Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX
Our take on the Bantam TKO-CX
Paddletek made a huge splash with its updated Bantam paddles in 2024 after going over a year without a new release. The TKO-CX stands out in the line with an extra long handle, which is what a majority of top players want as two-handed backhands have become more prevalent. The long handle also lets players whip through the hitting zone faster, generating more power and more spin. This paddle is a natural choice for singles players.
Paddletek released a new shape of the Bantam series — the GTO-C — in 2025. While we liked the hybrid shape of the GTO-C, we still think the original TKO-CX is the better of the two paddles.
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 14mm
- Core Type
- Gen 1
- Handle Length
- Long
- Certification
- Dual Certified
- Price
- $199.99
Is the Bantam TKO-CX worth $199.99?
Who should buy the Bantam TKO-CX?
How does the Bantam TKO-CX play?
What are the strengths and trade-offs of the Bantam TKO-CX?
Bantam TKO-CX vs Bantam TKO-CX
Power
Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 14mm
- Core Type
- Gen 1
Additional details
- Brand
- Paddletek
- Paddle Type
- Power
- Static Weight
- 8.1 oz
- Swing Weight
- 123
- Twist Weight
- 7.4
- Handle Length
- Long
- Certification
- Dual Certified
Power
Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX Special Edition
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 14mm
- Core Type
- Gen 1
Additional details
- Brand
- Paddletek
- Paddle Type
- Power
- Static Weight
- 8.1 oz
- Swing Weight
- 123
- Twist Weight
- 7.4
- Handle Length
- Long
- Certification
- Dual Certified
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Questions people ask about the Bantam TKO-CX
Is the Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX a good paddle?
Yes. The Bantam line is widely regarded as a top-tier choice for serious players, known for pop on drives and in hands battles.
Which Paddletek paddle is the best?
The Bantam TKO-C and TKO-CX, designed with pro Christian Alshon, are generally considered Paddletek's best for power.
What is the swing weight of the Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX?
123, which is high, with a very high 7.4 twist weight. It's a 14mm elongated paddle with a long handle.
How much does the Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX cost?
$199.99. It's one of the few high-performance paddles still made in the USA.
Is the Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX USAP approved?
Yes, it's approved by both USA Pickleball and the UPA-A, so it's legal in any sanctioned tournament.
Which pros use Paddletek?
Zane Navratil, Riley Newman, Connor Garnett, Christian Alshon, Jorja Johnson and Tyra Black are on Team Paddletek.
What are some Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX alternatives?
Bread & Butter Loco
Honolulu J6CR
Proton Project Coyote
How We Tested
Our paddle reviewers (all 5.0+ players) work with other high-level players in their area to test paddles on a variety of shots. This testing involves several hours of drills and games in an effort to determine how the paddle impacts performance in real-world scenarios.
We use the Life Time LT Pro 48 pickleball for our testing.