Narrowed choices, need help on Head rackets

More "noobie" stuff from bubbatex - I have been demo'ing a MG Rad OS and I like it much better than my old Prostaff 5.9 - so much so that I can't stand to go back to the Prostaff and I need to make some quick decisions. I can also demo locally the MG Rad Mid, but I can't find a MG Rad Pro. I am also curious as to what differences there really are in the LM Rad line compared to the MG Rad's since they (LM's) are about 1/2 price to the MG's.

Also - I like the specs of the MG Rad Pro - it is about 1/2 ounce heavier than the MG Rad OS and my current stick, but the swingweight is 316 compared to 335 for the Prostaff. I take a full swing at the ball and try to use a lot of spin. I am thinking the 1/2 ounce will not kill me but was wondering if sw numbers are really numbers to consider that closely. It is also stiffer (64 to 56 on the Rad OS), but I feel I really have to swing hard right now to get some pop on the Rad OS.

So - I think it is MG Rad Mid, MG Rad Pro or LM Rad Mid. Thanks!

bubbatex said:

More "noobie" stuff from bubbatex - I have been demo'ing a MG Rad OS and I like it much better than my old Prostaff 5.9 - so much so that I can't stand to go back to the Prostaff and I need to make some quick decisions. I can also demo locally the MG Rad Mid, but I can't find a MG Rad Pro. I am also curious as to what differences there really are in the LM Rad line compared to the MG Rad's since they (LM's) are about 1/2 price to the MG's.

Also - I like the specs of the MG Rad Pro - it is about 1/2 ounce heavier than the MG Rad OS and my current stick, but the swingweight is 316 compared to 335 for the Prostaff. I take a full swing at the ball and try to use a lot of spin. I am thinking the 1/2 ounce will not kill me but was wondering if sw numbers are really numbers to consider that closely. It is also stiffer (64 to 56 on the Rad OS), but I feel I really have to swing hard right now to get some pop on the Rad OS.

So - I think it is MG Rad Mid, MG Rad Pro or LM Rad Mid. Thanks!

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the MG radical midplus is much better than the lm. though the lm is no where near a bad stick. the radical pro is pretty powerful for it's low power rating due to the open string pattern and weight. just demo and see what you like

The LM range across the board has been really written-off at various times, but it's not all bad. I mean you used to be able to winkle out a few choice cuts. The LM Tour Rad and the LM Rad (made in Czech not China) were noticeably better but now not available. The standard LM Rad MP is not that bad and a bargain atm. People seem to hate the LM Prestige.

Yet it sounds like perhaps you buy the one stick yes? You don't have to buy multiples? If so, then go with the microgel. Yes you can afford... heh heh.

Me coming from teh LM Rad, the MG Rad MP does need added lead but it feels great as is. It's not a spin monster and seems good for flat hitters. It's a "placement-hit-winners" kind of deal. I love these Rads for that (have always used low-powered Dunlop 200-300g kind of racqs.)

I think from what you describe you may want the slightly larger head (100) and the open 16 x 19 of the Rad Pro. Not having hit with it but having played against it now it's seems to be a safe-spin-thunk-a-winner kind of thing.

The Pro has been described as having more feel than the MP but I'm not convinced. 18 x 20 stringbeds can be better tuned with strings, you can coax more feel out of them, 16 x 19 give you more power but less feel.

The Rads from Head are more 95 than 98, so you're going to find it harder to transition from your OS, whereas the Pro is 100. It seems it all points towards the Pro except you can only demo the Rad (you should) - perhaps demo the Pro by post from TW??

Your swingweight is lower with the Pro but as you say you have full swing.

Don't ignore half ounce. To me taht does sound like you'll notice that alot.

Don't rush. I had a summer of failed experimentation (3 x Yonex) but I did learn a lot.

Thanks guys - yes, don't want to rush, but the longer I go w/o a new stick, the longer I go with a sore elbow!

Given what I have said and let's say I go with the MG Rad Pro - should I string on the high side since it is stiffer?

