Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX Special Edition
Best discount code for this paddle: Use code KITCHEN for 10% off
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 14mm
- Core Type
- Gen 1
- Handle Length
- Long
- Certification
- Dual Certified
- Price
- $199.99
Our take on the Bantam TKO-CX
The Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX is one of the few high-performance pickleball paddles that is still made in the USA. To celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and the company’s USA roots, Paddletek has released this patriotic-themed paddle just in time for the Fourth of July. On one side the Paddletek logo is decorated with the colors of the U.S. flag, while the other side features an eagle illustration.
Is the Bantam TKO-CX worth $199.99?
Yes. At $199.99 it sits in the high price range, and you get the TKO-CX power paddle in a patriotic-themed edition with flag colors and an eagle. It is one of the few high-performance paddles still made in the USA.
Who should buy the Bantam TKO-CX?
Players who want the TKO-CX’s power and pop with a patriotic look. It suits anyone who values a USA-made paddle and wants a long handle for two-handed backhands. Players who need a big sweet spot may prefer a thermoformed paddle.
Buy it if
- You want a USA-made performance paddle
- You like patriotic paddle graphics
- You want power and durability
- You use a two-handed backhand
Skip it if
- You want a large thermoformed sweet spot
- You want a low swing weight
- You want a plain, understated design
How does the Bantam TKO-CX play?
It plays like the standard TKO-CX, an elongated 14mm power paddle with a 123 swing weight and a 5.75-inch long handle. That build is known for power and durability, and the high 7.4 twist weight keeps it stable on off-center hits.
What are the strengths and trade-offs of the Bantam TKO-CX?
Its biggest edge is proven TKO-CX power and durability in a distinctive design. The main cost is a smaller sweet spot than thermoformed paddles.
Strengths
- Power and durability from the TKO-CX build
- Long handle for whip and two-handers
- Distinctive flag and eagle graphics
- Still made in the USA
Trade-offs
- Smaller sweet spot than thermoformed paddles
- Heavy 123 swing weight slows quick exchanges
- Spin is its weak point
- Themed graphics will not suit everyone
Not sure yet? Compare the Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX Special Edition against any paddle
See their stats, price and playability side by side
Questions people ask about the Bantam TKO-CX
Is the Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX Special Edition a good paddle?
Reviewers praise the base TKO-CX for power and durability in an elongated, USA-made shape with a 5.75-inch handle, but note a smaller sweet spot than thermoformed paddles; swing weight is 123.
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 TKO-CX Special Edition cost?
$199.99, which puts it in the high price range for pickleball paddles. It's a patriotic-themed edition marking America's 250th anniversary, and the TKO-CX is one of the few high-performance paddles still made in the USA.
What is the swing weight of the Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX Special Edition?
123, which is high, with a high 7.4 twist weight. It's a 14mm elongated Gen 1 paddle with a long handle.
Is the Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX Special Edition USAP approved?
Yes, it's approved by both USA Pickleball and the UPA-A, so it's legal in any sanctioned tournament.
What are some Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX Special Edition alternatives?
Holbrook Fuze VantaGrit
Power 95Spin 99
16mm Gen 4 · Swing weight 118
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. The Bantam TKO-CX measured power 81, spin 48, swing weight 123 and twist weight 7.4.
- One ball for every test. The Life Time LT Pro 48.