Anna Leigh Waters and the Paddletek Bantam ALW-C: A Signature Paddle to Dominate the Court
With two custom-designed models, Anna Leigh Waters’ Paddletek Bantam ALW-C combines cutting-edge materials and meticulous engineering to elevate aggressive play and bring unparalleled power and spin.
Anna Leigh Waters is a name that’s become synonymous with dominance in professional pickleball. As the world #1, Waters has redefined the sport, capturing audiences with her relentless style and precision. Partnering with Paddletek, she’s co-designed the new Bantam ALW-C line—crafted for players seeking an edge in power, spin, and versatility. These paddles, available in 12.7mm and 14.3mm core models, feature Paddletek’s advanced carbon fiber surface technology and unique Bantam core, echoing Waters’ preference for high performance. This review delves into each feature, offering insights for players at all levels, with guidance on what makes each model best for serious competitors.
Paddletek’s Bantam ALW-C Signature Paddle, created in collaboration with Anna Leigh Waters, has been engineered to address modern pickleball needs. Constructed with a PT-700 unidirectional carbon fiber face and a responsive polymer composite core, this paddle is designed for ultimate spin, control, and power. While both the 12.7mm and 14.3mm models share these core attributes, each offers subtle but crucial differences in forgiveness and control. Mike Parra, a seasoned PickleGeek Paddle Expert, notes that this line ranks high among paddles he’s tested this year. With these enhancements, the Bantam ALW-C not only aims to replicate Waters' success but also to equip players to elevate their game with her signature intensity.
0:42 Anna Leigh Signature Paddle Review
The Paddletek Bantam ALW-C's most noticeable upgrade is the extended 5.25-inch handle, a detail that meets the feedback from previous players. The slightly longer handle delivers enhanced reach and a better sense of balance, making putaways smoother and more effective. For players who enjoyed the prior model but wanted additional reach and control, this upgrade addresses both without compromising handling. Anna Leigh herself reportedly influenced this design shift, considering the handle length vital to her own playing style.
Parra emphasizes that the paddle feels more balanced with this adjustment, enabling players to add a natural whip to their shots. The handle length also enhances reach, particularly advantageous for players who favor close-up, aggressive exchanges. Additionally, the paddle comes in two core thicknesses—12.7mm and 14.3mm—each catering to different player needs. The thicker 14.3mm core offers slightly more control and forgiveness, making it ideal for players focused on a balanced game, while the 12.7mm core brings raw power for those favoring aggressive tactics.
2:14 Swing Weight: 103
With a swing weight rating of 103, the Bantam ALW-C ensures quick responsiveness without sacrificing strength in close volleys. This swing weight facilitates fast exchanges and allows for controlled countering, an essential for high-level play. Parra comments on its utility for court "kitchen play," where quick reactions can make or break a point. The paddle excels at counters, creating a pop that’s both audible and powerful, setting it apart in any game.
Anna Leigh Waters' swing style has influenced this design aspect, particularly suited to players who rely on fast-paced exchanges and power-driven shots. According to Paddletek's 2023 press release, this paddle’s swing weight is meant to help players keep up with the faster pace of today's game, a feature that contributed to Waters' 21th career Triple Crown at the USA Pickleball National Championships.
2:40 ALW-C 12.7 Twist Weight: 6.53
The ALW-C 12.7mm model’s twist weight—6.53—brings additional power but at a cost in forgiveness. The paddle’s higher twist weight results in reduced stability for mishits or off-center shots, yet it remains agile and effective for players with precise form. Parra notes that this model is ideal for powerful players who enjoy the offensive edge. Anna Leigh, known for her aggressive play, also used this paddle to capture her 29th Triple Crown title last month at the PPA Virginia Beach Cup, underscoring how this model complements her strategy.
The 14.3mm model, on the other hand, delivers more forgiveness, making it suitable for those who prioritize versatility. This flexibility provides a slight edge in softer play, such as dinks and controlled volleys. Parra highlights that the 14.3mm retains stability in off-center shots, making it favorable for players who mix aggression with control.
Combining Paddletek’s PT-700 carbon fiber surface with the Bantam core, the ALW-C line is designed to handle both power and finesse. This blend enables substantial spin on passing shots, which can keep opponents on the defensive. The paddle’s “aggressive top spin” is particularly effective for singles, allowing players to confidently hit passing shots that curve tightly within bounds. The control remains precise, even under high-stakes rallies, offering a consistent feel for both soft touches and hard hits.
For those aiming to replicate Anna Leigh’s intensity, the paddle’s responsiveness is unmatched. In testing, Parra praised its versatility across different gameplay styles, noting that he could maintain pressure on opponents and easily speed up shots. This flexibility is essential for advanced players but may present a learning curve for beginners due to the high level of responsiveness and power.
4:27 Players That Want To Play Like An Anna Leigh Waters ‘Minion’
This paddle isn’t for the faint-hearted. With its demanding specs, the ALW-C paddle line is best suited for players who relish high-stakes matches and seek an aggressive edge. Parra advises advanced players and tennis converts to consider this paddle due to its power, spin, and learning curve. Its quick responsiveness and power output favor players with established techniques, particularly those who prefer an aggressive, offensive strategy similar to Waters herself.
Anna Leigh has set a standard that aspiring pros can look to with her distinctive style—she didn’t just lend her name to the paddle; she helped shape it for serious contenders in the game. For those drawn to her style, this paddle provides a tangible path to enhance their game. Beginners may struggle with the paddle’s pop and power, but seasoned players will find the ALW-C a worthwhile choice for gaining an edge in competitive settings.
Article Summary
Paddletek’s Bantam ALW-C line, designed with input from Anna Leigh Waters, gives high-level players a paddle that doesn’t compromise on power, spin, or responsiveness. With a PT-700 unidirectional carbon fiber surface and advanced polymer composite core, this paddle delivers both control and punch. The 12.7mm and 14.3mm models cater to aggressive and balanced styles, respectively, making this paddle a staple for serious competitors inspired by Anna Leigh’s top-tier play.
Descriptive Time Code List
- 0:00 Intro: Overview of the Paddletek Bantam ALW-C and initial impressions.
- 0:42 Anna Leigh Signature Paddle Review: Handle length update and model choices.
- 2:14 Swing Weight: Analysis of the paddle’s swing weight for fast exchanges.
- 2:40 ALW-C 12.7 Twist Weight: Comparison of forgiveness between 12.7mm and 14.3mm models.
- 3:55 Overall: Versatility, control, and spin capacity across different play styles.
- 4:27 Players Like Anna Leigh Waters Minions: Recommended skill level and style compatibility.
Paddle Specs List
Bantam ALW-C 14.3
- Power: 9 / 10
- Control: 8 / 10
- Forgiveness: 8 / 10
- Weight: 7.5-7.8 oz
- Grip Circumference: 4 1/4"
- Grip Length: 5 1/4"
- Surface: PT-700 Unidirectional RAW Carbon Fiber
- Core Thickness: 14.3 mm
- Dimensions: 15 15/16" length x 7 7/8" width
Bantam ALW-C 12.7
- Power: 9.5 / 10
- Control: 7.5 / 10
- Forgiveness: 7.5 / 10
- Weight: 7.5-7.8 oz
- Grip Circumference: 4 1/4"
- Grip Length: 5 1/4"
- Surface: PT-700 Unidirectional RAW Carbon Fiber
- Core Thickness: 12.7 mm
- Dimensions: 15 15/16" length x 7 7/8" width
