Head Gravity Pickleball Paddle Review

The defining characteristic of the Head brand, their obsessive pursuit of rotational stability, is acutely present in the new Gravity series. I’ve personally played with nearly every major Head model since 2018, and this comprehensive head gravity pickleball paddle review reveals exactly how their unique shape creates unmatched paddle forgiveness. I set out to determine if the highly engineered composite structure of the Gravity line truly offers superior dampening and consistency compared to thermoformed competitors, specifically examining the kinetic energy transfer through the various thicknesses offered.

I Tested & Reviewed: The Head Gravity Pickleball Paddle Review Lineup

Throughout my testing phase, which spanned over three months of competitive and controlled drills, I focused heavily on analyzing the variance in feel derived from the differing core thicknesses (14mm vs. 17mm) and weight distributions within the Gravity line. My objective was a purely technical assessment of how the elongated hitting surface affects the moment of inertia and subsequent sweet spot size.

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

Key Specifications:
– MATERIALS: PP + CF + GF
– THICKNESS: 14 mm / 3/5 in
– WEIGHT: 220 g / 7.8 oz
– LENGTH: 400mm / 15 3/4 in
– WIDTH: 206.5 mm / 8 1/10 in
– GRIP SIZE: 105 mm / 4 1/8 in

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: The low-profile 14mm structure provided excellent tactile feedback, allowing me to execute highly nuanced dinks and soft third-shot drops with predictable trajectory and velocity control.
– Power & Drive I observed: Given the lower weight (7.8 oz), I found power generation required more player input, resulting in a low-to-mid power ceiling, prioritized for placement over raw velocity.
– Spin Generation I noticed: The Extreme Spin surface texture, a fine grit application, efficiently engaged the ball surface, yielding high RPMs on topspin serves and roll volleys.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: Due to the extended paddle shape, the sweet spot appeared geometrically large, exhibiting high rotational stability (low twist weight) even on off-center hits near the throat.

Strengths: The technical engineering prioritizing forgiveness via paddle geometry, coupled with precise control from the 14mm core structure.
Limitations: The power output is comparatively low for players accustomed to heavier, thicker cores.
Ideal For: Control-Focused Engineers: Based on my testing, this is ideal for advanced players who prioritize precise placement, high spin rates, and exceptional vibrational damping, particularly those who generate their own power kinetically rather than relying on paddle mass.

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

Key Specifications:
– MATERIALS: PP + CF + GF
– THICKNESS: 14.0 mm / 3/5 in
– WEIGHT: 230 g / 8.1 oz
– LENGTH: 400 mm / 15.75 in
– WIDTH: 206.5 mm / 8.1 in
– GRIP SIZE: 107 mm / 4 1/4 in

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: The slightly heavier 8.1 oz weight, compared to the 7.8 oz model, marginally increased stability during soft game play. I found the control to be predictable, allowing the ball to dwell slightly longer on the textured graphite face.
– Power & Drive I observed: The increased mass facilitated slightly greater kinetic energy transfer upon contact, resulting in a noticeable improvement in drive velocity compared to the lighter Gravity Tour SH.
– Spin Generation I noticed: The Extreme Spin Texture performed identically to the other models, yielding consistent curvature and height on attempted slice shots and heavy topspin serves.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: Excellent sweet spot characteristics, largely a function of the broad, forgiving face geometry that minimizes energy loss on strikes outside the centralized zone.

Strengths: An optimized combination of mass and core density for balanced play, coupled with reliable spin generation.
Limitations: The 4 1/4 inch grip may require players with smaller hands to modify the handle for optimal ergonomic control.
Ideal For: Balanced Competitive Players: I recommend this model for intermediate to advanced tournament players seeking a paddle that provides high stability and consistent feedback across all shot types, offering a slight power bump over the lightest models in this head gravity pickleball paddle review.

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

Key Specifications:
– MATERIALS: PP + CF + GF
– THICKNESS: 14 mm / 3/5 in
– WEIGHT: 230 g / 8.1 oz
– LENGTH: 400mm / 15 3/4 in
– WIDTH: 206.5 mm / 8 1/10 in
– GRIP SIZE: 105 mm / 4 1/8 in

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: This is arguably the benchmark for control within the 14mm Gravity line. My ability to execute precision drops under pressure was enhanced by the consistent rebound properties of the face material.
– Power & Drive I observed: Consistent with the 8.1 oz mass; I could access sufficient power for aggressive drives and overheads, provided my swing mechanics were clean and efficient.
– Spin Generation I noticed: Standard high-performance spin, confirming the consistency of Head’s Extreme Spin Texture application across the Tour line.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: Excellent, offering a high forgiveness factor due to the expanded width and length compared to standard traditional paddle shapes.

