Head Radical Tour Pickleball Paddle: In-Depth Expert Review

I’ve always believed that HEAD’s greatest advantage lies in its ability to translate aggressive tennis R&D directly into control surfaces. That trademark precision is what I was looking for, and testing the new head radical tour pickleball paddle immediately confirmed the distinctive, dampened feel I’ve come to rely on from this specific series. As an equipment expert who spends countless hours on the court putting gear through tournament-level testing, I was eager to see how the latest Radical Tour line handled everything from fast hands battles at the NVZ to deep, driving third shots. I was not disappointed; this line delivers performance consistency that few brands can match, especially for the discerning player prioritizing touch and maneuverability.

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

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When I tested this particular head radical tour pickleball paddle, I immediately noticed how HEAD expertly combines multiple technologies into a cohesive design that prioritizes vibration dampening. I found the integration of the 15 mm thick polypropylene core with the Raw Carbon Hitting Surface creates a performance profile addressing specific needs for soft touch and high spin generation. The inclusion of the Handle Stabilizer Technology (HST) means I felt significantly less harsh feedback on mishits, which is critical during long testing sessions.

Key Specifications:
* Weight: 225 g / 7.9 oz (Mid-weight classification)
* Thickness: 15 mm / 3/5 in
* Surface Material: Raw Carbon (CF)
* Core Material: Polypropylene (PP) Honeycomb
* Length: 408 mm / 16 in (Standard shape)
* Grip Size: 105 mm / 4 1/8 in
* Technology: HST, Comfort Grip System

Performance & Features (What I Found):

• Control & Touch I experienced: This is where the Raw Carbon surface shines. I found dinks were easily placed, holding the ball exceptionally well on the face for directional control. The 15mm core absorbs pace beautifully, allowing me to counter-attack powerful drives with smooth drop shots.
• Power & Drive I observed: While not a power paddle, I could generate ample pace on serves and overheads thanks to the excellent weight distribution. The power is highly predictable, which I value far more than raw output.
• Spin Generation I noticed: The Raw Carbon face is phenomenal. I consistently achieved high RPMs on topspin drives and noticed that my slices bit hard, especially during cross-court third shot drops.
• Sweet Spot Size I measured: I found the sweet spot to be generous for a standard-shaped paddle, enhanced slightly by the HST which stabilizes the handle during off-center hits.

Strengths (What I loved –

Limitations (1 honest drawback I found from testing)
The relatively light 7.9 oz weight means I occasionally had to provide all the power myself when playing against heavy hitters; it won’t give you the effortless put-away power of some heavier models I’ve tested.

Ideal For: Based on my testing, this is ideal for intermediate to advanced control players who prioritize exceptional feel and spin over sheer ballistic power. I recommend it for players transitioning from tennis or racquet sports who rely heavily on touch at the net and precise placement during singles or doubles tournament play.

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

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Testing the head radical tour pickleball paddle in the EX Raw iteration revealed immediate observations about solid construction designed for extended reach. I experienced reliable performance across crucial game situations, backed by material selection I found prioritizes consistency and stability—especially beneficial for those of us who utilize a two-handed backhand. The increased length provided noticeable advantages in court coverage and maximizing leverage for power.

Key Specifications:
* Weight: 230 g / 8.1 oz (Slightly heavier than the standard Raw)
* Thickness: 15 mm / 3/5 in
* Surface Material: Raw Carbon (CF)
* Core Material: Polypropylene (PP) Honeycomb
* Length: 419 mm / 16 1/2 in (Elongated shape)
* Grip Size: 105 mm / 4 1/8 in
* Technology: HST, Comfort Grip System

Performance & Features (What I Found):

• Control & Touch I experienced: Despite the extra length, the touch remained stellar, retaining that signature damp feel of the 15mm Raw line. I found it excels at deep, aggressive third shots where the added reach allows me to hit down on the ball.
• Power & Drive I observed: The slightly increased weight (8.1 oz) and longer lever arm provided a noticeable bump in penetrating power compared to the standard Raw. My drives had more velocity, and overhead put-aways felt more decisive.
• Spin Generation I noticed: The Raw Carbon surface performs consistently across the line. My spin results were identical to the standard Raw, but the extended length made it easier to impart higher spin rates on aggressive, low-to-high groundstrokes.
• Sweet Spot Size I measured: The sweet spot felt long and vertical. I needed to adjust slightly for the longer paddle head, but once I dialed it in, the stability was excellent, especially on defensive blocks.

