Paddletek

Paddletek Bantam EXL-C

The Paddletek Bantam EXL-C is a light, maneuverable carbon-fiber paddle with a polymer core. It suits players who want quick hands, easy spin, and enough reach for baseline drives.

Character from the specs · Power

Power83
Control56
Forgiveness54
Arm-friendly58

Worked out from core thickness, weight, face and shape using general rules of thumb — not from a play test.

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Overview

The paddle weighs 7.85 ounces and uses a 14.3 mm polymer honeycomb core with a PT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber face. Its 15.9-inch length and 7.9-inch width give you a standard all-court shape, while the 5.25-inch handle leaves room for a two-handed backhand. The cushioned perforated contour grip should also help with comfort during longer sessions.

Reviewers describe the EXL-C as exceptionally maneuverable, with a 104 swingweight that feels quick through the hitting zone. Players also describe it as light, fast, balanced, and capable of combining control with useful power. The carbon face supports spin, while the light weight makes rapid paddle adjustments easier. The 14.3 mm core gives it more substance than a very thin control paddle, but the available opinions do not agree on whether its feel is ideal for every player.

Play style

This paddle fits a fast, active style. Its low swingweight favors quick hands at the kitchen, flicks out of the air, and rapid changes between defense and attack. The raw carbon face also suits topspin drives, sliced shots, and spin-heavy drops.

The 15.9-inch length helps when you attack from the baseline or need extra reach, while the moderate width keeps the paddle reasonably mobile. Choose it if you want to blend soft shots with aggressive drives rather than specialize in maximum touch or maximum power. Players seeking the largest possible sweet spot should check their preference carefully before buying.

Best for

  • Players who want faster hands at the kitchen
  • Baseline hitters who use spin-heavy drives and drops
  • Players moving to a first carbon-fiber paddle
  • Two-handed backhand players who value a longer handle
  • Players with a light, balanced paddle preference

Look elsewhere if

  • Players who want a distinctly heavy, power-focused paddle
  • Players who prefer a shorter handle for one-handed maneuvering
  • Players who need the broadest possible paddle face for mishits
  • Players who want a paddle built primarily around maximum soft-game control

Strengths

  • Very quick handling, supported by the reported 104 swingweight
  • Spin-friendly PT-700 raw carbon fiber face
  • Useful blend of control and power, reflected in customer feedback
  • Long 15.9-inch shape adds reach for baseline shots
  • Cushioned perforated contour grip supports comfort

Things to consider

  • Its light 7.85-ounce weight may not provide the plow-through some power hitters want
  • The longer shape may feel less compact at the kitchen than a wider paddle
  • Customer feedback is positive overall, but one buyer remained unsure about the feel
  • Check the exact version and dimensions before buying because listings also describe a 12.7 mm EXL-C variant

Specs

BrandPaddletek
Weight7.8 oz
Core thickness14.3 mm
Core material14.3 mm polymer honeycomb
FaceCarbon fiber
Face materialPT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber
Length15.9 in
Width7.9 in
Handle length5.25 in
Handle5.25-inch cushioned perforated contour grip
USA Pickleball approvedYes

Not listed by the seller: shape, grip circumference.

Specs come from the seller's product listing and may be incomplete or change between batches. Double-check before you buy.

Sources

  1. Paddletek Bantam EXL-C – The Kitchen Pickleball
  2. Bantam EXL-C | High-Performance Pickleball Paddle for Power & Spin
  3. Paddletek Bantam EXL-C 12.7mm: specs, RR Score and prices
  4. Paddletek Bantam EXL-C 12.7mm Pickleball Paddle - Pickleball Nation
  5. Paddletek Bantam EXL-C 14.3mm Pickleball Paddle - Pickleball Nation

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