Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Pro Composite Paddle Review

Are you tired of using paddles that can't keep up with your aggressive playing style? Look no further than the Bantam TS-5 Pro Composite Paddle. This paddle is a game-changer for anyone looking for power, control, and forgiveness on the court. In this review, we will take an in-depth look at the design and features of the Bantam TS-5 Pro Composite Paddle, as well as its performance both while attacking and controlling play. Additionally, we will weigh the pros and cons of using this paddle and compare it to other similar paddles on the market. So sit back, relax, and prepare to be entertained (and informed, of course) because we're about to dive into the world of the Bantam TS-5 Pro Composite Paddle.

Description of the Bantam TS-5 Pro Composite Paddle

What is the Bantam TS-5 Pro Composite Paddle?

The Bantam TS-5 Pro Composite Paddle is a pickleball paddle made by Paddletek.

It is a newer, lighter version of the Bantam EX-L Pro, with an even more expanded playing surface and an extra-large sweet spot, making it ideal for players looking for increased forgiveness.

What makes the Bantam TS-5 Pro Composite Paddle different?

The Bantam TS-5 Pro Composite Paddle is designed for professional-level performance with a larger sweet spot and thicker core for greater ball control and placement.

It is equipped with Smart Response Technology that delivers controllable power, a UV-coated fiberglass textured face for better spin control and durability, and an edged shock guard.

Available with two grip sizes and two weight options.

Design and Features

Smart Response Technology

The Bantam TS-5 Pro pickleball paddle is designed with Smart Response Technology, which delivers controllable power during the game.





The core is made of an advanced high-grade polymer composite honeycomb with a thickness of 14.3mm.

UV-coated Fiberglass Textured Face

The paddle's face has a UV-coated fiberglass textured surface that enhances spin control and durability.

The textured surface allows players to add more spin to the ball while playing, which increases the control of the ball on the court.

Paddletek says the UV coating helps protect the face against sun exposure and wear.

Expanded Playing Surface and Extra-large Sweet Spot

The Bantam TS-5 Pro has an expanded playing surface and extra-large sweet spot for increased forgiveness.

The larger surface area enables players to hit the ball more accurately and with greater consistency.

The extra-large sweet spot helps players recover from off-center shots, making the paddle ideal for players of all skill levels.

Weight and Grip Options

The paddle is available in standard and lightweight versions, offering players a choice between added power or speed and maneuverability.

Listed weights run from about 7.3 oz (lightweight) to about 7.9 oz (standard). The grip circumference is 4 3/8" for the standard version and 4 1/8" for the thin version, with a grip length of 4 3/4".

The standard grip paddles come equipped with an Ultra Cushion High Tack Performance Grip, while the thin grip paddles come with a High Tack Performance Grip.

Power, Control, and Forgiveness Ratings

Paddletek rates the Bantam TS-5 Pro 8.5/10 for power, 8/10 for control and 8/10 for forgiveness (these are the manufacturer's own ratings).



Players will find that the paddle is responsive, easy to control, and has a high level of forgiveness, making it an excellent choice for beginner to intermediate level players.

Performance

When it comes to pickleball, performance is everything.

Let's take a look at the different performance aspects of the Bantam TS-5 Pro Composite Paddle and see how it measures up against the competition.

Power and Speed

The Bantam TS-5 Pro Composite Paddle is designed to give players a good balance of power and speed.

Its Smart Response Technology allows players to control the power output, making it an ideal choice for players who want to hit hard but still maintain good ball control.

The advanced composite materials used in the design of the paddle provide an excellent blend of speed and power, making it a great choice for players who want to add a bit of extra power to their shots.

Heavier paddles offer more power, while lighter paddles offer more speed.

Depending on the version, the Bantam TS-5 Pro weighs roughly 7.3-7.9 oz, a mid-range weight that balances power and speed.

Spin Control

The textured fiberglass epoxy hybrid surface of the Bantam TS-5 Pro Composite Paddle makes it easier for players to control the amount of spin they put on the ball.

