HEAD Penn Official

Winners or Errors · Aug 31, 2015

I play at about 5500'. There's no way to really compensate for the thin air. Playing at sea level, I am always shocked by how much spin affects the ball. It's not 5000'.

HEAD Penn Official · Aug 31, 2015

naturallight said:
Hi Andy, for the "high altitude" Penn balls, what specific altitude are they calibrated for (so the feel would be equivalent to playing at low altitude with a regular ball)? 3000 ft? 5000 ft?

Penn HA are recommended for 4000ft and higher per ITF specifications.

HEAD Penn Official · Aug 31, 2015

Winners or Errors said:
Andy. Simple question. What did Head do to the new Graphene XT Extreme Pro to improve upon the first version? IG's are still on the market. The first Graphene Extreme Pro is heavily discounted. Why should I buy it instead?

The Graphene XT is 30% stronger than the YouTek Graphene this allows us to make the racquet 20% lighter but with the equivalent swing weight which allows you have a faster racquet with the same weight behind the ball.

I would try a demo and see what you think.
Check out the TW review and they speak on the differences between the two frames in their review as well.
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Reviews/HXTEP/HXTEPReview.html

Scribbles · Aug 31, 2015

Hi Andy,

First, I wanted to thank you for keeping us connected and updated with Head. I was wondering if there is discussion or information about the GrapheneXT Radical Pro coming standard with the cap grommet already installed, like the Youtek IG Radical Pro. What was the thought process behind making the cap grommet optional with the Graphene Radical Pro? When you install the optional cap grommet onto the GRP, it really increases the swing weight and messes with the balance since you're adding 20 grams to the head of the racquet. I thought the cap grommet being on the Youtek IG Radical Pro was received very well by customers, and personally I think Head should put cap grommets on all their racquets haha. Thanks for any information you can provide.

TR3NT · Aug 31, 2015

Scribbles said:
Hi Andy,

First, I wanted to thank you for keeping us connected and updated with Head. I was wondering if there is discussion or information about the GrapheneXT Radical Pro coming standard with the cap grommet already installed, like the Youtek IG Radical Pro. What was the thought process behind making the cap grommet optional with the Graphene Radical Pro? When you install the optional cap grommet onto the GRP, it really increases the swing weight and messes with the balance since you're adding 20 grams to the head of the racquet. I thought the cap grommet being on the Youtek IG Radical Pro was received very well by customers, and personally I think Head should put cap grommets on all their racquets haha. Thanks for any information you can provide.

Agreed with Scribbles, cap grommets should come standard, or atleast optional for all head racquets.

Zoolander · Sep 1, 2015

vantageboy said:
go back to making softer flex prestiges( 60 and under ra).....

Andy, i'm with vantageboy, sought of. Stiffer racquets have their advantages up to a point, i think around 66-68RA. After that i find no more advantages, just bad-feeling arm-jolting stiffness and discomfort. Why manufacturers make racquets above 70RA stiffness i cant understand.

racket king · Sep 1, 2015

What's the deal with Head Butt Caps and the Sony Sensor at the moment?

Yonex and Wilson have got their act together and have made compatible butt caps available but why is Head not doing the same?

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/sea...&opt_page=1&opt_sort=alphaAtoZ&opt_perpage=20

DonDiego · Sep 1, 2015

Seriously, who's the girl on the right?

Sander001 said:
Is that the new Radical?

HEAD Penn Official · Sep 1, 2015

racket king said:
What's the deal with Head Butt Caps and the Sony Sensor at the moment?

Yonex and Wilson have got their act together and have made compatible butt caps available but why is Head not doing the same?

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/sea...&opt_page=1&opt_sort=alphaAtoZ&opt_perpage=20

Wilson has a contract with Sony to sell their smart sensor. At this point we have made sure the Graphene XT line of racquets (Extremes pending) are compatible with the Sony Smart sensor. You can purchase the adaptable buttcap from Sony's website.

