. the elongated shape gives reach but tightens the sweet spot — off-centre contact is less forgiving than a standard shape. at this price you're getting the basics done well rather than tournament-grade material refinement; the upgrade path runs through £100–£150.
How it sits in the range
Browse Franklin's full UK line to compare against the brand's other models, or the wider paddle range to compare against equivalents from other brands at this tier.
Frequently asked
Is the Franklin Sweet Spot Trainer Paddle too advanced for a beginner?
This paddle is engineered for advanced and tournament-bound players — tighter tolerances, more demanding sweet spot. Beginners can play it, but won't access most of what makes it special. Consider a £30–£90 starter paddle first.
Does this paddle come with a cover?
Cover inclusion varies by model and batch. Where Franklin bundles a cover, we mention it explicitly in the listing. Otherwise, paddle covers are sold separately and we recommend one for any paddle £100+.
Is the Franklin Sweet Spot Trainer Paddle elongated or standard shape?
This is an elongated paddle (16.5" length). The longer face gives extra reach for poaches and overheads at the cost of a slightly tighter sweet spot. Suits aggressive baseliners and tall players.
How does the Franklin Sweet Spot Trainer Paddle compare to other paddles in this price band?
At this price you're competing against the equivalent tier from Selkirk SLK, JOOLA, Head Radical, and Vatic Pro. The differences come down to face grit, edge guard quality, and brand-specific feel — best to read the spec sheet, not just the badge.
How long will this paddle last?
1–2 seasons of regular weekly play before noticeable dead-spot creep. Thermoformed unibody paddles tend toward the longer end of that range; sandwich-construction paddles toward the shorter.
What core thickness is the Franklin Sweet Spot Trainer Paddle?
The Franklin Sweet Spot Trainer Paddle uses a 16mm polypropylene honeycomb core. A 16mm core is the modern control-first standard — more dwell time, better for kitchen play.