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Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Pro Middleweight Composite Pickleball Paddle

Paddletek

Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Pro Middleweight Composite Pickleball Paddle

94Universal Acclaim

The Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Pro receives overwhelmingly positive reviews for its excellent control, large sweet spot, and lightweight design that's easy on the arm while still providing good power. Reviewers consistently praise its balance of finesse and pop, making it particularly appealing to players with smaller hands due to its small grip option. The main drawbacks mentioned are the notably short handle length that some players find uncomfortable or inadequate for two-handed shots, and a few reports of edge guard tape coming loose.

Sentiment Breakdown

No sentiment data yet.

Pros

  • Large sweet spot with excellent control and ball placement
  • Lightweight design reduces arm/shoulder strain
  • Good balance of power and touch for versatile play
  • Small grip option ideal for players with smaller hands
  • Forgiving paddle face helps improve consistency

Cons

  • Short handle may feel awkward for some players
  • Limited spin generation compared to other paddles
  • May lack power for advanced aggressive players

What Reviewers Mention

Control
23% of reviews
Weight
19% of reviews
Power
15% of reviews
Sweet Spot
10% of reviews
Handle Length
8% of reviews

Specifications

Exit Velocity38.07 mph mph
Spin Rate647.85 rpm rpm
Consistency2.31 sd sd
Swing Weight873.91 oz/sq in oz/sq in
Twist Weight28.52 oz/sq in oz/sq in
Balance Point9.38 in in

Where to Buy

Most Recent Reviews: Showing 50 of 184 reviews

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Dick's Sporting Goods

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40Generally Unfavorable

Pass on these, save your money.: I bought these a month ago. I am a novice player and wanted to upgrade from the basic $29.99 set you can buy. I did not think these were THAT much better. Were they better, sure, but not $89 (on sale) better. Also, they handle on the paddle is really short, like my hand barely fit in the handle (~3.5") Also, I ordered online from Dick's. I received an already returned set, as the packaging was scotch taped and one ot the paddles had a scratch/divit/defect on

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

Bantam TS-5 Pro: I am enjoying my new paddle. It is light enough, feels good in my hand, and this will be my 4th one!

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Pickleheads

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80Universal Acclaim

While this is an elite choice for newcomers (I even named it my top beginner paddle in 2023), I don't think it has enough to tempt more advanced players. Once you hit the intermediate level, you'll want enough spin and power to help you play a more aggressive game, and the Bantam TS-5 doesn't have that. That said, it does have better quality materials, more forgiveness, and superior control than other beginner paddles—plus an endorsement from ALW herself. This puts it above and beyond other p...

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

Paddles: Very responsive and gentler on my wrist than my previous paddle. Fairly large sheet spot.

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Pickleball Central

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80Universal Acclaim

This is same brand that I used previously so I don't feel a great deal of change. I was going for a smaller handle, but it feels exactly the same. I does have more power and I think my placements are better. : Content with purchase and service

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Pickleball Central

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20Generally Unfavorable

Paddle Performance: As soon as I opened the bag the paddle handle was very short. I wanted a lightweight paddle and this paddle had no control touches. It sounded hollow and played like a wood paddle. I would not recommend buying this paddle. ***PBC Response*** Thanks for taking the time to leave a review Jon! While your experience with the paddle is not consistent with others, we know that not every paddle will be right for every player. That's why we offer our 30-day no questions asked test d

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Pickleball Central

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80Universal Acclaim

I have only had the paddle for a few days and 8 Live It!!: Great action !!

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

Great paddle for me : This is my 3rd Paddletek. It works for me, being a lighter weight and smaller grip.

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

Bantam TS-5 Pro Paddle: Love this paddle! I had used same type for my last paddle and couldn't find any reason to change to something different. My hardest decision was what color to pick for new paddle!

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

Bantam TS-5 Pro: This is my second TS-5 Pro. I love the power and control I get with this paddle. I considered trying out something different but decided not to because I love my old paddle.

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

Pickleball Product Review:

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

Great paddle: Improved my touch Great feel in my hand

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

Great Paddle: It is hard for me to find a lightweight paddle with a 4” grip. This paddle is fits that plus it has improved my power and control. I love the feel of it and it is very responsive. I would recommend this paddle. You can always up grip if you prefer larger grip. Great paddle, especially for someone with a smaller hand.

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

Super Product:

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

Bantam TS-pro: Very good sweet spot and has the nice "pop" sound we all love. Weight is perfect my small body and also the small handle. This is my 4th paddle, long story, and finally a good fit for my skill level 3.0.

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

Great product!: Timely and wonderful service.

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

The small grip with the 7.4 weight works great. I:

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

Return paddle: Pickleball central realizes how exciting it is to get new equipment. I had an issue with the paddle I ordered and they offered me two options to fix a problem. I chose to get a new paddle and they let me keep the other one until the new one arrived. there attention to customer service is amazing especially these days. Thanks PBC!

