Head Graphene Radical Pro

RalphJ

Banned
You restrung a TW demo and added lead tape to it?

I have two demos - a Prestige Rev Pro and XT Speed Rev Pro right now, that I've restrung both with Lux 4G Rough 46lbs. I've also added lead to each, the P rev pro is leaded up to 12.3oz 7pts headlight, and the S Rev Pro is around 11.7oz 8-9 pts headlight. I have all the lead on the S Rev Pro starting at 1/2" up from the butt to make it feel like 27".
 

tennis4me

Hall of Fame
Not a fan of the grip shape and not a fan of its power to control ratio. It doesn't have enough control. AI 98 > GRP
I'm not a fan of this grip shape either - very rectangular. I just cut the hybrid Tour Bite/Biphase on this racquet. Poly on this stick is just to jarring - it was absolutely brutal on the elbow if you mishit a return.

Replace the hybrid with full-bed of X-One Biphase @53. Better than before, but I agree with you about the power to control ratio is not ideal. The string bed still feels quite stiff, so I can probably go lower, but with lower tension I suspect this stick will be unwieldy to control.

Good: A lot of power for serve. About 10-15% more than GSP. Volleys.
Bad: Not much control on ground strokes. Balls tends to fly easily - just too much power.

The racquet seems to also have a high launch angle.
 

Taveren

Professional
I received my GRad Pro as a gift from my colleagues, Coming from a weighted PS95 Blx, my first impressions were similar to most peoples comments: stiff, hollow and vibrations galore. It was strung up with a full bed of Cyclone. I did not like the feel but noticed more spin and control.

So to offset the cons I thought of using natural gut mains and poly crosses to alleviate the stiffness and gain more controllable power. then I added some silicone in the handle and balanced it with some lead tape on the hoop to kill some of the vibrations.

This worked pretty well for me and is now one of my go to sticks.
 

MikeHitsHard93

Hall of Fame
This frame is an absolute monster. Absolutely loving it and will probably be my next choice of frame after my pro open dies.

If you're looking to pound serves in, hit wicked slice, and have controllable/powerful ground strokes, this is a frame worth trying.

Anyone saying this frame is jarring is probably not capable of wielding it or just shouldn't. You need to hit cleanly with any frame, not just stiffer ones. Even with full stiff poly, this frame feels solid, stable, and not uncomfortable in my opinion. It is a frame that rewards full fast strokes. *Not for the weak hearted*
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
This frame is an absolute monster. Absolutely loving it and will probably be my next choice of frame after my pro open dies.

If you're looking to pound serves in, hit wicked slice, and have controllable/powerful ground strokes, this is a frame worth trying.

Anyone saying this frame is jarring is probably not capable of wielding it or just shouldn't. You need to hit cleanly with any frame, not just stiffer ones. Even with full stiff poly, this frame feels solid, stable, and not uncomfortable in my opinion. It is a frame that rewards full fast strokes. *Not for the weak hearted*

Yo even Fuji said that this thing feels like a hollow steel pipe to his elbow and he certainly is a good player… This racquet simply is arm problems in wait for many people, which does not speak for its comfort. By the way, the Babolat Play data shows that Rafa hits around 50% of his shots right in the sweetspot from what I can remember. The higher the level you play at, the more difficult it is to hit the sweetspot as well. A racquet which at even occasional mishits causes severe vibrations and pain to many does not deserve to be called comfortable.
 

MikeHitsHard93

Hall of Fame
Yo even Fuji said that this thing feels like a hollow steel pipe to his elbow and he certainly is a good player… This racquet simply is arm problems in wait for many people, which does not speak for its comfort. By the way, the Babolat Play data shows that Rafa hits around 50% of his shots right in the sweetspot from what I can remember. The higher the level you play at, the more difficult it is to hit the sweetspot as well. A racquet which at even occasional mishits causes severe vibrations and pain to many does not deserve to be called comfortable.

I agree with a lot of what you had to say, bud, but hear me out.

