G360+ Radical 2021

[6august]

For those who are hungry for photos and specs:

HEAD Tennis

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[AgassiGrafFan]

I am not writing it off yet until I see it live. There may be some potential there especially when you mix in the grip and strings. I will say IMO the worst thing that happened to the Radical from a marketing perspective was the transition from Agassi to Murray. If AA is wielding that thing I am buying. AA had pizzazz. I mean the Zebra was crazy but looked awesome bc of the guy swinging it and the shots he hit with it. Running, blind, over the shoulder winner anyone? Murray was too much a lunch pail guy and curmudgeon to be the face of the Radical IMO. Head needs to get JJ Wolf into this line and then pray that he pans out. That or peel FAA away from Babolat.

 

[bertrevert]

Is there any real innovation in this latest round?

Are we looking at any redesign, or a change in materials only?

Have they changed any of the beam profiles, anywhere, asking anyone who has seen/held the new one???

 

[AgassiGrafFan]

Is there any real innovation in this latest round?

Are we looking at any redesign, or a change in materials only?

Have they changed any of the beam profiles, anywhere, asking anyone who has seen/held the new one???

I am sure several others here have more experience than me, but I have hit the 2021 Rad Pro Prototype. It was VERY nice. I played my prime years on the original Radicals so when I came back and wanted to modernize my equipment the Radical was the first stick I tried. Unfortunately it was the first Graphene and I could not do anything well with it compared to my older Rads. If the 2021 had been the one I tried I would probably still be a Radical user today. The new one is a bit low powered and doesn’t have the bite compared to what I play with, but it has a great feel and is really nice for someone who drives the ball more than I do. Head has really knocked it out of the park with G360+ IMO. I honestly do not think there is a dud in the bunch. Just find the one that suits your style and go.

 

[6august]

Hit with Rad XT yesterday and it hurt my arm.

The weird thing is I didn't feel the racquet stiff when hitting at all, but my that evening my arm started to feel very uncomfortable.

 

[TennisHound]

The new head shape may make all the difference.

 

[taydbear7]

My local shop got these in over the weekend. I'm tempted to give them a test run.

 

[dr325i]

Is there any real innovation in this latest round?

Are we looking at any redesign, or a change in materials only?

Have they changed any of the beam profiles, anywhere, asking anyone who has seen/held the new one???

The molds, layup/technology, grip (pallet shape, etc.) is all different from previous generations.

 

[n8dawg6]

I am not writing it off yet until I see it live. There may be some potential there especially when you mix in the grip and strings. I will say IMO the worst thing that happened to the Radical from a marketing perspective was the transition from Agassi to Murray. If AA is wielding that thing I am buying. AA had pizzazz. I mean the Zebra was crazy but looked awesome bc of the guy swinging it and the shots he hit with it.

freakin love AA. when i played as a kid, we only cared about the racquet agassi was using.

 

[6august]

I hit my backhand best with Head racquets.

Is that coincident most of greatest backhand ever using Head racquets: Agassi, Safin, Djokovic and Murray...

 

[tennisfit45]

I hit my backhand best with Head racquets.

Is that coincident most of greatest backhand ever using Head racquets: Agassi, Safin, Djokovic and Murray...

Very well spotted. Personally I started liking the Youtek range (MP) as it gave me an incredible consistency (especially on the backhand) compared to previous versions. Then the XT MP followed in its footsteps. After that Head went downhill as both the Touch and 360 models were lacking in comparison. I hope the new 360+ MP is like the Youtek MP or better.

 

[NickJ]

freakin love AA. when i played as a kid, we only cared about the racquet agassi was using.

You and me both . . . . . !!

 

[glenWs]

As per TW, the MP is
- 11.2oz strung
- 4pts HL
- 65RA
- 327SW

Radical Pro:
- 11.7oz strung
- 6pts HL
- 65RA
- 331SW

Not gonna suck me in again with another Radical. I gave the last 3 versions a chance and they’ve all been crap. Aside from 360+ and “spiralfibers“ what changed?

 

[taydbear7]

Very well spotted. Personally I started liking the Youtek range (MP) as it gave me an incredible consistency (especially on the backhand) compared to previous versions. Then the XT MP followed in its footsteps. After that Head went downhill as both the Touch and 360 models were lacking in comparison. I hope the new 360+ MP is like the Youtek MP or better.

