Head Auxetic Gravity Official Thread
- Thread starter Jouke
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Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yeah the pro is awesome but the mp is going to have more power at the cost of less control, if you dont mind that. A leather grip, some putty in the handle and a little lead at 3 and 9 to get the sw where you want it should do it.
Probably 3 grams split across 3/9 should get the sw where you want it. Then the leather grip plus 3 grams in the handle and you will be at 310, which is likely a great weight for that frame.
Underdog
Professional
Would it be that hard to add around 10g in the handle and 5ish on the hoop?
Underdog
Professional
Yeah, my goal would be to first get it to 310g unstrung, but I’d prefer if I could reach it qith a syn grip. I don’t really like the leather.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Just get tungsten putty and weight out 12 grams of it in a cotton ball. Stuff it in and you are good. Then the 3 grams at 3 and 9k should have you at 310 and a 325 sw depending on what specs you get.
WYK
Legend
The Pro is a heavy(ish) 100 sq inch racquet still. It isn't as low powered as people think it is.
What will get you is the lack of spin and the launch angle compared to your Aero. The MP is definitely closer. But as Ryebread said, you will have to play a lot with the weight.
Still, the feel is going to be completely different.
Racquets that behave similarly to that 98, but are comfortable, are something like a Prince Textreme Tour ATS, ProKennex Ki10/Ki5, head extreme tour or mp, or even a Clash 98.
Maybe even an Ezone 98.
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Ryebread
Hall of Fame
this helps
vcp 97 has no power
gravity pro auxetic has another layer of power for sure, when compared with vcp 97 and even the percept 97, which has more power than the vcp 97!
the percept and vcp 97 do not have any plow, they are platform sticks.
the plow of the gravity pro, it's not just that it has more. it has GREAT plow.
if you could handle the vcp 97 before, but just want more power, but do not want to lose out on control, and like low launch angle, and want a giant sweet spot (you don't feel ANY mishits), and you want FEEL.... you may want to try the gravity pro auxetic.
Underdog
Professional
Well, I like a medium launch angle. I like the power on my Aero, but sometimes it could bit slightly less. A also like it’s bite. I play topspin. I never flatten out, basically.
But yeah, I basically want control in a forgiving stringbed.
Ryebread
Hall of Fame
if you like the aero, IMO, you're NOT into serious control frames, like a VCP or Gravity.
which is why you are looking at the MP
I just don't see the appeal of getting an MP and then adding 20+ grams of lead.
there must be another option out there.
if you want an arm friendly Pure Aero, you get an Extreme MP.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I agree I have the Auxetic Extreme MP and it is exactly what you are describing @Underdog . The control is very high for being a power frame. I like the feel more than the PA since it feels more solid.
That said, if you can afford it, it may be worth having the Extreme and the Gravity. That is exactly what I am doing - Gravity Tour and Extreme MP in the bag and I will just use both until I figure out which I play better with. Only way to really know for me is playing singles matches and seeing how it goes over time.
The Gravity is a very unique frame due to it's awesome feel and how forgiving the head shape is. I really enjoyed the Pro I had, the only thing is that even the lighter Pro I had could feel a bit blobby and seemed a bit low on power if you hit with heavy spin, which is why I am trying the Tour now. I think the Tour and MP are possibly great options for most rec players. If I end up going with the Tour full time I may try and source a Pro in a lighter spec again and really see what the differences are there. I definitely could play well with the Pro, and it's an awesome frame, just a bit more demanding than the MP.
If you go with the MP I would suggest targeting a weight max of 310 and SW max of 325. I think the Gravities play rather well at a lower weight. You can treat them a bit like a Blade and get good results there. I am going to spec out the Tour when I get mine, and ideally play it in stock form with an OG, since the Sw is supposed to be 325 strung and the balance is around 4-5pts hl with an OG.
That said, if you can afford it, it may be worth having the Extreme and the Gravity. That is exactly what I am doing - Gravity Tour and Extreme MP in the bag and I will just use both until I figure out which I play better with. Only way to really know for me is playing singles matches and seeing how it goes over time.
The Gravity is a very unique frame due to it's awesome feel and how forgiving the head shape is. I really enjoyed the Pro I had, the only thing is that even the lighter Pro I had could feel a bit blobby and seemed a bit low on power if you hit with heavy spin, which is why I am trying the Tour now. I think the Tour and MP are possibly great options for most rec players. If I end up going with the Tour full time I may try and source a Pro in a lighter spec again and really see what the differences are there. I definitely could play well with the Pro, and it's an awesome frame, just a bit more demanding than the MP.
