Paddletek Bantam EXL-C
- Price
- $199.99
Our take on the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C
This is one of the most maneuverable paddles on the market, with a 104 swingweight. That makes it very whippy through the hitting zone, allowing players to add a ton of spin on flicks out of the air as well as drives and drops from the baseline.
Is the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C worth $199.99?
Yes, for players who put hand speed first. At $199.99 it sits in the high price range, and its 104 swing weight makes it very whippy through the hitting zone. It is one of the most maneuverable paddles around.
Who should buy the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C?
Players who want a light, fast and balanced paddle for hands battles. It suits those who add heavy spin on flicks out of the air, drives and drops from the baseline. If you want mass behind your drives, a heavier paddle will suit you better.
Buy it if
- You value hand speed above everything
- You hit flicks with heavy spin
- You want a light, balanced paddle
- You like adding spin on baseline drives
Skip it if
- You want a heavy, plow-through paddle
- You rarely attack with flicks or speedups
- You rely on paddle mass for drive power
How does the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C play?
At a 104 swing weight it whips through the hitting zone, which makes it easy to load up spin on flicks out of the air and on drives and drops from the back of the court. Hands battles at the kitchen feel quick, and the paddle feels light, fast and balanced.
What are the strengths and trade-offs of the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C?
Its biggest edge is hand speed and spin. The main cost is that a swing weight this low gives you less mass for power than heavier paddles.
Strengths
- Very low 104 swing weight
- Easy spin on flicks, drives and drops
- Quick hands in fast exchanges
- Light, balanced feel through the hitting zone
Trade-offs
- Less mass behind drives and blocks
- Power relies more on your swing speed
- Not a plow-through paddle
Not sure yet? Compare the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C against any paddle
See their stats, price and playability side by side
Questions people ask about the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C
Is the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C a good paddle?
Yes, if you value hand speed. Its 104 swing weight makes it one of the most maneuverable paddles on the market, and Paddletek customers describe it as light, fast and balanced.
Which Paddletek paddle is considered the best?
Paddletek positions its Honeyfoam line, the TKO-X and ESQ, as its flagship, while the Bantam TKO models remain the favorites for players who want power and durability.
Which pros use Paddletek?
Paddletek's team page lists Christian Alshon, Jorja Johnson, JW Johnson, Tyra Black, Connor Garnett, Zane Navratil, Elsie Hendershot, Riley Newman and Max Freeman, among others, as of 2026.
How much does the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C cost?
$199.99, which puts it in the high price range for pickleball paddles. It's one of the most maneuverable paddles on the market, whippy enough to add a ton of spin on flicks, drives and drops.
How we test every paddle
Why trust our ratings? Every paddle is played by Team Kitchen, our team of expert paddle reviewers, and measured on the same scale before we rate it.
- Expert reviewers. All 5.0+ players, testing alongside other high-level players in their area.
- Hours of drills and games. Every kind of shot, in real points, to see how a paddle plays in a match and not just on paper.
- Measured on the same scale. Power, spin, swing weight and twist weight for every paddle, so any two compare fairly.
- One ball for every test. The Life Time LT Pro 48.