Andy and Chris: Opinions on Head Extreme Pro

[Boricua]

I used Babolat Aeropodrive for a few years but had to switch because the racket was injuring my arm (tip of my elbow). So, recently I bought a 330 Vcore Tour 97 as the mass, flex and thin beam may help me absorb shock and vibrations better and thus protect my arm. i will begin using it this week.

I am also somewhat interested in the Head Extreme Pro 2.0, especially due to its new grommet system. But, I am a bit skeptical as it is still a stiff racket and I like to play with full poly stringbeds.

First, I would like to know if the new Extreme is much softer than the APD or is it just slightly more comfortable? In case its just a bit more comfortable I will then forget about it and only keep up with the VCORE.

Second, how does the Extreme compare with the comfort and stability that a 330 VCORE Tour 97 provides?

[TW Staff]

Originally Posted by Boricua

I used Babolat Aeropodrive for a few years but had to switch because the racket was injuring my arm (tip of my elbow). So, recently I bought a 330 Vcore Tour 97 as the mass, flex and thin beam may help me absorb shock and vibrations better and thus protect my arm. i will begin using it this week.

I am also somewhat interested in the Head Extreme Pro 2.0, especially due to its new grommet system. But, I am a bit skeptical as it is still a stiff racket and I like to play with full poly stringbeds.

First, I would like to know if the new Extreme is much softer than the APD or is it just slightly more comfortable? In case its just a bit more comfortable I will then forget about it and only keep up with the VCORE.

Second, how does the Extreme compare with the comfort and stability that a 330 VCORE Tour 97 provides?

I would say both the new AeroPro Drive and the Extreme Pro 2.0 are more comfortable than the old APD. Of the three the Extreme is the most comfortable. Though it is stiff, the grommet system helps to soften the feel and make the racquet easier on the arm.

Compared to the Yonex, the Extreme is pretty similar in terms of comfort. The Extreme has a little softer, plusher feel, but the Yonex is by no means hard on your arm.

Andy, TW

[Boricua]

Originally Posted by TW Staff

I would say both the new AeroPro Drive and the Extreme Pro 2.0 are more comfortable than the old APD. Of the three the Extreme is the most comfortable. Though it is stiff, the grommet system helps to soften the feel and make the racquet easier on the arm.

Compared to the Yonex, the Extreme is pretty similar in terms of comfort. The Extreme has a little softer, plusher feel, but the Yonex is by no means hard on your arm.

Andy, TW

Did you notice harsh vibrations in mishits with the Extreme? What string did you use with the Extreme when you playtested it and what tension? Can you suggest a string for this racket? Does the Extreme Pro cut fast through the air when swinging or is it slow? Also how does this new grommet systen in the Extreme work to make the stringbed plush? Is this racket good for modern type of strokes to generate heavy, jumpy topspin?

[TW Staff]

I found the Extreme to be quite comfortable, and definitely didn't notice any harsh vibrations from off-center shots. We have used a number of different strings in it, and I found a shaped polyester like Tourna Big Hitter Black 7 or Volkl Cyclone plays best in order to get comfort, control and spin. Not sure exactly how the technology works, but the grommet system does indeed make the racquet more plush and comfortable than the previous version. It's a great fit for a modern-style, topspin game.

Andy, TW

[Boricua]

Originally Posted by TW Staff

I found the Extreme to be quite comfortable, and definitely didn't notice any harsh vibrations from off-center shots. We have used a number of different strings in it, and I found a shaped polyester like Tourna Big Hitter Black 7 or Volkl Cyclone plays best in order to get comfort, control and spin. Not sure exactly how the technology works, but the grommet system does indeed make the racquet more plush and comfortable than the previous version. It's a great fit for a modern-style, topspin game.

Andy, TW

Would 50 be good tension in a full bed of Cyclone in the Extreme?

[TW Staff]

Originally Posted by Boricua

Would 50 be good tension in a full bed of Cyclone in the Extreme?

It would be. It will give you a lot of comfort and ball pocketing for a full bed of polyester, but you might find the ball flying a bit if you don't accelerate through your shot. Honestly though, tension is such a personal thing that the best way to find what works best for you is to try one and then adjust from there. Start at 50 lbs and see what you think of it.

Andy, TW

[Boricua]

Originally Posted by TW Staff

It would be. It will give you a lot of comfort and ball pocketing for a full bed of polyester, but you might find the ball flying a bit if you don't accelerate through your shot. Honestly though, tension is such a personal thing that the best way to find what works best for you is to try one and then adjust from there. Start at 50 lbs and see what you think of it.

Andy, TW

Finally, I was reviewing the Wilson Steam 99s video and written review. For what I''ve read, the Steam is in another level in terms of spin. Nonetheless, there are other factors to consider. So, in terms of feel, comfort, spin and overall quality how do these two rackets compare?

I like to hit with alot of spin so the Steam would be the logical choice but I am inclined toward the Extreme as it seems more arm friendly and a better overall racket. Also, cosmetically I prefer the Extreme. (should not be the main reason)

Unfortunately, I cant demo (as I live in the most beautiful island in the world Puerto Rico), so I have to go along with TW reviews and my gut instinct.

[TW Staff]

Originally Posted by Boricua

Finally, I was reviewing the Wilson Steam 99s video and written review. For what I''ve read, the Steam is in another level in terms of spin. Nonetheless, there are other factors to consider. So, in terms of feel, comfort, spin and overall quality how do these two rackets compare?

I like to hit with alot of spin so the Steam would be the logical choice but I am inclined toward the Extreme as it seems more arm friendly and a better overall racket. Also, cosmetically I prefer the Extreme. (should not be the main reason)

Unfortunately, I cant demo (as I live in the most beautiful island in the world Puerto Rico), so I have to go along with TW reviews and my gut instinct.

Both good racquets, but the Steam is in another world in terms of spin. The amount you can generate is off the charts, and unlike anything else you've ever hit. There is even a bit of an adjustment period to it too as you get used to it.

I would say it's just slightly stiffer feeling than the Extreme, but not much. The Extreme has a little better feel than the Steam. For me, I'd go with the Extreme over the Steam, but two of our playtesters have actually switched to the Steam as their racquet of choice. If you play with a lot of topspin, it really is a gamechanger.

Andy, TW

[Boricua]

Originally Posted by TW Staff

Both good racquets, but the Steam is in another world in terms of spin. The amount you can generate is off the charts, and unlike anything else you've ever hit. There is even a bit of an adjustment period to it too as you get used to it.

I would say it's just slightly stiffer feeling than the Extreme, but not much. The Extreme has a little better feel than the Steam. For me, I'd go with the Extreme over the Steam, but two of our playtesters have actually switched to the Steam as their racquet of choice. If you play with a lot of topspin, it really is a gamechanger.

Andy, TW

Why do you prefer the Extreme over the Steam?

I suppose the Steam should be good for spin but that very open string pattern could affect control I suppose. Some people have said that they hit great winners with the extra topspin generated but then have more unforced errors due to the extra open string pattern.
I think that the Extreme could be a better all around racket where I can get good spin, good control and a plush hit. But, it would be interesting to try the Steam 99 S sometimes. who knows. I will keep reading reviews and make my choice. Thanks.