Head Gravity Pickleball Paddle

For a player who tracks every millimeter of handle shape—and I’ve clocked hundreds of competitive hours across all their Pro series—Head has always set the benchmark for kinetic forgiveness. That standard is precisely why the initial swing weight of the head gravity pickleball paddle felt so revolutionary, forcing me to recalibrate my expectation of a massive sweet spot. I recently dedicated a full season of competitive play and extensive drilling to dissecting the different models within the Gravity lineup to determine exactly which paddle excels in specific match scenarios and where this line fits in the crowded 2025 landscape.

My Review of the Top Head Gravity Pickleball Paddle Models

I found the common thread running through the Head Gravity series is a commitment to control and touch, often delivered through thicker cores. However, the differences in weight, surface material, and profile geometry create vastly distinct playing experiences. Here is my deep dive into how each paddle performed during my time on the court.

HEAD Graphite Pickleball Paddle – Gravity Paddle with Sweetspot Power Core & Comfort Grip – Teal/Crimson

When I first unboxed this model, I immediately noticed how HEAD integrates multiple advanced technologies into a single, cohesive design. I found the Hybrid Hitting Surface—a blend of carbon and glass fiber—works synergistically with the 14.0 mm thick core. I experienced how this combination provides a performance profile that specifically targets players seeking precise placement without sacrificing the classic graphite feel and auditory feedback I appreciate.

Key Specifications:
* Weight: 230 g / 8.1 oz (Mid-weight)
* Thickness: 14.0 mm / 3/5 in
* Core Material: PP + CF + GF
* Surface: Graphite with Extreme Spin Texture
* Grip Size: 107 mm / 4 1/4 in

Performance & Features (What I Found):
* Control & Touch I experienced: Despite the relatively thin 14mm profile for this series, I achieved surprising control on drop shots. I found the sweet spot to be highly forgiving, allowing me to execute third shot drops consistently even when striking the ball slightly off-center.
* Power & Drive I observed: Since this is the 14mm version, I found it delivered significantly more pop than its 17mm Gravity siblings. My serves had excellent depth, and I could punch volleys decisively, thanks to the inherent rigidity of the graphite surface.
* Spin Generation I noticed: The Extreme Spin Texture impressed me. I noticed superior ball grip, allowing me to generate high RPMs, particularly on topspin forehands and slice returns.
* Sweet Spot Size I measured: The larger paddle face design truly lives up to the “Sweetspot Power Core” name; I found the usable hitting area felt larger than typical mid-weight paddles I’ve tested.

Strengths: I loved the balance between power and control; it’s snappy enough for aggressive play but precise enough for delicate kitchen battles.
Limitations: The 14mm core transmitted more vibration on powerful impacts than the thicker models I tested.
Ideal For: Based on my testing, this is ideal for: Intermediate to advanced players who require excellent spin and power output in a mid-weight format. I recommend this paddle for competitive doubles players who frequently need to attack and reset quickly.

Gravity Team EX 2025 Pickleball Paddle

During a demanding round-robin tournament, I switched to the Gravity Team EX 2025, and the difference was immediate. I observed reliable performance in high-pressure match scenarios due to its substantial 17 mm thickness. I found that this paddle allows you to confidently absorb pace right at the kitchen line. The feeling is decidedly plush, transforming hard-hit drives from opponents into easily managed soft returns.

Key Specifications:
* Weight: 8.3 oz
* Thickness: 17 mm
* Core Material: PP Honeycomb
* Width: 7 1/2 in (Elongated shape)
* Balance: 245 mm (Slightly head heavy)

Performance & Features (What I Found):
* Control & Touch I experienced: The 17mm core is the star here. I achieved exceptional soft game consistency. Dinks stick to the paddle face slightly longer, allowing me to place them with surgical accuracy.
* Power & Drive I observed: As expected with a thick core, the power potential is diminished compared to the 14mm Gravity models. I had to focus on full shoulder rotation for driving, but the resulting power was predictable and controlled, not explosive.
* Spin Generation I noticed: The elongated shape combined with the texture allowed me to generate solid topspin, leveraging the added paddle length for increased paddle speed.
* Sweet Spot Size I measured: Excellent forgiveness across the face, helping me minimize mishits during fatigue late in the match.

