Head Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle

The distinctive graphite DNA from HEAD’s decades of racquet sport dominance is immediately palpable the moment you connect with the ball. Having personally relied on their technology for years—always searching for the perfect blend of touch and accessible power—I can definitively state the latest head radical elite pickleball paddle maintains its reputation as a control-oriented benchmark in my professional lineup. I spent extensive time on the court, comparing the core model against its powerful Pro and high-spin Raw variants, to provide an honest assessment of where each paddle truly excels.

Head Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle: Analyzing the Core Model

When I tested this Head Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle, I noticed it combines multiple technologies into a cohesive design specifically targeting consistency and forgiveness. I found the integration of the 15 mm Optimized Tubular Core (OTC) with the Composite Hitting Surface (CHS) creates a performance profile addressing the need for accessible power while retaining the soft feel necessary for controlled resets at the Kitchen line.

Key Specifications:
– MATERIALS: PP + GF (Polypropylene + Glass Fiber)
– THICKNESS: 15 mm / 3/5 in
– WEIGHT: 230 g / 8.1 oz (Mid-weight)
– GRIP SIZE: 105 mm / 4 1/8 in
– CORE: Optimized Tubular Core (OTC)

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: Exceptional. The 15mm core really eats up the pace on soft shots. My dinks landed consistently short, and the forgiveness on off-center hits was notable.
– Power & Drive I observed: Moderate. It offers enough power to drive the ball deep on third-shot attacks, but I had to supply most of the speed myself. This paddle favors placement over outright velocity.
– Spin Generation I noticed: Adequate. The Composite Hitting Surface provides standard grip but lacks the aggressive texture found on the Tour Raw models.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: Generous, due to the Dynamic Power Shape and thicker core construction.

Strengths
I loved the blend of stability and comfort provided by the thick core and the unique ergonomic foam handle (Ergo Grip). It minimized hand fatigue during long doubles sessions.
Limitations
The fiberglass surface provides less raw spin potential compared to the carbon-faced paddles in the line.
Ideal For: Based on my testing, this is ideal for: Intermediate players prioritizing control, comfort, and forgiveness. I recommend it for players transitioning from a budget paddle who want consistent touch without moving into the advanced power category.

Head Fiberglass Pickleball Paddle – Radical Elite Paddle w/Honeycomb Polymer Core & Comfort Grip (13mm)

Testing this 13mm version of the head radical elite pickleball paddle revealed immediate observations about solid construction and a livelier feel compared to its 15mm sibling. I experienced reliable performance across crucial intermediate-level game situations, backed by material selection I found prioritizes consistency and quick reaction time at the net.

Key Specifications:
– MATERIALS: PP plus GF (Fiberglass)
– THICKNESS: 13.0 mm / 1/2 in
– WEIGHT: 230 g / 8.1 oz
– WIDTH: 199 mm / 7 7/8 in
– GRIP SIZE: 107 mm / 4 1/4 in (Slightly thicker grip)

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: Good, but firmer than the 15mm version. I noticed the ball stayed on the face for a shorter duration, demanding slightly more precise dinking technique.
– Power & Drive I observed: Enhanced “pop.” The thinner core flexes and releases faster, giving me an immediate boost in speed on serves and baseline drives compared to the 15mm Elite.
– Spin Generation I noticed: Standard fiberglass performance.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: Slightly smaller sweet spot than the 15mm model, requiring more central contact for ideal feel.

Strengths
The improved court quickness provided by the 13mm core was a major benefit. I found that my hands were faster during quick kitchen exchanges.
Limitations
Vibration dampening is slightly reduced compared to the thicker core models.
Ideal For: Based on my testing, this is ideal for: Intermediate players with a developing aggressive style who prefer quick hands and increased responsiveness. I recommend this specifically for players who already generate good power but want better feel than typical thick-core paddles.

