HEAD
HEAD Radical Pro
The HEAD Radical Pro is a heavy, fiberglass-faced power paddle with a comfortable feel and useful control. It suits players who want stronger drives, extra reach, and a forgiving sweet spot without harsh feedback.
Character from the specs · Balanced
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
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. It doesn’t change the price you pay.
Overview
The Radical Pro weighs 8.1 ounces and measures 16 inches long by 7.88 inches wide. Its fiberglass face and polypropylene honeycomb core are built for easy power with a softer feel. Reviewers describe it as HEAD's most powerful Radical model, while also noting useful control and comfort. The elongated shape gives you extra reach, though it may feel less quick than a shorter paddle at the net.
The 13 mm core keeps the paddle relatively thin, which supports pop on drives and put-aways. Its Dynamic Power Shape is reported to create a large sweet spot, helping on off-center contact. The Ergo Grip is designed for a secure, comfortable hold, and reviewers credit the grip and core with reducing vibration. One current HEAD listing describes a 15 mm core, so check the exact version before buying.
Play style
This paddle fits an aggressive game built around baseline drives, serves, and put-aways. Its 8.1-ounce weight, fiberglass face, and thin core favor power without making control disappear. Reviewers find a useful blend of power and control, while players who value comfort may appreciate the softer contact.
The 16-inch length adds reach on defensive shots and groundstrokes. The wide face and reported large sweet spot help when you miss the center slightly. The textured face can support topspin, but fiberglass generally offers less spin potential than raw carbon. If your game depends on soft kitchen resets, delicate dinks, or very fast hand battles, a more control-focused paddle may suit you better.
Best for
- Players who want more power on drives and serves
- Baseline players who value extra reach
- Players with a sore elbow who still want a firm, powerful paddle
- Tennis converts who prefer a longer, substantial paddle
- Players upgrading from a softer or less powerful paddle
Look elsewhere if
- Players who prioritize maximum spin over power and comfort
- Players who want the quickest possible hand speed at the kitchen
- Players who mainly play soft dinks and resets
- Players who prefer a lighter paddle with less swing weight
Strengths
- Strong power from the fiberglass face and thin listed core
- Comfortable, softer feel; reviewers credit the grip and core with reducing vibration
- Large reported sweet spot for more forgiving contact
- 16-inch length provides useful reach on groundstrokes and defensive balls
- Textured face supports spin, according to reviewers and buyer feedback
Things to consider
- Fiberglass may produce less spin than a raw-carbon paddle
- The 8.1-ounce weight and 16-inch length may feel slower during quick kitchen exchanges
- A reviewer reports more cracking when swinging firmly from the backcourt
- HEAD lists a 15 mm core in one current product listing, while the seller lists 13 mm; verify the exact version
- Players wanting a soft-game-first paddle may find its power harder to manage
Specs
| Brand | HEAD |
|---|---|
| Weight | 8.1 oz |
| Core thickness | 13 mm |
| Core material | Polypropylene honeycomb |
| Face | Fiberglass |
| Face material | Fiberglass |
| Length | 16 in |
| Width | 7.88 in |
| Handle | Ergonomic grip |
| USA Pickleball approved | Yes |
Not listed by the seller: shape, 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.