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1 / 4Image: Paddletek

Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX Pickleball Paddle Review

See all Paddletek paddles

The extended-handle version of the Bantam TKO-C, designed with pro Christian Alshon: 16.5 x 7.5 in with a 5.75 in handle, a PT-700 raw carbon face and Paddletek's most powerful QRT core, in 12.7 or 14.3 mm.

$199.99Checked October 16, 2026. Prices change often; the checkout price is final.
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Edited by DanPublished Updated How we research

Quick Verdict

Maximum reach and power from an elongated carbon paddle with a two-handed handle.

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Key Specifications

Brand
Paddletek
Weight
7.7–8.1 oz
Shape
Elongated
Length
16.5 in
Width
7.5 in
Core thickness
12.7 mm or 14.3 mm (scored at 12.7 mm)
Grip length
5.75 in
Grip circumference
Not published by Paddletek
Core material
Bantam QRT (Quick Response Technology) polymer core
Surface material
PT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber (Toray 700)
Balance
Swing weight 119–126; twist weight 6.6–7.2 (per Paddletek)
USA Pickleball status
Approved: both the 12.7 mm and 14.3 mm versions are on the USA Pickleball approved paddle list (checked 2026-10-02).

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Strong power (9.5) and spin (9.5) on our scale
  • Long 5.75 in handle for two-handed shots
  • Most-reviewed Paddletek paddle we cover (70+ ratings, 4.8 out of 5)
  • Both thicknesses on the USA Pickleball approved list

Cons

  • Lowest control (7.5) and sweet-spot (7.5) ratings in Paddletek's range on our scale, tied with the TKO-C (the GTO-C also rates 7.5 for control)
  • Highest swing weight Paddletek lists (119–126)
  • A few buyers report cracks or a broken core within months
  • Grip circumference isn't published

Performance Review

Our 1–10 ratings, built from the maker’s published specs and scored the same way for every brand. How we score

Power9.5
Control7.5
Spin9.5
Sweet spot7.5

Scores by Player Type

Beginners8.0/10
Touch players8.1/10
Power hitters8.8/10
Spin players8.9/10Best fit

Calculated from our four ratings, weighted for each kind of player. How these are weighted

Power

9.5/10

Why it scores 9.5 for power

On our spec-based scale it rates 9.5 for power: the thin 12.7 mm core, the 16.5 in elongated shape and the 7.9 oz weight all add power. We score the 12.7 mm version; the 14.3 mm version would rate 9 power, 8 control and 8 sweet spot on our scale at the same weight.

The specs behind the rating

Core thickness
12.7 mm or 14.3 mm (scored at 12.7 mm)
Core type
Bantam QRT (Quick Response Technology) polymer core
Weight
7.7–8.1 oz
Shape
Elongated
Face
PT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber (Toray 700)

How our power rating works

Every paddle starts at 7. Points are added or taken away for each feature it has, using the maker’s published specs. Ratings never go above 10 or below 1.

  • Core 13 mm or thinner+1.5
  • Core 14–15 mm+0.75
  • Core 17 mm or thicker−1
  • Weighs 8.3 oz or more+0.75
  • Weighs 7.9–8.2 oz+0.25
  • Weighs under 7.5 oz−0.5
  • Elongated shape+1
  • Hybrid shape+0.5
  • Fiberglass face+0.75
  • Hybrid (mixed) face+0.5
  • Foam core+1.5
  • Heat-sealed or one-piece build+0.75
See the full rating scale

Control

7.5/10

Why it scores 7.5 for control

The thin 12.7 mm core and elongated shape lower control on our scale to 7.5, even with a raw carbon face. One buyer notes it feels harder to control at the kitchen line.

The specs behind the rating

Core thickness
12.7 mm or 14.3 mm (scored at 12.7 mm)
Weight
7.7–8.1 oz
Shape
Elongated
Face
PT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber (Toray 700)

How our control rating works

Every paddle starts at 7. Points are added or taken away for each feature it has, using the maker’s published specs. Ratings never go above 10 or below 1.

  • Core 17 mm or thicker+1.5
  • Core 16 mm+1
  • Core 14–15 mm+0.25
  • Core 13 mm or thinner−0.5
  • Weighs 7.5–8.2 oz+0.25
  • Standard shape+0.5
  • Hybrid shape+0.25
  • Carbon face+0.75
  • Hybrid (mixed) face+0.25
  • Fiberglass face−0.25
See the full rating scale

Spin

9.5/10

Why it scores 9.5 for spin

Its PT-700 raw carbon face and elongated shape give it a spin rating of 9.5.

The specs behind the rating

Face and texture
PT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber (Toray 700)
Shape
Elongated
Length
16.5 in

How our spin rating works

Every paddle starts at 7. Points are added or taken away for each feature it has, using the maker’s published specs. Ratings never go above 10 or below 1.