Head Radical Tour Raw Pickleball Paddle (4-1/8)

I’ve seen many players struggle to find equipment balancing control with raw, persistent spin—I found the Radical Tour Raw solves this directly. In my testing, the design philosophy addresses common frustrations through its strategic composition: a specialized Raw Carbon Hitting Surface combined with a comfortable, standard-shaped paddle.

Key Specifications:
– MATERIALS: PP + CF (Raw Carbon Fiber)
– THICKNESS: 15 mm / 3/5 in
– WEIGHT: 225 g / 7.9 oz (Lighter weight)
– GRIP SIZE: 105 mm / 4 1/8 in
– FEATURES: Raw Carbon Hitting Surface, HST (Handle Stabilizer Technology)

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: Excellent due to the 15mm core absorbing kinetic energy and the raw carbon providing maximum dwell time. Resets felt incredibly soft and precise.
– Power & Drive I observed: Solid, controlled power. The lighter weight (7.9 oz) meant I could accelerate quickly, but the thick core ensured that power was harnessed, not wasted.
– Spin Generation I noticed: Exceptional. The raw carbon surface allowed me to generate huge topspin on drives and severe cut on slices and drop serves.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: Large and forgiving.

Strengths
The spin capability is a standout feature. I generated high arc topspin drives that consistently dipped inside the baseline, giving me a decisive advantage in singles play.
Limitations
Raw carbon surfaces require occasional cleaning to maintain optimal grit and are susceptible to minor cosmetic blemishes faster than fiberglass.
Ideal For: Based on my testing, this is ideal for: Advanced players who prioritize maximum spin and refined control. I recommend it for technical players who rely heavily on topspin for error prevention and shot shaping.

Head 2024 Radical Pro Pickleball Paddle

In my review of today’s market, I noticed the 2024 Radical Pro stands out through its specification choices aimed squarely at versatility and power players. I observed engineering refinements during my extended play sessions—particularly the SPINON lacquer—positioning it as a meaningful upgrade over previous Pro models, driving both speed and high friction simultaneously.

Key Specifications:
– MATERIALS: PP + GF
– THICKNESS: 15 mm / 3/5 in
– WEIGHT: 230 g / 8.1 oz
– GRIP SIZE: 105 mm / 4 1/8 in
– FEATURES: Composite Hitting Surface (CHS), SPINON Lacquer

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: Very reliable. The 15mm core kept the pace down for dinking, but the overall feel was firmer than the Tour Raw, leaning more towards consistent block volleys.
– Power & Drive I observed: High power ceiling. The Pro is optimized for driving the ball, and I found it generated excellent pace on overhead smashes without excessive effort.
– Spin Generation I noticed: Very good. The SPINON application really works, giving the fiberglass surface a significantly higher friction point than the standard head radical elite pickleball paddle models.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: Balanced, providing stability during heavy impact.

Strengths
The Pro shape coupled with the power-oriented fiberglass and SPINON texture makes this an outstanding all-court paddle for aggressive players who still want cushioning from the thick core.
Limitations
While the spin is excellent for a fiberglass paddle, it doesn’t quite match the sheer friction of the raw carbon models.
Ideal For: Based on my testing, this is ideal for: Strong intermediate to advanced players who value power first, but require a forgiving 15mm control core. I recommend this for competitive doubles players focused on taking offensive action.

HEAD Graphite Pickleball Paddle – Radical Tour Lightweight Paddle w/Honeycomb Polymer Core & Comfort Grip

I always look for the intentionality behind a paddle’s construction, and I found this model’s Graphite Hitting Surface paired with a thinner core was explicitly built for high reaction speed. My focus during testing was on how the build quality translated into responsive play, and I confirmed this paddle favors hands-battle winners and quick resets due to its low swing weight.