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Pickleball Central

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80Universal Acclaim

Nice paddle, but squatty handle: This is a very good paddle and played well. However the balance between the size of the face (quite ample) vs. the length of the handle (4 3/4") seems off. I have a very small hand and the handle was still too short for me. I returned the paddle and got an edgeless model with a 5" handle.

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

Finally: I have tried several paddles for my husband so he can step up from his Monarch; not that there is anything wrong with Monarch, he was just ready. Finding a thin paddle similar to his beloved Monarch was not easy. After several attempts, he really likes this paddle! It's thin, has a nice sweet spot, and plays well when the ball is hit. I highly recommend for anyone looking for a thinner paddle.

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

Anastasia is the best !: I was truly confused when trying to choose a racket..all of the manufacturers say the same thing! Yet Anastasia took the time to actually listen to me, ask her own questions, evaluate all that information and come up with three paddle suggestions at different price points. I chose the Paddletek Pro and have been very happy with my choice ! Shipping was extremely fast !

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Pickleball Central

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80Universal Acclaim

Good paddle: I’m still getting used to this new paddle that is lighter than the one I have been using. I can tell a differ easier in control without losing power.

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

Second TS5: This is my second TS5, love the quick handling at the net but still has power from the lightweight version. Makes me wish I could play every day!

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

Great Paddle: Paddle plays well like most Paddletek paddles. More control than most paddles with a nice texture face to help with spin.

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

Outstanding service: The woman who helped me with my order was exceptional. She listened to me and helped me pick out my gifts. Thank you so much. When it stops raining, I hope to try out my new paddle and shoes.

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Pickleball Central

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80Universal Acclaim

Pickleball Product Review:

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

Christmas gift:

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

Pickleball Product Review:

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

TS-5: Nice looking paddle; looking forward to using it i a couple of weeks when I am medically cleared

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

TS 5: Great paddle!,

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

Love this paddle:

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

Lighter Racket Smaller Grip: As I get older I needed a lighter racket as well as a smaller grip. Having been a long time Selkirk player, I decided to try another brand. The Bantam TS -5 Pro seemed to have what I was looking for. Ordered it from Pickleball Central and it arrived very quickly (from Washington to Florida). I have used it several times and it meets all my expectations. Great racket, great dealer, very pleased. I buy all my Pickleball gear from PIckleball Central.

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

Pickleball Product Review:

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

Love my new paddle: Trying to decide on a new paddle is hard. I tried several friends’ paddles, researched various paddles, and decided on the new Bantam. It’s lightweight, a little longer than my last paddle and after playing several rounds, I’m very happy with the feel and performance. Ordering from Pickleball Central is easy and delivery is quick.

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

Bantam pro: Excellent paddle as I went to a lighter paddle. Only minor issue with top banding of grip. It isn't tightly wrapped all around. Looks like electrical tape wrapping. Otherwise I am happy with it after a few hours of play.

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Pickleball Central

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60Mixed or Average

Not the paddle for me/sore shoulder and arm: This short-handled paddle did give me some extra power because I could swing faster. It was fun to play with, until my shoulder and arm started hurting because I was swinging so hard. I had to send it back.

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

2nd Purchase: I bought this paddle in another color about 18 months ago. I love it. I play 5 or 6 days a week and I'm a bit of a banger. About a month ago I noticed that it just didn't seem to perform as well. I read that the interior degrades over time. I felt that it was a good value and didn't hesitate to order it again.

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

Nice feel: I ordered the small grip and it is great! Also, the lighter weight of the paddle seems to improve my ability to more quickly go between back and forehand. Control seems better, too.

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

Pickleball Product Review: I love my Bantam TS-5 PRO. This is the second one I have purchased, and I will continue to purchase this one because I love the larger sweet spot and the excellent weight for me.

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

Love this paddle!: lightweight paddle but still powerful.

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

Pickleball Product Review:

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Pickleball Central

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60Mixed or Average

Not long handled: I put in my specs to narrow the choices of paddles I could see. One of the features I was looking for was a long handle for my two hand backhand. This paddle came up in those choices. It DOES NOT HAVE A LONG HANDLE. It is shorter than my previous handle. Overall I like this paddle. I just wish it hadn’t been included in the long handle search.

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

Thank You Pickleball Central!: Two weeks after receiving my new Bantam paddle, the edge guard started peeling off. I notified Pickleball Central of the problem, and they immediately sent out a new replacement paddle, with packaging and a shipping label to return the defective one. The customer service at PB Central is amazing! Much better than the horrible service I received previously from Paddletek re: another defective paddle, unfortunately.

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Pickleball Central

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80Universal Acclaim

Pickleball Product Review:

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

Bantam TS-5 Pro: Weight distribution is very good

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Pickleball Central

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100Universal Acclaim

Great paddle: For me, this is a great paddle. It has excellent power and good accuracy. The sweet spot seems to be the entire paddle face.

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