She Switched. The World Noticed. The Franklin ALW Aurelius C45° Is Here.
The Wait Is Over. Anna Leigh Waters Is Here and She Is With Franklin.
Anna Leigh Waters with her Franklin ALW Aurelius C45 Signature Paddle
The pickleball world has been watching and waiting. Now it is official. Anna Leigh Waters, the world's No. 1 ranked pickleball player, has signed with Franklin Sports and the result is something truly special: the Franklin ALW Aurelius C45 Carbon Fiber Paddle. Her signature paddle is here, it is tour-approved, and it is available right now exclusively through PickleballParents.com.
ALW is not just putting her name on a paddle. She helped design it. The shape, the specs, the technology were all built around how she plays and what she demands from her equipment at the highest level of the game. This is the real deal.
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Why the Aurelius Is Turning Heads
The Aurelius is not just a cosmetic signature paddle. ALW helped engineer the shape herself. Called the Aurelius shape (from the Latin word for "golden," a nod to her crown logo and gold-medal legacy), the paddle was built for elite competitive play. It earned USAP and UPA approval, and Anna Leigh debuted it at the PPA Cape Coral Open just weeks after certification.
The Aurelius joins Franklin's acclaimed C45 Carbon Fiber lineup, a series that has appeared on top-10 paddle lists for years and is trusted by pros including Parris Todd, Hayden Patriquin, Will Howells, and Megan Fudge.
What Makes the C45 Technology Different
45-Degree Carbon Fiber Surface (T700)
The T700 carbon fiber face is applied at a 45-degree peel ply angle rather than straight-on like most paddles. This creates a naturally consistent texture across the entire hitting surface, maximizing spin potential and giving you sharper precision on drops, drives, and reset shots.
Double Thermoformed Unibody Construction
Most paddles are thermoformed once. The C45 Aurelius is thermoformed twice. This reinforces the unibody structure to an exceptional degree, dramatically reduces vibration, and delivers a solid, stable feel that sets it apart from the competition.
PowerFlex Core
The inner foam channel keeps the polymer core intact while expanding the sweet spot. The result is serious pop without sacrificing control. Players feel the energy coming off the paddle while staying fully in command of their shot placement.
Premium Grip
The wrap grip features excellent absorption and tackiness that reduces vibration to the hand, keeping your feel confident and consistent even during extended play.
Choose Your Thickness: 14mm or 12mm
We carry two thicknesses at PickleballParents.com, each suited to a different style of play:
| Thickness | Best For | Feel Profile | USAP / UPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14mm | All-around players and balance seekers | Blend of power, control and forgiveness | ✅ Approved |
| 12.7mm ALW's choice | Aggressive, early-contact players | Maximum pop and spin; thinnest, poppiest option | ✅ Approved |
Note: Anna Leigh Waters plays with the 12.7mm, the thinnest and most explosive option in the lineup. If you are an aggressive attacker who takes the ball early, this is your paddle. The 14mm offers more forgiveness and is a great fit for players building their competitive game.
Full Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Shape | Aurelius (Traditional widebody, designed by ALW) |
| Face Material | T700 Carbon Fiber, 45 degree peel ply texture |
| Core | PowerFlex Polymer with inner foam channel |
| Construction | Double thermoformed unibody |
| Available Thicknesses | 12.7mm and 14mm (at PickleballParents.com) |
| Dimensions | 15.7" L x 7.9" W |
| Handle Length | 5.1" |
| Handle Circumference | 3.9" |
| Weight Range | 7.2 to 8.0 oz (varies by thickness) |
| Approval | USAP and UPA Approved for competitive play |
Is the Aurelius Right for You?
The Franklin ALW Aurelius C45 was engineered for players who demand performance. Here is how to think about which thickness suits your game:
- Go 14mm if you want a versatile all-court paddle with a balance of pop, touch, and forgiveness. Ideal for 3.5 to 5.0 level players wanting a competitive upgrade.
- Go 12.7mm if you are an aggressive attacker who takes the ball early, generates your own power, and wants to push your spin game to the limit, exactly the way ALW plays.
Get Your Franklin ALW Aurelius at the Exclusive VIP Price
Available now through PickleballParents.com, the Franklin ALW Aurelius C45!
Do not miss your chance to play with the same paddle line trusted by the world's best. Stock is limited on both the 14mm and 12mm models.
