Dan’s Take
Same price and length, different cores. The HEAD Radical PRO EX15 has a honeycomb center inside an EPP foam perimeter at 15 mm, while the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X is foam throughout at 16 mm. On our scale the TKO-X rates higher for sweet spot (8.5 vs 7.5) and control (9 vs 8), with power tied at 9.5.
The TKO-X has 4.6 out of 5 from 60+ ratings on Paddletek's site; the Radical has too few on HEAD's site to go by. If you buy the TKO-X, get the 16 mm, since Paddletek says the 14 mm isn't USA Pickleball approved. I'd pick the TKO-X for forgiveness, and the Radical if you prefer a heavier head.
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 Radical PRO EX15 | Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | 8.2 | 8.9 |
| Touch players | 8.3 | 9.0 |
| Power hitters | 8.9 | 9.2 |
| Spin players | 9.0 | 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 Radical PRO EX15’s 8.
- On sweet spot, the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X is ahead: 8.5 vs 7.5.
- They tie on power (9.5) and spin (9.5).
- Core thickness: 15 mm for the HEAD Radical PRO EX15 against 16 mm (14 mm version not USA Pickleball approved) for the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X. The thinner HEAD Radical PRO EX15 should give more pop; thicker cores lean toward control.
- Weight: the HEAD Radical PRO EX15 is the heavier of the two, by about 0.5 oz on average.
The Verdict
Go with the HEAD Radical PRO EX15 if you want more weight behind the ball.
Go with the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X 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 Radical PRO EX15 | Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 8.5 oz (240 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 Versatility Core: polypropylene honeycomb center, EPP foam perimeter, EVA foam shell | Honeyfoam multi-foam: EPP foam core, EVA foam wrap and perimeter foam ring |
| Face | Micro-Forged T700 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 Radical PRO EX15 or the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X?
On our spec-based scale the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X scores higher (9.1 vs 8.6). By player type, the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X suits beginners, touch players, power hitters and spin players better.
Which has more power, the HEAD Radical PRO EX15 or the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X?
They rate the same for power on our scale (9.5).
Which is better for beginners, the HEAD Radical PRO EX15 or the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X?
The Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X scores higher for beginners (8.9 vs 8.2), mainly from its sweet spot and control ratings.
Are the HEAD Radical 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
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Line up to four paddles side by side on the same research scale.