comparing head youtek radical pro vs mp ?
- Thread starter jk175d
- Start date
I tried the Pro and it didn't give me the comfort that I wanted. It felt decent all around but it just felt a bit awkward. I don't know what it is maybe because I use a midplus sized racquet (the Flexpoint Prestige MP 98 sq inches)...
I am giving the MP a go and will post what I think on this thread as well...
However, if I do end up with the Youtek Rad MP, I will most likely slap lead tape on it to get it to weight about the same as my Prestige..
The only thing that I have to be good on with the Rad MP is the feel and I'm sure I can customize it to my delight.
I am giving the MP a go and will post what I think on this thread as well...
However, if I do end up with the Youtek Rad MP, I will most likely slap lead tape on it to get it to weight about the same as my Prestige..
The only thing that I have to be good on with the Rad MP is the feel and I'm sure I can customize it to my delight.
SecondServe
Rookie
I just posted on this topic a bit early. I own both the Youtek Radical MP and Pro. The difference in string patterns, swing weight, and grip make for extremely different feels between these two racquets. With the Pro I found the SW a bit much to handle comfortably. With that said I primarily use the MP's which I have leaded up closer to the same weight as the PRO but with a slight increase in HL. I definitely prefer the tighter string pattern of the MP as I am a heavy string breaker; and do not notice any difference in decreased spin potential. Both of these racquets are way more solid feeling than the OS Ti.Radical's that I am coming from, especially on volleys. It should really come down to personal preference as they are both very solid feeling sticks.
SS
SecondServe
Rookie
Let us know your thoughts of the MP after your demo. I would be curious to hear what you like/dislike about the racquet.
SS
SS
jk175d please let me know how you think the MP feels... what is your current racquet now?
I use a stiff and heavy racquet the FXP Prestige but I want to see how a little bit more forgiving racquet feels with the YT Rad MP.. the weight difference won't be much of a problem since I can slap some lead tape but the stiffness difference will be key whether it will benefit or worsen my game.
I use a stiff and heavy racquet the FXP Prestige but I want to see how a little bit more forgiving racquet feels with the YT Rad MP.. the weight difference won't be much of a problem since I can slap some lead tape but the stiffness difference will be key whether it will benefit or worsen my game.
I definately will post my impressions... after the weekend. I'll hit some tomorrow with a doubles crowd but on Sunday I hope to give it more of a banging workout.
I have found a lot of posts about the MP on the boards here though which you may or may not have already read. Just not a direct comparison of the MP vs the Pro which is why I started this thread.
I have found a lot of posts about the MP on the boards here though which you may or may not have already read. Just not a direct comparison of the MP vs the Pro which is why I started this thread.
D
Deleted member 59693
Guest
maybe hard to swing
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I've had the chance to give the youtek radical mp a really good workout now. Right away I liked the feel and balance of the fame but the strings and high tension on the demo took some getting used to. I've been playing Luxilon original rough strung at 51lbs for the last 8 months, so whatever non-poly string that was on the demo probably at about 60lbs was quite different. But I got the feel for it fairly quickly and was hitting really well and confidently with the racquet today. I definately want to try the youtek radial pro to see about the 16x19 string patern, which is also what i've been playing for a couple of years. (LM4)
I've got to return the mp to tennis warehouse but I've got on order for later in the week another mp and the pro from ************** (sorry warehouse, but they're $5 cheaper for their demos). So I'll give the pro a workout and get to compare the two directly.
I've got to return the mp to tennis warehouse but I've got on order for later in the week another mp and the pro from ************** (sorry warehouse, but they're $5 cheaper for their demos). So I'll give the pro a workout and get to compare the two directly.
I'm sending the mp demo back tomorrow but I played a league match tonight with it. Felt great! I was swinging with confidence and hitting good shots. Great control on the serve though maybe a little less pop. Might be the strings though.
I still have another mp and a pro coming later in the week. But unless the pro really speaks to me I am feeling pretty sold on the mp at the moment.
I'll post again after trying out the pro. I wish that there were some direct comparisons of the two out there already. I'm surprised there aren't.
I still have another mp and a pro coming later in the week. But unless the pro really speaks to me I am feeling pretty sold on the mp at the moment.
I'll post again after trying out the pro. I wish that there were some direct comparisons of the two out there already. I'm surprised there aren't.
