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Head-to-Head Comparison

Paddletek Tempest TKO-C vs Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C

Both paddles earn a 8.6 research score on our scale, so the choice comes down to how they differ. Calculated from each maker’s published specs; we don’t play-test paddles.

Ratings Head to Head

Paddletek Tempest TKO-CPaddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C
Power98
Control88.5
Spin9.58.5
Sweet spot89.5
Research score8.68.6

Which Suits Your Game?

Player typePaddletek Tempest TKO-CPaddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C
Beginners8.38.8
Touch players8.48.7
Power hitters8.88.5
Spin players9.08.6

Weighted from the four ratings. How these are weighted

Key Differences

  • The biggest gap is sweet spot: the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C rates 9.5 to the Paddletek Tempest TKO-C’s 8.
  • Power goes to the Paddletek Tempest TKO-C (9 vs 8).
  • On spin, the Paddletek Tempest TKO-C is ahead: 9.5 vs 8.5.
  • On control, the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C is ahead: 8.5 vs 8.
  • Different shapes: the Paddletek Tempest TKO-C is elongated and the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C is standard (wide-body).

The Verdict

Go with the Paddletek Tempest TKO-C if you want more power and more spin, especially if you’re a power hitter or a spin player.

Go with the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C if you want more control and a bigger sweet spot, especially if you’re a beginner or a touch player.

Buy at PaddletekBuy at Paddletek

Specs Side by Side

SpecPaddletek Tempest TKO-CPaddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C
Weight7.8–8.2 oz7.8–8.2 oz
ShapeElongatedStandard (wide-body)
Length16.5 in16 in
Width7.5 in8 in
Core thickness14.3 mm14.3 mm
CoreSRT (Smart Response Technology) polymer coreSRT (Smart Response Technology) polymer core
FacePT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber (Toray 700)PT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber (Toray 700)
Handle length5.25 in5.25 in
Grip sizeNot published by PaddletekNot published by Paddletek
Price$149.99$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 Tempest TKO-C or the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C?

On our spec-based scale they tie at 8.6. By player type, the Paddletek Tempest TKO-C suits power hitters and spin players better, while the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C suits beginners and touch players better.

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

The Paddletek Tempest TKO-C rates higher for power on our scale (9 vs 8).

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

The Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C scores higher for beginners (8.8 vs 8.3), mainly from its sweet spot and control ratings.

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

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

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