Head 360+ Extreme Pro

[TennisHound]

Just wondering if this racquet will ever make it over to the US? https://www.tenniswarehouse-europe....xtreme_Pro_Racket/descpageRCHEAD-HREP-EN.html

This has the potential to be one of Heads best selling racquets - more power than Speed Pro, more control than Extreme MP, softer than PD and PA.

Here’s one of the customer reviews:
“I have played in approx. 10 hours with my NEW Head Graphene 360+ Extreme Pro Rackets (3 pieces) until now. The string is Head Lynx Tour 1.25/17 String Set, tension 23, 24, and 25 kg (factory tension). The best is 23 kg.My tennis friends, these rackets are DREAM. All of the advantages which are advertised are true at 100%.The new properties:No tennis elbow or forearm pain at all! Head's Dynamic String Pattern, gives more control, and comfortable feel.My shots, especially the serves, are much more precise than before.The power and spin are nearly the same as before! (this was extremely important for me, this is a reason why I like the extreme line of HEAD)This racket is a good candidate for the racket of the 2020 title.”

 

[chicubs]

From what the TW staff has said, this version won’t make it over to the US. I managed to pick a pair up though. it has finally allowed me to move on from my Head Youtek Prestige Pros as I have lost some natural athleticism/power and need a little more help in my 30s.

The feel is substantially improved over the previous version and the denser string pattern allows one to actually flatten out the ball when needed. It’s a super stabile players stick with some of the free power of a tweener.

I didn’t write the review you quoted but I totally agree. This racquet is a hidden gem and a total shame they’re not bringing it to the States.

For reference/context, I found the Extreme Tour to be totally lacking in stability and any sort of power. It’s sort of an odd combination but the feel and control is admittedly great. I know you could lead it up but that’s not my thing.

 

[TennisHound]

I guess I would have to figure out how to pay for shipping to the US.

 

[smalahove]

Played with it for a while, returned it for a second (Extreme) Tour. Didn't really experience a big difference from the previous version. The + material / fibers might have softened the frame, but the tighter pattern nullifies it, ime. This is a frame for big hitters that maintain control with spin, comparable to a Pure Aero Tour f.inst.

The Extreme Tour has nothing to do with the MP and Pro versions, except for the name. The latter are clear Pure Aero alternatives. The Tour is pretty much a Pure Strike 98 type of frame, with less frame rigidity (and power). Could just as easily been a part of the Radical family, except they decided to make those frames thinner than the last versions.

 

[TennisHound]

Played with it for a while, returned it for a second (Extreme) Tour. Didn't really experience a big difference from the previous version. The + material / fibers might have softened the frame, but the tighter pattern nullifies it, ime. This is a frame for big hitters that maintain control with spin, comparable to a Pure Aero Tour f.inst.

The Extreme Tour has nothing to do with the MP and Pro versions, except for the name. The latter are clear Pure Aero alternatives. The Tour is pretty much a Pure Strike 98 type of frame, with less frame rigidity (and power). Could just as easily been a part of the Radical family, except they decided to make those frames thinner than the last versions.

So basically it sucks...

 

[smalahove]

So basically it sucks...

It’s the frame I chose over the PT 2.0, Prestige MP+ and Mid+, Gravity Tour and Pro, and Extreme Pro+.

It’s also a frame that reportedly has a similar prostock version (same mold).

 

[TennisHound]

The Extreme Tour seems just like another 98”, which I’m currently playing around with the Dunlop FX 500 Tour. But the Extreme Pro looks to have better controllable power than the PD PA Tours.

 

[smalahove]

The Extreme Tour seems just like another 98”, which I’m currently playing around with the Dunlop FX 500 Tour. But the Extreme Pro looks to have better controllable power than the PD PA Tours.

If you like the PD/PA Tours, then def check out the Extreme Pro g360/g360+. Imo, the diff between the two is more a matter of pref, rather than an objective improvement.

 

[TennisHound]

Good points. I’m actually gelling with the Dunlop FX500 atm. Actually the PD PA Tiurs are too heavy for me, and the Extreme Pro probably would be too. But I’d still like to try it. I would still be using the 360+ Extreme MP if the stringbed was a little tighter.

 

[TennisHound]

Played with it for a while, returned it for a second (Extreme) Tour. Didn't really experience a big difference from the previous version. The + material / fibers might have softened the frame, but the tighter pattern nullifies it, ime. This is a frame for big hitters that maintain control with spin, comparable to a Pure Aero Tour f.inst.

