Rad White Lightning Paddle Review

Built tough, with excellent touch and room for aggressive play

I recently switched from my trusty Joola Ben Johns paddle to the RAD White Lightning, and honestly, it feels every bit as good—if not better. I was skeptical at first, but the transition was seamless: same grip familiar, same swing weight, yet I got that extra pop. It’s officially my go‑to paddle now.

Power and Control

The White Lightning delivers explosive powerpacked hits thanks to its T‑700 raw carbon fiber surface, giving every drive a satisfying “pop”. But it’s not just about brute strength—the full‑cell 16 mm polypropylene honeycomb core balances that with a high level of finesse and touch. I can dart to the net and dink with precision, or step in and attack the baseline. It’s the control-first feel of the Joola, with an added dose of power.

Sweet Spot & Spin

The RAD boasts a large sweet spot, and I can confirm that nearly every shot feels centered—even when I’m zooming around . The textured carbon surface gives me confidence when applying spin; I can drop, slash, or roll the ball as well as ever.

Durability & Design

One standout is RAD’s 360° carbon sidewalls and robust build—this thing is built to last. Plus, the White Lightning’s sleek elongated shape gives me a bit extra reach, without sacrificing balance or swing feel.

One Minor Drawback

The only small gripe I have: it does feel slightly head‑heavy. Similar to the Ben Johns thermoformed model, you can feel the weight shift during a full swing—like we’ve seen with Joola’s heavier head designs. It’s not a deal-breaker, but after a two-hour session, a lightweight paddle might feel a touch more forgiving.

Final Take

The RAD White Lightning is now firmly my first choice. It matched my Joola in control and improved on that with a snappier pop, better spin, and surprisingly smooth transition. Built tough, with excellent touch and room for aggressive play, it's a high‑performance paddle at a great price. I highly recommend it.