Found in 2012, Paddletek is the youngest pickleball company that currently conquers more than 60% of local pickleball courts, let aside they’ve gained significant popularity among level 5.0 players. With the Smart response technology, multiple cores, and face options, these make one of the highly durable, sturdy, and classic paddles to have in your possession. Compared to the time Paddletek came to being, it left the brand with 3 collections only after discontinuing several of its paddles with advanced technology.
Now the hot topic is which Paddletek pickleball paddle is the best, and what to buy?
The simple answer is Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Pro. They’re effortlessly the best Paddletek pickleball paddle, combined with smart response technology and Textured Fiberglass Epoxy Hybrid Surface. While they give the most balanced power, spin, forgiveness, and control–they’re still not the best for everyone. And that’s where the rest of the series got the spotlight carrying quality features for every player.
Best Paddletek Pickleball Paddle:
There are three collections in their lineup, i.e. Tempest, Bantam, and Pheonix. In these lineups, I’ve chosen 2 per collection except Pheonix with one paddle only. That gives 5 precise options to go with. These are, by far, the best ones with comparatively greater durability than their co-models.
| RATING | PRODUCT | IMAGE |
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Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Pro – Best For Volleying And Overhand Shots
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Paddletek Bantam Ex. L – Best Intermediate Pickleball Paddle
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Paddletek Tempest Reign Pro – Most Powerful Paddletek Paddle
Remarkable Features: |
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Paddletek Tempest Wave II – Best For Level 0.5 – 3.0
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Paddletek Paddletek Phoenix Genesis Pro – Best All-Around Pickleball Paddle
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1. Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Pro | Best for Volleying & Overhand Shots
9.8/10 – Our Score
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Specifications:
-
Weight:
7.6 – 8.1 oz & 7-7.5 oz -
Grip Circumference:
4 3/8″, 4 1/8″ -
Grip Length:
4 3/4″ -
Paddle Length:
16” -
Width:
7 7/8″
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Ratings:
-
Power:
9/10 -
Control:
7/10 -
Spin:
8/10 -
Sweet spot:
9/10 -
Forgiveness:
8/10
Bantam TS-5 pro is heavily improvised from TS-5 in terms of power and control combo, weight, and size. While carrying just 7 oz, it further ends up as the lighter version of Ex-L, making it impressive in its build. The Textured Fiberglass Epoxy Hybrid surface contacts the ball like the magnet attracts the iron-making you handle the most complex shots easily.
Being elongated, it measures 16 inches, which itself gives an extended reach towards the net, while you can stay at the baseline. Paired with 7 7/8″ width, it produces a good swampy sweet spot, besides serving as a shield to get that overhands shots not getting off your head.
The surface also possesses a good duration of 2-4 seconds of holding the ball, to make it spin nicely during volleying. Polymer Composite Honeycomb, on the other hand, enhances the power when you want to make the shot aggressive. Both the surface and core give an impressive blend of power and control, so you can handle hard shots and trick your opponents into representing the soft game.
The issue of contracted length in the TS-5 is addressed in TS-5 pro, by making them elongated through 16″. The grip only takes 4 3/4″ of the entire length, making the surface larger at 11.25 inches. Smaller grips help you spin better and eliminate the ball from hitting the handle. The larger length is one of the reasons, 4.5 players Ari Roodhuyzen and LeEllen Lane have replaced TS-5 with TS-5 Pro.
The power and pace of the fiberglass surface and the deflection of the core get balanced with its Smart Response Technology. There are two weight ranges in this paddle; one is mid-weight (7.6 – 8.1 oz) and one is lightweight (7-7.5 oz), with heavier ones having an edge for the power factor.
Along with the weight options, the grips also complement players of all ages through their two options, i.e., standard and thin.
2. Paddletek Bantam Ex. L – Best Intermediate Pickleball Paddle
9.7/10 – Our Score
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Specifications:
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Weight:
7.8 – 8.4 oz -
Grip Circumference:
5″ -
Grip Length:
4 1/4″ -
Paddle Length:
15 5/8″ -
Width:
7 3/4″
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Ratings:
-
Power:
8/10 -
Control:
9/10 -
Spin:
8/10 -
Sweet spot:
7/10 -
Forgiveness:
7/10
Bantam Ex. L has helped 2.0 significantly in speeding up its transition to 5.0. It has a great mix of touch and feel, paired with an explosive power that gets you to put fire on the court with your shots.
The handles are heavier rather than the surface, taking up 75% of the entire weight, increasing power, without you trying harder, plus keeping your hand strain-free for extended matches. This is why, with a 7.8 – 8.4 oz weight range, it still feels like TS-5 Pro of 7 oz only.
Besides producing immense power, it keeps up the balance through its 5” handles. Velvet textured Polycarbonate Surface covers excellent ball-holding capability, allowing you to play topspin and backspin with finesse in a single play where power is the utmost requirement.
Then comes the Polymer Composite Honeycomb Core, which maximizes the durability and the touch and feel of the paddle. The driving force helped renowned player “Kyle Yates” in his first national play to burst the volleys and smash the opponents.
