Dan’s Take
Both are standard-shape paddles built in opposite ways. The Paddletek Bantam EXL-C is a compact carbon-faced paddle with a polymer core (scored at 12.7 mm); the Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Epic is a bit wider at 8 inches, with a 16 mm honeycomb core and a fiberglass face. On our scale the Epic has a far bigger sweet spot (10 vs 8) and more control (8.5 vs 8), while the EXL-C has a little more power (8.5 vs 8).
The Epic has 4.7 out of 5 from 600+ ratings on Selkirk's site (covering every AMPED Pro Air shape); the EXL-C has 4.8 from 10+ on Paddletek's. The Epic usually costs less as well. I'd go with the Epic, unless you want a smaller, carbon-faced paddle.
By Dan · Based on each brand’s published specs and buyer ratings, October 2026. We don’t play-test paddles.
Selkirk
Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Epic
Players who want a forgiving all-court paddle at a lower price
Ratings Head to Head
Which Suits Your Game?
| Player type | Paddletek Bantam EXL-C | Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Epic |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | 8.1 | 9.0 |
| Touch players | 8.2 | 8.8 |
| Power hitters | 8.3 | 8.6 |
| Spin players | 8.4 | 8.6 |
Weighted from the four ratings. How these are weighted
Key Differences
- The biggest gap is sweet spot: the Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Epic rates 10 to the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C’s 8.
- On power, the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C is ahead: 8.5 vs 8.
- The Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Epic also leads on control, 8.5 to 8.
- They tie on spin (8.5).
- Core thickness: 12.7 mm or 14.3 mm (scored at 12.7 mm) for the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C against 16 mm for the Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Epic. The thinner Paddletek Bantam EXL-C should give more pop; thicker cores lean toward control.
- Weight: the Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Epic is the heavier of the two, by about 0.2 oz on average.
- Price: the Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Epic costs less right now (see the prices above).
The Verdict
Pick the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C if you want more power and a lighter feel.
Go with the Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Epic 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 | Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Epic |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7.6–8.0 oz | 7.8–8.2 oz |
| Shape | Standard | Standard |
| Length | 15.625 in | 15.75 in |
| Width | 7.75 in | 8 in |
| Core thickness | 12.7 mm or 14.3 mm (scored at 12.7 mm) | 16 mm |
| Core | Bantam QRT (Quick Response Technology) polymer core | X5+ polypropylene honeycomb |
| Face | PT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber (Toray 700) | FiberFlex+ fiberglass with ProSpin+ micro texture |
| Handle length | 5.25 in | 5.25 in |
| Grip size | Not published by Paddletek | 4.25 in |
| Price | $199.99 | $100 (list $180) |
| 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 Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Epic?
On our spec-based scale the Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Epic scores higher (8.8 vs 8.3). By player type, the Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Epic suits beginners, touch players, power hitters and spin players better.
Which has more power, the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C or the Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Epic?
The Paddletek Bantam EXL-C rates higher for power on our scale (8.5 vs 8).
Which is better for beginners, the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C or the Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Epic?
The Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Epic scores higher for beginners (9.0 vs 8.1), mainly from its sweet spot and control ratings.
Are the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C and Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Epic approved for tournament play?
Yes. Both are on the USA Pickleball approved paddle list.
More Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Paddletek Bantam EXL-C vs Onix Praxis
- Paddletek Bantam EXL-C vs Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C
- Paddletek Bantam EXL-C vs Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ
- 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
Next Step
Compare More Paddles
Line up to four paddles side by side on the same research scale.