Paddletek Bantam TKO-C Review
Consensus score
Christian Alshon's signature cannon. Paddletek took the classic Bantam and rebuilt it with PT-700 raw carbon. Reviewers call it reliable, no-drama power. Made in the USA with a lifetime warranty: the old-school power brand's modern answer.
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The consensus verdict
Best for
Power-first intermediates and advanced players who want straightforward, no-gimmick pace.
Not for
Touch-first players, beginners, or anyone wanting maximum forgiveness.
Control 78 · Power 90 · Spin 86 · Forgiveness 77 · Hand speed
Specs
| MSRP | $229.99 |
|---|---|
| Shapes | Elongated 16.5" × 7.5" |
| Thickness | 12.7mm & 14.3mm |
| Face | PT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber + fiberglass base layer |
| Core | Bantam polymer honeycomb |
| Weight | 7.7–8.1 oz (selectable) |
| Handle | 5.25" · 4.25" grip |
| Measured (third-party) | Spin ~1,903–2,098 RPM; swing weight ~114–117 (independent reviewer lab data) |
| Approval | USAP approved |
| Extras | Made in USA · lifetime warranty |
Specs from Paddletek and retailer listings; measured figures from independent reviewer lab data (unit-to-unit variance applies).
What reviewers agree on
Strengths
- Big, reliable power. The Bantam core has always been Paddletek's power core, and reviewers say the TKO-C delivers: put-aways and drives come easy, without the paddle feeling wild.
- Real spin. 2,000+ RPM measured. The raw carbon face gives topspin and slice players the bite to keep aggressive drives in the court.
- No gimmicks, no fragility questions. A straightforward polymer-core build in an era of foam-core experimentation. Reviewers appreciate a power paddle with no durability asterisks.
- USA-made with a lifetime warranty. Manufactured domestically with lifetime coverage. Almost nobody else in the tier offers that combination.
Weaknesses & caveats
- Thin-core tradeoff. The 12.7mm is lively but less forgiving. Reviewers recommend the 14.3mm for players coming from 16mm paddles. Either way, this is not a max-forgiveness frame.
- $229.99 is premium. Brand codes (typically ~10%) bring it near $207, but it's flagship-priced against deep competition.
- Elongated swing weight. 114–117 swing weight on a 16.5" frame demands solid mechanics. Reviewers note that weaker players will spray.
- Control is the concession. This is a power paddle first. Kitchen touch and reset precision lag behind the control-oriented elongated options.
Synthesized from expert long-form reviews (Pickleball Studio's Bantam testing, measurement-focused outlets), retailer owner reviews, and player-community discussion. How we rank →
Who it's for
Who it's for
- Power-first intermediates and advanced players who speed up play
- Aggressive all-court players in the Alshon mold
- Buy-American shoppers who want domestic manufacturing plus a lifetime warranty
Who should skip it
- Control and kitchen-first players. The $200+ tier has better touch options
- Beginners. Too much paddle, too soon
- Anyone wanting maximum forgiveness out of the box
Pro usage
Christian Alshon — Paddletek Bantam TKO-C, signature paddle, developed with Alshon for power, spin, and reach. See the full tracker →
Where to buy
This link is the 14.3mm. Also available direct from Paddletek.
← Best paddles $200 & up · Swing weight explained · Carbon fiber faces explained
TKO-C FAQs
12.7mm or 14.3mm?
12.7mm for livelier pop; 14.3mm plays like a 16mm with more control. Coming from 16mm paddles? Take the 14.3mm.
TKO-C vs TKO-CX?
Same paddle. The CX just has a longer 5.75" handle for dedicated two-handers.
Is Paddletek still competitive?
Reviewers say the Bantam revamp put them back in it: boring on paper, a cannon on court.