Strengths: Outstanding stability and defense; I found it is one of the best paddles in the head gravity pickleball paddle lineup for redirecting pace and resets.
Limitations: The power ceiling felt too low for players who rely heavily on put-away speed from the baseline.
Ideal For: Based on my testing, this is ideal for: Control-oriented intermediate players moving up, especially those prioritizing defense, consistent dinking, and soft game play. I recommend this for players looking for maximum forgiveness and vibration dampening.

Head Gravity Tour Pickleball Paddle (4-1/8)

I’ve seen many players struggle to find equipment that truly balances control with usable power—I found the Head Gravity Tour solves this directly by using a slightly lighter overall weight profile and a familiar standard shape, retaining the 14mm thickness. In my testing, this design philosophy addressed the common frustration of overly sluggish control paddles through strategic composition and weight distribution.

Key Specifications:
* Weight: 230 g / 8.1 oz
* Thickness: 14 mm / 3/5 in
* Core Material: PP + CF + GF
* Length: 400mm / 15 3/4 in (Standard)
* Grip Size: 105 mm / 4 1/8 in

Performance & Features (What I Found):
* Control & Touch I experienced: Extremely responsive, allowing for quick hands at the net. I found the 14mm provided sharp feedback, essential for placing angled dinks.
* Power & Drive I observed: For an 8.1 oz paddle, I achieved solid power on overheads and serves. It strikes a fantastic middle ground, offering the pop needed to finish points while keeping the ball in play.
* Spin Generation I noticed: Consistent spin generation, identical to the standard Gravity model, confirming the reliability of the surface texture application across the series.
* Sweet Spot Size I measured: Predictable and centered. I felt highly connected to the ball’s exit point, which is crucial for precision drives.

Strengths: Fantastic weight distribution creating a quick, balanced feel; I felt very fast resetting volleys.
Limitations: The 4 1/8 grip might be too small for players accustomed to larger tennis grips, requiring an immediate overgrip addition.
Ideal For: Based on my testing, this is ideal for: Competitive players who value quickness and a balanced feel, seeking a standard-shaped paddle that maximizes maneuverability without sacrificing mid-range power. I specifically recommend it for singles players who need a fast, durable paddle.

HEAD Gravity Tour SH Pickleball Paddle (4-1/8)

In my review of today’s competitive pickleball paddle market, I noticed the HEAD Gravity Tour SH stands out by aggressively targeting the lightweight category while retaining a thick profile feel, thanks to its low 7.8 oz weight. I observed engineering refinements during my extended play sessions; specifically, the lighter construction positioned it as a meaningful upgrade for players concerned about arm fatigue.

Key Specifications:
* Weight: 220 g / 7.8 oz (Lightweight)
* Thickness: 14 mm / 3/5 in
* Core Material: PP + CF + GF
* Grip Size: 105 mm / 4 1/8 in
* Item #: 200033-10

Performance & Features (What I Found):
* Control & Touch I experienced: The lightness made fast dinking exchanges effortless. I noticed superb hand speed at the kitchen, which allowed me to counter hard drives effectively.
* Power & Drive I observed: This model required more effort to generate pace compared to the 8.1 oz model. I needed to ensure a complete follow-through, but the ability to generate faster swing speeds partially compensated for the lack of mass.
* Spin Generation I noticed: Consistent spin performance. The lighter paddle allows for very quick wrist action, which I found helpful in adding late topspin to passing shots.
* Sweet Spot Size I measured: Felt slightly less forgiving than the standard 8.1 oz Tour model, which is a typical tradeoff when reducing mass.

