Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm vs Wilson Fierce Pro 13

    Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm 7.9oz 16mm pickleball paddle — Fiberglass with MaxGrit face

    Franklin

    Ben Johns Signature 16mm

    $64.85

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    Wilson Fierce Pro 13 7.9oz 13mm pickleball paddle — Graphite composite with texture face

    Wilson

    Fierce Pro 13

    $159.99

    Pickle's 5-axis score

    Spec-grounded, quartile-ranked across the 322-paddle catalog. Diff highlighted when one paddle leads by 0.5+ points.

    Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mmWilson Fierce Pro 13
    Power — Franklin +6.7
    9.6 vs 2.9
    Hand speed — Wilson +3.5
    3.0 vs 6.5
    Forgiveness — Wilson +5.1
    4.9 vs 10.0
    Touch — Franklin +7.9
    9.9 vs 2.0
    Spin — even
    1.7 vs 1.7

    The value vs. premium matchup

    The Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm's 16mm core delivers a more forgiving sweet spot, while the Wilson Fierce Pro 13's 13mm core trades a little plush feel for quicker ball speed. Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm is the value pick at $64.85. Wilson Fierce Pro 13 is the premium option at $159.99 — you're paying for

    Side-by-side specs

    Weight

    7.9–8.3 oz7.9–8.1 oz

    Shape

    ElongatedWidebody

    Core thickness

    16mm13mm

    Core material

    PolypropylenePolypropylene honeycomb

    Face material

    Fiberglass with MaxGritGraphite composite with texture

    Handle length

    5.6"5.4"

    Price

    $64.85$159.99

    What the spec differences mean

    • Weight. Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm is listed at 7.9–8.3 oz; Wilson Fierce Pro 13 at 7.9–8.1 oz. How paddle weights compare across our catalog
    • Core thickness. Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm has a 16mm core; Wilson Fierce 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 Fierce Pro 13 measures 15.88" × 8.13" (elongated vs widebody). The Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm is 0.63" longer. Paddle shapes and the size rule
    • Handle length. Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm has a 5.6" handle; Wilson Fierce Pro 13 has a 5.4" handle, so the Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm handle is 0.2" longer. What grip length changes
    • Face material. Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm lists its face as Fiberglass with MaxGrit; Wilson Fierce Pro 13 lists Graphite composite with texture. Paddle face materials explained
    • Core material. Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm lists its core as Polypropylene; Wilson Fierce 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 Fierce 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 widebody profile gives you a generous sweet spot, the 13mm core delivers high pop with a tighter touch window, and the face surface keeps spin honest without overdoing it.

    Playing style: power

    Pickle's verdict

    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 Fierce Pro 13 if…

    • ✓you want a hot face for put-aways
    • ✓you want a generous sweet spot
    Shop on Amazon Ben Johns Signature 16mm →

    More matchups with the Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm

    More matchups with the Wilson Fierce Pro 13

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