Key Specifications:
– MATERIALS: PP plus CF (Graphite)
– THICKNESS: 13.0 mm / 1/2 in
– WEIGHT: 225 g / 7.9 oz
– GRIP SIZE: 107 mm / 4 1/4 in
– FEATURES: Extreme Spin Texture, Graphite Hitting Surface

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: Quick and snappy touch. The thinner core requires more finesse than the 15mm models, but the Graphite surface offered superior control feedback compared to fiberglass at this thickness.
– Power & Drive I observed: High power potential. The lighter weight and thinner core provided excellent pop, easily generating deep serves and quick volleys.
– Spin Generation I noticed: Solid. The Graphite surface and Extreme Spin Texture provided predictable bite on the ball.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: Average, typical for a thinner core paddle.

Strengths
The combination of low weight and 13mm thickness makes this one of the fastest paddles I tested in the HEAD line. I felt I had absolute freedom of movement at the Kitchen.
Limitations
The 13mm core sacrifices some of the deep, plush feel and vibration dampening that the thicker head radical elite pickleball paddle models offer.
Ideal For: Based on my testing, this is ideal for: Competitive intermediate players who play close to the net and require maximum paddle speed. I recommend it for former tennis players who generate their own power and prefer a lighter feel.

Head Radical Tour EX Raw Pickleball Paddle (4-1/8)

The defining specification here is the 419 mm (16 1/2 in) elongated length, specifically catering to players who need two-handed backhand stability or maximum reach in singles. I noticed that pairing this elongated shape with the Raw Carbon Hitting Surface resulted in a spin profile that was potent across the entire, massive sweet spot.

Key Specifications:
– MATERIALS: PP + CF (Raw Carbon Fiber)
– THICKNESS: 15 mm / 3/5 in
– WEIGHT: 230 g / 8.1 oz
– LENGTH: 419 mm / 16 1/2 in (Elongated)
– GRIP SIZE: 105 mm / 4 1/8 in
– FEATURES: Elongated shape, HST, Raw Carbon

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: Excellent control derived from the thick core and high-friction surface. The extra length added stability during two-handed shots.
– Power & Drive I observed: High momentum power. While the swing weight is higher due to the length, the increased leverage allowed me to generate devastating groundstrokes and overheads.
– Spin Generation I noticed: Top-tier spin potential, consistent with other raw carbon paddles. I found it easy to add defensive slice to return deep serves.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: The usable surface area is massive, providing extreme forgiveness on balls hit slightly higher on the face.

Strengths
The extended reach is invaluable for singles play or covering the middle in doubles. I loved the solid, dampened feel that the 15mm core provides, even in this elongated format.
Limitations
The elongated design makes the paddle slightly less maneuverable during fast kitchen exchanges compared to the standard width head radical elite pickleball paddle.
Ideal For: Based on my testing, this is ideal for: Advanced singles players or defensive doubles players seeking maximum reach, leverage, and raw spin capability. I recommend it for players comfortable with a higher swing weight.

HEAD Fiberglass Pickleball Paddle – 2022 Radical Pro Textured Paddle w/Honeycomb Polymer Core & Comfort Grip (Grey/Orange)

I often test paddles that try to bridge the intermediate power gap; I found the 2022 Radical Pro with its fiberglass surface successfully offers accessible power without demanding advanced control skills. The 15 mm core softens the impact nicely, making it a very comfortable option for players seeking drive without the harshness of thinner paddles.

Key Specifications:
– MATERIALS: PP + GF
– THICKNESS: 15 mm / 3/5 in
– WEIGHT: 230 g / 8.1 oz
– WIDTH: 198 mm / 7 7/8 in
– SHAPE: Dynamic Power Shape

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: Predictable and consistent touch. This paddle prioritizes consistency over finesse, making it easy to hit deep serves and controlled third-shot drops.
– Power & Drive I observed: Substantial power output. The fiberglass face is responsive, giving a nice pop that translates well to aggressive overheads and driving volleys.
– Spin Generation I noticed: Good textured surface spin; slightly better than a smooth fiberglass face.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: Large, benefiting from the Dynamic Power Shape.

