Franklin Pickleball 2 Polypropylene Paddle and (4) X-40 Outdoor Pickleball Set

Your basic paddle

I have been addicted to pickleball for nearly two years, during which time I've had the chance to try out plenty of paddles. I forked out a decent amount of dough to acquire one that I really liked, but as the facilitator at our local gym for indoor play, I keep my eye out for reasonably-priced paddles for beginners who've not yet become addicted (at which point, people tend to pay for a particular paddle). I've previously tested out two different types of Franklin Sports brand paddles, both made of aluminum, and I can say that I was not a fan of that material. These paddles weight in at a really nice 7-7/8 ounces, which is great. In addition, the grip is comfortable. But where these paddles shine is in the material of which they are made: a fiberglass surface with a polypropylene core, which allows for excellent control.In comparison to cheaper sets, the quality of this one is beyond compare. Those who become addicted to the sport like me are going to fork out $80-$150 for a high quality paddle, but while a player is trying to figure out if he or she wants to stick with the sport, it truly helps to have a nice beginner paddle, which these are. In summary, at $99 per set with two paddles and four balls (which cost about two bucks each in bulk) the paddles are under $50 each, which is well worth it when broken down into a per-use cost, especially for this level of quality.

This is really a great starter set. I have played with several different balls and paddles and have learned a few things about both.Paddles come in different lengths/widths, weights, and grip circumferences. Some have heads that are shorter but wider, some longer and narrower. Shorter players may want a longer paddle for more reach, taller ones might want a shorter one for more speed of motion. These paddles are 16” long, including a 5" handle which is more middle of the road. 17” overall length is the max allowed, and the shortest I’ve seen is 15.5”. I have a 15.5” model, incl. 5" handle", that is just too short for me. The extra length of these paddles does make a difference. Oddly, the 4 paddles I have are all the same width.Ideal grip circumference depends on your hand size. To get the right circumference, measure from the tip of your ring finder to the second line at the center of your palm. The circumference of these grips is 4.25”. The grip is smooth plastic (? sort of feels like silicone), though I prefer a textured grip. The grip is, nonetheless a bit spongy, so you do still have good control.Paddle weights range from 6-14 oz. Obviously the heavier the paddle the less force you need to hit the ball to achieve the same result, but the heavier, the less control (read finesse) you have, too. Weights apparently come in ranges. One of these paddles is 8oz, and the other is 7.7 oz. Personally, I find it to be a comfortable weight. Weight is really a matter of personal preference.The balls in this set have more bounce than others I’ve used. I like these because the don’t die quite as much on impact.Overall I am quite happy with this set. I have a couple other paddles, one with a more textured grip that I prefer, but the extra head length and action of these paddles make these my go to.

My partner and I used the paddles from this set exclusively for our weekend pickleball games, and we both found the paddles and balls to be decently made and easy to play with. We switched to our normal pickleballs for our last game to see how the paddles worked with them, and they were good. We still prefer our honeycomb composite core paddles, but these are the next best paddles that we have used.The grips on the paddles is nice, and the textured surface makes it easier to hit the ball where you are trying to.The balls are great, and we did not have any issues with them.The price point seems fair for this set, it is higher end than a basic starter set, and these types of paddles are often $49-75 when you buy them individually.

I have only played pickleball once, so I let my brother evaluate this set since he is a seasoned player. He told me that these were 'very nice' paddles. He mentioned that they were slightly larger than his usual paddle, but that was a positive feature, as well as their lightness. From the other reviews I've read, the price of these paddles with balls (which can run $2.00 each) is a good value. These appear to be a good set for beginner players.I apologize for not giving more details, but the pandemic has prevented me from getting out and playing p'ball. Now, with better days (hopefully) on the horizon, I will try these paddles out and update this review.

Considering the items that come in this set, the price tag is quite fair. The quality in these products are great in comparison to similar products on the market and I would highly recommend this set for beginners of pickleball. Sometimes you want to invest in a new sport, but without knowing too much you are not too sure what exactly you want to invest the most in, and this will definitely help you identify your strengths and weaknesses in the sport. It would be a great gift for family or friends to introduce the sport. I am impressed with the quality and the price of what comes in the set and the brand.

If you have never played Pickleball, you're in for a treat. Pickleball is a great backyard game that is slow paced enough that everyone can participate. It's fun for everyone from children to grandparents, and it's an ideal game to get people off their cell phones and out enjoying some light exercise. Normally you play with a net, but we like to use our set on the beach where we just try to volley the ball back and forth to each other. This set comes with two fantastic paddles and four balls. The balls are heavy enough to acquire velocity, but light enough that they get caught in the air for fun play. You'll have a blast playing Pickleball with this wonderful set!