HEAD Extreme ONE: the maturity of the ONE concept

It all started in 2023, when HEAD dared the unthinkable: a first foray into the world of “single hole” with theExtreme ONEFar from being a one-off experiment, the adventure continued the following year with the Speed ONE and the introduction of the reference Xheavier and more powerful, this time exploring the format water drop.

Today, for the 2026 season, the Austrian brand is definitively establishing this technology by returning to the fundamentals of the Diamond shapeThis is no longer a test, it's a crowning achievement: HEAD has benefited from 2 seasons to refine and improve this revolutionary feature of the single hole.
The brand doesn't hesitate and doubles down by structuring its bold bet into a ONE Collection in its own right (with the ONE UltraLight). Two new models arrive to redefine the gaming experience and prove that performance comes from continuous innovation.

With this collection, HEAD lays out a manifesto for players seeking a radically different experience:
“Feel Different. Play Different.”

1/ It's no longer a concept, it's a transfer of power

The simultaneous arrival of two distinct models, available from December 4th, marks a strategic turning point. Extreme ONE Collection officially takes over from the former Speed ONE and embraces a clean break: goodbye to the versatile teardrop profile of the Speed, hello to the pure molded design. Diamond.
By (re)entering the family "Extreme"DNA is once again becoming decidedly more aggressiveThe balance is clearly tipping in the lead and the power becomes the common thread of this new generation.

The two palas, the ONE and ONE X, share this clean, futuristic aesthetic. The visible weave of the 12K HS carbon It lends a dark charm and an immediate impression of robustness. To enhance this raw design, HEAD has worked on its logo with an iridescent marbled effect, while champagne/sand accents distinguish theExtreme ONE Xadding a touch of understated refinement to these technological gems.

HEAD Extreme ONE: The Maturity of the ONE Concept

2/ The paradox of balance: the lighter one has more weight at the head

Here is the most surprising technical detail that separates the two models. TheExtreme ONE is the lighter of the two rackets (≃ 20g) in terms of total weight. However, its balanced is slightly more head-oriented than that of its bigger, heavier sister Extreme ONE XParadoxical? Not really.

The explanation lies in pure physics: the ONE, being lighter, compensates with a head-heavy balance to generate power et ball weightConversely, theONE X possesses sufficient overall mass to create a powerful impact on its own, allowing it to display a less pronounced head-heavy balance while still delivering a raw power superior.

This engineering choice is not insignificant: it reflects two game philosophies distinct for two well-defined player profiles.

3/ Beneath its sleek appearance lies cutting-edge technology

Don't be fooled by its minimalist shield-like appearance. While the glossy, lacquered finish adds a touch of whimsy and sparkle to the overall design, the dark surface of the ONE Collection conceals above all a concentration of technologies the most advanced of HEADshared by both models to guarantee high-level performance.

Carbon 12K HS surface This high-strength carbon offers superior rigidity. In practical terms, the player experiences a direct and crisp impact, with maximum explosiveness on impact.

Auxetic 2.0 Technology Integrated into the bridge and handle, this unique structure optimizes feel. It provides a solid feel on powerful shots and a more precise touch, even on off-center hits.

Power Foam Core : The signature foam of HEADFirmer and punchier than Control and Comfort rubbers, ideal for aggressive play.

Extreme Spin : The textured and rough surface finish is designed to “grip” the ball, greatly increasing spin.

The secret of the unique hole: An XXL Sweet Spot

Beyond power and technology, the real magic trick of this design lies in the size of the ideal striking zone. On both models, the Sweet Spot is simply enormous.
The absence of perforations guarantees material homogeneity across the entire sieve. The result? Centering errors are virtually eliminated. This tolerance This exceptional racket provides total confidence in the game: you can confidently unleash your arm, especially on finishing smashes, knowing that the ball will travel fast and powerful even if the impact isn't perfectly precise. It's the safety of a round racket with the power of a diamond racket.

The durability advantage: The end of micro-cracks?

Beyond performance, the hole-free design offers a decisive structural advantage. In mechanics, each hole drilled in a traditional racket cuts the carbon fiber and creates a potential weak point.

With the ONE Collectionthe integrity of the fiber 12K is completely preserved across the entire sieve:
• During manufacturing: No drilling = no invisible micro-cracks created at the factory
• In play: The racket absorbs the “extreme” mechanical stresses of repeated smashes without the shock waves propagating from hole to hole

The result? The risk of the sieve cracking (the infamous “crack” between two holes) is drastically reducedThis is the promise of a superior longevity, even for the big guys who abuse their equipment in every match.

Extreme Family HEAD Extreme ONE: The maturity of the ONE concept

Extreme Family Blue HEAD Extreme ONE: The maturity of the ONE concept

4/ Handling: A generous handle and a choice that divides opinions

Particular attention has been paid to ergonomics, but with a slight drawback for purists. HEAD incorporates its new “Soft Butt Cap” at the heel, a flexible component that significantly improves comfort by absorbing vibrations.

Regarding handling, the handle is average in length for the market, but stands out due to a fairly generous thickness. Practical consequence: even for players with large hands, adding just one overgrip will be more than enough to achieve the ideal volume.

From an aesthetic point of view, one detail immediately stands out: the anise green wrist strapA bold choice that creates a radical – and visually impactful – contrast with the dark and austere tones that dominate these two palas.
However, one point of contention arises from a functional standpoint. Although equipped with an interchangeable system (a major advantage for hygiene), HEAD opted for a model simple slidingOn rackets with such a premium and technologically advanced positioning, one could legitimately have expected a fleece strapIt's a subjective choice, but one worth highlighting for those who value this kind of finish.

5/ The final choice: Supersonic speed or raw power?

Despite their shared DNA, the two rackets are aimed at radically different player profiles.
For the Extreme ONE This is a direct evolution of the original model, addressing the main criticism from users. It's 5 to 10 grams lighter to eliminate the "too light" feel, offering more consistencyShe remains extremely handy It's the weapon of choice for a diamond-sized player, while still being able to deliver very powerful blows.
For the Extreme ONE X This is the model intended for powerful hittersthose who are looking for a maximum stability and a feeling of heavy ballThe surface in Carbon 12K HS This makes perfect sense here. In short: it's the "movers'" pala, even if it remains below the...extreme pro and Coello Pro.

Conclusion: HEAD dares to take the gamble of disruption

With this duo, HEAD doesn't do things by halves. The brand fully embraces the offensive shift initiated by replacing the benchmarks "Speed" for the bombs "Extreme"It now offers two interpretations of its single-hole concept, each pushing a vision of the game to its extreme.

The dilemma boils down to:
• Agility and execution speed of'Extreme ONE
• Stability and massive power of'Extreme ONE X

But beyond simply choosing between two rackets, HEAD This raises a deeper question about the future of padel. By abandoning the multiple holes, the brand is rethinking aerodynamics, stress distribution, and potentially the Sustainability snowshoes.

Could this approach become the norm? It's hard to say. But HEAD takes the risk of radical differentiation in a market that is often uniform.

In a sport experiencing explosive growth, this boldness deserves to be applauded. Whether or not you are drawn to this technical revolution, it will have the merit of shake up certainties.

A huge thank you to Evan Grand, Marketing Manager, for this exclusive: receiving these palas as early as August! Perfect timing which allowed me, just like for the future Radical series (to be discovered on December 10th), to really "sand" the equipment to guarantee you a complete and uncompromising test.

Stéphane Penso

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!