Fuji is a wonderful player, I've seen his videos. He also has lots of problems with tennis elbow that are chronic and flair up very often for him. Maybe it was also due to the strings he had in particular and the tension, but this racket is very playable and not too stiff to use on a daily basis, as I have done for a few days.

What one person believes may not suit the next person. I just feel like there is usually a stigma about stiff frames on these forums that needs to get ironed out. Id say about 90% of players use frames with a stiffness above 65 RA. Food for thought.
 

KaiserW

Hall of Fame
This frame is an absolute monster. Absolutely loving it and will probably be my next choice of frame after my pro open dies.

If you're looking to pound serves in, hit wicked slice, and have controllable/powerful ground strokes, this is a frame worth trying.

Anyone saying this frame is jarring is probably not capable of wielding it or just shouldn't. You need to hit cleanly with any frame, not just stiffer ones. Even with full stiff poly, this frame feels solid, stable, and not uncomfortable in my opinion. It is a frame that rewards full fast strokes. *Not for the weak hearted*

Why wait if you love it! Frames do not die imo. I am playing frames from the mid 90's still feel fine.
 

Ihatetennis

Hall of Fame
I find the MP to be erratic with its sweet spot. Feels like a pure drive with a much smaller spin window. Why would I buy a pure drive play-alike when I can have the real deal?

add lead and a leather grip to the mp and it becomes a wonderful stick, not trampoline like the pd
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
I agree with a lot of what you had to say, bud, but hear me out.

Fuji is a wonderful player, I've seen his videos. He also has lots of problems with tennis elbow that are chronic and flair up very often for him. Maybe it was also due to the strings he had in particular and the tension, but this racket is very playable and not too stiff to use on a daily basis, as I have done for a few days.

What one person believes may not suit the next person. I just feel like there is usually a stigma about stiff frames on these forums that needs to get ironed out. Id say about 90% of players use frames with a stiffness above 65 RA. Food for thought.

It has very little to do with the RA my friend… If RA was all, life as a racquet lover would be much easier
 

Fed Kennedy

Legend
imo its a really great starting point for customization

295grams is feather weight

you can add a bunch of weight to it, 50 grams in balancing it out and making it very personal is easy to do

and its not too stiff

Yes, if you are trying to match frames it is MUCH easier. Plus frame is softer, win win
 

LeeD

Bionic Poster
Short hitting session, new Graph vs the old orange and black RadPro.....
Graph is lighter, especially SW, stiffer, feel like smaller sweetspot, is quicker.
Old one is SOLID, give back exactly what you put in, but no more than that.
Like most new vs old rackets, the same traits.
 

Ihatetennis

Hall of Fame
Thanks for the kind words guys! I definitely have had my fair share of arm injuries, but very few frames actually aggravate them. The GRP was probably the worst frame for them IME.

Just wanted to reitterate: The Rad Pro killed my arm and is our worst selling frame at my shop. I've had countless people try it only to complain of arm problems after 1-2 hours of hitting with it. I tried it with every string set up possible (outside of gut/poly which may be the secret!) but I had no luck. Tried leading it up, adding silicon etc and it just didn't work for me. However, the regular MP is a sweeeet frame and plays a lot lighter than spec. Really liked that version with some more play time on it. It didn't nearly have the same issues as the pro. For many, many people I would recommend just getting the MP then leading it up to your desired spec / adding caps (since you have more room for the extra 25g of caps!)

That being said, these days I'm using a 13.0oz Pure Drive Tour with zero arm problems. :)

-Fuji

i forgot about caps.... im doing this
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
I disagree. RA has a lot to do with how a racket plays in my opinion :)

It is vastly exaggerated. If I compare the "low flex" of a Prince Textreme to the "low flex" of a C10 Pro (both in the same ballpark in terms of RA) I would be looking at the racquets in wonder, because the C10 feels so much softer. Similarly for a few racquets with higher RAs.

RA is just the flex across the whole length of the frame, but it is locational (extent of) flex which really determines how a racquet plays and feels. There is no measure for that unfortunately.

So, again, RA may only hint at something but it can be very misleading.
 

