LTP Pro Shop Serves Up Anna Leigh Waters’ New Franklin C45° Paddle

Now in stock, Anna Leigh Waters’ first-Ever Franklin paddle — available to demo at no cost

Anna Leigh Waters has already built one of the most dominant careers in pickleball history, and now she’s entering a new chapter with Franklin Sports. In 2026, Waters officially moved to Franklin paddles, making the new Franklin C45° Aurelius™ Paddle her first signature paddle with the brand. The launch immediately became one of the biggest equipment stories in pickleball this year, as players everywhere wanted to see what the world’s top player would choose next.

The C45° Aurelius™ was designed around Anna Leigh Waters’ aggressive yet controlled style of play. Franklin built the paddle with a double-thermoformed unibody construction, a T700 carbon fiber surface, and a PowerFlex™ polymer core to create a blend of pop, spin, and fast hand speed.

One of the most talked-about features in the new lineup is the unique 12.7mm version. While many top players lean toward thicker 14mm or 16mm paddles for added control, Waters chose the thinner 12.7mm model as her preferred setup moving forward. That decision makes this paddle stand out in today’s market because the thinner core delivers an incredibly fast, explosive response while still maintaining touch and maneuverability. For players who thrive on speedups, quick resets, and fast hands at the kitchen line, the 12.7mm model offers a rare combination of power and responsiveness.

Reviewers and competitive players are already highlighting how quick the paddle feels in hand, along with its impressive spin generation and responsiveness during fast exchanges. The paddle also features Franklin’s 45-degree carbon peel-ply texture, designed to maximize spin and control without sacrificing feel.

Waters joining Franklin is also a major moment for the brand itself. Already known for its strong presence in pickleball, Franklin now adds the sport’s biggest star to its roster, instantly elevating the visibility of the C45 line. Her move to Franklin in 2026 marked one of the most significant sponsorship changes in professional pickleball this season.

For players looking to experience Anna Leigh Waters’ new paddle firsthand, the Franklin C45° Aurelius™ series is now in stock for purchase at the LTP Pro Shop and available to demo at no cost. Whether testing the unique 12.7mm model or comparing the different thickness options, players can get a feel for the paddle that Anna Leigh Waters is using to begin her new era with Franklin.

Silver, Gold, Diamond, and VIP members at LTP also receive exclusive discounts at the LTP Pro Shop, making it even easier to upgrade equipment with the latest gear — including the new Franklin C45° Aurelius™ Paddle. Members can take advantage of preferred pricing while also demoing paddles at no cost before making a purchase.