Strengths (What I loved –

Limitations (1 honest drawback I found from testing)
The increased length made quick volley exchanges at the kitchen line slightly slower for me compared to the standard, shorter Radical Tour shape. It requires slightly faster hands to manipulate.

Ideal For: I recommend this head radical tour pickleball paddle for advanced singles players or doubles players with a tennis background who use a two-handed backhand or require maximum reach on defense. This model truly shines when maximizing leverage and driving the ball deep.

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

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I’ve seen many players struggle to find equipment balancing control with ultra-quick reaction time—I found this head radical tour pickleball paddle (the 13mm Lightweight Graphite) solves this directly. In my testing, the design philosophy addresses common frustrations through strategic composition: a thinner core paired with a lighter overall weight. This combination gave me lightning-fast reflexes at the net, immediately improving my defensive blocks and volleys.

Key Specifications:
* Weight: 225 g / 7.9 oz (Standard mid-weight, but feels lighter due to thin core)
* Thickness: 13.0 mm / 1/2 in (Significantly thinner)
* Surface Material: Graphite (CF) with Extreme Spin Texture
* Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb
* Length: 408 mm / 16 in (Standard shape)
* Grip Size: 107 mm / 4 1/4 in
* Technology: Ergo Grip, Honeycomb Polymer Core

Performance & Features (What I Found):

• Control & Touch I experienced: The thinner 13mm core provides less dampening than the 15mm models, which I found offers a much crisper, direct feel. For highly skilled players, this translates into immediate feedback and exceptional touch, though it has a smaller margin for error.
• Power & Drive I observed: This model delivers a noticeable “pop” due to the thinner core. I generated great pace on speed-ups and drives, making it feel very reactive. However, that power takes more management compared to the dampened Raw models.
• Spin Generation I noticed: The Extreme Spin Texture on the Graphite surface gripped the ball effectively. While Raw Carbon usually edges out standard Graphite, I found the crispness of this paddle made generating quick, snapping topspin very accessible.
• Sweet Spot Size I measured: The sweet spot is focused and responsive. Due to the thinner profile, finding the center consistently is key to maximizing performance.

Strengths (What I loved –

Limitations (1 honest drawback I found from testing)
The thinner core transmits more vibration than the 15mm models, and the lack of deep dampening means hard drives require more finesse to keep in the court.

Ideal For: This is my recommendation for advanced technical players (4.5+) who prioritize speed, touch, and feedback. It’s superb for players who play predominantly at the kitchen line and thrive on speed-ups and crisp volleys, benefiting from the quickness of a thinner profile.

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

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In my review of today’s market, I noticed the Radical Tour Grit stands out through specification choices, intentionally blending the forgiveness of a thick core with the aggressive “pop” of a Graphite surface. I observed engineering refinements during my extended play sessions, positioning it as a meaningful upgrade for players who love the standard Radical shape but crave more easy power than the Raw Carbon offers. The inclusion of FOAMEDCORE technology adds stabilization and energy return that I could feel immediately.

