CRBN
CRBN⁴ TruFoam Barrage (Hybrid, AeroCurve)
Hands-battle players who want pop with quick hand speed
$229.99at CRBN
Dan’s Take
The shapes nearly match (16.2 x 7.8 inches against 16.25 x 7.75), so look at the core. The CRBN⁴ TruFoam Barrage Hybrid has a 14 mm floating foam core, while the Paddletek Bantam GTO-C uses a polymer core, scored at 12.7 mm. On our scale the Barrage comes out ahead on power (10 vs 9), control (8.5 vs 7.5) and sweet spot (9 vs 8), and they tie on spin at 9.
Buyers lean CRBN slightly: 4.9 out of 5 from 200+ on CRBN's site, against 4.8 from 40+ on Paddletek's. The Barrage is the pricier paddle, but it rates higher nearly across the board. I'd pick the Barrage; the GTO-C makes sense if you want the cheaper paddle or its 14.3 mm option.
By Dan · Based on each brand’s published specs and buyer ratings, October 2026. We don’t play-test paddles.
Paddletek
Paddletek Bantam GTO-C
Aggressive all-court players who want power with quick hands
$199.99at Paddletek
Ratings Head to Head
CRBN⁴ TruFoam Barrage (Hybrid, AeroCurve)Paddletek Bantam GTO-C
Power109
Control8.57.5
Spin99
Sweet spot98
Research score9.18.4
Which Suits Your Game?
| Player type | CRBN⁴ TruFoam Barrage (Hybrid, AeroCurve) | Paddletek Bantam GTO-C |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | 9.0 | 8.1 |
| Touch players | 8.9 | 8.1 |
| Power hitters | 9.4 | 8.6 |
| Spin players | 9.1 | 8.6 |
Weighted from the four ratings. How these are weighted
Key Differences
- The biggest gap is power: the CRBN⁴ TruFoam Barrage (Hybrid, AeroCurve) rates 10 to the Paddletek Bantam GTO-C’s 9.
- Control goes to the CRBN⁴ TruFoam Barrage (Hybrid, AeroCurve) (8.5 vs 7.5).
- On sweet spot, the CRBN⁴ TruFoam Barrage (Hybrid, AeroCurve) is ahead: 9 vs 8.
- They tie on spin (9).
- Core thickness: 14 mm for the CRBN⁴ TruFoam Barrage (Hybrid, AeroCurve) against 12.7 mm or 14.3 mm (scored at 12.7 mm) for the Paddletek Bantam GTO-C. The thinner Paddletek Bantam GTO-C should give more pop; thicker cores lean toward control.
- Price: the Paddletek Bantam GTO-C costs less right now (see the prices above).
The Verdict
Go with the CRBN⁴ TruFoam Barrage (Hybrid, AeroCurve) if you want more power, more control and a bigger sweet spot, especially if you’re a beginner or a touch player.
Pick the Paddletek Bantam GTO-C if you want a lower price.
Specs Side by Side
| Spec | CRBN⁴ TruFoam Barrage (Hybrid, AeroCurve) | Paddletek Bantam GTO-C |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7.8–8.2 oz (8.0 oz average) | 7.7–8.1 oz |
| Shape | Hybrid (AeroCurve) | Hybrid |
| Length | 16.2 in | 16.25 in |
| Width | 7.8 in | 7.75 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 | 5.5 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 CRBN⁴ TruFoam Barrage (Hybrid, AeroCurve) or the Paddletek Bantam GTO-C?
On our spec-based scale the CRBN⁴ TruFoam Barrage (Hybrid, AeroCurve) scores higher (9.1 vs 8.4). By player type, the CRBN⁴ TruFoam Barrage (Hybrid, AeroCurve) suits beginners, touch players, power hitters and spin players better.
Which has more power, the CRBN⁴ TruFoam Barrage (Hybrid, AeroCurve) or the Paddletek Bantam GTO-C?
The CRBN⁴ TruFoam Barrage (Hybrid, AeroCurve) rates higher for power on our scale (10 vs 9).
Which is better for beginners, the CRBN⁴ TruFoam Barrage (Hybrid, AeroCurve) or the Paddletek Bantam GTO-C?
The CRBN⁴ TruFoam Barrage (Hybrid, AeroCurve) scores higher for beginners (9.0 vs 8.1), mainly from its sweet spot and control ratings.
Are the CRBN⁴ TruFoam Barrage (Hybrid, AeroCurve) and Paddletek Bantam GTO-C approved for tournament play?
Yes. Both are on the USA Pickleball approved paddle list.
More Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- CRBN⁴ TruFoam Barrage (Hybrid, AeroCurve) vs HEAD Gravity PRO EX15
- CRBN⁴ TruFoam Barrage (Hybrid, AeroCurve) vs JOOLA Kosmos Pro V
- CRBN⁴ TruFoam Barrage (Hybrid, AeroCurve) vs CRBN⁴ TruFoam Waves (Hybrid, AeroCurve)
- CRBN⁴ TruFoam Barrage (Hybrid, AeroCurve) vs CRBN⁴ TruFoam Genesis (Hybrid, AeroCurve)
- CRBN⁴ TruFoam Barrage (Hybrid, AeroCurve) vs CRBN³ TruFoam Barrage (Elongated)
Next Step
Compare More Paddles
Line up to four paddles side by side on the same research scale.