HEAD Penn Official · Sep 1, 2015

Scribbles said:
Hi Andy,

First, I wanted to thank you for keeping us connected and updated with Head. I was wondering if there is discussion or information about the GrapheneXT Radical Pro coming standard with the cap grommet already installed, like the Youtek IG Radical Pro. What was the thought process behind making the cap grommet optional with the Graphene Radical Pro? When you install the optional cap grommet onto the GRP, it really increases the swing weight and messes with the balance since you're adding 20 grams to the head of the racquet. I thought the cap grommet being on the Youtek IG Radical Pro was received very well by customers, and personally I think Head should put cap grommets on all their racquets haha. Thanks for any information you can provide.

I will mention the CAP grommet idea on the Pro to the product manager. I don't have any information available about any new Radicals at this time. When I do I will pass it along on this thread so stay tuned...

HEAD Penn Official · Sep 1, 2015

Gasquet outlasts Kokkinakis in a 5 setter!
Stay tuned to watch Murray take on Kyrgios under the lights tonight.

Berdych, Karlovic, Youzhny, Haase also advance on the men's side for team HEAD.

tennis1111 · Sep 2, 2015

How come you don't make sponsorship with Karlovic for clothes also?

Irvin · Sep 2, 2015

DonDiego said:
Seriously, who's the girl on the right?

My guess is she's a model. If she plays tennis she doesn't play in those shoes she has on.

naturallight · Sep 2, 2015

HEAD Penn Official said:
Penn HA are recommended for 4000ft and higher per ITF specifications.

Got it, thanks. On some of your marketing materials it says 3500ft and higher.

If I could give some feedback here--I play at 5500 ft and the Penn high-altitude balls are simply too hard, way way harder out of the can than Penn regular balls at low altitude. High-altitude tennis is already a pretty fast game due to the thin air, and playing with rock hard bouncy balls only compounds the problem.

Looking at this list of city altitudes (http://www.altimeters.net/cityaltitudes.html), if I were designing a “high altitude” ball, I would calibrate it for at least 5000ft and more likely 5500ft to better match up with the major high altitude cities in the Rockies. Designing a “high altitude” ball for 3500-4000ft doesn’t really make sense—other than Billings the “high altitude” cities are generally higher than this.

And even if you’re in Billings (3600’) or SLC (4200’) or Reno (4400’) playing with a 5500’ calibrated ball, you’re not going to mind because it will be nice and soft and slow things down. Meanwhile everyone in Denver (5800’), Albuquerque (5400’), Wyoming, and other parts of Utah are buying you out of stock.

Thanks for reading Andy!

HEAD Penn Official · Sep 2, 2015

naturallight said:
Got it, thanks. On some of your marketing materials it says 3500ft and higher.

If I could give some feedback here--I play at 5500 ft and the Penn high-altitude balls are simply too hard, way way harder out of the can than Penn regular balls at low altitude. High-altitude tennis is already a pretty fast game due to the thin air, and playing with rock hard bouncy balls only compounds the problem.

Looking at this list of city altitudes (http://www.altimeters.net/cityaltitudes.html), if I were designing a “high altitude” ball, I would calibrate it for at least 5000ft and more likely 5500ft to better match up with the major high altitude cities in the Rockies. Designing a “high altitude” ball for 3500-4000ft doesn’t really make sense—other than Billings the “high altitude” cities are generally higher than this.

And even if you’re in Billings (3600’) or SLC (4200’) or Reno (4400’) playing with a 5500’ calibrated ball, you’re not going to mind because it will be nice and soft and slow things down. Meanwhile everyone in Denver (5800’), Albuquerque (5400’), Wyoming, and other parts of Utah are buying you out of stock.

Thanks for reading Andy!

This is some great feedback! Although we base the standards off the ITF I can pass your comments along to the product manager.

When I played in Colorado in college our altitude was 4,600ft roughly and it was tough getting used to it because Phoenix is only 1,100ft. We played at Air Force Academy a few times and its 6,000ft down there so it definitely takes some getting used to. I know after college it was awesome getting to play back at 1,100ft again!

HEAD Penn Official · Sep 2, 2015

Clilic is through today and Novak is on tonight!

RalphJ · Sep 2, 2015

Using their trusty Graphene racquets!

SFrazeur · Sep 3, 2015

Just wanted to pop-in and congratulate Head for having on representative on the forum to answer and address questions.

