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Buy the Head Radical Pro if you're brand new, otherwise the JOOLA Hyperion for committed improvers wanting carbon-face spin.
Different leagues. The Head Radical Pro at £50-70 is a competent beginner paddle: standard shape, polymer honeycomb, fibreglass face, 13mm thick. It does the basics fine and represents real value for someone starting out.
The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm at £75-100 is the world number one's signature paddle. Elongated shape, Reactive Honeycomb polymer, Carbon Friction Surface, and a thicker 16mm core. The carbon face transforms spin and the elongated shape extends reach for attacking putaways. The 16mm core can feel stiff initially but it's the standard for serious tournament play.
The £25-30 gap is small relative to what you get. If you've played fewer than 10 sessions, the Head is fine and you won't feel the Hyperion's advantages anyway. If you've played for a few months and you're starting to brush the ball for spin, the JOOLA is genuinely a step-change paddle that will improve your game faster than another month of lessons.
Hand-written editorial — not auto-generated. By Gary, RacketRise.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Pickleball Paddles | Pickleball Paddles |
| Sport | Pickleball | Pickleball |
| Skill Level | Beginner | Intermediate |
| Weight | 220-230g | 215-230g |
| Shape | Standard | Elongated |
| Core | Polymer honeycomb | Reactive Honeycomb polymer |
| Surface | Fibreglass | Carbon Friction Surface |
| Grip Size | 4 1/4" | 4 1/4" |
| Core Thickness | 13mm | 16mm |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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The main differences are: Weight: HEAD Radical has 220-230g vs 215-230g. Shape: HEAD Radical has Standard vs Elongated. Core: HEAD Radical has Polymer honeycomb vs Reactive Honeycomb polymer. Overall, the HEAD Radical Pro Pickleball Paddle is best for beginners while the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm Pickleball Paddle suits intermediate players.
The HEAD Radical Pro Pickleball Paddle is the better choice for beginners thanks to its forgiving design and accessible price point. The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm Pickleball Paddle is aimed at intermediate players and may be more demanding to use effectively.
The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm Pickleball Paddle (£75-100) costs more than the HEAD Radical Pro Pickleball Paddle (£50-70). Whether the premium is worth it depends on your skill level — if you are intermediate players, the extra investment in the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm Pickleball Paddle can pay off.