Dan’s Take
Weight stands out on the spec sheet: HEAD lists the Radical TOUR EX15 at 8.6 oz, heavier than the TKO-X's 7.8 to 8.2 oz. Add its 15 mm core against Paddletek's 16 mm Honeyfoam, and on our scale the HEAD rates higher for power (10 vs 9.5) but lower for control (8 vs 9). Spin ties at 9.5, and sweet spot ties at 8.5.
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 this one yet. The Radical TOUR EX15 usually costs less. Pick it for a heavier, power-first elongated paddle; pick the 16 mm TKO-X for better control (the 14 mm is UPA-A only, per Paddletek).
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 TOUR EX15 | Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | 8.7 | 8.9 |
| Touch players | 8.6 | 9.0 |
| Power hitters | 9.3 | 9.2 |
| Spin players | 9.2 | 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 TOUR EX15’s 8.
- The HEAD Radical TOUR EX15 also leads on power, 10 to 9.5.
- They tie on spin (9.5) and sweet spot (8.5).
- Core thickness: 15 mm for the HEAD Radical TOUR EX15 against 16 mm (14 mm version not USA Pickleball approved) for the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X. The thinner HEAD Radical TOUR EX15 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 HEAD Radical TOUR EX15 costs less right now (see the prices above).
The Verdict
Pick the HEAD Radical TOUR EX15 if you want more power, more weight behind the ball and a lower price.
Choose the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X if you want more control and a lighter feel, especially if you’re a beginner or a touch player.
Specs Side by Side
| Spec | HEAD Radical TOUR EX15 | Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 8.6 oz (245 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 | Not specified by HEAD (Injected Foam Walls) | 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 | $169.95 | $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 TOUR EX15 or the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X?
On our spec-based scale the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X scores higher (9.1 vs 9.0). By player type, the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X suits beginners and touch players better.
Which has more power, the HEAD Radical TOUR EX15 or the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X?
The HEAD Radical TOUR EX15 rates higher for power on our scale (10 vs 9.5).
Which is better for beginners, the HEAD Radical TOUR EX15 or the Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X?
The Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X scores higher for beginners (8.9 vs 8.7), mainly from its sweet spot and control ratings.
Are the HEAD Radical TOUR 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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Compare More Paddles
Line up to four paddles side by side on the same research scale.