Head establishes itself as the most innovative padel brand of the moment, determined to revolutionize an industry that tends to stabilize. While the sector seems to have adopted a more moderate pace in recent times, it is multiplying initiatives to boost the market with products ever more daring and captivatingA welcome breath of fresh air in a sector where competition is becoming increasingly intense, but where technological audacity can still make a difference.
Following the sensational launch of the Extreme One racket last year, followed by the avant-garde Motion Boa Pro shoes a few weeks ago, The Austrian brand is making headlines again with a product that will attract the interest of many categories of players.
Head has achieved a real feat with this new model, which does not go unnoticed with its single central hole. But the real feat lies in its weight: This racket stands out as the lightest ever designed !
Rather than following trends, Kennelbach's firm shapes them, attracting both beginners and more experienced players looking to improve their game with cutting-edge equipment.
We are therefore going to discover how the sports giant is once again shaking up conventions by giving this reference, labeled One, a particularly attractive characteristic, which represents a fundamental criterion in choosing a new racket.
Head One UltraLight: minimalism in its purest form
This racket is available in two color variations. The first version features a matte design composed of black and gray diamond checkerboards. A subtle play of light reveals the carbon fiber depending on the viewing angle, creating a striking visual effect. The logo, in a silver gray with iridescent light blue reflections, is spectacular. A few touches of this same shade are elegantly scattered, particularly inside and around the bridge.
The second version is draped in matte white, creating a luminous setting for the logo and inscriptions subtly enhanced by silver gray.
Innovation and performance
Weighing only 300 grams, this pala stands out as the lightest adult padel racket on the market. The round shape, low balance and elongated handle promote optimal control and excellent maneuverability.
Maximum grip, perfect moisture wicking, ideal thickness: The original Hydrosorb grip has it all. No need for additional overgrip, comfort and durability are optimal.
The choice of this name is far from being fortuitous. The combination “Ultra Light” perfectly reflects the nature of this racket: not content with boxing in the featherweight category, She sets a new record for lightness in the world of padel, surpassing all existing rackets.
Technology Auxetic 2.0 is an innovation of Head which aims to improve the playing sensations and ball control. It is reflected in a particular structure of the racket frame, allowing a more controlled deformation on impact.
Le HS Carbon (High Spread) is distinguished by its ultra-precise weave, where the filaments are arranged flat and incredibly tight against each other, forming a surface that is smooth to the naked eye. While it offers reduced weight and appreciable strength, its flexibility, superior to High Modulus fibers, makes it particularly comfortable on each strike.
Its faces incorporate a rough lacquer Spin Surface which accentuates the effects and the flexible core Comfort Foam increases forgiveness and ball release, ideal for beginners and players prioritizing control and comfort.
The integrated protection system IPS in pre-molded carbon protects the racket from the shocks inherent in learning padel. An asset that will appeal to less experienced players, more inclined to test the limits of their racket (and the courts)!
Le Soft Butt Cap improves comfort and ergonomics. It consists of a soft hood placed at the end of the racket handle, where the player's hand rests, thus preventing injuries and blisters.
Disappointment for fans of fleece wrist straps: the Head One UltraLight opts for a classic model, like most of the brand's rackets.
Extended life
The absence of a drilling plan on this racket results in exceptional durability, a major attribute for padel players often confronted with the fragility of equipment. Indeed, a surface without perforation is naturally more robust, more resistant to impacts and natural wear.
Head has understood it well: traditional drilling, although necessary to create the hole pattern, sometimes risks causing micro-cracks that can harm the solidity of the racket. With this new reference, the brand is betting on longevity, without compromising performance.
Head One UltraLight: lightness that redistributes the cards
The major feature of this racket lies in its striking featherweight, which makes it a true natural extension of the arm. This feature proves ideal for three distinct profiles : beginners in the learning phase, people prone to muscle tension, and fans of fast and technical play.
But not only !
After five sessions, I must admit that it has become indispensable to my game! The good players who have tested it are unanimous : exceptional handling and unique sensations on impact.
Having a background as a squash player and prioritizing technique over pure power, I found this racket to be the ideal tool. It excels in fast exchanges, facilitating transitions between game rhythms and delivering blazing swing speed on the fly.
I gained in fluidity and precision, without regretting the loss of power in the smash which is not one of my strong points.
And the cherry on the cake: no more muscle fatigue!
Even after two sessions in a row, I finish my matches as fresh as a daisy. This is a valuable asset for all players, and especially for beginners who are less likely to get injured and will have more fun with such a light racket.
In defense, this racket demonstrates all its versatility: the exceptional maneuverability allows you to get out of tricky positions with surprising easeIts Comfort Foam core ensures optimal strike quality even in the most complex situations, guaranteeing an efficient and controlled ball release.
However, this exceptional lightness has a double edge.. It requires significant energy compensation for players who must provide more amplitude and power in their attack shots in order to obtain the desired ball speed. This adaptation can prove to be energy-consuming over the duration of a match, especially for those who develop an aggressive game (but this is usually not the case when you start out).
Naturally, this racket does not favor hard hitting shots, and will be less stable than heavier models, especially during defensive volleys. Its limitations are particularly apparent when the player seeks to conclude points with force, because the extreme lightness of this racket does not allow for sufficient inertia for explosive strikes without significant physical commitment.
The substantial loss of power when smashing is therefore largely offset by a significant gain in fluidity of movement, which perfectly matches my style of play.
Conclusion
La Head One UltraLight redefines the standards for lightness while maintaining remarkable playing qualities. The main advantage – its ultra-low weight – makes it an ally of choice for players who favor maneuverability and endurance over pure power..
Le sweetspot generous provides additional forgiveness on off-center hits, a real plus for confidence in the game.
While it won't be suitable for power players or those looking for exemplary stability on the fly, it is an excellent option for beginners, female players, young teenagers, or anyone concerned about protecting their joints. looking for a simple and effective experience.
Experienced players will also appreciate its specific technical characteristics, provided they adapt their playing style accordingly, and will have to provide greater physical commitment to generate power.
To fully exploit the advantages of this pala, It is therefore recommended to favor a fluid and gentle game rather than systematically seeking to impose a pugnacious rhythm. This approach allows you to capitalize on its remarkable maneuverability, while preserving its endurance over the duration of the match.
This high-end racket, equipped with the latest technologies, requires some time to adapt, but the gradual handling will pay off!
Many thanks to Evan Grand, responsible for marketing at Head, for its responsiveness and the always very rapid availability of these new products!
Padel fan, Stéphane has become the official tester of the padel planet in Europe. Everything goes through his expert hands. Thanks to his extensive experience in the world of rackets, he is able to scan your equipment from head to toe!