Alternatives for a racquet that is no longer made

[Mosty85]

Hi guys,

I recently got the opportunity to hit with a friends racquet. It was a Head Radical Mp 18x20. I think it was from 2013, and as such it has been discontinued. I really clicked with that racquet. I felt totally in control with placement, and didn't feel like I needed to hold back on any shots for fear of them going long.

With it being discontinued however, I am looking for something similar. The Head racquet had the following stats: 98" Head, 18x20 string pattern, unstrung weight of 295g (10.4oz), and quite a thin beam of 21.5mm, and was head light (though I'm not sure how many points head light).

So far the closest match I've found is the Wilson Blade 98 18x20, specs: 98" Head, 18x20 string pattern, unstrung weight 304g (10.7oz), 21.5mm, 3pts Head light.

This seems pretty close. If anyone else has any suggestions on other racquets that are similar or indeed if you have any comments on how similar the Wilson Blade is, or if the blade plays well, and what you like about it, then please share them. I really appreciate any input. Thank you!

 

[Crocodile]

Maybe a Volkl Super G 9 with its 18/20 pattern or one of the Dunlop bio fibre f 3.0 perhaps.

 

[sma1001]

There are still a lot of the Rad MP 18/20s about if you are willing to pick up second hand on the auction site. They come up quite frequently. You could try any of the Liquidmetal, Microgel, Youtek or IG models. All a little different, but no more so than changing brand altogether.

If intent on getting one of the latest then the Blade 98 18/20 (2015 - green) is perhaps your best bet. On sale now too as the 2017 has just come out. Other options include the Prince Textreme Tour 100P (albeit a 100 head), and the Pro Kennex Q Tour 295 18/20 (or later 300 18/20) but you will find that quite low powered. There is also the 18/20 version of the Pure Strike, and a new one of those is about to come out (January). The older version is on sale. Most say the older Strike has flaws that Babolat seek to deal with in the new version.

All told i'd be inclined to try to pick up the Head from the auction site, failing which try the Blade 2015. It's a solid offering that has a lot of fans.

 

[robbo1970]

Hi guys,

I recently got the opportunity to hit with a friends racquet. It was a Head Radical Mp 18x20. I think it was from 2013, and as such it has been discontinued. I really clicked with that racquet. I felt totally in control with placement, and didn't feel like I needed to hold back on any shots for fear of them going long.

With it being discontinued however, I am looking for something similar. The Head racquet had the following stats: 98" Head, 18x20 string pattern, unstrung weight of 295g (10.4oz), and quite a thin beam of 21.5mm, and was head light (though I'm not sure how many points head light).

So far the closest match I've found is the Wilson Blade 98 18x20, specs: 98" Head, 18x20 string pattern, unstrung weight 304g (10.7oz), 21.5mm, 3pts Head light.

This seems pretty close. If anyone else has any suggestions on other racquets that are similar or indeed if you have any comments on how similar the Wilson Blade is, or if the blade plays well, and what you like about it, then please share them. I really appreciate any input. Thank you!

Was it like this one:

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Head_MicroGEL_Radical_Midplus/descpageRCHEAD-HMGRAD.html

Still plenty available at a good price from TW. If you really like it you could even stock up on a few.

 

[DonDiego]

There are tons of IG Radical MP (2012-2013 models) brand new for sale at a canadian shop named racketguys.

 

[esgee48]

Just be aware that Head's QC is all over the map. If you can, measure the mass, balance, SW of the Radical you like. Than get one(s) that a lower or same. Lower so that you can mod them as needed up to your desired spec.

 

[Irvin]

Why not try a Head Microgel Radical MidPlus? Sounds like your racket.
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Head_MicroGEL_Radical_Midplus/descpageRCHEAD-HMGRAD.html

 

[vsbabolat]

Hi guys,

I recently got the opportunity to hit with a friends racquet. It was a Head Radical Mp 18x20. I think it was from 2013, and as such it has been discontinued. I really clicked with that racquet. I felt totally in control with placement, and didn't feel like I needed to hold back on any shots for fear of them going long.

With it being discontinued however, I am looking for something similar. The Head racquet had the following stats: 98" Head, 18x20 string pattern, unstrung weight of 295g (10.4oz), and quite a thin beam of 21.5mm, and was head light (though I'm not sure how many points head light).

So far the closest match I've found is the Wilson Blade 98 18x20, specs: 98" Head, 18x20 string pattern, unstrung weight 304g (10.7oz), 21.5mm, 3pts Head light.

This seems pretty close. If anyone else has any suggestions on other racquets that are similar or indeed if you have any comments on how similar the Wilson Blade is, or if the blade plays well, and what you like about it, then please share them. I really appreciate any input. Thank you!

You can try the MG Radical MP and the IG Radical MP is still out there new from Canada. It's ironic that the Wilson Blade came out to compete with the Radical. HEAD has changed the Radical so much that the Wilson Blade is what the Radical used to be. Now the Radical is like a Babolat Pure Strike or lower powered Pure Drive. Sad!!!!!

 

[movdqa]

2013 seems a little late for the MG.