7 Best Head Pickleball Paddles to Improve Your Game

Are you looking to up your Pickleball game and take it to the next level?

Head is one of the best known brands for Pickleball paddles, with high-performance designs crafted from advanced materials.

Born out of focus on improving ski and tennis gear, the HEAD company has pushed athletic equipment into the modern era. The company leverages their decades of experience in tennis racquets to offer an impressive lineup of pickleball paddles.

Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or a seasoned player looking for an advantage, HEAD pickleball paddles offer options with maximum power, spin control, sweet spot size, durability–and more!

Not sure what paddle is right for you? See our tips for choosing the right paddle based on your play style.

Now, explore these 7 great paddles from HEAD and see why they’re loved by so many pickleball players.

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What HEAD Pickleball Paddles Should I Consider to Improve My Game?

Photo: Amazon

What players say: “Head Radical Pro is lightweight. Great grip and able to put decent amount of spin on the ball.”

Key Features:

There’s a lot to love about the Radical Pro paddle, and we’ve picked it as our favorite amongst all of the HEAD pickleball paddles.

• FIBERGLASS FINISH: This lightweight pickleball paddle features HEAD’s fiberglass hitting surface that offers excellent feel and ample power for the competitive player.
• TEXTURED: Extreme Spin Texture on the face of the paddle offers better grip on the ball for increased spin and shot placement.
• DESIGNED FOR PROS: This fiberglass Radical Pro paddle takes advantage of HEAD’s most advanced tech. A polypropylene honeycomb core is paired with a new Ergo Grip for the perfect touch everytime with minimal vibration.

What to consider:  Although this is marketed as a more advanced paddle, user reviews show it has appeal to a wide variety of players. Beginners, intermediate and more advanced players all report positive experiences with this racquet.

Photo: Amazon

What players say: “Great combination of power & control. I love the shape & dimension of the paddle as it provides a larger hitting surface and greater sweet spot. I was initially skeptical being a 14mm paddle as I normally play with 16mm, however it still has exceptional control and touch, as well as power as expected with a 14mm. It’s at keeper.”

Key Features: HEAD’s Gravity model comes with a distinctive flip design and a massive sweetspot shape that combines the great power you want with a soft impact feel you need. Amongst the Head pickleball paddles, this one emerges as a true power option.

It combines HEAD’s latest technologies that work together for an ultimate paddle experience. The Hybrid Hitting Surface provides a truly superior blend of power, comfort, control and stability, while its HEAD’s Sweetspot Power Core takes care of the unique soft and powerful impact feel. With its Extreme 3D Spin and Handle Stabilizer Technology, the premium Gravity model is perfect for power players.

What to consider:  This is a power paddle, designed to make those sizzling shots. If you’re a player who wants max control in every hit, you may want to look at other options. Those seeking to increase the effectiveness of their power plays should love this paddle.

Photo: Amazon

What players say: “I had trouble generating enough power with my $50 beginner paddle. After upgrading to this paddle, I could produce more powerful serves. This paddle has a large sweet spot. I also found it easier to control the soft shots even though this paddle is a little heavier than my old paddle. Very pleased.”

Key Features: The Extreme Pro combines HEAD’s latest technologies and a unique Diamond Shape for the perfect combination of power and control.

It also incorporates a Comfort Grip for less vibration and more comfort and a Composite Hitting Surface for increased power. The Extreme Pro offers a mid-weight option for a great balance of control and power on each shot.

What to consider: Many players agree this paddle is great as an entry level choice, perfect for beginners. More seasoned players may want to consider other options to keep advancing their game.

Photo: Amazon

What players say: “I am a beginner pickleball player and this paddle feels perfect for me. It is light weight and seems to have a good “sweet spot!” It appears to be well made but only time will tell. I would definitely recommend purchasing from this pickleball company.”

Key Features: The Radical Elite features the same Dynamic Power Shape for a larger sweet spot and a thicker OTC honeycomb core for great playability.

With its bright orange color and a smooth fiberglass surface, the Radical Elite will give you the power and playability many players seek. The fiberglass hitting surface is both lightweight and extremely durable.

What to consider: This paddle has less texture than other HEAD models, so spin abilities may be affected. For the price and entry point, this makes a great starter option to learn the basics.

Photo: Amazon

What people like: “Paddle is very light and has a ton of texture on the face. I highly recommend this paddle to anyone from beginners to veterans.“

Key Features: If you are looking for ultimate control – this paddle is for you. The Extreme Tour Lite is the lightest weight paddle of the Extreme Tour paddles with a unique Diamond Shape for maximum control on each shot.

The reduced head weight allows for a faster swing speed, giving you more reaction time. It features an Optimized Tubular Construction (OTC) honeycomb polymer core and a carbon graphite hitting surface (GHS) for great feel and playability with Extreme Spin technology , and a Comfort grip for great feel, touch and ultimate dinking ability.

