Engage Alpha Pro vs Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 16mm
Pickle's 5-axis score
Spec-grounded, quartile-ranked across the 322-paddle catalog. Diff highlighted when one paddle leads by 0.5+ points.
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
| Spec | Engage Alpha Pro | Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 16mm |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7.8–8.2 oz | 7.6–8 oz |
| Shape | Multiple | Elongated |
| Core thickness | 16mm | 16mm |
| Core material | Polymer honeycomb | — |
| Face material | Carbon fiber | T700 carbon fiber peel ply at 45-degree angle |
| Handle length | 5.25" | 5.1" |
| Price | $199.99 | $230 |
Weight
Shape
Core thickness
Core material
Face material
Handle length
Price
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
Both are great. Pick by playstyle, not specs.
Pick the Engage Alpha Pro if…
- ✓you prize control on resets and dinks
Pick the Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 16mm if…
- ✓you want a quick, hands-first paddle
- ✓you prize control on resets and dinks
- ✓you like reach at the kitchen line
More matchups with the Engage Alpha Pro
More matchups with the Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 16mm
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