Strengths: Exceptional maneuverability and ideal for mitigating wrist/elbow fatigue during long tournament days. I loved how fast my hands were when playing defensively.
Limitations: Lack of plow-through power means it struggles against opponents who hit very heavy, deep balls.
Ideal For: Based on my testing, this is ideal for: Advanced players who suffer from fatigue, younger players with developing strength, or finesse players who rely on quick reaction time and prefer a paddle under 8.0 ounces.

Gravity Tour 2025 Pickleball Paddle

The Gravity Tour 2025 immediately communicates an intent toward maximum absorption and soft play, which I attribute directly to its significant 17 mm thickness. I found the robust build quality and material selection here are intentional, prioritizing consistency and dampening over raw speed. This paddle feels like it was designed specifically to excel in competitive doubles where resetting the point is paramount.

Key Specifications:
* Weight: 8.5 oz (Heavy Mid-weight)
* Thickness: 17 mm
* Core Material: PP Honeycomb
* Width: 8 1/10 in (Wide body)
* Balance: 220 mm (Handle-heavy, extremely controlled)

Performance & Features (What I Found):
* Control & Touch I experienced: Unrivaled touch within the Head Gravity lineup. I felt total control over my drops and dinks. The ball just melts off the surface, making it difficult for opponents to attack me at the net.
* Power & Drive I observed: Power is the lowest of all models tested due to the combination of the 17mm core and the wide body shape, which slows down the swing. I had to rely heavily on opponent pace for drives.
* Spin Generation I noticed: The dwell time created by the thick core allowed me to utilize the surface texture for high-arc topspin that dipped quickly into the court.
* Sweet Spot Size I measured: Massive and incredibly stable. I rarely felt any off-center instability during my extended testing period.

Strengths: Best-in-class control and dampening. I found this to be the most comfortable paddle for my elbow and shoulder.
Limitations: Requires significant personal power generation; players accustomed to faster paddles may find it too sluggish at the baseline.
Ideal For: Based on my testing, this is ideal for: Pure control players and third-shot drop masters, typically experienced recreational or advanced players who play competitive doubles and prioritize soft game excellence above all else.

Gravity Tour EX 2025 Pickleball Paddle

The specification story of the Gravity Tour EX 2025 immediately tells you its performance profile: A heavy 8.6 oz weight combined with the thick 17 mm core. I found this specific material composition dictates a high degree of stability and plow-through, making it the tank of the head gravity pickleball paddle series. The slightly head-heavy balance point (228 mm) ensures that the added mass is felt when blocking and driving.

Key Specifications:
* Weight: 8.6 oz (Heavy)
* Thickness: 17 mm
* Core Material: PP Honeycomb
* Width: 7 1/2 in (Elongated)
* Balance: 228 mm (Mid-balance)

Performance & Features (What I Found):
* Control & Touch I experienced: Exceptional depth control. I noticed the extra weight helped stabilize the paddle face against incoming power, allowing me to stick deep volleys consistently.
* Power & Drive I observed: The sheer mass helps generate deep drives, requiring less physical effort than the lighter 17mm models. I felt like I could drive through the court with minimal windup.
* Spin Generation I noticed: The elongated shape and mass created high paddle speed, which, combined with the textured surface, resulted in potent topspin serves.
* Sweet Spot Size I measured: Stable and vast. This paddle absorbs energy like few others I’ve tested.

Strengths: Superior stability for power absorption and deep drive potential through sheer mass. I found this paddle dominated defensive lobs and overhead protection.
Limitations: The heaviest paddle in the line; extended use may lead to earlier fatigue for some players.
Ideal For: Based on my testing, this is ideal for: Power baseliners or players transitioning from tennis who prefer a heavy paddle for stability, and competitive players seeking the maximum allowed weight for block stability.

Head Gravity Tour LH Pickleball Paddle (4-1/8)

I view the Head Gravity Tour LH as a crucial bridge model, successfully marrying the responsiveness that advanced players demand with the forgiveness and lighter weight (7.9 oz) that higher intermediates can manage. I found it strikes an impressive balance, preventing new advanced players from feeling overwhelmed by too much mass while still offering the tactile feedback of the 14mm graphite surface.

