HEAD announced two new pickleball paddles in their lineup with the Head Boom Tour EX and the Head Boom Team EX.
Learn more about what these paddles offer players and what is the main differences.
HEAD’s Boom paddles are interesting choices for players looking for both power and precision, even with an aggressive play. EX stands for extended overall length and handle, for some extra reach and power and they work well for players with two-handed backhands.
Buy any of these paddles at Pickleball Warehouse!
Head Boom Tour EX
The Head Boom Tour EX is a proper, premium paddle with elongated shape and handle. It has an ultra-thin 11 mm polypropylene core, 7.9 ounce weight and a raw t700 carbon surface with an additional outer layer, the spin grit technology.
The Boom tour with its moderate swingweight, is lively and highly manoeuvrable, but also with plenty of control near the kitchen. It works great for fast, attacking shots but it’s not really the most forgiving racket when hitting further from the center. The grip and spin of the surface (mix of raw carbon fiber and their SpinOn technology) is great, although not very different from other similar paddles on the market.
You will find there is a foam injection around the entire perimeter that maximises the size of the sweet spot.
The Boom Tour features a long 5.5 inch handle, great for either one or two hands on the paddle, and a standard 4.125 inch grip diameter.
It’s definitely a racket suited more for intermediate to advanced players on the pickleball court and should be interesting for those seeking a detailed connection at the shots. It should also be added it’s easy to modify with extra weight if needed.
| Weight: 7.9 oz. |
| Core: 11mm. Polypropylene Honeycomb |
| Hitting Surface: T700 Raw Carbon Fiber |
| Grip Size: 4.125 in. |
| Grip Length: 5.5 in. |
| Grip Shape: Octagonal |
| Paddle Width: 7.5 in. |
| Paddle Length: 16.5 in. |
| Grip: HEAD HydroSorb Pro |
Head Boom Team EX
Similar as the Tour but with a more “common” 13 mm polypropylene core which gives it a bit more power and overall a bit more comfort. It features a good mix of power and control, the Carbon base layer hitting surface with the added layer of SpinOn Technology offers great options for spin even when not swinging really hard and fast.
For the prize of under $100 this is a great all-court paddle for both spin, power and control.
| Weight: 7.9 oz. |
| Core: 13mm. Polypropylene Honeycomb |
| Hitting Surface: Carbon hitting surface w/ SpinOn Technology |
| Grip Size: 4.125 in. |
| Grip Length: 5.5 in. |
| Grip Shape: Octagonal |
| Paddle Width: 7.5 in. |
| Paddle Length: 16.5 in. |
| Factory Grip: HEAD HydroSorb Pro |
Should I go for the Tour EX or the Team EX?
Looking at the specs they seem quite similar but they do offer different outcomes. In general we would say that the Tour EX has some more added technology, costs a little more and is well suited for intermediate to advanced pickleball players. The Team EX is slightly more suited towards beginner/lower level players but offers great value.
Overall they both offer very decent power, not everyone is used to the thin core of 11mm of the Tour though so that is something to get used to. Both paddles offers great spin, it much depends on your play level. Many intermediate players might prefer the power of the Team version more as it can provide more control.
