Franklin fs Tour Dynasty 16mm Pickleball Paddle Review
The Franklin FS Tour Dynasty 16mm pickleball paddle is generating buzz in the pickleball world, particularly among competitive players.
Once a pickleball powerhouse, Franklin has struggled to maintain its position in recent years. Their STK Carbon paddle, released in early 2023, failed to impress with poor spin and underwhelming performance.
However, their new Franklin FS Tour pickleball paddles seem to be a step in the right direction. Boasting thermoforming, perimeter foam injection, and genuine raw carbon fiber grit, these paddles appear to have addressed past shortcomings.
With two shapes (Dynasty and Tempo) offered in 16mm and 14mm core thicknesses, along with various colors and bonus accessories at a competitive under $150 price point with offering good spin and control, Franklin is making a strong play for your pickleball bag.
Let’s explore the specific features that might make this paddle a winning choice for you.
Table of Contents
Paddle Specification
| Feature | Specification |
| Colors | Black/Grey |
| Length | 16.5″ |
| Thickness | 16mm |
| Grip Circumference | 4.3″ |
| Handle Length | 5.6″ (Elongated) |
| Paddle Technology | T700 Carbon Fiber |
| Composition/Construction | Premium T700 Raw Carbon Fiber Surface, Polymer Core / One-Piece Construction |
| Weight | 8.5 oz. – 8.8 oz. |
| Player Type | Intermediate-Advanced |
| Approvals | USAPA & USA Pickleball |
| Paddle Width | 7.5″ |
| Sport | Pickleball |
Franklin fs Tour Dynasty 16mm A Quick Overview
The Franklin FS Tour Dynasty 16 pickleball paddle isn’t just another piece of equipment; it aspires to be a game-changer. It offers a luxurious playing experience with a premium carbon fiber surface for enhanced spin and control, all housed in a unibody construction for an improved feel.
This versatile paddle caters to various playing styles with its two distinct shapes (Dynasty and Tempo) and core thicknesses (16mm and 14mm), while the comfortable elongated handle allows for effortless two-handed backhands. Perhaps the most surprising aspect?
The price tag. At a very attractive $150, the FS Tour Dynasty is an ideal upgrade for developing players, offering top-tier performance without breaking the bank. The luxurious feel even extends beyond the paddle itself; Franklin includes a high-quality carrying case and a paddle magic eraser, adding a touch of value that sets them apart.
Plus, you can choose from three stylish colors (pink, blue, or gray) to match your on-court personality.
Features
The Franklin FS Tour Dynasty 16 aspires to be a game-changer. This isn’t just marketing hype; the FS Tour Dynasty 16 boasts features designed to elevate your performance across all aspects of the game.
Premium Materials
The paddle’s heart lies in its USA Pickleball-approved T700 raw carbon fiber surface. This high-quality material creates a naturally textured surface, giving you the grip you need to generate impressive spin and execute a wider range of shots with confidence.
Durability
Built to last, the FS Tour Dynasty 16 features a one-piece construction. This singular core design, encased entirely in carbon fiber, maximizes the structural integrity between the paddle face and handle. The result? Enhanced stability and exceptional durability, ensure your paddle can withstand the rigors of competitive play.
Comfort
Pickleball shouldn’t be a pain in the hand. The FS Tour Dynasty 16 prioritizes comfort with its elongated, cushioned 5.6-inch handle. This thoughtful design provides maximum reach for two-handed backhands while also absorbing shock and reducing fatigue during extended rallies.
The 4.3-inch handle circumference offers a secure and comfortable grip, further enhancing your control over the paddle.
Sweet Spot
The FS Tour Dynasty 16 isn’t just about power; it’s about precision. This midweight paddle (weighing between 8.5 and 8.8 ounces) features a 16mm high-density foam-infused perimeter.
This design choice helps maximize the sweet spot, the area on the paddle face that delivers optimal power and control on your shots. The foam injection also serves to lessen vibration and provide additional stability, allowing you to focus on making the perfect shot.
Performance
Paddle Feel
The first thing that struck me about the Franklin FS Tour was the excellent feel. Dinks and drops landed consistently, thanks to the responsiveness of the paddle face.
This paddle is also impressed with its spin generation on drives. While it might not be the most spin-heavy option on the market (like the ProXR), it allowed me to add good shape to the ball and adjust quickly from my usual paddles. During point play, the FS Tour translated to impressive hand speed and power.
Control
Control is a clear strength of the Franklin FS Tour. The excellent feel translates into precise shot placement, making it easy to reset and consistently hit dinks with confidence.
The large sweet spot offers forgiveness on off-center hits, ensuring your shots remain playable. This focus on control makes the FS Tour a great option for players of all levels, particularly beginners and those looking to refine their accuracy.
