HEAD
HEAD Radical Tour
The HEAD Radical Tour is a midweight, elongated paddle built for players who want controlled power, soft touch, and easy spin. It suits confident net players and aggressive hitters who still value feel.
Character from the specs · Power
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
The paddle weighs 7.9 ounces and measures 16 inches long by 7.88 inches wide. That elongated shape gives you extra reach, while the midweight build should support solid drives without feeling overly heavy. The 13mm polypropylene honeycomb core keeps the paddle relatively thin and geared toward a quicker, livelier response.
Its carbon graphite hitting surface is paired with an Ergo Grip handle. Reviewers describe the face as providing clear feedback on net shots, with a soft feel and consistent response across much of the hitting area. The textured surface also helps the ball bite for spin. Check the exact version before buying, since published specifications for some Radical Tour listings show a thicker 15mm core.
Play style
This paddle fits an all-court game that mixes firm drives with controlled drops and dinks. The graphite face gives you useful touch at the kitchen, while the thinner core and midweight design leave room for pace when you accelerate through a swing.
The 16-inch length helps with reach and leverage on baseline shots. The textured hitting surface supports spin on slices, rolls, and topspin drives. Choose something else if your priority is maximum forgiveness, a very soft defensive feel, or an especially compact paddle for fast exchanges.
Best for
- Players who want more reach on baseline balls and passing shots
- Players moving from a basic paddle to a more responsive graphite-faced model
- All-court players who mix drives with dinks and drops
- Players who rely on spin for slices and topspin
- Net players who value feedback on soft shots
Look elsewhere if
- Players who need the largest possible sweet spot after frequent mishits
- Players seeking a very soft, slow defensive paddle
- Players who prefer a short, highly maneuverable shape
- Players who want maximum put-away power from a composite-style face
Strengths
- The graphite hitting surface is praised for touch and control on net shots
- The textured carbon face supports spin on slices, drops, and drives
- The 16-inch elongated shape adds reach and leverage
- The 7.9-ounce weight balances usable power with manageable handling
- The Ergo Grip is described as comfortable and secure in the hand
Things to consider
- The 13mm core may feel livelier and less muted than a thicker control paddle
- The elongated shape can be less quick in rapid hand battles than a shorter shape
- The paddle favors controlled power rather than the strongest possible put-away response
- Published listings disagree on whether this model uses a 13mm or 15mm core, so verify the exact version
- A textured surface can change its spin response as the surface wears
Specs
| Brand | HEAD |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7.9 oz |
| Core thickness | 13 mm |
| Core material | Polypropylene honeycomb |
| Face | Carbon fiber |
| Face material | Carbon graphite |
| Length | 16 in |
| Width | 7.88 in |
| Handle | Ergo 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.
Sources
- Paddle Review: Head Radical Tour Series – The Dink Pickleball
- HEAD Radical Tour Review | The Graphite Staple with Spin Texture | Pickleball Paddle Info | Pickle Times
- Head Radical Tour Graphite Pickleball Paddle • The Pickleball Paddles
- Head - Radical Series - Radical Tour Pickleball Paddle - Pickleball Review Hub
- TechTalk with HEAD Pickleball: New Radical Series