Let me jump in.

Played with SLK Latitude for 2 years. $60. It holds up well. Upgraded last week to Franklin Centre also from Dick’s. $100. Major improvement in ball control. Like the pop too. Latitude feels spongy in comparison, no power either.

BTW, a lot of people around here got Franklin’s Ben John’s paddle (this was the reason for me to try a new paddle). That one didn’t work for me at all. The reason I thought was the elongated handle. So I tried McGrath’s signature as well – the same shape and handle as Centre, fiberglass face as Ben Johns. Just like the Johns’ the balls don’t stick to the paddle. Maybe if I were to change my shot mechanics those two could work (obviously Johns and McGrath like them). However I do not have to change anything with the Centre paddle. Love it.

The moral is: buy three paddles at Dick’s, play for one day, return the two you don’t like. Refunds are prompt. I recommend Franklin Centre.