Power
The Franklin FS Tour isn’t purely focused on raw power. Instead, it takes a balanced approach. The large sweet spot allows you to generate impressive hand speed on drives, translating it into powerful shots.
However, it might not be the most aggressive power paddle available. This focus on control ensures well-placed drives, while the sweet spot offers forgiveness on off-center hits that still pack a punch. This balanced design makes the FS Tour a great option for players who value versatility and precise power over brute force.
Spin
The Franklin FS Tour delivers a spin performance that’s reliable and industry-standard. You’ll be able to execute effective dinks with sharp dips and hit powerful drives and serves with good spin.
However, it doesn’t have the unique, texture-heavy surface of paddles like the ProXR that can generate truly exceptional spin. Think of the FS Tour as more akin to paddles like the Joola or CRBN in terms of spin capabilities – it allows you to achieve the spin you need for good tactical play without necessarily excelling in that area.
This makes the FS Tour a well-rounded option that prioritizes control and versatility over outlandish spin.
Consider Franklin FS Tour Dynasty 16MM? Here is What You Need To Know
- Great Feel & Control: This paddle excels in control and feel, perfect for precise dinks and confident resets. The large sweet spot offers forgiveness for all levels.
- Balanced Power & Spin: Don’t expect the most aggressive power, but the FS Tour 16mm finds a balance with a good spin for tactical play.
- Premium Features: Expect a T700 carbon fiber surface, one-piece construction for durability, a comfy handle, and a large sweet spot thanks to the foam perimeter. Plus, it comes with a nice carrying case and paddle eraser, all at an attractive under $150 price tag.
- Who Should Consider It? This paddle is ideal for players who value control, feel, and versatility. Its forgiving nature makes it great for all levels, especially those looking to refine their accuracy. The budget-friendly price makes it a tempting option for developing players seeking a performance upgrade.
Other Highlights
- Premium T700 Raw Carbon Fiber Surface: This high-quality material enhances control and allows for impressive spin generation.
- One-Piece Construction: Provides exceptional durability and stability.
- Elongated, Cushioned Handle: Maximizes comfort and allows for effortless two-handed backhands.
- 16mm High-Density Foam-Infused Perimeter: Expands the sweet spot, reduces vibration, and offers additional stability.
- Luxurious Feel: Right out of the box, you’ll appreciate the high-quality paddle bag and the included paddle magic eraser.
- Multiple Colors: Choose from pink, blue, or gray to match your style.
- Attractive Price Point: At Under $150, the FS Tour Dynasty 16mm offers top-tier features at a budget-friendly price, making it a great option for developing players looking to upgrade.
Should You Buy Franklin FS Tour Dynasty?
If you’re looking for a well-rounded paddle that prioritizes control and feel without sacrificing power or spin, the Franklin FS Tour Dynasty 16mm is worth considering. Its versatility and forgiving nature make it a great option for players of all levels, particularly those looking to improve their accuracy and overall game.
The attractive price tag makes it an even more compelling choice for developing players seeking a step up in performance.
Final Thought
The Franklin FS Tour Dynasty 16mm truly impressed us. This paddle goes beyond just good looks (and the included carrying case is a nice touch!). It delivers exceptional control, surprising power for its balanced approach, and a comfortable feel that elevates your entire game.
The FS Tour series caters to a wide range of players with its two distinct shapes (Dynasty and Tempo) and core thicknesses (16mm and 14mm). This allows you to find the perfect combination of control, power, and maneuverability to suit your playing style.
It surpasses expectations and has become a favorite for both recreational and competitive play. So, if you’re looking to elevate your pickleball game, the FS Tour Dynasty 16mm is worth considering.
Frequently Ask Question
What does 16mm mean in pickleball paddle?
Paddle Thickness Matters: Paddles (11mm-16mm) impact your game. Thinner paddles (11mm) offer more power for aggressive play, but less control. Thicker paddles (16mm) absorb energy for better control, but less power. Choose based on your style: 13mm offers a balance, 16mm prioritizes control, 11mm prioritizes power.
How do you know a good pickleball paddle?
The key to picking your perfect pickleball paddle lies in four factors: weight, material, shape, and grip size. These elements are universal, so you can compare paddles across brands with confidence. Among them, weight has the biggest impact on your game.
Does thickness of pickleball paddle matter?
Pickleball paddles offer a trade-off between power and control based on thickness. Thinner paddles, lighter for better maneuverability, pack more power for aggressive play, but sacrifice some control. Conversely, thicker paddles prioritize control and consistency by absorbing impact, though with slightly less power and agility.
What does the mm mean on a pickleball paddle?
Pickleball paddles come in varying core thicknesses, measured in millimeters (mm). Think of core thickness like the depth of a sandwich. Thicker cores (around 16mm) offer more control, while thinner ones (around 11mm) prioritize power. This range can vary significantly between paddles, impacting your playing style.
