HEAD, a name long associated with top-quality sports equipment, entered the pickleball market with paddles sure to turn some heads.
The Head Radical XL Pickleball paddle is their premier offering. It has already been generating some buzz in the pickleball community.
The Radical XL paddle has a distinctive form, but it also has many other qualities to make it stand out!
Let’s take a closer look at this elongated paddle.
Overview Of The Brand
HEAD is a sporting goods company that has remained successful over the last 70+ years because they focus on cutting-edge technology.
This fact has allowed them to be at the forefront of the industry, and they continue to release new products that improve the way athletes play their sport.
So, Why HEAD?
HEAD is known for its innovative sports technology.
Their dedication to technology has made them a leader in the sporting goods industry. From tennis rackets to ski helmets, the company has a long history of designing and manufacturing products that improve the performance and safety of athletes.
Ski helmets, for example, are designed with avalanche detection and prevention in mind. Graphite/carbon hitting surface technology is the latest innovation in pickleball paddle manufacturing.
A control stabilizer and an optimized tubular core with increased hand grip and control are among other features of their pickleball paddle. They contribute to the paddle’s low weight and reduced impact vibrations.
They also feature a unique comfort grip and a granite paddle surface for improved tone and control when playing. The honeycomb method on the polypropylene core offers its thickness without being dense.
The company incorporated the Extreme spin technology into the design of HEAD paddles. Moreover, the texture adds to the overall feel, control, and ball handling.
Head Radical XL Pickleball Paddle
Highlights
- Graphite/Carbon Hitting Surface provides the competitive player with a more incredible feel and control.
- Optimized Tubular Core delivers a more consistent response and feel.
- Extreme Spin Texture allows for more ball contact time, creating more spin.
- Comfort Grip System
- Elongated power shape for a larger sweet spot
- Designed for pros
Specs
- Size: One Size
- Brand: HEAD
- Model Name: Radical XL
- Grip Size: 4 ¼ inches/107 mm
- Paddle Thickness: 13.0 mm/ ½ inch
- Paddle Length: 430 mm/ 17 inches
- Paddle Width: 179 mm/ 7 inches
- Material: Polymer
- Frame Material: Graphite
- Weight: 7.6 oz/ 215 g
- Dimensions(inches): 18 x 7 x 1.7
- Warranty Description: 1-year manufacturer warranty
- Sport Type: Pickleball
- Color: Black/Blue
- Suggested Users: Unisex-adult
- Skill Level: Advanced
Features
- Graphite/Carbon Hitting Surface
The Head Radical XL Paddle has a graphite hitting surface to provide extra grip and improve ball control.
CHS technology is a construction process that bonds two different materials together. In this case, the graphite hitting surface bonds with a carbon fiber backing.
This construction process provides the best possible power, control, and feel combination. The result is a paddle that is more durable and responsive.
- Optimized Tubular Core
This new core design provides players with greater power and an improved feel. The optimized tubular construction of the polypropylene honeycomb core absorbs more shock upon impact, providing you with more energy to put into your swings.
It also makes it highly durable—it will not break down over time, meaning that your paddle will maintain its performance for longer.
- Extreme Spin Texture
The extreme spin texture helps players generate more power and control over their shots. Moreover, the paddle’s shape makes it ideal for defensive and offensive play.
The raised, textured surface helps create more spin on the ball, making a big difference in competitive play.
- Comfort Grip System
The new Ergo Grip has a specially developed polymer honeycomb core that creates a solid feel and minimizes the vibration you feel when you contact the ball.
- Elongated Power Shape
The Radical XL has an elongated power shape that provides a more prominent sweet spot and more power than other paddles.
It has an oversized, textured head that provides plenty of grips and makes the paddle easy to swing.
Why We Like Head Radical XL Pickleball Paddle
- Lightweight and easy to control.
- A larger sweet spot
- Comfortable grip
- Vibration-dampening core
- Extremely durable
Why We Don’t Like Head Radical XL Pickleball Paddle
- Not for beginners
- Pricier than other paddles in the same class
Conclusion
What’s the verdict? Is the Head Radical XL Pickleball Paddle the best option for the money? The answer depends entirely on your needs. The Radical XL paddle is perfect for advanced players who want a lot of power and a large sweet spot.
However, for beginners looking for an an-easy-to-control paddle, you may want to consider a different option. Overall, the Head Radical XL pickleball paddle is an excellent choice for pros to face their most formidable competition.
