Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Pro Pickleball Paddle vs ProXR Signature Pickleball Paddle
Head-to-head spec comparison to help you pick the right paddle for your needs.
Paddletek
$130
ProXR
$130
Spec-by-Spec Comparison
| Spec | Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Pro Pickleball Paddle | ProXR Signature Pickleball Paddle |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7.6 oz | 8 oz |
| Face Material | Textured Fiberglass | Graphite |
| Core Type | Polymer Honeycomb | Polymer Honeycomb |
| Grip Size | 4 1/4 in | 4 1/4 in |
| Grip Length | 4.5 in | 5 in |
| Paddle Length | 15.75 in | 16 in |
| Paddle Width | 8 in | 8 in |
| Elbow Friendly | Yes | Yes |
| USAPA Approved | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $130 | $130 |
| Rating | 8.6/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Pros & Cons
Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Pro Pickleball Paddle
Pros
- Textured fiberglass face adds spin without the stiffness that causes elbow flare-ups
- 7.6 oz sits in the sweet spot — light enough for arm protection, substantial enough for controlled drives
- Paddletek explicitly designs for arm safety — the polymer core dampens shock throughout the entire paddle, not just the sweet spot
- Solid rep for durability — this paddle routinely lasts 2-3 years with regular recreational play
- USAPA approved, well-regarded in the 55-70 recreational community
Cons
- Higher price point than HEAD entry options without a dramatic performance leap at recreational level
- Grip length (4.5in) is shorter than some players prefer for two-handed backhand shots
- Less forgiveness on off-center hits than the Selkirk Halo XL due to standard-width face
ProXR Signature Pickleball Paddle
Pros
- Graphite face delivers the soft, controlled feel that many recreational players prefer over stiff carbon — easier on the elbow on long sessions
- Polymer honeycomb core absorbs vibration well; not a high-end carbon-paddle hand-shock-sensation that aggravates lateral epicondylitis
- USAPA-approved, well-balanced 8.0 oz weight — sits in the sweet spot for arm-protective recreational play
- ProXR builds enthusiast paddles by hand in the US — finish quality and edge-guard durability are notably above the $130 price point
- Standard 4 1/4 grip works for most hand sizes; pairs cleanly with any aftermarket overgrip if the factory grip wears
Cons
- Quieter brand — less Amazon support resolution if the paddle arrives with cosmetic issues; expect to deal with ProXR directly via their site warranty
- Stock grip wears faster than the paddle face; budget $12-15 for an overgrip in month 4-5 of regular play
- Slightly heavier face profile than the most aggressive arm-protective paddles — players in active elbow flare may prefer Selkirk SLK Halo Control XL or ProKennex Kinetic models instead
Our Verdicts
Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Pro Pickleball Paddle
Excellent second pick for arm-protection seekers. The textured fiberglass face is a meaningful differentiator — it creates spin without the aggressive stiff-carbon feel that strains elbows. Recommended for players who want both comfort and a slight competitive edge over pure entry paddles.
ProXR Signature Pickleball Paddle
A solid graphite-faced choice for recreational players 55-75 who want polymer-core arm protection without paying premium-tier prices. Build quality punches above the $130 tag and the brand's hand-built ethos shows up in finish details. Not the absolute lowest-vibration paddle on this list, but a well-rounded recreational pick.