Gearbox GX2 Integra XL vs Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14
Both paddles measured on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA test. 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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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
Specs
| $170 | Price | $180 |
|---|---|---|
| 16 mm | Core | 14 mm |
| 8 oz | Weight | 8.2 oz |
| 105 | Swing weight | 115 |
| 5.7 | Twist weight | 6 |
| hybrid | Shape | standard |
| TXR Surface Grip Technology (3K Woven Carbon Fiber) | Surface | Carbon fiber |
| 5.5 in | Handle | 5 in |
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
Measured on the same 15-trait test, 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 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 measures 91 on power against 73 for Gearbox GX2 Integra XL. That comes from a 14 mm Bantam power core 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?
- Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14, with 6 twist weight against 5.7. Higher twist weight means the face rotates less when you miss the middle, and Gearbox GX2 Integra XL carries the higher forgiveness score (73) as a result.
- 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 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 unstable 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.
Also worth comparing
Head-to-heads that share DNA with this matchup — useful if you're still deciding between shapes, cores or price tiers.
- GX2 Integra XL vs Hyperion C2 CFS 16
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- GX2 Integra XL vs Perseus 14
- GX2 Integra XL vs Pursuit Pro1 6.0 Hybrid
- Bantam TKO-C 14 vs Vanguard Power Air
- Bantam TKO-C 14 vs CRBN-1X Power Series
- Bantam TKO-C 14 vs CX14E Ultimate Power
- Bantam TKO-C 14 vs Hyperion CFS 16
Top alternatives to both
Paddles that beat one of these two on a specific trait or on price.
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.