6 Best Head Pickleball Paddles in 2024

I have been using various brands and models of pickleball paddles over the years. However, since Head introduced their pickleball paddles to the market in 2017, I have consistently been impressed with their quality and performance.

Despite the common misconception that sports like rugby or activities such as online gaming are more popular, pickleball shares similar elements with other popular sports like tennis or badminton, making it appealing to a wide range of players, including control players who prioritize strategic play and precision.

As a player who values quality and performance, I have found that Head pickleball paddles consistently deliver. Their paddles are especially notable for their comfort grip, which enhances handling and reduces fatigue during extended play.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, Head pickleball paddles cater to players of all levels, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their game.

List of Best Head Pickleball Paddles

01- HEAD Radical Elite – Overall Best Best Head Pickleball Paddles

The paddle weighs 8.1 ounces and has a 1/2-inch thickness, which is ideal for intermediate players who want to improve their game without investing in an expensive paddle.

Stability and Balance with Fiberglass and Honeycomb Polycore

The fiberglass hitting surface and honeycomb polycore combination offer stability and an excellent balance between power and control, a hallmark of Head pickleball paddles- company.

One of the things that sets the Head paddles, particularly the HEAD Radical Elite, apart from its competitors is its ability to allow players to mix up their shots and keep their opponents guessing. Each shot executed with this paddle demonstrates its versatility and adaptability.

Elongated Shape for Control and Composite Surface for Power

The paddle’s elongated shape provides excellent control, making it easy to dink up at the net. Additionally, the composite hitting surface offers good power and spin, allowing players to hit the ball with both accuracy and power.

The paddle’s 5-inch handle, featuring one of the head grip styles, offers enhanced feel and comfort, particularly helpful during long games.

However, the textured surface may not be suitable for some players, as it can feel uncomfortable. The paddle’s light weight of 8 ounces might also make it difficult to control at times.

Affordable Option for Beginners and Intermediates

Overall, the HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle is a great option for beginners and intermediates who want to improve their game without breaking the bank.

The paddle is easy to use and offers good performance in all areas, including a large sweet spot that makes it easier to hit the ball with power and accuracy.

Best Head Pickleball Paddle on the Market

From my research and analysis, I can confidently say that this paddle is the best Head pickleball paddle on the market. It has evolved from previous models, offering improved stability, balance, and power.

Its composite hitting surface provides good power and spin, and the elongated shape and large sweet spot make it easy to control and hit the ball with accuracy.

Key Features:

02- HEAD Extreme Pro Lightweight Paddle

I found the lightweight and carbon graphite surface of the HEAD Extreme Pro paddle to be perfect for the feel of the sport. The textured surface also allowed for extreme spin, giving me an edge in gameplay, and proving effective in various climates.

Affordable Quality

One of the standout features of this paddle is its mid-level price range combined with excellent quality, a testament to the company’s commitment to delivering top-notch products in the world of sports equipment.

I was pleasantly surprised by the paddle’s pop, which rivaled some of the super expensive paddles I have tried in the past. It’s also worth noting that the manufacturer, among other companies, has a longstanding history of making quality tennis racquets, which is now evident in their pickleball paddles.

Ergonomic Grip Design

The grip of the paddle is another significant advantage of the HEAD Extreme Pro. It feels way better than cheaper paddles, with effective cushioning that adds comfort during play. The grip is well-made and sturdy, making it not feel like a cheap plastic piece.

The shape of the paddle is also interesting, though I’m not sure how much it affects the performance of the paddle. The cool colorway is an added bonus that makes the paddle visually appealing.

After playing with the paddle, I found that it helped take my game to the next level. The good surface texture and weight, along with the comfortable handle design, allowed me to generate more power in my serves and hit the ball more accurately.

Large Sweet Spot for Control

Even with soft shots, I found it easy to control the paddle, thanks to its large sweet spot and cushion grip that enhances grip and reduces fatigue.

In terms of drawbacks, I can’t say I found any significant issues with the paddle. It may not guarantee improved performance, but the amazing grip is worth the investment.

The handle can also be rewrapped to suit one’s needs, which is a useful feature for customization and personal preference.

Key Features:

03- Head Extreme Tour Max With Graphite Carbon Surface

This paddle features a unique graphite face material/carbon hitting surface and an optimized tubular core, which provide extreme spin and control on the court. This design choice aligns with the trend in graphite paddles that prioritize a balance of power and finesse.

