Head Head CONCORD 2017 Padel Racket Review

Performance Ratings

• Power: 65/100
• Control: 88/100
• Rebound: 70/100
• Maneuverability: 82/100
• Sweet Spot: 78/100

Specifications

Brand

Head

Shape

Round

Balance

Mid

Surface

Smooth

Hardness

Medium

Core

EVA Soft

Game Level

Advanced

Game Type

Control

Year

2017

Expert Review

Introduction

The Head CONCORD doesn't announce itself with flashy graphics or bold promises—it simply delivers consistent, predictable control from the first rally. After two weeks of testing this round-shaped racket across recreational matches and competitive drills, we found ourselves reaching for it whenever precision mattered more than raw power. Head built the CONCORD for the advanced player who constructs points through placement rather than brute force, and the 88/100 control rating isn't marketing fluff—it's what you feel when threading cross-court volleys through tight windows at the net.

Released in 2017 and now available at €79.95 (down from €139.95), this racket sits in Head's control-oriented lineup as a no-nonsense option for players who've outgrown beginner rackets but don't need tour-level stiffness. The mid-balance point and EVA Soft core create a forgiving sweet spot that rewards clean technique without punishing minor mishits. The smooth matte surface might seem plain compared to textured alternatives, but we found it delivered exactly what the spec sheet promised: reliable ball response without surprises.

What caught us off guard during testing was how the CONCORD's medium hardness core handled defensive situations—we expected softer feedback, but the racket maintained surprising stability when blocking hard smashes from the back glass.

Performance on the Court

The Head CONCORD reveals its personality most clearly when you're forced to defend. We tested it extensively during pressure situations, and the racket's performance characteristics became obvious.

At the Back of the Court (Defense)

When retrieving deep lobs and returning aggressive smashes from the baseline, the CONCORD's round shape and 82/100 maneuverability rating translate to quick racket preparation. We could flip the racket face from low defensive slice to high lob position faster than with teardrop alternatives we've tested in this price range. The EVA Soft core absorbs some of the shock from hard-hit balls, which meant our wrists felt fresh even after extended baseline rallies.

The mid-balance point keeps the weight centered, so generating depth on defensive lobs doesn't require excessive arm extension. During one test session, we faced a left-side player who repeatedly smashed to our backhand corner—the CONCORD let us redirect those balls deep with controlled lobs rather than desperate flicks. The 70/100 rebound rating means you won't get free power on returns, but you gain predictability. Every defensive shot went where we aimed it, which matters more when you're scrambling.

At the Net (Volleys and Smashes)

At the net, the CONCORD prioritizes placement over explosion. Block volleys felt stable and controlled—when opponents hit hard drives at our chest, the racket face stayed firm and redirected balls with minimal vibration. The 78/100 sweet spot rating proved generous during quick exchanges; even off-center contacts maintained direction rather than spraying wildly.

Smashing revealed the racket's limitations and strengths simultaneously. The 65/100 power rating is honest—this isn't a racket for finishing points with flat, unreturnable smashes from mid-court. We had to use full shoulder rotation and proper weight transfer to generate pace. However, placement smashes worked beautifully. Angling smashes to the side glass or dropping them short at the net felt more reliable than with harder, power-oriented rackets we've tested. The medium hardness core gives just enough feedback to feel where the ball contacts the face, letting you adjust angle mid-swing.

Spin and Control (Viboras & Bandejas)

The smooth surface doesn't grip the ball like textured alternatives, which initially concerned us for spin generation. In practice, bandejas and viboras still worked effectively—you just need clean brushing technique rather than relying on surface texture to do the work. We found consistent results on slice bandejas that pushed opponents deep, and the control rating shined when placing viboras to the side glass with topspin.

The CONCORD rewards players who already know how to generate spin through racket path and wrist action. If you're still learning these shots, a textured surface might offer more forgiveness. But for advanced players with established technique, the smooth face provides predictable response without the inconsistency that worn textured surfaces sometimes develop over time.

Pros and Cons

After extensive court testing, the Head CONCORD's design choices create clear advantages and trade-offs that directly impact match performance.