SecondServe
Rookie
I think you will notice immediate differences between the two once you get a chance to play with them side by side. They feel different, they hit different, but they do look almost the same. Depending on the type of game you play it should not be hard to determine the one that is right for you.
woah, you're right about that. I had to send back the MP but I also just got in another MP and a Pro from ************** today. Haven't had a chance to get out and hit yet but as you say, even just holding it, feeling the weight and balance, and swinging it loosely in the house, I can see they feel totally different. If only the rain would stop so I can get out and hit with the Pro!
had a chance to hit with the Pro today. I kind of liked it, I definitely could feel more power generated with it, but also less control. I went back to the MP and just felt so much more confident swinging away. I think on a really good swing the Pro would drive the ball with more velocity through the court, but I can still get plenty of pop when I need it and have a shot lined up with the MP. I was spraying a lot of balls though with the Pro and the MP is very easy for me to control depth. Without any hesitation I know the MP is the right stick for me.
Glad I had a chance to try them out together. I sort of wish the MP was available with 16/19 but actually I can still get plenty of spin with it anyway, so maybe it doesn't matter. I might try an 18 gauge string to see how that feels.
Glad I had a chance to try them out together. I sort of wish the MP was available with 16/19 but actually I can still get plenty of spin with it anyway, so maybe it doesn't matter. I might try an 18 gauge string to see how that feels.
SecondServe
Rookie
That's almost exactly the same experience I had between the two racquets. I too wanted the 16x19 string pattern until I realized how much longer my strings seem to last with the 18x20. I've decided to stick solely to the MP because it fits my game and skill level better. If you do purchase one of these racquets report back after you've had a chance to hit with it more. What kind of string setup were you thinking?
I don't care too much about the string life (well I do but it's never been an issue) but I've been using 16/19 for a couple of years and figured I'd be sacrificing some spin with the tighter pattern of the MP. Doesn't really seem to be the case though. I was just thinking about strings... I've been using Luxilon Big Banger Original Rough at 51lbs all year and really like that string. But I was thinking of trying Big Banger Ace 18 with this tighter pattern to see if that gives a little more bite. What strings are you using?
I'm definately going to be buying the MP, looking to find a used one a little cheaper first.
I'm definately going to be buying the MP, looking to find a used one a little cheaper first.
SecondServe
Rookie
So far my favorite string setup has been Genesis Black Magic 17g at 54lbs in the mains and Gosen OG 16 at 57lbs in the crosses. I've really had outstanding durability with this combination and would sacrifice other characteristics for the longer playable life. Are you looking to use a full bed of poly?
I've just got to say more about this racquet after having played with it a bunch over the last couple of weeks. It is awsome for my game, a perfect match. I have been dominating every singles match I've played with it, something like 6 or 7 sets won, zero lost. I think I'm about 12 and 1 in doubles. The thing about this stick is I feel like the ball will do what I want it to and go where I intend for it to go. It is not a power generator for sure, but I can drive through a forehand pretty well on my own and the control this racquet gives me puts me in control of the rallies and in a winning position time and again to finish off the point. The control is the thing here. I'm sure you can tell, I'm stoked about it!
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I'm sold on the pro. It is the best racquet I have hit with. I love the higher SW and it IS a midplus. I mean it's a 100, or 98 I guess since Heads measure different, so it should be pretty much the same size as the MP.
The MP is too light for me. The high swingweight is the secret to the heavy balls, and it is better on your arm. I also like the lower static weight. It makes the racquet feel light, but when you hit hard, it is easy to hit precise winners.
The MP is too light for me. The high swingweight is the secret to the heavy balls, and it is better on your arm. I also like the lower static weight. It makes the racquet feel light, but when you hit hard, it is easy to hit precise winners.
I guess it's all about what style of play or type of swing you have. I liked the Pro, and definately could power the ball much more, but didn't feel the same control or basic comfort level. It's like in golf I'm happy to give up 20 yards off the tee if I'm hitting more fairways and greens. Different strokes I guess! :razz:
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yeah I'm coming from the APDC, so the control level with the Pro is substantially higher for me. I can easily hit crosscourt corner shots on the run and topspin lobs, and those 2 shots gave me a lot of trouble with the aero. I also can hit winners into a smaller window. The apdc for me was a wide lane, and the youtek is far narrower.
imalil2gangsta4u
Hall of Fame
So which racket would you recommend for someone who uses the k95 18x20, but looking for something less stiff but still stable and not as powerfull as the k95?
javierjavier
Rookie
the youtek radical mp is definitely too light in stock form, especially considering it's really low flex rating. if i didn't prefer the 18x20 string pattern i would have gone with the pro.
