Franklin C45 Tempo 16mm vs Selkirk Vanguard S2 Control
On published specifications these two are very close. Every derived index sits within 8 points, which is inside the margin of an estimate built from spec sheets. Choose on price, handle length, or whichever brand you can demo.
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| Spec |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Price (MSRP)Manufacturer Spec | $229.00 | $199.99▲ |
| PowerDerived | 31 | 35▲ |
| ControlDerived | 67 | 68▲ |
| SpinDerived | 85▲ | 79 |
| ForgivenessDerived | 63 | 68▲ |
| Swing weight indexDerived | 23 | 24 |
| Core thicknessManufacturer Spec | 16 mm | 16 mm |
| Face materialManufacturer Spec | Raw carbon | Toray carbon |
| Core materialManufacturer Spec | Polypropylene honeycomb | Polypropylene honeycomb |
| ShapeManufacturer Spec | Widebody | Widebody |
| LengthManufacturer Spec | 15.9" | 15.9" |
| WidthManufacturer Spec | 8" | 8" |
| Handle lengthManufacturer Spec | 5.1"▲ | 4.7" |
| Static weightManufacturer Spec | 7.7 oz | 8 oz |
| Balance pointDerived | 20.4 cm | 19.9 cm |
| ThermoformedManufacturer Spec | No | No |
| USAP approvedManufacturer Spec | Yes | Yes |
| ReleasedManufacturer Spec | 2025 | 2024 |
These two are hard to separate
Every derived index is within a few points. Our scores come from spec sheets, and spec sheets can't capture feel — at this margin the honest answer is that you should demo both rather than trust a number.
Analysis
Where they actually differ
Only differences big enough to matter are listed. Anything inside the margin of an estimate is left out.
- Face
- Raw carbon against Toray carbon — the main driver of the spin difference.
- Handle
- Franklin C45 Tempo 16mm has the longer handle at 5.1" — the deciding factor if you hit a two-handed backhand.
- Price
- Selkirk Vanguard S2 Control is $29 cheaper at MSRP.
Choose the
Franklin C45 Tempo 16mm
- You prefer the brand or the feel
No retailer links for this paddle yet.
Choose the
Selkirk Vanguard S2 Control
- Budget matters — it's $29 less
No retailer links for this paddle yet.
Also consider
