Find Your PaddleReviews
Paddles
Best Pickleball PaddlesBest Power Pickleball PaddlesBest Control Pickleball PaddlesBest Pickleball Paddles for SpinBest Pickleball Paddles for BeginnersBest All-Court Pickleball PaddlesBest Heavyweight Pickleball PaddlesBest Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate PlayersBest Pickleball Paddles for Advanced Players
Brands
11SIX24 Pickleball PaddlesBread & Butter Pickleball PaddlesCRBN Pickleball PaddlesHEAD Pickleball PaddlesJOOLA Pickleball PaddlesOnix Pickleball PaddlesPaddletek Pickleball PaddlesSelkirk Pickleball PaddlesVatic Pro Pickleball PaddlesVolair Pickleball PaddlesAll Pickleball Paddle Brands
Tools
Find Your PaddleCompare PaddlesHead-to-Head Paddle ReviewsPickleball Paddle Buying GuidePickleball Paddle Glossary
Blog

Head-to-Head Comparison

CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) vs Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX

The CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) scores 8.9 and the Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX scores 8.5 on our spec-based rating scale. Calculated from each maker’s published specs; we don’t play-test paddles.

Dan’s Take

Handle length is the first thing to notice: the Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX has a long 5.75-inch handle, against 5.5 inches on the CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage Elongated. The bigger difference is the core: 14 mm floating foam against a polymer core scored at 12.7 mm. On our scale the Barrage has the edge in control and sweet spot (8 vs 7.5 for both), while power (10 vs 9.5) and spin (9.5 each) stay close.

Buyers give the Barrage 4.9 out of 5 from 70+ ratings on CRBN's site and the TKO-CX 4.8 from 70+ on Paddletek's. The TKO-CX usually costs less. Go with the TKO-CX if you want the longer handle; go with the Barrage if a more forgiving face matters more to you.

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-CX
Power109.5
Control87.5
Spin9.59.5
Sweet spot87.5
Research score8.98.5

Which Suits Your Game?

Player typeCRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated)Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX
Beginners8.58.0
Touch players8.58.1
Power hitters9.28.8
Spin players9.28.9

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-CX’s 9.5.
  • On control, the CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated) is ahead: 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-CX. The thinner Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX should give more pop; thicker cores lean toward control.
  • Price: the Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX costs less right now (see the prices above).

The Verdict

Pick 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-CX if you want a lower price.

Buy at CRBNBuy at Paddletek

Specs Side by Side

SpecCRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated)Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX
Weight7.8–8.2 oz (8.0 oz average)7.7–8.1 oz
ShapeElongatedElongated
Length16.5 in16.5 in
Width7.5 in7.5 in
Core thickness14 mm12.7 mm or 14.3 mm (scored at 12.7 mm)
Core100% TruFoam Gen-4 floating foam core with EVA foam perimeter ringBantam QRT (Quick Response Technology) polymer core
FaceT700 raw carbon fiberPT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber (Toray 700)
Handle length5.5 in5.75 in
Grip size4.125 inNot published by Paddletek
Price$229.99 (list $279.99)$199.99
USA Pickleball approvedYesYes

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-CX?

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-CX?

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-CX?

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-CX approved for tournament play?

Yes. Both are on the USA Pickleball approved paddle list.

More Head-to-Head Comparisons

Compare every paddle in one table

Next Step

Compare More Paddles

Line up to four paddles side by side on the same research scale.

Open the Comparison Tool Find Your Paddle