What to consider: The lighter weight and head shape combine to maximize control with each swing. This means less power. If power is important, you may want to look at other designs, like the Gravity, which target that purpose.

Photo: Amazon

What people like: “Pro paddle with an excellent sweet spot. Takes time getting use[d] to the small sweet spot but once you’re use to it it’s an amazing paddle for pro use!“

Key Features:
In a new bold colorway, 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.

Optimized Tubular Construction (OTC), honeycomb polymer core and a carbon graphite hitting surface (CHS) combine with Extreme Spin technology for top notch playability. The professional level paddle is finished with comfort grip for great feel, touch, and ultimate dinking ability.

What to consider: This paddle will appeal to more advanced players, with it’s large sweet spot, mid-weight, and thicker core. Beginners may want to acclimate to the game using an entry level or more balanced (control vs. power) model.

Photo: Amazon

What people like: “The vibes of this paddle are so good – hits well and I love the grip.“

Key Features: The ‘Key West’ Margaritaville Pickleball Paddle is a control-oriented piece of gear with an aerodynamic design.

Underneath the Jimmy Buffet-inspired skin, this is a HEAD Extreme Tour paddle, with medium weight so that players will find it comfortable to seamlessly switch between soft dinks close to the net or more powerful swings from the baseline.

The graphite surface has a texture which creates more spin on pickleballs and provides a reactive response for great connection between player and paddle.

The Margaritaville ‘Key West’ Pickleball Paddle weighs about 7.6 oz. and has a polymer core that strengthens precision and placement. Its unique diamond shape with angular sides reduces unnecessary surface area so that you’ll benefit from a lighter head weight with fast swing speed. The handle is 5″ long with a small circumference and comes wrapped in an ergonomic grip that uses EVA foam to provide a luxurious feel with shock-reducing properties.

The Margaritaville ‘Key West’ Paddle aims to make it easier for players to maintain controlled shots and quick reaction times throughout their game.

What to consider: This paddle is the same construct as HEAD’s Extreme Tour Lite model, just wrapped in fun beachy designs (other options in the Margaritaville line include Sunset and Island Life themes). This model is aimed at maximum control, which works well for some players. But those focused on power play may be better served with another model.

What Makes HEAD Pickleball Paddles a Good Choice?

When searching for the best portable pickleball net, consider some or all of these features in a set:

• Ease of setup and takedown
• Width (regulation or smaller?)
• Quality of materials
• Carry bag
• Weight
• Added features like stabilizers and tension control
• Adjustable options, like width or height
• Wheels or no wheels

Do HEAD Pickleball Paddles Make a Good Gift?

A portable pickleball net makes a great gift for any pickleball player who wants to practice at home or play in a variety of locations. Having a portable net is a game changer if local courts are crowded and availability is a challenge.

All of our choices for best portable pickleball net are easy to set up, take down and transport. Extra bells and whistles like wheels, adjustable height and width, and tension controls add even more flexibility.

When choosing a portable pickleball net for the enthusiast in your life, you’ll want to decide whether a full regulation size or a smaller version is ideal for their space.

What Other Pickleball Accessories Do I Need to Play?

Pickleball is a sport that doesn’t require a lot of gear to get started, but there are a few key items you’ll need to get started.

First, a good pair of pickleball shoes is a must (NOT running shoes, as this type of shoe won’t offer the lateral side to side support that is critical for pickleball play). There are many shoe choices for both men and women. My advice: don’t skimp on investing in a quality pair of pickleball shoes.

Another key piece of equipment is a portable pickleball net. This may seem like a non-essential, but pickleball courts can be crowded these days. Having a portable net allows you to setup play anywhere from your backyard to the local park. If you are keen on improving your game, consistent practice is a must, and a portable pickleball net can help.

One no-brainer to add to your list is pickleballs! Pickleballs are inexpensive and buying a multi-pack for under $30 will ensure you have plenty for on hand without having to stop and chase balls every minute.

Also, consider a pickleball gear bag to carry your equipment. This will make heading to the court a breeze.

While these are the basic musts, there are additional accessories that can enhance your pickleball game play. For more ideas, check out our list of pickleball accessories every player should have.

Wrap Up

Head pickleball paddles are a valuable investment for any player seeking to elevate their game.

Combining cutting-edge technology with high-quality materials, these paddles deliver on all fronts – power, control, and durability. Additionally, the variety of models caters to all skill levels, making it easy to find a paddle that complements your playing style perfectly.

For these reasons, and the brand trust they’ve earned from professionals worldwide, Head pickleball paddles are undoubtedly worth considering as you gear up for your next match.