Ratings Head to Head
Which Suits Your Game?
| Player type | Onix Malice Raw Carbon | Paddletek Bantam EXL-C |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | 9.4 | 8.1 |
| Touch players | 9.3 | 8.2 |
| Power hitters | 8.7 | 8.3 |
| Spin players | 8.8 | 8.4 |
Weighted from the four ratings. How these are weighted
Key Differences
- The biggest gap is sweet spot: the Onix Malice Raw Carbon rates 10 to the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C’s 8.
- Control goes to the Onix Malice Raw Carbon (9.5 vs 8).
- The Paddletek Bantam EXL-C also leads on power, 8.5 to 8.
- They tie on spin (8.5).
- Core thickness: 16 mm (14 mm version also available) for the Onix Malice Raw Carbon against 12.7 mm or 14.3 mm (scored at 12.7 mm) for the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C. The thinner Paddletek Bantam EXL-C should give more pop; thicker cores lean toward control.
- Weight: the Onix Malice Raw Carbon is the heavier of the two, by about 0.2 oz on average.
- Price: the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C costs less at each brand’s own store.
The Verdict
Choose the Onix Malice Raw Carbon if you want more control, a bigger sweet spot and more weight behind the ball, especially if you’re a beginner or a touch player.
Choose the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C if you want more power, a lighter feel and a lower price.
Specs Side by Side
| Spec | Onix Malice Raw Carbon | Paddletek Bantam EXL-C |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7.8–8.2 oz | 7.6–8.0 oz |
| Shape | Standard | Standard |
| Length | 16 in | 15.625 in |
| Width | 8 in | 7.75 in |
| Core thickness | 16 mm (14 mm version also available) | 12.7 mm or 14.3 mm (scored at 12.7 mm) |
| Core | Polypropylene honeycomb | Bantam QRT (Quick Response Technology) polymer core |
| Face | Raw carbon fiber | PT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber (Toray 700) |
| Handle length | 5 in | 5.25 in |
| Grip size | 4.25 in | Not published by Paddletek |
| Price | $249.99 | $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 Onix Malice Raw Carbon or the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C?
On our spec-based scale the Onix Malice Raw Carbon scores higher (9.0 vs 8.3). By player type, the Onix Malice Raw Carbon suits beginners, touch players, power hitters and spin players better.
Which has more power, the Onix Malice Raw Carbon or the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C?
The Paddletek Bantam EXL-C rates higher for power on our scale (8.5 vs 8).
Which is better for beginners, the Onix Malice Raw Carbon or the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C?
The Onix Malice Raw Carbon scores higher for beginners (9.4 vs 8.1), mainly from its sweet spot and control ratings.
Are the Onix Malice Raw Carbon and Paddletek Bantam EXL-C approved for tournament play?
Yes. Both are on the USA Pickleball approved paddle list.
More Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Onix Malice Raw Carbon vs JOOLA Scorpeus Pro V
- Onix Malice Raw Carbon vs Selkirk LUXX Control Air with InfiniGrit (Epic)
- Onix Malice Raw Carbon vs Onix Malice DB Raw Carbon
- Onix Malice Raw Carbon vs Onix Praxis
- Onix Malice Raw Carbon vs Onix Hype X Pro Raw Carbon
- Paddletek Bantam EXL-C vs Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Epic
Next Step
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Line up to four paddles side by side on the same research scale.