Pros

• The 88/100 control rating manifests as exceptional placement accuracy on volleys—during net exchanges, we could consistently thread balls between opponents or angle them sharply to the side glass, which matters more in doubles than raw power.
• The round shape combined with 82/100 maneuverability makes defensive transitions effortless; when forced to retrieve balls from deep corners, the racket head speed lets you prepare shots quickly without muscling the racket around.
• The EVA Soft core and medium hardness balance provide genuine arm comfort during extended play sessions—after three consecutive matches, we experienced zero elbow or wrist discomfort, unlike stiffer rackets that leave our forearms aching.
• The 78/100 sweet spot rating proves forgiving for advanced players who occasionally mishit under pressure; off-center volleys still found their target rather than sailing long or catching the net.
• At €79.95, the price-to-performance ratio outperforms many budget options—the build quality feels solid, with no frame flex or vibration issues that plague cheaper alternatives.

Cons

• The 65/100 power rating means aggressive left-side players who finish points with flat smashes will find this racket frustrating—you need perfect technique and full body rotation to generate pace, which slows down your attacking game.
• The smooth surface limits spin potential compared to textured alternatives; players who rely heavily on slice or topspin to create difficult bounces will need to adjust their technique or accept less dramatic ball rotation.
• The medium hardness core, while comfortable, provides less feedback than firmer options—during fast exchanges, we sometimes couldn't feel exactly where the ball contacted the face until after the shot left the racket.
• The matte black/white aesthetic looks dated compared to 2025 releases; if you care about on-court appearance, newer models offer more visually striking designs at similar price points.

Construction and Materials

The Head CONCORD uses EVA Soft foam in its core, which sits in the middle ground between ultra-soft comfort foams and rigid performance cores. During testing, we noticed this material choice creates a specific feel—enough cushioning to protect your arm during long rallies, but sufficient structure to maintain ball response on hard hits. The foam doesn't bottom out when you smash, which sometimes happens with very soft cores that compress too much under impact.

The smooth matte surface finish feels quality in hand, with no rough edges or inconsistent texture patches that we've encountered on budget rackets. Head applied the finish evenly across the entire face, and after two weeks of regular play, we saw no chipping or wear around the edges. The frame construction feels solid without excessive weight—picking up the racket, you immediately notice it's built for control rather than power, with mass distributed toward the center rather than the head.

At the original €139.95 price point, these materials would feel adequate but unremarkable. At the current €79.95, the construction quality exceeds expectations for the budget segment. We've tested rackets at this price with hollow-feeling frames or cores that develop dead spots after minimal use. The CONCORD's materials maintain consistent performance across the entire face, and the build quality suggests it will hold up through a full season of regular play without degradation.

Who Is This Racket For?

The Head CONCORD targets the right-side advanced player who controls the net through precise volleys and strategic bandejas rather than explosive smashes. If you construct points by moving opponents around the court with angled volleys and deep lobs, then finish with placement rather than power, this racket amplifies your strengths. The control-oriented design rewards players who've developed clean technique and understand court positioning.

Physically, this racket suits players with arm or wrist sensitivity who've abandoned harder rackets due to discomfort. The EVA Soft core and medium hardness absorb shock effectively, making it viable for players who compete 3-4 times weekly without developing overuse injuries. The 82/100 maneuverability rating also benefits players with moderate swing speeds who struggle to generate racket head speed with heavier, head-heavy alternatives.

Court position matters significantly with this racket. Right-side players who specialize in defensive retrieval and controlled net play will appreciate the predictable response and generous sweet spot. Left-side players who finish points should look elsewhere—the 65/100 power rating won't support the aggressive smashing game that left-side specialists need. Similarly, players who compete once weekly recreationally might find the control focus unnecessary; they'd benefit more from a forgiving, power-oriented option that compensates for inconsistent technique.

This racket absolutely isn't for the intermediate player still developing fundamental stroke mechanics. The smooth surface and control-first design assume you already generate spin and power through proper technique. It's also wrong for the aggressive baseliner who loves ending points with flat, unreturnable smashes from deep court positions—you'll fight the racket's design philosophy every point.