Trashy Giraffe · Sep 3, 2015

Thanks for being here Andy! Do you play like Andy Murray?

HEAD Penn Official · Sep 3, 2015

Trashy Giraffe said:
Thanks for being here Andy! Do you play like Andy Murray?

Well on my best day....no! But thank you for the comment haha

RalphJ · Sep 3, 2015

Andy, could Head Custom Made offer more options - like Non Graphene (maybe they could call it traditional compound vs modern compound), 98" head size in the Speed Mold, adjust stiffness rating, adjust flex areas in the racquet (ex less flex in throat, more flex in head), XT pj or custom made pj?

srvnvly · Sep 3, 2015

Welcomes and thank you for being part of the forum! Question on handle shapes across different lines, how come they're different? I wish the Rad Pro had the Speed handle shape. I know you can muck with it and change it, but it would be nice in stock form.

sma1001 · Sep 4, 2015

HEAD Penn Official said:
HEAD does carry a HEAD Classic line of frames which is the MG Radical MP/OS at the moment.

Hi Andy - any reason these aren't being sold in the UK, or on TWE (TW Europe)?

HEAD Penn Official · Sep 4, 2015

sma1001 said:
Hi Andy - any reason these aren't being sold in the UK, or on TWE (TW Europe)?

You can check out TW's international shipping policies and see if they can help you out.

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/twint/orderinginfo.html

@TW Staff can help you out with this if you are interested.

HEAD Penn Official · Sep 4, 2015

Have a great long weekend everyone. Happy hitting!

smirker · Sep 4, 2015

sma1001 said:
Hi Andy - any reason these aren't being sold in the UK, or on TWE (TW Europe)?

I had a mint MG Rad Pro I let go for £25 recently. You could have had that!

TW Staff · Sep 4, 2015

@sma1001,

We can ship Head racquets to Europe. I am not sure the official reason but it doesn't look like the racquets are available in Europe at this time. If you post in the Europe Questions/Comments section, they may be able to ask over there for you!

Thanks,
Brittany, TW

Jswan · Sep 4, 2015

Any chance of making more interesting tennis bags? In my opinion, the "Tour Team" series of bags feel like "Table Tennis". When it comes to my tennis, I want to walk out onto the court and have a Head tennis bag that looks like I'm a champion.

EasternRocks · Sep 5, 2015

Is it possible to pay for pro-stock frames? Who do you contact if its an option to the public?

Muppet · Sep 5, 2015

Hi Andy. Welcome. My question pertains to Graphene and how it compares to Piezoelectric fibers and d30. I noticed that the Graphene Radical MP and the Graphene XT Extreme Pro have gotten away from d30 while the Graphene Speed MP is still using both graphene and d30.

I used to have an LM Radical OS that I added an extra grip to, to size the handle and give me a more HL balance. The problem with that was the PE fibers seemed to be very sensitive with the new balance and sent a lot more shock to injure and re-injure my wrist. The question I have is whether or not the graphene elements in the newer racquets stiffen the racquet more with harder degrees of impact? If they only add structural integrity that would be great. I really liked the feel of my Radical when I wasn't hitting pace.

RalphJ · Sep 5, 2015

Edited

Arvid · Sep 6, 2015

Hi Andy! Thanks for putting up this thread. Is Head phasing out the prestige line? It seems so with non of the top names endorsing the line. I think this would be a big mistake, the prestige line for many years has been what clearly defines a head raquet from another brand. That doesnt mean the line couldnt evolve with new types of raquets, the speeds for example with their paintjobs and name doesnt raise the heartbeat of most consumers could have been prestiges with capgrommets and nice classic prestige paintjobs, i imagine would have done much better then the speeds. But i get it the speeds are here to stay of course....so maybe at least capgrommets for more head models like others have suggested here....

Macro80 · Sep 6, 2015

Is there any news on the next Radical? I still have IG Rad Pros as to be honest Head completely butchered the new model.

leohaegger · Sep 6, 2015

Andy, is Stepanek using Graphene Prestige in USOpen?