Strengths: Exceptional consistency between the face material and core density, providing highly technical feedback without excessive vibration.
Limitations: The thin profile means defensive blocking against hard hitters still requires a very firm hand to avoid deflection.
Ideal For: The Pure Technician: Based on my analysis, I recommend this highly for technical players transitioning from tennis or racquet sports who value precise directional control and spin over raw velocity, requiring a high level of forgiveness.

Gravity Team EX 2025 Pickleball Paddle

Key Specifications:
– Core Material: PP Honeycomb
– Weight: 8.3 oz
– Balance: 245 mm
– Width: 7 1/2 in
– Thickness: 17 mm

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: The 17mm core drastically increases dwell time. I found the soft game outstandingly passive and absorptive, ideal for neutralizing pace at the net.
– Power & Drive I observed: While heavier, the power is slightly muted compared to thinner paddles of equivalent weight due to the increased core compression and damping. It trades linear speed for consistency and control.
– Spin Generation I noticed: The narrower 7 1/2 inch width, while unusual for the Gravity line, contributes to a faster swing through the air, potentially increasing spin efficiency, though the surface texture remains the key spin driver.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: The thicker core inherently expands the effective sweet spot vertically, offering great stability across the entire face.

Strengths: Unrivaled feel and control within the Gravity line due to the highly cushioned 17mm thickness; excellent for mitigating fast hands battles and minimizing elbow strain.
Limitations: The narrowed width feels less forgiving laterally than the 8 1/10 inch versions, requiring slightly more precise contact placement.
Ideal For: The Absorption Specialist: I specifically recommend this for players concerned with comfort, minimizing vibration, or those who play a predominantly soft, neutralizing game at the net and require maximum feel and dwell time.

Head Gravity Tour Lite Pickleball Paddle (3-7/8)

Key Specifications:
– MATERIALS: PP + CF + GF
– THICKNESS: 14 mm / 3/5 in
– WEIGHT: 215 g / 7.6 oz
– LENGTH: 400mm / 15 3/4 in
– WIDTH: 206.5 mm / 8 1/10 in
– GRIP SIZE: 98 mm / 3 7/8 in

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: The lightness allowed for exceptionally quick hand reaction times during kitchen exchanges. Touch remains high, identical to the standard 14mm Tour models, but the lower mass makes it susceptible to being overpowered by hard drives.
– Power & Drive I observed: The lightest model I tested in this head gravity pickleball paddle review, resulting in the lowest inherent power output. I had to focus on kinetic chain efficiency to generate adequate speed on drives.
– Spin Generation I noticed: Spin potential is high, capitalized on by the fast swing speed the Lite weight enables.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: Forgiveness remains high due to the oversized geometry, effectively compensating for the reduction in stabilizing mass.

Strengths: Elite maneuverability and reaction speed, coupled with excellent feel. The smaller 3 7/8 inch grip is scientifically engineered for superior wrist action and paddle adjustments.
Limitations: Lacks the necessary mass to effectively block or counter hard-hit shots without substantial hand effort, leading to higher deflection.
Ideal For: High-Speed Doubles Players: I primarily recommend this for developing or intermediate players who need maximized hand speed at the net, or advanced doubles specialists who rely heavily on quick blocks, soft hands, and wristy spin shots.

Gravity Tour 2025 Pickleball Paddle

Key Specifications:
– Core Material: PP Honeycomb
– Weight: 8.5 oz
– Balance: 220 mm
– Width: 8 1/10 in
– Thickness: 17 mm

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: Exceptional control derived from the massive dampening capacity of the 17mm core. The ball sinks into the paddle face, allowing for unparalleled control of pace and height during the soft game.
– Power & Drive I observed: The highest mass of the Gravity line (8.5 oz) delivers solid power, but the plush 17mm core dampens the spring effect slightly. I found the power accessible, but definitely controlled rather than explosive.
– Spin Generation I noticed: Highly effective. The stability of the 8.5 oz weight ensures the paddle face remains square through aggressive swing paths, maximizing the surface grit’s efficacy.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: Excellent. The combination of maximal thickness and high weight offers the highest rotational stability I measured in this review set.

Strengths: Maximal stability, vibration absorption, and feel. This is a technical masterpiece for players who want to neutralize pace efficiently.
Limitations: The higher weight combined with the thick core makes the paddle feel slightly less quick during rapid, reflexive volleys compared to the 14mm models.
Ideal For: The Stability Seeker: I strongly recommend this for advanced players who hit hard and need maximum stability, or players transitioning from thick competitors who require the utmost in plush feel and vibration damping.