How It Compares

Within Head's 2017 lineup, the CONCORD sits as the control specialist, contrasting with their power-oriented models that feature harder cores and teardrop shapes. The brand positioned this racket for advanced players transitioning from intermediate equipment, and that market placement remains relevant even in 2025. Compared to current Head offerings, the CONCORD delivers similar control characteristics at a significantly lower price point, though newer models offer updated materials and aesthetics.

Against the Siux SIUX BEAT CONTROL 2 2025, the CONCORD offers comparable control ratings but with noticeably better arm comfort due to its softer core. The Siux model generates slightly more power and features modern textured surfaces for enhanced spin, but players with wrist sensitivity will prefer the CONCORD's forgiving feedback. The Siux also costs more, making the CONCORD the value choice if you prioritize comfort and control over spin generation.

The Dunlop DUNLOP SAMURAI SOFT PADEL RACKET presents a closer comparison, as both rackets target control-oriented players with soft cores. The Dunlop offers a larger sweet spot and more forgiving off-center hits, which benefits recreational players. However, the CONCORD provides superior maneuverability and more precise feedback for advanced players who've refined their technique. The Dunlop suits the player who values forgiveness; the CONCORD rewards the player who values precision.

In the broader budget market segment under €100, the CONCORD distinguishes itself through genuine advanced-level performance rather than beginner-friendly forgiveness. Many budget options sacrifice build quality or use marketing terms to mask limitations. The CONCORD's honest spec sheet and quality construction make it a legitimate option for skilled players on a budget, whereas competing models often force compromises in materials or performance consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Head CONCORD good for advanced players?

Yes, but specifically for advanced players who prioritize control and placement over raw power. The 88/100 control rating and precise feedback reward clean technique, making it effective for right-side players who construct points through strategic volleys and bandejas. However, advanced left-side players who finish with aggressive smashes should choose a power-oriented alternative, as the 65/100 power rating won't support that playing style.

Q: Who is the Head CONCORD actually best suited for?

The ideal CONCORD player is a right-side advanced competitor who plays 3-4 times weekly and specializes in controlled net play. They prefer winning through placement and court positioning rather than explosive finishing shots. Physically, they may have wrist or arm sensitivity that makes harder rackets uncomfortable during extended sessions. They've developed solid technique for generating spin and power independently, so they don't need the racket to compensate for mechanical flaws.

Q: How does the Head CONCORD compare to Siux SIUX BEAT CONTROL 2 2025?

The CONCORD offers superior arm comfort through its softer EVA core, while the Siux delivers more spin potential via textured surfaces and slightly higher power output. The Siux suits players who want modern features and enhanced spin generation, whereas the CONCORD appeals to players prioritizing comfort, value, and pure control. The CONCORD also costs less, making it the better choice for budget-conscious players who don't need the latest surface technology.

Q: Is the Head CONCORD still a good buy in 2025 considering its price and performance?

At €79.95, the CONCORD remains an excellent value for advanced players seeking control-oriented performance without premium pricing. The 2017 design lacks modern aesthetics and textured surfaces, but the core performance characteristics—exceptional control, comfortable feedback, reliable construction—haven't become obsolete. If you prioritize substance over style and don't need the latest surface technology, the CONCORD delivers advanced-level performance at a budget price point that newer models can't match.

Final Verdict

The Head CONCORD succeeds precisely because it doesn't try to be everything to everyone. This is a specialist's tool for the advanced player who's refined their game around precision, placement, and tactical awareness. After extensive testing, we recommend it without reservation for right-side players who control matches through strategic net play and defensive consistency. The 88/100 control rating isn't just a number—it's what you experience when placing volleys exactly where you intend, rally after rally.

The three most important takeaways from our testing: first, the arm comfort is genuine and sustained even during long competitive sessions; second, the control and maneuverability combination creates exceptional defensive capabilities that let you extend rallies and frustrate aggressive opponents; third, the €79.95 price point delivers advanced-level performance that would cost €120+ in competing models with similar specifications.

Buy it if you're an advanced right-side player who wins through placement rather than power, values arm comfort during frequent play sessions, and wants legitimate control performance without premium pricing. Skip it if you're a left-side finisher who needs explosive smash power, an intermediate player still developing fundamental technique, or someone who prioritizes spin generation through textured surfaces over pure control and comfort.