*** Long Live The Radicals ***

Doc Hollidae

Doc Hollidae

Hall of Fame
jdelcue said:
Got to test drive the racquet today. Played a little doubles with my dad in a mini-tournament...

I'll start by saying that it felt a heck of a lot better. At 12.3oz/4pts HL w/ M: Hurricane Pro Tour (55lbs) and X: Attraction Power 17 (59lbs), the LM Rad OS started to feel pretty solid (especially rallying from the baseline), but of course it was a little bit tougher to wield at the net (although not much more, actually). Couldn't really tell too much about the serve...I still gotta work on my serve, as I always tend to put too much spin on it, but the spin was magnified today (causing more faults than usual). Could be the new strings, I guess...?

My only real gripe was too much power. Lol. Imagine that...
On returns, I'd just put a racquet to the ball, and it'd go long on the court (consistently). Before I changed everything, it'd just plop in the middle of my opponent's courtside (whenever I didn't mis-hit and send the racquet into a "spin wiggle" in my hand). Not sure if this increase in power is coming from the 10 grams added to 3/9 o'clock or maybe the lower-end tensions used on my strings (assuming a combo?). I'm pretty sure it's the string tension, but I'm gonna go ahead and take 5 grams off of 3/9 (it's gonna make the stats very similar to a HEAD Classic Tour @ 12.1oz/5pts. HL) and see how that affects the power level (and stability), but otherwise, I was very happy with the performance and stability of the racquet today (whenever I could GET to the ball! My footwork is still HORRENDOUS! Lol. And I've never really played organized doubles before). Forehands were going a tad longer than I was expecting, but I can figure that out. And 1hbh were doing pretty good for my level (didn't get an opportunity to try out a 2hbh -- actually didn't think of it -- wish I would have).


Still looking to secure a good, used LM Radical MP, though. Wanna test-drive it next to my OS with an identical setup....

And I would eventually like to move up to one of those bad-ass HEAD racquets! An older Radical, a PC600, PT280/630, etc...

Lol. But I know I got years ahead of me before I can even take advantage of the fact that I have any of those in my hands. For now, I'll be focusing on footwork, my FH/BH technique from the baseline, finding that sweetspot, and getting my serve going (and I will always be looking to study every facet of the game's theory, of course)...and I think an LM Radical will suite me just fine for the task.

:D
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Try stringing your racket a little tighter. You are playing with an OS and stringing it like an MP. I'd consider something in the 58-62 range prolly. The extra weight of the lead will add power as is.
 
jdelcue

jdelcue

Rookie
Doc Hollidae said:
Try stringing your racket a little tighter. You are playing with an OS and stringing it like an MP. I'd consider something in the 58-62 range prolly. The extra weight of the lead will add power as is.
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I am liking the weight the way it is...
I think I'll just keep it that way and then increase the tension when it's time for a restringing...

Who knows when that'll be...lol...wish there was a way to just increase the tension on the present strings now... ::rolleyes::
 
Doc Hollidae

Doc Hollidae

Hall of Fame
jdelcue said:
I am liking the weight the way it is...
I think I'll just keep it that way and then increase the tension when it's time for a restringing...

Who knows when that'll be...lol...wish there was a way to just increase the tension on the present strings now... ::rolleyes::
Click to expand...

A vibration dampener and sting savers will stiffen the string bed a tad. The more mains the dampener touches the stiffer the string bed will become.
 
jdelcue

jdelcue

Rookie
Doubt it'd be enough to compensate for my poor decision of 55/59, though. Lol.

What about if I put two dampeners on there, parallel at the bottom touching 4 mains total? Lol... :rolleyes:
 
jdelcue

jdelcue

Rookie
I take back what I said about the serves. They suck. I think I ran into the same problem you did, Doc...

Too much weight. I'm just having trouble snapping and finishing now. My serves were absolute garbage tonight, too (thought maybe I was just off at the tourney this morning). After I took off 5g from 3/9, it got a bit better, but not as good as I remember it still...I may have to take the weight on the throat off to get back to normal, but that'll screw with my balance...