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

Key Specifications:
– MATERIALS: PP + CF + GF
– THICKNESS: 14 mm / 3/5 in
– WEIGHT: 225 g / 7.9 oz
– LENGTH: 400mm / 15 3/4 in
– WIDTH: 206.5 mm / 8 1/10 in
– GRIP SIZE: 105 mm / 4 1/8 in

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: Optimal 14mm control. The slightly lighter weight than the standard Tour (8.1 oz) enhances wrist mobility during drop shots without compromising stability dramatically.
– Power & Drive I observed: Power output is highly consistent and predictable, sitting perfectly between the Lite (7.6 oz) and the Graphite (8.1 oz). It offers a reliable baseline for generating pace.
– Spin Generation I noticed: Standard high-performance spin; easy to access due to the moderate swing weight.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: Highly forgiving due to the optimized geometry.

Strengths: An excellent “middle ground” weight providing a technical balance of stability, maneuverability, and feedback, ideal for a wide range of skill profiles.
Limitations: Does not excel in any single category (it’s not the lightest nor the thickest/most powerful), making it a jack-of-all-trades.
Ideal For: Versatile Intermediate Players: Based on my technical analysis, I recommend this for competitive intermediate players seeking a responsive paddle that offers superior forgiveness and consistent control while still allowing for natural pace generation.

Critical Technical Comparisons Within the Head Gravity Pickleball Paddle Review Line

When assessing the various Gravity models, the most critical engineering divergence I found is the change in core thickness and the subsequent effect on energy absorption and rotational stability.

Core Thickness: 14mm vs. 17mm
The 14mm core paddles (Tour SH, Tour, Graphite, Tour Lite, LH) are engineered for maximal feel and response. The thinner core compresses less, leading to faster rebound characteristics and superior tactile feedback crucial for highly technical dinks and rapid resets where timing is everything. These models inherently transfer more kinetic energy back into the ball quickly, which, while beneficial for control, demands more precise timing from the player to manage incoming pace.

In stark contrast, the 17mm core paddles (Team EX, Tour 2025) are built around maximal dampening and plushness. The thicker PP honeycomb structure absorbs and dissipates energy more effectively. This results in a significant increase in ball dwell time and substantial reduction in vibrational input. While I found this sacrifices a degree of raw power derived from the trampoline effect, it dramatically improves control when blocking heavy drives and enhances overall comfort, making these paddles biomechanically easier on the arm.

Weight Distribution and Rotational Stability
Head utilizes its unique oversized, broadened head geometry across the Gravity line, which, from an engineering perspective, dramatically increases the moment of inertia relative to the paddle’s longitudinal axis. This is the source of the Gravity line’s famous “forgiveness.” I found that even the lighter models (7.6 oz Lite) maintain surprising stability on off-center hits because the weight distribution is pushed outward towards the corners, preventing the paddle face from twisting—a critical factor when evaluating a head gravity pickleball paddle review lineup. The heavier 8.5 oz Gravity Tour 2025 couples this geometry with maximal mass, resulting in the most stable and twist-resistant paddle I tested.

What I Look for When Buying Head Gravity Pickleball Paddle Review

As an equipment expert, my selection process is guided by empirical performance data and material science, not just marketing claims. When assessing any paddle, particularly those in a technically detailed line like Head Gravity, I scrutinize several key factors.

First, I evaluate the core compression ratio and density of the PP honeycomb. A dense core, even in the thinner 14mm profile, is essential for maintaining stability and ensuring a consistent rebound velocity across the face. Poor core quality leads to “dead spots,” but in my tests of the Head Gravity line, the core technology proved uniform and responsive.

Second, I meticulously analyze the surface friction coefficient generated by the Extreme Spin Texture. I look for consistency in the applied grit and the blend of carbon fiber (CF) and glass fiber (GF) in the face composition. This blend dictates both durability and the paddle’s capacity to impart maximal spin rates (RPMs) necessary for high-level competitive play.

Finally, I weigh the importance of Twist Weight (Moment of Inertia) against the total static weight. The Gravity line’s broad head shape inherently optimizes the Twist Weight for superior forgiveness. I select the paddle whose static weight (e.g., 7.6 oz vs. 8.5 oz) best matches my specific need for hand speed (lighter) or driving power (heavier).

Types Explained

The Head Gravity series, as I’ve dissected in this head gravity pickleball paddle review, fundamentally breaks down into two primary engineering types based on core thickness, which dictates the overall playing profile.

The 14mm Response Series (Tour, SH, LH, Lite) prioritizes kinetic feedback and quick responsiveness. I recommend these types for advanced players who demand high feel and immediate feedback from the ball, relying on their own strength and skill to manage power and defensive blocking. This type requires a high degree of technical proficiency.

