HitMoreBHs
Professional
Dude, I was being facetious about the 22 inch beam width (as was La Pavoni - “550mm of power..”)!
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Head Gravity
- Thread starter Liam Grennon
- Start date
Dude, I was being facetious about the 22 inch beam width (as was La Pavoni - “550mm of power..”)!
It's not just about a PJ that customes like, but what also acts as a clear advert on the court. Everyone is basically taking a page out of Babolot's book in terms of marketing. A clear color scheme associated with a racquet line. Dunlop has essentially stolen this entire concept with color and only offering 3 racquet lines: Control, Spin, Force = Strike, Aero, Drive.
I think Head has maybe two racquet lines too much. But their approach is not about being super distinct like Babolat (we will only make stiff power racquets!). They take a wider approach grabbing smaller bites of every part of the market. Beyond that, the calling card is flexibility and softness. This, too, is pretty smart, but also subtle. It's something I only learned after hurting my arm with a Pure Aero. To that end, they are landing on a color scheme that makes their lines easily distinguishable, not only online or in the shop, but also on the court. Again, another page out of Babolat's book.
Red - Prestige
Orange - Radical
White - Speed
Yellow - Extreme
Blue - Instinct
The Gravity line is the only one that doesn't adhere to this system for some reason. I don't hate the PJ of the Gravity line. In fact, I think it's better than the Extreme, Radical (what we've seen) and Inscinct lines.
From a branding perspective, I think I'd drop the Instinct all together. It's the least remarkable of the lines, at least to date. The Extreme isn't that unique either, but it's a well-made racquet.
I think Head has maybe two racquet lines too much. But their approach is not about being super distinct like Babolat (we will only make stiff power racquets!). They take a wider approach grabbing smaller bites of every part of the market. Beyond that, the calling card is flexibility and softness. This, too, is pretty smart, but also subtle. It's something I only learned after hurting my arm with a Pure Aero. To that end, they are landing on a color scheme that makes their lines easily distinguishable, not only online or in the shop, but also on the court. Again, another page out of Babolat's book.
Red - Prestige
Orange - Radical
White - Speed
Yellow - Extreme
Blue - Instinct
The Gravity line is the only one that doesn't adhere to this system for some reason. I don't hate the PJ of the Gravity line. In fact, I think it's better than the Extreme, Radical (what we've seen) and Inscinct lines.
From a branding perspective, I think I'd drop the Instinct all together. It's the least remarkable of the lines, at least to date. The Extreme isn't that unique either, but it's a well-made racquet.
On the topic of strung vs unstrung swingweight I found this (scroll down to the table)
tennisnerd.net
Pro player racquets - the tennis racquets actually used by the tennis pros
People often wonder about pro player racquets, meaning what racquets pro tennis players use, are they the same as you and I can buy in the store? The answer is often no, pro players endorse the latest racquet models but use something different. Often called a pro stock racquet with a paint job.
tennisnerd.net
HitMoreBHs
Professional
On the topic of strung vs unstrung swingweight I found this (scroll down to the table)
Pro player racquets - the tennis racquets actually used by the tennis pros
People often wonder about pro player racquets, meaning what racquets pro tennis players use, are they the same as you and I can buy in the store? The answer is often no, pro players endorse the latest racquet models but use something different. Often called a pro stock racquet with a paint job.
It's also interesting to note that a lot of the present day pros use racquets 5pts HL (32.7mm) or less. Hanging out here on TTW, you'd think the proper way to use a "player's racquet" is to tailweight it so that it's a more traditional 8-10pts HL. With the decline of S&V, and big baseline bashing the norm these days, there appears to be much less need for such headlight setups.
Whether the lower swingweights used by the next gen players is a factor for why they still can't beat the old guard... well, the debate rages on. The physics are pretty convincing though. 350 SW does allow for balls to be hit with a much higher combination of spin and speed than a 320 SW stick.
The Radical is a old school spin/well rounded racquet which allows reasonable control due to how they placed the 16x19 strings. The Gravity Pro/Tour is a 18x20 which still allows reasonable spin. From the racquets you seem to like it might be the right fit. I would try it if it is an option. If the Gravity MP is still where you are leaning then at least try the Speed MP.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
its not the racquet. Its mental. The older players have more experience and can handle pressure situations better as a result.
