Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 12.7mm (Anna Leigh Waters Signature) vs Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C 14.3mm
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 12.7mm (Anna Leigh Waters Signature) trades a touch of maneuverability for more reach at the line; Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C 14.3mm is easier to whip around in hand fights. Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C 14.3mm carries more plow-through on drives, while Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 12.7mm (Anna Leigh
Side-by-side specs
| Spec | Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 12.7mm (Anna Leigh Waters Signature) | Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C 14.3mm |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7.2–7.5 oz | 7.6–7.9 oz |
| Shape | Elongated | Widebody |
| Core thickness | 12.7mm | 14.3mm |
| Core material | PowerFlex polymer core | — |
| Face material | T700 carbon fiber with 45-degree peel-ply texture (double-thermoformed unibody frame) | PT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber |
| Handle length | 5.1" | 5.5" |
| Price | $229.99 | $199.99 |
Weight
Shape
Core thickness
Core material
Face material
Handle length
Price
What the spec differences mean
- Weight. Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 12.7mm (Anna Leigh Waters Signature) is listed at 7.2–7.5 oz; Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C 14.3mm at 7.6–7.9 oz. At the low end of each listed range, the Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 12.7mm (Anna Leigh Waters Signature) is 0.4 oz lighter. How paddle weights compare across our catalog
- Core thickness. Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 12.7mm (Anna Leigh Waters Signature) has a 12.7mm core; Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C 14.3mm has a 14.3mm core, so the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C 14.3mm core is 1.6mm thicker. What core thickness changes
- Length and width. Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 12.7mm (Anna Leigh Waters Signature) measures 15.7" × 7.9"; Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C 14.3mm measures 16" × 8" (elongated vs widebody). The Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C 14.3mm is 0.3" longer. Paddle shapes and the size rule
- Handle length. Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 12.7mm (Anna Leigh Waters Signature) has a 5.1" handle; Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C 14.3mm has a 5.5" handle, so the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C 14.3mm handle is 0.4" longer. What grip length changes
- Face material. Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 12.7mm (Anna Leigh Waters Signature) lists its face as T700 carbon fiber with 45-degree peel-ply texture; Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C 14.3mm lists PT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber. Paddle face materials explained
Who each paddle is for
Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 12.7mm (Anna Leigh Waters Signature)
Best for advanced power players (4.0+) who can manage a hot face who play with a quick, hands-first style. The elongated shape extends your reach at the kitchen line, the 12.7mm core delivers high pop with a tighter touch window, and the raw textured carbon face holds spin on rolls and resets.
Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C 14.3mm
Best for intermediate players (3.5-4.5) looking for a balanced upgrade who play with a balanced two-handed/one-handed mix. The widebody profile gives you a generous sweet spot, the 14.3mm core balances pop and control, and the raw carbon face bites on spin shots.
Playing style: all-court
Both are great. Pick by playstyle, not specs.
Pick the Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 12.7mm (Anna Leigh Waters Signature) if…
- ✓you want a quick, hands-first paddle
- ✓you want a hot face for put-aways
- ✓you like reach at the kitchen line
Pick the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C 14.3mm if…
- ✓you want a quick, hands-first paddle
- ✓you want a generous sweet spot
More matchups with the Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 12.7mm (Anna Leigh Waters Signature)
More matchups with the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C 14.3mm
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