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Buy the HEAD Radical Pro if you're committed to pickleball; otherwise the JOOLA Essentials saves a tenner for casual triers.
Two beginner pickleball paddles at near-identical prices — but the spec sheet matters.
The HEAD Radical Pro at £50-70 has published specs: 220-230g, standard shape, polymer honeycomb core, fibreglass face, 13mm thick, 4 1/4 inch grip. That's a solid all-rounder build with comfortable grip ergonomics.
The JOOLA Ben Johns Essentials at £40 is the cheapest Ben Johns-branded paddle on the market. "Essentials" tier paddles typically run lighter polymer cores and basic fibreglass surfaces.
Here's the honest call: for £10 more you get a Head paddle with a confirmed comfortable grip and known dimensions. The Ben Johns badge is marketing — it's not the same paddle Ben Johns actually plays with.
That said, if you're truly just trying pickleball for the first time and not sure you'll stick with it, the JOOLA at £40 is the lower-risk gamble. The Radical Pro is the better paddle if you're committed.
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 | Composite |
| Grip Size | 4 1/4" | — |
| Core Thickness | 13mm | — |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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The main differences are: Surface: HEAD Radical has Fibreglass vs Composite. Price: £50-70 vs £40. Overall, the HEAD Radical Pro Pickleball Paddle is best for beginners while the JOOLA Ben Johns Essentials Pickleball Paddle suits beginners.
Both the HEAD Radical Pro Pickleball Paddle and JOOLA Ben Johns Essentials Pickleball Paddle are suitable for beginners. The JOOLA Ben Johns Essentials Pickleball Paddle offers the better value entry point at £40.
The HEAD Radical Pro Pickleball Paddle (£50-70) costs more than the JOOLA Ben Johns Essentials Pickleball Paddle (£40). 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.