Padel Racket Review - Head Extreme Motion 2024

What the reviewers say

The reviewers agree on the main point: this racket gives more power than its medium touch suggests. Dani 13 found that the power of the Extreme Motion "is better than most medium-touch rackets", and he liked it most in the bandeja and víbora zone, where it tires the arm less than the Extreme Pro. The Italian channel Padel Review called it the best of the Extreme series for value, and said that from above "you can do real damage, but I would not call it a cannon".

AF Padel, who used the Delta Motion for a long time, noticed the same easy ball exit: "even without much arm, the ball comes out fast and deep." He also found the sweet spot clearly above average for a diamond, and the comfort much better thanks to the soft cap. Duo Bakkersport confirmed that the rougher face gives a little more slice than the old model.

The drawbacks are also consistent. Dani 13 and AF Padel both felt the high balance in fast volley exchanges and late defensive shots, where the tip stays behind and the ball floats. Flat, hard shots rebound more than expected, so the racket works best when you add spin. Both Padel Review and AF Padel doubt it suits most women players because of the balance.

Our take: Kaj's summary

The wide sweet spot and the soft cap make the Extreme Motion easier to live with than most diamonds, and off-centre hits still travel. The catch is the balance: a player whose preparation is still late will feel the tip lag on quick volleys and on defensive balls, and that costs points. Players who already swing on time get easy power without a heavy racket.

From the back of the court, the ball leaves the face without much effort, so lobs and deep returns come easily. When you arrive well positioned, the handling is fine for its weight. When you arrive late, the high balance makes the ball rise more than you want, and Dani 13 gave defense an 8 for that reason.

This is where the racket earns its place. The high balance helps you accelerate the head through flat smashes, and the rough face grips the ball on kick smashes and víboras. It does not reach the power of the Extreme Pro or harder rackets, but it gives more than most versatile medium-touch rackets.

At the net, the racket is solid on blocks and slow balls, and the rough face helps you keep a sliced volley low. The weak point is speed: in fast exchanges and quick changes of direction the tip can arrive late, and flat volleys can go long. Dani 13 rated the volley lowest of all zones, at 7.5.

How it compares

The Head Extreme Pro 2024 is about 10 g heavier and more head-heavy. It gives more power on flat smashes but asks more of the arm; pick it if overhead finishing is your priority. The Head Extreme Elite 2024 has a fiberglass face and a smooth surface, so it is more comfortable but gives less control at high speed. The Motion sits between them and is the most versatile of the three.