HEAD PADDLES

UPDATE:

The Head paddles “wore out” after about 6 months. Perhaps the technology has changed in the past 2-3 years, but I have played with better paddles. It is relatively inexpensive, though, and might be a good paddle for a junior or someone with a bit of experience.

(I apologize in advance for the lousy artwork, but I work with what I have available!)

HEAD RADICAL TOUR PADDLE

Here is what Head says about the paddle: The Radical Tour features HEAD’s Dynamic Power Shape that creates a large sweet spot and a thicker OTC honeycomb polymer core for incredible power and comfort. The graphite hitting surface combined with Extreme Spin Technology and a Comfort grip gives you amazing pop and more feel with every swing.

Here is what I say: When I am playing indoors, or with a softer outdoor ball, I like this paddle. I feel that I have more control over the ball and can hit the spots I am aiming for more often. For example, if I am serving from the “odd” side of the court and want to hit to my opponent’s back hand, the Radical Tour does a great job.

The paddle weighs 7.9 ounces, which is a bit less than other paddles on the market, yet it gives good “pop” on the ball.

Here are some links where you can purchase this paddle:

Amazon (best price I have found and qualifies for Prime free shipping): https://amzn.to/2McibAP

Pickleball Central: https://www.pickleballcentral.com/Radical_Tour_Graphite_Paddle_by_Head_226007_p/hdradtr.htm

Head: https://www.head.com/shop-us/us-US/pickleball/paddle/radical/radical-tour-1.html

HEAD XTREME TOUR GRAPHITE PICKLEBALL PADDLE

Here is what Head has to say about this paddle: If you are looking for ultimate control – this paddle is for you. Endorsed by Sarah Ansboury, 2019 Mixed Doubles US Open Champion, the Extreme Tour is a lighter weight paddle with a unique Diamond Shape for more control on each shot. The reduced head weight allows for a faster swing speed, giving you more reaction time and ultimate power. It features an Optimized Tubular Construction (OTC) honeycomb polymer core and a carbon graphite hitting surface (CHS) with Extreme Spin technology, as well as a Comfort grip for great feel, touch and ultimate dinking ability.

Here is what another seller said: The Xtreme Tour Graphite Pickleball Paddle uses all of HEAD’s top technologies to create an incredibly versatile experience. This paddle uses a carbon/graphite hitting surface to create outstanding feel and control. Its light weight allows you to react to the game quickly while returning balls with ease. The comfort grip has been inlayed with EVA material for a soft feel that dampens vibration. The Xtreme Tour Graphite Pickleball Paddle has additional texture that helps grab pickleballs for easier spin and control.

Here is what I say: At 7.6 ounces, you might think that this paddle has less “pop” than the Radical Tour. I have not found that to be the case. It does, however, provide the capability to put more spin on the ball, and that comes in handy when serving. For example, when I am serving from the add court and want to go down the middle, I can do that with this paddle much more easily than with the Radical Tour.

Similarly, when serving from the even court, I can put more topspin on the ball.

For outdoor play, this is my preferred paddle.

Bottom line is that I like each of them, but mostly use the Xtreme Tour. When it comes to dinking, they are both pretty much the same.

Here are some links where you can purchase the paddle:

Amazon (best price I have found and qualifies for Prime free shipping): https://amzn.to/356KXLK

Head (out of stock): https://www.head.com/shop-us/us-US/pickleball/paddle/extreme/extreme-tour-1.html

Pickleball Central: https://www.pickleballcentral.com/Extreme_Tour_Graphite_Paddle_by_Head_226509_p/hdextr.htm