HEAD
HEAD Kickstarter
The HEAD Kickstarter is a midweight beginner paddle built for easy power, comfort, and forgiving control. It suits players learning consistent rallies, kitchen shots, and reliable baseline depth.
Character from the specs · Control
Worked out from core thickness, weight, face and shape using general rules of thumb — not from a play test.
Is this paddle right for you?
4 quick questions, scored from the specs
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Overview
Its 15 mm polypropylene honeycomb core and fiberglass face aim for a softer response with accessible power. At 7.8 ounces, it sits in the midweight range, balancing stability with manageable swings. HEAD describes the fiberglass surface as comfortable and controlled, while retailers report reduced vibration and forgiving mishits.
The five-inch standard handle gives you room for a relaxed grip without crowding your hand. Shape descriptions vary between standard, oversized, tapered, and elongated across listings, so check the exact version before buying. The higher sweet spot described by several retailers may help with reach and depth, while the smooth face favors a straightforward feel rather than maximum grip.
Play style
This paddle suits controlled all-court play rather than extreme power. Retailers describe its response as low-to-moderate power with good control, while the fiberglass face adds easy pop for baseline depth. The 15 mm core should support softer contact on dinks and resets, and the 7.8-ounce weight should remain manageable during quick exchanges.
Its smooth fiberglass surface is not the obvious choice for players who build their game around heavy spin. The forgiving sweet spot and reported easy maneuverability fit new players working on consistent volleys, placement, and kitchen exchanges. Players wanting big drives may find its power more measured than explosive.
Best for
- A first paddle upgrade from basic equipment
- Players who want a softer feel and easier mishits
- Players learning dinks, resets, and controlled kitchen exchanges
- Baseline players who want manageable help generating depth
- Players who prefer a midweight paddle over a very light one
Look elsewhere if
- Players who need maximum spin from a textured face
- Players seeking explosive power for aggressive drives
- Players who want a clearly defined elongated or oversized shape
- Players who strongly prefer an ultralight paddle for rapid hand battles
Strengths
- The 15 mm polypropylene honeycomb core supports a balanced power-and-control response.
- The fiberglass face offers easy pop and a softer feel on contact.
- At 7.8 ounces, it balances swing speed with enough weight for stable contact.
- Retailer reviewers describe it as forgiving, comfortable, and easy to swing.
- The five-inch handle provides a comfortable standard grip length.
Things to consider
- The smooth face may limit spin compared with a textured paddle.
- Its power is described as low to moderate, so hard hitters may want more pace.
- Shape details differ across listings, including standard, oversized, tapered, and elongated descriptions.
- The midweight build may feel slower than an ultralight paddle during rapid hand exchanges.
- Check the exact model and shape before buying, especially if reach or sweet-spot position matters.
Specs
| Brand | HEAD |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7.8 oz |
| Core thickness | 15 mm |
| Core material | 15 mm polypropylene honeycomb |
| Face | Fiberglass |
| Face material | Fiberglass |
| Handle | Standard five-inch handle |
| USA Pickleball approved | Yes |
Not listed by the seller: shape, length, width, handle length, grip circumference.
Specs come from the seller's product listing and may be incomplete or change between batches. Double-check before you buy.