Given the rise in popularity of pickleball in the past few years, it’s only natural that some of the long-established heavyweights of the tennis racquet business have entered the pickleball game. That’s why it’s no surprise to us to see Head launching some of the best pickleball paddles in the market, and showing their ambition in the space by equipping leading pros with the best Head pickleball paddles.
Here at PickyPickleball.com we compare all of the best pickleball equipment out there, that’s why we have put the Head pickleball paddles to the test. Here we show you the best Head pickleball paddles currently available so that you can make an informed decision when you make your next paddle purchase. What’s more, check out our Head pickleball paddles guide to learn more about Head’s paddle technology and the cheaper models in the range.
Top 6 Head Pickleball Paddles
Let’s get started with our best Head pickleball paddles review. This list is updated for 2020 and continues to evolve as Head bring more pickleball paddles to the market. If you like what you see, don’t be afraid to purchase a Head pickleball paddle – much like their innovations in the tennis space, their pickleball paddles are among the best around.
1. Head Extreme Lite Pickleball Paddle
The Head Extreme Lite tops our best Head pickleball paddles list. Thanks to its diamond-shaped paddle face, graphite hitting surface and polymer core, the Head Extreme Lite is one of the best lightweight paddles out there, that can still pack a punch from the back of the court.
If you love lightweight paddles that give you control and ‘dinkability’ on-court then you will love the Head Extreme Lite pickleball paddle. The Extreme Lite paddle weighs only 7.2 ounces, and measures 16″ long, with a 7 7/8″ wide paddle face. These lighter proportions work together to give you a very maneuverable paddle that is comfortable and puts you in control. What’s more, the carbon-graphite hitting surface is designed to give superior control and touch around the net, while giving you epic pop when slamming and smashing balls from the back of the court.
The Head Extreme Lite’s paddle face also features Head’s unique ‘Extreme Spin Texture’. This rough paddle face design keeps the ball on the paddle for longer and gives you more grip to spin and swerve the ball anywhere on-court. The Extreme Lite’s core includes Optimized Tubular Construction (OTC) and is made from a honeycomb polymer. This core helps stabilize the paddle by distributing weight around the paddle during ball-impact.
As one of the best paddles in the Head Extreme range, this is a great paddle for anyone looking to buy the best Head pickleball paddle.
Standout Features
- Honeycomb polymer core contains Optimizes Tubular Construction for epic control
- Carbon-graphite paddle face with ‘Extreme Spin Texture’ gives you control and paddle ‘pop’
- Lightweight paddle that still packs a punch when you swing hard
2. Head Extreme Tour Pickleball Paddle
Second on our best Head pickleball paddles list (although it could have easily come top) is the Head Extreme Tour Pickleball Paddle. Endorsed by 2019’s US Open Mixed Doubles Champion, Sarah Ansboury, the Head Extreme Tour is the updated version of the Radical Tour released by Head in 2018.
The Extreme Tour is a lighter weight paddle that features Head’s diamond-shaped paddle face. The Radical Tour is designed to give you a fast swing, and the ability to react quickly around the net.
Like the Head Radical Tour, the Head Extreme Tour pickleball paddle features Head’s graphite paddle surface with Extreme Spin technology. This paddle face design is built to give you more bite when spinning and swerving the pickleball. The Extreme Tour’s graphite face also ‘pops’ the ball back at opponents with venom in the same way that the Radical Tour managed to. The paddle’s core is made from a honeycomb polypropylene and features Head’s Optimized Tubular Construction (OTC). This creates an evenly weighted paddle core that dampens aggressive opponent play while giving you epic feel and control around the court. On top of this, the Extreme Tour features Head’s specialized PU material grip which is designed for comfort and longevity – reducing vibrations and providing better feel in the paddle when striking the ball.
The Extreme Tour weighs 7.6 ounces and like the Radical Tour measures 16″ long with a 7 7/8″ paddle face. The defining factors between the Extreme Tour and the Radical Tour are paddle weight and shape. If you like a diamond-shaped paddle, that swings fast and is easy to move with, pick the Extreme Tour.
