Loading...
Loading...
Buy the X-40 for one-off social play, otherwise the Radical Pro is the better long-term beginner paddle.
Two genuinely beginner-friendly paddles, but the gap between them is bigger than the price suggests. The Franklin X-40 is essentially a starter shovel: durable, predictable, and absolutely fine for back-garden rallies or your first leisure-centre session. There's nothing wrong with it, but there's nothing memorable either.
The HEAD Radical Pro is the more grown-up beginner option. At 220-230g with a polymer honeycomb core and 13mm thickness, it's built like a proper paddle that you can keep using as you climb to a 3.0 rating. The 4 1/4" grip is comfortable for most adult hands and the fibreglass face gives a slightly softer response than cheaper composites. Head themselves note it's heavier than some rivals, which actually helps stability on volleys.
Buy the X-40 if you literally need a paddle this weekend and you're not committed yet. Buy the Radical Pro if you've already played a few times, enjoyed it, and want something that won't be obsolete the moment you join a club ladder.
Hand-written editorial — not auto-generated. By Gary, RacketRise.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Pickleball Paddles | Pickleball Paddles |
| Sport | Pickleball | Pickleball |
| Skill Level | Beginner | Beginner |
| Weight | — | 220-230g |
| Shape | Standard | Standard |
| Core | Polymer honeycomb | Polymer honeycomb |
| Surface | Fibreglass | Fibreglass |
| Grip Size | — | 4 1/4" |
| Core Thickness | — | 13mm |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
The main differences are: Price: £35 vs £50-70. Overall, the Franklin X-40 Performance Pickleball Paddle is best for beginners while the HEAD Radical Pro Pickleball Paddle suits beginners.
Both the Franklin X-40 Performance Pickleball Paddle and HEAD Radical Pro Pickleball Paddle are suitable for beginners. The Franklin X-40 Performance Pickleball Paddle offers the better value entry point at £35.
The HEAD Radical Pro Pickleball Paddle (£50-70) costs more than the Franklin X-40 Performance Pickleball Paddle (£35). Whether the premium is worth it depends on your skill level — if you are beginners, the extra investment in the HEAD Radical Pro Pickleball Paddle can pay off.