Choosing the right racket in the Head lineup means understanding how each family is built to play. The latest Head padel rackets 2026 bring sharper family roles, Auxetic updates, and easier handling across the range. Below you will find what is new, how each family sits on the control to power spectrum, and quick specs to help you understand the Pro, Motion, and Team tiers.
Table of Contents
What’s New in Head Padel 2026
- Auxetic / Auxetic 2.0: tuned for cleaner feedback and stability on off-center contact.
- Refined layups: UD or Hybrid Woven carbon and fiberglass combinations by tier for predictable power and comfort.
- Standardized spin textures: “Extreme Spin” and “3D Grain” for consistent bite across the hitting surface.
- Handling upgrades: weight and balance optimizations plus Soft Butt and Soft Cap comfort parts in key lines.
Head 2026 Families at a Glance
| Series | Model | Shape | Face | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radical | Pro | Teardrop | Double Carbon | Firm | Precision hitters |
| Extreme | Pro | Diamond | UD Carbon | Medium firm | Offensive power |
| Extreme | Motion | Diamond | UD Carbon | Medium | Fast power |
| Extreme | Team | Diamond | Fiberglass | Softer | Comfort power |
| Speed | Pro | Teardrop | Hybrid Woven | Solid | All-rounders |
| Speed | Motion | Teardrop | Hybrid Woven | Light | Quick net play |
| Speed | Team | Teardrop | Fiberglass | Soft | Comfort all-round |
| Gravity | Pro | Round | Hybrid Woven | Plush | Control and blocks |
| Recreational | One Ultralight | Round | 12K Carbon | Very soft | Easy start |
| Recreational | Vibe / Evo | Teardrop OS | Fiberglass | Soft | Learning and fun |
Radical: Control Versatile Precision
Radical is for players who want precision first, with enough pop when they accelerate. Teardrop molds and firmer faces help you thread the ball into tight windows without losing offensive options.
- Radical Pro: teardrop shape, double carbon face, around 260 mm balance, firm and precision led feel.
- Radical Motion: teardrop shape, double carbon face, similar response with a lighter swing weight.
- Radical Team: teardrop shape, fiberglass face, a softer, more forgiving take on Radical.
- Radical Team Light: round shape, fiberglass face, comfort and control for developing players.
Extreme: Power and Aggressive Finishing
Extreme is built for offensive finishers. Diamond-shaped molds, Auxetic response and “Extreme Spin” textures combine for explosive overheads with stable contact when you attack above the net. The current Extreme models correspond to the latest 2025 generation, launched late in the 2025 season and carried forward as Head’s power line in 2026.
- Extreme Pro 2025: diamond shape, UD carbon face, around 270 mm balance, medium firm power for aggressive hitters.
- Extreme Motion 2025: diamond shape, UD carbon face, similar punch with a lighter swing weight.
- Extreme Team 2025: diamond shape, fiberglass face, softer and more forgiving, but still attack oriented.
- Evo Extreme 2025: teardrop oversize, fiberglass, accessible power for learning and social play.
Speed: All-Round Fast Frames
Speed is Head’s all-round workhorse: quick preparation at net, controlled depth from the back, and easy acceleration when you step on the gas. It sits in the middle of the control to power spectrum.
- Speed Pro: teardrop shape, Hybrid Woven face, around 270 mm balance, solid and precise.
- Speed Motion: teardrop shape, Hybrid Woven face, same DNA with lighter maneuverability.
- Speed Team: teardrop shape, fiberglass face, around 265 mm balance, comfort forward all-round play.
- Speed One / One X: teardrop shape, 2D carbon, DAMP+ in the throat for extra comfort.
Gravity: Maximum Control and Comfort
Gravity sits on the control end of the spectrum. Round molds, generous sweet spots, and a plush feel make this family ideal for players who build points with placement, blocks, and patient defense.
- Gravity Pro: round shape, Hybrid Woven face, around 265 mm balance, stable on blocks and lobs.
- Gravity Motion: round shape, fiberglass face, quicker handling with a softer touch.
- Gravity Team / Team Light: round shape, fiberglass face, comfort led control and forgiveness.
Recreational Line: One Ultralight, Vibe and Evo
For newer or occasional players, the recreational models prioritize forgiveness, low weight, and comfort so you can focus on enjoying the game.
- One Ultralight: around 300 g, round shape, 12K carbon face, super easy to handle.
- Vibe: teardrop oversize, fiberglass, Innegra, soft and absorbing feel.
- Evo (Speed/Extreme): teardrop oversize, fiberglass with Innegra, accessible and confidence building response.
Head Technologies (2026)
Auxetic / 2.0
Adaptive layup that stiffens on fast impacts and softens on slow ones for a stable, connected feel.
Extreme Spin / 3D Grain
Textured face patterns that add reliable grip for slice, vibora and topspin without losing control.
UD / Hybrid Woven Carbon
Unidirectional or woven carbon layers in upper tiers for fast response and long-term durability.
Fiberglass Faces
Softer layups in Team tiers that increase comfort and enlarge the effective sweet spot.
Damp+ / Soft Butt and Cap
Vibration damping pieces at the throat and handle to reduce shock on repeated volleys.
Integrated Protector (IPS)
Factory bumper that helps protect the frame from wall and floor contact during play.
Innegra (Recreational)
Light, tough fiber in Vibe and Evo that improves impact absorption and overall stability.
How to Choose Your Head 2026 Racket
- Power finishers: Extreme Pro or Motion, or Speed Pro if you want faster preparation and more versatility.
- All-round control: Speed Motion or Team, or Radical Pro if you value precision with accessible pop.
- Placement and defense: Gravity Pro or Motion for stability, comfort, and reliable depth control.
- New to padel: One Ultralight, Vibe, or Evo for low weight, forgiveness, and an easy learning curve.
