Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 16mm vs Ronbus R1.16
Pickle's 5-axis score
Spec-grounded, quartile-ranked across the 322-paddle catalog. Diff highlighted when one paddle leads by 0.5+ points.
The value vs. premium matchup
Ronbus R1.16 is the value pick at $99.99. Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 16mm is the premium option at $230 — you're paying for the T700 carbon fiber peel ply at 45-degree angle. Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 16mm trades a touch of maneuverability for more reach at the line; Ronbus R1.16 is easier to whip around in hand
Side-by-side specs
| Spec | Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 16mm | Ronbus R1.16 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7.6–8 oz | 7.8–8.2 oz |
| Shape | Elongated | Widebody |
| Core thickness | 16mm | 16mm |
| Core material | — | Polypropylene honeycomb |
| Face material | T700 carbon fiber peel ply at 45-degree angle | Toray T700 raw carbon fiber |
| Handle length | 5.1" | 5.25" |
| Price | $230 | $99.99 |
Weight
Shape
Core thickness
Core material
Face material
Handle length
Price
What the spec differences mean
- Weight. Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 16mm is listed at 7.6–8 oz; Ronbus R1.16 at 7.8–8.2 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. Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 16mm has a 5.1" handle; Ronbus R1.16 has a 5.25" handle, so the Ronbus R1.16 handle is 0.15" longer. What grip length changes
- Face material. Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 16mm lists its face as T700 carbon fiber peel ply at 45-degree angle; Ronbus R1.16 lists Toray T700 raw carbon fiber. Paddle face materials explained
Who each paddle is for
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
Ronbus R1.16
Best for 3.5+ players who prioritize control and reach who play with a balanced two-handed/one-handed mix. The widebody profile gives you a generous sweet spot, the 16mm core gives you a soft touch window, and the raw carbon face bites on spin shots.
Playing style: control, spin
Both are great. Pick by playstyle, not specs.
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
Pick the Ronbus R1.16 if…
- ✓you prize control on resets and dinks
- ✓you want a generous sweet spot
More matchups with the Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 16mm
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.