Grrrrrrrr. :mad: I'm about to take this P.O.S. back to stock! Lol... :rolleyes:
 
logansc

logansc

Professional
Well, I finally took my LE Agassi Radical off the wall because it was just calling to be hit with and I must say I love this racquet. I may be late or behind on this question so I apologize in advance, but once the original string wears out, what's a good replacement? I usually use Mid+ racquets so I am unsure on how to setup an OS.
 
X

xie_419

Rookie
how does the head radical line compare to the dunlop 300 line? They have very similar specs besides string pattern. Anyone demo/own a racquet from both lines?
 
jdelcue

jdelcue

Rookie
Klatu Verata Necktie said:
This is off topic, but it's nice to see a Deadhead around these parts. I'm with you, and happen to play with a Microgel Radical Pro :grin:
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Gimme a nice Radical and the Dead any day, I say! ;)
Not sure I qualify as a full-blooded Deadhead, though, unfortunately...at a mere 20 years old, I don't have the opportunity to, really...lol :rolleyes:


...So how are you liking that Microgel Radical Pro? I was looking at those awhile back, but not much anymore -- too much $$.



:: "Scarlet Begonias" playing in the background... :: :cool:
 
jdelcue

jdelcue

Rookie
xtennisloverx said:
what is a good tension for LM rad MP?
Click to expand...

My friend strings his with Babolat Pro Hurricane Tour in the mains @ 55lbs. and Babolat Attraction 16 crosses @ 58/59 lbs. -- says it's the best he's ever felt (granted, it is his first hybrid, so it's more than likely the strings more than the tension what he's referring to)...

At the end of the day, it depends on what'cha want: lower for more power and higher for more control is the most general rule of thumb, I believe. I'd say to start at mid-tension and see how you like it...work your way up or down from there according to your own thoughts... ;)
 
T

TheOrangeRacquet

New User
hey guys just got a microgel radical. it seems a bit unstable when i hit. any ideas on how i could increace stability w/ lead tape? im not to familiar with lead tape customization
 
M

mrHan

Rookie
xie_419 said:
how does the head radical line compare to the dunlop 300 line? They have very similar specs besides string pattern. Anyone demo/own a racquet from both lines?
Click to expand...

The radical has a larger sweet spot. The 300 is more powerful but less forgiving on off hits.
 
Anton

Anton

Legend
TheOrangeRacquet said:
hey guys just got a microgel radical. it seems a bit unstable when i hit. any ideas on how i could increace stability w/ lead tape? im not to familiar with lead tape customization
Click to expand...

The grip might be a bit small for you - put on an overgrip before you start messing with the weights. (An overgrip will add ~.2 oz to the handle of course)

Until I got my MG Radical I was hitting with heavier frames and I don't find this frame to be lacking stability hitting against 4.0-5.0 level players, though the lighter weight needed a few swings to adjust to.
 
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logansc

logansc

Professional
xie_419 said:
how does the head radical line compare to the dunlop 300 line? They have very similar specs besides string pattern. Anyone demo/own a racquet from both lines?
Click to expand...

I have both, have switched to the LE Agassi for the most part. The Agassi Radical is definitely heavier than the Dunlop. The Dunlop is pretty lightweight and doesn't have as much juice when taking big cuts compared to he LE. In fact I get much more pace on serve and off the ground with the LE. I still like to play with the 300's but not against the bigger hitters.
 
Klatu Verata Necktie

Klatu Verata Necktie

Hall of Fame
jdelcue said:
Gimme a nice Radical and the Dead any day, I say! ;)
Not sure I qualify as a full-blooded Deadhead, though, unfortunately...at a mere 20 years old, I don't have the opportunity to, really...lol :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Anyone who lives and loves the music is a real Head. Plus you could always check out a Phil & Friends or Ratdog show :)

Not too many healthy Heads out there who play tennis, we've got to stick together!

