Are you a fan of the top-ranked women’s pickleball player in the world, Anna Leigh Waters? If so, you likely already know about the Paddletek Bantam ALW-C, her hallmark paddle. We’ll examine an update of the original 4-star Bantam ALW-C in this review to see if the new model measures up to its rising popularity. We’re prepared to talk about our opinions after testing the paddle on the court for more than 20 hours with professional player Dekel Bar

BUY OR PASS

Buy if:

✅ You like to hit two-handed backhands: This model fixes a big issue players had with the last one it has a longer handle so you can hit two-handed shots like ALW.
✅ You like fast hands at the kitchen: This is a super-light, fast paddle with a really low swing weight of 105. Spin generation is great too.
✅ You want power from anywhere: While not as hard-hitting as the TKO-C, the larger sweet spot gives me consistent power generation even if I don’t hit the ball perfectly.

Pass if:

❌ You’re on a budget: This is a high-end paddle at $250, so check out the Six Zero Quartz, which has good spin and aerodynamics (it’s $80.99 with our discount).
❌ You’re a beginner: This won’t be soft or consistent enough for new players, so try ALW’s original paddle, the Paddletek Bantam TS-5, for a top starter paddle.
❌ You want an elongated paddle: The Paddletek Bantam TKO-C is 0.5″ longer for players who prefer to have more reach.

Paddletek Bantam ALW-C Review Summary 

The amazing upgrade to the original ALW-C, the Paddletek Bantam ALW-C is made for experienced paddlers who need a paddle that strikes a balance between power, spin, and flexibility. One of the best paddlers in the sport, Anna Leigh Waters, has this model as her signature paddle. It’s designed for players who prefer a quick and light paddle but still require strong performance in the kitchen and in aggressive exchanges.

Because the Bantam TKO-C, an elongated paddle made for power, hits harder than the new ALW-C, it still has a lot of attacking potential without feeling illegal,” in contrast to some other paddles that are too strong. Because it can easily generate topspin and is extremely swift in hand battles around the kitchen, the ALW-C is perfect for aggressive play. The paddle can play swiftly due to its low swing weight (105) and light static weight (7.5-7.8 oz), which is essential in fast-paced interactions.

The ALW-C does have several shortcomings, though. Control is the primary problem, especially for players who are intermediate. It can be challenging to control the pop that the paddle produces, particularly when attempting to reset or dink the ball during defensive battles. For beginners or players who are still learning how to control paddles with greater pop, this could be difficult. However, the trade-off for professional players at the intermediate or advanced levels  between power and control will likely appeal.

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In the end, the Paddletek Bantam ALW-C will be a good choice for you if you’re a professional paddler looking for a swift, aggressive paddle focusing on power and spin. It’s a fantastic option for players who can manage a paddle that takes some skill to control, but it might not be suitable for complete beginners

Key Specifications

Specification

Details

Weight

7.5–7.8 oz

Length

15.93″

Width

7.87″

Handle Length

5.25″

Grip Circumference

4.25″

Face Material

PT-700 raw carbon fiber

Core Material

Polymer honeycomb

Core Thickness

12.7 mm or 14.3 mm

Sweet Spot

Large

Features of the Paddletek Bantam ALW-C

Core Construction:

Excellent power and pop are provided by the Bantam core, especially when using the 12.7 mm version. The ALW-C is an excellent choice for aggressive players because of its innovative core technology, which maximizes both spin and power.

PT-700 Unidirectional Carbon Fiber Face:

Compared to standard surfaces, this premium material grabs the ball better, increasing spin production. In addition to improving spin, the carbon face increases the paddle’s durability.

Two Thickness Options (12.7 mm and 14.3 mm):

The 12.7 mm model is thinner, delivering more pop and power.

The 14.3 mm model offers slightly more control, with a focus on touch shots. Players can choose based on their style—whether they want more aggressive play or prefer a touch-focused approach.

Extended Handle:

The large handle (5.25″) is one of the model’s major upgrades, and it’s especially helpful for players like Anna Leigh Waters who depend on two-handed backhands. Players who employ that approach find it easier because it gives them greater control when making those shots.

Lightweight Design:

The ALW-C is a lightweight, quick, and agile paddle with a weight range of 7.5-7.8 oz and an ultra-low swing weight. This is ideal for lengthy rallies that call for quickness and for fast reflexes in the kitchen.