Low swingweight is way down the list of reasons a younger pro player still struggles with some of the best players in history (nadal,fed,djoker).
The mental part of the game means so much more than being nervous playing someone who might be your idol. Experience of shots helps. Relaxing and not being tense. Being disciplined. Eating well and conditioning enough. Not staying out all night. The ability to work on swings for the millionth time trying to find a better way. Finding the flaw in the game of someone who has been playing at such a high level for over twenty years.
Look at Novak Djokovic(took 8 years to to hit #1). I watched him live a few times around 2007-2009. It was obvious he was naturally talented, but unfocused, undisciplined(seemed like he enjoyed the lifestyle more than the game) and lacked enough conditioning.(basically he would lose if bored or if his tank ran empty) He had always leaned on his natural talent.(which is quite high) He changed his diet and started to take things seriously a few years later. Murray is kind of the opposite, but took conditioning seriously early on. Well focused.(11 years) Federer had a great balance of both.(6 years) Agassi(9 years)... Early on he was insanely talented, but took awhile for him to get the disciplined side.
For many of the players reaching the Pros is like going off to college. Some students stay disciplined other go a little wild. It takes quite an amazing mix to reach number one and regularly beat the current top players.
EpitomeOfAwesome
Semi-Pro
I have been recommended the Speed MP.
In fact, I have tried the demo from my local tennis store and didn't like it all. It felt way too metallic on contact with the ball. Could be the strings, though.
Not sure how it was strung, but historically the speed line kinda leaves me feeling that way... the Speed MP 360+ I played well with, but it was not as enjoyable experience. I prefer the Gravity Pro, but MP to MP... difficult for me to pick which is really the better racquet. Babolat Pure Drive 2021 looks interesting as well, but I doubt it will beat the Gravity Pro. I prefer heavy racquets and always have. Makes one play efficiently. Helps me relax...I will play with a lighter racquet, but just feels like so much wasted energy. You have to have near perfect timing. I like having a little extra room for slight errors or the ability to hit good defensive shots.
I think the energy wasted playing next gen style is part of the reason they have trouble facing ultra efficient modern day players.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
The Pd21 actually saves me some energy. It plays heavier than it specs out, if that makes any sense. I have added a couple grams of lead to the tip, but thats all it needed for me.
I've been trying out some strings in the GPro:
RS Lyon and the hybrid were the worst, at least for my game.
- RPM 1.25
- Hyper G 1.25
- Alu Power 1.25
- RS Lyon 1.25
- Lynx Tour 1.25
- Solinco Confidential 1.20, 1.25
- NXT/Alu Power 1.30/1.25
- Wilson Revolve Spin 1.25
RS Lyon and the hybrid were the worst, at least for my game.
how is the comfort on confidential compared to the hyper g in the gpro?
I would say similar. I have a big serve and only get arm issues from off centre hits. My arm felt more soar when playing with hyper g, but that could be because I was playing hyper g outdoors and confidential indoors. I went for 1.20 because some extra power, bite and comfort wouldn’t hurt compared to 1.25. Also, looks way better in gravity than the green does
J-Wildcard
Semi-Pro
Has anyone hit or seen the Head Microgel Radical Pro? The reason I mention this is I got one recently and the specs and design of the frame look very similar to this one, the beam width is also 20mm it is 315 weight unstrung and has the same unusual teardrop head shape and size at 100cm, although the radical is 16/19 pattern so not the same but does have a very soft flexy feel so not unlike this. I find with the radical pro maneuverability is an issue, it is solid to hit with. I am really keen to try a gravity pro but am concerned about that lack of maneuverability which is why I also go back to old faithful (youtek prestige mp)
guilhermefdc
Semi-Pro
I have two lying around here, Haven’t hit with them in ages - one of them doesn’t even have a cushion grip. I’ll try to get one strung next Friday and play a little bit on Sunday to see how it compares.
From why I can remember, the MGRP was less stable, hit a heavier ball and had about the same levels of spin. Will check on it, though....
