CRBN
CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated)
Attacking players who want instant pop with elongated reach
$229.99at CRBN
Dan’s Take
Here are two elongated power paddles with identical 16.5 x 7.5 inch outlines. The CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage Elongated is built on a 14 mm floating foam core; the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C uses a polymer core, scored at 12.7 mm. Power is close on our scale (10 vs 9.5) and spin is a tie at 9.5, but the Barrage pulls ahead on control and sweet spot (8 vs 7.5 for both).
Buyers are positive on both: 4.9 out of 5 from 70+ ratings on CRBN's site and 4.8 from 40+ on Paddletek's. The Barrage costs more. Pick it if you want the more forgiving numbers of a foam core; pick the TKO-C if you want nearly as much power for less and are fine with a shorter 5.25-inch handle.
By Dan · Based on each brand’s published specs and buyer ratings, October 2026. We don’t play-test paddles.
Ratings Head to Head
CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated)Paddletek Bantam TKO-C
Power109.5
Control87.5
Spin9.59.5
Sweet spot87.5
Research score8.98.5
Which Suits Your Game?
| Player type | CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) | Paddletek Bantam TKO-C |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | 8.5 | 8.0 |
| Touch players | 8.5 | 8.1 |
| Power hitters | 9.2 | 8.8 |
| Spin players | 9.2 | 8.9 |
Weighted from the four ratings. How these are weighted
Key Differences
- The biggest gap is power: the CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) rates 10 to the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C’s 9.5.
- Control goes to the CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) (8 vs 7.5).
- On sweet spot, the CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) is ahead: 8 vs 7.5.
- They tie on spin (9.5).
- Core thickness: 14 mm for the CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) against 12.7 mm or 14.3 mm (scored at 12.7 mm) for the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C. The thinner Paddletek Bantam TKO-C should give more pop; thicker cores lean toward control.
- Price: the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C costs less right now (see the prices above).
The Verdict
Go with the CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) if you want more power, more control and a bigger sweet spot, especially if you’re a beginner or a touch player.
Choose the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C if you want a lower price.
Specs Side by Side
| Spec | CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) | Paddletek Bantam TKO-C |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7.8–8.2 oz (8.0 oz average) | 7.7–8.1 oz |
| Shape | Elongated | Elongated |
| Length | 16.5 in | 16.5 in |
| Width | 7.5 in | 7.5 in |
| Core thickness | 14 mm | 12.7 mm or 14.3 mm (scored at 12.7 mm) |
| Core | 100% TruFoam Gen-4 floating foam core with EVA foam perimeter ring | Bantam QRT (Quick Response Technology) polymer core |
| Face | T700 raw carbon fiber | PT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber (Toray 700) |
| Handle length | 5.5 in | 5.25 in |
| Grip size | 4.125 in | Not published by Paddletek |
| Price | $229.99 (list $279.99) | $199.99 |
| USA Pickleball approved | Yes | Yes |
Specs as published by each manufacturer. Prices are checked daily on each brand’s own store; the checkout price is final.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, the CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) or the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C?
On our spec-based scale the CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) scores higher (8.9 vs 8.5). By player type, the CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) suits beginners, touch players, power hitters and spin players better.
Which has more power, the CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) or the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C?
The CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) rates higher for power on our scale (10 vs 9.5).
Which is better for beginners, the CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) or the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C?
The CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) scores higher for beginners (8.5 vs 8.0), mainly from its sweet spot and control ratings.
Are the CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) and Paddletek Bantam TKO-C approved for tournament play?
Yes. Both are on the USA Pickleball approved paddle list.
More Head-to-Head Comparisons
- CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) vs Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X
- CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) vs HEAD Boom PRO EX15
- CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) vs Selkirk LABS Project Boomstik
- CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) vs CRBN³ TruFoam Waves (Elongated)
- CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) vs CRBN³ X Series
- CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) vs CRBN¹ X Series
Next Step
Compare More Paddles
Line up to four paddles side by side on the same research scale.