that said, i've added a ton of weight to my radical mp's. replaced the teflon grommets with mg prestige mp grommets, replaced the original grip with leather, and added about 40-50 grams of lead tape under the grip. i figure they weigh just over 13 oz.
it definitely feels a ton more stable, but i sometimes wish it was just a tad stiffer on those occasions i want to really blast a winner from the baseline.
javierjavier
Rookie
the radicals are going to be way too light and feel really unstable for you. even if you customized them and brought the weight up there would still be a considerable difference in flex from what you're used to. the yt radicals are really flexible and low powered.
i'd recommend the mg prestige mp, but think it requires a touch of lead in the hoop to make it feel really solid. you might want to consider the ag 200 or 4d 200?
Power Player
Bionic Poster
You get a lot of power from the Pro if you string it around 54 or 55#s. Coming from a stiff racquet where most guys string a little higher to tame the power, what I like is the Pro lets you go lower which is good on the arm.
Coming from a Wilson, I am not sure to be honest what you would prefer.
All I know is that youtek is interesting in the fact that when I hit hard, it crushes the ball, but when I go for touch it is easy to control.
Coming from a Wilson, I am not sure to be honest what you would prefer.
All I know is that youtek is interesting in the fact that when I hit hard, it crushes the ball, but when I go for touch it is easy to control.
My sentiments as well. I played with I radical MP when it came out until a rotator cuff repair. At that point I needed a racquet that would do more of the work for me. After several years and a healthy rotator, I switched to the Aerogel 300 3 years ago. I just switched back to the Youtek Radical MP and have been experiencing results similar to yours with Babolat Tonic 16 at 56 lbs. It feels like old times, only better!!!
Enjoy and continued success with your sticks!
Enjoy and continued success with your sticks!
Topspinchris
New User
I just demo'd the Pro and I like it, it feels really solid, I felt I could plow through the ball and control was aslo good.Touch was good when attempting to slice.. It felt really good and that is coming from someone who loves his MGPP
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
Just demo-d the MP and just LOVE IT. Contact is buttery smooth with a nice amount of power on tap. The weight is perfect for me and it feels a bit heavier than its SW due to it only being 2 pts HL. I might add lead in the future, but for now its great on stock form. Head really did a great job with this Youtek line!
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Weren't you the guy who worried about balance and having specific headlight measurements? I told you, with the Radical, you can throw that all out the window.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
What does that mean? Why throw all that out the window?
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Because you were focused on getting a stick over 7 pts headlight or something along those lines, and I was saying it is not how you should approach it. Now that you have played with the racquet you probably see what I mean.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
I have no idea what you are talking about.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
Anyone else compare the Pro with the MP? I am not undertanding all the comments about the MP being "too light"? I usually prefer a 11-11.5 stock weight with a SW of around 325-335 and it doesn't feel light to me at all. I usually like to throw a Gamma Tech Gel replacement grip on there anyway and that will add 10 g's by itself. Counter that with a little lead at 12' and it should be plenty hefty for me.
Also since both these sticks are only 2 pts headlight to begin with, anyone see the benefits of increasing the weight in the handle to make them more headlite?
Also since both these sticks are only 2 pts headlight to begin with, anyone see the benefits of increasing the weight in the handle to make them more headlite?
SecondServe
Rookie
JackB1,
I preferred the light MP over the Pro as well. Both are outstanding racquets. I put an over grip and about 6grams of lead in the handle to slightly change the balance. Even with that I'm not sure it's more than 3 or 4pts HL based on my poor measuring skills. Do you have other racquets to demo before you settle on something?
I preferred the light MP over the Pro as well. Both are outstanding racquets. I put an over grip and about 6grams of lead in the handle to slightly change the balance. Even with that I'm not sure it's more than 3 or 4pts HL based on my poor measuring skills. Do you have other racquets to demo before you settle on something?
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
I have demo'd quite a bit:
-currently playing with Prince Ozone Tour
demos.....
Yonex RDIS 300
Head Pure Storm Tour
Fischer MPro 98
Head MG Radical Pro
Dunlop AG 4d 300
Fed Kennedy
Legend
Tried them both, prefer the mp, but the pro is no slouch. Slight edge in comfort to the pro. Manueverability goes to the mp. Pro gets the nod for power.
Like the headshape of the mp more, more whippable inside the court. Mp has better control.
Spin is a tossup, pro has the most open pattern out there and bites more naturally, but the mp is easier to get racquet head speed with.
