Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 16mm vs Volair Mach 1 Forza 14mm
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
The Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 16mm's 16mm core delivers a more forgiving sweet spot, while the Volair Mach 1 Forza 14mm's 14mm core trades a little plush feel for quicker ball speed. Volair Mach 1 Forza 14mm is the value pick at $119.99. Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 16mm is the premium option at $230 — you're
Side-by-side specs
| Spec | Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 16mm | Volair Mach 1 Forza 14mm |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7.6–8 oz | 7.6–8 oz |
| Shape | Elongated | Elongated |
| Core thickness | 16mm | 14mm |
| Core material | — | Polypropylene honeycomb |
| Face material | T700 carbon fiber peel ply at 45-degree angle | Carbon fiber |
| Handle length | 5.1" | 5.5" |
| Price | $230 | $119.99 |
Weight
Shape
Core thickness
Core material
Face material
Handle length
Price
What the spec differences mean
- Core thickness. Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 16mm has a 16mm core; Volair Mach 1 Forza 14mm has a 14mm core, so the Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 16mm core is 2mm thicker. What core thickness changes
- Handle length. Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 16mm has a 5.1" handle; Volair Mach 1 Forza 14mm has a 5.5" handle, so the Volair Mach 1 Forza 14mm handle is 0.4" 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; Volair Mach 1 Forza 14mm lists 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
Volair Mach 1 Forza 14mm
Best for intermediate players (3.5-4.5) looking for a balanced upgrade who play with a balanced two-handed/one-handed mix. The elongated shape extends your reach at the kitchen line, the 14mm core balances pop and control, and the face surface keeps spin honest without overdoing it.
Playing style: power, 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 Volair Mach 1 Forza 14mm if…
- ✓you want a quick, hands-first paddle
- ✓you like reach at the kitchen line
More matchups with the Franklin Sports C45 Aurelius 16mm
More matchups with the Volair Mach 1 Forza 14mm
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