Strengths
The comfortable, soft feel of the 15mm core combined with the accessible power of the fiberglass surface creates a paddle that is easy to transition to and forgiving during long matches.
Limitations
The visual styling is slightly dated compared to the newer 2024 models I tested.
Ideal For: Based on my testing, this is ideal for: Intermediate players focused on maximizing power and consistency in their groundstrokes. I recommend this as a high-value option for players who like the Pro shape but don’t need the advanced SPINON technology.

HEAD Unisex Adult Radical Elite 2024 Pickleball Paddle, Orange, 10

When I assess paddles for budget-conscious players, I

Key Specifications:
– CORE: OTC Honeycomb Core
– SURFACE: Smooth fiberglass surface
– SHAPE: Dynamic Power Shape
– Playability: Comfortable and powerful

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: Very reliable control. The emphasis here is on simplicity and consistency, which I found perfect for the developing player who needs predictability in their dinks and blocks.
– Power & Drive I observed: Sufficient, accessible power. The Dynamic Power Shape provides a large hitting surface to generate effective pace without requiring high swing speed.
– Spin Generation I noticed: Adequate standard fiberglass spin.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: Optimized for forgiveness due to the shape.

Strengths
This is a no-frills paddle that performs exactly as expected: comfortable, forgiving, and easy to hit consistently. I appreciate the updated look for 2024.
Limitations
This is the least specialized paddle in the line; it offers great balance but won’t provide top-tier power or spin for advanced players.
Ideal For: Based on my testing, this is ideal for: Beginners to solid intermediate players looking for a USAPA-approved, forgiving paddle with premium comfort features. I recommend it for recreational players and clubs needing high-quality starter gear.

Head Radical Tour Grit Pickleball Paddle (3 7/8 inches)

I am always honest about tradeoffs: while the Graphite Hitting Surface (GHS) and SPIN GRID provide superior pop, I expected the gritty surface to require more frequent cleaning compared to pure raw carbon. The narrower grip (98 mm / 3 7/8 in) made this paddle feel exceptionally nimble in my hand, favoring quick, wrist-driven play.

Key Specifications:
– MATERIALS: PP + GF (Graphite/Carbon Mix)
– THICKNESS: 15 mm / 3/5 in
– WEIGHT: 225 g / 7.9 oz
– GRIP SIZE: 98 mm / 3 7/8 in (Extra Small)
– FEATURES: SPIN GRID, FOAMEDCORE

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: Excellent dampened feel, benefiting from both the 15mm core and the newly integrated FOAMEDCORE inserts. I noted a significant reduction in vibration.
– Power & Drive I observed: High “pop” power. The Graphite surface is inherently more reactive than fiberglass, providing easy speed.
– Spin Generation I noticed: Outstanding. The SPIN GRID texture is highly effective, allowing me to shape passing shots effortlessly.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: Large, stable, and highly effective due to the internal core engineering.

Strengths
The responsiveness of the Graphite face coupled with the stability of the FOAMEDCORE makes this a highly advanced control paddle that still generates significant pop. The narrow grip is perfect for players who prefer smaller handles or use heavy overgrips.
Limitations
The aggressive grit surface, while providing spin, wears down quicker than smooth surfaces and requires attention.
Ideal For: Based on my testing, this is ideal for: Advanced players seeking high pop, maximum spin, and the refined control of a thick core, who also prefer a very narrow grip. I recommend it for competitive doubles players.

Head Radical Tour Grit Pickleball Paddle (4 1/8 inches)

I took this paddle straight into tournament play to test its consistency under pressure. During aggressive third-shot drives and precision dinks, I found the FOAMEDCORE maintained impressive stability, translating to predictable placement even when I was fatigued. This is the standard grip version of the Grit, offering the same high-performance features as the narrow grip model.