The paddle's texture and design allows players to spin the ball with more precision and consistency, leading to more accurate shots and better placement on the court.

Whether you're a beginner or a professional, the Bantam TS-5 Pro composite paddle's spin control capabilities will bring your game to a whole new level.

Ball Placement and Accuracy

The expanded playing surface and extra-large sweet spot of the Bantam TS-5 Pro Composite Paddle make it easier for players to place the ball exactly where they want it.

The paddle's thicker core and larger sweet spot help players make more accurate shots and hit the ball with greater precision.

Maneuverability

The Bantam TS-5 Pro Composite Paddle is designed to give players a balance of power and speed without sacrificing maneuverability.

The paddle's lightweight materials make it easy to maneuver around the court, while the thicker core gives players more control over their shots.

The grip circumference and length of the paddle are ideal for most players, making it easy to handle and control.

Whether you're a beginner or a professional, the Bantam TS-5 Pro Composite Paddle will give you the maneuverability you need to dominate the court.

Attacking Play

Ready to put your opponent on the defensive? The Bantam TS-5 Pro Composite Paddle is perfect for players who want to take control and dominate the game.

Here are some tips for attacking play with this pickleball paddle:

Serving

The Bantam TS-5 Pro Composite Paddle's Smart Response Technology helps players serve with power and precision.

The lightweight design and controllable power make it easy to place your serves exactly where you want them.

The UV-coated fiberglass textured face also provides better spin control, which can help you set up your next shot.

Whether you prefer a deep or short serve, the Bantam TS-5 Pro has you covered.

Additionally, the paddle's larger sweet spot allows players to serve with more confidence and accuracy.

This increased forgiveness lessens the chance of hitting a bad serve and losing a point.

The paddle's excellent maneuverability also makes it easier to serve accurately and strategically, putting your opponent under pressure from the start.

Volleys

Struggling with volleys? The Bantam TS-5 Pro Composite Paddle's extra-large sweet spot provides improved control at the net.

The thicker core and expanded playing surface offer greater ball control and help players direct the ball with greater precision.

Whether you're playing a dink or block shot, the Bantam TS-5 Pro offers the control and responsiveness required to win.

The paddle's grip options, particularly the Ultra Cushion High Tack Performance Grip, allow for a firmer hold, improving players' overall control and ability to direct the ball.

Smashes

Looking to dominate with powerful smashes? The Bantam TS-5 Pro's Smart Response Technology delivers controllable power for optimal smash speed, while the textured face provides better spin control, increasing the accuracy of your shots.

The weight of the paddle is also a strength when it comes to smashes as it offers the necessary power to hit the ball hard, leaving opponents scrambling to respond.

In addition, the Bantam TS-5 Pro's advanced polymer composite honeycomb in the core of the paddle is designed for durability.

It enables players to continuously play and rely on the power and reliability of the Bantam TS-5 Pro paddle for shots.

Control Play

When it comes to pickleball, control is key.

Being able to place your shots with precision can make all the difference in winning or losing a game.

The Bantam TS-5 Pro paddle is designed to offer excellent control, making it a great choice for players who prioritize accuracy in their play.

Dinking: The Art of Soft Shots

Dinking is a soft, controlled shot played close to the net, often used in doubles play.

With the Bantam TS-5 Pro's larger sweet spot and thicker core, players can better control the placement of their dinks.

The textured fiberglass epoxy hybrid surface also allows for better ball spin, which can deceive opponents and lead to more successful shots.

Plus, the paddle's lightweight option makes it easier for players to maneuver the paddle when playing close to the net.

Blocking: Effective Defense

Blocking is a crucial defense tactic used when returning hard shots.

Blocking is about absorbing pace, and the controllable power and large sweet spot help here.

This, paired with the UV-coated fiberglass textured face, allows for better spin control and placement of the ball during blocking.

