Founded in 1946 by brothers Sydney and Irving Franklin in Brockton, Massachusetts, Franklin Sports has remained a family-owned business for three generations. The company are leather experts known for their batting gloves and football balls. Now, Franklin Sports pickleball equipment is making a noise, but are they any good?
The company has manufactured sport equipment for longer than pickleball has existed. They know how to deliver high quality products, which are even approved by the APP Tour. Here’s a deep dive into their journey from leather goods to the official pickleball ball of the APP Tour.
Table of Contents
The Beginning: Crafting Leather Athletic Gear
Franklin Sports began with a vision: “Sports make life better.” This principle was at the heart of Sydney and Irving Franklin’s decision to use discarded scrap leather from local shoe factories to produce high-quality athletic equipment.
In their early years, Franklin Sports manufactured leather products such as footballs, boxing gloves, baseball gloves, and basketballs. Their attention to detail and dedication to quality quickly established them as a trusted name among athletes of all ages.
The Mike Schmidt Breakthrough: A Pro Classic Batting Glove
In 1984, Franklin Sports made a significant breakthrough in the world of sports equipment by inventing the Pro Classic, the first-ever baseball batting glove. Designed in collaboration with Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt, the batting glove became an essential accessory for Major League Baseball hitters.
This innovation not only solidified Franklin’s reputation for quality and ingenuity but also marked the beginning of their enduring relationship with professional sports.
The Rise: Expanding the Roster and Brand Recognition
With the momentum from the success of the Pro Classic, Franklin Sports expanded its roster of professional athlete partners. World-class stars like Terry Bradshaw, Sugar Ray Leonard, Bo Jackson, and David Robinson brought the Franklin name to sports enthusiasts nationwide.
Today, Franklin Sports is an official partner of major leagues, including MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, and NWSL, supplying athletes with equipment designed to help them compete at their best.
The Present: Third Generation Leadership and Global Expansion
Under the leadership of the third generation of the Franklin family, the company continues to uphold its founding principle and dedication to innovation. They have expanded globally, with a primary shipping center in Memphis, an office in Asia, and partnerships with vendors and retailers worldwide. Their commitment to providing high-quality sports equipment now reaches communities across the globe.
The Next Chapter: Leading in the Pickleball Revolution
In recent years, Franklin Sports has embraced the fast-growing sport of pickleball. Leveraging their expertise in manufacturing premium sports equipment, they became an early adopter of the pickleball movement.
As an official partner of USA Pickleball, Franklin developed a line of paddles, balls, and accessories that quickly set industry standards. Their X-40 ball has even become the official ball for the APP Tour, solidifying Franklin Sports’ position as a leader in pickleball.
The Best Franklin Sports Pickleball Gear
Franklin Sports has earned its reputation in the pickleball world through a combination of innovation, quality, and an enduring commitment to players of all levels. Here’s a detailed look at their top pickleball gear and who should be using it:
Best Paddle: Franklin Sports Signature Max Grit Paddle
Price: $99.99
Colors: Black/Gold, Lilac, Navy, Pro Player series in multiple color options
Skill Level: Intermediate and Advanced
Why You Should Play It: This paddle is for serious players looking to enhance their game with professional-grade equipment. Designed by Franklin’s pickleball pros, the Max Grit surface technology offers superior traction and spin control, making it ideal for those who rely on precise shots.
The 16mm polypropylene core provides durability and a large sweet spot, ideal for controlled, powerful swings. With USA Pickleball (USAPA) certification, this paddle is ready for both competitive and tournament play. The grip size of 4 5/8 inches ensures comfort for extended gameplay, making it versatile for all types of players.
Best Set: Franklin Activator
Price: $41.56
Options: 2-player set, 4-player set
Skill Level: All
Why You Should Play It: The Franklin Activator Set is perfect for families, friends, or newcomers to the sport. It comes with everything you need to jump into a game, including paddles, balls, and a protective casing for durability.
The form-fitting, non-slip grip handle ensures comfort, while the wooden paddle construction is both sturdy and beginner-friendly. This set is USA Pickleball approved, meaning you can play with confidence whether for fun or in a local tournament.
Key Features:
- Protective Casing: Plastic surrounding for extra durability against nicks and dents.
- Includes Official Balls: Comes with X-40 pickleballs, the official ball of the US Open Pickleball Championships and USA Pickleball.
- Options for 2 or 4 Players: Easily differentiate teams with blue and green paddles.
Ideal For: Beginners, casual players, and families who want an affordable, all-in-one set to start enjoying pickleball. This set is especially great for those looking for an easy entry into the sport without compromising on quality.
Best Balls: Franklin X-40
Price: $7.99 (sold in packs of 3)
Colors: Ember, Lava, Pink, Yellow
Why You Should Play It: Franklin’s X-40 pickleballs are the gold standard for outdoor play. These balls are meticulously crafted with 40 machine-drilled holes, ensuring a balanced flight pattern and reliable spin.
The one-piece, no-seam construction makes these balls incredibly durable, resisting dents and cracking even on rough outdoor courts. The X-40 balls are USA Pickleball-approved and have been selected as the official ball for the US Open Pickleball Championships and USA Pickleball tournaments.
Key Features:
- Precision Design: Consistent flight and spin due to the machine-drilled holes.
- Durable Construction: No-seam, one-piece design for extended outdoor play.
- Tournament-Approved: Official ball for USA Pickleball and the US Open Pickleball Championships.
Ideal For: Players of all skill levels who need reliable, high-performance balls for outdoor play. If you want consistency in your shots and a ball that can handle rigorous gameplay, the X-40 is a must-have in your pickleball gear.
Conclusion: Is Franklin Sports A Good Pickleball Brand?
Their expertise in the industry shows that Franklin Sports is a good pickleball brand. They have been manufacturing sports equipment for longer than our game has existed. NFL legend, Joe Namath and pickleball up and comer Lea Jansen are among the names who trust Franklin.
From its humble beginnings as a manufacturer of leather sports goods in the post-war era to its current role as an innovator in modern sports like pickleball, Franklin Sports has maintained its commitment to quality and athletes’ needs. The company’s adaptability and pursuit of excellence have not only ensured its longevity but also its ongoing influence in sports equipment.
Today, as they continue to evolve and support the sports community, Franklin Sports remains true to its roots—proving that leather expertise and a passion for sports can indeed create a lasting legacy.
READ MORE ARTICLES: Franklin X-40 Pickleball Balls: Official U.S. Open Championship Ball Sponsor
