Franklin C45 Gen3 Series: Dynasty & Tempo Review

Written By Jon Park

Following public demand for more shape and thickness options, Franklin has released two new models to join their C45 Gen3 paddle lineup: the Dynasty (elongated) and Tempo (standard). These paddles expand on the success of the hybrid-shaped C45 and will be available for $207 with the PBMED discount code.

👉Link to the Paddles: franklinsports.sjv.io/nXyoBa

At that price point, paddles need to deliver something truly unique—and I think the C45 series does that.


Quick Pros and Cons of the C45 Series

All C45 paddles—regardless of shape or thickness—share several core characteristics:

Pros

  • Lightweight and highly maneuverable

  • Strong pop

  • Dual certified: USAP & UPA-A approved

  • Clean aesthetics and satisfying sweet spot feel

Cons

  • Require added weight for stability

  • Low dwell time (possible con, depending on preference)

  • Some reports of break-in/heating up over time (not my experience)

What’s New: Dynasty and Tempo Breakdown

  • Dynasty: Elongated shape

  • Tempo: Standard shape

  • Both models come in 14mm and 16mm thickness

  • Feature slim, comfortable handles that are easy to manipulate

Color Confusion Cleared

Review units came in red Dynasty and teal Tempo, but for launch day:

  • ✅ Ready to ship: Teal Dynasty + Red Tempo

  • 🕒 Pre-order only (2-week wait): Red Dynasty

Franklin also responded to feedback and is offering Red Dynasty models for preorder—good on them!

Recap: What Makes the C45 Construction Unique?

If you haven’t seen my original C45 review, here’s a brief rundown:

  • Core: CNC-cut Gen3 design with dual foam layers for layered precision

  • Face: Triple-layer carbon fiber oriented at 45 degrees (hence “C45”) for a plush, consistent feel

  • Build quality: I saw no signs of over-compression or core damage—very clean honeycomb construction

Measured Specs & Performance

The Tempos clearly have low swing weights, and while the Dynasties are also light for their elongated shape, their low balance point and center of gravity further enhance their quick, whippy feel in hand.

Drive Speeds (MPH)

Dynasty 16mm: 58.3

Dynasty 14mm: 57.2

Tempo 16mm: 56.6

Tempo 14mm: 56.4

These are solid all-court-to-power numbers—less than Joola Pro IVs, but higher than many all-court paddles.

Spin Rates (RPM)

Dynasty 16mm: 2,210

Dynasty 14mm: 2,190

Tempo 16mm: 2,335

Tempo 14mm: 2,270

These paddles made my Top 5 Paddles for Spin list and feel intuitive for low-effort spin engagement. My mantra for the C45s: "Trust the spin—no big swing needed."

Overall Gameplay Impressions

  • Both paddles are ultra-quick—especially the Dynasty, for its shape, which might be the fastest elongated paddle I’ve tested.

  • Ideal for fast net play, counters, and hands battles.

  • These have a satisfying, snappy feel to the face

  • Not ultra-high in drive speed power, but the C45 = fast off the face, even with light swings (high pop)

Add Weight or Miss Out

These paddles need lead tape to play their best. Unweighted, they feel unstable with small sweet spots.

My favorite setup for the 16mm Dynasty:

  • 0.5g/inch perimeter weighting

  • Additional 0.5g/inch along the top ¾ of the face, going from bottom corner to bottom corner,  for a total of 1g/inch in overlap areas

Dwell Time & Control

Coming from high-dwell paddles like the unMarked Alpha, Joola Scorpeus, or Pulse Series, I had to adjust my aim—low dwell time and flat launch angle meant shots need a little more height.

But once dialed in, the C45s were consistent.

Paddle-by-Paddle Breakdown

🏆 Favorite: Dynasty 16mm

  • More dwell than 14mm, still poppy and fast

  • Great balance of feel + speed

  • Control rating (5 being average): 4/10 (low control, but very predictable)

🧨 Dynasty 14mm

  • Even faster, but smaller sweet spot

  • Needs more lead to stabilize

  • Great for aggressive, confident players

  • Particularly low dwell time

⚡ Tempo Models

Tempo Pros:

  • Insanely maneuverable

  • Easy spin

  • High pop

Tempo Cons:

  • Very short handle

  • Smaller-than-standard dimensions

  • Unstable without added weight

I prefer a standard shape that is a little more robust and stable out of the box, but these may be Ideal for players who want maximum pop + maneuverability in a small frame.

Final Thoughts

If you want lightweight, fast, spin-friendly paddles with great pop and a low-dwell time, the new C45 Dynasty and Tempo models might be for you. Just don’t skip the lead tape!

If you like a high-dwell time, want excellent control, these may not be the most ideal for you.

👉Link to the Paddles: franklinsports.sjv.io/nXyoBa

(you can take 10% off with code PBMED at checkout)

Jon Park