Head-to-Head Comparison

Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X vs Paddletek Tempest TKO-C

The Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X scores 9.1 and the Paddletek Tempest TKO-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 TKO-XPaddletek Tempest TKO-C
Power9.59
Control98
Spin9.59.5
Sweet spot8.58
Research score9.18.6

Which Suits Your Game?

Player typePaddletek Honeyfoam TKO-XPaddletek Tempest TKO-C
Beginners8.98.3
Touch players9.08.4
Power hitters9.28.8
Spin players9.39.0

Weighted from the four ratings. How these are weighted

Key Differences

  • The biggest gap is control: the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X rates 9 to the Paddletek Tempest TKO-C’s 8.
  • The Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X also leads on power, 9.5 to 9.
  • The Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X also leads on sweet spot, 8.5 to 8.
  • They tie on spin (9.5).
  • Core thickness: 16 mm (14 mm version not USA Pickleball approved) for the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X against 14.3 mm for the Paddletek Tempest TKO-C. The thinner Paddletek Tempest TKO-C should give more pop; thicker cores lean toward control.
  • Price: the Paddletek Tempest TKO-C costs less right now (see the prices above).

The Verdict

Go with the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X 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 TKO-C if you want a lower price.

Specs Side by Side

SpecPaddletek Honeyfoam TKO-XPaddletek Tempest TKO-C
Weight7.8–8.2 oz (8.0 ± 0.2 oz)7.8–8.2 oz
ShapeElongatedElongated
Length16.5 in16.5 in
Width7.5 in7.5 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 length5.75 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 TKO-X or the Paddletek Tempest TKO-C?

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

Which has more power, the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X or the Paddletek Tempest TKO-C?

The Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X rates higher for power on our scale (9.5 vs 9).

Which is better for beginners, the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X or the Paddletek Tempest TKO-C?

The Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X scores higher for beginners (8.9 vs 8.3), mainly from its sweet spot and control ratings.

Are the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X and Paddletek Tempest TKO-C approved for tournament play?

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

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