Antónis · Sep 6, 2015

Hi Andy

Nice to have official help from the brands here

I have a tricky one for you: this are two of my old Head rackets, I cannot play with them because the bumpers are long gone, and I can't find new ones

It's a Graphite Radial and a Comp Pro

Can you help me refurbish this old ladies?

Thanks in advance

RSB · Sep 8, 2015

Hello Andy,

Do you know where we can find the Head Calfskin Leather Grip? Also, what about the reel of Head Gravity? Btw, it's a great string, congratulations for the improvement on the strings area.

Thank you!

rydernj · Sep 8, 2015

Hi Andy,

My guy is telling me the new Graphene Radical line will be out around the end of this week. Does that sound right to you?

Also, I also think Cap grommets should be available on the Radicals or at least optional (I'm aware I can purchase them separately but it would be nice not to have to and then install them). Radical Pro is was great change for me as I was looking to get something slightly lighter and with slightly more power than the Prestige - obviously you have to adjust for the control.

ProPenn Marathon Extra Duty are the best I've used - they hold up well and keep the pop longer. You play with these and wonder how in the world Wilson sells their garbage tennis balls that fuzz up after 4 games. Penn balls are much better all around.

Anorthosi1911 · Sep 8, 2015

Hey Andy,
I need help choosing between the youtek extreme mp 2.0, graphene speed mp or instinct mp. I am an all around player that generates my own power and spin.

ushynoti · Sep 8, 2015

HEAD Penn Official said:
Current Racquet:
Graphene Prestige Rev Pro grip 3 with Gravity hybrid string at 55lbs.

Andy, I'm wondering how you compare the Graphene Prestige Rev Pro with the K Blade Tour, I'm interested in a 93 sq. in. head size but with a 16x19 string bed and this seems like it fits that, but it seems like it's supposedly a little hollow/tinny in feel, which is definitely not what I want, can you confirm? Will Head be potentially coming out with this frame but in a heavier version?

RalphJ · Sep 8, 2015

The GPRP has a whole lot of potential, but is infected with the graphene philosophy.

HEAD Penn Official · Sep 9, 2015

Jswan said:
Any chance of making more interesting tennis bags? In my opinion, the "Tour Team" series of bags feel like "Table Tennis". When it comes to my tennis, I want to walk out onto the court and have a Head tennis bag that looks like I'm a champion.

Then may I suggest the Djokovic Monstercombi? Since he is the no.1 player in the world.
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Head_Djokovic_Series_Tennis_Bags/descpageBGHEAD-HDSB1512.html

HEAD Penn Official · Sep 9, 2015

Arvid said:
Hi Andy! Thanks for putting up this thread. Is Head phasing out the prestige line? It seems so with non of the top names endorsing the line. I think this would be a big mistake, the prestige line for many years has been what clearly defines a head raquet from another brand. That doesnt mean the line couldnt evolve with new types of raquets, the speeds for example with their paintjobs and name doesnt raise the heartbeat of most consumers could have been prestiges with capgrommets and nice classic prestige paintjobs, i imagine would have done much better then the speeds. But i get it the speeds are here to stay of course....so maybe at least capgrommets for more head models like others have suggested here....

Rest assured the Prestige silo is not going anywhere. Cilic, Simon, Garcia-Lopez to name a few are all HEAD players that endorse the Prestige.

HEAD Penn Official · Sep 9, 2015

leohaegger said:
Andy, is Stepanek using Graphene Prestige in USOpen?

Yes, Stepanek does endorse the Prestige line.

HEAD Penn Official · Sep 9, 2015

Macro80 said:
Is there any news on the next Radical? I still have IG Rad Pros as to be honest Head completely butchered the new model.

rydernj said:
Hi Andy,

My guy is telling me the new Graphene Radical line will be out around the end of this week. Does that sound right to you?

Also, I also think Cap grommets should be available on the Radicals or at least optional (I'm aware I can purchase them separately but it would be nice not to have to and then install them). Radical Pro is was great change for me as I was looking to get something slightly lighter and with slightly more power than the Prestige - obviously you have to adjust for the control.

