Franklin Signature 16 Composite

Who should buy the Signature 16 Composite?

Most compared with the Signature 16 Composite

The matchups people actually cross-shop, each with a full 15-trait breakdown.

• Franklin Signature 16 Composite vs Franklin Signature Carbon STRIn depthIn-depth head-to-head
• Signature 16 Composite vs SLK Evo Hybrid 2.0Cross-shopped at the same price
• Signature 16 Composite vs Radical Tour Ultra 16Premium step up
• Signature 16 Composite vs Ben Johns Signature ProSame brand, more control
• Signature 16 Composite vs Flare GraphiteCross-shopped at the same price
• Signature 16 Composite vs Evoke PremierPremium step up
• Signature 16 Composite vs AMPED Pro Air InviktaPremium step up
• Signature 16 Composite vs Blaze Pro 16Premium step up
• Signature 16 Composite vs Z5 GraphiteCross-shopped at the same price

DNA match — paddles within 5% of the Signature 16 Composite

Our similarity engine ranks the whole database by average DNA deviation. Tighten or widen the band to see how far you have to travel to save money or gain a trait.

Paddle DNA™ match

Match tolerance

±3%±5%±8%±12%

Only show cheaper paddles

Franklin Signature 16 Composite

IQ 73.5 · $70

5 paddles within 5% of the Signature 16 Composite

Ranked by DNA deviation

1. #1JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 14$250 (+180) · 14 mm · elongatedDNA match96.6%78
   +22 spin+6 twist weight+4 touch+3 control

   +22 spin · Higher IQ score (77.5 vs 73.5)

   CompareFull DNA
2. #2JOOLA Perseus 14$120 (+50) · 14 mm · elongatedDNA match96.4%77
   +22 spin+6 maneuverability-6 plow through+4 touch

   +22 spin · -6 plow through · Higher IQ score (76.8 vs 73.5)

   CompareFull DNA
3. #3ProXR Signature 13$70 · 13 mm · elongatedDNA match96.2%77
   +22 spin+9 twist weight+6 stability+3 power

   +22 spin · Higher IQ score (77.2 vs 73.5)

   CompareFull DNA
4. #4Honolulu J6CR$195 (+125) · 16 mm · elongatedDNA match95.7%78
   +10 sweet spot+9 power+9 forgiveness+9 twist weight

   +10 sweet spot · -6 softness · Higher IQ score (77.9 vs 73.5)

   CompareFull DNA
5. #5Engage Pursuit Pro MX 12.7$80 (+10) · 12.7 mm · elongatedDNA match95.5%77
   +22 spin+9 twist weight+6 stability+4 power

   +22 spin · -4 maneuverability · Higher IQ score (77 vs 73.5)

   CompareFull DNA

Best alternatives to the Signature 16 Composite

Each pick beats the Signature 16 Composite on one specific thing — price, power, control or forgiveness.

• Signature 16 Composite vs Flare Graphite
• Signature 16 Composite vs Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16
• Signature 16 Composite vs Perseus Pro V 16
• Signature 16 Composite vs Quartz Control

Signature 16 Composite — frequently asked questions

Is the Franklin Signature 16 Composite good for beginners?

Yes. Forgiveness scores 72/100 and the sweet spot 70/100, both high enough that off-centre contact still produces a playable ball. At $70 it is more paddle than most beginners need, but it will not hold you back.

Is the Franklin Signature 16 Composite worth the price?

At $70 it sits in the 3rd percentile of the database for cost and the 2nd for IQ score. If those numbers do not line up for you, the Rally Flare Graphite at $50 is the value alternative we point people to.

How does the Signature 16 Composite compare to the Perseus Pro IV 14?

They are close on DNA. The Signature 16 Composite reads power 81 / control 83 / spin 68 against 81 / 86 / 90 for the Perseus Pro IV 14, at $70 versus $250. Our full head-to-head breaks down every trait.

Is the 16 mm better than the 14 mm version?

A 16 mm core has longer dwell time, which is what produces softer resets and more repeatable placement. The 14 mm build trades that dwell for a faster, poppier response off the face. Control players take 16 mm; players who want the ball gone quickly take 14 mm.

Is the Franklin Signature 16 Composite approved for tournament play?

Sanctioned play requires the model to appear on USA Pickleball's official approved-equipment list. Franklin submits its retail models for approval, but approval is per model and configuration, so check the current USAP list for the exact Signature 16 Composite build before you enter a sanctioned event. We do not list approval status we have not verified.

Does the Signature 16 Composite have good spin?

Spin scores 68/100 — the 3rd percentile of our database (among the lower values in the database) — off a Composite/Fiberglass face. Spin is not this paddle's strength — several paddles in the same price band score meaningfully higher.

Is the Signature 16 Composite head heavy?

Swing weight is 110 kg·cm² and twist weight 5.6. That is light and fast through the swing path, which favours hands battles over plow-through. Static weight is 8.1 oz.

Does the Signature 16 Composite benefit from lead tape?

Yes — at 110 kg·cm² there is room to add. Tape at 3 and 9 o'clock raises twist weight and stability with the smallest hit to hand speed; tape at 12 adds power and plow-through but slows the paddle noticeably. Any added weight can affect tournament legality if it changes the paddle beyond the approved configuration.

What is the best overgrip for the Signature 16 Composite?

The stock handle is 5.6 in long with a 4.5 in circumference. A thin tacky overgrip adds roughly 1/16 in of circumference and a few grams above the balance point — the cheapest way to fine-tune fit. If your hand is larger than the 4.5 in stock size, build up with an under-wrap first rather than stacking overgrips.

What should I replace the Signature 16 Composite with when it wears out?

Face wear shows up as lost spin long before the core dies. The straight replacement is another Signature 16 Composite; if you want to change something, the JOOLA Perseus Pro V 16 adds control (96 vs 83) and the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 adds power (95 vs 81).

Who is the Signature 16 Composite best for?

Beginners and rec players buying their first real paddle. Skill levels we would put on it: beginner, intermediate. Handle length of 5.6 in supports a two-handed backhand.

What shape and size is the Signature 16 Composite?

elongated shape, 16.5 in long by 7.3 in wide, 16 mm Polypropylene core, Composite/Fiberglass face, 8.1 oz. Released 2023.

Is the Signature 16 Composite good for two-handed backhands?

Yes — the 5.6 in handle gives your top hand a full grip rather than riding the throat.

Signature 16 Composite or Signature Carbon STR?

Both are Franklin. The Signature 16 Composite reads IQ 73.5 at $70; the Signature Carbon STR reads IQ 79.8 at $110. The clearest split is forgiveness (72 vs 85).

How does PickleballLookup score the Signature 16 Composite?

The IQ score of 73.5 is a weighted composite of the 15 Paddle DNA traits, normalized across every paddle in the database so the number means the same thing on any page. Performance traits carry the most weight; descriptive traits like swing weight carry none. Full methodology is published.