I didn't like the Touch model at all. The 360 was a slight improvement and several 360+ models I demoed (Prestige, Extreme, Speed) I have been impressed. I'm bought the XT Prestige for cheap and I prefer it over the Touch by a long shot.

 

[dr325i]

Not gonna suck me in again with another Radical. I gave the last 3 versions a chance and they’ve all been crap. Aside from 360+ and “spiralfibers“ what changed?

They removed the handle and string holes.
So, it now floats around you and uses magnetic technology to bounce the ball (saves you multiple string jobs)!

 

[taylor15]

They removed the handle and string holes.
So, it now floats around you and uses magnetic technology to bounce the ball (saves you multiple string jobs)!

Well, now I'm actually interested in giving it a shot. The 360 radical is my favorite paint by far but the thin beam is worth a hit. Taking out the string holes and handles just makes it much more futuristic.

 

[bluejay205]

Having played through the older radicals and loving the smooth transition with each (even between MP and Pro) until the last version, I really do hope that the sentiments echoed by the play testers are true. The current 360 plays horribly and had I not played with a radical before and based my impression on that stick I would've written off the radical line altogether. I agree that the XT was an awesome racquet to play with but after a month I could feel it in my arms and had to write it off. Cosmetics though....how could the Head marketing team not realize this was going to be a huge mistake . I really, really wish I was in the room where this decision was made...

That being said, I've got my calendar marked and am anxiously keeping an eye out for new video reviews and perspectives. I've been unsuccessful in trying to increase the weight of my current 295g to match the pro version of the Grahphene without losing the integrity of the racquet (I've applied lead in various locations), so to have these two heftier options is just what i needed.

 

[Regord]

If only Head would made the radicals 18x20 again

 

[djNEiGht]

If only Head would made the radicals 18x20 again

the 8 main throat might help bridge that

 

[bluejay205]

I tried it was great on everything but I lost my crafty slice/drop shots...
but that was the closest I got and regret not learning that adding lead to this area doesn't affect the playability that much. Actually, maybe it was because I lost a match I really wanted to win so I blamed it on the racquet like I normally do. At least that time I just took off the tape and didn't go on a shopping binge....I think I'll try it again.

Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[BrownPaperBag]

Is the prestige getting a new paintjob as well?

 

[dr325i]

Is the prestige getting a new paintjob as well?

no

 

[Regord]

Also the new Prestige likely won’t be released until the beginning of 2022 since the current one was only released this year.

 

[taylor15]

Anyone have an actual photo of these frames yet? I feel like the orange will be a touch more muted in person than it is in the official pics.

 

[RandomAsian]

Anyone have an actual photo of these frames yet? I feel like the orange will be a touch more muted in person than it is in the official pics.

It’s literally all over the Internet now lol

 

[5.0 in 3.0 Body Guy]

The orange paint job is really starting to grow on me in a good way, especially with the orange Lynx Tour strings. I like this pj WAY more than the 2021 Vcores (and I love Yonex).

 

[dr325i]

It’s literally all over the Internet now lol

Send me a PM. I have them next to Radical 360, so you can see how Orange color differs...if it does

 

[Return_Ace]

For those with retail paint versions, i know a lot of people are saying they look a lot better than the pictures.

Is it realpy as Red as the non-marketing photos make it out?

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

Because that looks very Ti. Radical... wonder if we can get Black Grommets... will the G360 ones fit?

 

[topspn]

Not gonna suck me in again with another Radical. I gave the last 3 versions a chance and they’ve all been crap. Aside from 360+ and “spiralfibers“ what changed?

It is a new mold altogether.

 

[5.0 in 3.0 Body Guy]

 

[dr325i]

For those with retail paint versions, i know a lot of people are saying they look a lot better than the pictures.

Is it realpy as Red as the non-marketing photos make it out?

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

Because that looks very Ti. Radical... wonder if we can get Black Grommets... will the G360 ones fit?