Franklin_B

Semi-Pro
I had used caps on an old prestige, i prefer the look to be honest, but also i have lead under the grommets, i might be able to take a bit off with it


itll be nice to try anyways

CAPs are great for protecting the frame (and I still haven't got around to putting blak CAPs on my IG radical MP). These CAPs add quite a lot of weight though.
 
HI guys.
I really liked the mp version of this racket. WIll I like the rad pro (graphene) more? What's the difference between the two besides weight?
I've heard that the rad pro is kind of clunky and the balance takes time getting used two, is that so?
And if you like the rad pro/mp which other racquets are similar? DR98? Pure aero tour?
 

TennisHound

Legend
I liked the GRad Pro better than the MP. The GRad Pro packs a pop, but I'm not used to playing with such a polarized setup. My 14 yo loves this racquet though, and he gets some super heavy shots sometimes, that overpower me with my RF97. I can't imagine adding more weight of the cap grommets. How would your arm hold up?
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
HI guys.
I really liked the mp version of this racket. WIll I like the rad pro (graphene) more? What's the difference between the two besides weight?
I've heard that the rad pro is kind of clunky and the balance takes time getting used two, is that so?
And if you like the rad pro/mp which other racquets are similar? DR98? Pure aero tour?
I like the MP more than the Pro, simply because the MP didn't kill my arm.

It's the more versatile and comfortable stick, and if you find it to be lacking plow or so, just add some weight at key locations. Good frame really.
 
Spin to win: In what way is the mp more versatile? I don't have any arm/shoulder problems. Is the rad pro the way to go then?
Anybody else care to tell their thoughts on mp vs rad pro (graphene)?
 
Spin to win or anybody else what are the key difference between mp and pro? Somebody mentioned the mp is softer, anything else?
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
Spin to win: In what way is the mp more versatile? I don't have any arm/shoulder problems. Is the rad pro the way to go then?
Anybody else care to tell their thoughts on mp vs rad pro (graphene)?

Spin to win or anybody else what are the key difference between mp and pro? Somebody mentioned the mp is softer, anything else?
I found that the MP offered more control, maneuverability, and spin than the Pro. It also was significantly more comfortable. Despite the relative lack of plow, it is not unforgiving, which is why I consider it to be a great all rounder/versatile frame, it's good in all areas but it does not excel in any one area.
The Pro on the other hand is uncomfortable and offers a lot of power. You will hit a bigger ball with the Pro. It doesn't really feel more forgiving, due to the more uncomfortable response.
I personally recommend getting the MP and if you want the plow of the Pro, add some lead or switch the grommets for the CAP grommets that are available for this racquet.
 

mrc

Rookie
I feel like Head used to have real distinction between their lineup. The Prestige,Radical, and Extreme were all very consistent with what they brought to the table. Now, it seems like they are getting closer and closer together. What is the difference between GRad Pro and Extreme MP? Everyone is selling to the cookie cutter baseline game. I get it...I just think it's killing the unique qualities of the lineups.
 

atennisnerd

New User
I love the Graphene Radical Pro. Not the new one though. The older one I've been using since release, and I've loved it. No arm problems (so far) and it's a solid stick. Really balanced in general: good spin, good power, good control. Never really feels like you're out of control, but never feels dull (power-wise). Love this thing. I've bought 5. Now they're going down in price. Totally my favorite racket.
 

0d1n

Hall of Fame
Played the pro version a couple of times. The specs are good for me and it does pack a punch.
It was strung with alu power so the combo was supposed to be anything but arm friendly, but my arm didnot complain. Granted, it usually takes more than 3 or 4 hours for arm trouble to start...
 

donnayblack99

Semi-Pro
Playing with the Graphene Radical Pro now and for the first couple of weeks it felt great. Smooth, powerful, yet a little harsh. I was winning easier without having to rally as much. 8 weeks into my Graphene Radical Pro experiment, my shoulder is aching, my elbow is sensitive. I have them strung with NRG 18g at 45 lbs., and they are still playing like PDR's strung with a stiff poly at 75 lbs.!!! I wish there was a way to pop the handle and inject foam throughout the entire frame. They are just WAY too stiff... I'm going back to the Textreme Tour 95's. I'll give up a little power all day long for a plush, solid feel at impact!
 

