ElongatedControl
Bread & Butter
Shogun
$189.99$170.99
Weight
8.0 oz
Twist Wt
5.96
Thickness
16mm
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Elongated15mmControl
Tested by Austin Hardy
5.5+ player · Independent reviewer
Head
Radical 15mm Pickleball Paddle Review
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Retail Price
$169.15$199.00
Promo Code
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Austin's Take
Austin Hardy
Head is one of the most recognized names in racket sports, and the Radical Pro 15 is their flagship pickleball offering. The 15mm core sits between the ultra-soft 16mm+ control paddles and the snappier 14mm options — a deliberate choice that gives it a unique feel profile.
Read full reviewWeight & Balance
How this paddle compares to 105+ paddles in our database.
Swing Weight118.67
96.66avg 113.92124.18
Near average
Twist Weight6.46
2.36avg 6.187.41
Near average
Static Weight8.4 oz
7.5 ozavg 7.97 oz9.1 oz
Above average
Play StyleControl
Specifications
Dimensions
Core Thickness15mm
ShapeElongated
Weight8.4 oz
Swing Weight118.67
Twist Weight6.46
Classification
BrandHead
Play StyleControl
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Who Radical Is For
Buy if
- You prioritize control, resets, and touch at the kitchen
- You like extra reach and leverage on groundstrokes
- High swing weight (118.67) gives you serious plow-through power
- Good twist weight (6.46) keeps off-center shots stable
Skip if
- You prefer a wider face for easier contact on fast exchanges
- You need fast hand speed at the net — this is a heavy swinger
- You want to overpower opponents with pace
Ready to buy? Use code PLAYBOOK for a discount.
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How Radical Compares
Paddles in the same category and price range.
ElongatedControl
ElongatedControl
ElongatedControl
Playing Feel
ControlThe Head Radical is a 15mm elongated paddle weighing 8.4 oz with a swing weight of 118.67 and twist weight of 6.46. Expect a soft, controlled feel that shines at the kitchen line. Dinks and resets feel plush, with excellent touch on drop shots.
Swing Weight118.67
96.66avg 113.92124.18
Near average
Twist Weight6.46
2.36avg 6.187.41
Near average
15mm CoreElongated8.4 oz
Written Review
Head Radical Pro 15 Review: Premium Control From a Tennis Legend
Head is one of the most recognized names in racket sports, and the Radical Pro 15 is their flagship pickleball offering. The 15mm core sits between the ultra-soft 16mm+ control paddles and the snappier 14mm options — a deliberate choice that gives it a unique feel profile.
Specs at a Glance
- Core: 15mm
- Weight: 8.3–8.4 oz
- Widebody — Swing Weight: 113.83, Twist Weight: 6.83
- Elongated — Swing Weight: 118.67, Twist Weight: 6.46
- Price: $199 — save 15% at checkout
The 15mm Sweet Spot
Most paddles go 13mm, 14mm, 16mm, or thicker. The Radical Pro's 15mm thickness lands in a gap that Head has intentionally targeted for a specific feel: softer than a standard foam core but with slightly more response than a super-thick control paddle. It rewards players who want to feel the ball and place it, rather than simply absorb or explode on it.
Widebody vs Elongated
The Widebody's TW of 6.83 is exceptional — it's among the most stable paddles off-center in our entire database. This makes it very beginner-friendly while still being competitive. The Elongated version cranks the SW up to 118.67, making it one of the more powerful elongated control paddles you'll find, with enough touch from the 15mm core to stay nuanced.
Who Should Buy the Head Radical Pro 15?
- Control-oriented players who find 16mm paddles too dead but 13mm too snappy
- Players who want elite off-center stability (especially the Widebody)
- Tennis players making the jump to pickleball who want familiar brand quality
- Competitive players looking for a premium control paddle under $200
Verdict
The Head Radical Pro 15 is a polished, premium paddle that earns its $199 price tag. The 15mm core fills a genuine gap in the market, and both shapes are well-executed. The Widebody is one of the most stable paddles we've tested at any price point.
Discussion
Have questions or thoughts about the Head Radical? Join the conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the swing weight of the Head Radical?
The Head Radical has a swing weight of 118.67, which is above the catalog average of 113.92.
Who should buy the Head Radical?
The Head Radical is a elongated 15mm paddle best suited for control-focused players who want touch and precision at the kitchen.
Is there a discount code for the Head Radical?
Yes! Use code PLAYBOOK at checkout to save 15% on the Head Radical. This code is verified and active.
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Radical
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