Paddletek
Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C
Players who want a light, forgiving paddle with pop
$199.99at Paddletek
Paddletek
Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C
Players who want control and forgiveness at a lower price
$149.99at Paddletek
Ratings Head to Head
Paddletek Bantam ESQ-CPaddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C
Power8.58
Control88.5
Spin8.58.5
Sweet spot99.5
Research score8.58.6
Which Suits Your Game?
| Player type | Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C | Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | 8.5 | 8.8 |
| Touch players | 8.4 | 8.7 |
| Power hitters | 8.5 | 8.5 |
| Spin players | 8.5 | 8.6 |
Weighted from the four ratings. How these are weighted
Key Differences
- The biggest gap is power: the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C rates 8.5 to the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C’s 8.
- On control, the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C is ahead: 8.5 vs 8.
- The Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C also leads on sweet spot, 9.5 to 9.
- They tie on spin (8.5).
- Core thickness: 12.7 mm or 14.3 mm (scored at 12.7 mm) for the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C against 14.3 mm for the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C. The thinner Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C should give more pop; thicker cores lean toward control.
- Weight: the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C is the heavier of the two, by about 0.3 oz on average.
- Price: the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C costs less at each brand’s own store.
The Verdict
Go with the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C if you want more power and a lighter feel.
Pick the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C 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.
Specs Side by Side
| Spec | Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C | Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7.5–7.8 oz | 7.8–8.2 oz |
| Shape | Standard (wide-body) | Standard (wide-body) |
| Length | 16 in | 16 in |
| Width | 8 in | 8 in |
| Core thickness | 12.7 mm or 14.3 mm (scored at 12.7 mm) | 14.3 mm |
| Core | Bantam QRT (Quick Response Technology) polymer core | SRT (Smart Response Technology) polymer core |
| Face | PT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber (Toray 700) | PT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber (Toray 700) |
| Handle length | 5.5 in | 5.25 in |
| Grip size | Not published by Paddletek | Not published by Paddletek |
| Price | $199.99 | $149.99 |
| 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 Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C or the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C?
On our spec-based scale the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C scores higher (8.6 vs 8.5). By player type, the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C suits beginners and touch players better.
Which has more power, the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C or the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C?
The Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C rates higher for power on our scale (8.5 vs 8).
Which is better for beginners, the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C or the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C?
The Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C scores higher for beginners (8.8 vs 8.5), mainly from its sweet spot and control ratings.
Are the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C and Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C approved for tournament play?
Yes. Both are on the USA Pickleball approved paddle list.
More Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C vs Bread & Butter Loco Standard
- Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C vs Selkirk OMNI Widebody
- Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C vs HEAD Radical TOUR15
- Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C vs Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ
- Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C vs Paddletek Bantam EXL-C
- Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C vs Bread & Butter Loco Standard
Next Step
Compare More Paddles
Line up to four paddles side by side on the same research scale.