Drop Shots: The Perfect Finisher

Drop shots are an effective way to end a rally.

With the extra-large sweet spot and expanded playing surface of the Bantam TS-5 Pro paddle, players can better control their drop shots and place them in hard-to-reach areas of the court.

The paddle's fiberglass textured face also allows for better spin control, which is important in executing successful drop shots.

So, if you want to improve your control play and take your pickleball game to the next level, the Bantam TS-5 Pro is an excellent choice.

Its high-quality materials, thoughtful design, and various weight and grip options make it a versatile paddle for any player.

Pros and Cons of using the Bantam TS-5 Pro Composite Paddle

Advantages of using the Bantam TS-5 Pro Composite Paddle

There are numerous advantages of using the Bantam TS-5 Pro Composite Paddle in your pickleball game.

Firstly, the paddle features Smart Response Technology that provides controllable power, making it easier to hit precise shots.

Additionally, the UV-coated fiberglass textured face enhances spin control, which can help you take your game to the next level.

Another notable advantage of the Bantam TS-5 Pro paddle is its expanded playing surface and extra-large sweet spot.

These features increase the forgiveness of the paddle, which comes in handy for players who are still developing their skills.

The paddle also has a thicker core, which provides greater ball control and placement, especially when compared to paddles with thinner cores.

The paddle's weight and grip options also make it an attractive option for players.

The lightweight version comes in at 7.3-7.5 oz, which makes it easier to maneuver and maintain a high level of speed.

The standard version, on the other hand, is slightly heavier at 7.6-7.9 oz, which provides added power to shots.

Additionally, the two grip sizes (standard and thin) provide players with the opportunity to select the grip that feels most comfortable in their hands.

Disadvantages of using the Bantam TS-5 Pro Composite Paddle

As with any product, there are also some disadvantages to using the Bantam TS-5 Pro Composite Paddle.

Firstly, the paddle is relatively expensive when compared to other paddles on the market.

This might not be an attractive option for players who are just starting their pickleball journey or who are on a tight budget.

Another potential disadvantage of the Bantam TS-5 Pro paddle is its power rating of 8.5/10.

While this rating provides excellent power, it might not be suitable for players who prioritize control over power.

Players who prefer precise shots might find it difficult to control the speed of the paddle and might need to adjust their playing style accordingly.

Finally, the paddle's grip circumference might also be a disadvantage for players with small hands.

The standard grip size has a circumference of 4 3/8", which might be too big for some players.

The thin grip size might be an option for them, but it might not provide the same level of comfort and grip as the standard size.

Comparison to Other Paddles

Design and Features

When compared to similar paddles in terms of design and features, the Bantam TS-5 Pro pickleball paddle stands out for its Smart Response technology, UV-coated fiberglass textured face, and extra-large sweet spot that offers increased forgiveness to players.

The paddle's surface is made of a textured fiberglass epoxy hybrid, while its core is constructed of an advanced high-grade polymer composite honeycomb that is a bit thicker than the 1/2 inch cores of earlier Paddletek paddles (14.3 mm).

Paddles often cross-shopped with the Bantam TS-5 Pro include the Engage Poach Advantage, the Selkirk S2, the Onix Graphite Z5 and the ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed. Compare current specs and demo them if you can.

Performance

In terms of performance, the Bantam TS-5 Pro paddle is known for its power, control, and maneuverability.

The paddle's Smart Response technology makes it easy to control and spin, while the expanded playing surface and extra-large sweet spot provide more room for error.

Conclusion

Like a trusty companion, the Bantam TS-5 Pro Composite Paddle has got your back (or rather, your hand) through every intense match. The sleek design and sturdy build make it stand out from the rest, while the honeycomb core provides the perfect balance between power and control. It's like the lovechild of Thor's hammer and a ballet slipper. Don't be surprised when other players start eyeing your paddle with envy (and maybe a little fear). With the Bantam TS-5 Pro Composite Paddle in your hand, you're not just a player, you're a pro.