HEAD Radical Pro Review: The $89 Paddle That Outperforms Its Price

Agonizing over $200+ paddles? The HEAD Radical Pro is eighty-nine bucks and, across the reviews, it punches way above that. Here's why it's the value pick for new players.

What the Reviews Say

For this review we gathered beginner-friendly reviews, budget breakdowns, and feedback from recreational players — judging this paddle the way most newcomers will actually use it: casual games, open play, and the occasional 'competitive' match.

No jargon and no flex — just an honest read on whether a normal person spending hard-earned money will be happy with this paddle.

What Stands Out

Here's what reviewers consistently single out as this paddle's strengths:

• $89 and it genuinely plays like paddles twice the price — reviewers struggle to tell it apart from $180 options
• Wide body means a massive sweet spot — even ugly mishits still tend to land where you want
• Built like it could survive a car running over it — reviewers report it shrugging off drops on concrete
• Comfortable grip right out of the box, no need to add an overgrip immediately — Comfortable grip right out of the box, no need to add an overgrip immediately

Where It Falls Short

No paddle is perfect, and the sources are clear about the trade-offs:

• Spin is noticeably weaker than carbon fiber paddles — you'll feel the difference on serves
• Only comes in one color, which is a bummer if you care about paddle aesthetics
• Edge guard is chunky and you can feel it on edge shots

Who Should Buy This Paddle?

Across the sources, this is a paddle confidently recommended to new and recreational players who want honest, relatable reviews. It delivers on its core promises and the build quality backs up the price tag.

The Bottom Line

Real talk — for a rec player who's out 2-3 times a week, the HEAD Radical Pro is exactly right. You don't need a paddle that generates 2,400 RPMs on a serve. You need one that feels good, forgives mistakes, and doesn't cost a car payment. This paddle does all three brilliantly. If you're a normal person who loves pickleball but doesn't need to impress anyone with gear, save your money and buy this thing. The reviews are nearly unanimous: you'll be shocked at how good $89 can feel.