HEAD Penn Official

6august · Aug 25, 2015

The Radical S should be 100 like it used to be. Thank you.

n8dawg6 · Aug 25, 2015

Carlos Mansur said:
I'm really disappointed to know the pictures were removed! Censure is something we should avoid in any field of knowledge.
Head should stop advertising "player's frames" suffixing stuff with "Pro" and return its focus to providing a higher quality product to end user.
Your Graphene series would be a disaster... but you sponsor Djoko and Murray, #1 and #2... If it was Federer and Nadal... Well...

Please, don't take it personally, many years ago, during Guga era, I used to play with Head i.Prestige, even old PT630... And you were supplying nice frames to general public... Today, what are our options from Head?

You offer a custom frame for ridiculous $400 and I have no idea what quality control we should expect!

Once again, for whom it may concern, with all due respect:
Censure is something we should avoid in any field of knowledge

ridic. This is a forum owned by a retailer of tennis equipment. They are under contract with Head. Head's marketing department has a timeline for release of new equipment that they can contractually enforce with the retailers whom they allow to carry their product. They do this because they are, well, a business. I'm sure ya'll have plenty of humorous suggestions about how they should run their business, but at the end of the day they've spent more time on it than you have. Let them have their timeline for cryin out loud.

PureDrive573 · Aug 25, 2015

Any chance you can lower general prices? Cause in Australia, heads are the most expensive racquets.

Dgdavid · Aug 25, 2015

Hi Andy, glad you started this thread.
I've liked many Head frames in particular the MG radical MP, ig rad os, I.prestige MP and ig prestige MP but my all time favourite is the Graphene Prestige Rev Pro you play with. Lovely racket, played with a thin poly at 48lbs. Luckily I am not a 'Prestige snob' so don't feel the need to murder people simply because it is very different from the heavier 18x20 mids (which were also very nice but different).

A Rev Pro in a bigger head would be perfect but for whatever reason, the Pro and S aren't that. Do you think it could be achieved with a 98 Custom Made?

sixone90 · Aug 25, 2015

There is no change in the mold of the Prestiges. Also, there will be a Radical MPA

PhxRacket · Aug 25, 2015

keep on, keepin on Andy. We welcome you and your knowledge to these boards. Ignore those that want to tear you down or harshly criticize your posts

Blockhead · Aug 25, 2015

If you don't like the racquets why get so worked up? Just use something else. He's trying to do his job and doesn't deserve to be insulted just because certain people don't like Graphene.

grip · Aug 25, 2015

I quite like using the Head ATP balls on clay(I can get 3 singles matches out of a set). I find that they wear better than the Slazenger ones that most people here use. Hey, aren't Head & Penn ball competitors?

HEAD Penn Official · Aug 25, 2015

Ihatetennis said:
...yeah but they're not the same.

I guess it's a start. But if yall would give us a prestige mp line revival that would change the game

I will bring this to the product manager at the next sales meeting. Thank you.

HEAD Penn Official · Aug 25, 2015

anhuynh16 said:
Welcome Andy. One of my prestige pros cracked at the throat the other day. Who should I contact regarding warranty or etc. I got these direct from y'all from a package. Thanks!

Go ahead and email me directly and I will help you out.
headpennofficial@us.head.com

HEAD Penn Official · Aug 25, 2015

movdqa said:
Head user for about the last four or five years (YT Prestige MP to IG Prestige MP). I feel that the IG Prestige is a very fine frame. Somewhat stiff as in not a noodle but well below mid-stiff. I could see myself playing with these for a long time given the reviews that I've seen of the Graphene.

Unfortunately, I think that stiffer is the trend because that's what more people want. The folks like me that want softer frames is probably a small minority.

Which ball could you recommend that's closest to the US Open Extra Duty ball? I've been using these for many years and haven't found anything better.

Yes everyone has their preferences and we can agree that there is a trend as the game of tennis continues to change.
Have you tried the ProPenn Marathon XD or ATP World Tour XD? Those are our premium balls.