Pros	Cons

Big improvements from the previous ALW-C, including a longer handle and raw carbon spin.

Extra pop can challenge touch shots, particularly with the 12.7 mm version.

Lightweight design boosts Brandon’s slow hands, giving him an advantage in hands battles.

Limited reach—slightly shorter than standard square paddles.

Delivers consistent, aggressive topspin for powerful offensive shots.

Less power compared to the Bantam TKO-C (expected for the standard shape).

Performance Rating

Attribute

Rating

Power

8.5/10

Control

8/10

Spin

9.5/10

Forgiveness

8.5/10

Weighting

8/10

Grip

9/10

Durability

9.5/10

Aerodynamics

8/10

Performance Breakdown

Power – 8.5/10

The ALW-C’s power increase over its predecessor, which received a lower grade in this category, is excellent. The paddle’s low weight, Bantam core, and larger face all contribute to its considerable power generation. Driving shots aggressively is made easier as a result, particularly at the kitchen line, third-shot drives, and overheads. Strong, reliable results may be obtained even from off-center hits due to the wide sweet spot. It isn’t the most powerful paddle, though, in comparison to certain longer variants, such as the Bantam TKO-C.

Control – 8/10

The ALW-C has great power, but at the expense of some control. When hitting or resetting in a defensive position, its high pop might cause unexpected mistakes. Control may be a challenge for beginners or players who require greater accuracy in delicate shots, such as dinks. But more experienced players used to greater pop paddles will adjust fast and might even find the challenge enjoyable.

Spin – 9.5/10

Because of its PT-700 unidirectional carbon fiber face, which has good ball grip, the Bantam ALW-C produces a lot of spin. It is especially excellent at producing sidespin and topspin, which are useful for drives and serves. The additional spin enables players to trick opponents by causing strokes to dip at the last second, which facilitates strategic play execution and surprises the opponent. Although its spin isn’t as powerful compared to that of certain paddles, such as the Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0, it’s still among the best in its class.

Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0

Forgiveness – 8.5/10

Especially on off-center hits, the ALW-C’s big sweet spot allows for a respectable amount of forgiveness. You must be more accurate with your paddle angle because of the additional pop, though, or you risk seeing a lot of pop-ups or drives towards the net. This won’t be a big problem for players who are highly skilled and have a lot of control, but beginners may find it difficult to consistently hit the sweet spot.

Weighting – 8.5/10

One of the best things about the Bantam ALW-C is its extremely balanced weight distribution. With a weight of 7.5-7.8 oz, it is lightweight enough to play quickly and responsively without compromising ball feel. The paddle’s speed is enhanced by its low swing weight of 105, which is especially helpful for quick exchanges at the kitchen line. A slightly heavier paddle could be preferred by certain players, but the ALW-C offers a wonderful mix of power and speed.

Grip – 8/10

The ALW-C has an enjoyable grip that is sufficiently thick to provide a firm hold without being heavy. Even in warmer weather, the texture makes sure it doesn’t slip while being played. The grip is good for most players, while some players (like Dekel Bar, who likes thinner grips) may find it a bit too thick. An overgrip can always be used to change the grip to your preferred thickness.

Durability – 9/10

The ALW-C is long-lasting. Its long-lasting power is a result of its classic Gen 1 core and raw carbon face. The carbon substance resists deterioration and offers superior spin grip. Unlike some other paddles that lose performance over time, the paddle’s surface roughness stays constant and its spin decreases little to not at all after heavy use.

Aerodynamics – 9.5/10

Because of its low swing and static weights, the ALW-C is made for fast play. It is among the fastest paddles in terms of aerodynamics, with a swing weight of only 105. The paddle is perfect for quick exchanges and backhand rolls because it enables players to respond swiftly at the kitchen line. Its speed is one of its best qualities when compared to other paddles in its class.

Professional Use – Who Uses the Paddletek Bantam ALW-C?

The Paddletek Bantam ALW-C is a signature paddle that was created in partnership with Anna Leigh Waters, one of the pickleball world’s most dynamic players. As the PPA Women’s World No. 1 in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, Anna Leigh has achieved a remarkable achievements at the young age of 17. In the sport, she is a formidable force due to her remarkable skill, mobility, and strong two-handed backhand.

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Players that excel at producing both power and spin, like Anna Leigh, are the target market for this paddle. Despite being advertised mostly as a paddle for more experienced players, it possesses the characteristics that set Anna Leigh apart from the competition: light weight, speed, and the capacity to generate excellent performance on the court. The same equipment that Anna Leigh utilizes in her matches is available to players looking to step up their game to a competitive level with the Paddletek Bantam ALW-C.

