Paddletek ESQ-C 12.7mm and 14.3mm Pickleball Paddle Review

Introduction

The Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C series, co-designed with professional player Andrea Koop, is built to balance power, spin, and forgiveness. This series is aimed at players who like an aggressive playing style but value the forgiveness of a larger sweet spot—a feature that makes it distinct from the ALW-C series, which focuses on raw power.

This review covers the 12.7mm and 14.3mm models, with details on playability, control, and how they compare to Bantam ALW-C series.

Testing the Bantam ESQ-C Series

The Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C paddles offer a versatile blend of control and power. A key distinction is their larger sweet spot, which provides greater forgiveness than the ALW-C series. Despite this added forgiveness, both ESQ-C models deliver strong power and spin, supported by the PT-700 Unidirectional Raw Carbon Fiber face.

• ESQ-C 12.7mm: Designed for players who prioritize speed and power. Its thinner core allows for a quick response, similar to the ALW-C 12.7mm, but with a slightly larger and more forgiving sweet spot for improved handling on off-center hits.
• ESQ-C 14.3mm: Ideal for players who value control and stability. This model is excellent for dinking and resets due to its thicker core and larger sweet spot, offering greater consistency during extended rallies.

Comparison to ALW-C

Both ESQ-C and ALW-C series paddles are built for aggressive play styles. The ESQ-C’s larger sweet spot makes it more manageable on off-center hits, whereas the ALW-C requires a higher level of precision. Visually, these paddles are nearly identical, with only subtle size differences distinguishing them.

In-Depth Playing Experience

Initial Impressions

The ESQ-C 12.7mm stands out immediately with its larger sweet spot that adds forgiveness, allowing players to hit more confidently with power. In contrast, the 14.3mm model offers a softer, more controlled feel, making it ideal for strategic exchanges where precision is essential.

Volleys and Net Play

In fast-paced volleys, the ESQ-C 12.7mm performs similarly to the ALW-C 12.7mm in terms of response and power but benefits from its larger sweet spot, making it easier to keep shots in play even on slight mishits. The 14.3mm ESQ-C provides added stability at the net, offering greater control on softer volleys, thanks to its thicker core.

Kitchen Play and Soft Shots

For soft shots and dinks, the ESQ-C 14.3mm truly excels. Its thicker core enhances control and smoothness in resets, setting it apart from the ALW-C, which requires more precision. The 12.7mm ESQ-C is well-suited for offensive kitchen play, although it demands a bit more finesse on resets due to its thinner core.

Power and Spin

Both ESQ-C paddles offer impressive power. The 12.7mm model shines on drives and smashes, while the PT-700 Carbon Fiber face provides ample grip for spin on serves and slices. The larger sweet spot in the ESQ-C series also gives players a slight edge in spin consistency, making it a forgiving option for players who rely on spin control.

Who Will Like This Paddle

ESQ-C 12.7mm vs. ALW-C 12.7mm

• ESQ-C 12.7mm: Suited for players who enjoy powerful, aggressive play but also value forgiveness on mishits. The larger sweet spot allows for explosive volleys and drives, making it ideal for those who want to maximize their power without the risk of penalties for slight mishits.
• ALW-C 12.7mm: Tailored for advanced players who prioritize precision. This paddle rewards those who can consistently hit the sweet spot with sharper power and higher spin potential. Its focused, stiffer feel is perfect for players who excel in precise, high-control shots.

ESQ-C 14.3mm vs. ALW-C 14.3mm

• ESQ-C 14.3mm: An excellent choice for players focused on control and touch, especially in kitchen play. The thicker core and larger sweet spot enhance consistency and forgiveness in resets and dinks, making this paddle a reliable option for players who rely on finesse and strategic placement.
• ALW-C 14.3mm: Ideal for players seeking a balance of power and stability. While it offers controlled power, this paddle demands precision for optimal performance, rewarding players with a stable feel and pinpoint accuracy. It's well-suited for players who prefer a powerful, controlled game with an emphasis on accuracy.

Aesthetics & Design

The Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C paddles offer a sleek, minimalist design that combines style with performance. With a matte black base and bold color accents—blue for the 12.7mm and red for the 14.3mm—these paddles deliver a modern, professional look on the court. Additional color options are also available, which can be explored on Paddletek's website for players looking to personalize their gear.

Color and Detailing

Each paddle prominently features the Paddletek “P” logo and subtle yet sharp graphics that underline the paddle’s high-performance build. The carbon fiber face, visible beneath the matte finish, gives it a premium touch. A color-matched edge guard adds durability while enhancing the paddle’s look, keeping it protected during high-intensity matches.

Build Quality

With a PT-700 Unidirectional Raw Carbon Fiber face, the paddle combines performance with a polished appearance. The 1/8-inch edge guard provides extra durability without impacting balance or adding unnecessary bulk.

These Bantam ESQ-C paddles appeal to players who appreciate both appearance and quality. The combination of refined design and robust construction makes them a popular choice for those who want a paddle that looks as exceptional as it performs.

‍Surface Texture

The PT-700 Unidirectional Raw Carbon Fiber surface is a standout feature on both the ESQ-C and ALW-C paddles. This textured surface grips the ball upon contact, making it easier to generate spin during serves, drives, and dinks.

