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    Gamma 405 Graphite vs Head Radical Elite

    Gamma 405 Graphite 7.4oz 13mm pickleball paddle — Textured Graphite face

    Gamma

    405 Graphite

    $139.99

    7.4–7.8 oz · 13mm core

    Shop Gamma (opens in a new tab)
    vs
    Head Radical Elite 8.1oz 13mm pickleball paddle — Fiberglass face

    Head

    Radical Elite

    $79.95

    8.1–8.1 oz · 13mm core · Widebody

    Shop on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

    Pickle's 5-axis score

    Based on published specs, ranked against all 320 paddles we cover. Diff highlighted when one paddle leads by 0.5+ points.

    Gamma 405 GraphiteHead Radical Elite

    Gamma 405 Graphite vs Head Radical Elite across five scored traits: Power, Hand speed, Forgiveness, Touch, Spin.

    Comparing two is a start. Answer five quick questions and we'll rank the whole catalog for how you play.

    Find my paddle

    Close call — here's the tiebreaker

    Head Radical Elite carries more plow-through on drives, while Gamma 405 Graphite is easier on the arm and quicker at the kitchen. Both paddles target balanced players — the choice comes down to feel and price.

    Side-by-side specs

    SpecGamma 405 GraphiteHead Radical Elite
    Weight7.4–7.8 oz8.1–8.1 oz
    Shape—Widebody
    Core thickness13mm13mm
    Core materialPolypropylene honeycombPolypropylene honeycomb
    Face materialTextured GraphiteFiberglass
    Handle length5.25"5.25"
    Price$139.99$79.95

    What the spec differences mean

    Who each paddle is for

    Gamma 405 Graphite

    Best for advanced power players (4.0+) who can manage a hot face who play with a quick, hands-first style. The standard shape rewards clean contact, the 13mm core delivers high pop with a tighter touch window, and the face surface keeps spin honest without overdoing it.

    Playing style: balanced

    Head Radical Elite

    Best for advanced power players (4.0+) who can manage a hot face who play with a balanced two-handed/one-handed mix. The widebody profile gives you a generous sweet spot, the 13mm core delivers high pop with a tighter touch window, and the fiberglass face emphasizes pop over spin.

    Playing style: balanced

    Pickle's verdict

    Both are great. Pick by playstyle, not specs.

    Pick the Gamma 405 Graphite if…

    • you want quicker hands in fast kitchen exchanges

    Pick the Head Radical Elite if…

    • you swing through the ball and want plow-through on drives
    Shop Gamma 405 Graphite (opens in a new tab)Shop on Amazon Radical Elite (opens in a new tab)

    More matchups with the Head Radical Elite

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