ProPenn Marathon Extra Duty are the best I've used - they hold up well and keep the pop longer. You play with these and wonder how in the world Wilson sells their garbage tennis balls that fuzz up after 4 games. Penn balls are much better all around.

I don't have any news on these. I know that there's nothing releasing this week. The cap grommets aren't for everyone that is why we offer them separately. Thank you for sticking with HEAD and Penn!

HEAD Penn Official · Sep 9, 2015

Anorthosi1911 said:
Hey Andy,
I need help choosing between the youtek extreme mp 2.0, graphene speed mp or instinct mp. I am an all around player that generates my own power and spin.

What are you using at the moment? I suggest demoing any frames you wish to try and see what works best. The new Graphene XT Extreme MPAs are a nice frame.

HEAD Penn Official · Sep 9, 2015

ushynoti said:
Andy, I'm wondering how you compare the Graphene Prestige Rev Pro with the K Blade Tour, I'm interested in a 93 sq. in. head size but with a 16x19 string bed and this seems like it fits that, but it seems like it's supposedly a little hollow/tinny in feel, which is definitely not what I want, can you confirm? Will Head be potentially coming out with this frame but in a heavier version?

Funny you ask that. Before the Prestige Rev Pro I was using the K Blade Tour. The Blade is pretty heavy and it was fine when I was playing 5 days a week competitively I could handle it. However, switching to the Rev Pro was perfect because the lighter weight which is easier on the arm. I actually would have preferred the Prestige Rev Pro back in college because of the pop you can get on the ball. I have not had that issue with the ones I use I would suggest demoing some and see what you think. We do have the Prestige Pro/MP that are heavier but 98 sq in. Sticking with the Rev Pro you can always lead it up, I know there are some great threads on here that offer assistance in that. It is something you have to experiment with and see what works for you.

HEAD Penn Official · Sep 9, 2015

RSB said:
Hello Andy,

Do you know where we can find the Head Calfskin Leather Grip? Also, what about the reel of Head Gravity? Btw, it's a great string, congratulations for the improvement on the strings area.

Thank you!

Leather Tour grips-
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Head_Leather_Tour_Replacement_Grip/descpageHEAD-HLTRG.html

I don't see the Gravity reels on TW website. Maybe they can special order for you?
@TW Staff

HEAD Penn Official · Sep 9, 2015

Antónis said:
Hi Andy

Nice to have official help from the brands here

I have a tricky one for you: this are two of my old Head rackets, I cannot play with them because the bumpers are long gone, and I can't find new ones

It's a Graphite Radial and a Comp Pro

Can you help me refurbish this old ladies?

Thanks in advance

Looked at my inventory and unfortunately I do not have stock in grommet sets for these classics. There are some guys that specialize in acquiring grommets for older racquets online however. Might have some luck there. Wish I could be of more help!

HEAD Penn Official · Sep 9, 2015

srvnvly said:
Welcomes and thank you for being part of the forum! Question on handle shapes across different lines, how come they're different? I wish the Rad Pro had the Speed handle shape. I know you can muck with it and change it, but it would be nice in stock form.

The Radical/Prestige silo have the traditional HEAD rectangular shape. The Speed/Instinct/Extreme silos have the "rounded" shape.

HEAD Penn Official · Sep 9, 2015

Muppet said:
Hi Andy. Welcome. My question pertains to Graphene and how it compares to Piezoelectric fibers and d30. I noticed that the Graphene Radical MP and the Graphene XT Extreme Pro have gotten away from d30 while the Graphene Speed MP is still using both graphene and d30.

I used to have an LM Radical OS that I added an extra grip to, to size the handle and give me a more HL balance. The problem with that was the PE fibers seemed to be very sensitive with the new balance and sent a lot more shock to injure and re-injure my wrist. The question I have is whether or not the graphene elements in the newer racquets stiffen the racquet more with harder degrees of impact? If they only add structural integrity that would be great. I really liked the feel of my Radical when I wasn't hitting pace.

There is not d30 in any of the Graphene racquets. In my experience the Graphene racquets are easy on the arm but everyone out there has their own opinion. My suggestion would be to demo a few of the new racquets and see how they work for you!

HEAD Penn Official

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