HEADRadical Tour Raw Pickleball Paddle

Simply outstanding. Raw carbon fiber 15mm was a great mix of control and power. I was worried about the shorter handle but after playing, the light weight and maneuverable ability allowed for very quick backhands and great control with top spin. Construction/durability is head quality. Also purchased the head cover and fit perfectly.

I returned one of these because of a defect and then bought two more for my wife and myself. I've tried Selkirks, Engages, Joolas, etc., but the Head Radical Tour Raw remains my "go to" paddle. For me, it doesn't stand out in one particular area, but it does all things well. It is a great "all around" paddle. Nice size sweet spot, has great dwell time, predictable with dinks, and very maneuverable for volleys. The handle / grip is great. It feels much more akin to a tennis racquet grip. So many other paddles deviate greatly from the tennis racquet grip and they don't feel "right" in my hand. This paddle just feels "right" to me and it shows with the control. I can place the ball anywhere with this paddle. I also like how the top of the paddle is more wide than many other paddles. I think this smallest amount helps increase the sweet spot and allows for slightly more surface area to catch that quick shot. The only potential downside I've seen with this paddle (and it may not actually be one) is with spin. It doesn't have much for me. I would say it is on par with most Joolas and Engages, but when trying the Selkirk Luxx Control, the spin difference was dramatic. I can generate what feels like twice the spin with the Luxx Control and the ball dips hard with incredible topspin whereas the Head paddle can't do this. However, like I mentioned above, there are so many other areas where Luxx Control doesn't work for me, but the Head does. The Luxx Control handle is awkward for me, there is little dwell time compared to the Head, and it almost has too much power at times. The Head sort of sits in the middle of all the major paddle characteristics, again, making it a great all around paddle, controlled, and predictable. Not to mention the price is pretty good for raw carbon fiber. Highly recommend.

Nice grip and performance

If you are struggling with drops, this could be the paddle for you. I had such improved accuracy and feel on my 3rd shot drops. It is not a power paddle, but the power is sufficient for beginners and intermediates. Leans heavily toward control if that is what you are looking for. I will say it lacks plow through on groundstrokes, so you might wish to add lead or tungsten tape. Also, the grip/handle has the feel of a tennis racquet and is very comfortable.

My wife loves it

My local store did not have one in stock, so looked online. I was pleasantly surprised to find it in a smaller grip size and was able to get it in a few days.

The market is flooded with pickleball paddles and I have tried many but this one is my favorite. Good power and control.

I am an aggressive 4.4 level player. I have over 10 top pro level paddles but was still looking for a maneuverable, spin friendly medium power paddle. This just clicks from the first shot, it is very easy for fast hands at net and good for adding extra spin in serves. So far seems like I may finally stop buying very new paddles out there. I like the small and thin handle with good grippy surface and stable performance.