Serving, the pro has more gusto, much less precision. Mp is prob the easiest racquet ever to target a flat serve with.
Mp gives more string options, pro will chow down on soft string fast.
I like to volley more with the mp. I like mp better for 1 hander.
Drop shots I like the pro.
Mp is easier to customize.
Bottom line, both are sweet.
I got an mp because of the absurd control on serve and overall easier to use aspect. I have never once felt it was too light. Only mod is leather.
I have an mp strung with hurricane 18 at 53, it's as good as any racquet I've used.
Like the headshape of the mp more, more whippable inside the court. Mp has better control.
Spin is a tossup, pro has the most open pattern out there and bites more naturally, but the mp is easier to get racquet head speed with.
Serving, the pro has more gusto, much less precision. Mp is prob the easiest racquet ever to target a flat serve with.
Mp gives more string options, pro will chow down on soft string fast.
I like to volley more with the mp. I like mp better for 1 hander.
Drop shots I like the pro.
Mp is easier to customize.
Bottom line, both are sweet.
I got an mp because of the absurd control on serve and overall easier to use aspect. I have never once felt it was too light. Only mod is leather.
I have an mp strung with hurricane 18 at 53, it's as good as any racquet I've used.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
Seems awfully hard to decide between these two!
2 Questions.....
1) Is the PRO a lot more powerful?
2) Does the MP give you a LOT more control?
Fed Kennedy
Legend
I would say yes and yes. One note: I only tried the pro with sonic pro and I've tried several setups with the mp. It is also easy to mod the mp to pro specs. For me it is easier to hit the occasional flat short angle with the mp, while it is easier to get the deep loopy pure drive ball with the pro.
I got my mp up to pro specs, but changed back because I preferred the whippy-ness.
With 18g co-poly it is easy to get depth and spin. These racs are light but they swing heavy
I got my mp up to pro specs, but changed back because I preferred the whippy-ness.
With 18g co-poly it is easy to get depth and spin. These racs are light but they swing heavy
I think it will depend on your swing. With my game I found the MP to have a LOT more control, and the Pro to have noticeably more power but not necessarily a LOT more power. Plus, I probably get more racquet speed with the MP, so more spin and maybe more power. It all depends on your own swing.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
You hit a way heavier ball with the Pro. At least I do. The higher swingweight is worth getting used to. It gives you an advantage out there and you will not get tired out from it. The beauty is how light it is while still retaining a swingweight higher then a K90. I just think high swingweights make you a better player if you are developed enough to drive that mass properly.
The main thing to do is focus on getting your weight behind the shot and making contact out in front.
I actually love the Sonic Pro string in this racquet. It compliments the Radical perfectly.
And the Pro is only more powerful if you get your swing right. If your swing is not developed, you will not notice any difference, and maybe a decrease in power because you will be late on your timing. If you hit the ball out in front and have good footwork, I guarantee you will hit clean winners a lot easier.
The main thing to do is focus on getting your weight behind the shot and making contact out in front.
I actually love the Sonic Pro string in this racquet. It compliments the Radical perfectly.
And the Pro is only more powerful if you get your swing right. If your swing is not developed, you will not notice any difference, and maybe a decrease in power because you will be late on your timing. If you hit the ball out in front and have good footwork, I guarantee you will hit clean winners a lot easier.
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JackB1
G.O.A.T.
I just compared the sweetspot's on the MP and the PRO on TW's comparison tool and the PRO has a MUCH larger sweetspot. It's not even close. Wouldn't that make the PRO the "easier to use" racquet? It's weird because they recommend the MP for 4.0's and the PRO for 4.5's & up? It seems like the MP requires a more precise hit than the PRO.
FedererForehand
Banned
I think the SW alone makes the Pro a better fit for more advanced players IMO.
the feel of the two racquets is very different. It's much more than just the sweetspot. It's going to come down to which one feels right for an individual's swing/game.
As someone who was thinking of doing a similar modding up experiment on a Rad MP, I find it pretty worrying that with leather grip, 40-50gs of lead, different grommets and a now 13 oz of weight, the racquet apparently can't really blast a winner from the baseline!? :shock:
klementine
Hall of Fame
^Very discouraging indeed.
PED
Legend
That is food for thought. I think it's great to customize but I sometimes wonder how the results are when something is taken so far from stock specs. Just my 2 cents.
One thing I like about the Pro is no lead is needed for my setup. Just play, restring and repeat....lol