The Microgel Radical Pro has been fantastic so far. The only thing is that I have to raise the string tension well past the recommended poundage to tame the racquet's power.
 
jdelcue

jdelcue

Rookie
Klatu Verata Necktie said:
Anyone who lives and loves the music is a real Head. Plus you could always check out a Phil & Friends or Ratdog show :)

Not too many healthy Heads out there who play tennis, we've got to stick together!

The Microgel Radical Pro has been fantastic so far. The only thing is that I have to raise the string tension well past the recommended poundage to tame the racquet's power.
Click to expand...
I hear ya, bud... ;)

Well, good luck on those courts! And I'll be seein' ya around the boards...
 
rooski

rooski

Professional
First impressions, MG Radical MP

I posted this in a different area a few days ago but didn't recognize that there was a dedicated Radical thread. I am re-posting it here to see how my first impressions stack up against others thoughts on this new frame...

As much as I love my n61's I couldn't help but take the MG Radical MP for a test drive. I still have fond memories of the Ti Rad MP but have found the last 3 generations of the Radical to be disappointing by comparison.

I'll take it out for a more thorough play test but based on my short 30 minute hit with the MG Rad here are my first observations (the racket was strung at 60 with PSG multi 17g):

--not as silky smooth, plush, or as flexible feeling as the Ti Rad IMO even though TW lists it as a 57 flex (Ti Rad MP was 65 I believe). If I had to guess I would put the flex of the MG Rad MP up closer to 64-65.

--better feel and stability than the iRad, LM Rad, and FXP Rad...but not the Ti Rad MP

--upper hoop was surprisingly firm (was expecting flexy based on the 57 flex rating)

--very crisp string bed, although a little boardy feeling (probably strung a bit too high for the 18x20 pattern)

--super maneuverable, nice volleying stick. could probably benefit from some lead customization

--lost significant power on serve from my n61's (to be expected)

--spin access was good (I don't usually have any problems with 18x20 patterns)

--aesthetics...I was hoping for the reddish color shown on the TW site but it is true orange. Not burnt orange like the LM Rad but mid bright orange. Nice paint job and really nice quality appearance.

--grip size...as usual, the Head grips feel about a half size small due to its rectangular shape so a 1/2 feels like my n61 3/8 grip.

More in a week.....
 
Anton

Anton

Legend
rooski said:
--very crisp string bed, although a little boardy feeling (probably strung a bit too high for the 18x20 pattern)
Click to expand...

Yea, putting too high of a tension on this frame will give you this feeling - if you just strung it wait a few days for the tension to drop a bit. Whats your string/tension?

Also, the lower static weight of this racket will probably require a little more then 30 min of play to get confident with - I picked up a heavier racket to hit with for an hour a few days ago and when I switched back to radical my shots were flying all over, but after about an hour I was hitting winners left and right again.
 
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jdelcue

jdelcue

Rookie
TheOrangeRacquet said:
Thanks for the help guys i added some tape to 3 and 9 and also an overgrip. Feels much better.
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Good to hear. ;)
Enjoy it...

I'm in the midst of test driving some racquets myself, one of which is the (somewhat 'unorthodox') FXP Radical MP Tour. This bad boy feels pretty good stock...and it's measuring up to my liking vs. the FXP Prestige MP, POG MP and M-Fil 200 thus far...

While I am liking the Prestige quite a bit...
It doesn't look like I have too much reason to leave the Radical family any time soon. :cool:
 
K

keithchircop

Professional
Hey guys, I'm REALLY thinking about getting an old Radical OS. But first I do have to look into the POG OS as well, you know how it is. I'd like to know why the OS users here prefer the pre-1999 Radicals to the POG. Where is the Radical superior/inferior? (please be objective)
 
TheLambsheadrep

TheLambsheadrep

Professional
Head Trisys Racquets quick questions(also a thread):

- What are the differences of the trisys racquets and the ones before them (like how the trisys 170 replaced the Genesis, 190 replaced the Atlantis, 210 replaced the Polaris, etc.)?
- I know the trisys 300 is like a prestige which is a controll racquet, so does that mean the lower the number the more power/what are the attributes of the higher compaired to the lower numbered racquets?
- What are the Lite racquets (240, and i think the 250)?
- What's different about the origanal trisys 260 and the new limited edition/which is better?
- Do they have good technology in the frames/is it better to get an older, proven racquet or a new one like a microgel?