Key Specifications:
– MATERIALS: PP + GF (Graphite/Carbon Mix)
– THICKNESS: 15 mm / 3/5 in
– WEIGHT: 225 g / 7.9 oz
– GRIP SIZE: 105 mm / 4 1/8 in (Standard)
– FEATURES: SPIN GRID, FOAMEDCORE

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: Supreme touch, benefiting from the vibration dampening offered by the FOAMEDCORE. I found soft blocks and drop shots were effortless to execute with precision.
– Power & Drive I observed: High offensive output. The lightweight design combined with the reactive Graphite surface makes generating speed easy without feeling too demanding.
– Spin Generation I noticed: Excellent, allowing aggressive spin on serves and ensuring accurate placement on powerful baseline rallies.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: Highly stable, reducing wrist torque on off-center hits.

Strengths
The combination of the standard grip size and the high-tech Graphite/SPIN GRID surface places this paddle at the top tier for players needing both control and modern spin technology.
Limitations
This premium technology comes at a higher price point than the standard head radical elite pickleball paddle models.
Ideal For: Based on my testing, this is ideal for: All-court competitive players who need a standard-sized grip and demand top-tier spin, feel, and vibration dampening for extended tournament play.

What I Look for When Buying Head Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle

When I evaluate any head radical elite pickleball paddle, I don’t just look at the brand name; I break down the specific technologies and how they interact on the court.

I primarily look at the core thickness versus the surface material. A 15 mm core (like on the standard Elite) tells me the paddle is designed first and foremost for control, dampening, and touch. If the core is 13 mm, I know immediately the paddle is built for speed and pop, sacrificing some feel.

Next, I assess the surface material. Is it fiberglass (GF) or carbon fiber (CF)?
* Fiberglass models (Elite and Pro) offer maximum accessible power and forgiveness.
* Carbon/Graphite models (Tour Raw, Tour Grit) are built for superior spin generation and highly refined control.

Finally, I weigh the Ergo Grip technology. I’ve found that HEAD’s handle system provides immediate comfort and reduces vibration transmission to the arm—a crucial factor for players like me who spend hours testing on the court.

Types of Head Radical Paddles Explained

The Radical line essentially splits into three distinct silos, all stemming from the foundation established by the original head radical elite pickleball paddle design:

1. The Elite/Pro Series (Fiberglass/Power): These models (like the Radical Elite and Radical Pro) utilize fiberglass hitting surfaces coupled with thick (15mm) or thin (13mm) cores. I recommend these for beginners and intermediate players who need easy power generation and a highly forgiving experience. The 2024 Pro is the most aggressive of this type, due to the SPINON coating.
2. The Tour Raw Series (Raw Carbon/Spin & Feel): These models (like the Radical Tour Raw) use untreated carbon fiber surfaces, which I’ve found provides the highest friction point and maximum dwell time. I recommend this type for advanced players who use heavy spin, prioritize soft resets, and value precise shot placement above raw speed.
3. The Tour Grit Series (Graphite/Hybrid Pop & Spin): These models (like the Radical Tour Grit) use a Graphite face with specialized textures and, often, the FOAMEDCORE technology. I recommend this for competitive players seeking a balance between the pop of a reactive Graphite face and the high spin potential of textured surfaces, along with maximum vibration dampening.

Radical Paddle Comparison Insight

The differences in the Radical line are intentional and critical. If you are comparing the standard head radical elite pickleball paddle (Fiberglass, 15mm) against the Radical Tour Raw (Raw Carbon, 15mm), the primary difference I noticed is spin potential and feel. The Elite is more forgiving and delivers easier, accessible power, making it ideal for the club player. The Tour Raw delivers exponentially higher spin capability and a softer, more sophisticated feel at the net, making it superior for the advanced tournament player.

