⚖️ Rating: Highly recommended
💰Discount code: PBMED for 10% off

Pros:

• Feels like an upgraded version of the Bantam TKO-CX
• More plush than the 11SIX24 power series due to dwell time
• Strong pop and extremely high maneuverability

Cons:

• Although dissection shows positive signs, Gen 3 paddles are notorious for their lack of durability
• Sweet spot on the smaller side
• Slight flexing at the neck, which may bother some players

Gameplay Performance

Pop and power

• Strong pop but not uncontrollable due to good dwell time
• Pop is in power category
• Power is close to Bantam TKO when weighted up
• Lower drive speed compared to Joola Perseus Pro IVs
• Pop falls just below the 14mm Joola Perseus Pro IV and slightly above the 16mm versions

Controllability

• Higher than expected dwell time makes it easier to shape the ball
• Higher on the pop spectrum, so may not be suitable for beginners

Sweet spot and forgiveness

• Feels like a better, plusher, and more forgiving 14.3 mm Bantam TKO-CX
• More plush than the 11SIX24 Power series due to better dwell time

Weight and maneuverability:

• Extremely maneuverable due to low swing weight even with lead tape
• Felt a little flexing at the neck

Durability

• No significant break in after the first day of play
• When dissecting the paddle, face was adhered very tightly
• Honeycomb cells looked orderly and healthy
• EVA foam wasn’t adhered to honeycomb core and has space between foam and cells, which is a plus for durability
• Paddles where foam is adhered to cells causes it to separate and cause significant break-in. Too much foam will compromise cells as well. The gap helps C45 be more durable.

Spin:

• Very high spin coming out at 2,230 RPMs
• High maneuverability made it easy to shape the ball and move the ball around

Final Verdict

Recommended for: players who like customization, want high maneuverability, and offensive options at the net

Not ideal for: control-oriented players looking for a large sweet spot or do not want to customize their paddle

⚖️ Rating: Highly Recommended
💰Discount code: JOHNKEW for 10% off
👉 John Kew Stat Database

Pros:

• Power paddle with extremely high maneuverability and customization
• Fairly priced as it sits in the middle of most Gen 3 power paddles

Cons:

• Absolutely needs modification to reach its potential
• Unremarkable sweet spot

Gameplay Performance

Pop and power

• Exceptional pop provides great attacking option at the kitchen, but can lead to pop-ups for lower level players
• Fits squarely into power category, comparable to the 11Six24 Vapor Power, CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1 and Joola Scorpeus 3s
• Hits hard out of the box, but added weight gives it more plow-through for even higher levels of power

Controllability

• Added weight makes the face feel softer and gives it nice additional dwell time
• Pleasant feel when hitting the ball

Sweet spot and forgiveness:

• Small sweet spot stock
• Decent sweet spot when weighted up, not exceptional

Weight and maneuverability:

• Light stockweight feels like ball pushes the paddle around
• Very maneuverable even with added weight

Durability:

• Most likely won’t see as much core crushing like the Mod TA-15s, but we can expect break ins due to Gen 3 foam construction

Spin:

• Combination of peel-ply construction and good dwell time makes spin very strong

Final Verdict

Recommended for: lightweight power paddle

Not ideal for: players who are concerned about break-in, have difficulty controlling poppy paddle

⚖️ Rating: Mixed Feelings
💰Discount code: PBSTUDIO for 10% off
👉 Pickleball Studio Stat Database

Pros:

• Tons of room to customize your paddle to meet your unique ne

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⚖️ Rating: Mixed Feelings
💰Discount code: PBSTUDIO for 10% off
👉 Pickleball Studio Stat Database

Pros:

• Tons of room to customize your paddle to meet your unique needs (the need for weight customization is overblown)
• With added weight, becomes a very powerful paddle
• Extremely maneuverable at the net

Cons:

• Durability issues is a major concern
• Poppiness can be hard to control and would be a better fit for more experienced players

Gameplay Performance

Pop and power

• Poppy paddle and provides offensive options at the net but not enough driving power in stock form
• Once weighted up, it’s a power paddle

Controllability

• More difficult to control for dinking and resets
• More suitable for higher level players
• Sweet spot felt small without weight, but didn’t have any complaints once weighted up
• Very noticeable dead spot at bottom of the face

Sweet spot and forgiveness:

• When brand new, feels stiffer 
• Ball sinks in paddle more than expected

Weight and maneuverability:

• One of the lightest stock paddles on the market
• Extremely maneuverable since stock weight is so low
• Even with added weight, this is where paddle shines

Durability:

• Gen 3 paddle construction raises eyebrows due to its reputation
• The paddle will change over time, especially compared to PaddleTek Bantams
• Experienced rattling due to loose glue or core, which is annoying for the price even if it doesn’t affect performance
• Paddle felt noticeably more plush, softer, and thunkier, with decreased tension on the face over time
• Edgeguard came loose and the carbon fiber face poked out over edge guard after 35 hours of playtime

Spin:

• Frustrating for certain shots on a consistent basis
• Didn’t get great shape on the ball
• Drastic difference from current main, TruFoam Genesis 2

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