The G360 mold was TK307 for MP and Pro
the G360+ uses TK351 mold for MP and TK352 for Pro. So, I am not sure if 360 grommets will fit the 351 (definitely NOT 352) as the molds are similar beside string channels. I assume they would not fit right.

the actual grommets go nicely with the PJ.

https://imgur.com/a/VxgEcut

 

[taylor15]

Edit- thanks guys, I hadn’t seen the ones in the wild yet. I like it better than the head promo pics for sure

 

[A_Instead]

That's an impressive looking racket... Head is finally aligning thier R&D department with their Marketing department..

 

[RandomAsian]

Send me a PM. I have them next to Radical 360, so you can see how Orange color differs...if it does

What I meant was “Aren’t there already lots of post on Instagram who are posting the rackets?” Cuz the guy above was asking if anyone had ACTUAL pics of the racket. It’s pretty easy to find that’s all.

 

[dr325i]

What I meant was “Aren’t there already lots of post on Instagram who are posting the rackets?” Cuz the guy above was asking if anyone had ACTUAL pics of the racket. It’s pretty easy to find that’s all.

pictures and how they show the colors depend on many many factors. That is why I did side by side with and without flash...

 

[Return_Ace]

The G360 mold was TK307 for MP and Pro
the G360+ uses TK351 mold for MP and TK352 for Pro. So, I am not sure if 360 grommets will fit the 351 (definitely NOT 352) as the molds are similar beside string channels. I assume they would not fit right.

the actual grommets go nicely with the PJ.

https://imgur.com/a/VxgEcut

I'm just a traditionalist and prefer Black Grommets... or at least, Grommets that contrast with the PJ, as opposed to blend in (so the v3 Pure Strike is okay... and my Angells).

Are you saying that the grommets for the MP and Pro aren't interchangeable then? I thought the "only" difference in the mold (on paper) was the beam thickness at the throat.

Also, does this new TK35x mold still retain the throat shape of the 360? i.e. more trapezoid shaped.

 

[gutfeeling]

the G360+ uses TK351 mold for MP and TK352 for Pro.

https://imgur.com/a/VxgEcut

Is the head of the 360+ MP/Pro you have pictured wider/larger than the Extreme Tour or are my eyes playing tricks on me? I know they are both listed as 98 sq in but it looks almost as if the ET is longer/narrower and the 360+ Radical is wider/larger.

 

[dr325i]

I'm just a traditionalist and prefer Black Grommets... or at least, Grommets that contrast with the PJ, as opposed to blend in (so the v3 Pure Strike is okay... and my Angells).

Are you saying that the grommets for the MP and Pro aren't interchangeable then? I thought the "only" difference in the mold (on paper) was the beam thickness at the throat.

Also, does this new TK35x mold still retain the throat shape of the 360? i.e. more trapezoid shaped.

I don’t have the sticks with me.
however, the MP and Pro molds are completely different. Pro is thinner, closer to the TK348 (extreme tour). They would not be interchangeable

 

[dr325i]

Is the head of the 360+ MP/Pro you have pictured wider/larger than the Extreme Tour or are my eyes playing tricks on me? I know they are both listed as 98 sq in but it looks almost as if the ET is longer/narrower and the 360+ Radical is wider/larger.

That is an MP.
1) it is in the forefront of the picture and also it is a thicker beam vs extreme tour.
both are 98s

 

[smalahove]

Is the head of the 360+ MP/Pro you have pictured wider/larger than the Extreme Tour or are my eyes playing tricks on me? I know they are both listed as 98 sq in but it looks almost as if the ET is longer/narrower and the 360+ Radical is wider/larger.

i have the ET and MP in my hands right now. They have really similar hoops, but the MP is a bit narrower at the top (11&1), and a bit longer in the throat (6).

 

[Return_Ace]

I don’t have the sticks with me.
however, the MP and Pro molds are completely different. Pro is thinner, closer to the TK348 (extreme tour). They would not be interchangeable

Not quite sure what you mean by this.

The Pro is listed 20/21.5/21mm, whereas the ET is listed 22/23/21 which is more in like with the new MP (20/23/21).

Am curious as to what's changed with the mold between 360/360+ since the new MP still has the same beam widths as the current 360 MP/Pro.... although from the FB photos, the head looks a bit squarer?