When comparing the Radical Pro (Fiberglass, 15mm, SPINON) to the Radical Tour Grit (Graphite, 15mm, SPIN GRID), I found the Pro offers a higher velocity ceiling because of the reactive fiberglass base, but the Grit offers a crisper feel on contact and superior comfort due to the internal FOAMEDCORE technology. If power is your primary goal within the 15mm category, I’d grab the Pro. If spin and comfort are non-negotiable, the Grit is the better choice.

Final Verdict on the HEAD Radical Pickleball Paddle Line

After spending considerable time testing these variations, my conclusion is that HEAD has successfully leveraged its extensive history in racquet sports to build a pickleball line characterized by consistency, superior handle comfort, and advanced dampening. The strength of the Radical series lies in its 15mm thick core standard, which ensures control and forgiveness across almost every model, mitigating the harshness sometimes found in thinner paddles. They offer clear pathways for players to upgrade, starting with the accessible head radical elite pickleball paddle and moving into highly specialized raw carbon or graphite options without changing the fundamental feel of the ergonomic grip or core shape. While some of their fiberglass models slightly trail competitors in raw spin friction, the specialized Grit and Tour Raw carbon models easily compete at the elite level.

Key Strengths I Observed

• Exceptional Comfort and Feel: The Ergo Grip system combined with thick cores provides outstanding vibration dampening, crucial for protecting the arm.
• Highly Forgiving Sweet Spot: The Dynamic Power Shape and 15mm core across most models ensure a large and predictable hitting area.
• Clear Player Progression: The line effectively scales from recreational forgiveness (Elite) to competitive spin (Raw and Grit).

Key Limitations I Found

• Standard fiberglass models (non-Pro) offer average spin compared to modern textured graphite entry points from other brands.

Who Should Buy HEAD Radical Paddles?

I recommend the HEAD Radical line to players who value comfort, stability, and control above all else. If you are a former tennis player looking for a familiar feel, or if you struggle with arm fatigue, the 15mm options are excellent choices. Start with the standard Head Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle if you are intermediate, or jump straight to the Radical Tour Raw if you are an advanced player seeking professional spin and feel.

Common Questions About Head Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle

What Makes the Head Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle Stand Out in the Control Paddle Market?

The Head Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle stands out primarily due to its combination of a thick 15mm polypropylene honeycomb core and HEAD’s proprietary Ergo Grip. I found during testing that this combination provides superior vibration dampening and a large, forgiving sweet spot, making it extremely easy for developing players to execute controlled dinks and third-shot drops consistently.

How Does HEAD’s Composite Hitting Surface (CHS) Compare to Raw Carbon Paddles?

In my experience, HEAD’s Composite Hitting Surface (CHS), which is a fiberglass base, is optimized for accessible power and forgiveness, offering good baseline pop. Raw Carbon paddles (like the Radical Tour Raw), however, are optimized for friction and dwell time. I found that raw carbon generates significantly more topspin and slice, but the CHS is generally more durable against surface chipping.

Which Player Level Should Use a 15mm vs. a 13mm Core Head Radical Paddle?

I generally recommend the 15mm core options (like the standard Head Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle) for beginners, recreational, and advanced control players, as the thickness provides maximal dampening and touch. I suggest the 13mm core models for competitive intermediate players who already generate their own power and need faster hand speed and more aggressive pop for volleys and drives.

What Is the Best Way to Maintain the Spin Texture on HEAD Radical Paddles?

To maintain the aggressive spin texture, especially on the Grit and Raw carbon models, I recommend cleaning the paddle face occasionally with a soft cloth and a light application of water to remove built-up plastic residue from the pickleball. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive brushes, as I found these can damage the specialized surface coatings like SPINON or wear down the raw grit texture prematurely.

Are HEAD Pickleball Paddles USAPA Approved for Tournament Play?

Yes, all current production models of HEAD pickleball paddles, including the entire Radical line (Elite, Pro, and Tour), are designed and manufactured to meet USAPA requirements, meaning I can confidently use them in sanctioned tournament play. I always verify the specific model number on the USAPA Approved Paddle list before competitive events.