Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14 vs Paddletek Tempest Wave V3
Paddletek's power build against its control build for players staying inside the brand. Both paddles measured on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA test. Paddletek Tempest Wave V3 takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 91Power72
- 79Control92
- 83Spin80
- 72Forgiveness86
- 74Sweet spot87
- 80Stability82
- 73Maneuverability81
- 92Pop68
- 72Touch91
- 78Consistency89
- 74Swing weight56
- 71Twist weight76
- 54Launch angle58
- 88Plow through66
- 56Softness88
Specs
| $180 | Price | $150 |
|---|---|---|
| 14 mm | Core | 16 mm |
| 8.2 oz | Weight | 7.9 oz |
| 115 | Swing weight | 110 |
| 6 | Twist weight | 6.1 |
| standard | Shape | standard |
| Carbon fiber | Surface | Textured carbon |
| 5 in | Handle | 5.25 in |
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.
Paddletek Tempest Wave V3 verdict
The reference control paddle for players who do not want the weight of a 20 mm build. Touch scores trail only the Luxx.
The verdict
Measured on the same 15-trait test, the clearest separation is softness: Paddletek Tempest Wave V3 scores 88 against 56 for Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14 — a 32-point gap. They are effectively level on spin, stability, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Paddletek Tempest Wave V3 is $30 cheaper at $150.
Softness
Paddletek Tempest Wave V3 leads by 32 points (88 vs 56).
Pop
Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14 leads by 24 points (92 vs 68).
Plow through
Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14 leads by 22 points (88 vs 66).
Power
Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14 leads by 19 points (91 vs 72).
Which one should you buy?
Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14
Take Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14 if you want pop (+24), plow through (+22), power (+19). Its swing weight of 115 kg·cm² and 14 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14 review →Paddletek Tempest Wave V3
Take Paddletek Tempest Wave V3 if you want softness (+32), touch (+19), forgiveness (+14). Its swing weight of 110 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Paddletek Tempest Wave V3 review →Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14 vs Paddletek Tempest Wave V3 FAQ
- Which is better, the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14 or the Paddletek Tempest Wave V3?
- Paddletek Tempest Wave V3 carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (82.9 vs 78.6), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — softness — Paddletek Tempest Wave V3 leads by 32 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Paddletek Tempest Wave V3, at 110 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.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- Paddletek Tempest Wave V3 costs $150, $30 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 TKO-C 14: 14 mm Bantam power core core with a Carbon fiber face. Paddletek Tempest Wave V3: 16 mm Tempest control core core with a Textured carbon face.
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 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
- Tempest Wave V3 vs SLK Halo Control
- Tempest Wave V3 vs Encore Pro EX
- Tempest Wave V3 vs Signature Carbon STR
- Tempest Wave V3 vs Essentials 16
Top alternatives to both
Paddles that beat one of these two on a specific trait or on price.
Read the full reviews: Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 14 and Paddletek Tempest Wave V3. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.