Testing conditions and initial impressions of the Head Extreme series
The reviewer from Mejora Tu Padel conducted a thorough on-court test of the new Head Extreme series, including the much-anticipated Head Extreme One with its unique single-hole design. Testing took place in Madrid under humid conditions, with temperatures around 22–23°C indoors following rainfall. The rackets were used as delivered from the factory, without additional grips, to ensure an unbiased assessment of their natural characteristics.
Throughout the two-day session, the reviewer focused on how each model performed in both defensive and attacking scenarios, paying close attention to balance, sweet spot location, sound, and ball output. The goal was to identify the real-world impact of the single-hole design and compare it to traditional multi-hole rackets.
Head Extreme Motion: agility, balance, and suitability for intermediate players
The Head Extreme Motion was the first model tested. The reviewer noted a balance toward the tip, giving the racket a head-heavy feel. While this made defensive play slightly more challenging, it did not make it unmanageable. The sweet spot was found higher up on the face, and off-center hits produced a noticeably duller sound and reduced ball control.
Despite its offensive orientation, the Motion model did not excessively penalize players at the back of the court. The reviewer emphasized that this racket is best suited for players who can anticipate and read the game well, as it rewards precise timing and positioning. For those with a lower skill level, the reviewer recommended considering the Head Speed range, which offers greater maneuverability and a more forgiving sweet spot.
- Balance: Toward the tip (head-heavy)
- Sweet spot: High on the face
- Ideal for: Intermediate to advanced players seeking offensive play
Head Extreme Pro: power, control, and the Arturo Coello connection
Next, the Head Extreme Pro—the signature model associated with Arturo Coello—was put through its paces. The Pro version felt even more head-heavy than the Motion, with a sweet spot similarly positioned high on the face. The reviewer and a fellow tester, Álvaro, both observed that the ball stayed on the racket slightly longer before release, providing a sensation of increased dwell time and control.
Both testers agreed that the Pro model excelled in offensive play, especially at the net. The rough surface enhanced spin generation, particularly on topspin shots, but the racket could become difficult to control on flatter strokes if the player’s technique was not precise. This model is clearly aimed at advanced players who can handle its demanding characteristics and are looking to maximize power and spin in their attacking game.
- Balance: More pronounced head-heavy than Motion
- Surface: Rough, aiding spin
- Ideal for: Advanced, offensive-minded players
Head Extreme Elite: comfort and accessibility for a wider range of players
The Head Extreme Elite stood out as the most accessible and user-friendly racket in the series. The reviewer described it as the easiest to use, offering a comfortable feel and forgiving response even when the ball arrived quickly. The ball lingered slightly longer on the face, which contributed to a sense of control and reduced errors.
This model is recommended for players who want a balance of power at the net without sacrificing comfort or consistency from the back of the court. Its versatility makes it suitable for a broad range of skill levels, especially those looking for a less demanding offensive racket.
- Comfort: High, with a medium-soft feel
- Forgiveness: Excellent for off-center hits
- Ideal for: Intermediate players seeking power and comfort
Head Extreme One: single-hole innovation and on-court performance
The highlight of the review was the Head Extreme One, a racket that has generated significant buzz due to its radical single-hole design. The tested unit weighed 340g, making it notably lighter than the Pro and Motion models. Despite expectations, the balance was similar to the Motion, and even less head-heavy than the Pro.
On court, the reviewer was surprised by how little the absence of holes affected play. The sound was distinctly deeper and more resonant—described as “bazooka-like”—but the overall feel was not dramatically different from traditional rackets. In defensive situations, the One felt comfortable and easy to maneuver. However, the reviewer did note a reduction in spin potential, especially on smashes and drop shots, compared to the other Extreme models. The ball output was less linear at high speeds, requiring more effort to achieve the same effect as the Pro.
- Weight: 340g (lighter than Pro and Motion)
- Balance: Similar to Motion, less head-heavy than Pro
- Spin: Noticeably reduced compared to multi-hole models
- Sound: Deep, powerful, unique
- Ideal for: Players seeking innovation and lighter weight, but willing to trade off some spin
Comparative analysis: which Head Extreme suits which player?
Summarizing the findings, the reviewer emphasized that each Head Extreme model is tailored for a specific player profile:
- Extreme Motion: Best for intermediate to advanced players who want offensive capability without sacrificing too much maneuverability. The balance is less extreme, making it more agile and easier to handle in quick exchanges.
- Extreme Pro: Suited to advanced players who prioritize power and spin, especially at the net. The demanding balance and high sweet spot require precise technique but reward aggressive play.
- Extreme Elite: The most accessible and comfortable, ideal for those seeking a blend of power and control with a forgiving response.
- Extreme One: An innovative option for players intrigued by the single-hole concept. It offers a lighter feel and unique sound, but with a clear trade-off in spin generation and high-speed linearity.
All models share an offensive character, with a sweet spot located toward the tip. While they excel in attacking play, they do not excessively penalize defensive shots, though players with less experience may find the Pro and One models more challenging to control.
Key qualitative evaluations from the reviewer
- Head Extreme Motion: Agile, head-heavy, good for anticipatory players, moderate forgiveness
- Head Extreme Pro: Most powerful, high spin potential, demanding, best for advanced attackers
- Head Extreme Elite: Most comfortable, forgiving, suitable for a wide range of players
- Head Extreme One: Lightest, unique sound, innovative feel, reduced spin, easy to maneuver
In conclusion, the Head Extreme series offers a distinct option for every offensive-minded padel player, with the Extreme One standing out as a bold experiment in racket design. The reviewer encourages players to consider their own style and skill level when choosing among these models, as each brings its own strengths and compromises to the court.
