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Buy the Franklin Signature if you're playing competitive singles; the SLK 2-pack if you need two paddles for casual play tomorrow.
Solo competition paddle versus a starter pair. The Franklin Signature is a single 16mm carbon paddle with MaxGrit for spin — 150 quid of tournament kit. The SLK by Selkirk 2-pack is two 13mm fibreglass standard paddles for around 50 quid total, designed so you and a friend can play immediately.
These aren't really competitors — they answer different questions.
Real scenarios: - The SLK pack is the perfect "I want to try pickleball with my partner this weekend" buy. Two paddles, basic but functional, straight to the court. - The Franklin is for the player who already knows pickleball, has been borrowing paddles for six months, and now wants tournament-grade spin and a carbon fibre face.
Who regrets what: - Buy the SLK 2-pack hoping for performance and you'll outgrow both paddles in a couple of months. - Buy the Franklin as your introduction and the stiff 16mm feel will likely put you off the sport.
Match the purchase to where you actually are.
Hand-written editorial — not auto-generated. By Gary, RacketRise.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Pickleball Paddles | Pickleball Paddles |
| Sport | Pickleball | Pickleball |
| Skill Level | Advanced | Beginner |
| Weight | 215-225g | 215-225g |
| Shape | Elongated | Standard |
| Core | Polypropylene honeycomb | Polymer honeycomb |
| Surface | Carbon fibre with MaxGrit | Fibreglass |
| Grip Size | 4 1/4" | 4 1/4" |
| Core Thickness | 16mm | 13mm |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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The main differences are: Shape: Franklin Signature has Elongated vs Standard. Core: Franklin Signature has Polypropylene honeycomb vs Polymer honeycomb. Surface: Franklin Signature has Carbon fibre with MaxGrit vs Fibreglass. Overall, the Franklin Signature Pickleball Paddle is best for advanced players while the SLK by Selkirk Pickleball Paddle 2-Pack suits beginners.
The SLK by Selkirk Pickleball Paddle 2-Pack is the better choice for beginners thanks to its forgiving design and accessible price point. The Franklin Signature Pickleball Paddle is aimed at advanced players and may be more demanding to use effectively.
The Franklin Signature Pickleball Paddle (£140-160) costs more than the SLK by Selkirk Pickleball Paddle 2-Pack (£45-70). Whether the premium is worth it depends on your skill level — if you are advanced players, the extra investment in the Franklin Signature Pickleball Paddle can pay off.