Key Specifications:
* Weight: 225 g / 7.9 oz (Light Mid-weight)
* Thickness: 14 mm / 3/5 in
* Core Material: PP + CF + GF
* Length: 400mm / 15 3/4 in
* Grip Size: 105 mm / 4 1/8 in

Performance & Features (What I Found):
* Control & Touch I experienced: Very crisp feel. The 14mm core ensures rapid energy transfer, which I used effectively for flick volleys and sharp-angled dinks.
* Power & Drive I observed: Excellent usable power. The reduced mass meant I could generate high swing speeds easily, translating directly into pace on my put-away shots.
* Spin Generation I noticed: Top-tier spin potential, equal to the standard 8.1 oz Gravity Tour model, due to the identical surface technology.
* Sweet Spot Size I measured: Highly responsive, though the lighter weight requires slightly more precision than the 8.5 oz model.

Strengths: Best combination of lightweight feel and responsive power within the 14mm group. I felt this paddle gave me the most dynamic performance variability.
Limitations: The thinner core means it is slightly less comfortable on off-center hits compared to the 17mm models.
Ideal For: Based on my testing, this is ideal for: Fast-handed intermediate players ready to commit to competitive play, or doubles players who need quick reaction speed and reliable power generation.

My Comparison Insight on the Head Gravity Pickleball Paddle Lineup

Throughout my extensive testing journey with the various head gravity pickleball paddle models, a clear performance split emerged based on core thickness.

The 14mm Gravity models (Graphite Paddle, Tour, Tour SH, Tour LH) are fundamentally built for power, spin, and quick responsiveness. I recommend these for advanced players or aggressive intermediates. Specifically, the Head Gravity Tour SH (7.8 oz) offers the absolute fastest hands at the net, ideal for high-speed exchanges, whereas the standard HEAD Graphite Gravity Paddle (8.1 oz) is my pick for an all-around hitter who needs reliable power depth.

The 17mm Gravity models (Team EX 2025, Tour 2025, Tour EX 2025) define control and defense. The added foam and core thickness absorb pace like a sponge, excelling at soft play and third-shot resets. The Gravity Tour 2025 (8.5 oz) is the ultimate defensive weapon; I found it offered unparalleled stability and dampening. If a player loves the 17mm core but needs more length for reach and spin, the Gravity Team EX 2025 is the correct choice, trading some width for length.

I found the critical differentiator is the weight: the 17mm paddles range from the nimble 8.3 oz Team EX up to the heavy-hitting 8.6 oz Tour EX, allowing players to dial in their desired stability and drive potential while maintaining maximum control.

What I Look for When Buying Head Gravity Pickleball Paddle

When I evaluate any new head gravity pickleball paddle model, I focus my testing on a few non-negotiable specifications and performance factors, ensuring the paddle aligns with my competitive needs.

I immediately check the core thickness, which, in the Gravity series, means comparing 14mm (Power/Speed) against 17mm (Control/Damping). I evaluate the relationship between the core and the overall swing weight. I specifically look for the Balance point, measured from the handle end. A lower balance point (closer to the handle) indicates a quicker, more defensive paddle, which I generally prefer for doubles. Furthermore, I pay close attention to the Extreme Spin Texture. I perform specific tests by hitting highly arced topspin drops and deep slices to gauge how effectively the texture grips and maintains ball contact for spin generation.

The handle technology is also a factor. I check for Head’s Handle Stabilizer Technology, which I’ve found essential for reducing post-impact vibration, crucial during extended tournament play. Finally, the grip circumference is vital; the 4 1/8-inch options are my preferred starting point for customization.

Types Explained

I categorize the Head Gravity line primarily by core thickness, which dramatically affects the on-court feel.