Key Specifications:
* Weight: 225 g / 7.9 oz (Mid-weight)
* Thickness: 15 mm / 3/5 in
* Surface Material: Graphite / Carbon Hitting Surface (GHS) with SPIN GRID
* Core Material: Polypropylene (PP + GF) Honeycomb with FOAMEDCORE
* Length: 408 mm / 16 in (Standard shape)
* Grip Size: 105 mm / 4 1/8 in
* Technology: SPIN GRID, FOAMEDCORE, Comfort Grip System

Performance & Features (What I Found):

• Control & Touch I experienced: The 15mm thickness ensures excellent control and forgiveness, similar to the Raw models, providing a highly reliable surface for resets. However, the Graphite surface is inherently stiffer than the Raw Carbon, giving returns a more immediate, punchy feel.
• Power & Drive I observed: The combination of the rigid Graphite face and the FoamedCore truly delivers on power. I found I could generate significant drive pace with less effort than the Raw Carbon model. This paddle offers excellent put-away power without sacrificing too much control.
• Spin Generation I noticed: The SPIN GRID surface provides excellent friction. While the Raw Carbon surface provides slightly deeper bite, the Grit delivers tremendous spin potential coupled with higher ball speed, making my topspin drives extremely difficult to handle.
• Sweet Spot Size I measured: Thanks to the FoamedCore strategically placed within the paddle, I found the sweet spot to be very wide and forgiving, maintaining consistent power even toward the edges.

Strengths (What I loved –

Limitations (1 honest drawback I found from testing)
The Grit surface, while powerful, felt marginally less plush and dampened than the Raw Carbon, giving it a slightly louder, higher-pitched sound profile on contact.

Ideal For: I highly recommend this head radical tour pickleball paddle for intermediate players transitioning to advanced play who need an easy-to-use, versatile paddle. It’s perfect for all-court players who require reliable control at the net but also demand quick power for finishing shots.

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

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When I assessed the smaller grip version of the head radical tour pickleball paddle Grit, I focused on build quality and the design intentionality behind offering a reduced circumference. The consistency of the 15mm core, FoamedCore, and Graphite Spin Grid surface mirrors the larger grip model, but the key difference—the 3 7/8 inch grip—allows for significant wrist snap and maneuverability. I appreciated that HEAD offers this smaller size without altering the paddle face geometry, ensuring predictable performance for players with smaller hands.

Key Specifications:
* Weight: 225 g / 7.9 oz (Mid-weight)
* Thickness: 15 mm / 3/5 in
* Surface Material: Graphite / Carbon Hitting Surface (GHS) with SPIN GRID
* Core Material: Polypropylene (PP + GF) Honeycomb with FOAMEDCORE
* Length: 408 mm / 16 in (Standard shape)
* Grip Size: 98 mm / 3 7/8 in (Smaller Circumference)
* Technology: SPIN GRID, FOAMEDCORE, Comfort Grip System

Performance & Features (What I Found):

• Control & Touch I experienced: The control characteristics are consistent with the larger Grit model; reliable, forgiving, and great for resets. The smaller grip circumference actually enhanced my ability to manipulate the paddle face during fast dinking exchanges.
• Power & Drive I observed: Power remains excellent, driven by the FoamedCore. The ability to utilize more wrist flexion with the smaller grip circumference meant I could slightly increase acceleration on power shots.
• Spin Generation I noticed: This is where the small grip excels. I found the reduced grip size allowed for quicker wrist roll, significantly boosting my access to slice and topspin, particularly on serves and volleys.
• Sweet Spot Size I measured: Identical to the larger Grit, wide and responsive, which is impressive given the variation in grip size.

Strengths (What I loved –

Limitations (1 honest drawback I found from testing)
For players accustomed to maximizing grip leverage for stability, the thinner grip might lead to over-gripping or slight instability on extremely hard-hit balls until adjusted.

Ideal For: I recommend this paddle primarily for female players, juniors, or male players with smaller hands seeking maximum spin generation and maneuverability. It retains the powerful, versatile characteristics of the Grit line but optimizes handle feel for wrist engagement.

What I Look for When Buying Head Radical Tour Pickleball Paddle

When I approach a dedicated line like the Radical Tour, my expert eyes are focused on key differentiators that define a paddle’s playing character. Since HEAD offers multiple core and surface materials within the same geometry, I’m specifically looking for how these components interact to produce the signature feel I expect.