If you go with the MP I would suggest targeting a weight max of 310 and SW max of 325. I think the Gravities play rather well at a lower weight. You can treat them a bit like a Blade and get good results there. I am going to spec out the Tour when I get mine, and ideally play it in stock form with an OG, since the Sw is supposed to be 325 strung and the balance is around 4-5pts hl with an OG.
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Underdog
Professional
Yeah, that’s a fair take. I’m really not into more classic control frames. I’m looking for some power, but not too much, control as in tamed power (not to much trampoline effect) and consistent, medium launch angle, forgiveness, maneuverability (thinner beam so it also keeps power tamed and I can afford the 100sq head without being clunky?), bite and good access to spin.
There’s a problem I feel ashamed to admit since the discussion got real (and I appreciate you guys for that), but looks (and to some point coolness of endorsement) is somewhat important to me. I hate the looks on the Extreme. I really like the Aero and the Gravity, they look very cool in distinct ways.
I’ll investigate further if my wrist really can’t handle the Aero. If so, I’ll gravitate towards the Gravity MP (pun intended) and provide feedback.
Also, @Power Player thanks for the advice on weight limit. In case I end up with the Gravity, I’ll make sure to be careful.
Ryebread
Hall of Fame
I get it. I was into the vcore 95 for a bit, and I really didn't enjoy the red pj at all.
with regard to the extreme, I wonder if they'll offer a black version at some point.
Ryebread
Hall of Fame
did you ever compare the:
Blade V8 18m with the Gravity Pro Auxetic? I have not but I'm curious.
if anyone has insights on these, please share! thank you!
on paper they are very close with regard to sweet zone, twistweight, flex.
power wise, blade is at 41 and gravity pro is a 42. I thought they would be the same, but apparently the GP has more power.
SW, blade 327, gp 332
static, blade 323, gp 332
balance, blade 33, gp 32.4
I would be it's easier to find an underspec blade, than an underspec gp.
either way, you could tailweight a blade with 3 grams, to get her to 32.5
Underdog
Professional
Yeah!! Honestly, if the painjob on the Vcore was better (to my liking, of course), I’d probably have gone for it over the Aero to keep the Yonex feel which I like.
I think, for instance, Wilson did a very nice thing releasing those Noir paintjobs. They look sharp!
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I have never used either version. I'd probably just stick with Head at this point, just preferring their feel.
I think the Gravity Tour is probably a better comp to the Blade though.
thecatch33
New User
I've played Blade v8 18m, GP Auxetic, and GT Auxetic extensively. At the moment, GP is my daily driver. Some thoughts below:
I played with Blade first and still play with it from time to time. It has this sweet clean feel when you are hitting well that is I have not seen in any other racket. It's got good enough power and good enough control. Very goldilocks racket. I tend to hit flat, so access to spin is enough for me for most shots but I can see why some might not feel it is enough. Launch angle is fairly low. The primary weak points are on slice and on 2nd serve. My theory is it's too flexy for the chip slice I tend to do. Ironically you need to really swing out to get it under control, and my slice style just doesn't mesh well with it. My kick serve is also an issue for me with Blade, as I don't get as much spin as I'd like.
For me personally, I didn't gel with the Gravity Tour. GT is similar to Blade in that it is trying to find a balance between power and control, but for me it ended up being inferior to Blade in most ways. Similar power, but less stable and less control. Flat serves were harder to control, although I did see improvement on my kick serve. Slices better because it has a stiffer feel. Higher launch angle than Blade. It's a decent racket, but for me it was just worse than Blade and GP. If I'm looking for power I'll pull out Blade. If I am looking for control I'll pull out GP. Just no scenario in which I prefer GT.
I wasn't prepared to like GP Auxetic as much as I did but it's now my daily driver. This is for sure more control oriented than either Blade or GT, but what was surprising to me is that despite the beefier static weight and swingweight (mine is right in line with average 333), I found it an easy transition from Blade 18m. Maybe on the margin, my arm was more tired early on in 2nd/3rd sets, but I got used to it quickly and now I don't think about it at all. I do miss the on-demand pop I can get on Blade that I cannot from GP, but it's made up by the extra control, much better slice, and much better kick serve. GP feels significantly stiffer than Blade, which works much better with my chip slice. I also think GP has better spin potential in general, but perhaps contradictorily has a lower launch angle than blade. Despite the extra stiffness, it's still very comfortable on my sensitive shoulder.
