Head youtec vs microgel tecnology

Bottle Rocket

Hall of Fame
which is better and what are the differences?

This is obviously a subjective question.

And I don't think the "Youtek" or "Microgel" technology has anything to do with the differences. That and the fact that none of the frames have identical specs, so you have no way of knowing if it the differences have anything to do with the technology as opposed to the change in specs.

This question has no answer.
 

DD0115

New User
i wanna head racquet that is flexable and has a small headsize like 98sq and weighs 11-12 oz what would you recomend for me?
 

klementine

Hall of Fame
Hard to give to compare the two (d3o and microgel) because head decided to throw in another variable... Teflon grommets... which I have no appetite for.

If I wan't to absorb and dampen my stringbed there are other ways.. and would like it to be my choice.

Now, the only way to compare the two, as objectively as possible, would be to add teflon grommets to the microgels or add non-teflon grommets to the youteks.

I had an extensive demo with the speed pro and about an hour with the speed 18x20, did not care for either one. Both in terms of flex and feel.
 

klementine

Hall of Fame
i wanna head racquet that is flexable and has a small headsize like 98sq and weighs 11-12 oz what would you recomend for me?

MicroGel Radical Midplus, very nice, flexy frame. And there are always ways to add 'pop' or power to the frame.

My brother plays these, he ordered them in 4 1/4 grip size. Added a leather grip and two overgrips- which brought the balance to 6pts. HL. Then he also added some lead tape at 3 and 9. Giving him a very nice blend of power, comfort and control.

BEWARE- Head is known for measuring their head sizes differently than other manufacturers. When held up to a Wilson KBlade 98, which I consider a true 98sq.in. frame, the MicroGel Radical Mid+ was noticeably, yet slightly smaller. More like a 95sq.in.
 
Last edited:

klementine

Hall of Fame
you couldnt tell the difference in stiffness?

Well, I'm comparing what I've p-layed in the microGel line, which includes my sticks and the rest of the prestiges, the Radical Mid+ and the extreme pro.

The Youtek speed, does not really fall in any of those categories, except the speed 18x20 vs. the MG Prestige Mid+.... and yes the prestige had alot more comfortable flex.

I haven't played with any of the Radical youteks, but the speeds, to me were similiar to the Prince Ozone Pro Tour, in terms of flex and feel, with much less power.
 

klementine

Hall of Fame
i would like a small size like that but what are ways you can make a racquet more flexable?

You can string it above 60lbs., usaully will give the illusion of a stiffer frame. Flexible frames are nice to hybrid with polys or go full-bed poly, the stiff poly string stiffens the feel or feedback of the frame.

But once the strings go 'dead', then the frame is back to normal flex and feel. I prefer flexible, but not super flexible frames, if you can hit and find the sweetspot consistently a flexible frame will help you more in terms of spin production.
 

klementine

Hall of Fame
Actually, the microgel Radical Mid+ actually feels closer to the prestige flex (63). I really enjoy hitting around with my brothers frame. He strings it with as good multi at above 60lbs. and it feels like my prestige when I strung a multi at mid-tension.
 

klementine

Hall of Fame
is the stiffness in the youtec speed pro stiffer then the babolat aero storm?

Can't answer that one, never played with an aero storm, only once with a roddick, and needless to say, that was a rocket launcher of a racquet. Very stiff, even with polys, i was sailing everything.

You can feel the flex of the speed pro at high swing speeds, it's there, not too boardy. But when you slow it down for a backhand slice or volley, it's pretty stiff, but some people want and like that.
 

DD0115

New User
i understand that now so it flexes more with baseline shots and stiffens for volleys when you do a light shot for contorl?
 

klementine

Hall of Fame
the head microgel prestige would be more flexable compared to the youtec speed pro?

Yes.

I suggest demo if you can. The things that you cannot change about a racquet are flex, beam width, string pattern and head size. These all determine the 'feel' or feedback you recieve from a racquet as well as the potential for spin.

The things you can change are static and swingweight and balance- so don't concentrate too much on these aspects.
 

DD0115

New User
thanks a lot for your help you cleared my mind and i pretty sure im going to get this racquet but demo first :)
 

klementine

Hall of Fame
i understand that now so it flexes more with baseline shots and stiffens for volleys when you do a light shot for contorl?

All depends on your swing speed. I swing fairly fast, so I prefer a fairly flexible frame.

Something about the shape of the youtek speeds (very oval) coupled with the thin beams and flex just turned me off-- you might enjoy them.

What's your playing style? Age? And what do you play with currently?
 

DD0115

New User
16 babolat aero storm and i like to hang at the baseline i have a long and fast swing speed like l6-l5 and use a two handed backhand and a one hand forehand
 

klementine

Hall of Fame
16 babolat aero storm and i like to hang at the baseline i have a long and fast swing speed like l6-l5 and use a two handed backhand and a one hand forehand

Why do you want to switch? Just want a smaller compact frame that cuts through the air better? What don't you like about your aero storm?
 

DD0115

New User
and does tension do much for flex?
also for tension for power would it be a low number and control a high?
 

DD0115

New User
i have a mix of eagnas feel 17 g on crosses and nano on mains and i think its strung as low as it could go at 52
 

klementine

Hall of Fame
i have a mix of eagnas feel 17 g on crosses and nano on mains and i think its strung as low as it could go at 52

Wow. That seems like apretty forgiving and power oriented set-up.

What's your grip? How high or low do you hold it on the handle during forehands? Are you loose and rotating fully on your 2hbh's?

Would you say that you hit the sweetspot 50%,60%,70%,80% or 90% of the time?

Keeping your head still during impact and getting low enough?
 
Last edited:

DD0115

New User
i rotate with my hips and use a continental type grip low on the racquet, also its a bit more forgiving now because i got those before i had pro hurricane but with the new ones it still feels stiff and uncomfortable
 

klementine

Hall of Fame
Sorry to ask all those questions, but usaully before re-examining your frame you have to re-examine your game....

But it sounds like your fundamentals are sound.

If you're looking for more flex or a softer more forgiving feel, try a soft multi at 60lbs., usually it will drop 5lbs. in a week, unless your a string breaker.

Demo some flexible frames, as far as heads go, I really like the RadicalMid+ and love the prestige mid and somewhat less the pro.

Like I said, I prefer a flexy frame, so I can toss my polys on there and still have comfort.

Good Luck.
 
Top