Head-to-Head Comparison

Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ vs Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C

The Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ scores 9.1 and the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C scores 8.6 on our spec-based rating scale. Calculated from each maker’s published specs; we don’t play-test paddles.

Ratings Head to Head

Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQPaddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C
Power8.58
Control9.58.5
Spin8.58.5
Sweet spot109.5
Research score9.18.6

Which Suits Your Game?

Player typePaddletek Honeyfoam ESQPaddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C
Beginners9.58.8
Touch players9.38.7
Power hitters9.08.5
Spin players8.98.6

Weighted from the four ratings. How these are weighted

Key Differences

  • The biggest gap is control: the Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ rates 9.5 to the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C’s 8.5.
  • On power, the Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ is ahead: 8.5 vs 8.
  • The Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ also leads on sweet spot, 10 to 9.5.
  • They tie on spin (8.5).
  • Core thickness: 16 mm (14 mm version not USA Pickleball approved) for the Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ against 14.3 mm for the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C. The thinner Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C should give more pop; thicker cores lean toward control.
  • Price: the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C costs less right now (see the prices above).

The Verdict

Choose the Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ 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 Tempest Wave Pro-C if you want a lower price.

Specs Side by Side

SpecPaddletek Honeyfoam ESQPaddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C
Weight7.8–8.2 oz (8.0 ± 0.2 oz)7.8–8.2 oz
ShapeStandard (wide-body)Standard (wide-body)
Length16 in16 in
Width8 in8 in
Core thickness16 mm (14 mm version not USA Pickleball approved)14.3 mm
CoreHoneyfoam multi-foam: EPP foam core, EVA foam wrap and perimeter foam ringSRT (Smart Response Technology) polymer core
FacePT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber (Toray 700)PT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber (Toray 700)
Handle length5.5 in5.25 in
Grip sizeNot published by PaddletekNot published by Paddletek
Price$199.99 (list $249.99)$149.99
USA Pickleball approvedYesYes

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 Honeyfoam ESQ or the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C?

On our spec-based scale the Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ scores higher (9.1 vs 8.6). By player type, the Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ suits beginners, touch players, power hitters and spin players better.

Which has more power, the Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ or the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C?

The Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ rates higher for power on our scale (8.5 vs 8).

Which is better for beginners, the Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ or the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C?

The Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ scores higher for beginners (9.5 vs 8.8), mainly from its sweet spot and control ratings.

Are the Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ and Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C approved for tournament play?

Yes. Both are on the USA Pickleball approved paddle list.

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