J-Wildcard
Semi-Pro
I will look forward to hearing how you got on. I always used a head I radical intelligence MP which I think was a fantastic racket but was always in the shadow of its big brother (the I prestige intelligence MP) it had a special feel to it and was easier to use as it was if course in that radical range I guess aimed at the slightly less big swinging player. Obviously with reduced static frame weight and the head heavy balance it offered some great qualities but I always felt when using new balls it felt like it got slightly pushed around and on the returns and against heavier hitters and the prestige offered that bit more security and stability and control for sure with the more even balance letting you do the work and be the master of your own destiny more.
guilhermefdc
Semi-Pro
I also have an i.Radical MP around here - want me to try and string it as well? I’m thinking about going Grey Fire on all of them, but I’m open to suggestions.
I kinda don’t want to waste my Element right now - our currency has lost A LOT of value due to COVID and prices are literally double what they were earlier this year. And restringing 2 racquets every 10 days with Element ends up rather expensive. I’m experimenting with the 360+ PMP to see if it helps to save some strings...
J-Wildcard
Semi-Pro
I have just had another look, my microgel radical pro feels a bit heavy, it's stock weight is over spec which is always annoying as it's weighing in at about 342g strung with overgrip. Balance is 320, I've got a liquid metal radical tour thats a whopping 356g strung weight and that is fine maneuverability wise. But it's balance is also even like the prestige. I am slightly concerned with switching up to a 100 head size though as I understand it the head frames were always smaller regarding the 98 being 95 on the older models though I have read that the latest prestige is indeed a true 98 standard now (not measuring 95 like the past issues)
Head Gravity 100inch a bit smaller than 100inch?
J-Wildcard
Semi-Pro
Has the gravity pro got the same paint finish as the 360 radical pro & 360 speed pro? It looks similar on the pics but I've not held a gravity yet but I have strung a rad Pro and speed pro up over the summer.
guilhermefdc
Semi-Pro
Kinda. The Speed Pro has a little bit of glossy finish and some of the carbon fibers exposed. Gravity is a solid matte everywhere (and a great one, quality wise). I can’t remember the Radicals for sure, but I think they are kinda si ilar to the Gravity (I do not Remember glossy parts on it)
Ok, so now I've got some mileage on my modified Gravity MP Lite (a whole package of TW's Tungsten putty in the handle, a leather grip and about 3g each at 2 and 10 under the bumper).
And I really, really have to say this stick works perfectly for my game. I've played with dozens of racquets over the years, mainly from Prince (EXO Tour 100, Tour 95), Head (18x20 Radicals, Prestiges), Wilson (18x20 Blades), and Fischer (various). All have their strengths (and weaknesses), and of course I'm just a rec player with little time on my hand to work on my biggest weaknesses (footwork, consistency, concentration).
BUT the Gravity does help masking my deficiencies like no other frame I've used so far. The feel is comfortable (it flexes in the right spots), the spin and power are easily accessible, control is good. The big sweetspot helps on my return, and after some adjustments on my serve it's going over "with interest". But most importantly, I can make shots when in a tight spot that I can't make with the other racquets as easily. All I now need is the willpower to stick to this racquet (and not go shopping for yet another one). It really is that good for me personally.
And I really, really have to say this stick works perfectly for my game. I've played with dozens of racquets over the years, mainly from Prince (EXO Tour 100, Tour 95), Head (18x20 Radicals, Prestiges), Wilson (18x20 Blades), and Fischer (various). All have their strengths (and weaknesses), and of course I'm just a rec player with little time on my hand to work on my biggest weaknesses (footwork, consistency, concentration).
BUT the Gravity does help masking my deficiencies like no other frame I've used so far. The feel is comfortable (it flexes in the right spots), the spin and power are easily accessible, control is good. The big sweetspot helps on my return, and after some adjustments on my serve it's going over "with interest". But most importantly, I can make shots when in a tight spot that I can't make with the other racquets as easily. All I now need is the willpower to stick to this racquet (and not go shopping for yet another one). It really is that good for me personally.
mhkeuns
Hall of Fame
Have been thoroughly enjoying my Gravity Pro. What an awesome frame that has both power and control, not to mention its awesome spin potential. It, to me, is the best offering from Head right now. I even prefer it over the Prestige MP, which usually is my favorite playing stick from Head’s line up. .