The Extreme Tour has nothing to do with the MP and Pro versions, except for the name. The latter are clear Pure Aero alternatives. The Tour is pretty much a Pure Strike 98 type of frame, with less frame rigidity (and power). Could just as easily been a part of the Radical family, except they decided to make those frames thinner than the last versions.

You like the Tour that much? I tried it briefly, but was into 100” at the time and didn’t give it much thought. Recently I ordered the FX500 Tour by mistake, and it’s made me rethink 98s. Being 52 and not playing as much, I’m not sure I could win effectively again with a 98, even though this latest Dunlop has me questioning myself.

 

[smalahove]

You like the Tour that much? I tried it briefly, but was into 100” at the time and didn’t give it much thought. Recently I ordered the FX500 Tour by mistake, and it’s made me rethink 98s. Being 52 and not playing as much, I’m not sure I could win effectively again with a 98, even though this latest Dunlop has me questioning myself.

It’s a nice compromise, being an arm friendly PS 16x19, esp from the baseline and for match play. I am hoping the new Rad MP or VCore 95/98 can replace them though, as It’d prefer more feel or more power, the rest same the same.

I play a lot against guys in their 30s and really good players around my age, so 95s aren’t cutting it on return of serves and on defense.

With 100s I’m lacking the control needed to win point, as i’m not hitting through (good) opponents.

When I’ll lose a little more of my movement, I thibk I’ll go for the Clash 100.

 

[Boubi]

Extreme MP is much better than the tour imo

 

[smalahove]

Extreme MP is much better than the tour imo

To me though, that's like saying the Pure Aero is better than the Pure Strike 16x19.

 

[Boubi]

To me though, that's like saying the Pure Aero is better than the Pure Strike 16x19.

Never tested the pure strike....but i played extreme tour and MP side by side and it was a no-brainer: more feel, more comfy, more plow, very stable at net etc .... No need to get the ''tour'' (nor the pro btw)

 

[Ufiors]

Any big difference between the 360 and 360+? I'm looking to buy the new one, the Pro version

 

[chicubs]

Any big difference between the 360 and 360+? I'm looking to buy the new one, the Pro version

360+ Pro version vs the regular 350 has better feel and a denser string pattern for more control when you want to flatten it out. Basically, it’s just a more predictable string response all the way around.

To me though, that's like saying the Pure Aero is better than the Pure Strike 16x19.

I agree with this. For my game, the Pro works better but I could see the Tour for others. I have used the Pure Strike before and thought it had a little more plow through and stability versus the Tour but all good sticks.

 

[Ufiors]

Thankss, i read also the 360+ has a lower swingweight than the previous one, it's true?

And if It Is, Is a bad thing?

 

[chicubs]

Thankss, i read also the 360+ has a lower swingweight than the previous one, it's true?

And if It Is, Is a bad thing?

360+ Pro is 325 versus 360 Pro’s 331. I didn’t actually realize it until I just looked it up, so it doesn’t seem to make too big a difference. Both are stable and require good technique.

 

[TennisHound]

360+ Pro is 325 versus 360 Pro’s 331. I didn’t actually realize it until I just looked it up, so it doesn’t seem to make too big a difference. Both are stable and require good technique.

You could also take off the regular grip on the Pro, add 2 over grips and you’ve changed the balance and feel of it - will feel like more SW.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

If anyone is interested in a G360+ Extreme Pro (new in plastic) in a Grip size 2 or 4, let me know.

Thanks

 

[Ryebread]

And I have a grip 3 available. Like new.

 

[La Pavoni]

If anyone is interested in a G360+ Extreme Pro (new in plastic) in a Grip size 2 or 4, let me know.

Thanks

I take it, you didn’t like yours?

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

I take it, you didn’t like yours?

I loved mine. Both the G360+ Extreme Tour and the G360+ Extreme Pro are fabulous racquets. I can see the differences between them, and I have not been able to properly serve with the Pro yet, but from what I have experienced so far... it is staying in the bag. The concern will be the thicker beam when it comes to serving, but if it's great in all other areas, I'm sure solutions can be found. It produces plenty of power on a few half-hearted serves I tried, but I was not able to execute proper form and serve at full speed, due to an abdominal strain.