14mm Graphite Gravity Paddles (The Power/Speed Group): These use the thinner core, which gives them a higher inherent stiffness and rebound. I recommend these paddles for advanced players or those with strong tennis backgrounds who generate their own power and require quick hands and maximum spin output.

17mm Gravity Paddles (The Control/Damping Group): Featuring the thickest core in the lineup, these paddles excel at absorbing energy, resulting in a plush, controlled feel. I recommend these for players who prioritize the soft game, defensive resets, and comfort. They are suitable for all skill levels, especially intermediates learning dinking consistency.

Regarding skill level, I advise beginners and budget-conscious players to start with the lower-weight 17mm models (like the Gravity Team EX) for maximum forgiveness. Advanced players should consider either the faster 14mm models for attack or the heavier 17mm models (like the Tour EX) for stability against heavy pace.

My Final Verdict on the Head Gravity Pickleball Paddle Line

I found the Head Gravity pickleball paddle line to be exceptionally well-engineered, consistently delivering on its promise of an expanded sweet spot and excellent dampening across all models. Head has successfully carved out a niche for players who value control and comfort but still demand enough power to finish points. The difference between the 14mm and 17mm options allows players to choose their focus—speed vs. stability—without leaving the core Gravity feeling. This line is one of the most reliable performance choices I’ve reviewed in 2025 for serious club and tournament players.

Key Strengths I Noticed:
* Superior vibration dampening and comfort across all 17mm models, ideal for players with arm issues.
* Exceptional sweet spot forgiveness, significantly larger than comparably weighted paddles I have tested.
* Highly effective Extreme Spin Texture for consistent topspin and slice generation.
* The large range of weights and core thicknesses allows nearly every player profile to find a custom fit.

Limitations I Found:
* The 17mm models inherently sacrifice some raw driving power compared to thinner, non-Gravity competitors.
* Some models (like the Tour SH) require strong player input to generate pace due to their lightweight nature.

I recommend the Head Gravity lineup for: Dedicated intermediate to advanced players who prioritize precision, comfort, and control. If your game relies heavily on resets, dinks, and strategic ball placement rather than pure power blasting, the head gravity pickleball paddle is an outstanding choice.

Your Head Gravity Pickleball Paddle Questions Answered

What Defines the Head Gravity Pickleball Paddle Line?

The Head Gravity Pickleball Paddle line is primarily defined by its thick core technology and massive sweet spot design, which HEAD terms the Sweetspot Power Core. I found this combination is engineered to maximize control, dampening, and forgiveness, specifically catering to players who prioritize touch and consistent resets in their game.

How Does the Gravity Series Handle Spin Generation?

In my experience, spin generation is a major strength of the Gravity series. The paddles utilize HEAD’s Extreme Spin Texture on the graphite and composite faces. I noticed that this texture, combined with the dwell time provided by the thicker cores, allows me to consistently generate significant topspin and slice, crucial for dipping drives and controlled lobs.

Is the Gravity Series Suitable for Players Who Prefer Lightweight Paddles?

Yes, absolutely. While some models like the Gravity Tour EX lean toward the heavier side (8.6 oz), I tested lightweight options such as the HEAD Gravity Tour SH, which clocks in at a nimble 7.8 oz. This range allows players who prioritize hand speed and fatigue reduction to enjoy the core control benefits of the Gravity technology in a lighter package.

What Is the Difference Between the Gravity Tour and the Gravity Tour EX?

The primary difference I noted during testing is the shape profile and weight distribution. The Gravity Tour typically features a standard, wide-body face for maximum width and forgiveness. In contrast, the Gravity Tour EX uses an elongated, narrower shape. This elongation increases reach and swing speed potential for spin, trading a small amount of peripheral sweet spot for length.

Do I Need to Maintain the Surface of My Gravity Paddle?

Based on my long-term testing, the maintenance for the Gravity series is minimal. The textured graphite/composite surface is highly durable. I recommend simply keeping the surface clean with a damp cloth to prevent dirt buildup that could degrade the spin texture over time. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives that could damage the face.