All + Any CORRECT answers are greatly appreciated
Styvo
 
bertrevert

bertrevert

Legend
Is the typical Radical 98 sq. in. head size really closer to a 95 sq. in?

I'm a LM Rad user. Am looking at the MG.

I attribute this to the closed stringbed, and the smaller-than-98 headsize - am I wrong about the headsize?
 
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frekcles

frekcles

Semi-Pro
Doc Hollidae said:
So who plans on getting a Mircogel?

I'm not.
Click to expand...

frekcles said:
Not I. Enjoying the Trisys and zebra too much.
Click to expand...

In a previous response I said I wasn't getting a Microgel Radical but an opportunity to acquire one through a trade just popped up. In short I'm about to get my hands on a Microgel Radical Pro.

For users of this particular racquet, any comments on playability, comfort and/or control issues, set-ups you can provide would be duly appreciated.
 
bertrevert

bertrevert

Legend
G.o.a.r. ?

Am back to, and appreciating, the LM Rad MP.

Now I know it's not considered around here as a GOAR (greatest of all time racquet), the standard LM is perhaps the unloved runt of the litter, yet with a little additional lead, and poly strings, it firms up as a decent hit.

Indeed the Tour version is exactly that, heavier and decent alright.

The 18x20 stringbed is powerfully accurate. The supposed LM in the hoop is, er, perhaps if not even there its psychological effect is that off "armed and ready" :p , and if it is there then sometimes I think it gives my shots a dampened shock, and a little more afterburner power.

I'm finding this racquet just great for serves again: pinpoint.

As a generic racquet it's not beloved of specialists. But it's a no-nonsense does-what-is-says-on-the-tin kind of a thing. It quiet assuredly gives you back what you put in.

I find it not as demanding as a 95. , but then not as ridiculoulsy powerful as say a 100 sq. in. like a PureDrive os something like that.
 
MrAWD

MrAWD

Semi-Pro
Well, I am thinking what would be the best way to customize my LM Rad MP so I could use it again. Recently I started playing with the Redondo Mid and after trying LM for only one set, my shoulder was sore later that night.

So, I definitely like 12 oz. more then 11.1 oz. so the idea is to bring the LM to about the same weight as Redondo. Right now LM is at 4 points HL and I would like to double that at least so I could end up between 8 and 10 points HL. Basically, I will get another ounce of lead and add it to the racquet, but try to keep SW as low as I can with the setup. Here is the tricky part and my question(s)!

Obviously I would have to use a bit over half of that weight down in the handle. Now, the question is what to do with the rest of the lead. I could go to one extreme and have all the rest at the 12 o'clock, but that would probably be the option with the highest increase of the SW. This would also require the lowest amount of the lead to be used on the head of the racquet.

Other option is to spread that upper weight a bit more and have some at 10 and 2, 3 and 9 and possibly at 4 and 8. 6 o'clock also comes in mind.

The third option is to use lot of weight around the middle of the racquet (actually a bit below so it would end up a bit more HL), but that would not help the stability of the head much for the heavier hitting so that would mean that some of the weight should get up to the head to help that part.

Anyone out there that have done this kind of thing? Any comments, suggestions?

Thanks!


Fedja
 
snoopy

snoopy

Professional
i hated the LM Rad. It felt like a piece of plastic. On the other hand the Microgel Rad Pro looks really sweet. I'm dying to try one.
 
bertrevert

bertrevert

Legend
Fedja, so you need to add about 1oz.

First off I would caution against putting any lead in the middle throat - a small amount has a lot of effect. It just adds too much power very easily, and your control racquet will lose... control.