Standout Features
- Featured Head’s diamond paddle shape for greater aerodynamics
- Lighter paddle weighing 7.6 ounces gives you excellent maneuverability and fast-hitting action
- Contains Head’s Optimized Tubular Construction and Extreme Spin hitting-surface
3. Head Radical Tour Pickleball Paddle
Next on our best Head pickleball paddles list is the Head Radical Tour Pickleball Paddle. The Radical Tour is a heavier paddle than the Extreme Lite and features Head’s dynamic paddle shape that focuses on giving you a larger sweet spot. If you like a heavier paddle, then the Radical Tour might be a better option for you.
The Head Radical Tour pickleball paddle is a brilliant pickleball paddle and tops the tables when looking at the Head Radical range. The Radical Tour’s hitting surface is made from graphite and is designed to give you a great mix of power and control when striking the pickleball. As such, if you like to hear the paddle ‘pop’ when you make contact with the ball, without lacking control over ball-placement, you will love the Radical Tour. The core of the paddle contains Head’s Optimized Tubular Construction (OTC) and is made from a honeycomb polymer. This gives the paddle a thick hitting surface which helps dampen vibration in the paddle, putting you in control.
The Head Radical Tour weighs 7.9 ounces, and measures 16″ long, with a 7 7/8″ paddle face. The paddle is famed for its large sweet spot, and the paddle’s face contains Head’s Extreme Spin hitting-surface which gives the ball more bit after contact.
For an all-around great graphite pickleball, choose the Head Radical Tour. Not only does it play really well, but it is also a comfortable paddle featuring Head’s specially formulated Ergo Grip which maximizes comfort while reducing paddle vibration.
Standout Features
- Featured Head’s dynamic paddle shape to provide a larger sweet spot
- Heavier paddle weighing 7.9 ounces gives you more power from the back of the court
- Contains Head’s Optimized Tubular Construction and Extreme Spin hitting-surface
4. Head Extreme Pro Pickleball Paddle
Next on our best Head pickleball paddles list is the Head Extreme Pro Pickleball Paddle. If you want to select a paddle from the Extreme line with more paddle weight then opt for the Extreme Pro. This paddle from Head is designed to give you more power than the Extreme Tour, especially when you’re hitting from the back of the court.
The Head Extreme Pro Pickleball Paddle comes with a very similar spec to the Extreme Tour. In fact, the Extreme Pro has the same technology built into the paddle face, core, and grip. The major difference is that the Extreme Pro has a fiberglass paddle face, instead of the carbon-graphite face utilized by the Extreme Tour. What’s more, the paddle weighs 0.2 ounces more than the Extreme Tour giving slightly more power for big-hitters. Like the Extreme Tour, the paddle measures 16″ in length and has a paddle face width of 7 7/8″. And from a design point of view, the Extreme Pro looks very similar but sports a bright red color, as opposed to the Tour’s fluorescent and black color scheme.
Standout Features
- Same paddle spec as the popular Extreme Tour
- Defining changes are that the Extreme Pro is 0.2 ounces heavier, suiting power-players
- What’s more, the Extreme Tour paddle face is made from fiberglass as opposed to carbon-graphite
5. Head Radical Pro Pickleball Paddle
Fifth on our list of the best Head pickleball paddles is the Head Radical Pro pickleball paddle. In the same way that the Extreme Pro is the heavier alternative to the Extreme Tour, the Radical Pro is the heavier paddle in the Radical line.
The Head Radical Pro pickleball paddle is a great paddle for big-hitters. The Radical Pro has the same size dimensions as the Radical Tour (16″ in length, 7 7/8″ in paddle width). However, the Radical Pro weighs heavier at 8.1″ ounces. What’s more, the Radical Pro has a fiberglass paddle face which gives more crack when swinging the paddle hard from the back of the court. Also incorporating Head’s Optimized Tubular Core, Extreme Spin Tech, and Head’s Comfort Grip system this is a technologically advanced pickleball paddle that is great power players who like a comfortable paddle.
