Paddletek Tempest TKO-C
$149.99
About the Paddletek Tempest TKO-C
The Paddletek Tempest TKO-C is an elongated pickleball paddle with a PT700 raw carbon fiber face over a 14.3mm core. It weighs about 7.8–8.2 oz, with a 5.25" grip. Listed price: $149.99.
Listed play style: control.
Where to buy: Paddletek direct and Amazon.
Where to buy
| Retailer | Price | Availability | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | $149.99 | Check Amazon | Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Prices may vary — confirm the current price on the retailer’s site. We may earn a commission on some of these links at no extra cost to you; Amazon links do not pay us a commission.
Pickle's Take
14.3mm core, PT700 raw carbon fiber face. Soft, plush feel and a forgiving sweet spot. Best for dinkers and counter-attackers who win at the kitchen line.
- PickleSwaps editorial team
Pickle's 5-axis score
Based on published specs, ranked against all 320 paddles we cover. 0–10 per axis.
- Power
- 6.8 / 10
- Hand speed
- 4.9 / 10
- Forgiveness
- 2.9 / 10
- Touch
- 4.5 / 10
- Spin
- 8.7 / 10
Above the catalog median on power
At the catalog median on hand speed
Below the catalog median on forgiveness
Below the catalog median on touch
Above the catalog median on spin
The Paddletek Tempest TKO-C in our database
Its handle length (5.25 in) is shorter than 76% of the 42 other 14–15 mm elongated paddles in our database.
Where it sits
| Spec | Tempest TKO-C | Position | Compared with (our database) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 8 oz (midpoint of 7.8–8.2 oz) | heavier than 43% (30% same) | 40 other 14–15 mm elongated paddles |
| Length | 16.5 in | longer than 14% (84% same) | 44 other 14–15 mm elongated paddles |
| Handle length | 5.25 in | shorter than 76% (12% same) | 42 other 14–15 mm elongated paddles |
| Weight within Paddletek | 8 oz | 2nd heaviest (tied) | 12 paddles from Paddletek |
Approval record
- USA Pickleball:
- On the approved list, listed as “Paddletek Tempest TKO-C 14.3mm”. Date added on the list: May 22, 2024.
- UPA-A:
- No matching entry found on the approved list.
Checked: USA Pickleball Nov 3, 2026; UPA-A Oct 3, 2026. Current status only.
Closest by measured specs
Engage ProFoam 14mm: same listed weight, 14 mm core (0.3 mm thinner), same shape, $14 cheaper
adidas AdiPower Pro EDT 14mm: same listed weight, 14 mm core (0.3 mm thinner), same shape, $39 more
ProXR Zane Navratil Signature 14mm: same listed weight, 14 mm core (0.3 mm thinner), same shape, $40 more
Diadem Edge BluCore Pro 14mm: same listed weight, 14 mm core (0.3 mm thinner), same shape, $50 more
Should you buy the Paddletek Tempest TKO-C?
Best for
3.5+ control doubles players; elongated touch-and-reset specialist, soft hands and placement over power.
Read Pickle's full breakdown
Who should buy the Tempest TKO-C
Buy it if you're a 3.5+ control player who lives for touch, resets, and a quiet, connected feel from a heritage brand. The legacy Tempest control core and PT-700 raw-carbon face are tuned for soft hands and precise placement at the kitchen, with enough spin for a control build, and the elongated shape adds a little reach without going full power.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you want free pop off the face. This is a touch-first paddle - the control core deadens pace by design, so power has to come from your swing. Bangers will find it muted, and beginners may find the elongated control shape's sweet spot less forgiving than a widebody starter.
The main tradeoff
The touch-tuned control core gives up put-away power for feel. You'll reset and dink beautifully and have to manufacture your own pace on drives - this is a placement paddle, not a banger's.
Is it worth it?
At $149.99 it's a heritage-brand control paddle at a fair, mid-tier price - meaningfully cheaper than the $220+ control flagships while delivering the touch and placement that matter most. A strong pick for the control player who doesn't need the premium badge.
Closest alternatives
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Description written June 28, 2026