I'd be going for the 3 and 9 option, and layer it, longish strips. And the rest in the handle at buttcap.

I've spent a lot of time going for HL. But recently I've changed my mind about that. It may be just my opinion but I feel that very HL balance introduces something else in your shots - instability. I think the hoop can perhaps waver a bit more if all the weight is concentrated at the buttcap. A HL setup is inherently less stable - just IMO.
 
N

nathanpham

New User
What is a good set up for FXP radical OS? Im currently use 17 Kevlar at 66lbs. I just want to see what other options for me? Im 4.5 player. Thanks
 
MrAWD

MrAWD

Semi-Pro
bertrevert said:
First off I would caution against putting any lead in the middle throat - a small amount has a lot of effect. It just adds too much power very easily, and your control racquet will lose... control.

I'd be going for the 3 and 9 option, and layer it, longish strips. And the rest in the handle at buttcap.
Click to expand...
That was kind of my plan as well (going at 3 and 9). Other one that I was also considering to go at 8, 10, 2 , and 4 and the rest in the handle.
bertrevert said:
I've spent a lot of time going for HL. But recently I've changed my mind about that. It may be just my opinion but I feel that very HL balance introduces something else in your shots - instability. I think the hoop can perhaps waver a bit more if all the weight is concentrated at the buttcap. A HL setup is inherently less stable - just IMO.
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Well, the main problem with HH racquet is too much power. If you stay heavy then power is typically extreme and SW is also quite high. In order to drop those two you have to go much lighter but then you lose the stability that heavier stick would give you. So, for me, HL racquet is actually much more stable mainly because you can go quite more heavy then with the HH racquet!!

Thanks for the comment!


Fedja
 
bertrevert

bertrevert

Legend
Heya Fedja

Well I went away from HL to even-balance (not to HH).

I didn't acquire added power in as much as I did a little just by moving away from extreme HL. It's now nicely, evenly balanced.

I get really conflicting views about the LM Rad MP on this board.

It most definitely was too light, but therefore it requires lead. Which I add to all my sticks anyway. So waht was the problem?

Yes it's light, it's harsh off-centre (what racq isn't?), can feel tinny (must be the LM) and on and on.

But it's a Radical. It's not GGTR (gods gift to racquets).

The Austrian one I have is markedly different to the China one I sold, but still I'm not expecting too much from it - except control.

And that is what it just happens to do quite well.
 
MrAWD

MrAWD

Semi-Pro
An even-balance will make things a bit better, but for guys with long and fast strokes this might create too much power. If the strokes are not as fast then buildup of torque in the racquet is not as high and I am sure that it can produce great results.

Thanks for the info!

Fedja
 
bertrevert

bertrevert

Legend
I liked from the review of the MP version:

"If you are looking for a 'scalpel' type racquet with a lighter swingweight, then you need not look any further."

That to me sums it up a Rad MP perfectly as it applies to the older LM Rad, and now, is in continuity with the new version.

The 18x20 stringbed is very accurate minus any added pop. Not a lot of heft so you can lose plow-through and stability. However add low-strung poly strings and some lead in the hoop and ... voila.
 
frekcles

frekcles

Semi-Pro
keithchircop said:
please let us know how it compares.
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Tried the Microgel Radical Pro today for about a set.

First the specs:
Strung weight: 12.2 ounces (measured on a post office scale)
Flex: 64 (per TW)
Swingweight: 319 (per TW)

I'm used to playing with the zebra and Trisys 260 so this one at 12.2 ounces felt a little light but not by much and nothing noticeable to me.

Spin was there if you need it. I hit mostly flat so I cannot take advantage of the 16x19 string pattern.

Anyway the one thing that I noticed is the power. This has too much IMO. For most of the set I played with the racquet I had to change/alter my swing. I could not swing out like I do with the Radical Tour and Trisys.

I'm going to have to experiment with string and tension some more. Stay tuned as I will have more to report once I dial in the string and tension.
 
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