The surface offers a rough texture that enhances spin potential, particularly for players who like to use topspin and slice. The grip on the ball is consistent across both models, allowing for precise ball control in both aggressive and tactical play.

One of the most defining aspects of a paddle’s performance is its surface texture, which has a significant impact on spin generation, ball control, and the overall feel of each shot. Both the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C 12.7 and 14.3 paddles feature Paddletek’s proprietary PT-700 Unidirectional RAW Carbon Fiber surface. This advanced carbon fiber material is engineered to be more robust and powerful than the standard T-700 carbon fiber used in many paddles, resulting in enhanced durability and spin potential.

This textured surface is specifically designed for aggressive players who rely on topspin, slices, and spin-heavy shots to outplay their opponents. The coarse carbon fiber weave grips the ball upon contact, helping generate impressive spin for more controlled dinks, aggressive volleys, and deceptive serves. This makes the paddle especially effective for players looking to manipulate the ball’s trajectory.

In addition to the textured surface, these paddles are equipped with Carbon Steel Balls for perimeter weighting. This innovative feature improves balance and increases the size of the sweet spot, making it easier to maintain consistency—even on off-center hits. The result is a paddle that feels stable during play, with precise handling and a powerful yet controlled response.

The following magnified images provide a closer look at the textured surface of the paddle, illustrating how the tightly woven carbon fibers create friction that enhances ball control and spin.

This close-up view showcases the fine weave of the PT-700 RAW Carbon Fiber on the paddle’s face. The tightly packed fibers create a uniform, slightly rough texture that offers excellent friction on ball contact. This roughness is what helps generate the spin players rely on for topspin drives and sliced dinks.

This second image zooms in even further, showing the intricate grid-like structure of the PT-700 carbon fiber weave. The small gaps between the fibers increase grip on the ball, making it easier to apply spin and control the ball's trajectory in fast-paced rallies.

In this ultra-close magnification, you can see the individual carbon fiber strands up close. The coarse, textured finish of the paddle’s surface is designed to bite into the ball during contact, allowing for greater manipulation and improved accuracy, especially when generating topspin or backspin.

With this combination of advanced surface materials and thoughtful design elements like perimeter weighting, the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C paddles deliver an ideal mix of power, spin, and control—especially suited for players looking to elevate their game through spin manipulation and precise ball handling.

Paddle Characteristics

ESQ-C 12.7 Paddle Details

ESQ-C 14.3 Paddle Details

Pricing & Value: Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C 12.7mm and 14.3mm

Both the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C 12.7mm and 14.3mm paddles are priced at $249.99, placing them in the premium range of high-performance paddles. While this price tag is on the higher end, the technology, durability, and performance of these paddles make them a valuable investment for players looking to elevate their game.

What You’re Paying For

• PT-700 Unidirectional Raw Carbon Fiber:The PT-700 Carbon Fiber face is one of the most advanced materials used in paddle construction. Designed for maximum spin potential and durability, it grips the ball to offer greater control and spin while resisting wear over time. This high-quality surface noticeably enhances shot precision and spin—key for players who rely on tactical shot-making.
• Bantam Quick Response (QRT) Polymer Core:
  At the core of the ESQ-C paddles is the Bantam QRT Polymer Core, which provides a progressive power response. This means that the harder you hit, the more energy the paddle returns. The QRT core adapts beautifully to both power drives and delicate dinks, giving players a versatile edge across different play styles.
• Generous Sweet Spot:The larger sweet spot on the Bantam ESQ-C paddles makes them more forgiving than many other high-performance paddles. Players benefit from greater consistency on off-center shots, making these paddles reliable in both long rallies and high-pressure points.
• Pro-Level Design by Andrea Koop:Co-designed with pro player Andrea Koop, these paddles reflect insights drawn from high-level competition. The design balances power, control, and spin, aligning with the demands of players aiming to perform at the highest levels.
• Durability and Build Quality:The 1/8-inch edge guard adds durability without impacting the paddle’s balance or weight, ensuring it can withstand intense play. This feature helps preserve the paddle's quality over time, making it a long-lasting addition to any serious player’s collection.

For players who want a paddle that delivers both power and forgiveness, the Bantam ESQ-C series offers exceptional value. These paddles cater to intermediate to advanced players looking for a versatile, all-court option to enhance their gameplay.

Conclusion & Recommendation

The Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C paddles offer a unique combination of power, control, and forgiveness, thanks to their larger sweet spot and innovative materials. The 12.7mm model is perfect for players looking for explosive power with a forgiving edge, while the 14.3mm model provides control and stability for tactical players.

Which Paddle is Right for You?

• Power-focused players will appreciate the 12.7mm ESQ-C for its explosiveness and added forgiveness over the ALW-C.
• Control-oriented players who thrive on kitchen finesse will likely prefer the 14.3mm ESQ-C for its balance of stability and control.

At $249.99, the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C paddles represent an excellent value for players aiming to improve their performance on the court. With professional-grade design and advanced technology, these paddles suit intermediate and advanced players looking for a versatile, high-performing option.