  • Carbon face+1
  • Hybrid (mixed) face+0.75
  • Fiberglass face+0.25
  • Long-lasting grippy texture (grit coating or peel-ply)+1.5
  • Basic texture+0.75
  • Elongated shape+0.75
  • Hybrid shape+0.5
See the full rating scale

Sweet Spot

7.5/10

Why it scores 7.5 for sweet spot

A 7.5 in face and thin core give it a sweet-spot rating of 7.5, tied with the TKO-C for the lowest of the Paddletek paddles we review.

The specs behind the rating

Width
7.5 in
Core thickness
12.7 mm or 14.3 mm (scored at 12.7 mm)
Weight
7.7–8.1 oz
Length
16.5 in

How our sweet spot rating works

Every paddle starts at 7. Points are added or taken away for each feature it has, using the maker’s published specs. Ratings never go above 10 or below 1.

  • 8.0 in wide or wider+2
  • 7.75–7.99 in wide+1.25
  • 7.5–7.74 in wide+0.5
  • Core 16 mm or thicker+1
  • Core 14–15 mm+0.5
  • Heat-sealed, one-piece or extra edge weight+0.75
  • Weighs 8.0 oz or more+0.25
See the full rating scale

In-Depth Review

Each section is our analysis of the manufacturer’s published specs unless it says otherwise.

Maneuverability

Manufacturer data

Weight7.7–8.1 oz
BalanceSwing weight 119–126; twist weight 6.6–7.2

Paddletek publishes a swing weight of 119–126, the highest of its paddles, so it trades hand speed for plow-through.

Handle & comfort

Paddletek lists a 5.75 in handle: a long handle with room for a two-handed backhand, which suits former tennis players. At about 7.9 oz, it is in the mid-weight range most paddles fall into. Comfort is personal: grip size, handle length and weight are the published specs that affect it most.

Stability

Manufacturer data

Weight7.7–8.1 oz
Width7.5 in

A published twist weight of 6.6–7.2, helped by Paddletek's carbon steel twist-weight system.

Build quality

Manufacturer information

The Bantam C line pairs a PT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber face (Toray 700) with a PT-07 Matrix Stabilization Layer and Paddletek's Bantam Quick Response Technology (QRT) polymer core, which Paddletek calls its most powerful core. A carbon steel twist-weight and balance system is designed to steady off-center shots, and a Shot Protection edge guard reduces vibration. Paddletek covers its paddles with a limited lifetime performance guarantee against manufacturer defects when you register within 14 days (US and Canada only), and accepts paddle returns or exchanges within 30 days, with return shipping paid by the buyer.

Feel

Manufacturer description and buyer feedback

Paddletek describes the QRT core as its most powerful, activating reliably and progressively with swing energy. As of October 2026, Paddletek.com shows an average of 4.8 out of 5 from 70+ buyer ratings. In the most recent reviews, buyers most often mention its power, followed by control and spin. A few buyers report durability problems: one says a fracture appeared on the face after about a month, and another that the core broke within two months of heavy play. One heard a rattle and one found the handle uncomfortable. These reports don't add up to a consistent pattern.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Paddletek line should I choose?

Paddletek sells three performance lines. Honeyfoam, usually the priciest, is its newest, with a three-foam core. Bantam uses a polymer core Paddletek calls its most powerful, in 12.7 or 14.3 mm. Tempest, usually the least expensive, uses an SRT polymer core that Paddletek describes as more forgiving, pitched at touch and control.

Should I choose 12.7 mm or 14.3 mm?

The 12.7 mm core is livelier and more powerful; the 14.3 mm core is softer and more controlled. Both are on the USA Pickleball approved list. Our review scores the 12.7 mm version shown first on Paddletek's specs.

What is the difference between the Bantam TKO-C and TKO-CX?

Only the handle. Both are 16.5 x 7.5 in, but the TKO-CX has a 5.75 in handle for two-handed backhands and the TKO-C a 5.25 in handle. Paddletek lists a slightly higher swing weight for the TKO-CX (119–126 vs 115–123).

Is the Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX tournament legal?

Approved: both the 12.7 mm and 14.3 mm versions are on the USA Pickleball approved paddle list (checked 2026-10-02).

Where to Buy

Ready to Play with More Power?

See today’s price and availability for the Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX at Paddletek. We link to Paddletek, the brand's own store, so you buy new and the manufacturer's warranty and return policy apply. It is on the USA Pickleball approved paddle list.

Buy at Paddletek

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Sources and How We Researched This Review

  • Specifications and product details: the manufacturer's published information, labelled "Manufacturer data" in the review.
  • Ratings: calculated from those specifications on our published rating scale, the same for every brand, and labelled "Our analysis".
  • Buyer feedback: 70+ buyer ratings on Paddletek.com, summarized in the Feel section and labelled "buyer feedback".
  • Hands-on testing: we haven't play-tested this paddle. Everything here comes from the sources listed and our analysis of them.
Paddletek Bantam TKO-CXResearch score 8.5/10 · Paddletek$199.99at Paddletek
$199.99at PaddletekBuy at Paddletek