Franklin C45 Anna Leigh Waters 12.7mm vs 14mm
Franklin C45 Anna Leigh Waters 12.7mm vs 14mm: the two core thicknesses of Anna Leigh Waters' signature C45, the paddle of the world number one. Both are the same $379.99, the same Aurelius hybrid shape, the same PowerFlex polymer honeycomb core with an inner foam channel and the same 45-degree raw T700 carbon face, so the decision is purely thickness and feel. The 12.7mm is the thinner, poppier build: a lower swing weight of 92.3 for very quick hands and a firm, direct pop, billed Power and Spin. The 14mm adds a touch of cushion and stability: a higher swing weight of 97.5 for more plow through the ball, a higher twist weight of 5.96 versus 5.41 for a more forgiving face, billed Spin and All-court. Want the fastest, poppiest hands? The 12.7mm. Want more stability and forgiveness? The 14mm. Real specs below, then our honest take.
We stock both at Pickld. Here is the honest read.
Franklin C45 Anna Leigh Waters 12.7mm vs 14mm: specs side by side
| Spec | C45 ALW 12.7mm | C45 ALW 14mm |
|---|---|---|
| Price (RRP) | $379.99 | $379.99 |
| Signature | Anna Leigh Waters | Anna Leigh Waters |
| Weight | 218 g avg (7.7 oz) | 220 g avg (7.8 oz) |
| Swing weight | 92.3 | 97.5 |
| Twist weight | 5.41 | 5.96 |
| Spin | 2031 | 2011 |
| Core | PowerFlex polymer honeycomb, inner foam channel | PowerFlex polymer honeycomb, inner foam channel |
| Face | 45-degree T700 raw carbon fibre | 45-degree T700 raw carbon fibre |
| Core thickness | 12.7 mm | 14 mm |
| Shape | Hybrid (Aurelius) | Hybrid (Aurelius) |
| Grip | 3.9 in circumference | 3.9 in circumference |
| Skill tier | Intermediate, Professional | Intermediate, Professional |
| Play style | Power, Spin | Spin, All-court |
| Availability at Pickld | In stock; the product page is the live figure | In stock; the product page is the live figure |
| Warranty | Franklin manufacturer warranty (handled by Pickld) | Franklin manufacturer warranty (handled by Pickld) |
Specs are the manufacturer figures we hold on each product page, measured on Franklin's own scale, so compare the two thicknesses against each other rather than against another brand's numbers. Where a maker does not publish a figure we say so rather than guess. Availability moves, so the product page is always the live answer.
How they actually play
Franklin C45 Anna Leigh Waters 12.7mm
The 12.7mm is the thinnest build of Anna Leigh Waters' C45, and it is the poppier, faster of the two. On Franklin's figures it has a lower swing weight of 92.3, which is what makes it quick in the hands and direct off the face, and it is billed for Power and Spin. It runs the PowerFlex polymer honeycomb core with an inner foam channel and the 45-degree raw T700 carbon face that both thicknesses share, publishes a 2031 spin rating, and weighs 218 g on average. At $379.99 it is the choice for a player who wants the firmest, most immediate pop and the quickest hands out of the C45 in the Aurelius hybrid shape.
Franklin C45 Anna Leigh Waters 14mm
The 14mm adds a little cushion and stability without changing the shape or the face. Its swing weight rises to 97.5, a touch over five points up on the 12.7mm, which lands as more plow through the ball and a steadier feel, and its twist weight climbs to 5.96 from 5.41, so the face is more forgiving on off-centre contact. It publishes a near-identical 2031 versus 2011 spin rating, weighs 220 g, and Franklin bills it for Spin and All-court rather than pure Power. Same $379.99, same Aurelius hybrid shape, same PowerFlex core and 45-degree carbon face. This is the one if you want the more stable, more forgiving version of ALW's signature paddle.
The verdict: which should you buy?
- Pick the C45 ALW 12.7mm if you want the thinner, poppier build, the lower swing weight of 92.3 for very quick hands, and the firmest, most direct pop, billed Power and Spin.
- Pick the C45 ALW 14mm if you want more stability and forgiveness, the higher swing weight of 97.5 for more plow, and the higher twist weight of 5.96 for a more forgiving face, billed Spin and All-court.
And who each one is not for
Skip the 12.7mm if you want the more forgiving, more stable face. The 14mm has the higher twist weight of 5.96 and a little more swing weight to settle the paddle down.
Skip the 14mm if you want the quickest hands and the firmest pop. The 12.7mm has the lower swing weight of 92.3 and the more immediate feel off the face.
These are the two thicknesses of one paddle, Anna Leigh Waters' C45 in the Aurelius hybrid shape, at the same $379.99, so the decision is purely thickness and feel: the poppy, fast 12.7mm or the stable, forgiving 14mm. To see the wider bracket, browse our spin paddles and power paddles collections. Not sure on thickness or weight? Browse the full paddle range.
More paddle comparisons
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Franklin C45 Anna Leigh Waters 12.7mm and 14mm?
They are the same signature paddle in two core thicknesses, both $379.99, both the Aurelius hybrid shape with the PowerFlex polymer honeycomb core and a 45-degree raw T700 carbon face. The 12.7mm is thinner and poppier, with a lower swing weight of 92.3 for quicker hands, billed Power and Spin. The 14mm adds stability, with a higher swing weight of 97.5 and a more forgiving twist weight of 5.96 versus 5.41, billed Spin and All-court.
Is the thinner 12.7mm or the 14mm better for power and quick hands?
The 12.7mm is the quicker, poppier of the two, with a lower swing weight of 92.3 for fast hands and a firm, direct pop off the face. The 14mm trades a little of that speed for stability and forgiveness. Both are billed for spin thanks to the shared 45-degree raw carbon face; the 12.7mm leans Power and Spin, the 14mm leans Spin and All-court.
Which Franklin C45 ALW is more forgiving?
The 14mm is more forgiving, with a twist weight of 5.96 versus the 12.7mm's 5.41. Higher twist weight means the face resists twisting on an off-centre hit, so contact away from the sweet spot stays truer, and its slightly higher swing weight settles the paddle for a steadier feel.
Is the Franklin C45 Anna Leigh Waters a pro paddle?
Yes. The C45 is Anna Leigh Waters' signature paddle, and she is the world number one, so it is built to a professional spec and billed for Intermediate to Professional players. Both thicknesses use the same PowerFlex core and 45-degree raw T700 carbon face; the thickness choice tunes it to your feel rather than your level.