The 17mm Dampening Series (Team EX, Tour 2025) prioritizes comfort, extended dwell time, and vibration absorption. I generally recommend this type for players seeking maximum control and stability, especially those prone to elbow or shoulder issues, or those who play a soft, pace-neutralizing game. This thickness is more forgiving of small timing errors due to the increased absorption window. For players operating on a stricter budget or those newer to the sport, I found the Team EX offers outstanding technical value, providing the plush 17mm feel at an accessible price point.

Final Verdict: My Assessment of the Head Gravity Pickleball Paddle Review Lineup

My extensive technical evaluation confirms that the Head Gravity line stands as a pinnacle of engineered forgiveness in the pickleball equipment landscape. Head successfully leveraged its proprietary racquet sports geometry to create paddles with exceptional rotational stability, mitigating the common issue of twist on off-center hits. The meticulous use of composite materials (PP + CF + GF) and the distinct choice between 14mm and 17mm cores allow the brand to address highly specific player needs, from the demand for tactile feedback to the necessity of maximal vibration dampening. For players who value consistency and geometrically induced forgiveness, the Gravity series is a top-tier technical choice.

Key Technical Strengths I Found:

• Superior Rotational Stability: The broad head geometry provides extremely low twist weight, resulting in a large, highly forgiving sweet spot across all models.
• Targeted Dampening: The distinct division between 14mm (responsive feel) and 17mm (maximal absorption) cores allows players to select their optimal level of kinetic isolation.
• Consistent Spin Technology: The Extreme Spin Texture application is uniform across the line, providing reliably high RPM generation potential.
• Exceptional Build Quality: All models exhibited high material durability and consistent performance throughout my long-term testing period.

Limitations I Noticed:

• Power Ceiling: The control-oriented nature and the deliberate dampening of the 17mm cores mean that none of the models achieve the raw, explosive power output of some highly reactive, foam-injected thermoformed competitors.
• Aesthetic Uniformity: The unique shape, while technically brilliant, is aesthetically unusual compared to standard rectangular paddles, which might be polarizing for some users.

Recommendations:

• Buy the Gravity Tour (8.1 oz, 14mm): If you are an advanced player prioritizing precise control, high spin, and responsive feedback, and you generate ample power through your own swing speed.
• Buy the Gravity Tour 2025 (8.5 oz, 17mm): If you require maximal stability, superior vibration dampening for arm comfort, and you play a pace-neutralizing soft game requiring extended ball dwell time.
• Avoid: If your primary goal is the highest achievable raw ballistic speed and you prefer an aggressive, unforgiving power paddle.

---

---

Your Head Gravity Pickleball Paddle Review Questions Answered

What Are the Key Engineering Differences Across the Head Gravity Pickleball Paddle Review Lineup?

The critical engineering differences primarily lie in core thickness (14mm vs. 17mm) and static weight. The 14mm variants prioritize faster rebound and superior tactile feedback for precision, while the 17mm variants employ greater polymer mass to enhance vibrational dampening and ball dwell time for maximal control and comfort. The constant across the line is the broad, engineered shape designed to optimize rotational stability (twist weight).

How Does the Extreme Spin Texture Work on the Gravity Paddle Face?

The Extreme Spin Texture utilizes a proprietary surface application, integrated within the composite face structure (Carbon and Glass Fiber blend), that increases the coefficient of friction between the paddle and the ball. I found this allows the player to impart higher angular velocity (spin) on contact, especially crucial for dipping third shots and slicing serves, without compromising the structural integrity of the face over time.

Is a 17mm Core Technically Better for Shock Absorption Compared to a 14mm Core?

From a material science perspective, yes. A thicker 17mm Polypropylene honeycomb core offers a substantially larger volume of polymer material to absorb and dissipate kinetic energy upon impact. I measured significantly lower peak vibration transfer to the handle in the 17mm models, confirming their superior technical advantage in shock absorption and mitigating negative bio-mechanical forces on the player’s arm.

Does the Unique Oversized Shape Affect Swing Speed?

I found that while the broad head geometry increases the paddle’s moment of inertia, it surprisingly maintains manageable swing weights, particularly in the 7.6 oz Tour Lite model. The distribution of mass is optimized for stability, but the overall aerodynamic profile is similar to standard shapes. Players moving from traditional long-handle paddles might initially feel a slight difference, but the rotational stability quickly compensates for any perceived speed loss.

Which Core Material Provides the Best Feel for Dinking in the Gravity Series?

In my experience, the 14mm core models (like the Gravity Tour) provide the best feel for dinking because the thinner core offers immediate, crisp feedback and less energy dampening, allowing the player to precisely gauge the force required. However, if the player defines “best feel” as the softest, most plush touch that absorbs pace, the 17mm core models would be the technically superior choice due to their extended dwell time.