We’re big fans of Paddletek’s Bantam series here at Pickleheads. Our co-founder Brandon keeps the powerful TKO-C in his paddle bag, while I love the fast and poppy ESQ-C. Then there’s Anna Leigh Waters’ signature paddle, the ALW-C, which is another speedy weapon.
When I heard they were releasing a new model with a hybrid shape – the Paddletek Bantam GTO-C – I couldn’t wait to try it.
I decided to really put this paddle to the test and use it in a tournament, swapping out my current go-to, the JOOLA Hyperion Pro IV. Right away, I got that familiar Bantam feel. The power, topspin, and control were really solid, so I knew I could succeed and be aggressive. And guess what – my team ended up winning the tournament!
Despite its strong performance, the GTO-C still doesn’t stand out enough from the other Bantam paddles for me. I’d personally still grab the ESQ-C or TKO-C over this model as they give me more speed and reach respectively.
If you like a hybrid shape, though, this is a paddle to seriously consider. It’s a great addition to Paddletek’s lineup. It has little drawbacks, like a head-heavy feel and an uncomfortable grip, but I’ll explain how you can solve both if you’re willing to customize.
Read on for my full first impressions of the Paddletek Bantam GTO-C.
A powerful hybrid paddle that benefits from some customizing
The GTO-C is not meant to replace the other Bantam paddles, but complement them. It’s the first hybrid paddle in the series. Unsurprisingly, it shares the same core DNA as the Bantam TKO-C, Bantam ESQ-C, and Bantam ALW-C – a lighter weight (7.9 oz), pop- and spin-heavy face, and a choice of 12.7 and 14.3 mm cores.
When I played aggressively with the GTO-C, it delivered. From big third-shot drives to flick attacks at the kitchen, it really allowed me to put balls away. I vibed more with the poppier 12.7 model – it let me apply pressure, reset with confidence, and counter speed-ups.
That said, it’s not perfect. The grip feels oddly shaped and there’s a head-heavy feel. If you’re willing to customize this paddle, you can fix these issues with overgrip and lead tape properly applied (more on both in the “What to consider” section below).
Also, while it’s fast, it’s not quite on the level of the ESQ-C or ALW-C in terms of hand speed. That’s to be expected as you move from a widebody shape (which is usually more aerodynamic) to a longer hybrid shape. The good news is, this is a faster paddle than the elongated TKO-C, so it really does sit in that hybrid space.
✅ What stands out
Comfortable power
Like the other Bantam paddles, the GTO-C has the same controlled power that feels so natural. You’re not just blasting balls – you’re placing them aggressively. There’s a real sense of dwell time, where energy is stored and then released with a level of control that doesn’t sacrifice pop.
Awesome 10/10 spin
I hit two ATPs (around-the-post shots) in the very first game, curling them around the post with ease. That’s the kind of spin you’re working with here.
Two core sizes
Of the two thickness options – 12.7 mm and 14.3 mm – I prefer the poppier 12.7 hands down. It moves faster, hits harder, and still offers plenty of spin. The 14.3 is more head heavy and slower through the air, and doesn’t give you enough of a boost on touch shots to stand out for me.
❌ What to consider
Head-heavy feel (which can be fixed)
Right out of the gate, I noticed this paddle was very head-heavy. I played with it for three hours straight in the tournament, and it started hurting my elbow. A couple of days later, I added lead tape to the bottom corners (see picture below) and that made a world of difference.
The elbow pain went away completely, the balance felt significantly better, and the sweet spot seemed to expand. This is exactly what I did with my ESQ-C, although in that case more for performance than injury prevention.
Uncomfortable grip (can also be fixed)
While the 5.5-inch handle length is great for two-handed backhands, I’d regrip this paddle to feel more comfortable. The base grip is not comfortable. One side is flatter than the other, and it’s bulkier than I prefer.
How the Paddletek Bantam GTO-C plays
| Category | Rating | Notes |
| Power | 9.5/10 | Explosive yet controlled – especially in the 12.7 mm version. You can play very aggressively and still shape your shots. |
| Control | 8/10 | It’s a poppy paddle with a quick bounce off the face. It takes some getting used to, but once dialed in, it’s consistent. |
| Spin | 10/10 | Elite spin that’s long lasting. I hit two ATPs (around-the-post shots) in one game that I would usually miss, and the spin helped curl them cleanly around the post. |
| Forgiveness | 9/10 | The sweet spot is broad and the bounce is consistent. While the pop limits dwell time, mishits still feel relatively clean. |
| Weighting | 8/10 | Head heavy out of the box and can cause elbow discomfort. With tape on the bottom corners, it balances out beautifully. |
| Grip | 7/10 | Uncomfortable shape – feels flatter on one side and bulky. Length is great, but the feel needs improvement. |
| Durability | 9/10 | Built like the ESQ and ALW, which have held up well. No delamination issues yet, but still a possibility with power paddles. |
| Aerodynamics | 9/10 | Not quite at the elite level of the ESQ or ALW, but still a fast paddle. Quick enough for competitive play. |
Features that matter
- Hybrid shape: this is the first Bantam paddle with a hybrid shape (16.25” x 7.75”). That means more reach and less speed than a standard widebody paddle.
- Elongated handle: the longer 5.5-inch handle gives you plenty of room to hit comfortable two-handed shots.
- Made in the USA: Paddletek is a rare company that makes their paddles in the United States. If you want to support American business, this paddle was made in Michigan with U.S.-sourced materials.
Who the Paddletek Bantam GTO-C is for
Personally, I’ll still reach for the Bantam ESQ-C (more speed) or TKO-C (more reach), but the GTO-C absolutely has a place for the right player. It’s a little wild for newer players to control, but I can see it appealing to any intermediate to advanced player who wants pop, spin, and a solid all-around performance.
If you like hybrid paddles and the blend they give you between the speed of a widebody paddle and the reach of an elongated paddle, this is for you. As my experience shows, you can win at a competitive level with the GTO-C.
The GTO-C is a powerful, effective paddle that rewards aggressive play and offers elite spin. For me, it doesn’t do enough to replace the ESQ-C or TKO-C in my paddle bag. I get tons of speed and pop from the former, and strong power and reach from the latter. So, I can only see someone choosing the GTO-C if they really like hybrid shapes. If that’s you, you’ll get a super-powerful hybrid paddle that, once customized, can take your game to the next level.Today's best deals
