Dan’s Take
These two take opposite approaches. HEAD's Gravity PRO EX15 pairs a 15 mm EPP foam core with a raw carbon face, and on our scale that means power (10) and spin (9). Volair's CTRL 1 Forza uses a 16 mm honeycomb core with an aramid fiber face, which rates far lower for power (8.5) and spin (7.5) but higher for sweet spot (9.5 vs 8) and control (8.5 vs 8).
The Forza has 4.8 out of 5 from 20+ ratings on Volair's site; HEAD's site doesn't have enough buyer ratings for the Gravity yet. The Forza is also the cheaper paddle. Pick the Gravity if you want pop and spin; pick the Forza if forgiveness and a lower price matter more.
By Dan · Based on each brand’s published specs and buyer ratings, October 2026. We don’t play-test paddles.
Volair
Volair CTRL 1 Forza
Players who want a light-feeling, forgiving face for hand battles
Ratings Head to Head
Which Suits Your Game?
| Player type | HEAD Gravity PRO EX15 | Volair CTRL 1 Forza |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | 8.4 | 8.8 |
| Touch players | 8.4 | 8.6 |
| Power hitters | 9.1 | 8.5 |
| Spin players | 8.9 | 8.2 |
Weighted from the four ratings. How these are weighted
Key Differences
- The biggest gap is power: the HEAD Gravity PRO EX15 rates 10 to the Volair CTRL 1 Forza’s 8.5.
- On spin, the HEAD Gravity PRO EX15 is ahead: 9 vs 7.5.
- Sweet spot goes to the Volair CTRL 1 Forza (9.5 vs 8).
- Control goes to the Volair CTRL 1 Forza (8.5 vs 8).
- Core thickness: 15 mm for the HEAD Gravity PRO EX15 against 16 mm for the Volair CTRL 1 Forza. The thinner HEAD Gravity PRO EX15 should give more pop; thicker cores lean toward control.
- Weight: the HEAD Gravity PRO EX15 is the heavier of the two, by about 0.2 oz on average.
- Price: the Volair CTRL 1 Forza costs less at each brand’s own store.
The Verdict
Pick the HEAD Gravity PRO EX15 if you want more power, more spin and more weight behind the ball, especially if you’re a power hitter or a spin player.
Choose the Volair CTRL 1 Forza if you want more control, a bigger sweet spot and a lighter feel, especially if you’re a beginner or a touch player.
Specs Side by Side
| Spec | HEAD Gravity PRO EX15 | Volair CTRL 1 Forza |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 8.3 oz (235 g) | 8.1 oz average |
| Shape | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Length | Not published by HEAD (it lists the shape as Hybrid) | 16.35 in |
| Width | 7.5 in (published by HEAD, Sept 2026) | 7.5 in |
| Core thickness | 15 mm | 16 mm |
| Core | TRIFLEX Precision: EPP foam core, polypropylene honeycomb perimeter, EVA foam shell | Polypropylene honeycomb |
| Face | 12K raw carbon | Aramid fiber |
| Handle length | 5.5 in | 5.5 in |
| Grip size | 4.125 in | 4.15 in |
| Price | $199.95 | $139.99 |
| 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 Gravity PRO EX15 or the Volair CTRL 1 Forza?
On our spec-based scale the HEAD Gravity PRO EX15 scores higher (8.8 vs 8.5). By player type, the HEAD Gravity PRO EX15 suits power hitters and spin players better, while the Volair CTRL 1 Forza suits beginners and touch players better.
Which has more power, the HEAD Gravity PRO EX15 or the Volair CTRL 1 Forza?
The HEAD Gravity PRO EX15 rates higher for power on our scale (10 vs 8.5).
Which is better for beginners, the HEAD Gravity PRO EX15 or the Volair CTRL 1 Forza?
The Volair CTRL 1 Forza scores higher for beginners (8.8 vs 8.4), mainly from its sweet spot and control ratings.
Are the HEAD Gravity PRO EX15 and Volair CTRL 1 Forza approved for tournament play?
Yes. Both are on the USA Pickleball approved paddle list.
More Head-to-Head Comparisons
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Line up to four paddles side by side on the same research scale.