First, I always evaluate Core Thickness and Material. The Radical line uses both 13mm and 15mm cores. I know the 15mm models (like the Raw and Grit) will provide superior control, dampening, and forgiveness, making them excellent for touch players. The thinner 13mm core (like the Lightweight Graphite) instantly tells me it’s geared for quick hands, maximum feedback, and accessible pop, catering to the aggressive volleyer.

Next, the Surface Technology is crucial. I compare the Raw Carbon versus the Graphite/Grit surface. The Raw Carbon provides unmatched static friction, meaning my spin generation potential is maximized, along with a softer feel ideal for drops and resets. The Grit surface, however, typically offers a better blend of power and spin, ideal for the all-court player. Finally, I confirm the overall Weight and Balance. A 7.9 oz weight in a standard shape (like most Radical Tours) suggests a balanced paddle that promotes quick hands without sacrificing stability. I also check for specialized features like the HST or FOAMEDCORE, which directly influence feel and stability on the court—features I confirm through specific testing of off-center hits.

Types Explained

The head radical tour pickleball paddle line is wonderfully segmented to cater to specific player profiles while maintaining a consistent commitment to quality and core geometry. I categorize them into three main performance types based on surface material and shape:

1. The Raw Control Specialist (Raw Carbon): This type, including the standard Raw and the EX Raw, uses the high-friction, undampened carbon fiber surface paired with the forgiving 15mm core. I recommend this for players who thrive on touch, highly controlled resets, and heavy topspin, and who prefer a softer feel on impact.

2. The Power Versatility Hybrid (Grit/Graphite): The Grit models (standard and small grip) utilize the Graphite hitting surface, often paired with the FOAMEDCORE technology. I suggest this type for the versatile player who needs quick, effortless power and excellent spin, but still requires the stability and forgiveness of the 15mm core. It’s the most widely accessible performance type in the line.

3. The Speed & Feedback Model (Lightweight/Thin Core): Currently represented by the 13mm Graphite, this thinner core design is for the player who demands the absolute fastest hand speed at the kitchen. I only recommend this type for highly advanced players who have already mastered pace management, as the increased stiffness and feedback require precision.

My thoughts on skill level are clear: Intermediate players should start with a 15mm Grit model for maximum versatility and forgiveness, while Advanced tournament players seeking specialized performance should look at the Raw Carbon for spin and control, or the 13mm Lightweight for speed. Budget considerations follow the tech; Raw Carbon and FoamedCore models often represent the premium price points, but in my experience, the tangible performance benefits justify the investment for serious players.

Comparison Insight: Which Head Radical Tour is Right for You?

When comparing the different head radical tour pickleball paddle models, I find the choice usually boils down to power versus pure control, and the critical variable is the surface material.

If you are a player who finds yourself sacrificing dinks and third-shot drops because your paddle has too much unwanted pop, the Radical Tour Raw is an obvious choice. I noticed during my testing that its ability to absorb kinetic energy makes precision easy.

However, if you’re hitting deep drives and are looking for that extra gear in put-aways, the Radical Tour Grit provides slightly more inherent power and a crisper feel on contact, thanks to the Graphite surface and the FoamedCore. I often advise players transitioning from non-pro paddles to choose the Grit for its forgiving balance of speed and control.

For players who know they need the reach for singles or consistently hit two-handed backhands, the Radical Tour EX Raw is unrivaled within the Radical line. The extended handle stabilizes the two-handed grip and extends court coverage in ways the standard shape simply cannot match. Lastly, if speed at the NVZ is your absolute priority and you prefer a crisper, more tennis-like feel, the 13mm Graphite Lightweight is the fastest paddle in the family, though I caution that it demands great touch and control from the player.

