The Paddletek Bantam ALW-C is Anna Leigh Waters’ signature weapon, built to combine power, spin, and quick hands in a traditional widebody shape. It pairs Paddletek’s Bantam polymer honeycomb core with a PT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber face that grips the ball for heavy spin while keeping the paddle light, lively, and fast at the kitchen.
Verdict
Paddletek Bantam ALW-C
PT-700 raw carbon fiber and the proprietary Bantam core deliver tournament-ready performance for intermediate to advanced players.
Bottom Line
Serious pop, big spin, and quick hands in a pro-designed widebody. The ALW-C is a legitimate all-court weapon for aggressive players.
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Elite PT-700 carbon spin
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Fast swing weight
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Two thickness options
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Smaller sweet spot
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Less power than TKO-C
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Tight handle for two-handers
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Specs
| Specification | Details |
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| Weight | 7.5–7.8 oz (selectable) |
| Core | Bantam Polymer Honeycomb |
| Face Material | PT-700 Unidirectional Raw Carbon Fiber |
| Thickness | 12.7mm or 14.3mm |
| Handle Length | 5.25″ |
| Grip Size | 4.25″ |
| Shape | Standard (Widebody) |
| Paddle Length | 15 5/8″ |
| Paddle Width | 7 3/4″ |
| Swing Weight | ~105 (light and fast) |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
Performance
Power
The Bantam core delivers genuine pop, especially in the 12.7mm version which plays faster and livelier off the face. It won’t match the raw explosiveness of elongated Gen 3 cannons, but it punches well above its weight for a square paddle. Drives jump, overheads finish, and counters at the net have real authority behind them.
Control
The 14.3mm version is where control shines—dinks stay low, drops land consistently, and resets off hard drives feel manageable. Even the 12.7mm remains playable in the soft game once you dial it in. You’re not fighting the paddle; you’re directing it. Placement is honest, and the feedback tells you exactly where contact happened.
Spin
PT-700 raw carbon fiber is the headline here. The surface grips the ball hard, generating spin numbers that compete with the best paddles on the market. Topspin serves dive, roll volleys cut sharply, and slices stay nasty. If spin is a core part of your game, this face rewards it every time.
Feel
The Bantam core feels crisp and connected—none of the muted, mushy response you get from heavy foam-injected paddles. You hear it, you feel it, and you know where the ball hit. The low swing weight around 105 makes the paddle flick-fast at the net, which is exactly how ALW plays.
The widebody shape gives the ALW-C a larger sweet spot than its elongated sibling, the TKO-C. Off-center hits stay playable, and the extra width helps on blocks and quick defensive shots.
Best For
Intermediate to advanced players (3.5+) who want a fast, spin-heavy paddle for aggressive, quick-hands pickleball. Great pick if you like a lighter paddle, play a lot of net exchanges, and want pro-tested performance without customizing heavy.
Skip this if you’re a pure beginner, need maximum baseline power, or rely on long two-handed backhands—the shorter handle and standard shape aren’t built for that.
Comparisons
vs. Paddletek Bantam TKO-C
TKO-C is the elongated sibling with more reach and a touch more raw power. ALW-C has the larger sweet spot and faster hands. Baseline bangers go TKO-C; net-first aggressive players go ALW-C.
vs. JOOLA Perseus Pro IV
Perseus delivers more explosive, thermoformed power in an elongated shape. ALW-C is faster, lighter, and more forgiving, with comparable spin. Power hunters go Perseus; quick-hands players go ALW-C.
vs. Selkirk LUXX Control Air
LUXX leans harder into soft-game control with a plush feel. ALW-C is snappier, more powerful, and generates more spin. Soft-game specialists go LUXX; aggressive all-courters go ALW-C.
Value
This is a premium-tier paddle, and you’re paying for pro-developed specs, the PT-700 carbon face, and Paddletek’s made-in-USA build quality. You get selectable static weight down to the tenth of an ounce, two thickness options, and a shape co-designed with the world’s number one player.
A smart buy for intermediate-to-advanced players who want a proven pro paddle without needing to customize it into performance.
Final
The Bantam ALW-C earns its reputation. PT-700 carbon generates elite spin, the Bantam core delivers honest pop, and the low swing weight makes the paddle lethal in hands battles. It’s a true all-court weapon for aggressive players.
Yes, the handle is shorter than some two-handed players want, and the standard shape gives up some reach to elongated paddles. But the speed, spin, and feel make the tradeoffs worthwhile for the right player.
If you play fast, rely on spin, and want a paddle co-designed with the best player in the world, the ALW-C is a legitimate pick. Pro-level performance in a package that stays quick in your hand.
FAQs
Should I choose the 12.7mm or 14.3mm version?
The 12.7mm gives you more pop and a faster face, ideal for aggressive, attacking players who finish points. The 14.3mm offers more forgiveness and better control, which suits intermediate players who want longer rallies and stable dinking. Most attackers go 12.7mm; most control players go 14.3mm.
Is the ALW-C good for beginners?
It’s better suited to intermediate and advanced players (3.5+). Beginners may find the pop and smaller sweet spot challenging to handle. If you’re just starting out, the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro or Bantam TS-5 offers more forgiveness. Developing 3.0–3.5 players with solid fundamentals can absolutely grow into the ALW-C.
Will the 5.25″ handle work for two-handed backhands?
It’s workable but not ideal for players with long two-handed strokes or larger hands. The 5.25″ is a step up from the original ALW-C’s 5.0″ handle, so two-handers do fit. If you need more handle length, look at the Bantam TKO-CX, which offers a 5.75″ handle built specifically for two-handed play.
How does the ALW-C compare to the TKO-C?
Same core technology and same PT-700 face, but different shapes. The ALW-C is a standard widebody with a larger sweet spot and faster hands. The TKO-C is elongated with more reach and slightly more raw power. Choose ALW-C for net-first, quick-hands play; choose TKO-C for baseline-heavy, reach-first play.
Does the paddle hold up over time?
Paddletek has a strong durability reputation, and the Bantam construction with overlapping edge guard is built to last. The PT-700 carbon face isn’t a painted-on grit coat, so spin performance stays consistent over months of heavy play. Most reviewers report zero issues with core or face integrity over extended testing.
