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Buy the HEAD Radical Pro — it's now the cheaper and better-specced of the two; the JOOLA Essentials only makes sense as an entry into JOOLA's range.
Two beginner pickleball paddles at near-identical prices — but the spec sheet matters.
The HEAD Radical Pro at £48 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 £53 is the cheapest Ben Johns-branded paddle on the market — though "cheapest" is doing less work than it used to, because it's now a fiver dearer than the Head. "Essentials" tier paddles typically run lighter polymer cores and basic fibreglass surfaces.
Here's the honest call: the Head is now both the cheaper paddle and the one 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, and paying extra for the name on an entry paddle doesn't add up.
Unless you specifically want to start inside JOOLA's range with a view to upgrading later, the Radical Pro is the straightforward pick at this end of the market.
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: £48 vs £53. 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 HEAD Radical Pro Pickleball Paddle offers the better value entry point at £48.
The JOOLA Ben Johns Essentials Pickleball Paddle (£53) costs more than the HEAD Radical Pro Pickleball Paddle (£48). Whether the premium is worth it depends on your skill level — if you are beginners, the extra investment in the JOOLA Ben Johns Essentials Pickleball Paddle can pay off.