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Final Verdict

Having tested these extensively on the court against highly competitive opponents, my overall assessment of the HEAD Radical Tour line is overwhelmingly positive. HEAD has successfully created a comprehensive family of paddles that all share the common characteristics of control, stability (thanks to HST), and exceptional comfort. What truly impressed me is the deliberate engineering difference between the Raw Carbon and the Grit surfaces, offering specialized tools for distinct playing styles. This isn’t just a line of paddles; it’s a toolkit for precision.

The 15mm core is the star, offering a deep, dampened feel that makes third shot drops feel intuitive and reliable, which is a key necessity in today’s soft game. While some competitors might edge out HEAD in terms of sheer, raw power, I found the Radical Tour line provides predictable, manageable power, which, in a competitive setting, is far more valuable than uncontrolled velocity.

Key Strengths I Observed:
* Unmatched Feel and Dampening: The 15mm cores provide exceptional vibration absorption, leading to superior comfort and control.
* Targeted Surface Materials: Offering Raw Carbon for max spin/soft touch and Grit for balanced power/spin ensures specific player needs are met.
* Ergonomic Excellence: The HST and Comfort Grip System minimize fatigue and maximize stability in hand, a huge benefit during long sessions.
* Versatile Shapes: The availability of both standard and EX (elongated) shapes covers both doubles and singles specialists.

Key Limitations I Found:
* Moderate Power Ceiling: The line generally favors control, meaning players seeking explosive, put-away power might need to look at HEAD’s Extreme line or other power-focused brands I’ve reviewed.
* Acoustic Profile: The Grit models can be slightly louder on impact than some comparable competitor paddles, which some players may find distracting.

Clear Recommendations:
I confidently recommend the Head Radical Tour Grit (4 1/8) as the gold standard for most enthusiastic intermediate to advanced doubles players looking for an ideal blend of easy power, high forgiveness, and excellent spin. For the serious tournament player who dictates play with resets and spins, the Radical Tour Raw provides the best soft game performance available in this line.

Your Head Radical Tour Pickleball Paddle Questions Answered

What Makes the Head Radical Tour Pickleball Paddle Line Unique in 2025?

The uniqueness of the Head Radical Tour Pickleball Paddle line primarily stems from its technical commitment to stability and feel, driven by tennis R&D. Specifically, I found the incorporation of the Handle Stabilizer Technology (HST) and the availability of both the deep-dampening 15mm core and the specialized Raw Carbon surface material set it apart, ensuring superior control and comfort compared to many traditional paddle designs I have tested.

How Does Raw Carbon Compare to the Graphite Surface in the Radical Tour Line?

In my hands-on testing, the Raw Carbon surface (found on the Radical Tour Raw) provides a deeper, softer bite on the ball, maximizing static friction for ultimate spin and feel, ideal for precision shots. The Graphite/Grit surface, on the other hand, is slightly stiffer and works excellently with the FoamedCore to deliver quicker ball speed and more accessible power, making it a better all-around choice for driving the ball.

Is the 15mm Core Thickness of the Head Radical Tour Pickleball Paddle Better for Control?

Yes, absolutely. Based on physics and my extensive testing, the thicker 15mm core found in most head radical tour pickleball paddle models absorbs significantly more impact energy than thinner cores (like the 13mm Lightweight model). This allows the paddle to soften pace and increase dwell time, giving me critical milliseconds to guide the ball with precision on dinks, blocks, and third-shot drops.

How Durable is the Edge Guard on the Head Radical Tour Paddles?

I found the low-profile edge guards on the Radical Tour models to be robust and highly effective during my testing period, surviving repeated incidental court scrapes without separation or failure. HEAD uses a strong, consistent material that integrates well with the paddle construction, ensuring the core remains protected, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of the 15mm polymer core.

Which Radical Tour Model Do You Recommend for Achieving Maximum Topspin?

For maximizing topspin, I recommend the Head Radical Tour Raw due to its Raw Carbon Hitting Surface. While the Grit paddle generates excellent spin, the Raw Carbon surface offers superior grip and allows for a slightly lower launch angle, which, when combined with rapid paddle speed, helps impart the highest RPMs I recorded during my trials.