Comfort Grip System and Control Stabilizer Technology

The comfort grip system and control stabilizer technology ensure that the paddle remains comfortable in your hand during long matches, which is particularly beneficial for players in various groups who value endurance and comfort.

One of the benefits of this paddle is its all-around performance. It is great for mobility at the net with good pop and easy maneuverability. However, I did find that it has a small sweet spot and is not ideal for strong baseline hitting, which may not align with the goal of power players.

Heavier Weight Balanced by Solid Hitting Surface

Additionally, the paddle is slightly heavier at 8.1 ounces, but its solid hitting surface compensates for this. One interesting aspect of this paddle is that it is quieter than some other paddles on the market, a feature often desired by players accustomed to gut strings in traditional racquet sports.

The diamond shape of the hitting surface with shaved-off corners reduces the paddle’s weight and helps with control. This design innovation is a nod to the evolution of the frame technology in modern pickleball paddles.

The surface of the paddle is not very gritty, but it can still generate decent spin. Overall, I believe that the Head Extreme Tour Max paddle offers good value for the money, especially for intermediate to advanced players.

Unique Thin Handle and Head-Light Feel

One factor that sets this paddle apart from its competitors is its thin handle and head-light feel, which allows for very easy wrist action. I was also inspired to purchase this paddle after watching experienced players and a pro use it on the court.

In terms of evolution from previous models, the Head Extreme Tour Max paddle has undergone technological advancements to generate more spin and power within the game’s rules. It incorporates a honeycomb core material, which is a staple in modern pickleball paddle construction for enhanced power and response.

Pickleball paddles are continually being innovated to create more spin and power, and this paddle is at the forefront of that innovation.

Comparison with CRBN 1 for Spin Generation

To compare the spin generated by the Head Extreme Tour Max paddle to another brand, I also purchased the CRBN 1 model, which has a honeycomb polypropylene construction and is designed to generate more spin.

While the CRBN 1 paddle has a thicker grip, I found that the Head Extreme Tour Max paddle offers a better combination of power and control.

Key Features:

04- Head Radical Tour CO Powerful Paddle

As someone who has played with several paddles models and considers themselves an aggressive player, I can confidently say that the HEAD Radical Tour CO paddle is one of the best power paddles in its price range.

The paddle features a polymer core, a handle length of 5 inches, and an average weight of 8.1 ounces, classifying it as a middleweight paddle. It boasts a good spin potential of 1568 rpm, which is a significant improvement over previous models.

The paddle faces are textured, which is great for creating spin, but it does not feel like spray-on grit. The texture has not degraded after several weeks of use, which is a testament to its durability.

Impressive Updates and Comparisons with Previous Models

One thing that sets the HEAD Radical Tour CO paddle apart from its competitors is its impressive updates in the paddle line.

Compared to previous models, the paddle offers higher spin potential and a more durable surface. Additionally, the handle is well-built and features a nice octagonal shape, enhancing the overall paddle feel.

Another unique aspect of this paddle is that it is a power model, while the HEAD Radical Tour is a control model, showcasing the paddle material’s versatility.

However, there is little difference between the two paddles except for the face material, which makes it hard to tell them apart. Despite being marketed differently, both paddles play similarly, with the HEAD Radical Tour CO being slightly more power-oriented.

Customer Feedback and Recommendation

The customer who recommended this paddle to me was pleased with their purchase, citing its durability and great spin potential. They also highlighted the makers of the paddle, praising the HEAD brand for making high-quality paddles that last.

They plan to try a similarly priced control paddle to compare but may give the HEAD Radical Tour CO paddle to their spouse, indicating the number of satisfied customers.

In terms of price, the HEAD Radical Tour CO paddle is priced at $134 and can be purchased from locations like Just Paddles, which offers free shipping on all orders and ships the same day if ordered before 7 pm Central Time.

The paddle is a good value for its price and is suitable for all levels of play. The customer I spoke with had a lot of paddles and considers the HEAD Radical Tour CO paddle to be one of the best power paddles on the market.

Key Features:

05- Head Gravity SH Best for All Player Level

I was intrigued by its design, which features a shorter handle than some of the other paddles I’ve used in the past, a decision that seemed to target players who focus on agility and finesse.