It has a similar surface width to TS-5 pro except that it’s shorter at 10 ⅝ which makes the total measure 15 ⅝ as a whole for the length. The shape gives it flexibility while the surface technologies are durable for at least 4 years.
Above all, the paddle is budget-friendly, yes you heard that right. Coming from Paddletek, with such versatility and an attractive price point, is something I’d say is a blessing that one should never miss out on.
3. Paddletek Tempest Reign Pro – Most Powerful Paddletek Paddle
9.8/10 – Our Score
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Specifications:
-
Weight:
7.6 – 8.0 oz -
Grip Circumference:
4 3/8″and 4 1/8″ -
Grip Length:
5 1/4″ -
Paddle Length:
16 1/2″ -
Width:
7 1/2″
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Ratings:
-
Power:
10/10 -
Control:
9/10 -
Spin:
8/10 -
Sweet spot:
8/10 -
Forgiveness:
9/10
Reign Pro has peaked in power, spin, and control factor with its Graphite constructed surface and core. It does EXPLOSION while it stays USAPA approved.
Paddletek has wiped out the use of fiber in this series and took a 94% graphite material to manufacture this series. Its textured surface allows quick spin and makes your game go a little aggressive and fast with quality shots.
Graphite Polymer Composite Honeycomb in this paddle is the most advanced core technology existing in today’s pickleball paddle industry, since 2014. Its broad cells designs work inversely in increasing the pop and decreasing the weight.
They further took up the handle from 5” to 5 1/4″, providing enough place to place all your 8 fingers and two thumbs on it. With longer handles though, it didn’t compromise on surface length, i.e., the surface is elongated too with 11.25 surface length–making the overall length of the paddle is 16 ½.
Paddletek tempest reign pro has a similar model that it introduces in the name of Catherine Parenteau, who has won 17 medals overall, including US Open and USAPA nationals, that speaks of the worth of the paddle, though. However, the model is limited to two colors only, making it a drawback for players who like to add paddles of various colors to their collection.
Basically, Reign Pro is a mid-weight paddle with a range from 7.6 to 8.0 that enables a player to try high soft shots, powerful volleys, cross courts, and more! Though it’s different in practicality, as it feels way lighter than its theoretical weight, and helps reduce tennis elbow and arm fatigue through it.
4. Paddletek Tempest Wave II – Best For Level 0.5 – 3.0
9.6/10 – Our Score
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Specifications:
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Weight:
7.4 – 7.8 oz -
Grip Circumference:
4 1/4″ -
Grip Length:
5 1/4″ -
Paddle Length:
15 7/8″ -
Width:
8″
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Ratings:
-
Power:
7/10 -
Control:
9/10 -
Spin:
7/10 -
Sweet spot:
9/10 -
Forgiveness:
8/10
Tempest wave II breaks the trend of narrow surface bodies with its 8 inches wide body. The paddle has the largest sweet spot in the entire tempest series. It delivers finesse and power through its magnificent sweet spot–just the reason why half of the courts are full with tempest wave II for the last 2 years.
The reason behind its popularity is the accuracy and responsiveness it provides. Not just beginners, it’s being the top choice for the advanced player too, for the way the paddle shields your game against unforced errors and misplaced shots. The Polymer Composite Honeycomb covered with a textured graphite surface constantly backs you up with a power boost to keep your position in the double’s play.
Compared to other paddles on this list, the “control” factor in tempest wave II is maximum, backed by its lightweight range between 7.4 – 7.8 oz. The crux of this is the Ultra Cushion High Tack Grip in standard size with which you can have a sweat-free and strain-free hold on your paddle.
5. Paddletek Paddletek Phoenix Genesis Pro – Best All-Around Pickleball Paddle
9.5/10 – Our Score
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Specifications:
-
Weight:
7.8 – 8.2 oz -
Grip Circumference:
4 3/8″, 4 1/8″ -
Grip Length:
5″ -
Paddle Length:
15 5/8″ -
Width:
7 ¾”
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Ratings:
-
Power:
8/10 -
Control:
8/10 -
Spin:
6/10 -
Sweet spot:
8/10 -
Forgiveness:
8/10
Phenix genesis pro is a standout model in the phoenix series that Paddletek manufactured in 2019, after the discontinuing element. It showcases a versatile blend of power and control. You can play soft serves with it with an excellent ace while letting it do the work of intensifying each of your shots with power. It’s also improvised from the original Genesis model carrying a larger sweet spot with a thicker core.
At 15 5/8″ length, it has a larger hitting area which you can use to hit the most difficult backhand shots. The handles take up 5” of the overall length, which provides better gripping and defensive surface area at 10 5/8 simultaneously. Younger and skinny layers can opt for the 4 3/8″, while if your hand needs a thicker grip, the paddle handle can be chosen with a 4 1/8″ circumference.
The thicker core of this paddle not only gives you an edge for power and accuracy but enhances the pop effect that escalates the joy factor with every shot. However, the weight range goes a bit higher in this paddle at 7.8 – 8.2 oz. This paddle is a workhorse for the players looking for a paddle that gives them the best of both the Tempest and Bantam series.
