Best Franklin Ben Johns Signature Pickleball Paddle Alternatives

Based on reviews from amazon.com, gophersport.com, walmart.com, escaladesports.com, pgatoursuperstore.com, and more.

Things to consider when looking for the best Franklin Ben Johns Signature Pickleball Paddle alternatives

When comparing reviews for products, these are the top things reviewers talk about:

  • Balance: 126 mentions
  • Grip: 28 mentions
  • Weight: 16 mentions
  • Material: 13 mentions
  • Price: 12 mentions
  • Durability: 12 mentions
  • Shape: 9 mentions
A

Based on 28 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

  • Great for intermediate players
  • Grips are comfortable
  • Overall, really like it
  • Edge can cause the ball to go off at a slight angle
  • Lightweight for beginner
A

Based on 39 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

  • Great for beginners
  • Good energy return
  • Aesthetically pleasing
  • Comes with a carrying case
  • Excellent customer service
A

Based on 41 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

Great balance, weight, and feel
Mid-range price point
Pop of the ball off the paddle
Nice sweet spot
Easy to maneuver
Not ideal for players with sweaty hands
Grip may become loose over time
Handle cushion held together with electrical tape may lose stickiness over time

Verdict

Overall, the ONIX Z5 pickleball paddle receives mixed reviews. Many players appreciate the paddle's balance, weight, and feel, as well as its mid-range price point. However, some players have experienced issues with the grip becoming loose or slippery, and the handle cushion being held together with electrical tape. Despite these issues, many players continue to use and recommend the ONIX Z5 paddle.

B

Based on 35 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

  • Great for power and spin
  • Good touch to soften up hard balls
  • Plenty of pop
  • Consistent
  • Doesn't seem to be better than other more modestly priced racquets
B

Based on 18 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

  • Great for beginners
  • Nice pop and good control
  • Ball stays on paddle for a long time
  • Generates more power than the Lite model
  • Some blank grit spots on the paddle face
B

Based on 42 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

  • Great for control and power
  • Made in America
  • Good value for the price
  • Looks good with the hat
  • No spin due to the fibreglass face
B

Based on 16 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

  • Great for top spin and third shots
  • Feels like more contact with the ball
  • Gearbox GX5 is also a great option
  • Can't go wrong with an Engage Encore 6.0
B

Based on 43 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

  • Great for beginner
  • Approved for tournament play
  • Lightweight
  • Sound of the ball changed
  • Cheap handle
B

Based on 32 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

  • Great for power and spin
  • Comfortable to hold
  • Easy to transition to from tennis
  • Good value for the price
  • Cosmetic blemishes are not a problem
B

Based on 19 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

Great power and accuracy
Unique response on contact with the ball
Lack of edging and longer handle
Lighter weight and smaller grip size
Good control and spin
Not ideal for players who prefer a more traditional core for their soft game
Requires a little more "umph" to get it over with some force
Some mishits may not be as predictable and have less spin

Verdict

Overall, the GearBox GX6 paddle receives positive reviews for its solid feel, power, accuracy, and unique response on contact with the ball. Many reviewers appreciate the lack of edging and the longer handle, while others note that the paddle feels more substantial and less "plastic" than other paddles they've used. The paddle is also praised for its control and spin, and some reviewers mention that it is a good option for players coming from a tennis background. The paddle's weight and grip size are also mentioned as positives, with some reviewers noting that it is lighter and has a smaller grip that works well for smaller hands. However, some reviewers note that the paddle requires a little more "umph" to get it over with some force, and others mention that they prefer a more traditional core for their soft game. Overall, the GearBox GX6 paddle is a highly recommended option for players looking for a solid, powerful, and accurate paddle.