The lightweight, control-oriented Paddletek Tempest Wave II is ideal for intermediate players who want to improve their soft game and accuracy.
I tested the Tempest Wave II after bringing it onto the court to see how it handled things. I’ll share my opinions in this review to help you to decide if this paddle is the best option for your game.
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Buy or Pass?
Buy if:
✅You’re an intermediate player: The Tempest Wave II is ideal for refining your precision shots and advancing your game.
✅You favor a control game: With its pinpoint accuracy and responsive touch, it’s perfect for drop shots and dink rallies.
✅ You prefer a lighter paddle: Its lightweight design makes it easy to handle and highly maneuverable.
Pass if:
❌ You’re a power player: This paddle isn’t built for power and lacks the punch needed for aggressive play.
❌ You hit big drives and serves: Generating the extra swing speed needed for hard serves and drives can be difficult.
❌ You’re an advanced player: Advanced players (4.5+) may want to consider higher-performing paddles like the Tempest Wave Pro.
| Specification | Details |
| Paddle Weight | 7.4–7.8 oz |
| Paddle Length | 15 ⅞” |
| Paddle Width | 8″ |
| Handle Length | 5 ¼” |
| Grip Circumference | 4 ¼” |
| Paddle Face Material | Carbon Fiber |
| Core Material | Carbon Fiber and Polymer Honeycomb |
| Core Thickness | 0.5″ (12.7mm) |
| Edge Guard | ⅛” Shock Guard |
| Sweet Spot | Large |
Review Summary Paddletek Tempest Wave II
Paddletek’s Tempest Wave II is a control-oriented paddle that helps intermediate players improve their accuracy. It is a great option for those that value accuracy and flexibility because it is very good at strategic shots, dinks, and drops.
During my testing, the paddle’s reliable shot accuracy was the most notable feature. The Tempest Wave II provided outstanding control in everything from accurate serves to long dink rallies. I had an advantage in fast-paced situations because to its lightweight and flexible design, which also allowed for faster reaction times.
It can produce sufficient power to serve as an all-purpose paddle, but doing so takes a lot of work. This paddle might not be the greatest choice if power is your top priority. But for gamers looking for a reliable and flexible control paddle, the Tempest Wave II is a strong contender.
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent control, especially for dink rallies and 3rd shot drops | Lacks power for overhead put-aways at the net |
| Responsive and lively feel, enhancing feedback during play | Volleys often lack depth and speed to keep opponents on the defensive |
| Lightweight and highly maneuverable, enabling faster hand speed | Limited spin and drive capabilities for advanced-level gameplay (4.5+) |
| Reliable accuracy on serves |
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Features of Paddletek Tempest Wave II
Since 2010, Paddletek has led the way in pickleball innovation, growing from a Michigan family-run company to become one of the top paddle producers worldwide. Paddletek is well known for its outstanding quality and performance, and they take pride in making all of their paddles in the USA. The Tempest Wave II, a paddle known as the “Control Freak” because to its amazing accuracy, is the pinnacle of the Tempest Series, which is made for control and accuracy.
Carbon Fiber Paddle Surface
The Tempest Wave II’s textured carbon fiber face, a high-end material highly valued for its stiffness, strength, and light weight, is at its core. The rough surface produced by the carbon fiber weave increases ball friction, providing outstanding grip and allowing for precise shot placement. The accuracy of the paddle impressed me during testing, as serves consistently landed precisely where I wanted them to. I played for five hours without missing a single serve. The paddle’s velvet-textured surface and high degree of accuracy make it ideal for players who use drops, dinks, and finesse to control the court.
Tempest PolyCore Technology
Paddletek’s unique Tempest PolyCore technology, which lowers the paddle’s weight without significantly compromising power, is featured in the Tempest Wave II. The paddle, which weighs between 7.4 and 7.8 ounces, feels incredibly light and rapid, which is useful for quick kitchen exchanges or responding to hard drives. With a bit more work, it can produce strong drives and deep serves even if it isn’t a power paddle. My hand speed and reaction time were greatly enhanced by its lightweight design, which gave me an advantage in fast volleys and defensive returns.
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Grip and Comfort
The Tempest Wave II’s soft, high-tack performance grip guarantees a solid grasp for making precise strokes. The paddle fits most hand sizes and offers more reach for two-handed backhand swings due to its 4.25-inch grip circle and 5.25-inch handle length. Control is improved by the grip’s softness and tacky feel, which makes it simple to perform spin strokes, drops, and dinks without sacrificing stability.
