HEAD Radical PRO EX15 2026 Pickleball Paddle vs Franklin Sports Signature Carbon Pickleball Paddle 1

Researched from published specs, USA Pickleball rules and verified owner reviews, not play-tested by us. Updated 2026.

The HEAD Radical PRO EX15 2026 Pickleball Paddle costs about $100 more ($199.95 vs $99.99). Choose the HEAD Radical PRO EX15 2026 Pickleball Paddle if you value control and soft touch, you want more stability against hard hitters, you want the more premium build; choose the Franklin Sports Signature Carbon Pickleball Paddle 13mm if you want to spend less, you want more pop on drives, you want faster hands or less load on your arm.

Specs side by side

SpecHEAD Radical PRO EX15 2026 Pickleball PaddleFranklin Sports Signature Carbon Pickleball Paddle 13mm
Listed price$199.95$99.99
Listed weight8.5 oz7.75 oz
Core thickness15 mm13 mm
Shapeelongatedelongated
Facecarbon fibercarbon fiber
Core materialpolymer honeycombpolymer honeycomb
ThermoformedNot statedNot stated
USA Pickleball approvalNot statedClaimed

From each Amazon listing. "Not stated" means the listing does not say.

What actually differs?

  • The HEAD Radical PRO EX15 2026 Pickleball Paddle costs about $100 more ($199.95 vs $99.99).
  • The HEAD Radical PRO EX15 2026 Pickleball Paddle is 0.75 oz heavier by listing (8.5 vs 7.75 oz): a little more stability and plow-through, a little slower at the kitchen, and a little more load on the arm.
  • The HEAD Radical PRO EX15 2026 Pickleball Paddle has the thicker core (15 vs 13 mm), which usually means more control and a softer feel; the Franklin Sports Signature Carbon Pickleball Paddle 13mm should play with more pop.

Which should you buy?

Choose the HEAD Radical PRO EX15 2026 Pickleball Paddle if you value control and soft touch, you want more stability against hard hitters, you want the more premium build.

Choose the Franklin Sports Signature Carbon Pickleball Paddle 13mm if you want to spend less, you want more pop on drives, you want faster hands or less load on your arm.

Weight class: heavy vs mid. Not sure what you need? The paddle weight calculator and core thickness calculator answer that in under a minute. We have not play-tested either paddle; this comparison is researched from listings and verified owner reviews.

Other paddles to consider

Prices are the last listed Amazon price and change often.

More comparisons with these paddles

Email me this comparison

Every item on this page with its current price, in one email, so you can shop it later or in pieces. No sales sequence.

Used only to send the list. You can also just read it here.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better, the HEAD Radical PRO EX15 2026 Pickleball Paddle or the Franklin Sports Signature Carbon Pickleball Paddle 13mm?

Neither is better for everyone. Choose the HEAD Radical PRO EX15 2026 Pickleball Paddle if you value control and soft touch, you want more stability against hard hitters, you want the more premium build. Choose the Franklin Sports Signature Carbon Pickleball Paddle 13mm if you want to spend less, you want more pop on drives, you want faster hands or less load on your arm. Check both against your ideal weight with the paddle weight calculator before deciding, because fit matters more than brand.

Which is heavier, the HEAD Radical PRO EX15 2026 Pickleball Paddle or the Franklin Sports Signature Carbon Pickleball Paddle 13mm?

By their listings, the HEAD Radical PRO EX15 2026 Pickleball Paddle weighs 8.5 oz and the Franklin Sports Signature Carbon Pickleball Paddle 13mm weighs 7.75 oz. Individual paddles vary slightly from stated weights. Heavier paddles add stability and power but load the elbow and shoulder more.

This is researched general guidance, not professional advice. Specs and prices come from manufacturer listings and change often; confirm details on the product page before buying.