HEAD Boom Tour Paddle Review
by Joseph Sutton on Aug 21, 2024
HEAD BOOM Tour Pickleball Paddle Review: Power, Precision, and a Few Trade-offs
Bottom Line:
HEAD’s BOOM Tour paddle is a bold choice for players seeking power and precision with an aggressive playstyle. Its thin core and lightweight build make it highly maneuverable, perfect for fast, offensive shots. However, this comes at the cost of some stability, especially on off-center hits, which might require adding weighted tape for better balance. The paddle’s strong shot feedback is great for those who appreciate a detailed connection to their game but might not be ideal for everyone. Visually striking with its mint chocolate chip design, the BOOM Tour is a standout both in performance and appearance.
Model: Boom Tour
Manufacturer: HEAD
Paddle Type: All-Court - Power
Spin: High
Player Level: Intermediate - Advanced
Thickness: 11mm
Static Weight: 7.9oz
Surface: Raw Carbon Fiber + SpinOn Texture
✅ Pros
- Fantastic spin from raw carbon fiber
- Perfect handle build
- Incredibly maneuverable
❌ Cons
- Low stability without added weight
- One shape to choose from
Paddle Build: What Sets the BOOM Tour Apart
Elongated Design and Handle Comfort
The BOOM Tour has an elongated shape, which might appeal to those who want extra reach. The 5.5-inch handle is a nice touch, featuring a cushioned inlay that, paired with HEAD’s Hydrosorb grip, makes the paddle feel comfortable in your hand. Whether you use one or two hands on your shots, this handle does its job well.
Thin Core and Thermoformed Construction
This paddle’s ultra-thin 11mm polypropylene honeycomb core is designed for speed and pop. The thermoformed construction with a foam perimeter adds to the paddle’s responsiveness, making it great for fast-paced games. However, the thin core also means you might notice a lack of stability on off-center hits—a common trade-off for paddles in this category.
Surface Texture and Spin
HEAD promotes the BOOM Tour’s surface as a combination of raw carbon fiber with their SpinOn texture. In practice, though, the surface feels pretty similar to other raw carbon paddles. It provides competitive grip and spin, but if you’re expecting something revolutionary, you might be a bit underwhelmed.
Weight, Maneuverability, and Looks
Weighing in at 7.9 ounces, the BOOM Tour is lightweight and easy to maneuver, with a moderate swingweight. The mint chocolate chip color scheme is unique—whether you love it or hate it is a matter of personal taste. It definitely stands out, though.
On-Court Playtest: Pros and Cons
Handle Comfort and Connection
I’m pretty particular about how a paddle feels in my hand, and the BOOM Tour did not disappoint in this area. The handle is comfortable, and the connection to the paddle feels solid. The grip is good for both one-handed and two-handed shots, which is a nice plus.
Power and Maneuverability
It’s easy to generate fast, aggressive shots with the Boom Tour. That said, the light weight and thin core also mean you might lose some stability, especially on off-center hits. I found that adding some weighted tape helped with this, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering this paddle.
Shot Feedback and Sweet Spot
One thing I really appreciated was the feedback I got from the BOOM Tour. When I hit the sweet spot, I knew it right away, which gave me a lot of confidence in my shots. However, this also means that you’ll definitely feel it when you miss the sweet spot, which might be frustrating for some players.
Who This Paddle is For
If you’re a singles player, transitioning from tennis, or someone who values a strong connection to your shots, the BOOM Tour could be a good fit. It’s not the most stable paddle out there, but it offers a lot in terms of power and maneuverability. Just be prepared to tinker with it a bit, like adding some weighted tape, to get it dialed in.
Final Thoughts: Is the BOOM Tour Worth It?
HEAD has done some interesting things with the BOOM Tour, and while it’s not perfect, it’s definitely a paddle worth considering if you prioritize power and a tactile connection to your shots. It’s not going to be for everyone, but if you’re curious, it might be worth giving it a try. Plus, with the 30-day trial at PickleballCentral.com, you can test it out for yourself and see how it fits your game.
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About the Author
Joseph is a 4.5 rated player that lives and plays in Seattle, WA and is obsessed with finding players the right gear for their game.
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