Head Radical Elite

Head's racket stable

Head unveiled the Radical line in 2024 to suit the "Tacticians" of padel - the defenders and the controlled point laborers who set up easy lobs for their partners to smash. Head has released the Radical line for a player that doesn't suit its most successful lines of padel rackets, the diamond-shaped Delta line (replaced with the Extreme line), the hard teardrop Speed line, and the low-balanced Gravity line. 
With each of these lines being composed of at least 3 rackets, this is quite a large stable of rackets that Head has built. We will see if it makes sense, but it seems to be the dominant strategy of padel racket brands. I wonder if that is because padel players still eventually choose their rackets based on aesthetics.

The Radical Line

The Radical line is composed of three rackets:
- The Radical Pro - the heaviest model
- The Radical Motion - same as the Pro with 15g less weight
- The Radical Elite - a mid-weight, soft version (this model)
The Radical line is composed of teardrop-shaped rackets with Head's new "Control Foam," which is a soft, low-density EVA. The Radical Pro and Radical Motion are composed of 3K carbon fiber surface - softer, fiberglass in the Radical Elite. Reviewers are enamored with the Soft Butt Cap that Head has introduced in its new rackets. This rubber bit on the end of the racket handle increases comfort by reducing vibrations.

The Radical Elite

As always the Elite is the soft, lighter version of the Pro, according to Head's standard nomenclature. The Radical Elite is oriented around comfort. It's a solid racket that won't leave you uncomfortable in defense because its easy ball output dampens the ball's response despite incoming and swing speed. Moving to the middle of the court, it is not built for performance here, but more for comfort. It suits blocking the ball back over the net with its easy-to-access ball output. Some reviewers remarked on its suitability for slow viboras as it caresses the ball upon impact. At the net, it is quick for volley duels, but many reviewers struggled to apply the slice they desired. When you have an easy ball to smash here, though, they remarked, it's nice to use your arm.  Flat smashes, of course, are not amazing, but on a hot day, you can smash the right ball.