If you're shopping the upper mid tier, the Bantam TKO-CX 12.7 is Paddletek's answer for competitive players who'll feel a 0.2oz weight difference and tune their paddles with lead tape.
Build at a glance
- Face materialTORAY T700 raw carbon fibre
- ShapeElongated (16.5" length)
- Skill levelIntermediate · Advanced · Pro
- Play stylePower
What this paddle does well
TORAY T700 carbon is the modern competitive standard — same weave grade you find on paddles £80 more expensive. The face grips the ball for proper spin generation without flexing unpredictably under impact.
Elongated 16.5" shape extends reach for poaches, overheads, and stretched defensive shots. Sweet spot is tighter, but rewards perfect contact.
Who it's for
This paddle is designed with competitive players who'll feel a 0.2oz weight difference and tune their paddles with lead tape in mind. If you've moved past entry-tier paddles and want to feel the difference at every contact, the spec is here.
The honest trade-offs
The elongated shape gives reach but tightens the sweet spot — off-centre contact is less forgiving than a standard shape.
How it sits in the range
Browse Paddletek's full UK line to compare against the brand's other models, or the wider paddle range to compare against equivalents from other brands at this tier.
Frequently asked
Does this paddle come with a cover?
Cover inclusion varies by model and batch. Where Paddletek bundles a cover, we mention it explicitly in the listing. Otherwise, paddle covers are sold separately and we recommend one for any paddle £100+.
How does the Bantam TKO-CX 12.7 compare to other paddles in this price band?
At this price you're competing against the equivalent tier from Selkirk SLK, JOOLA, Head Radical, and Vatic Pro. The differences come down to face grit, edge guard quality, and brand-specific feel — best to read the spec sheet, not just the badge.
Is the Bantam TKO-CX 12.7 elongated or standard shape?
This is an elongated paddle (16.5" length). The longer face gives extra reach for poaches and overheads at the cost of a slightly tighter sweet spot. Suits aggressive baseliners and tall players.
Is the Bantam TKO-CX 12.7 USAPA approved?
Most current paddles from Paddletek are USAPA approved for sanctioned tournament play. Check the listing tags or contact us if you need confirmation for a specific event.
How long will this paddle last?
1–2 seasons of regular weekly play before noticeable dead-spot creep. Thermoformed unibody paddles tend toward the longer end of that range; sandwich-construction paddles toward the shorter.
Is the Bantam TKO-CX 12.7 too advanced for a beginner?
This paddle is engineered for advanced and tournament-bound players — tighter tolerances, more demanding sweet spot. Beginners can play it, but won't access most of what makes it special. Consider a £30–£90 starter paddle first.