HEAD Penn Official · Aug 25, 2015

movdqa said:
Well, I haven't found a Penn ball yet that beats the US Open Extra Duty. There have been some mentioned but I wasn't able to find them for sale to try out a can.

ProPenn Marathon XD.
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Pro_Penn_Extra_Duty_Tennis_Balls_24_Can_Case/descpageHEAD-PPMXD.html

ATP World Tour XD.
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Pen...nis_Balls_24_Can_Case/descpageHEAD-ATP24.html

HEAD Penn Official · Aug 25, 2015

Zoolander said:
Gotta give Head/Penn one thing. Their balls crap all over other brands, especially Wilson.

Good work there Head/Penn!

Thank you for the support!

RalphJ · Aug 25, 2015

sixone90 said:
There is no change in the mold of the Prestiges. Also, there will be a Radical MPA

I'm curious if you've seen the new Prestiges. I couldn't tell exactly, but the prestige beam shape looked a little different.

HEAD Penn Official · Aug 25, 2015

jman32 said:
Btw, my 16 year daughter plays with mg rad pro. A truly unique frame (from all mfg, not just head) thin beam, firm and good feel, open string pattern. Any idea if this type of frame will be updated?

With the MG Radicals still being manufactured as our Head classic model I don't see them making anything similar at the moment but you can pick these up at a good price right now so I would suggest stocking up!

JohnBPittsburgh · Aug 25, 2015

I also wanted to welcome you Andy, and glad to see Head coming to these boards. I believe there are a lot of tennis fanatics here, that make multiple purchases a year regarding tennis equipment (we aren't the people who buy one racquet at Wal mart

, never restring

, and are under the delusion that you can play with the same can of balls for 10 years

) It is nice to be able to get some information on Head products past, present, and future. Thank you for joining.

RalphJ · Aug 25, 2015

Hey Andy, what was Head's thinking behind the Graphene XT Speed Rev Pro? It's an appealing racquet because its the only Speed that's 98".

HEAD Penn Official · Aug 25, 2015

JohnBPittsburgh said:
Did Head stiffen up the "Classic" Microgel Radical Mp's that are for sale now, or is that a rumor? I have not bought any of the new ones, due to hearing this. I still have my older one, but was thinking of getting a back up, and heard they stiffened up the frame a little.

These are coming from the same molds and tech.

kkm · Aug 25, 2015

Hello Andy! I really like the CAP grommet system available on the Prestige series and some Radical racquets. I also like the mostly parallel grommets (similar to Babolat, and Wilson's "parallel drilling") on a couple of the new Speed (and Instinct?) series racquets. I have no doubt that at least some of HEAD's so-called marketing "gurus," R&D, and management personnel would instantly shoot this idea down, saying that the "purist" crowd who use Prestige (and some Radical) series racquets with the CAP system will never go for this, but if HEAD would make a racquet or some racquets (I don't care which series it/they would be part of) with CAP grommets and mostly parallel grommets (similar to Babolat, and Wilson's "parallel drilling") I would consider this the ideal racquet and switch to HEAD. One more thing: the string pattern of the current HEAD 16x19 racquets without shared holes leaves quite a bit of space between the top cross and the edge of the frame, same for the bottom. And I think that the shared holes are a step back (fewer/worse options for tying off). So why not, while you're at it, for the 16x19 racquets, make them still with 4 loops in the throat (mains starting at the top and ending at the top, for natural 1-piece stringing), no shared holes, and main skips at 7H & 7T and 9H & 9T? It's the same string pattern the YOUTEK Radical Pro had, and the YOUTEK Radical Pro was a dream from a stringing perspective! Just like the YOUTEK Radical Pro, space the strings so that tying off options are flexible - make sure that 8H is the main string tieoff, and 9H and 9T are possibilities for the crosses.

For a look at the string pattern I'm referring to:

http://img.tennis-warehouse.com/reviews/YoutekProMain.jpg

Thank you Andy!

