Paddletek
Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ
Doubles players who want stability and a big sweet spot in fast exchanges
Ratings Head to Head
Which Suits Your Game?
| Player type | Paddletek Bantam EXL-C | Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | 8.1 | 9.5 |
| Touch players | 8.2 | 9.3 |
| Power hitters | 8.3 | 9.0 |
| Spin players | 8.4 | 8.9 |
Weighted from the four ratings. How these are weighted
Key Differences
- The biggest gap is sweet spot: the Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ rates 10 to the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C’s 8.
- On control, the Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ is ahead: 9.5 vs 8.
- They tie on power (8.5) and spin (8.5).
- Different shapes: the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C is standard and the Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ is standard (wide-body).
- Core thickness: 12.7 mm or 14.3 mm (scored at 12.7 mm) for the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C against 16 mm (14 mm version not USA Pickleball approved) for the Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ. The thinner Paddletek Bantam EXL-C should give more pop; thicker cores lean toward control.
- Weight: the Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ is the heavier of the two, by about 0.2 oz on average.
The Verdict
Choose the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C if you want a lighter feel.
Pick the Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ 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 EXL-C | Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7.6–8.0 oz | 7.8–8.2 oz (8.0 ± 0.2 oz) |
| Shape | Standard | Standard (wide-body) |
| Length | 15.625 in | 16 in |
| Width | 7.75 in | 8 in |
| Core thickness | 12.7 mm or 14.3 mm (scored at 12.7 mm) | 16 mm (14 mm version not USA Pickleball approved) |
| Core | Bantam QRT (Quick Response Technology) polymer core | Honeyfoam multi-foam: EPP foam core, EVA foam wrap and perimeter foam ring |
| Face | PT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber (Toray 700) | PT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber (Toray 700) |
| Handle length | 5.25 in | 5.5 in |
| Grip size | Not published by Paddletek | Not published by Paddletek |
| Price | $199.99 | $199.99 (list $249.99) |
| 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 EXL-C or the Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ?
On our spec-based scale the Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ scores higher (9.1 vs 8.3). By player type, the Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ suits beginners, touch players, power hitters and spin players better.
Which has more power, the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C or the Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ?
They rate the same for power on our scale (8.5).
Which is better for beginners, the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C or the Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ?
The Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ scores higher for beginners (9.5 vs 8.1), mainly from its sweet spot and control ratings.
Are the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C and Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ approved for tournament play?
Yes. Both are on the USA Pickleball approved paddle list.
More Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- Paddletek Bantam EXL-C vs Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C
- Paddletek Bantam EXL-C vs Paddletek Bantam GTO-C
- Paddletek Bantam EXL-C vs Selkirk LUXX Control Air with InfiniGrit (Epic)
- Paddletek Bantam EXL-C vs Onix Malice Raw Carbon
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