I suppose I could customize GT to try to get it more stable, but at that point it's basically becoming more like a GP in terms of static weight and swing weight, and I don't see much point when I already enjoy GP so much. I'd rather just add some weight to GP to try to get more power than to add weight to GT to get more stability.
cuonglaiphoto
Rookie
I’ve tried all sticks like Gravity Mp auxetic, tour 360 and auxetic, and also both the pro 30 and auxetic. Here are some of my thoughts:
- I’ve weighted up the MP auxetic to 330+ and I found it still not as stable as the tour and pro. The unique feelings of the tour and pro are unreachable with the MP. Spin is great and flat is like rocket launcher from baseline.
- I’ve played my best tennis with the tour and pro so far, and I much prefer the Pro. I currently play the GP stock at 336 static weight. Exceptional feeling!
- I’ve weighted up the MP auxetic to 330+ and I found it still not as stable as the tour and pro. The unique feelings of the tour and pro are unreachable with the MP. Spin is great and flat is like rocket launcher from baseline.
- I’ve played my best tennis with the tour and pro so far, and I much prefer the Pro. I currently play the GP stock at 336 static weight. Exceptional feeling!
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Good to hear that the GT trajectory is higher than the blade. Thats much better for my style of play.
If I really love the tour but decide I want more stability I may go back to the pro. Will take a little time to figure all that out.
If I really love the tour but decide I want more stability I may go back to the pro. Will take a little time to figure all that out.
thecatch33
New User
To be clear, I would not classify either Blade or GT as high launch angle rackets. On a relative basis, though, I felt GT was higher.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yeah that’s how I took it. That’s pretty ideal for me at least on paper. I used the older 18main blades for quite a while but I wanted a bit more lift.
WYK
Legend
For me, with the GT weighted up and as stable or maybe even more so than the Pro, the advantage is it is has more flex in the hoop and throat together.
The Pro feels like it has a stiffer hoop. This tends to show up when framing(which I will do a LOT in doubles), more of my shanked balls go in with the Tour VS the Pro, and the feel is easier on the arm when it happens. That aside, once the Tour is weighted up, the main difference is the launch angle. I can just get more spin more easily with the Tour vs the Pro.
However, the stiffer hoop also lends to better first serves with the Pro. It's really a stark trade-off for me.
I have also played with every blade 18X20 there is. and have owned most of them. I only own the nBlade at the moment. It just has more control than the parallel drilled Blades have. And with weight and HyperG 120, plenty of spin. I played better with the CV Blade, but it is much harder on your arm. Another team mate of mine that was using the Blade CV has gone to the Auxetic Pro, btw, after I let him use my V1 to try. He says he can not tell any difference between the ox or the V1 gravity's.
Both my Tour and my nBlade are at 335g at the moment and strung similarly(the Blade is 22X20kg and the Tour is 23X21kg with HyperG 120 on top of RPM Rough 125). The Blade is a touch more head heavy, though. At this weight, and with how it is strung, the launch angle on the nBlade starts to climb over stock as it begins to put more spin on the ball. However, without the parallel drilling, and due to it being closer to 58RA and 98sq in, it just does not have the power the Tour or newer blades have. Relatively speaking - the Tour is still a control stick. But since you can hit the ball harder for the same control with the Blade, it still generates good spin and slice. It just always demands more from you than the Tour in every area of the court. If I were my younger college self, I would opt for the blade, and I did use it to win one of the doubles competitions start of summer.
The slice is definitely better on the Tour and Pro, though - likely because there is so much real estate to slice a ball with. You can really crank a slice hard and find the strings. Or, at the very least, you just feel confident about it due to the head shape and beam width. It also doesn't care what sort of slice you want - defensive, offensive/drive, drop volley, it does them all very well. You want to chip it off the forehand? It can do that, too. It has that 'laser slice' you hear people talking about on good slicing sticks once it's weighted up. During one of my matches last summer, I returned a serve to my backhand at shoulder height with one of those laser slices for a winner. You don't forget that sort of thing. I also often do hitting practice and exercises with one of the coach's wives here that hits the ball hard and flat and find myself having to slice off both wings often very comfortable. My doubles partner hates to hit with her due to how flat she hits and how often she slices. I like practicing my slice, and the Tour just adds to that.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
If things go well with the tour I decided i will also grab a pro and use them interchangeably. I used the pro in 2022 and had no real issues with it, just craved a bit more power at times. So that will be solved. If it all goes south I still have my Extremes, so I’m pretty much covered for all situations.
