Ratings Head to Head
Which Suits Your Game?
| Player type | CRBN¹ X Series | HEAD Radical TOUR EX15 |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | 8.4 | 8.7 |
| Touch players | 8.5 | 8.6 |
| Power hitters | 9.0 | 9.3 |
| Spin players | 9.1 | 9.2 |
Weighted from the four ratings. How these are weighted
Key Differences
- The biggest gap is power: the HEAD Radical TOUR EX15 rates 10 to the CRBN¹ X Series’s 9.5.
- Sweet spot goes to the HEAD Radical TOUR EX15 (8.5 vs 8).
- They tie on control (8) and spin (9.5).
- Core thickness: 14 mm or 16 mm (scored at 14 mm) for the CRBN¹ X Series against 15 mm for the HEAD Radical TOUR EX15. The thinner CRBN¹ X Series should give more pop; thicker cores lean toward control.
- Weight: the HEAD Radical TOUR EX15 is the heavier of the two, by about 0.6 oz on average.
- Price: the CRBN¹ X Series costs less right now (see the prices above).
The Verdict
Pick the CRBN¹ X Series if you want a lighter feel.
Pick the HEAD Radical TOUR EX15 if you want more power, a bigger sweet spot and more weight behind the ball, especially if you’re a beginner or a power hitter.
Specs Side by Side
| Spec | CRBN¹ X Series | HEAD Radical TOUR EX15 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7.8–8.1 oz | 8.6 oz (245 g) |
| Shape | Elongated | Elongated |
| Length | 16.5 in | 16.5 in (published by HEAD, Sept 2026) |
| Width | 7.25 in | 7.4 in (published by HEAD, Sept 2026) |
| Core thickness | 14 mm or 16 mm (scored at 14 mm) | 15 mm |
| Core | Upgraded durable core with a foam-reinforced perimeter (CRBN doesn’t name the core material) | Not specified by HEAD (Injected Foam Walls) |
| Face | Gritty T700 Toray carbon fiber | Micro-Forged T700 raw carbon |
| Handle length | 5.5 in | 5.5 in |
| Grip size | 4.125 in | 4.125 in |
| Price | $149.99 (list $229.99) | $169.95 |
| USA Pickleball approved | Yes | Yes |
Specs as published by each manufacturer. List prices; check the retailer for today’s price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, the CRBN¹ X Series or the HEAD Radical TOUR EX15?
On our spec-based scale the HEAD Radical TOUR EX15 scores higher (9.0 vs 8.8). By player type, the HEAD Radical TOUR EX15 suits beginners and power hitters better.
Which has more power, the CRBN¹ X Series or the HEAD Radical TOUR EX15?
The HEAD Radical TOUR EX15 rates higher for power on our scale (10 vs 9.5).
Which is better for beginners, the CRBN¹ X Series or the HEAD Radical TOUR EX15?
The HEAD Radical TOUR EX15 scores higher for beginners (8.7 vs 8.4), mainly from its sweet spot and control ratings.
Are the CRBN¹ X Series and HEAD Radical TOUR EX15 approved for tournament play?
Yes. Both are on the USA Pickleball approved paddle list.
More Head-to-Head Comparisons
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