I wouldn't bother so much about that half an ounce less. If you use a leather grip + overgrip the weight will go up by 0.5 oz approximately.

The Radical MP is good on serves, very comfortable, and it is controlable because of the dense string pattern. The Radical Pro is more powerful then the Radical, and IMO it is great with spins and groundstrokes. I haven't tried the Radical OS, so I can't give you any info. on that.

shojun25 said:

The Radical MP is good on serves, very comfortable, and it is controlable because of the dense string pattern. The Radical Pro is more powerful then the Radical, and IMO it is great with spins and groundstrokes. I haven't tried the Radical OS, so I can't give you any info. on that.

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That's what I am looking for - more spin-ability and power from the baseline - a little more power than I am feeling withe the Rad OS - which I don't really like the "look" of - the head looks like a balloon to me. Yep, leaning towards the Pro more and more.....

Aha, if spin's the thing then you have to look at the modern specs.

Of course the other element of the equation is the "revolution in strings" (not quite the quote). Put simply, string low with poly. You'll get more vicious spin than you thought possible. So when this setup is in my Radical MPs that makes enough of a difference to bang away from the baseline and yet the racquet inherent low power I get delicate angles.

I'm thinking you should be headed towards the Pro, and although it's practically difficult to get hold of, you are on a quest(!) after all and it wasn't meant to be easy.

Yes, I am on a quest! Will have to order from TW to demo - or just say "WTF!" and go ahead and buy it!

Thanks!

if you do buy it, you'll have to post how you like it, I am demoing MG Rads and extremes!

dgrave2 said:

if you do buy it, you'll have to post how you like it, I am demoing MG Rads and extremes!

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Definitely. But you bring up a point - If I am going to the trouble to get one from TW, I might as well get a few more and try the Extreme too.

On second thought (man, trying to keep all of the numbers for each racket straight!), the Extreme is too stiff for me at 68. Actually, I am a little worried that the MG Rad Pro might be too stiff at 64. I am trying to avoid further elbow pain.

Darn it - can't edit yet - what type of strings/tension would help me lessen the stiffness of the MG Rad Pro? Since it is stiffer, tension should be on the high side? I am using Prince MF Syn Gut 16g now on my Prostaff 5.9.

I guess I could also look at the Flexpoint Radical Pro which weighs just a little more, but is more flexible??

(Yes, I like carrying on conversations with myself! - Just trying to get the post count up)

uh, Flexpoint Radical 'TOUR', not Pro...

bubbatex said:

More "noobie" stuff from bubbatex - I have been demo'ing a MG Rad OS and I like it much better than my old Prostaff 5.9 - so much so that I can't stand to go back to the Prostaff and I need to make some quick decisions. I can also demo locally the MG Rad Mid, but I can't find a MG Rad Pro. I am also curious as to what differences there really are in the LM Rad line compared to the MG Rad's since they (LM's) are about 1/2 price to the MG's.

Also - I like the specs of the MG Rad Pro - it is about 1/2 ounce heavier than the MG Rad OS and my current stick, but the swingweight is 316 compared to 335 for the Prostaff. I take a full swing at the ball and try to use a lot of spin. I am thinking the 1/2 ounce will not kill me but was wondering if sw numbers are really numbers to consider that closely. It is also stiffer (64 to 56 on the Rad OS), but I feel I really have to swing hard right now to get some pop on the Rad OS.

So - I think it is MG Rad Mid, MG Rad Pro or LM Rad Mid. Thanks!

Click to expand...

I played yesterday with the mg rad os and really liked it. It depends on what swing speed your comfortable with - I myself like the quickness of the rad, but i play a lot of doubs. The rad gives me great feel + it's easy on the elbow, great touch a pretty good pop.

I ordered demos today of the MG Rad Pro and the FP Rad Tour (and for grins, I threw in a Becker 11). The OS might be the one at the end of the day but I wanted to be sure by hitting with the above first. I personally just like the "looks" of the 100's better - the OS has an odd head shape, IMHO - but who's looking at the racket shape when you are hitting the ball??