Head
Radical Motion 2026
The Head Radical Motion 2026 is the comfortable all-rounder in the Radical line: a teardrop with Control Foam and medium balance. Comfort 9 and sweet spot 9 for players seeking forgiving contact.
The PADEL CHAPTER score is our overall editorial assessment. The pillars provide additional context. Read how we assess products →
Forgiving • Agile • Control focused
The Head Radical Motion 2026 is the comfortable all-rounder in the Radical line: a teardrop shape with 3K carbon face, Control Foam core and medium balance. Comfort scores 9/10, sweet spot 9/10, manoeuvrability 9/10. Three qualities combining into forgiving off-centre contact and pleasant longer sessions. This is not the most powerful Radical model: Radical Pro 2026 has a higher attacking index. But where Pro is the specialist, Motion is the all-rounder for players prioritising consistency over specialisation. Power is rated 7/10, control 8/10. Teardrop shape and medium balance give the Head Radical Motion 2026 a more accessible profile than comparable carbon models in the €250–300 segment. Players switching from tennis to padel, or deliberately choosing a lower balance point, will find this pleasant. Compare with Head Radical Pro 2026 for the maximum from the line (score 8.4, more attacking), or Head Coello Motion 2025 for a comparable comfort profile in the Coello line.
The Head Radical Motion 2026 weighs 355–370g, teardrop shape, medium balance (265mm). Profile 38mm. Face: 3K Carbon. Core: Control Foam. Frame: Carbon. Price: ~€179.
Head Radical line 2026:
| Model | Face | Core | Balance | Comfort | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radical Pro 2026 | 3K Carbon | Control Foam | Low 260mm | 8 | ~€239 |
| Radical Motion 2026 | 3K Carbon | Control Foam | Medium 265mm | 9 | ~€179 |
Radical Motion shares the Control Foam core with Radical Pro. The difference: medium vs. low balance (265mm vs. 260mm) and slightly lower carbon-face specifications. Motion is softer and more forgiving; Pro more direct and precise.
"Motion" is Head's designation for the mid-tier version in each line, faster, lighter and more forgiving than Pro but with the same core character.
Technologies:
- Control Foam, a soft EVA variant for feel and comfort
- 3K Carbon Face, dependable construction for consistent feel
- SpiralFibers Technology, diagonal fibres for torsional stability
- Medium Balance Teardrop, a balanced playing profile for all-round control
Comfort 9 and sweet spot 9 position Radical Motion as the most accessible model in Head's 2026 Radical line. Control Foam is the same core as in Radical Pro 2026, with related character: ball feel, controlled response, comfortable prolonged play.
265mm balance is medium, not as low as Pro (260mm). This provides slightly more head weight for more volley power. Manoeuvrability is rated 9/10 thanks to lower weight (355–370g) and medium balance.
3K carbon gives a softer feel than the Coello line's 12K or 18K carbon. For players learning the game, this is beneficial: more ball feel, less punishment on off-centre contact.
Power is rated 7/10. Plenty for a player with some experience attacking from a good position. Not a racket for attackers finishing from the back line, the Coello Motion's domain.
Control is rated 8/10. Radical Motion scores slightly lower than Radical Pro (9) because higher balance and slightly different carbon specifications feel less precise in the hand. But it is fully adequate for developing control skills.
Radical Motion is best for players with some through extensive experience prioritising control and accuracy. Teardrop shape and medium balance give a versatile profile for right-side players or an all-round technical style. Beginners can start with it, but Gravity Motion is more comfortable for pure defenders.
Radical Pro has lower balance and focuses more on control for the right hand. Radical Motion has medium balance and a Double Carbon face, making it more powerful on overhead shots. Choose Pro for maximum control from the right corner; choose Motion for a more versatile all-round racket with more power potential.
The Head Radical Motion 2026 weighs 355 grams, light for a teardrop racket for experienced players. This makes it manoeuvrable and quick on volleys and in defence. Lower weight also makes it more accessible for players prioritising speed and arm-friendliness over pure power.
Accessible to beginners with a stable level, but ideal for players with some through extensive experience. Control Foam core and Double Carbon face provide a medium-hard response requiring more skill management than a purely soft fibreglass racket. Absolute beginners are better off with a round fiberglass-faced racket.
Reasonably. Control Foam core absorbs vibrations better than Power Foam, and Soft Butt Cap+ cushions handle shocks. A weight of 355g is favourable for the arm. For serious arm or elbow complaints, we recommend Gravity Motion with its fiberglass face and lower balance.
Radical Motion has lower balance (260mm) and is more control-oriented for players building points through placement. Speed Motion has higher balance (270mm) and works better for attacking play. Choose Radical for defensive, control-oriented play; Speed for a more aggressive all-round racket.
Advantages
Comfort 9: Control Foam + 3K carbon = the most comfortable Radical model
Sweet spot 9: medium-balance teardrop gives a large forgiving zone
Manoeuvrability 9: lightweight and quick for volleys and transitions
Ideal for players progressing towards Radical Pro 2026
Considerations
Power 7: not for attacking players
3K carbon less responsive than Pro's 3K carbon with Control Foam combination
Less specialised than Radical Pro 2026 for experienced control players
What you will notice as a player
At the net you react very quickly: blocks and fast volleys feel almost effortless.
The racket helps in defense: a calm swing sends balls off the glass deep again.
The sweet spot offers forgiveness: slightly imperfect contact loses little accuracy.
Comfortable in long matches: the racket cushions contact well, with little feedback in your arm.
No pronounced weakness, but no single shot where the racket particularly stands out either.
Which shots are affected most?
| Situation | What will you notice? |
|---|---|
| Defense | Plenty of help: the low balance and generous sweet spot return balls off the glass calmly and deep. |
| Volley | Crisp and agile: aiming feels effortless and late adjustments remain possible. |
| Bandeja | Very easy to control: the ball stays low and predictable, ideal for controlling the court. |
| Vibora | Enough bite for a quick brushing shot with some acceleration of your own. |
| Smash | Enough power, but you still need to put considerable effort into the swing. |
| Block | A strong point: the racket is ready very quickly and returns the ball with control. |
| Off-center ball | Forgiving: just outside the sweet spot you lose little and the ball stays on course. |
Well suited to
Less suited to
This racket is likely to suit you if you…
want plenty of help from your racket
want more comfort and cushioning
have a sensitive arm and need cushioning
are often a little late on fast balls
You will probably appreciate this racket if you…
- •play often at the net and like quick hands;
- •want a racket that helps in defense;
- •want a forgiving racket with a generous sweet spot;
You may run into limitations if you…
- •want a pronounced specialist rather than an all-round racket;
Similar rackets
Rackets with a similar playing character for the same type of player.
Same series
Other rackets from the same product line.
Lower-priced alternative
A similar playing character at a lower price.
Step up
A similar playing character in a higher price range.
Personal advice
Not sure whether this racket suits you?
Answer 5 questions about your level, playing style and budget to get a personal recommendation in less than 2 minutes.
More on PADEL CHAPTER
Indicatieve marktprijs
€159 · decathlon