Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm vs Head Boom Tour EX
Pickle's 5-axis score
Spec-grounded, quartile-ranked across the 322-paddle catalog. Diff highlighted when one paddle leads by 0.5+ points.
Control-first vs. power-first
The Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm's 16mm core delivers a more forgiving sweet spot, while the Head Boom Tour EX's 11mm core trades a little plush feel for quicker ball speed. Both paddles target power players — the choice comes down to feel and price.
Side-by-side specs
| Spec | Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm | Head Boom Tour EX |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7.9–8.3 oz | 7.7–8.1 oz |
| Shape | Elongated | Elongated |
| Core thickness | 16mm | 11mm |
| Core material | Polypropylene | Polypropylene honeycomb |
| Face material | Fiberglass with MaxGrit | Raw carbon fiber with Spin Fusion |
| Handle length | 5.6" | 5.5" |
| Price | $64.85 | $119.95 |
Weight
Shape
Core thickness
Core material
Face material
Handle length
Price
What the spec differences mean
- Weight. Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm is listed at 7.9–8.3 oz; Head Boom Tour EX at 7.7–8.1 oz. At the low end of each listed range, the Head Boom Tour EX is 0.2 oz lighter. How paddle weights compare across our catalog
- Core thickness. Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm has a 16mm core; Head Boom Tour EX has a 11mm core, so the Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm core is 5mm thicker. What core thickness changes
- Length and width. Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm measures 16.5" × 7.3"; Head Boom Tour EX measures 16.5" × 7.5". Paddle shapes and the size rule
- Handle length. Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm has a 5.6" handle; Head Boom Tour EX has a 5.5" handle, so the Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm handle is 0.1" longer. What grip length changes
- Face material. Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm lists its face as Fiberglass with MaxGrit; Head Boom Tour EX lists Raw carbon fiber with Spin Fusion. Paddle face materials explained
- Core material. Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm lists its core as Polypropylene; Head Boom Tour EX lists Polypropylene honeycomb. Paddle core materials explained
Who each paddle is for
Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm
Best for 3.5+ players who prioritize control and reach 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 fiberglass face emphasizes pop over spin.
Playing style: power, spin
Head Boom Tour EX
Best for advanced power players (4.0+) who can manage a hot face who play with a balanced two-handed/one-handed mix. The elongated shape extends your reach at the kitchen line, the 11mm core delivers high pop with a tighter touch window, and the raw carbon face bites on spin shots.
Playing style: power, spin
Both are great. Pick by playstyle, not specs.
Pick the Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm if…
- ✓you prize control on resets and dinks
- ✓you like reach at the kitchen line
Pick the Head Boom Tour EX if…
- ✓you want a hot face for put-aways
- ✓you like reach at the kitchen line
More matchups with the Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm
More matchups with the Head Boom Tour EX
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