Two trusted sports brands competing in the value segment. Which gives you more paddle for less money?
HEAD and Franklin both entered pickleball from established positions in other sports. HEAD brings decades of tennis racket engineering, while Franklin built its reputation in baseball gloves and backyard sports equipment. Both brands offer paddles at price points that undercut premium brands like Selkirk and JOOLA, making them popular choices for beginners and budget-conscious players.
HEAD's approach leans on their racket sport heritage, applying tennis-grade construction methods to pickleball paddles. Their Radical, Extreme, and Gravity lines mirror their tennis naming conventions and offer progressively better technology. Prices range from $40 for basic models to $130 for their premium offerings.
Franklin has taken a different approach, focusing on accessibility and volume. Their paddles are widely available at big-box retailers, making them the first paddle many new players encounter. The Ben Johns partnership (before his JOOLA move) helped establish their credibility, and their current lineup ranges from $20 starter paddles to $80 mid-range options.
| Category | HEAD | Franklin |
|---|---|---|
| Sports Heritage | Tennis / Racket Sports | Baseball / Rec Sports |
| Entry Price | $40 | $20 |
| Mid-Range Price | $70-90 | $40-60 |
| Premium Price | $100-130 | $70-80 |
| Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Performance (avg) | 7.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| Availability | Specialty stores | Big-box + online |
| Best For | Intermediate upgraders | True beginners |
| Durability | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| Value | 8.0/10 | 9.0/10 |
Bottom line: Franklin is the best absolute budget option — their sub-$40 paddles are perfect for first-timers and casual players. HEAD offers better quality and performance at a slightly higher price. If you know you'll stick with pickleball, invest in HEAD. If you're just testing the waters, Franklin gets you playing for less.