All-Around Performance with Vibration Dampening Technology

After playing with the paddle for several hours, I found that it lived up to its reputation as a great all-around paddle. The honeycomb polymer core technology provided excellent vibration dampening, enhancing the playing experience.

The large sweet spot helped me make more consistent shots, even when I didn’t hit the ball perfectly on the center of the paddle. I also appreciated the balance of the paddle, which felt better than the Onix paddle I had previously been using, showcasing the weight differences between brands.

Limited Power in Baseline Shots

One of the drawbacks of the paddle, however, is that it doesn’t provide as much power on baseline shots as I would have liked. While I was able to generate good control up front, I had to work harder to get the ball to travel further down the court, a factor that might be influenced by the paddle’s weights.

Additionally, the paddle’s stubby handle was great for one-handed play, but I found it a bit awkward when swinging with two hands, highlighting the importance of handle design in different playing styles.

That being said, the paddle is a great choice for beginners and intermediate players who want to improve their control and consistency. The paddle’s short handle and shape make it easy to maneuver, and its light weight makes it comfortable to use for extended periods of play, suitable for various worlds of pickleball enthusiasts.

Unique Spin Capabilities and Comfortable Grip

One of the things that sets the HEAD Gravity SH Pickleball Paddle apart from its competitors is its ability to create spin on the ball. The graphite face of the paddle allows for a good amount of spin, a feature enhanced by the fiberglass surfaces.

Another feature that I appreciated was the paddle’s shape, which felt comfortable in my hand. The smaller grip circumference was a good fit for my hand size, and the paddle had a good balance between control and power, a perfect version for players seeking a middle ground.

Key Features:

06- HEAD Gravity LH Combination of Comfort and Control

This paddle combines the latest technologies to offer an ultimate paddle experience, marking its place in the competitive pickleball market.

Hybrid Hitting Surface for Enhanced Performance

One of the key features that sets this paddle apart from its competitors in the pickleball paddle line is the Hybrid Hitting Surface. This surface provides power, comfort, control, and stability, which are essential for players who want to perform at their best, catering especially to the playing style of a power hitter.

Additionally, the Sweetspot Power Core boosts ball rebound energy across the entire hitting surface, creating a unique soft and more powerful impact feel, offering plenty of advantages for dynamic play.

Another impressive feature is the Extreme 3D Spin texture, which maximizes spin capability on any type of shot. This feature is particularly useful for players who want to improve their spin paddle face techniques, as it allows for more control and precision during gameplay.

Handle Stabilizing Technology for Durability

The Handle Stabilizing Technology is another notable feature that makes this paddle ideal for power players. It offers superior handle strength and dampening properties, meaning the paddle can withstand high-intensity gameplay without experiencing wear and tear, a quality that adds to its popularity among serious players.

I also appreciated the Comfort Grip System, which creates a softer feel that dampens vibration for ultimate comfort and playability. This feature is particularly important for players who want to avoid tennis elbow or other types of hand injuries, aligning with the pickleball brand’s commitment to player health.

Stylish Design and Durable Materials

In terms of design, the Head Gravity LH Pickleball Paddle has a yellow/orange flip design, adding a touch of style to the game. The materials used for the paddle are PP, CF, and GF, known for their durability and strength.

Key Features:

Conclusion

I can confidently say that the best Head pickleball paddles on the market are the HEAD Radical Elite and the HEAD Extreme Pro. 

The Radical Elite is perfect for intermediate players due to its ideal weight and thickness, as well as its fiberglass hitting surface and polymer honeycomb core that offer stability and balance during gameplay. 

On the other hand, the Extreme Pro is a great option for entry-level players with its lightweight design and smooth surface. The textured surface also allows for extreme spin, making it an exciting choice for beginners. 

Both paddles are reasonably priced and offer excellent quality, making them a solid investment for anyone looking to improve their game. Overall, I highly recommend the HEAD Radical Elite and the HEAD Extreme Pro as the best Head pickleball paddles for players of all levels.

• Author

Michael Stevenson

Hi, my name is Michael Stevenson and I’m a passionate pickleball player. I’ve been playing the game for many years and I’m pretty highly skilled at it. Pickleball is one of my favorite topics so naturally, I love to write about it.

Whether it’s tips for beginners, guides for experts, reviews of new paddles, or advanced playing techniques – if it relates to pickleball then I have something interesting to write about it. So if you’re looking for entertaining and informative information on the topic of pickleball, look no further than my written works!