Gearbox GX2 Integra XL vs Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14
Both paddles are scored using the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model. Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14 takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
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Quick answer
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL wins this matchup for most players: it takes spin, control and hand speed on Paddle DNA against the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14, which costs $180.
Power
91 vs 73
Spin
90 vs 83
Control
94 vs 79
Forgiveness
Too close to call
73 vs 72
Hand speed
105 vs 115 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
Too close to call
$170 at IQ 78 vs $180 at IQ 78.6
Overall pick: Gearbox GX2 Integra XL · $170 · IQ 78
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 73Power91
- 94Control79
- 90Spin83
- 73Forgiveness72
- 71Sweet spot74
- 68Stability80
- 89Maneuverability73
- 70Pop92
- 92Touch72
- 78Consistency78
- 58Swing weight74
- 53Twist weight71
- 46Launch angle54
- 67Plow through88
- 90Softness56
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL vs Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14 specs
Every spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | Gearbox GX2 Integra XL | Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14 |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $170 — better | $180 |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 78 | 78.6 — better |
| Weight(oz) | 8 | 8.2 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 16 | 14 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 105 | 115 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 5.7 | 6 — better |
| Shape | hybrid | standard |
| Face length(in) | 16.375 | 16 |
| Face width(in) | 7.375 | 7.9 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.5 | 5 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4 | 4.25 |
| Surface | TXR Surface Grip Technology (3K Woven Carbon Fiber) | Carbon fiber |
| Core material | 140 FAW-Toray T-700 Mid Modulus Carbon Fiber | Bantam power core |
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL verdict
Gearbox's solid-span construction removes the traditional honeycomb core, which is why the GX2 feels dense and quiet where thermoformed rivals feel hollow and loud.
Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14 verdict
A pure pop paddle. Counters come off the face faster than almost anything in the database, and the trade-off is a firm, chatty feel on soft shots.
The verdict
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is softness: Gearbox GX2 Integra XL scores 90 against 56 for Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14 — a 34-point gap. They are effectively level on sweet spot, forgiveness, consistency, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Price is close enough ($170 vs $180) that it should not break the tie.
Softness
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL leads by 34 points (90 vs 56).
Pop
Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14 leads by 22 points (92 vs 70).
Plow through
Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14 leads by 21 points (88 vs 67).
Touch
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL leads by 20 points (92 vs 72).
Which one is right for your level?
Each call below re-weights the Paddle DNA traits that matter at that level, so the winner can differ from the overall pick.
Beginner
New to 3.0 — still building a consistent contact point
Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14
Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14 is a narrow pick at this level — twist weight 71 vs 53, stability 80 vs 68, sweet spot 74 vs 71. Twist weight 6 keeps the face steadier on off-centre contact.
- Twist weight
- Stability
- Sweet spot
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL is the clearer pick at this level — maneuverability 89 vs 73, control 94 vs 79, touch 92 vs 72. At 105 kg·cm² swing weight it stays quick enough for hands battles.
- Maneuverability
- Control
- Touch
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (83.3 vs 81.9 on the weighted index). Pick on shape — hybrid on the GX2 Integra XL, standard on the Bantam TKO-C 14.
- Touch
- Maneuverability
- Control
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL is the clearer pick at this level — softness 90 vs 56, forgiveness 73 vs 72. Its 16 mm 140 FAW-Toray T-700 Mid Modulus Carbon Fiber core at 8 oz is the softer, lower-shock build of the two.
- Softness
- Forgiveness
Which one should you buy?
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL
Take Gearbox GX2 Integra XL if you want softness (+34), touch (+20), maneuverability (+16). Its swing weight of 105 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL review →Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14
Take Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14 if you want pop (+22), plow through (+21), power (+18). Its swing weight of 115 kg·cm² and 14 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14 review →Gearbox GX2 Integra XL vs Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14 FAQ
- Which is better, the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL or the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14?
- Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14 carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (78.6 vs 78), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — softness — Gearbox GX2 Integra XL leads by 34 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Gearbox GX2 Integra XL, at 105 kg·cm² swing weight against 115 for Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14. Lower swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.
- Which paddle has more power, the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL or the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14?
- Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14 scores 91 for power against 73 for Gearbox GX2 Integra XL. That comes from a 14 mm Bantam power core swinging at 115 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- Gearbox GX2 Integra XL at 94 versus 79. Its 16 mm core holds the ball on the face slightly longer, which is what makes resets and dinks land shorter.
- Which paddle spins the ball more?
- Gearbox GX2 Integra XL scores 90 for spin off its TXR Surface Grip Technology (3K Woven Carbon Fiber) face, against 83 for the Carbon fiber face on Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14. In practice a 7-point gap is noticeable on third-shot drives.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Gearbox GX2 Integra XL, with the higher forgiveness score (73 vs 72). Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14 actually carries the higher twist weight (6 vs 5.7), but Gearbox GX2 Integra XL makes it back on sweet spot (71) and overall face stability.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- They are within $10 of each other, so price should not decide this matchup.
- Do they use the same core and face?
- Gearbox GX2 Integra XL: 16 mm 140 FAW-Toray T-700 Mid Modulus Carbon Fiber core with a TXR Surface Grip Technology (3K Woven Carbon Fiber) face. Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14: 14 mm Bantam power core with a Carbon fiber face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- Gearbox GX2 Integra XL, at 5.5 in of handle against 5 in. Anything under 5.25 in forces you to choke the bottom hand onto the face bevel, which Gearbox GX2 Integra XL avoids.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- Gearbox GX2 Integra XL is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 73 and sweet spot 71 mean fewer mishits while your contact point is still inconsistent. Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14 rewards a repeatable swing and can feel less stable before that.
- Which is lighter in the hand?
- Gearbox GX2 Integra XL at 8 oz against 8.2 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (105 vs 115) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL to the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Gearbox GX2 Integra XL leads on softness by 34 points; everything else is within 22 points. At $170 vs $180, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
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Guides featuring these paddles
Still deciding? These buying guides put Gearbox GX2 Integra XL and Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14 in context against the rest of the database.
Read the full reviews: Gearbox GX2 Integra XL and Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.