Paddletek’s Company Background and Paddle Manufacturing:
Paddletek, unlike Gamma and Onix, is a newly-emerged brand with a fast success rate. The brand has kept the manufacturing Simplest with high-grade materials. It was founded in 2012 and ever since it maintained the quality of each of the paddles such that it is now one of the leading pickleball manufacturing companies.
The success can be evaluated that the following list of the renowned players it features;
- Kyle Yates.
- Leigh Waters.
- Anna Leigh Waters.
- Catherine Parenteau.
- Irina Tereschenko.
- Scott Moore.
- Dave Weinbach.
The reason for its fast success? Well again, “quality” and “technology”. In most of its paddles, it kept the technology for the core, surface, edges, and grips the same. Contrary to other brands which feature different technologies in each paddle and messed up with the versatility. Some of the highlighted characteristics of Paddletek paddles are as follows:
Paddle Collection:
Previously, Paddletek used to have a long range of paddles. I remember some as Element, Ranger, and Stratus. All these paddles have been recently discontinued. Now, the brand has featured three collections offering paddles for every skill level by meeting the requirements of power, control, finesse, spin, forgiveness, etc.
Bantam Series (Power Paddles)
Bantam paddles feature a lineup of power paddles that mostly goes fine with advanced players. These have 6 paddles; Ex L, Ex L Pro, TS-5, TS-5 Pro, Sabre Pro, and TS-5 Anna Leigh Waters Edition.
Tempest Series (Control & Finesse)
Tempest series is a collection of 6 paddles made to complement players who are making their entry from beginner to advanced pickleball clubs. These have Tempest Wave Pro, Tempest Wave II, Wave Pro The Badger Edition, Reign Pro, Reign Pro Catherine Parenteau Edition, and the Original Tempest Wave.
Phoenix Series (The All-Rounder)
If you want to get the best of both worlds, the Pheonix series is where you should go. Unlike Bantam and Tempest, it has only 4 paddles, i.e., G6, Genesis, Genesis Pro, and Genesis Leigh Waters Edition.
Smart Response Technology:
Smart Response Technology is a high-grade Core technology that Paddletek uses in its Pro paddles. This is to intensify the paddle’s forgiveness and power. Although, the paddles with SRT core technology are generally more expensive than their precedents. However, it is definitely worth the extra price for a blend of power, control, and forgiveness that come with these paddles.
1/8″ -Edged Shock Guard:
All Paddletek paddles are secured with a 1/8″ -Edged Shock Guard that protects the core and surface of the paddle. It lengthens the durability of these paddles for years of gameplays, whether aggressive or soft.
5 Years Warranty:
5 years warranty is perhaps the best that makes it unique. No other brand offers a warranty for this huge time period, plus it covers dead spots too, so whenever you notice a slight dead spot in your paddle, you can contact them and get it fixed with no hassle.
Ultra Cushion High Tack Performance Grip:
Paddletek Pickleball paddles feature ultra cushion grips throughout its entire lineup. These are tackier and sweat-resistant. The material is of good quality. It doesn’t get wear and tear after years of usage.
Paddle Face:
What I found unique and spectacular about Paddletek are the paddle faces. Unlike smooth surfaces with composite, graphite, and fiber materials, they use Velvet textured Polycarbonate they use in most of their paddles. Bantam Ex L, Bantam Ex L Pro, Bantam Sabre Pro, and Phoenix G6 are paddles with velvet textured surfaces.
They have a Textured Fiberglass Epoxy Hybrid surface too which gives an excellent spin and pop effect. Besides, the pace and power are experience-worthy too. Paddles with these surfaces include Bantam TS-5, Bantam TS-5 Pr, Bantam TS-5 Anna Leigh Waters Edition, Genesis, Genesis Pro, And Genesis Leigh Waters Edition.
Finally, there’s a high-grade textured graphite surface that they use in the entire tempest series. These are one of the top-notch paddles that provide incredible spin yet are very control-oriented. It also gives the ball accuracy to land in the direction where the players want it to.
Paddle Core:
All three collections have unique cores, i.e. Hantam paddles have Bantam PolyCore, Tempest PolyCore is for the tempest series and simple PolyCore is the one you’ll find in the Pheonix series. Though, all the pro paddles have an SRT core which enhances the thickness and dampens the vibration while also increasing the touch and feel effects of the paddle. However, the SRT core paddles are a bit more expensive than the Polycarbonate honeycomb cores across all the series.
Conclusion:
Well, Paddletek really is a top-notch brand to consider for your next pickleball paddle. By now, you might have narrowed down your pick. However, for a double check, make sure the surface and core complement your gaming style. You are choosing the right grip size for your hand, and of course not sacrificing on the shape.
To conclude, the Pro models of Bantam TS-5 are the go-to choices for pro-playing with intensified power. If you are a control freak, then your choice is the Wave II of the tempest series. Finally, for an all-around choice, go for the Pheonix Genesis Pro.
Tell us in the comments, which one’s your favorite and what paddle you have chosen! See you again!
Harry is a freak who often argues that O in his name may well stand for “Obsessed with Pickleball.”
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