Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm vs Wilson Blaze Pro 13
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 Wilson Blaze Pro 13's 13mm 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 | Wilson Blaze Pro 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7.9–8.3 oz | 7.9–8.3 oz |
| Shape | Elongated | Elongated |
| Core thickness | 16mm | 13mm |
| Core material | Polypropylene | Polypropylene honeycomb |
| Face material | Fiberglass with MaxGrit | Raw carbon fiber/fiberglass hybrid |
| Handle length | 5.6" | 5.6" |
| Price | $64.85 | $59 |
Weight
Shape
Core thickness
Core material
Face material
Handle length
Price
What the spec differences mean
- Core thickness. Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm has a 16mm core; Wilson Blaze Pro 13 has a 13mm core, so the Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm core is 3mm thicker. What core thickness changes
- Length and width. Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm measures 16.5" × 7.3"; Wilson Blaze Pro 13 measures 16.5" × 7.5". Paddle shapes and the size rule
- Face material. Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm lists its face as Fiberglass with MaxGrit; Wilson Blaze Pro 13 lists Raw carbon fiber/fiberglass hybrid. Paddle face materials explained
- Core material. Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm lists its core as Polypropylene; Wilson Blaze Pro 13 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
Wilson Blaze Pro 13
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 13mm core delivers high pop with a tighter touch window, and the raw carbon face bites on spin shots.
Playing style: power, all-around
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 Wilson Blaze Pro 13 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 Wilson Blaze Pro 13
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