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Everyone’s talking about the Paddletek Bantam TKO and ALW-C, and for good reason. Paddletek, well known for its reliable paddles, has put a new spin on classic construction. As advanced players chase high-performance gear that lasts, Paddletek responded with paddles that blend the trustworthy feel of old-school design with the magic of raw carbon fiber. With demand surging for paddles that aren’t just powerful but also durable, the Bantam TKO and ALW-C are drawing eyes from tournament courts to neighborhood rec centers.
The soul of these paddles is simple: no gimmicks, just performance. Both the Bantam TKO series and the Bantam ALW-C skip newer foam-injected and thermoformed core designs in favor of a tried-and-true approach: a polymer honeycomb core combined with a PT-700 raw carbon fiber face. This blend brings together the consistent pop of older paddles and the spin potential of textured carbon fiber, offering a tactile, lively response every time the ball meets the face.
Paddletek gives players a tangible choice:
Handle shape matters more than many think. TKO-C comes with a 5.25-inch handle, suiting single-handers and those who don’t need extra space. The TKO-CX bumps that up to 5.75 inches, perfect for two-handed backhands or players who like a big grip. The ALW-C sits at a shorter 5 inches, but its wider face gives a speed boost at the kitchen.
All of these paddles keep their swing weight low—around 104 to 122, depending on model—so quick net exchanges feel effortless. You’ll notice the lighter weight immediately if you love rapid hand battles at the net, but you still get plenty of power thanks to the paddle’s crispy core response.
One of the standouts here is the raw carbon fiber face. The gritty PT-700 finish, layered with a touch of fiberglass, delivers serious spin—RPMs consistently hit the 2000+ range and often top out around 2200, rivaling or outpacing many foam-core paddles. This means you can really shape your serves and whip your cut shots with confidence.
Traditional, non-foam construction shines when it comes to lasting power. The Bantam series doesn’t suffer from the issues common in foam-core paddles, like face disbonding or core crush. There are occasional reports of subtle rattle in the TKO-CX due to perimeter weights, but Paddletek backs these paddles with a lifetime warranty. For players tired of having to retire paddles early, this is an appealing change.
So how do you pick between the TKO, TKO-CX, and ALW-C? Each has a unique personality, shaped for different types of players and play styles.
The TKO-C delivers a balance of pop and control, with a medium handle and grip size that fits most hands. It’s customizable, so you can adjust its weight or handle wrap to match your needs. With its 12.7mm core, expect fast hands and that satisfying “cannon” sound on big swings. The 14.3mm TKO-C smooths things out, adding a touch more control and soft shot management.
Best for: Aggressive players, singles specialists, and those who want to tinker with paddle setup.
The CX variant is built for players who need more handle reach. With a 5.75-inch handle and higher swing weight, it’s designed for the two-handed backhand crowd or anyone with bigger hands. Out of the box, it packs the most punch. However, those with smaller hands or who value lightness might find it a bit much in prolonged net battles.
Best for: Two-handed backhands, larger hands, power-focused play.
The ALW-C, favored by Anna Leigh Waters herself, focuses on speed and versatility. With a slightly wider face, lighter static and swing weight, and small grip options, it’s made for quick hand action at the net. The sweet spot is also bigger, meaning more forgiveness on less-than-perfect strikes. Its 12.7mm model zips through the air, great for reflex volleys, while the 14.3mm core gives just enough extra cushion for those who like soft dinks and drops.
Best for: Fast hands, doubles play, players with smaller hands, and anyone seeking blend of power with more control. Especially appealing to women or juniors.
While these paddles echo the smaller sweet spot found in gen 1 designs, the ALW-C’s wider face addresses that with a more forgiving strike zone. Players coming from new-gen foam paddles might notice the difference, especially on off-center hits. For those used to earlier gen paddles, the adjustment is minor.
ModelPowerControlHandle LengthGrip Size OptionsBest ForTKO-CHighGood5.25"StandardCustomizers, fightersTKO-CXTopMedium5.75"LargerTwo-handers, power-hittersALW-CHighBest5"Small or standardFast hands, wider face
Paddletek’s Bantam TKO and ALW-C stand as proof that you don’t need foam cores or elaborate constructions to keep up with modern pickleball demands. With raw carbon faces and traditional cores, these paddles bring together lasting durability, reliable power, and top spin without the hassle of fast-wearing parts.
If you want a paddle that stays strong season after season, the TKO and ALW-C belong on your shortlist. Power players, two-handed backhand devotees, and fans of quick net exchanges will all find a fit.
In a world full of paddles that promise the next big thing, Paddletek’s Bantam TKO and ALW-C prove that sometimes, a classic recipe made with today’s best materials can outperform the latest trend. Serious players looking for a winning mix of speed, power, and lasting value will want to give these paddles a long look.