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Widebody15mmControl
Head Radical Widebody 15mm pickleball paddle

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

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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.

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Weight & Balance

How this paddle compares to 105+ paddles in our database.

Swing Weight113.83
96.66avg 113.92124.18

Near average

Twist Weight6.83
2.36avg 6.187.41

Above average

Static Weight8.3 oz
7.5 ozavg 7.97 oz9.1 oz

Near average

Play StyleControl

Specifications

Dimensions

Core Thickness15mm
ShapeWidebody
Weight8.3 oz
Swing Weight113.83
Twist Weight6.83

Classification

BrandHead
Play StyleControl

Who Radical Is For

Buy if
  • You prioritize control, resets, and touch at the kitchen
  • You want the largest sweet spot and most forgiveness
  • Medium swing weight (113.83) offers a good balance of power and maneuverability
  • Good twist weight (6.83) keeps off-center shots stable
Skip if
  • You want more reach and leverage on groundstrokes
  • You want to overpower opponents with pace

Ready to buy? Use code PLAYBOOK for a discount.

Buy at Head

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How Radical Compares

Paddles in the same category and price range.

Playing Feel

Head Radical feelControl

The Head Radical is a 15mm widebody paddle weighing 8.3 oz with a swing weight of 113.83 and twist weight of 6.83. Expect a soft, controlled feel that shines at the kitchen line. Dinks and resets feel plush, with excellent touch on drop shots.

Swing Weight113.83
96.66avg 113.92124.18

Near average

Twist Weight6.83
2.36avg 6.187.41

Above average

15mm CoreWidebody8.3 oz

Video Review

Head Radical — Full Review

Head Radical — Full Review

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.

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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 113.83, which is near the catalog average of 113.92.

Who should buy the Head Radical?

The Head Radical is a widebody 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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