HEAD Penn Official · Aug 25, 2015

blackpearl2007 said:
Andy, welcome! Really enjoying the Extreme Pro right now (IG version but like the XT as well). Question - did Head change the grip shape after the IG version? It doesn't feel as flat to me (the XT grip versus the IG grip on the Extreme Pro). The grip on the XT and Graphene feel different than the IG. Doesn't feel like the prestige grip anymore but it also doesn't feel as square as the Speed series. Just curious....thanks and glad Head is on the forum.

I actually have about 6 years of extreme's next to me in the office and all the grips have the same shape.

HEAD Penn Official · Aug 25, 2015

Dgdavid said:
Hi Andy, glad you started this thread.
I've liked many Head frames in particular the MG radical MP, ig rad os, I.prestige MP and ig prestige MP but my all time favourite is the Graphene Prestige Rev Pro you play with. Lovely racket, played with a thin poly at 48lbs. Luckily I am not a 'Prestige snob' so don't feel the need to murder people simply because it is very different from the heavier 18x20 mids (which were also very nice but different).

A Rev Pro in a bigger head would be perfect but for whatever reason, the Pro and S aren't that. Do you think it could be achieved with a 98 Custom Made?

I would suggest playing around with the lead tape on Graphene Prestige Pro if you're looking for the larger head first before committing to the custom mod we offer!

sma1001 · Aug 25, 2015

Hi Andy - welcome. Glad to have your knowledge and insights on the site. I've played several Head racquets and have the MG Rad MP on the way. Would be interested to hear your thoughts on the right tension if i'm using a soft poly. Cheers.

HEAD Penn Official · Aug 25, 2015

grip said:
I quite like using the Head ATP balls on clay(I can get 3 singles matches out of a set). I find that they wear better than the Slazenger ones that most people here use. Hey, aren't Head & Penn ball competitors?

HEAD balls are only used in Europe and possibly Asia. HEAD owns Penn stateside.

tennis1111 · Aug 25, 2015

Why two brands for same balls?
I think people are more familliar with Head brand

HEAD Penn Official · Aug 25, 2015

tennis1111 said:
Why two brands for same balls?
I think people are more familliar with Head brand

The short answer is that HEAD corporate is in Austria and very recognizable throughout Europe in both tennis and skis/snowboards so they use that name on the balls. In the states Penn has been around for over 100 years and very recognized here. In 1999 Penn was purchased by HEAD and we wanted to keep the branding they have established in the states.

HEAD Penn Official · Aug 25, 2015

sma1001 said:
Hi Andy - welcome. Glad to have your knowledge and insights on the site. I've played several Head racquets and have the MG Rad MP on the way. Would be interested to hear your thoughts on the right tension if i'm using a soft poly. Cheers.

Thank you for the support! There is a lot of school of thoughts on strings and tensions. Nowadays a lot of people are going to lower tensions with the polys (I myself have even dropped down the lbs). I would start out around 57lbs and then see if you still get good control on your shots. There are a lot of variables that go into this though and personal preferences.

When I was playing in college I always used the top of the tension range but now I go 3-4 lower than the top.

smirker · Aug 25, 2015

sma1001 said:
Hi Andy - welcome. Glad to have your knowledge and insights on the site. I've played several Head racquets and have the MG Rad MP on the way. Would be interested to hear your thoughts on the right tension if i'm using a soft poly. Cheers.

I string my LM Rad mp at 21kgs for mains and 20 for crosses. Its a tight 18x20 so control is still good. Also the spinniest frame I own which is odd but it just is. Also use a thin guage 1.19 string.

