Dan’s Take
Both are elongated foam-core paddles at 16.5 inches that cost about the same, so the gap is in thickness and layering. HEAD's Boom PRO EX15 is 15 mm; Paddletek's TKO-X is 16 mm with an EPP core, EVA wrap and foam ring. On our scale the Boom takes power (10 vs 9.5), but the TKO-X rates higher for control (9 vs 8) and sweet spot (8.5 vs 7.5). Spin ties at 9.5.
The TKO-X has 4.6 out of 5 from 60+ ratings on Paddletek's site; HEAD's site doesn't have enough buyer ratings for the Boom yet. If you go TKO-X, get the 16 mm, since Paddletek says the 14 mm is UPA-A only. Pick the Boom for all-out power, the TKO-X for a more forgiving all-rounder.
By Dan · Based on each brand’s published specs and buyer ratings, October 2026. We don’t play-test paddles.
Paddletek
Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X
Players who want elongated reach and foam-core power
Ratings Head to Head
Which Suits Your Game?
| Player type | HEAD Boom PRO EX15 | Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | 8.3 | 8.9 |
| Touch players | 8.4 | 9.0 |
| Power hitters | 9.1 | 9.2 |
| Spin players | 9.1 | 9.3 |
Weighted from the four ratings. How these are weighted
Key Differences
- The biggest gap is control: the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X rates 9 to the HEAD Boom PRO EX15’s 8.
- The Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X also leads on sweet spot, 8.5 to 7.5.
- Power goes to the HEAD Boom PRO EX15 (10 vs 9.5).
- They tie on spin (9.5).
- Core thickness: 15 mm for the HEAD Boom PRO EX15 against 16 mm (14 mm version not USA Pickleball approved) for the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X. The thinner HEAD Boom PRO EX15 should give more pop; thicker cores lean toward control.
The Verdict
Go with the HEAD Boom PRO EX15 if you want more power.
Go with the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X if you want more control and a bigger sweet spot, especially if you’re a beginner or a touch player.
Specs Side by Side
| Spec | HEAD Boom PRO EX15 | Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 8.1 oz (230 g) | 7.8–8.2 oz (8.0 ± 0.2 oz) |
| Shape | Elongated | Elongated |
| Length | 16.5 in (published by HEAD, Sept 2026) | 16.5 in |
| Width | 7.4 in (published by HEAD, Sept 2026) | 7.5 in |
| Core thickness | 15 mm | 16 mm (14 mm version not USA Pickleball approved) |
| Core | TRIFLEX Power: polypropylene foam core, EPP foam perimeter, EVA foam shell | Honeyfoam multi-foam: EPP foam core, EVA foam wrap and perimeter foam ring |
| Face | Hexagon raw carbon | PT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber (Toray 700) |
| Handle length | 5.5 in | 5.75 in |
| Grip size | 4.125 in | Not published by Paddletek |
| Price | $199.95 | $199.99 (list $249.99) |
| 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 HEAD Boom PRO EX15 or the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X?
On our spec-based scale the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X scores higher (9.1 vs 8.8). By player type, the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X suits beginners, touch players and spin players better.
Which has more power, the HEAD Boom PRO EX15 or the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X?
The HEAD Boom PRO EX15 rates higher for power on our scale (10 vs 9.5).
Which is better for beginners, the HEAD Boom PRO EX15 or the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X?
The Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X scores higher for beginners (8.9 vs 8.3), mainly from its sweet spot and control ratings.
Are the HEAD Boom PRO EX15 and Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X approved for tournament play?
Yes. Both are on the USA Pickleball approved paddle list.
More Head-to-Head Comparisons
Next Step
Compare More Paddles
Line up to four paddles side by side on the same research scale.