Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 14 vs Six Zero Ruby
Both paddles measured on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA test. Paddletek Bantam ALW-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
- 85Power85
- 90Control86
- 84Spin88
- 88Forgiveness81
- 89Sweet spot82
- 85Stability85
- 84Maneuverability76
- 84Pop83
- 88Touch82
- 89Consistency85
- 66Swing weight70
- 84Twist weight83
- 54Launch angle56
- 74Plow through80
- 86Softness74
Specs
| $200 | Price | $160 |
|---|---|---|
| 14 mm | Core | 16 mm |
| 7.7 oz | Weight | 8.2 oz |
| 105 | Swing weight | 114 |
| 6.9 | Twist weight | 6.6 |
| standard | Shape | hybrid |
| Textured carbon | Surface | Raw T700 carbon |
| 5.25 in | Handle | 5.4 in |
Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 14 verdict
The lightweight Bantam. At 7.7 oz it is one of the fastest paddles in the database through hands battles, and Paddletek's core keeps the feel soft rather than tinny.
Six Zero Ruby verdict
Six Zero's answer to the hybrid trend, and the most balanced paddle in our 2026 test group. Very few weaknesses at this price.
The verdict
Measured on the same 15-trait test, the clearest separation is softness: Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 14 scores 86 against 74 for Six Zero Ruby — a 12-point gap. They are effectively level on launch angle, pop, twist weight, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Six Zero Ruby is $40 cheaper at $160.
Softness
Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 14 leads by 12 points (86 vs 74).
Maneuverability
Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 14 leads by 8 points (84 vs 76).
Forgiveness
Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 14 leads by 7 points (88 vs 81).
Sweet spot
Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 14 leads by 7 points (89 vs 82).
Which one should you buy?
Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 14
Take Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 14 if you want softness (+12), maneuverability (+8), forgiveness (+7). Its swing weight of 105 kg·cm² and 14 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 14 review →Six Zero Ruby
Take Six Zero Ruby if you want plow through (+6), spin (+4), swing weight (+4). Its swing weight of 114 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Six Zero Ruby review →Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 14 vs Six Zero Ruby FAQ
- Which is better, the Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 14 or the Six Zero Ruby?
- Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 14 carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (86.3 vs 83.5), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — softness — Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 14 leads by 12 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 14, at 105 kg·cm² swing weight against 114 for Six Zero Ruby. Lower swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.
- Which paddle has more power, the Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 14 or the Six Zero Ruby?
- Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 14 measures 85 on power against 85 for Six Zero Ruby. That comes from a 14 mm Bantam polymer core core swinging at 105 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 14 at 90 versus 86. Its 14 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?
- Six Zero Ruby scores 88 for spin off its Raw T700 carbon face, against 84 for the Textured carbon face on Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 14. In practice a 4-point gap is small enough that technique matters more.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 14, with 6.9 twist weight against 6.6. Higher twist weight means the face rotates less when you miss the middle, and Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 14 carries the higher forgiveness score (88) as a result.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- Six Zero Ruby costs $160, $40 less. Whether that gap is worth closing depends on whether you actually use the traits it trades away — check the head-to-head DNA bars above before paying up.
- Do they use the same core and face?
- Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 14: 14 mm Bantam polymer core core with a Textured carbon face. Six Zero Ruby: 16 mm Thermoformed polymer core with a Raw T700 carbon face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- Six Zero Ruby, at 5.4 in of handle against 5.25 in. Anything under 5.25 in forces you to choke the bottom hand onto the face bevel.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 14 is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 88 and sweet spot 89 mean fewer mishits while your contact point is still inconsistent. Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 14 rewards a repeatable swing and can feel unstable before that.
- Which is lighter in the hand?
- Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 14 at 7.7 oz against 8.2 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (105 vs 114) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Six Zero Ruby to the Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 14?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 14 leads on softness by 12 points; everything else is within 8 points. At $200 vs $160, 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.
- Bantam ALW-C 14 vs Magnus 3S 16
- Bantam ALW-C 14 vs Loco 16mm Standard
- Bantam ALW-C 14 vs Mach 1 Forza 16
- Bantam ALW-C 14 vs Pursuit MX 6.0
Top alternatives to both
Paddles that beat one of these two on a specific trait or on price.
Read the full reviews: Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 14 and Six Zero Ruby. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.