Paddletek
Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Pro
The Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Pro is a lightweight, widebody paddle built around control, quick handling, and forgiveness. It suits players who want soft hands at the kitchen without giving up usable power on drives.
Character from the specs · Control
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
This paddle uses a 14.3 mm advanced high-grade polymer composite honeycomb core with a UV-coated textured fiberglass face. Its listed weight is 7.6 to 7.9 ounces, so it should feel easier to move during quick exchanges than a heavier paddle. Reviewers describe its feel as responsive, controlled, and well balanced.
The 16-inch by 7.88-inch widebody shape gives you a broad hitting area and an extra-large sweet spot. That should help when contact is slightly off-center. The 4.75-inch handle and 4.38-inch grip fit the standard setup listed here. It is USA Pickleball approved.
Play style
This paddle fits a control-first game at the kitchen. Reviewers praise its touch, maneuverability, ball control, and responsive feel. The lighter weight and widebody shape should also help with fast hand exchanges and defensive reactions.
The fiberglass face is textured for added spin control, while the polymer core provides controllable power. It can handle drives and counterattacks, but its lighter build and control-focused character may not satisfy players who want maximum baseline force. At 16 inches, it offers less reach than an elongated paddle.
Best for
- Players who want quicker hands during kitchen exchanges
- Players prioritizing touch, resets, and ball placement
- Players looking for a forgiving sweet spot
- Players making a first upgrade to a lighter control paddle
Look elsewhere if
- Players who want maximum power on deep baseline drives
- Players who prefer the extra reach of an elongated paddle
- Players who need a very light paddle for arm comfort
- Players who prefer a narrow grip for smaller hands
Strengths
- The 7.6 to 7.9-ounce weight supports quick handling and maneuverability
- The 14.3 mm polymer honeycomb core is credited with touch and controllable power
- The widebody shape and extra-large sweet spot add forgiveness
- The textured fiberglass face supports spin control
- Reviewers praise its ball control, responsiveness, and ease of use
Things to consider
- Its control-focused, lighter design may feel underpowered for aggressive baseline hitters
- The standard 4.38-inch grip may feel large if you prefer a smaller grip
- The 16-inch length gives less reach than an elongated paddle
- The fiberglass face may offer less raw spin than a carbon-fiber surface
Specs
| Brand | Paddletek |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7.8 oz |
| Core thickness | 14.3 mm |
| Core material | 14.3 mm polymer composite honeycomb |
| Face | Fiberglass |
| Face material | UV-coated textured fiberglass |
| Length | 16 in |
| Width | 7.88 in |
| Handle length | 4.75 in |
| Grip circumference | 4.38 in |
| USA Pickleball approved | Yes |
Not listed by the seller: shape, handle.
Specs come from the seller's product listing and may be incomplete or change between batches. Double-check before you buy.