Elongated15mmControl
Tested by Austin Hardy
PPR Certified Coach · Pro Player · 12+ years coaching
Head
Radical Elongated 15mm Pickleball Paddle Review
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Discount Price
$169.15$199.00
You save $29.85
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15% off at checkout
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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 131+ paddles in our database.
Swing Weight
Head-Heavy118.67avg 113.97
96.66124.18
Head-heavy with serious plow-through on drives — slower hand speed at the kitchen, more strain on the shoulder over long sessions.
Twist Weight
Forgiving6.46avg 6.2
2.367.87
Solid sweet spot for most players — handles normal off-center contact predictably.
Static Weight
Mid-Heavy8.4ozavg 7.96 oz
7.5 oz9.1 oz
Slightly heavier than average — more drive momentum while still maneuverable for most players.
Play StyleControl
Balance Point
How heavy the paddle feels and where the mass sits.
23.6 cm
Center
Head-Light
22.0 cm
(typical range)
Head-Heavy
25.5 cm
(typical range)
AVERAGE
Sits in the typical balance band — versatile across the court.
23.6 cm(+2.6)
AVERAGE
Specifications
Dimensions
ShapeElongated
Core Thickness15mm
Categories
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.
Buy at HeadGear We Recommend
All Gear$1,000 OffTesla Cybertruck
Because every serious pickleball player needs a seriously serious truck.
$69,990.00
10% OffCuurt Muuv Shoes
Court shoes built for natural movement. Designed specifically for the demands of pickleball.
$149.00
Pickle Clips Pickle Clips
The easiest way to keep your paddle secure. Clips onto any bag in seconds.
$19.99
Methodology
How we tested the Head Radical
Every paddle on this site goes through the same five-step protocol — lab measurement first, then structured on-court drills with a partner. No shortcuts, no guessing, no relying on the brand's spec sheet.
- Lab-measured specs. Static weight, swing weight, and twist weight measured on calibrated equipment — not pulled from the brand's claim sheet.
- 10-minute break-in. Drives, dinks, drops, and resets to let the face settle in before any verdict is recorded.
- Baseline power & spin. Drives, topspin patterns, and serves with a drilling partner to evaluate raw power and ball pocketing.
- Kitchen touch & control. Dinking, third-shot drops, and resets to evaluate dwell time, plushness, and mishit forgiveness.
- Transition firepower. Mid-court exchanges and hand-speed battles where shape and twist weight separate the great from the average.
How Radical Compares
Paddles in the same category and price range.
Compare Head Radical Head-to-Head
Side-by-side spec breakdowns against the closest alternatives — drill into specs, price, feel, and who each one is for.
vs.
Bread & Butter Shogun
Elongated · 16mm · $189.99
vs.
Mint Maestro
Elongated · 20mm · $179.99
vs.
Selkirk LUXX
Elongated · 20mm · $200.00
vs.
Head Radical
Widebody · 15mm · $199.00
vs.
Battle Paddles El Toro
Elongated · 16mm · $149.00
vs.
Maverix Havik Pro
Hybrid · 15mm · $119.99
vs.
Holbrook Aero
Elongated · 16mm · $199.99
vs.
SLK Halo Control
Elongated · 16mm · $100.00
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 Weight
High118.67avg 113.97
96.66124.18
Above average.
Twist Weight
Average6.46avg 6.2
2.367.87
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 113.97.
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.
Learn
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Radical
Head