Franklin Signature 16 Composite vs ProXR Signature 13
Both paddles are scored using the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model. ProXR Signature 13 takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
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Quick answer
ProXR Signature 13 wins this matchup for most players: it takes spin on Paddle DNA against the Franklin Signature 16 Composite, which costs $70.
Power
Too close to call
84 vs 81
Spin
90 vs 68
Control
Too close to call
83 vs 83
Forgiveness
Too close to call
72 vs 70
Hand speed
Too close to call
110 vs 111 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
Too close to call
$70 at IQ 77.2 vs $70 at IQ 73.5
Overall pick: ProXR Signature 13 · $70 · IQ 77.2
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 81Power84
- 83Control83
- 68Spin90
- 72Forgiveness70
- 70Sweet spot69
- 67Stability73
- 80Maneuverability78
- 76Pop78
- 84Touch85
- 74Consistency75
- 66Swing weight68
- 50Twist weight59
- 52Launch angle51
- 75Plow through77
- 86Softness83
Franklin Signature 16 Composite vs ProXR Signature 13 specs
Every spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | Franklin Signature 16 Composite | ProXR Signature 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $70 | $70 |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 73.5 | 77.2 — better |
| Weight(oz) | 8.1 | 8.2 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 16 | 13 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 110 | 111 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 5.6 | 5.9 — better |
| Shape | elongated | elongated |
| Face length(in) | 16.5 | 16.5 |
| Face width(in) | 7.3 | 7.5 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.6 | 6 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.5 | 4.25 |
| Surface | Composite/Fiberglass | 3K Carbon Fiber Weave with Grit Finish |
| Core material | Polypropylene | Honeycomb Polypropylene Core |
Franklin Signature 16 Composite verdict
A fiberglass-faced elongated paddle at a rec-league price. Composite faces give up spin to carbon, but they hand back free pop that beginners actually benefit from.
ProXR Signature 13 verdict
The thin-core ProXR. Same angled handle, 13 mm core, noticeably more pop and faster hands than the 16 mm at the same price.
The verdict
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is spin: ProXR Signature 13 scores 90 against 68 for Franklin Signature 16 Composite — a 22-point gap. They are effectively level on power, softness, forgiveness, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Both sell for $70, so price cannot break the tie.
Spin
ProXR Signature 13 leads by 22 points (90 vs 68).
Twist weight
ProXR Signature 13 leads by 9 points (59 vs 50).
Stability
ProXR Signature 13 leads by 6 points (73 vs 67).
Which one is right for your level?
Each call below re-weights the Paddle DNA traits that matter at that level, so the winner can differ from the overall pick.
Beginner
New to 3.0 — still building a consistent contact point
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (68.5 vs 70.3 on the weighted index). Pick on handle length — 5.6 in on the Signature 16 Composite, 6 in on the Signature 13.
- Twist weight
- Stability
- Consistency
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
ProXR Signature 13
ProXR Signature 13 is a narrow pick at this level — spin 90 vs 68, power 84 vs 81, touch 85 vs 84. At 111 kg·cm² swing weight it stays quick enough for hands battles.
- Spin
- Power
- Touch
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
ProXR Signature 13
ProXR Signature 13 is the clearer pick at this level — spin 90 vs 68, power 84 vs 81, plow through 77 vs 75. Swing weight 111 kg·cm² is what carries that through contact.
- Spin
- Power
- Plow through
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (75.6 vs 75.1 on the weighted index). Pick on handle length — 5.6 in on the Signature 16 Composite, 6 in on the Signature 13.
- Softness
- Forgiveness
Which one should you buy?
Franklin Signature 16 Composite
Take Franklin Signature 16 Composite if you prefer a 5.6 in handle and a 16 mm Polypropylene core — it gives up nothing measurable to ProXR Signature 13.
Read the Franklin Signature 16 Composite review →ProXR Signature 13
Take ProXR Signature 13 if you want spin (+22), twist weight (+9), stability (+6). Its swing weight of 111 kg·cm² and 13 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the ProXR Signature 13 review →Franklin Signature 16 Composite vs ProXR Signature 13 FAQ
- Which is better, the Franklin Signature 16 Composite or the ProXR Signature 13?
- ProXR Signature 13 carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (77.2 vs 73.5), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — spin — ProXR Signature 13 leads by 22 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Franklin Signature 16 Composite, at 110 kg·cm² swing weight against 111 for ProXR Signature 13. Lower swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.
- Which paddle has more power, the Franklin Signature 16 Composite or the ProXR Signature 13?
- ProXR Signature 13 scores 84 for power against 81 for Franklin Signature 16 Composite. That comes from a 13 mm Honeycomb Polypropylene Core swinging at 111 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both score 83 for control.
- Which paddle spins the ball more?
- ProXR Signature 13 scores 90 for spin off its 3K Carbon Fiber Weave with Grit Finish face, against 68 for the Composite/Fiberglass face on Franklin Signature 16 Composite. In practice a 22-point gap is noticeable on third-shot drives.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Franklin Signature 16 Composite, with the higher forgiveness score (72 vs 70). ProXR Signature 13 actually carries the higher twist weight (5.9 vs 5.6), but Franklin Signature 16 Composite makes it back on sweet spot (70) and overall face stability.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- Both list at $70. Too close to call — neither has an advantage here.
- Do they use the same core and face?
- Franklin Signature 16 Composite: 16 mm Polypropylene core with a Composite/Fiberglass face. ProXR Signature 13: 13 mm Honeycomb Polypropylene Core with a 3K Carbon Fiber Weave with Grit Finish face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- ProXR Signature 13, at 6 in of handle against 5.6 in. Anything under 5.25 in forces you to choke the bottom hand onto the face bevel, which ProXR Signature 13 avoids.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- Franklin Signature 16 Composite is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 72 and sweet spot 70 mean fewer mishits while your contact point is still inconsistent. ProXR Signature 13 rewards a repeatable swing and can feel less stable before that.
- Which is lighter in the hand?
- Franklin Signature 16 Composite at 8.1 oz against 8.2 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (110 vs 111) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Franklin Signature 16 Composite to the ProXR Signature 13?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. ProXR Signature 13 leads on spin by 22 points; everything else is within 9 points. At $70 vs $70, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
Related comparisons
The other matchups shoppers open in the same session as this one.
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- Signature 16 Composite vs Radical Tour Ultra 16
- Signature 16 Composite vs Ben Johns Signature Pro
- Signature 16 Composite vs Flare Graphite
- Signature 16 Composite vs Evoke Premier
- Signature 16 Composite vs AMPED Pro Air Invikta
Also worth comparing
Head-to-heads that share DNA with this matchup — useful if you're still deciding between shapes, cores or price tiers.
- Signature 16 Composite vs Perseus Pro IV 14
- Signature 16 Composite vs Perseus 14
- Signature 16 Composite vs J6CR
Top alternatives to both
Paddles that beat one of these two on a specific trait or on price.
Guides featuring these paddles
Still deciding? These buying guides put Franklin Signature 16 Composite and ProXR Signature 13 in context against the rest of the database.
Read the full reviews: Franklin Signature 16 Composite and ProXR Signature 13. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.