JW Johnson plays the Franklin Carbon STK 14.5mm pickleball paddle, often with a light lead setup.
If you came here asking what paddle does jw johnson use, you are in the right place. I follow pro gear trends closely and test paddles weekly with players from 3.5 to 5.0. In this guide, I break down the exact model, why it fits his fast, compact style, and how you can tune your setup to get similar performance without guesswork. Expect clear specs, on-court insights, and practical tips you can try today.
What Paddle Does JW Johnson Use: Current Setup
Here is what paddle does jw johnson use right now. JW Johnson is sponsored by Franklin and uses the Franklin Carbon STK 14.5mm. It is a raw carbon fiber face over a polymer honeycomb core. The shape is elongated with a comfortable, slightly thinner profile, which helps with hand speed at the kitchen.
In many recent pro matches, he has been seen with a light custom setup. This often includes one or two overgrips and a touch of lead tape near 3 and 9 o’clock. That small tweak adds stability on counters without killing maneuverability. The short answer to what paddle does jw johnson use is the Franklin Carbon STK 14.5mm, tuned for quick exchanges.
Many fans ask what paddle does jw johnson use at PPA events or during windy days. He sticks with his Franklin Carbon STK, and sometimes pros keep a 17mm version nearby for extra plush feel. Contracts and preferences can shift, so always check the latest tournament photos and manufacturer updates for the most current info.
Why This Paddle Fits JW Johnson’s Game
JW Johnson is known for fast hands, compact strokes, and elite counterpunching at the non-volley zone. The 14.5mm thickness helps him whip the paddle fast and take balls early. It is ideal for hand battles and quick blocks that turn into attacks.
The raw carbon face has strong spin potential with a crisp feel. That helps him dip drives at feet and roll topspin dinks that set up flicks. If you wonder what paddle does jw johnson use for doubles at the highest level, this is it because it balances speed, touch, and control.
For players who like a similar style, the Carbon STK 14.5mm offers a launch angle and dwell time that reward short swings. So, what paddle does jw johnson use when courts are windy or balls are firmer? The same Franklin, with minor weight tuning, keeps his timing consistent day to day.
Specs Breakdown And How They Affect Performance
While exact pro specs can vary, here is the general profile you can expect from JW’s Franklin Carbon STK build.
- Face material Raw carbon fiber for strong spin and a connected feel
- Core and thickness Polymer honeycomb, 14.5mm for quick handling with firm feedback
- Shape Elongated head for reach and leverage on drives
- Weight range Midweight off the shelf; pros often add a few grams of lead
- Handle and grip Comfortable length with an overgrip added for sweat and fit
Here is how those parts play together. The thinner core boosts hand speed and helps you win hand battles. The raw carbon face grips the ball for shaped dinks, topspin rolls, and heavy counters. A little lead at 3 and 9 o’clock adds stability and raises the sweet spot. This explains what paddle does jw johnson use for control and speed, without losing quick reactions.
How To Choose A Paddle Like JW’s
You do not need the exact pro build to play better. Use these steps to dial your setup.
- Start with the right base Choose a raw carbon, midweight, elongated paddle if you like counters and spin.
- Match your thickness If you want faster hands and a crisp feel, try 14 to 15mm. If you want plush control, try 16 to 17mm.
- Add grip for comfort One or two overgrips can improve feel and reduce elbow stress.
- Tune with lead tape Start with 1 to 2 grams at 3 and 9 o’clock. Add slowly until blocks feel stable.
- Test your timing Try fast kitchen drills. Your best setup will feel quick and solid under pressure.
Before you copy what paddle does jw johnson use, check your swing speed and contact point. If your timing lags or mishits rise, move toward a thicker core or reduce lead to stay quick.
Common Mistakes When Copying A Pro Setup
It is tempting to mirror every detail. Here are pitfalls to avoid and easy fixes.
- Too much lead Your paddle can feel slow. Add in small steps and test hand-speed drills.
- Wrong grip size If your grip is too big, you lose wrist action. Use one overgrip at a time.
- Ignoring balls and weather A feather-light build can flutter in wind. Keep a small lead strip handy.
- Skipping spin checks A raw carbon face wears in. Check spin with simple topspin rolls in practice.
- One-size-fits-all thinking Your game is unique. Tweak to your strengths, not only the pro’s.
People see what paddle does jw johnson use and add too much lead too fast. Give yourself time to adapt and retest in match-like drills.
On-Court Testing Notes And Personal Experience
I have logged hours with the Franklin Carbon STK 14.5mm against fast hands and heavy topspin. The paddle rewards compact counters and quick resets. It also lets you roll aggressive dinks that jump off the court.
On counters, I noticed a clean, crisp pocket that kept the ball low. Adding 2 to 3 grams at 3 and 9 o’clock made blocks steadier without dulling speed. After many games, I get why and what paddle does jw johnson use for elite doubles. It is a simple, fast, and confidence-building setup that shines under pressure.
If you crave more dwell for resets, try the 17mm version or remove a gram of lead. Make one change at a time and retest in dink-to-speed-up drills.
Gear Alternatives If You Like JW’s Feel
If the Franklin Carbon STK 14.5mm is hard to find, try paddles with similar traits.
- Raw carbon face Look for T700-style raw carbon for spin and control.
- Elongated shape Choose a long head for reach and leverage on drives.
- Midweight build Keep it quick in the kitchen, stable on counters.
- Thin to mid core Aim for 14 to 16mm if you love fast hands and a crisp feel.
These traits get you close to what paddle does jw johnson use, even if the exact model is not available in your area.
Who Will Benefit Most From JW’s Paddle Profile
This setup is a match for several player types.
- Counterpunchers who win at the kitchen and love speed-ups
- Drivers who like to shape topspin and attack off the bounce
- Doubles players who value quick hands and stable blocks
- Players moving from control paddles who want more spin and bite
If your question is what paddle does jw johnson use and whether it suits you, think about your swing length and reaction time. If you favor short, fast strokes and quick hands, you will likely feel right at home.
Frequently Asked Questions Of what paddle does jw johnson use
What paddle does JW Johnson use right now?
JW Johnson uses the Franklin Carbon STK 14.5mm with minor custom tuning. He sometimes adjusts weight with small lead strips and adds an overgrip.
Does he ever switch to a thicker paddle?
Yes, some pros keep a 17mm version ready for extra plush control. It depends on ball type, venue, and weather.
Does JW Johnson use lead tape?
Often a little at 3 and 9 o’clock for stability on counters. Start with 1 to 2 grams and test before adding more.
What grip setup does he prefer?
He commonly uses an overgrip for comfort and sweat control. That also fine-tunes grip size without changing the handle shape.
Where can I buy JW Johnson’s paddle?
Check major pickleball retailers and the brand’s official store. Stock can vary during big events and new releases.
Is the 14.5mm or 17mm better for me?
Choose 14.5mm for faster hands and a crisp, lively feel. Choose 17mm for more dwell, plush resets, and a calmer response.
Conclusion
JW Johnson’s choice shows a clear theme. He trusts a fast, crisp, raw-carbon setup that wins hand battles and shapes attacking shots. If you started with the question what paddle does jw johnson use, the answer is the Franklin Carbon STK 14.5mm, tuned with small, smart tweaks.
Use this guide to pick the right base, add an overgrip, and tune with a gram or two of lead. Test under pressure with fast kitchen drills. Ready to level up your gear? Try the steps above, share your results, and drop your questions or insights in the comments.