 

[dr325i]

Not quite sure what you mean by this.

The Pro is listed 20/21.5/21mm, whereas the ET is listed 22/23/21 which is more in like with the new MP (20/23/21).

Am curious as to what's changed with the mold between 360/360+ since the new MP still has the same beam widths as the current 360 MP/Pro.... although from the FB photos, the head looks a bit squarer?

Ah, I thought the ET was thinner. Did not look into details.
I think the mold is similar. Definitely slight changes between 307 and 351. I am not sure if the drill pattern changed. The string channel is different so not sure if that would affect it. I can try to find out though

 

[Return_Ace]

Ah, I thought the ET was thinner. Did not look into details.
I think the mold is similar. Definitely slight changes between 307 and 351. I am not sure if the drill pattern changed. The string channel is different so not sure if that would affect it. I can try to find out though

NGL, I'd be interested if you could.

Would open up a few more options in terms of grommets, Black from the GrapheneXT, Orange from the Graphene (if that's still a different shade; would also open up the possibility of using the CAP grommets from both as well.

 

[topspn]

Hard to see with the orange but doesn’t look like a wraparound grommet

 

[rafa_prestige89]

If only Head would made the radicals 18x20 again

They do, but no for us, only for the pros

 

[dr325i]

They do, but no for us, only for the pros

Because there is a handful of "us" and they are in business of making....profits, just like some of us with PS/RF97 came in 18x20 or PT2.0 came in 16x19, etc...

 

[HitMoreBHs]

Couple of side-by-side photos of the 360+ Radical MP and the Gravity MP. Both strung with Lynx Tour 1.25. Just a few quick observations:
1) The tighter "control pattern" stringbed of the Radical MP 16x19 vs the Gravity MP 16x20 is immediately obvious (most easily seen by comparing the grommet positions).
2) Hoop overlay shot shows the size difference between Radical MP (98) vs Gravity MP (100) - not a whole lot and certainly not enough to keep me from my occasional shanks!
3) Radical MP beam is 20/23/21 vs Gravity MP 22mm (sorry, should have taken a shot of that too) - not that different. However, the cross section is quite a bit thicker on the Radical MP. Both are elliptical beams, but the thinner cross section on the Gravity MP looks and feels a lot more sleek.

If I manage to find the time, I'll post some thoughts on comparative performance from my two days hitting with both sticks over the weekend. Given similarity in specs and both racquets positioned at 400 on HEAD's CPI chart, there are likely to be a fair number of players who will be looking to test both before deciding which one works better for them. The quick answer is that each is an excellent stick in its own right with great feel. However, they play sufficiently differently that I wouldn't switch between them mid-match.

I think HEAD is going to sell a ton of the Radical MPs (and Pros)!

 

[Chezbeeno]

Had a chance to hit with the MP for about 10 minutes today - it felt quite a bit lighter and more maneuverable than I expected, given the swing weight numbers I've been seeing on here - but its still hit a really solid and precise ball. certainly not as much power and spin as the pure drive that I was using before, but it felt like a slightly easier to use version of a Wilson blade, which is exactly what I was hoping it would be. Overall, very happy with the experience, and I'll look to get one ASAP.

 

[bluejay205]

Had a chance to hit with the MP for about 10 minutes today - it felt quite a bit lighter and more maneuverable than I expected, given the swing weight numbers I've been seeing on here - but its still hit a really solid and precise ball. certainly not as much power and spin as the pure drive that I was using before, but it felt like a slightly easier to use version of a Wilson blade, which is exactly what I was hoping it would be. Overall, very happy with the experience, and I'll look to get one ASAP.

Great observation, and exactly why I'm looking forward to this update. After getting tennis elbow from the Project One Pure Strike 98 (which I would still be playing with otherwise), I thought I found the next best thing with the wilson blade until I broke strings and borrowed a friends head radical which I thought was much more well balanced and maneuverable. After that the blade felt way too sluggish.

I hope they come out with a limited edition paint job sooner than later though...

 

[hurworld]

Any idea if there will be a 26" version? My daughter is going from 25" to 26" in a couple of months and I'm hoping the 360+ Radical would fit the bill. She loves orange colour. She's using the 25" Gravity now.