Head is one of the most recognised names in padel worldwide, sponsoring top-ranked players and supplying rackets at every level from beginner to professional. In New Zealand, Head padel gear is available through international retailers who ship to NZ, covering rackets, shoes, and accessories.
This guide covers the Head padel models currently available to New Zealand buyers, their NZD prices, the differences between racket lines, and where to purchase. For a cross-brand comparison including Babolat, Wilson, and Bullpadel, see the best padel rackets guide for New Zealand.
Head produces padel rackets across four main lines: the Radical, the Evo, the Speed, and the Delta. The Radical and Evo are the lines with the strongest availability for New Zealand buyers.
The Radical Team Light 2026 is Head's mid-range performance racket for the New Zealand market. It sits in the teardrop shape category, offering a balance of power and control that suits players who have moved beyond beginner level and are developing a more technical game.
Key features: Teardrop shape with a slightly elevated sweet spot, medium-soft EVA foam core for controlled response, Graphene 360+ reinforcement in the frame for structural stiffness, lightweight construction at approximately 355g unstrung.
Who it suits: Intermediate players who play 2-3 times per week, club-level competitors seeking more precision than a round racket provides, and players transitioning from tennis who want a familiar power profile.
NZD price: $327 NZD. This sits in the mid-range bracket for padel rackets available in New Zealand.
Court compatibility: Works equally well on indoor and outdoor artificial turf courts. The lighter construction is particularly suited to the faster indoor courts common at New Zealand padel facilities.
View the Head Radical Team Light 2026 on PadelShop.co.nz →
The Evo Extreme 2025 is Head's entry-level racket and the most affordable option in the Head padel range for New Zealand buyers. Its round shape and large sweet spot make it the logical choice for new players, recreational play, and those who want a comfortable, forgiving racket.
Key features: Round shape for maximum sweet spot coverage, soft foam core that absorbs impact and reduces arm fatigue, lightweight frame under 360g, fibreglass and carbon composite construction at an accessible price point.
Who it suits: Beginners picking up padel for the first time, recreational players who play occasionally and want a reliable all-purpose racket, and players who experience arm discomfort with stiffer frames.
NZD price: $172 NZD. The most accessible Head padel racket currently available to New Zealand buyers.
Value assessment: At $172 NZD, the Evo Extreme 2025 represents strong value. It is significantly cheaper than the Wilson Optix V1 ($187 NZD) and the Babolat Air Vertuo 2.5 ($206 NZD) while offering similar beginner-friendly characteristics.
View the Head Evo Extreme 2025 on PadelShop.co.nz →
The Motion PRO 1.5 is Head's mid-to-upper performance padel shoe. It targets club-level players who play multiple times per week and need a shoe that combines lateral support, cushioning, and durability on artificial turf surfaces.
Key features: Reinforced lateral walls for side-to-side stability during aggressive movement, XL Herringbone rubber outsole rated for artificial turf (OM), padded collar and tongue for ankle support, responsive midsole cushioning with moderate heel-to-toe drop.
Who it suits: Regular club players, men looking for a structured performance shoe with good durability, players who cover a lot of court and put stress on the lateral upper through wall play and split steps.
NZD price: $222 NZD. Sits between entry-level options and premium Adidas models.
Sizing notes: Head padel shoes generally run true to European sizing. Check against the Head size chart when ordering, particularly if between sizes. The Motion PRO fits standard width; players with wider feet may prefer going half a size up.
View the Head Motion PRO 1.5 on PadelShop.co.nz →
Understanding racket shape is the most important factor when choosing a Head padel racket. Shape determines where the sweet spot sits and how the racket performs for different play styles.
Round shape (Evo Extreme): Sweet spot in the centre of the racket face. Maximum forgiveness and control. Suits beginners, defensive players, and those who prioritise consistency over power.
Teardrop shape (Radical): Sweet spot slightly higher than the centre. Balances power and control. The most versatile shape and the most popular at club level. Suits intermediate to advanced players.
Diamond shape (Radical Pro, Speed Pro): Sweet spot near the top of the frame. Maximum power generation. Suits advanced players with technically correct technique who can consistently find the upper sweet spot.
For New Zealand players new to padel, the round Evo Extreme is the correct starting point. The teardrop Radical becomes appropriate once foundational technique is established and the player can consistently hit the ball in the upper half of the racket.