Design and Build Quality
Combined with a clean, modern look, the Tempest Wave II comes in a variety of vivid color variations, including the Aurora purple one I tried. Even though the paddle feels light, it is clearly well-made. With vibration-dampening technology integrated into its 12.7mm thick core, it offers a smooth feel while lessening arm fatigue. The paddle’s lightweight and flexible shape prevented tiredness throughout two long 2.5-hour sessions, helping me to play for longer without experiencing discomfort.
Performance on the Court
The Tempest Wave II shines in its designated function as a control paddle. For intermediate players who like accuracy and dexterity, its responsiveness and sharpness make it a great option. The control and versatility make up for the lack of certain paddles’ explosive force. When used strategically, the paddle works effectively, especially in the dink game, but it also has sufficient power for strong serves and drives when necessary.
| Performance Metric | Rating |
| Control | 9/10 |
| Spin | 7/10 |
| Power | 6/10 |
| Weighting | 7/10 |
| Grip | 8/10 |
| Durability | 9/10 |
| Soft Game | 9/10 |
Performance Review Paddletek Tempest Wave II
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Control: 9/10
The standout feature of the Tempest Wave II is its exceptional control. It excels during 3rd shot drops and dink rallies at the kitchen.
In cross-court dinks, the paddle allows for precise placement just over the net with a wide angle, making it easier to maintain control during points and set up put-away opportunities.
While my serves weren’t consistently deep to the baseline, they were highly accurate. During five hours of playtesting, I didn’t miss a single serve.
Spin: 7/10
The spin capability is good but falls short of being exceptional. Compared to the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta, the Tempest Wave II is less grippy and offers less spin.
This difference was noticeable, as some of my forehand drives and returns went long. Additionally, the lack of advanced spin made it challenging to execute surprise swinging forehand volleys.
Although the textured carbon fiber face enhances shot placement, it doesn’t deliver the spin performance some players might expect.
Best Pickleball Paddles For Spin& Control
Power: 6/10
The Tempest Wave II prioritizes control over power, making it less ideal for players relying on a power game. To generate sufficient power, I had to swing much harder, which became tiring during extended play.
On occasion, what felt like a point-ending put-away would fall short, allowing opponents to reset the rally.
However, the serve still had decent speed and depth when I put in extra effort, so while it isn’t a natural power paddle, it’s serviceable in that area.
Weighting: 7/10
Although marketed as a midweight paddle, the Tempest Wave II feels lighter than expected, with weight options ranging from 7.4 to 7.8 ounces. This lighter build might take some adjustment if you’re accustomed to heavier paddles like the Joola Ben Johns Hyperion or if you rely on weight for added power.
Grip: 8/10
The grip is comfortable and relatively unobtrusive—an advantage when it comes to paddle feel. While the grip quality feels budget-friendly, it performed well even in the hot and humid conditions of a Phoenix summer, never slipping during play.
Durability: 9/10
Paddletek’s USA-manufactured paddles are known for their high-quality construction, and the Tempest Wave II is no exception. Despite its lighter weight, it feels sturdy and well-built. The edge guard adds an extra layer of durability, protecting the paddle from typical wear and tear.
Soft Game: 9/10
Where the Tempest Wave II truly excels is in the soft game. Precision shots like drops and dinks are effortless, making it an excellent choice for players focusing on improving their finesse and touch. This paddle is especially well-suited for intermediate players looking to elevate their game
Pricing
Priced at $129.99, the Tempest Wave II falls squarely in the middle of the paddle price range. Considering its positioning for intermediate players, it offers excellent value for money.
Value for Money
Compared to many beginner paddles, especially those from low-cost companies that are only available on Amazon, the Tempest Wave II offers significant improvements. It’s a good option at half the price, even though it lacks the superior performance of more expensive models like the Selkirk Power Air Invikta.
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This paddle is long-lasting and sturdy, and it comes with a limited lifetime performance guarantee. For casual gamers, it’s a wise investment that will help you quickly get better at your game.
Bottom Line
For intermediate gamers who want to advance their abilities, the Tempest Wave II is an excellent choice. Although it lacks raw power, it performs well for its price range due to its accuracy and ball control.
The Tempest Wave II is an obvious choice for those who want to improve their soft game and gain dexterity.
Its outstanding ball control will help you develop touch and short game skills, which are necessary to move to a higher level. Despite a minor need for additional power, the paddle’s reliable accuracy particularly during lengthy dinking rallies is a major selling point and earned it a respectable 4.5 stars on our list of the best pickleball paddles.
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