World #1 Pickleball Star Anna Leigh Waters Unveils Signature Paddletek Bantam ALW-C Line
Niles, Michigan – November 16, 2023 – Unleashing a new era of pickleball excellence, World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters has teamed up with her trusted paddle partner, Paddletek, to launch two cutting-edge paddles in her signature Bantam ALW-C line. Designed for performance-driven players, these paddles are crafted to bring the perfect balance of power, control, and spin to the game.
The new Bantam ALW-C paddles, available in two models—12.7mm and 14.3mm—combine PT-700 unidirectional RAW carbon fiber with Paddletek’s renowned Bantam core. This fusion delivers unmatched versatility, empowering players to dominate every aspect of their game, whether they’re going for powerful shots or masterful spins. Anna Leigh Waters, who was deeply involved in the paddle design process, has created a paddle that mirrors her own bold and adaptable playing style.
“It’s been incredible to watch Anna Leigh redefine what’s possible in pickleball, and we are beyond proud to collaborate with her on this new Bantam ALW-C signature line,” said Curtis Smith, CEO of Paddletek, LLC. “These paddles, made in the USA, offer enhanced flexibility and options for any player looking to elevate their performance—just like they’ve done for Anna Leigh.”
The Winning Formula
Anna Leigh proved the power of her new paddle by securing a Triple Crown victory (Singles, Women’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles) at the U.S. Nationals in Dallas, using the Bantam ALW-C 12.7mm. This marked her 20th career Triple Crown—a staggering achievement for the 16-year-old phenom. First introduced to Paddletek in 2017 when she was just 10 years old, Anna Leigh has been working closely with the company to co-create paddles that reflect her competitive edge and meet the demands of top-level players.
“I’m thrilled to finally debut my Paddletek signature paddle line,” said Anna Leigh Waters. “Throughout the development, I tested several designs to find the perfect combination of Paddletek’s cutting-edge technology to elevate my game. With the 12.7mm model, you get a bit more power, while the 14.3mm offers more forgiveness—it’s all about finding the balance that suits your style. The Paddletek team has done an outstanding job bringing this vision to life.”
Elevating the Game
As a brand that’s been pushing the boundaries of pickleball technology since 2010, Paddletek’s partnership with Anna Leigh Waters reflects a shared commitment to innovation and growth in the sport. With the introduction of their advanced honeycomb core over a decade ago, Paddletek has been at the forefront of paddle design, helping players across the world raise their game. This latest collaboration with Anna Leigh marks another milestone in their ongoing mission to enhance the sport.
About Paddletek
Paddletek began as a small family business with a passion for pickleball and a vision to revolutionize paddle technology. Since its inception in 2010, the company has grown into one of the most respected names in the pickleball world, known for its high-performance paddles that cater to players of all skill levels. The company’s focus remains steadfast: to help players achieve the next level of performance through innovative products that prioritize quality, precision, and the joy of the game.
About Anna Leigh Waters
Anna Leigh Waters is a pickleball sensation who turned pro at just 11 years old. Now, at 16, she is the undisputed World No. 1 in women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Coached by her mother, Leigh Waters, Anna Leigh has dominated the professional tour in 2023, losing only three matches all year. Outside the court, she enjoys cooking, fashion, and working toward completing her high school education, continuing to inspire both on and off the court.