Head padel rackets are available in different weight categories. Most club-level options fall between 350-375g. Understanding balance is equally important:
Head-heavy balance: More power on shots, more fatigue over long sessions. Suits strong players who rely on attacking play.
Head-light balance: More manoeuvrable, less strain on the arm, faster response at the net. Suits players prioritising control and speed over raw power.
Even balance: The most versatile option. Both Radical and Evo lines sit close to even balance, making them accessible for players at different levels.
The "Light" designation in the Radical Team Light 2026 refers to weight — this version is lighter than the standard Radical Team, improving manoeuvrability without significantly sacrificing stability.
Head padel gear is not routinely stocked in New Zealand high-street sports stores. Most purchasing happens through international online retailers that ship to NZ.
Tennis-Point: European padel specialist with consistently wide Head stock. Ships to New Zealand with delivery typically 7-14 business days. Carries the full range of Head padel rackets, shoes, and bags. Competitive pricing with regular sale events.
Amazon Australia: Faster delivery to NZ than European retailers (3-7 business days for most addresses). Head padel models are stocked on Amazon AU with the advantage of straightforward returns. Selection is narrower than Tennis-Point but covers the main lines.
Padel specialist stores: The New Zealand padel market is growing, and a small number of specialist retailers are beginning to stock Head gear. Checking with your local padel club is the best way to find current NZ-based sources.
Head releases updated racket models annually. The Radical Team Light 2026 and Evo Extreme 2025 listed here reflect current season availability. Checking retailer stock before purchasing ensures the model and colourway are available in your size.
For the full list of retailers stocking padel gear in New Zealand, see the NZ padel retailers page.
Head is often positioned against Babolat and Wilson in the mid-range market, and against Bullpadel at the premium end. Here is how the brand compares for New Zealand buyers:
Head vs Babolat: Head entry-level rackets (Evo Extreme at $172 NZD) are more affordable than comparable Babolat options (Air Vertuo 2.5 at $206 NZD). Babolat's mid-range Counter Vertuo 2.6 at $344 NZD overlaps with the Radical Team Light 2026 at $327 NZD. Both brands offer good availability to NZ buyers.
Head vs Wilson: Wilson's Optix V1 at $187 NZD competes with the Evo Extreme 2025 at $172 NZD at the entry level. Wilson's Bela LS V3 at $514 NZD is a premium performance racket with no direct Head equivalent in current NZ stock. Head shoes at $222 NZD compare favourably to Wilson's HURAKN LITE at $126 NZD, though the Head shoe is a more substantial performance product.
Head vs Bullpadel: Bullpadel's Icon 2026 at $504 NZD targets the same advanced player segment as Head's pro-level rackets. Bullpadel has slightly less brand recognition in New Zealand but strong availability through European specialists.
| Product | NZD Price | Category | Player Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evo Extreme 2025 | $172 | Racket | Beginner / Recreational |
| Motion PRO 1.5 (Men) | $222 | Shoes | Intermediate / Club |
| Radical Team Light 2026 | $327 | Racket | Intermediate / Advanced |
Yes. Head padel rackets and shoes ship to New Zealand from international retailers including Tennis-Point and Amazon Australia. Local NZ retail stock is limited, but the online route is straightforward with delivery typically 5-14 business days.
The Head Evo Extreme 2025 is available at $172 NZD and the Radical Team Light 2026 at $327 NZD. These are the two Head racket models currently stocked for NZ buyers. Add international shipping costs of $15-30 NZD if ordering from European retailers.
The Radical uses a teardrop shape for a balance of power and control suited to intermediate and advanced players. The Evo Extreme uses a round shape with a larger sweet spot that is more forgiving for beginners. The Radical is stiffer and more demanding; the Evo Extreme is softer and more accessible.
Yes. The Head Motion PRO 1.5 features a non-marking herringbone rubber outsole rated for artificial turf, which is the standard court surface at New Zealand padel facilities.
The Head Evo Extreme 2025 at $172 NZD. Its round shape, large sweet spot, and softer core make it the most forgiving option for players learning the game. The lower price is also appropriate for beginners who may upgrade once their technique develops.
For a full cross-brand comparison of padel rackets available in New Zealand including Head, Wilson, Babolat, and Bullpadel, see the Best Padel Rackets in New Zealand guide.
For padel shoes across all brands including Adidas, Head, and Bullpadel, see the Best Padel Shoes in New Zealand guide.
To browse Head products currently listed for NZ buyers, visit the products page. For local stockists, check the NZ retailers directory.