Paddle Comparison
APL Starion vs Head Radical
The APL Starion (SW 116.4) and Head Radical (SW 113.83) sit 2.57 swing-weight points apart — close enough that shape, feel, and price become the real differentiators. The Head Radical also has the wider sweet spot — TW 6.83 versus 5.93 — meaning more forgiveness on off-center hits. Shape adds another dimension: the Starion is elongated, the Radical is widebody, which changes reach, kitchen feel, and sweet-spot position. On price, the Head Radical is $11 less expensive after the PLAYBOOK discount.
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Who wins on what
Power
APL Starion
Higher Swing Weight (power) (116.4 vs 113.83, +2.57)
Hand Speed
Head Radical
Lower Swing Weight (hand speed) (116.4 vs 113.83)
Sweet Spot / Forgiveness
Head Radical
Higher Twist Weight (forgiveness) (5.93 vs 6.83, +0.90)
Value
Head Radical
Lower effective price ($179.99 vs $169.15, with PLAYBOOK)
Side-by-side specs
Brand
Model
Shape
Thickness
Weight
Swing Weight
Twist Weight
Play Style
Retail Price
Discount
Effective Price
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Which paddle should you buy?
Pick the APL Starion if…
- You want more power — SW 116.4 is 2.57 points higher.
- Your game leans power — this is tuned for that style.
- You prefer the elongated shape — different feel/reach/sweet-spot profile from the widebody.
Pick the Head Radical if…
- You want faster hands — lower SW (113.83 vs 116.4) means quicker maneuvering at the kitchen.
- You want a bigger sweet spot — TW 6.83 is more forgiving on off-center hits.
- You're price-conscious — about $11 cheaper after PLAYBOOK discount.
- Your game leans control — this is tuned for that style.
- You prefer the widebody shape — different feel/reach/sweet-spot profile from the elongated.
Frequently asked questions
Is the APL Starion or the Head Radical better for power?
The APL Starion generates more power — SW 116.4 vs 113.83 on the Head Radical, a 2.57-point gap that adds mass and momentum at contact. If you prioritize hand speed and maneuverability over raw power, the Radical's lower swing weight is the advantage.
Which paddle is more forgiving — the APL Starion or the Head Radical?
The Head Radical is more forgiving with a twist weight of 6.83 vs 5.93 on the APL Starion. Higher twist weight reduces energy loss on off-center hits, which matters most for kitchen-heavy players who take a lot of dinks and resets.
What is the price difference between the APL Starion and the Head Radical?
With the PLAYBOOK discount code, the APL Starion is $179.99 and the Head Radical is $169.15. The Head Radical is $10.84 cheaper. Apply PLAYBOOK at checkout on either brand's site to get the discount.
How does the shape difference affect how the APL Starion and Head Radical play?
The APL Starion's elongated shape delivers extra reach and a higher sweet spot — better for drives, resets, and transition-zone play. The Head Radical's widebody gives a wider face and maximum forgiveness — tuned for kitchen play and the soft game. For players who live at the kitchen line, that shape distinction often matters more than a 1–2 point SW difference.
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