Standout Features
- Suitable for big-hitters who like a balance between power and comfort
- Same paddle dimensions as the popular Radical Tour, weighing in heavier at 8.1 ounces
- Contains Head’s Optimized Tubular Construction and Extreme Spin hitting-surface
6. Head Extreme Elite Pickleball Paddle
The last paddle on our best Head pickleball paddle list is the Head Extreme Elite Pickleball Paddle. Like the Extreme Tour and the Extreme Pro, the Elite features the popular Head diamond-shaped paddle face and has the same paddle dimensions as the other Extreme Paddles. With slightly dialed back tech, this is a perfect paddle for all player levels as a cheaper price point.
The Head Extreme Elite has a smooth fiberglass paddle face, and Head’s Optimized Tubular Core made from honeycomb polymer. The paddle measures 16″ long and 7 7/8″ across the paddle face. Unlike the Extreme Pro and the Extreme Tour, the Elite does not have Extreme Spin Technology built into the paddle face but it does have Head’s comfortable Ergo Grip.
We’d recommend the Head Extreme Elite for recreational players and those just getting started in the game. It’s a very reasonably priced paddle under $70 and will give you the touch, feel and control of a brilliant pickleball paddle. If you are an intermediate or advanced player, however, you will get more out of the Extreme Tour or Extreme Pro paddles.
Standout Features
- Great value paddle priced under $70
- Same paddle dimensions as the Extreme Pro and Extreme Tour
- Fiberglass paddle face, with Optimized Tubular Core
Head Pickleball Paddles Buying Guide
Now that we have covered the best Head pickleball paddles currently on the market, let’s turn our attention to the technology that’s built into these amazing paddles. Here are PickyPickleball.com we create buying guides on all the best pickleball brands so that you can understand a little bit more about brands like Head, and what their ethos is when they build pickleball equipment.
Head Pickleball Paddle Core Options
When it comes to Head’s pickleball paddle core, they tend to opt for a consistent theme. Most of their best paddles are made from a polypropylene honeycomb core that includes the Optimized Tubular Construction (OTC). The idea behind this core is to reduce sound while improving playability and feel in the paddle. As we’re sure you know, there is nothing worse than a paddle that sends shockwaves through the paddle, down through the grip and into your arm when you contact the ball. Head’s OTC technology combats this by dissipating the shock while ball-striking to give you a consistent feel when you smash, block or dink the ball. Ultimately, this gives players more confidence in playing shots and drastically includes comfort on-court.
Head pair most of their paddles with their Ergo Grip, which is a specially formulated PU material that is built into the grip. This PU material helps create a softer feel on-court and again works to reduce vibrations in the paddle. Players love the ergo grip as it’s comfortable, hard-wearing and improves play.
Head Paddle Face Options
Depending on the Head pickleball paddle that you opt for, you are likely to get either their carbon-graphite paddle face or their fiberglass paddle face. For example, the Extreme Tour has a carbon-graphite hitting surface, whereas the Extreme Pro has a fiberglass paddle face. While Head shout about both surfaces, they certainly make more noise about their carbon-graphite paddle faces and have added this tech into their best paddles. The material is super reactive, which means the pickleball ball pops off the paddle face, while the lightweight surface is also very good as dampening strong opponent play and keeping the ball on the paddle for longer. This gives you time to pick your shot and make the best counterpunching shot-choice.
As well as this, Head also incorporates Extreme Spin into their paddle face designs. This Extreme Spin gives the paddle face more roughness which helps you get a better purchase on the ball when spinning, dinking or swerving the ball.
When these technologies work together, you have a lot of innovative technology at your fingertips to help you win points.
Best Value Head Pickleball Paddles
When it comes to value, Head is one of the best out there. Even their more expensive paddles retail under $100, and in essence, you’re getting pro-level paddles that are used by elite pickleball players. Looking at paddles from other manufacturers you could easily pay around $150 for a paddle that performs similarly to the best Head pickleball paddles. If you are after a cheap pickleball paddle, then opt for the Head Extreme Elite paddle – while it’s not at the level of the Extreme Tour or the Extreme Pro, it has the same paddle dimensions and offers a brilliant stepping stone for beginners and recreational players. Priced under $70 the Head Extreme Elite offers exceptional value for money.
