Review: Paddletek Bantam EX-L Pickleball Paddle

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Hey Pickle People!

Don’t you just love the feeling of the perfect shot all the time??? Well you know I do!!! I have been using the Paddletek Bantam EX-L for about a month now and although I would like to think my skill has gone up, lets be honest its probably just this paddle that is making me leaps and bounds better at hitting shots. This review might be similar to the Paddletek Bantam TS-5 and that is probably because these paddles have very similar form factors, they just vary mostly in weight and have a slightly different feel. Now I know I said I love the TS-5 but I honestly think this paddle is a little bit better for me because I like to feel more of the paddle weight in my hand, allowing me to “feel” the paddle more and get more control. Woahhhh there, my bad, I started the review before the beginning of the review, so let’s just jump into it!

Paddletek Bantam EX-L Pickleball Paddle (Riptide (Blue), 7.8-8.4 Ounces)

Paddletek

Head

This is a powerful paddle. The amount of “pop” you can get off the face is pretty impressive when hitting from the back of the court. Like I said in my intro, I think this paddle might suit me a little bit better than my TS-5 because it has a little more weight and I can feel more of the paddle when I’m swinging. This gives me more of the feeling that I am swinging a paddle and I can make my shots more consistent each time. I think this paddle can be played pretty much anywhere on the court. The dink game was not problem and serves felt great. I was also able to play a great finesse game really utilizing the matte finished face. There is a lot to love about this paddle, but the power from the head in kill shots is where the EX-L really shines.

Handle

Again, I have been using the stock handle and no problems here. The grip feels solid and the extra weight on the paddle actually makes the paddle feel a bit sturdier. I also feel a little less of the shock from the ball in this paddle compared to the TS-5 probably due to the weight and greater inertia the paddle has when the ball strikes it. Hitting power shots with this paddle feels really nice and it really seems like the makers had this in mind when making the EX-L.

Overall Impressions/Specs

• Great power + control

• Lightweight, but not too light

• All-Around/Finesse Capabilities

I really like this paddle and I am a little sad my friend is going to take it back soon. I think that between the EX-L and the TS-5 it really comes down to the preference of the weight you like to play with because they both provide great performance in all aspects of the game. I love the power it brings along with just a great all around package and build quality. One thing that I forgot to mention is this is considered a “quiet paddle” so it can be used on courts that have a sound restriction and ban certain aluminum and Normex paddles.

Similar Paddles:

Specs:

• Weight Average: 8.2 ounces

• Weight Range: 7.7 - 8.4 ounces

• Grip Circumference: 4 1/4" (Medium)

• Grip Tack: medium

• Grip Style: cushion, perforated

• Grip Length: 5 1/8"

• Paddle Length:15 5/8"

• Paddle Width: 7 7/8"

• Paddle Face: Vinyl graphic

• Core Material: Polymer honeycomb

• Edge Guard: 1/8" overlapping paddle face

Here is the Amazon link if you wanted to check the paddle out!

Paddletek Bantam EX-L Pickleball Paddle (Riptide (Blue), 7.8-8.4 Ounces)

Paddletek

Buy on Amazon

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