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I would love to get one under spec. SW under 330.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
why does Rublev like this racket so much ? i was told this racket was total garbage.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
Head Graphene 360+ Gravity MP Racquet
www.tennis-warehouse.com
mhkeuns
Hall of Fame
Really? I love the Gravity Pro. It’s one of very few frames that I really clicked from Head in recent years. Can’t imagine people calling the Gravity Pro a garbage, it is a great stick, imo.
Agreed. It may not be for everyone, but it's not garbage.
HitMoreBHs
Professional
Was the person who told you that, also the same one who told you that sales of the Gravity racquets tanked? In my opinion, I wouldn't put much stock in his/her opinion; but of course my opinion is worth to you exactly what you paid for it, which is to say nothing.
Weirdly, like some other TTW member who is obsessed with H22 racquets, you both seem to like hanging out on HEAD threads discussing garbage. Have at it.
megamind
Legend
Another match of controlled ball bashing , with some occasional finishing at the net (got the job done, even if it was awkward some times)
Before a bicep/elbow injury caused a racquet change, I was a Pure Driver.
Comparing the two:
Defense
- Pure Drive wins here easily imo
- Its easy power + high launch angle allowed me to get out of tricky situations
- There are times where I just don’t get enough on the ball with the Gravity when I’m scrambling, and I just know the PD would be so good in that moment
Offense
- Gravity wins because I feel like I can swing harder without worrying about overhitting, and I can hit the corners more easily
- Also better at the net
, with some occasional finishing at the net (got the job done, even if it was awkward some times)
Before a bicep/elbow injury caused a racquet change, I was a Pure Driver.
Comparing the two:
Defense
- Pure Drive wins here easily imo
- Its easy power + high launch angle allowed me to get out of tricky situations
- There are times where I just don’t get enough on the ball with the Gravity when I’m scrambling, and I just know the PD would be so good in that moment
Offense
- Gravity wins because I feel like I can swing harder without worrying about overhitting, and I can hit the corners more easily
- Also better at the net
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Totally get it, but the Babolat line of racquets is either for young people who have the strength and flexibilty to get away with stiffness or older players who take half-swings and need extra power. If you're inbetween those two demos and have fast, long swings, these racquets will eventually get you. I supposed you could string them up with a multi or syngut, but then the ball just catapults. Totally admit, I'd love to be able to play with these, but my elbow and forearm can't handle it.
DJTaurus
Hall of Fame
Gravity Tour > Pro! More power, a lot better maneuverability, heavy ball hitting and serving bombs. Honestly i can’t find a reason to prefer pro.... it’s so demanding that becomes pointless to me. You only get a little more solidness and plush feel. Gravity tour is the real blade 16x19 alternative on heads line of racquets while prestige 360+ mp is the 18x20 competitor. Seriously i am very curious why it’s all about gravity pro on Talk Tennis and not about tour....
GPro is more demanding, not doubt.
but once you can swing it, it is so much easier to:
- place the ball where you want
- crush the ball
I was as well positively surprised that volley is easier with GPro than with GTour.
smalahove
Hall of Fame
And when it comes to touch and feel, there's no comparison. The Pro wins hands down.
I actually prefer the Pro over the MP+, Mid+ and the PT 2.0 in those departments.
The one thing I would have loved to try, is a Pro in 97 or 98 sq in size, with a 16x20 or 16x19 pattern, but perhaps the new Rad Pro can fill that place.
And to be clear, the MP+ (or Mid+ or PT 2.0) isn't that racket.
Pro Tour 2.0 is almost the answer
except that it is 18x20
and the sweet spot is smaller
but if you manage to hit the sweet spot -> oh boy!
smalahove
Hall of Fame
Pro Tour 2.0 is almost the answer
except that it is 18x20
and the sweet spot is smaller
but if you manage to hit the sweet spot -> oh boy!
I actually like the rounder shape of the Pro beam and the TK82S pallet as well.
The PT with its hefty SW (at least on the one I had) paired with tight pattern and firm string setup demands full throttle all the time for me at least.
And even when I was on, and could hit the sweet zone pretty consistently, esp on the FH, the pace came with low trajectory and lack of depth.
I love the Tour. It's my primary stick, and agree with your description.
My fascination with the Pro is the feel. Having only come back to tennis this past year after 20+ years away from the game, it's the one racquet that just stuck in my brain. But yes, the weight is challenging.
