Paddletek
Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C
Players who want a light, forgiving paddle with pop
Ratings Head to Head
Which Suits Your Game?
| Player type | HEAD Radical TOUR15 | Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | 9.0 | 8.5 |
| Touch players | 8.8 | 8.4 |
| Power hitters | 8.9 | 8.5 |
| Spin players | 8.8 | 8.5 |
Weighted from the four ratings. How these are weighted
Key Differences
- The biggest gap is power: the HEAD Radical TOUR15 rates 9 to the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C’s 8.5.
- The HEAD Radical TOUR15 also leads on control, 8.5 to 8.
- The HEAD Radical TOUR15 also leads on sweet spot, 9.5 to 9.
- They tie on spin (8.5).
- Core thickness: 15 mm for the HEAD Radical TOUR15 against 12.7 mm or 14.3 mm (scored at 12.7 mm) for the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C. The thinner Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C should give more pop; thicker cores lean toward control.
- Weight: the HEAD Radical TOUR15 is the heavier of the two, by about 0.7 oz on average.
- Price: the HEAD Radical TOUR15 costs less at each brand’s own store.
The Verdict
Choose the HEAD Radical TOUR15 if you want more power, more control and a bigger sweet spot, especially if you’re a beginner or a touch player.
Go with the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C if you want a lighter feel.
Specs Side by Side
| Spec | HEAD Radical TOUR15 | Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 8.3 oz (235 g) | 7.5–7.8 oz |
| Shape | Wide-body | Standard (wide-body) |
| Length | Not published by HEAD (it lists the shape as Widebody) | 16 in |
| Width | 7.8 in (published by HEAD, Sept 2026) | 8 in |
| Core thickness | 15 mm | 12.7 mm or 14.3 mm (scored at 12.7 mm) |
| Core | Not specified by HEAD (Injected Foam Walls) | Bantam QRT (Quick Response Technology) polymer core |
| Face | Micro-Forged T700 raw carbon | PT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber (Toray 700) |
| Handle length | 5 in | 5.5 in |
| Grip size | 4.125 in | Not published by Paddletek |
| Price | $169.95 | $199.99 |
| USA Pickleball approved | Yes | Yes |
Specs as published by each manufacturer. List prices; check the retailer for today’s price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, the HEAD Radical TOUR15 or the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C?
On our spec-based scale the HEAD Radical TOUR15 scores higher (8.9 vs 8.5). By player type, the HEAD Radical TOUR15 suits beginners, touch players, power hitters and spin players better.
Which has more power, the HEAD Radical TOUR15 or the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C?
The HEAD Radical TOUR15 rates higher for power on our scale (9 vs 8.5).
Which is better for beginners, the HEAD Radical TOUR15 or the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C?
The HEAD Radical TOUR15 scores higher for beginners (9.0 vs 8.5), mainly from its sweet spot and control ratings.
Are the HEAD Radical TOUR15 and Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C approved for tournament play?
Yes. Both are on the USA Pickleball approved paddle list.
More Head-to-Head Comparisons
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Line up to four paddles side by side on the same research scale.