It has great control, but easier power than the Tour, it has a slightly crisper feel, yet is still very comfortable, the sweet spot is large and generous, and it is a fraction easier on defence shots and when reaching at the extremities (no pun intended) than the Tour (due to the larger head size). The larger head size also makes it feel a bit more muted, and therefore there is a slight loss of feeling when it comes to where the ball is on the string bed, but nothing that would detract from all the positives, and that might be solvable with a different string choice to the factory provided Lynx Tour. The Pro also has monstrous slices off both sides, that can be used defensively and very much offensively when needed (low, dirty slice, that skids viciously and has great pace). Mine is weight modified, but significantly less so than the Tours I have.

What was offered were just extras, and were being offered to those not in Europe, who might have been interested. Mine is staying, and I may keep more, if no-one is interested (it was a holic attempt to reduce numbers in the collection).

 

[La Pavoni]

I loved mine. Both the G360+ Extreme Tour and the G360+ Extreme Pro are fabulous racquets. I can see the differences between them, and I have not been able to properly serve with the Pro yet, but from what I have experienced so far... it is staying in the bag. The concern will be the thicker beam when it comes to serving, but if it's great in all other areas, I'm sure solutions can be found. It produces plenty of power on a few half-hearted serves I tried, but I was not able to execute proper form and serve at full speed, due to an abdominal strain.

It has great control, but easier power than the Tour, it has a slightly crisper feel, yet is still very comfortable, the sweet spot is large and generous, and it is a fraction easier on defence shots and when reaching at the extremities (no pun intended) than the Tour (due to the larger head size). The larger head size also makes it feel a bit more muted, and therefore there is a slight loss of feeling when it comes to where the ball is on the string bed, but nothing that would detract from all the positives, and that might not be solvable with a different string choice to the factory provided Lynx Tour. The Pro also has monstrous slices off both sides, that can be used defensively and very much offensively when needed (low, dirty slice, that skids viciously and has great pace). Mine is weight modified, but significantly less so than the Tours I have.

What was offered were just extras, and were being offered to those not in Europe, who might have been interested. Mine is staying, and I may keep more, if no-one is interested (it was a holic attempt to reduce numbers in the collection).

Glad you are enjoying it.

I picked one up to try as something very different to my Gravity Pros. I’ve given it two hits in stock form (just OG and dampener and strung with Blackcode and Icecode at 53/50 in a hybrid). I quite liked it, but wasn’t blown away. I probably had an unrealistic expectation of how powerful and spinny it would actually be. I went back to my Gravity for the second set of a match the other day and immediately started hitting better.
I shoved a couple of grams of lead at 10 and 2 this evening and used it for a hitting session. More pop straightaway. Better for serves and slice felt better too. I’ll have another hit with it again and maybe put a couple of grams in the trapdoor and see what that does. I was hoping not to take the static weight on it too high though, but I’m only messing around with it anyway.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Glad you are enjoying it.

I picked one up to try as something very different to my Gravity Pros. I’ve given it two hits in stock form (just OG and dampener and strung with Blackcode and Icecode at 53/50 in a hybrid). I quite liked it, but wasn’t blown away. I probably had an unrealistic expectation of how powerful and spinny it would actually be. I went back to my Gravity for the second set of a match the other day and immediately started hitting better.
I shoved a couple of grams of lead at 10 and 2 this evening and used it for a hitting session. More pop straightaway. Better for serves and slice felt better too. I’ll have another hit with it again and maybe put a couple of grams in the trapdoor and see what that does. I was hoping not to take the static weight on it too high though, but I’m only messing around with it anyway.

What I find interesting is that Head has the CPI rating of the Extreme Pro as 400, and the Extreme Tour as 500. This would mean that the Tour is the more powerful of the two. I'm not sure if they rank the Tour as more powerful because it is lighter and has a lower SW, therefore it can be swung faster producing more powerful shots, or what... but the Extreme Pro seemed to have easier/more inherent power to me.

The Extreme Pro definitely has plenty of control, if you have the right technique and stroke mechanics... and seems controlled enough, but when I played them back-to-back and with the same strung weight (and strings), the Pro felt more powerful (and was less HL as less modifications could be made due to the heavier static weight from stock).

Makes sense as the Extreme Pro has a much thicker beam than the Tour, has a heavier static weight, and a higher SW (at least on average specs from TW), and is a 100 sq. in Vs the Tour's 98.

I will keep playing them both and see how things pan out... but I like them both so far, for different reasons. The big test will be serving and match play. I'll update my progress and impressions as I go.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

@La Pavoni how are you going with the G360+ Extreme Pro?

