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JOOLA Ben Johns Essentials for stiffer feel and brand resale value; Franklin X-40 Performance for forgiving softer pop on dinks.
A fiver between them, and honestly the choice comes down to playing style rather than budget. The Franklin X-40 Performance leans into a polypropylene honeycomb core that's been a mainstay of US club play for years; it's predictable, durable, and gives a soft pop on dinks without surprising you on drives. JOOLA's Ben Johns Essentials at £40 borrows the marketing halo of the world No.1 but uses a stripped-down composite face that sits firmer at contact, with a slightly punchier feel on third-shot drops. Neither is going to win you tournaments at Bolton or Edinburgh open level, but for indoor leisure-centre pickleball both will outlast a year of casual play. Buy the JOOLA Ben Johns Essentials if you want a slightly stiffer feel and the brand pull for resale on Vinted later; otherwise go for the Franklin X-40 Performance, which is the more proven beginner tool with a softer feel that flatters a developing two-handed backhand.
Hand-written editorial — not auto-generated. By Gary, RacketRise.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Pickleball Paddles | Pickleball Paddles |
| Sport | Pickleball | Pickleball |
| Skill Level | Beginner | Beginner |
| Weight | — | — |
| Shape | Standard | Standard |
| Core | Polymer honeycomb | Polymer honeycomb |
| Surface | Fibreglass | Composite |
| Grip Size | — | — |
| Core Thickness | — | — |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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The main differences are: Surface: Franklin X-40 has Fibreglass vs Composite. Price: £35 vs £40. Overall, the Franklin X-40 Performance Pickleball Paddle is best for beginners while the JOOLA Ben Johns Essentials Pickleball Paddle suits beginners.
Both the Franklin X-40 Performance Pickleball Paddle and JOOLA Ben Johns Essentials Pickleball Paddle are suitable for beginners. The Franklin X-40 Performance Pickleball Paddle offers the better value entry point at £35.
The JOOLA Ben Johns Essentials Pickleball Paddle (£40) costs more than the Franklin X-40 Performance Pickleball Paddle (£35). Whether the premium is worth it depends on your skill level — if you are beginners, the extra investment in the JOOLA Ben Johns Essentials Pickleball Paddle can pay off.