Slick Tennis · Aug 25, 2015

Hi Andy, welcome to the the boards! I'm a long time Head racquet user and aficionado having spent much time with Pro Tour 280, i Prestige,Ti Rad and Classic MP over the last 20 years. I'll admit I'm now a Graphene Prestige MP convert (one of those!). There are days where I do "fantasize" of a 16x19 version of the Pro Tour 280 but I must admit the G Prestige is working for me in providing extra punch and crispness yet retaining control and stability aspects that I liked from my previous Head frames. I also appreciate that the traditional Prestige MP racquet mold and grip shape has stuck around. My only beef is that I have 2 frames with same grip and strings but one is 8-9 grams heavier than the other...the heavier one makes for a really solid stick but it's unfortunate that there is such a discrepancy between the 2. Probably doesn't mean a thing but on the lighter racquet the graphene honeycomb decal in the inside throat is white-ish while it is black like the rest of the throat on the heavier racquet. Both came in Head white plastic bags directly from the rep to the vendor. Lastly and on another note, I've now officially made the switch to Pro Penn Marathon Xtra Duty balls - the best in the business in my opinion. Keep up the good work,

sixone90 · Aug 25, 2015

RalphJ said:
I'm curious if you've seen the new Prestiges. I couldn't tell exactly, but the prestige beam shape looked a little different.

Yes, I have. I've seen them in real life. Same mold

RalphJ · Aug 25, 2015

Oh well, it was wishful thinking. Were the specs the same this year for the MP and the Pro?

Zoolander · Aug 26, 2015

HEAD Penn Official said:
I actually have about 6 years of extreme's next to me in the office and all the grips have the same shape.

Gotta give Head a wrap, never been a big Head fan (too many 18*20 patterns) but i have used the Extremes since the first microgels and they are great racquets. Kudos to whoever took a punt on the rounder headshape but i think it works. I have my doubts about the headsize though, i'm sure its probably closer to 105 than 100?

sixone90 · Aug 26, 2015

RalphJ said:
Oh well, it was wishful thinking. Were the specs the same this year for the MP and the Pro?

Yes

Roland G · Aug 26, 2015

Hi Andy,

Can I ask about the Extreme, Speed and Instinct MP frames? What style and level of player are each of these lines aimed at and what are the differences in each?

Thanks in advance.

Sander001 · Aug 26, 2015

HEAD Penn Official said:
The short answer is that HEAD corporate is in Austria and very recognizable throughout Europe in both tennis and skis/snowboards so they use that name on the balls. In the states Penn has been around for over 100 years and very recognized here. In 1999 Penn was purchased by HEAD and we wanted to keep the branding they have established in the states.

Ugh please tell the ball people to use more numbers in labelling. Often heard on the courts "We're using Penn 3."
"We're using Penn 3 too!!"
And that usually escalates into a brawl.

Irvin · Aug 26, 2015

Sander001 said:
Ugh please tell the ball people to use more numbers in labelling. Often heard on the courts "We're using Penn 3."
"We're using Penn 3 too!!"
And that usually escalates into a brawl.

Very simple solution, carry a Sharpie in your bag and put marks on your balls so you always know which ones are yours. Carry over from the golf course.

EDIT: You could use ProPenns too no one I know wants to spend any more than they have to spend. LOL

HEAD Penn Official · Aug 26, 2015

Sander001 said:
Ugh please tell the ball people to use more numbers in labelling. Often heard on the courts "We're using Penn 3."
"We're using Penn 3 too!!"
And that usually escalates into a brawl.

The reason behind this is when they are manufactured they had 4 vats in the factory that are numbered 1,2,3,4. So when the balls pop out they are numbered with which number vat they came out of.

HEAD Penn Official · Aug 26, 2015

Irvin said:
Very simple solution, carry a Sharpie in your bag and put marks on your balls so you always know which ones are yours. Carry over from the golf course.

EDIT: You could use ProPenns too no one I know wants to spend any more than they have to spend. LOL

Very true! In high school I was in charge of putting black dots on all our tennis balls to show they were different from the girls teams.

Zielmann · Aug 26, 2015

HEAD Penn Official said:
Very true! In high school I was in charge of putting black dots on all our tennis balls to show they were different from the girls teams.

Sounds like a thrilling task

HEAD Penn Official · Aug 26, 2015

Roland G said:
Hi Andy,

Can I ask about the Extreme, Speed and Instinct MP frames? What style and level of player are each of these lines aimed at and what are the differences in each?

