Today I’ll be sharing my review of the HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle in Orange/Black. As a pickleball enthusiast, I have been looking for a paddle that offers great playability and a comfortable feel. Let’s dive in!
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- Optimized Tubular Core: The polypropylene honeycomb core with optimized tubular construction offers perfect playability, feel, and sound for players of all levels.
- Composite Hitting Surface: The paddle’s composite surface provides a softer feel and enhanced power, making it suitable for both beginners and more advanced players.
- Ergo Grip: The unique ergonomic foam handle adds extra comfort and improved feel, reducing fatigue during long matches.
- Lightweight: Weighing only 8.1 ounces, this paddle offers maneuverability and quick reactions to fast-paced shots.
- Great Value: Considering its performance and quality, the HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle offers excellent value for the price.
What Can Be Improved
- Limited Sweet Spot: Some users found the sweet spot to be smaller compared to other paddles, affecting control.
- No Included Cover: It would be beneficial if the paddle came with a cover for added protection during transport and storage.
Quick Verdict
The HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle is a fantastic option for players of all skill levels. With its optimized tubular core, composite hitting surface, and ergonomic grip, it delivers exceptional performance and comfort on the court. Although the sweet spot may be slightly smaller, the overall playability and maneuverability make up for it. If you’re looking for a reliable paddle at a reasonable price, I highly recommend the HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle. You can find it on Amazon.
Unboxing – What’s Inside?
I recently purchased the HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle Orange/Black from Amazon. Being an avid pickleball player, I was thrilled to try out this new paddle. The delivery was quite speedy, and I received the product within a few days of placing my order.
When I opened the box, I found the HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle neatly packaged and secured. No additional items or accessories were included in the box.
Specifications
The HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle is a high-quality paddle designed for beginning to intermediate players. Here are some of its specifications:
- Brand: HEAD
- Manufacturer: HEAD
- Model: Radical Elite
- Style: Paddle
- Color: Orange/Black
- Shaft Material: Carbon Fiber
- Frame Material: Fiberglass
- Skill Level: Beginning/Intermediate
- Grip Size: 4 1/8 inches
- Material: Polymer
- Sport: Pickleball
- Size: 4 1/8
- Item Dimensions: 16 x 9 x 2 inches
- Item Weight: 9 Ounces
- Package Weight: 0.26 Kilograms
- Item Package Dimensions: 16.45 x 7.8 x 2.2 inches
- Date First Available: March 31, 2022
- Warranty Description: 1 year manufacturer
Documentation/ User Guide
The product did not come with any physical user guide or documentation. However, I was able to find the user guide for the HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle on the manufacturer’s website. The user guide provided detailed instructions on paddle care, grip sizing, and maintenance recommendations. It was incredibly helpful in understanding the features and maximizing the performance of the paddle. You can find the user guide here.
Features – What We Found
Optimized Tubular Core
The HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle features an optimized Tubular Construction (OTC) of the polypropylene honeycomb core, which has been engineered to provide perfect playability, feel, and sound suitable for players of all levels. This core construction ensures a balanced and responsive paddle that delivers exceptional performance on the court.
With the optimized Tubular Core, the paddle offers a consistent and controlled response, allowing players to accurately place shots with ease. The honeycomb core design also enhances the power and sweet spot, enabling players to generate impressive power while maintaining control and precision.
Pro-tip: To maximize the performance of the optimized Tubular Core, it is recommended to practice different shots and experiment with varying levels of swing power to fully utilize the paddle’s capabilities.
Composite Hitting Surface
The Composite Hitting Surface (CHS) of the HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle is designed to provide maximum power with a softer feel. This engineered surface enhances the paddle’s ability to generate impressive shot velocity while offering a comfortable feel upon impact.
The CHS also contributes to the paddle’s enhanced playability by creating increased comfort and reducing vibrations on contact. This allows players to experience improved control and accuracy during gameplay, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced players.
For more information about the HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle and to make a purchase, visit here.
Ergo Grip
The HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle is equipped with a unique ergonomic foam handle, known as the Ergo Grip. The Ergo Grip provides added comfort and enhances the overall feel of the paddle, allowing players to maintain a secure and relaxed grip during gameplay.
This foam handle design reduces hand fatigue and offers superior control over the paddle, contributing to improved shot accuracy and consistency. The ergonomic design of the grip also helps reduce the risk of developing common injuries such as tennis elbow or wrist strains.
Specifications: 8.1 Ounces, 13MM Width, 16 In Length
The HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle weighs approximately 8.1 ounces, providing a balanced weight that allows for maneuverability and shot control. The paddle’s weight is optimized to provide a combination of power, control, and maneuverability, making it suitable for players of all levels.
With a width of 13mm, the paddle offers a comfortable hitting surface area, enabling players to strike the ball with confidence and accuracy. The length of 16 inches provides a standard size that is commonly preferred by pickleball players, ensuring familiarity and ease of use.
Pro-tip: It is important to consider the specifications of a paddle, such as weight, width, and length, to find the ideal paddle that suits your playing style and preferences.
Scores and Review
Our Score: 93.0
I recently had the pleasure of trying out the HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle, and I must say it has been a game-changer for my pickleball experience. The performance of this paddle is exceptional, with a generous sweet spot that provides consistent power and control on every shot. The composite hitting surface offers excellent spin potential, allowing for precise execution of spins and slices. Whether at the net or baseline, this paddle delivers consistent results that have improved my overall game.
Comfort and handling are also top-notch. The ergonomic foam handle feels comfortable in my hand, reducing fatigue during extended play sessions. The paddle’s lightweight design allows for quick maneuverability, enabling swift reactions to fast-paced shots. The balanced weight distribution ensures stability and control, even during intense rallies.
In terms of durability, the Head Radical Elite paddle has held up well against the wear and tear of intense matches. The robust construction and quality materials inspire confidence in its longevity. The paddle’s design is both stylish and functional, with a striking color scheme and bold graphics that make it stand out on the court.
Considering the exceptional performance, comfort, durability, and design of the Head Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle, it offers great value for its price point. Whether you’re a casual player looking to enhance your game or a seasoned competitor seeking a reliable and versatile paddle, I highly recommend this option. It has truly exceeded my expectations and become an integral part of my pickleball journey. Click here to check out the product on Amazon.
Best combination
If you’re looking to step up your pickleball game, I highly recommend pairing the HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle Orange/Black Paddle with the Franklin Sports Outdoor Pickleballs. Not only will you have a top-notch paddle, but you’ll also have high-quality balls that are designed for optimal performance.
The Franklin Sports Outdoor Pickleballs are USAPA approved and the official ball of the US Open. This means you can trust their quality and durability. Whether you’re playing in a casual setting or competing in a tournament, these pickleballs will provide consistent bounce and flight, allowing for smooth, precise shots.
By combining the HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle with the Franklin Sports Outdoor Pickleballs, you’ll have the perfect setup for an enjoyable and competitive game of pickleball. The paddle’s orange and black design not only looks sleek but also enhances visibility, making it easier to track the ball during fast-paced rallies.
Investing in both the HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle and the Franklin Sports Outdoor Pickleballs will elevate your pickleball experience. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, this combination will help you improve your accuracy, power, and overall game.
Take your pickleball game to the next level with the HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle and the Franklin Sports Outdoor Pickleballs. You won’t be disappointed!
