New Head Radical Pro Pickleball Paddle Review: Is it good?

HEAD is famous for making tennis rackets that have won awards and they’ve recently started making rackets for pickleball too. Pickleball has become super popular lately, so it’s not surprising that big companies in the sports industry, like HEAD, are making rackets specifically for it.

Head has also updated their new Radical Pro series pickleball paddles, the ultimate power paddles. Read my full HEAD Radical Pro pickleball paddle review for my honest opinion on this brand-new paddle.

The naming of the paddle is often questioned when many people buy Head brand pickle paddles.

Let’s talk about the Radical Pro paddle we’re discussing today. It’s marketed as a 15mm power paddle. Interestingly, they keep using the same name every year without adding a year mark to indicate which version you’re purchasing.

The 2022 Radical Pro paddle is available on Amazon, and you can also find it on other online stores like JustPaddles, often at different prices.

They really need to revamp their naming and marketing strategies for these paddles. Even for someone like me, who keeps a close eye on the paddle market daily, it can get confusing when trying to understand their product lineup and distinguishing between different versions.

So make sure that when purchasing a Head brand paddle you make sure you are purchasing the paddle that was released in which year so that you get the one that you really want.

Paddle Weight: 8.1 oz / 230 g

Paddle Face Material: Composite with SPINON

Paddle Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb

Paddle Shape: Standard

Core Thickness: 15 mm

Paddle Length: 16”

Paddle Width: 7 7/8”

Grip Size: Thin – 4 1/8”

Handle Length: Standard – 5”

Colorway: Orange & Black

$119.95 from Head

This paddle benefit from the Spinon technology applied to the face material. According to Head, this is a special coating that’s applied to the paddle’s face.

Not only does the textured surface create spin, but the feel and grip of the handle also give me confidence in my shots. This combo makes my backspin cuts and top spin rolls feel better, boosted by the paddle rather than being limited by the surface.

The spin game was impressive in 2023 and it’s still going strong in 2024. So, it’s unfair to expect every paddle to deliver the same level of spin as premium carbon paddles like the Diadem Edge 18k, the Legacy Pro, or the ProXR Pickleball Zane Navratil.

If you’re moving up to the intermediate level, the spin provided by this paddle is definitely good enough.

Even though Head says it’s the ultimate power paddle, I didn’t find the power to be as extreme as they make it out to be. I had to swing faster to generate power.

You can definitely feel how rigid the face material is when you first start playing with this paddle. As you get used to the feel of the ball bouncing off the face, your control gets better, but it does take a bit of time.

While this paddle might not be the most powerful, it definitely shines when it comes to control.  I’m impressed with its accuracy. I can consistently nail drop shots and dinks, and dealing with pop-ups isn’t much of a hassle.

I believe this paddle works best for a traditional style of play, especially with flat drops. If you incorporate those shots into your game, you’ll see the full potential of this paddle.

For me, the paddle’s standout feature and the main reason I think it will attract intermediates is its excellent control. Thanks to its large playing surface, it boasts a generous sweet spot.

During my initial testing, I didn’t experience a single mishit. This can really boost your confidence as an intermediate player. I’ve noticed many players grappling with unforgiving paddles like the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus when they could benefit from using a paddle like this one.

Whether you should buy the 2024 HEAD Radical Pro Pickleball Paddle depends on your preferences and playing style.

Consider factors like your skill level, desired attributes in a paddle (such as power, control, or spin), and budget. If you value control and accuracy over sheer power, and if you’re an intermediate player looking for a reliable paddle with a generous sweet spot, then the Radical Pro could be a good choice for you.

However, it’s always a good idea to try out a paddle before buying if possible, or to read reviews from other players to see if it aligns with your needs and expectations.

The 2024 HEAD Radical Pro Paddle is a cool new paddle that’s great for intermediates. It’s got a lot of power and is easy to handle. Whether you’re hitting strong shots or making precise placements, the Radical Pro paddle works well with your style of play.

As soon as I opened the box, I was wowed. The design is eye-catching, with splashes of red and a cool pattern. It feels pretty sturdy and strong. When I used it on the courts, it was really comfortable. Weighing in at 8.1 ounces, it’s not too heavy or too light, just right in the middle.

If you’ve tried the regular Radical paddles before, which have smooth faces, you’ll spot the rough surface on this one right off the bat. It gave me the courage to attempt putting spin on my shots. And guess what? I could pull off topspin, backspin, and sidespin—those tricky shots that are crucial for my game.

If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask! Also, be sure to check out our Head Extreme Elite Pickleball Paddle Review.