The Head Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle sits in Head's mid tier — built for new players still finding their contact and grooving consistent strokes — the forgiving sweet spot helps when you're not yet hitting the middle of the face every time.
Build at a glance
- Core thickness13mm
- Face materialFibreglass composite
- Skill levelBeginner
What this paddle does well
Fibreglass faces are softer than carbon — more dwell time, more forgiveness on mishits, slightly less spin. Better for control-first players who prioritise touch.
13mm is the thinnest core most paddles go. Maximum trampoline, more pop on drives. Less dwell time means tighter control margins; rewards consistent contact.
Who it's for
This paddle is designed with new players still finding their contact and grooving consistent strokes — the forgiving sweet spot helps when you're not yet hitting the middle of the face every time in mind. Right tier for improving club players ready for proper carbon or thermoformed construction without spending tour-paddle money.
The honest trade-offs
The thin core means less control on touch shots — drops and dinks demand more precise contact than a 16mm paddle would. the softer fibreglass face generates less spin than raw-carbon paddles — fine for control players, less ideal if you build your game around top-spin drives.
How it sits in the range
Browse Head's full UK line to compare against the brand's other models, or the wider paddle range to compare against equivalents from other brands at this tier.
Frequently asked
Is the Head Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle USAPA approved?
Most current paddles from Head are USAPA approved for sanctioned tournament play. Check the listing tags or contact us if you need confirmation for a specific event.
Is the Head Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle good for beginners?
Yes — this paddle is positioned in the beginner-to-intermediate band. Forgiving sweet spot, accessible price, sensible spec. A defensible upgrade from a wooden bat or generic starter paddle.
How does the Head Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle compare to other paddles in this price band?
At this price you're competing against the equivalent tier from Selkirk SLK, JOOLA, Head Radical, and Vatic Pro. The differences come down to face grit, edge guard quality, and brand-specific feel — best to read the spec sheet, not just the badge.
What core thickness is the Head Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle?
The Head Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle uses a 13mm polypropylene honeycomb core. 13mm is the power-first thickness — more pop on drives, slightly less dwell on touch shots.
Does this paddle come with a cover?
Cover inclusion varies by model and batch. Where Head bundles a cover, we mention it explicitly in the listing. Otherwise, paddle covers are sold separately and we recommend one for any paddle £100+.
What's the face made of?
The face is Fibreglass composite. Fibreglass faces are softer and more forgiving than carbon — better for control-first play.