Paddletek
Paddletek Bantam TKO-C
The Paddletek Bantam TKO-C is an elongated, power-focused paddle with strong spin and useful reach. It suits aggressive players who want heavier drives and put-away shots without giving up all control.
Character from the specs · Power
Worked out from core thickness, weight, face and shape using general rules of thumb — not from a play test.
Is this paddle right for you?
4 quick questions, scored from the specs
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Overview
The 7.9-ounce paddle uses a 12.7 mm polymer honeycomb core and PT-700 RAW carbon fiber face. Its 16.5-inch length and 7.5-inch width give you extra reach, while the 5.25-inch ergonomic handle leaves room for a compact two-handed grip. It is USA Pickleball approved.
The thinner core and elongated shape point toward a crisp, lively response rather than a soft, muted feel. Reviewers describe its power as slightly below the hardest thermoformed paddles, while still offering better control and forgiveness than many elongated power paddles. Players also report good stability despite the thin construction.
Play style
This paddle fits big swings from the baseline, aggressive drives, counters, speedups, and overhead putaways. The raw carbon face supports heavy topspin, so you can attack with shape instead of relying only on flat pace. Its length adds reach when you are stretched wide or contacting the ball in front.
It still offers enough control for an all-court game, but power remains the main priority. The slightly head-heavy balance can feel slower during fast kitchen exchanges. If your game depends on soft resets, delicate dinks, and quick hand battles, a thicker or more maneuverable paddle may suit you better.
Best for
- Players upgrading from a basic paddle who want more power and spin
- Baseline attackers who rely on heavy drives and aggressive counters
- Players who want extra reach without using the longer TKO-CX handle
- Two-handed backhand players who can use the 5.25-inch handle
- Players seeking power without a thermoformed or foam-injected build
Look elsewhere if
- Players who prioritize fast hand speed at the kitchen
- Players whose main need is soft resets and touch control
- Beginners still developing consistent contact
- Players who prefer a balanced or head-light paddle
- Players wanting the longest available handle for a two-handed backhand
Strengths
- Strong power for drives and overheads, according to multiple reviewers
- PT-700 RAW carbon fiber face supports heavy topspin
- 16.5-inch elongated shape adds useful reach
- Reviewers find more control and forgiveness than many elongated hard hitters
- Polymer honeycomb construction avoids the thermoformed and foam-injected design used by some power paddles
Things to consider
- The slightly head-heavy balance can slow you at the kitchen
- The 12.7 mm core favors power over maximum touch and reset control
- The elongated shape may feel less forgiving than a wider paddle on off-center hits
- Check whether the 5.25-inch handle gives enough room for your preferred two-handed grip
- Its power-focused response may be excessive if you mainly play a soft, patient game
Specs
| Brand | Paddletek |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7.9 oz |
| Core thickness | 12.7 mm |
| Core material | 12.7 mm polymer honeycomb |
| Face | Carbon fiber |
| Face material | PT-700 RAW carbon fiber |
| Length | 16.5 in |
| Width | 7.5 in |
| Handle length | 5.25 in |
| Handle | Ergonomic 5.25-inch handle |
| USA Pickleball approved | Yes |
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
- Paddletek Bantam TKO-C - Pickleball Paddle Review
- Paddletek Bantam TKO-C Review | 14.3mm & 12.7mm
- Paddletek Bantam TKO-C Christian Alshon Signature Pickleball Paddle Re – Pickleball Superstore
- Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14.3mm & TKO-C 12.7mm – Get2Eleven
- Bantam TKO-C | Pro-Designed Pickleball Paddle for Power ...