Paddletek Bantam EX-L Pickleball Paddle | Professional Pickl

The Verdict

The Paddletek Bantam EX-L sits in an awkward spot: too pricey for beginners, too soft for power hitters. But for the intermediate player who’s figured out that pickleball is won at the kitchen line, it’s quietly one of the best control paddles under $100. Here’s the honest breakdown after digging through specs, 225 ratings, and what owners actually say.

What’s in the box

You get the paddle, period. No cover, no paddle tape, no balls. That’s typical at this price point, but worth knowing if you’re gifting it. The paddle itself measures a standard 15.75 inches long with an 8-inch-wide face — legal for all USAPA play. The 5.5-inch handle is the standout spec here; most paddles in this range give you 4.5–5 inches. That extra half-inch matters if you’re transitioning from tennis and like a two-handed backhand.

Build and feel

The Bantam EX-L uses a polymer honeycomb core wrapped in a textured polymer face. That combination produces a soft, muted response at contact — think hitting a ball with a firm pillow rather than a drumhead. The sweet spot is generous, which forgives off-center hits that would rattle your wrist on stiffer paddles. Weight runs 7.8–8.1 ounces, squarely in the midweight zone. It’s light enough to reset at the net quickly but heavy enough that you don’t feel like you’re swinging a toy.

The textured face deserves special mention. Unlike gritty surfaces that shed after a few months, Paddletek embosses the texture into the polymer. One reviewer noted, “Three months of daily play and the spin surface still grips the ball like day one.” That aligns with what I’ve seen from the brand — Paddletek’s durability is genuinely above average for this category.

Where it shines

If you’re developing a dink game, this paddle rewards you. The soft core absorbs pace, letting you drop the ball into the kitchen with touch instead of banging it long. Third-shot drops become repeatable. Resets at the net feel controllable. The extra handle length also helps with reach on backhand flicks — a subtle advantage that adds up over a long rally.

Buyers consistently praise the control. One owner put it plainly: “I upgraded from a $40 Amazon special and immediately noticed I could place the ball where I wanted instead of just hoping.” Another noted it “took two sessions to adjust to the softness, then I couldn’t go back.”

Honest shortcomings

The polymer core is the “L” in EX-L — it’s the lighter, softer version of Paddletek’s polypropylene-core Bantam EX. That means less pop on drives. If you’re a hard hitter who relies on pace, you’ll find yourself over-swinging to compensate. One reviewer complained: “I expected more power for $90. My old paddle hit harder.” Fair critique, but it’s also missing the point of this paddle.

The edge guard is thin. A few owners mentioned exposing the core after scraping it on the court surface during dives or low pickups. It’s cosmetic damage, not structural, but it’s worth knowing if you play on rough outdoor courts.

Who should buy this

• Intermediate players (3.0–4.0 level) who want to improve placement and touch
• Control-first players who’d rather outlast opponents than overpower them
• Tennis converts who need the extra handle length for two-handed backhands

Who should skip it

• Power hitters who need pop on demand — look at the full Bantam EX instead
• Pure beginners who’d be better served by a $50 paddle while learning fundamentals
• Players with elbow issues — the soft core helps, but you may prefer an even more dampened option

FAQ

Is this paddle good for outdoor play? Yes. The polymer face holds up well on rough outdoor courts, and the midweight keeps it stable in wind. Just watch that edge guard on hard surfaces.

How does it compare to the more expensive Bantam EX? The EX has a polypropylene core that’s stiffer and livelier. You’ll get more pop but less touch. If you’re deciding between them, ask yourself: do you need harder drives or better drops?

Does it come in different grip sizes? Yes, but sizes sell out fast. The 4.25-inch grip is most common. Check the listing carefully before ordering — grip size is the most common return reason for this paddle.

The Verdict

Buy it if: You’re an intermediate player who’s ready to stop swinging hard and start winning points at the kitchen line. The control and spin generation are genuinely excellent for $89.99.

Skip it if: Your game is built on power, or you’re a beginner who hasn’t developed touch yet. You’ll be frustrated by the soft response.

Rating: 4.6/5 — It’s not flashy, but it’s one of the most reliable control paddles at this price. The durability of the textured face and the thoughtful handle length push it above comparable options from Selkirk and Engage.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.