I actually regret a little bit not buying the Pro over Tour. If TW could match me one with under 300 SW unstrung, ill handle it no problem.
I don't regret buying the Tour. It's my base racquet. I'm just considering adding the Pro. I also have a Clash 98 but am considering putting that one in the closet. All that said, this is why I'm curious about string gauge affecting SW. Let's say I find a GPro with a 331/330 SW and an 18 gauge string (co-poly) can drop that by a couple of points to 327...
Try Technifibre Triax string. Its good string and it weights 4 gr less compared to my Gut 1.3mm/Poly 1.25mm setup. This will decrese SW 4-6 points.
I dont. I tried first Triax 1.28mm in my Tour just to check string and i have to put 2gr on 12. With my usual Gut/Poly it adds 4gr compared to Triax and i dont need to add any weight.
Yes.
jalapeno74
Rookie
I have tried several racquets over the last summer and the Gravity line crossed my path twice.
A little background - I have not played tennis for a couple of years and re-started this June. I always favored a powerful but versatile tennis.
Fast points but not Goran Ivanisevic if you know what i mean
Now, being in my mid 40s, I had to reinvent my play and also my gear.
I started off with the Wilson Blade 100L but came to a stop after a couple of weeks due to its low weight. So, after that I tried several racquets including the Gravity Pro and the Gravity Tour.
When I first started playing with the Pro I really liked it but the weight took its toll - fast. Damn, this one is heavy.... It wore me out and at the net I lost my timing due to its weight.
So, I switched towards the Tour - at the beginning I was not a big fan. I was missing the pop and speed - BUT....things got better hour after hour. We moved towards each other and I found out that the TOUR has some really nice characteristics that made my playing style a little bit more versatile. First of all, the backhand slice is really nice with this one. Secondly, the straight serve is a beast - kick/Slice not as much but straight... wow. Thirdly, awesome pocketing, with this one you don't need to hammer your opponent 24/7. Point & shoot and let your opponent run.
Also very nice is the large sweet spot, especially on returns. A very forgiving and nice thing compared to the Blade (e.g.). Whenever i didn't really hit it spot on, it was jarring a little bit. The GT is nicer to your arm.
I still miss the heavy shots (haven't figured out how to get them back yet) and sometimes it freaks me out that I have to be more patient in my game. But to me it is definitely a keeper and I will try a couple of different strings to see if I can adjust a little bit more towards my style. Currently I got a Kirschbaum Pro Line Evolution with 25/25 but will try lowering it to 23 or maybe even 22 in the future.
The Tour will probably not become my most powerful racquet but it is very enjoyable and broadens my style.
A little background - I have not played tennis for a couple of years and re-started this June. I always favored a powerful but versatile tennis.
Fast points but not Goran Ivanisevic if you know what i mean
Now, being in my mid 40s, I had to reinvent my play and also my gear.
I started off with the Wilson Blade 100L but came to a stop after a couple of weeks due to its low weight. So, after that I tried several racquets including the Gravity Pro and the Gravity Tour.
When I first started playing with the Pro I really liked it but the weight took its toll - fast. Damn, this one is heavy.... It wore me out and at the net I lost my timing due to its weight.
So, I switched towards the Tour - at the beginning I was not a big fan. I was missing the pop and speed - BUT....things got better hour after hour. We moved towards each other and I found out that the TOUR has some really nice characteristics that made my playing style a little bit more versatile. First of all, the backhand slice is really nice with this one. Secondly, the straight serve is a beast - kick/Slice not as much but straight... wow. Thirdly, awesome pocketing, with this one you don't need to hammer your opponent 24/7. Point & shoot and let your opponent run.
Also very nice is the large sweet spot, especially on returns. A very forgiving and nice thing compared to the Blade (e.g.). Whenever i didn't really hit it spot on, it was jarring a little bit. The GT is nicer to your arm.
I still miss the heavy shots (haven't figured out how to get them back yet) and sometimes it freaks me out that I have to be more patient in my game. But to me it is definitely a keeper and I will try a couple of different strings to see if I can adjust a little bit more towards my style. Currently I got a Kirschbaum Pro Line Evolution with 25/25 but will try lowering it to 23 or maybe even 22 in the future.
The Tour will probably not become my most powerful racquet but it is very enjoyable and broadens my style.
