CRBN
CRBN⁴ TruFoam Waves (Hybrid, AeroCurve)
All-court players who want maximum power with quicker hands
$199.99at CRBN
Dan’s Take
Same price, same hybrid footprint and the same 5.5-inch handle, so this one comes down to the core. The Waves uses CRBN's all-foam TruFoam core at 14 mm; the Bantam GTO-C uses Paddletek's QRT polymer core, scored at 12.7 mm. On our scale the foam build rates higher for power (10 vs 9) and sweet spot (9 vs 8), and the two tie on spin at 9.
Buyer feedback favors CRBN slightly: 4.9 out of 5 from 150+ ratings on CRBN's site, against 4.8 from 40+ on Paddletek's. Pick the Waves for maximum power and a more forgiving face. Pick the GTO-C if you want a thinner polymer-core paddle, or the option of a 14.3 mm version.
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 Waves (Hybrid, AeroCurve)Paddletek Bantam GTO-C
Power109
Control87.5
Spin99
Sweet spot98
Research score9.08.4
Which Suits Your Game?
| Player type | CRBN⁴ TruFoam Waves (Hybrid, AeroCurve) | Paddletek Bantam GTO-C |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | 8.8 | 8.1 |
| Touch players | 8.6 | 8.1 |
| Power hitters | 9.3 | 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 Waves (Hybrid, AeroCurve) rates 10 to the Paddletek Bantam GTO-C’s 9.
- Sweet spot goes to the CRBN⁴ TruFoam Waves (Hybrid, AeroCurve) (9 vs 8).
- On control, the CRBN⁴ TruFoam Waves (Hybrid, AeroCurve) is ahead: 8 vs 7.5.
- They tie on spin (9).
- Core thickness: 14 mm for the CRBN⁴ TruFoam Waves (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.
The Verdict
Pick the CRBN⁴ TruFoam Waves (Hybrid, AeroCurve) if you want more power, more control and a bigger sweet spot, especially if you’re a beginner or a touch player.
Specs Side by Side
| Spec | CRBN⁴ TruFoam Waves (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 foam core | Bantam QRT (Quick Response Technology) polymer core |
| Face | T700 raw carbon fiber with fiberglass layer | 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 | $199.99 (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 Waves (Hybrid, AeroCurve) or the Paddletek Bantam GTO-C?
On our spec-based scale the CRBN⁴ TruFoam Waves (Hybrid, AeroCurve) scores higher (9.0 vs 8.4). By player type, the CRBN⁴ TruFoam Waves (Hybrid, AeroCurve) suits beginners, touch players, power hitters and spin players better.
Which has more power, the CRBN⁴ TruFoam Waves (Hybrid, AeroCurve) or the Paddletek Bantam GTO-C?
The CRBN⁴ TruFoam Waves (Hybrid, AeroCurve) rates higher for power on our scale (10 vs 9).
Which is better for beginners, the CRBN⁴ TruFoam Waves (Hybrid, AeroCurve) or the Paddletek Bantam GTO-C?
The CRBN⁴ TruFoam Waves (Hybrid, AeroCurve) scores higher for beginners (8.8 vs 8.1), mainly from its sweet spot and control ratings.
Are the CRBN⁴ TruFoam Waves (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
- CRBN⁴ TruFoam Waves (Hybrid, AeroCurve) vs Bread & Butter Filth Hybrid
- CRBN⁴ TruFoam Waves (Hybrid, AeroCurve) vs Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro Flash
- CRBN⁴ TruFoam Waves (Hybrid, AeroCurve) vs CRBN⁴ TruFoam Barrage (Hybrid, AeroCurve)
- CRBN⁴ TruFoam Waves (Hybrid, AeroCurve) vs CRBN⁴ TruFoam Genesis (Hybrid, AeroCurve)
- CRBN⁴ TruFoam Waves (Hybrid, AeroCurve) vs CRBN³ TruFoam Waves (Elongated)
- Paddletek Bantam GTO-C vs CRBN⁴ TruFoam Barrage (Hybrid, AeroCurve)
Next Step
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Line up to four paddles side by side on the same research scale.