I've added some more weight inside the butt cap (in order to make the racquet more HL and closer to the balance of my ETs (which is 317mm for my Tour Nites and 320mm for the Grey/Yellow "standard" version).

My EPs are now at 317mm balance and they are playing even better. I am better able to time the ball, meet it out front, and hit through the ball (while still imparting spin). It has also allowed for a better control of the racquet head, enabling for increased variety of shot.

Now the ETs and EPs are definite stayers.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

-just got my 2x h.extreme.pros back
-restrung them with neon yellow h.lynx,
-16g h.lynx (neon yellow) @ 56lbs, great setup for me
-i strung my other one with blue 17g pp.i.string.super.soft @58lbs
-easy spin
-easy power
-GREAT CLUB LEVEL racquet!, good alternative to the w.clash racquets.

-and like times before, the looks i get/got from people are priceless
-the neon yellow and hints of black are "in your face!!", great color combo on the h.EXTREME.pro (2018)

 

[La Pavoni]

@La Pavoni how are you going with the G360+ Extreme Pro?

I've added some more weight inside the butt cap (in order to make the racquet more HL and closer to the balance of my ETs (which is 317mm for my Tour Nites and 320mm for the Grey/Yellow "standard" version).

My EPs are now at 317mm balance and they are playing even better. I am better able to time the ball, meet it out front, and hit through the ball (while still imparting spin). It has also allowed for a better control of the racquet head, enabling for increased variety of shot.

Now the ETs and EPs are definite stayers.

It’s a bit of a weird one for me. I’ve consistently really enjoyed hitting with it. And I had one match, against someone who doesn’t hit a very heavy ball, but puts lots of topspin on the ball on both sides, where I played really well with it. The rest of the time I’m not quite as effective as I am with my Gravity Pro. To be fair in that respect it isn’t that different to my Gravity MP, which I also enjoy playing with. I might chuck a leather grip on it next time I restring it and see if that helps matters.

 

[La Pavoni]

Leather grip is now on. I'll see if that makes any difference. In the past I have definitely found that I prefer quite a polarised set up, so now with a couple of grams in the hoop and the couple of extra grams from the leather....who knows.
I'm still enjoying playing with it. The evidence is though that I don't win quite as many points with it is as with the Gravity Pro. I've looked at my stats in Swingvision and I hit the ball at about the same pace with both racquets. I actually get the ball a bit deeper with the Extreme. I just tend to get edged in tight sets against the same players with the Extreme and I tend to win them with the Gravity. I'm also slightly more arm sensitive with the Extreme than the Gravity. Similar string set ups that I can cope happily with in the Gravity are right on the edge of my tolerance in the Extreme. I'll only be going for softer setups in it from now on.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Served with my 360+ Extreme Pro for the first time in a match tonight... and the racquet hits BOMBS!!!

I'm loving this racquet from almost all areas. For me, it is the most challenging on volleys... at least tonight it was. The mass in the head and the thicker beam make it more sluggish at the net, especially when compared with the Extreme Tour. This is something that can be worked on (and tweaked if necessary).

On the whole, I'm loving both the G360+ Extreme Tour and Extreme Pro... and I appreciate their different nuances.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

The G360+ EP is starting to overtake the 360+ ET due to the much better thumping power on groundstrokes, the excellent stability, and the huge serves that I can hit with it.

The ET is still better at net, more manoeuvrable, and I like the thinner beam better... but the EP allows me to win and control the points easier. My EPs are both 359g, 315mm balance, and increased SW (3g total added to head + weight added to grip and handle).

It's still a work-in-progress, but I'm very happy I got 2 EPs when they were on sale (they were not available in Australia, but then one retailer had some in and I jumped on them).

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

I've since modified one of my G360+ EPs with silicone in the handle, and taken the added weight out of the head (as it was so powerful that only the "perfect" swing would stay inside the lines... and anything else would sail long). Once the weight was removed from the head, the racquet regained its awesome control and feel, and played even better (with the silicone adding to the feel).

This racquet is an absolute treat and a monster on groundstrokes and angles.

 

[Power Player]

Extreme pro is seriously awesome. Not too heavy at all. The feel is very solid and stable and easy on the arm. I keep going back to my IG as my favorite tweener I have owned. 69RA but a lot more comfortable than that. Specs are also perfect, just string it up and play. No open string pattern like the new pure drive plus better feel.

It is a shame that Head has limited the sales on this because it’s one of those frames that I think a lot of people who want a power frame with a more solid feel would love.

Anyway headed out to use mine again in a match today.