tennistomcat

Semi-Pro
Yo even Fuji said that this thing feels like a hollow steel pipe to his elbow and he certainly is a good player… This racquet simply is arm problems in wait for many people, which does not speak for its comfort. By the way, the Babolat Play data shows that Rafa hits around 50% of his shots right in the sweetspot from what I can remember. The higher the level you play at, the more difficult it is to hit the sweetspot as well. A racquet which at even occasional mishits causes severe vibrations and pain to many does not deserve to be called comfortable.

In total agreement with this.

I'm a longtime Head racket user. I started with the liquidmetal radical mp (Austrian & Chinese versions)

Upgraded to the IG radical pro (very similar feel & flex).
Upgraded to the 1st version of the Graphene Radical pro - got disgusted with what was done to the feel & flex of the line & have abandoned the brand. This was the 1st sign to me that Head may be heading in the same direction as Babolat-type rackets.

The Graphene radical pro packs a wallop & is spin friendly. Noticeably missing is the soft flex & connection to my shots. It felt like another hollow launcher. It crushes the serve like no other radical could in stock form, but it lost the feel & dwell time. I the feel for drop shots & drop volleys.

I felt my blx blade 98 was a much better upgrade compared to this racket minus the ease of spin production.
For old school guys like myself who played with POG OS who appreciate control, flex, dwell time, & solid feel - this racket feels totally alien.

I have only had tennis elbow once in my life when I was playing USTA league regularly 7 yrs ago (USTA 4.0 & got bumped up to 4.5) & used poly at a higher than recommended tension - rackets don't bother me that easily. The Graphene radical pro was harsh - especially on my shoulder on contact when hitting serves.

The Donnay Pro One GT 16X19 feels like the racket the radical should have evolved into instead of the graphene. It hits a solid ball, has great feel & control, & surprisingly hits like an 18X20 pattern. The foam absorbs the shock & vibration yet it still has a flex & feel much like a radical. If I close my eyes, it feels like my heavily modified liquidmetal radical mp but crushes the serve like no radical ever could.

This would be my only stick had I not picked up an Angell racket before finding the Donnay.
I'm torn between the Donnay P1 GT 16X19 or the Angell TC97 16x19. They both feel extremely solid with great control, flex, dwell time, & decent pop for thinner beam rackets.
The Angell hits with more trajectory.
The Donnay hits more linear like an 18X20 - very similar trajectory to the original Pure Strike 16X19 & the Prjoect One 7 16X19.
 

Deki

Rookie
I'm playing now with G Rad Pro last two years and have mixed feelings about it. I think it could be better frame with lower RA. I couldn't sale them cause nobody wants to buy such a frame. Always went back to 200 4D tour and Bio 200 in matches after 1st set. I don't have elbow problems, but my backs are killing me day after the match when I'm playing full match with Rads Pro.
I will get rid of them asap.
With new Speed series Head decreased stiffness so I hope that will be the same with Radical line as well.
 

Frans Bleker

Professional
The Graphene radical pro packs a wallop & is spin friendly. Noticeably missing is the soft flex & connection to my shots. It felt like another hollow launcher. It crushes the serve like no other radical could in stock form, but it lost the feel & dwell time. I the feel for drop shots & drop volleys.

Accurate!
 
D

Deleted member 746200

Guest
I'm a 20 yrs old, 4.5 club player coming back for this stick. Recently tried a friend's IG radical pro and realized why some people hate this stick. It's different. But for a guy who used to use babolat racket in junior years (I guess a lot of players in my age or younger use babolat racket when they start playing), I'm fine with the stifness and have no issue. Used Solinco Tour Bite for years at 52-54lbs. Graphene version radical is still my favorite stick. I'm currently use XT radical pro, a little bit stiffer and more powerful than graphene version but not too much difference. But graphene radical pro is still by far the best I've tried. If i can still find at least 3 matching specs I'll go for it no doubt.
 
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