Paddletek Tempest TKO-C
Who This Paddle Is For
control
Control-oriented elongated paddle with legendary control core.
About the Paddletek Tempest TKO-C
The Paddletek Tempest TKO-C is a elongated-shape pickleball paddle with a pt700 raw carbon fiber face over a 14.3mm core. It comes in around 7.8–8.2 oz with a 5.25" grip. Listed price: $149.99.
Playstyle fit: control. The elongated shape favors reach and spin generation.
Control-oriented elongated paddle with legendary control core.
Available direct from Paddletek and Amazon.
Where to Buy
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Find My Paddle →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
Spec-grounded, quartile-ranked across our 322-paddle catalog. 0–10 per axis.
- Power
- 8.5 / 10
- Hand speed
- 6.5 / 10
- Forgiveness
- 4.9 / 10
- Touch
- 4.5 / 10
- Spin
- 9.7 / 10
Top 32% of catalog on power
At the catalog median on hand speed
Below the catalog median on forgiveness
Below the catalog median on touch
Top 30% of catalog on spin
Who it's for
Best for intermediate players (3.5-4.5) looking for a balanced upgrade who play with a balanced two-handed/one-handed mix. The elongated shape extends your reach at the kitchen line, the 14.3mm core balances pop and control, and the raw carbon face bites on spin shots.
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.
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.
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Last updated: 2026-06-28
Price & Availability
| Retailer | Price | Availability | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | $149.99 | Check Amazon | Buy → |
Prices may vary — confirm the current price on the retailer’s site. Affiliate disclosure: PickleSwaps may earn a commission from purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Paddletek Tempest TKO-C USA Pickleball approved?
Yes — the Paddletek Tempest TKO-C is on the USA Pickleball approved equipment list and is legal for sanctioned tournament play. View the official USA Pickleball listing at https://equipment.usapickleball.org/paddle-list/entry/8485.
What's the core thickness of the Paddletek Tempest TKO-C?
The Paddletek Tempest TKO-C uses a 14.3mm polymer honeycomb core paired with a pt700 raw carbon fiber face. Thicker cores (16mm+) trade some power for better control and a softer feel.
Who is the Paddletek Tempest TKO-C best for?
The Paddletek Tempest TKO-C is best for players who prioritize a control game and prefer a elongated shape, in the 7.8–8.2 oz weight range.