Thanks in advance.

Speed-Fast powerful game, aggressive player.
Instinct-Effortless power, maneuverability, baseliner mostly.
Extreme-Easy Spin, play from behind the baseline.

Any level of player can really use these racquets as they all have the 100 sq in head size. We do offer them in the Rev Pro/S (light for the extreme) if someone wants a lighter version.

Thank you for the question!

HEAD Penn Official · Aug 26, 2015

Zielmann said:
Sounds like a thrilling task

Well my mom was the coach and I was the captain so I had little choice!

Backhanded Compliment · Aug 26, 2015

HEAD Penn Official said:
Yes everyone has their preferences and we can agree that there is a trend as the game of tennis continues to change.
Have you tried the ProPenn Marathon XD or ATP World Tour XD? Those are our premium balls.

best all around balls out there... fair to a variety of players.

RalphJ · Aug 26, 2015

Backhanded Compliment said:
best all around balls out there... fair to a variety of players.

Any changes for 2016 on these?

Backhanded Compliment · Aug 26, 2015

RalphJ said:
Any changes for 2016 on these?

I felt the marathons were slightly faster for 2015 so I can't see them slowing them down. Faster/attacking tennis seems to be where the game is going again.

HEAD Penn Official · Aug 26, 2015

Slick Tennis said:
Hi Andy, welcome to the the boards! I'm a long time Head racquet user and aficionado having spent much time with Pro Tour 280, i Prestige,Ti Rad and Classic MP over the last 20 years. I'll admit I'm now a Graphene Prestige MP convert (one of those!). There are days where I do "fantasize" of a 16x19 version of the Pro Tour 280 but I must admit the G Prestige is working for me in providing extra punch and crispness yet retaining control and stability aspects that I liked from my previous Head frames. I also appreciate that the traditional Prestige MP racquet mold and grip shape has stuck around. My only beef is that I have 2 frames with same grip and strings but one is 8-9 grams heavier than the other...the heavier one makes for a really solid stick but it's unfortunate that there is such a discrepancy between the 2. Probably doesn't mean a thing but on the lighter racquet the graphene honeycomb decal in the inside throat is white-ish while it is black like the rest of the throat on the heavier racquet. Both came in Head white plastic bags directly from the rep to the vendor. Lastly and on another note, I've now officially made the switch to Pro Penn Marathon Xtra Duty balls - the best in the business in my opinion. Keep up the good work,

Thank you for the support on both HEAD and Penn!
If you want I can take a look at those frames if you wanted to shoot some pictures my way I would be happy to evaluate them.
headpennofficial@us.head.com

movdqa · Aug 26, 2015

HEAD Penn Official said:
ProPenn Marathon XD.
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Pro_Penn_Extra_Duty_Tennis_Balls_24_Can_Case/descpageHEAD-PPMXD.html

ATP World Tour XD.
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Pen...nis_Balls_24_Can_Case/descpageHEAD-ATP24.html

Thanks. I booked marked both pages and will go through the reviews. It seems that Penn may have had some QC issues back in 2012 and 2013 but I didn't see complaints after this.

I may try a case of these to compare with the US Opens [still have 1/3rd case left].

movdqa · Aug 26, 2015

I'd just get a case from TW. My local stores aren't very good at carrying premium balls. They sometimes carry US Opens but are often out for weeks at a time. It's easier to just get a case and I'll live with it if unhappy.

RalphJ · Aug 26, 2015

Yeah, lol

HEAD Penn Official · Aug 26, 2015

Just added a poll to the thread on the top of the page. "What is your favorite HEAD player on tour?" Feel free to cast your vote and discuss. Let's try to keep it to HEAD players for this one!

RalphJ · Aug 26, 2015

Gabashvili

blackpearl2007 · Aug 26, 2015

@Andy, will Head offer any racquets for a play test to the TT community? Maybe the new Prestiges?

.

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