Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C 14.3mm vs RPM Pickleball Q2 16mm Elongated
Paddletek
Bantam ESQ-C 14.3mm
$199.99
7.6–7.9 oz · 14.3mm core · Widebody
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RPM Pickleball
Q2 16mm Elongated
$249.99
7.8–8 oz · 16mm core · Elongated
Shop RPM Pickleball (opens in a new tab)Pickle's 5-axis score
Based on published specs, ranked against all 320 paddles we cover. Diff highlighted when one paddle leads by 0.5+ points.
Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C 14.3mm vs RPM Pickleball Q2 16mm Elongated across five scored traits: Power, Hand speed, Forgiveness, Touch, Spin.
Comparing two is a start. Answer five quick questions and we'll rank the whole catalog for how you play.
Find my paddleReach vs. maneuverability
RPM Pickleball Q2 16mm Elongated trades a touch of maneuverability for more reach at the line; Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C 14.3mm is easier to whip around in hand fights.
Side-by-side specs
| Spec | Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C 14.3mm | RPM Pickleball Q2 16mm Elongated |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7.6–7.9 oz | 7.8–8 oz |
| Shape | Widebody | Elongated |
| Core thickness | 14.3mm | 16mm |
| Core material | — | Honeycomb with foam perimeter |
| Face material | PT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber | Carbon fiber |
| Handle length | 5.5" | 5.5" |
| Price | $199.99 | $249.99 |
What the spec differences mean
- Weight. Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C 14.3mm is listed at 7.6–7.9 oz; RPM Pickleball Q2 16mm Elongated at 7.8–8 oz. At the low end of each listed range, the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C 14.3mm is 0.2 oz lighter. How paddle weights compare across our catalog
- Core thickness. Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C 14.3mm has a 14.3mm core; RPM Pickleball Q2 16mm Elongated has a 16mm core, so the RPM Pickleball Q2 16mm Elongated core is 1.7mm thicker. What core thickness changes
- Length and width. Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C 14.3mm measures 16" × 8"; RPM Pickleball Q2 16mm Elongated measures 16.5" × 7.5" (widebody vs elongated). The RPM Pickleball Q2 16mm Elongated is 0.5" longer. Paddle shapes and the size rule
- Face material. Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C 14.3mm lists its face as PT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber; RPM Pickleball Q2 16mm Elongated lists Carbon fiber. Paddle face materials explained
Who each paddle is for
Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C 14.3mm
Best for intermediate players (3.5-4.5) looking for a balanced upgrade who play with a balanced two-handed/one-handed mix. The widebody profile gives you a generous sweet spot, the 14.3mm core balances pop and control, and the raw carbon face bites on spin shots.
Playing style: all-court
RPM Pickleball Q2 16mm Elongated
Best for 3.0+ players who want a forgiving control feel who play with a balanced two-handed/one-handed mix. The elongated shape extends your reach at the kitchen line, the 16mm core gives you a soft touch window, and the face surface keeps spin honest without overdoing it.
Playing style: balanced
Both are great. Pick by playstyle, not specs.
Pick the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C 14.3mm if…
- you want a bigger, more forgiving sweet spot
Pick the RPM Pickleball Q2 16mm Elongated if…
- you like extra reach at the kitchen line
More matchups with the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C 14.3mm
More matchups with the RPM Pickleball Q2 16mm Elongated
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