How Does the New Paddletek Bantam ALW-C Compare to the 2023 Model?

The lightweight design of the 2023 ALW-C, which offered superior control and forgiveness, was warmly received. It was occasionally criticized, though, for not having the strength and sophisticated spin that more competitive players require. While keeping the essential features that made the original so well-liked, the more recent Paddletek Bantam ALW-C has been greatly improved to solve these issues.

Here’s a closer look at how the new ALW-C compares to the 2023 model:

Power and Spin:
In comparison to the 2023 model, the new ALW-C provides a significant increase in both power and spin. The new version offers more “pop,” which makes it more appropriate for players who wish to produce aggressive third-shot drives, overheads, and put-away shots, as the original was a little weak in power. Players are able to execute deeper smashes and more potent spin strokes that can surprise opponents because to the noticeable improvement in spin.

Control and Forgiveness:
Compared to the 2023 model, the new ALW-C gives up a little control and forgiveness in exchange for the added pop and spin. The upgraded paddle is more suited for intermediate and advanced players who can manage a paddle with greater power but less forgiving features, while the original paddle was excellent for those looking for precision. Experienced players will value the additional flexibility, while beginners may find the new ALW-C difficult to use because of its higher pop.

Handle Length:
The longer handle is among the most obvious modifications made to the modified ALW-C. Because of its 5″ handle, the original ALW-C was unable to accommodate players like Anna Leigh, who is well-known for her two-handed backhand strokes. To make it more comfortable and useful for players who use two-handed backhands, like Anna Leigh, Paddletek expanded the handle to 5.25″ in response to player feedback. Because it increases the paddle’s adaptability, especially for players who prefer a two-handed grip, this modification has been very well received.

Target Audience:
Rising intermediates and advanced paddlers may find the new Paddletek Bantam ALW-C appealing. It is the perfect option for players who want to improve since it gives them the power, spin, and speed they desire. The original model, on the other hand, was more appropriate for beginners or players who value power control.

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12.7 mm vs 14.3 mm – Which is Better?

The choice between the 12.7 mm and 14.3 mm models of the Paddletek Bantam ALW-C ultimately depends on your playing style and preferences.

• Brandon’s Preference:
  Dekel doesn’t feel a huge difference between the two thicknesses. If he had to pick, he would go with the 14.3 mm model because it provides slightly less pop, which suits his playstyle better. Since he typically plays with a 16 mm paddle, the 14.3 mm version feels closer to his natural preference for control.
• Your Preference:
  Personally, I prefer the 12.7 mm model because I enjoy the added pop. The slight sacrifice in control is worth it for the extra power and aggressiveness, which fits my game better.

Is the Paddletek Bantam ALW-C Worth It?

At a price of $250, the Paddletek Bantam ALW-C is definitely a premium paddle, competing with other high-end models like the Engage Pursuit Pro EX 6.0 and Selkirk LUXX Control.

For Beginners:
This paddle might not be the greatest choice for you if you’re just getting started. It’s advisable to look at less expensive paddles made for beginners, such as the Bantam TS-5, or take into account our suggestions for the top paddles for beginners.

For Lower Intermediate Players:
Players who are still working on consistency may find the extra pop of the ALW-C challenging. If you’re in this category, paddles like the PIKKL Hurricane Pro or the Pickleball Apes Pro Line Energy S may offer better control.

For Advanced and Experienced Players (4.0+ level):
If you’re an experienced player who enjoys paddles with power and are accustomed to paddles with pop, the Bantam ALW-C could be a perfect fit. It offers an aerodynamic design, exceptional spin capability, and a handle that suits two-handed backhand shots—a feature that particularly resonates with Anna Leigh Waters fans.

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Bottom Line

A well-made, high-performance paddle, the Paddletek Bantam ALW-C is made for seasoned paddlers looking for speed, spin, and power. Although it costs $250, it’s a good investment because of its high-end raw carbon construction and aerodynamic shape, especially if you’re prepared to step up your game. The Bantam ALW-C is an excellent option for players at 4.0+ levels who want a strong, long-lasting paddle with cutting-edge characteristics like excellent spin and a handle that is comfortable for both hands, even though beginners and lower-intermediate players may find it a little difficult.