Ryebread
Hall of Fame
MAKES SENSE.
for some context
I'm 5'8 145 lbs, fit, 4.0 player.
somewhere between flat and spinny
flatter 2hbh, spinny forehand at times, flatten the ball out too.
my gravity pro, with poly and og is sitting at 339 grams
this is 9 grams heavier than anything I've played with ever.
and for some reason it's working out just fine.
for me, I need to swing out to be effective
I can swing out with a blade v8, a tf40 305 18x20, a tf40 315, a gravity pro, a radical mp, a vcore 95 with a control string.
the radical mp is too stiff for me, the rest are fine.
I don't have the extreme level put away power, but I can slap the ball hard all day, without it going long too much, b/c of the lower power and lower launch angle of these frames. I'm playing the best tennis b/c I have the confidence.
surprisingly, my serve is great with the gravity pro.
at net, you can accidentally hit a great volley with the gravity pro, it's that solid.
with almost any frame I've used, even those control frames, the ball can sail a bit at times, if I'm not concentrating.
with the gravity pro, those occasions have been curtailed!
I did play with the 360+ gravity tour for a year,
with a control string, it was nice.
so stable for it's weight.
I liked it with hexagon-x pearl from ytex, a 16L at 52/50
the best backup, lighter stick option for a tired me, so far is the 305 18x20 tf40
but I'm not really getting tired with the gp. surprisingly. maybe it's the pushups I'm doing.
the tf40 just doesn't have the plow of the gp.
For a Gravity Pro user, which Extreme would you suggest?
Ryebread
Hall of Fame
The Extreme line is like the Pure Aero, so it's not for flat hitters
if you hit with spin or don't generate your own pace, it could work
extreme tour has the most control, this one can be trouble on certain folk's arms
extreme mp is more easy power / larger sweet spot, this one is more comfy.
extreme pro is avail in EU, even more power with more plow, comfy.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yeah Im your height but I have 40 pounds more. Lots of weights, built like a running back.
I like the Pro a lot but wanted to try this version of the tour since it apparently has a better layup and is an improved version. Could be cool to have both versions for me. I served really well with the Pro as well. I miss serving with that head shape.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Just saw this but the GP actually has really good power. I did a lot of work on my technique, over the past 3 months. focusing mainly on driving off the back leg, bending the knees..etc. And the gp rewards with a very heavy ball, easy shape and consistency.
So like all frames it is going to be based on where you are at technique- wise. You don’t have to be a touring pro but the gp is super rewarding of proper technique I have found. Where some players frames simply expect that technique as a foundation to give you anything, the gp gives you a power up.
davced1
Hall of Fame
Finally I hit with a Gravity racquet and it was the Gravity team 2023 model. We had been playing for 1.5 hours when I noticed my partner had a Gravity racquet so I had a brief hit it was strung with some hybrid setup but he didn't know what strings it was. I was so dialed in I could probably have hit well with any racquet but I must say it was an excellent racquet all my shots worked very nicely the strings felt fairly loose but the control was still excellent and compared to my usual aeropro drives I felt more connected to the ball with better control. I will definitely consider this racquet but like to try the other versions too.
Dragy
G.O.A.T.
Try MP, it is quite admired in current Auxetic version. You can also try Tour, but 18x20 string pattern might be quite different from what you are used to.
davced1
Hall of Fame
Is there a Tour in the 2023 version? I can't find it here.
HEAD Gravity Racquets - Tennis Warehouse
www.tennis-warehouse.com
Found the Tour but had to go to european site but that's fine I live in Europe.
Head Gravity Tour 2023 Racket | Tennis Warehouse Europe
www.tenniswarehouse-europe.com
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time_fly
Hall of Fame
I tried the current MP in my last set of demo frames and was very impressed. To get it closer to my usual spec I would probably add a leather grip and maybe a bit of lead on the hoop but it was solid and forgiving even in stock form.
TK Tennis
New User
My 19 year old son uses the Team and I use the MP-L. I started off using the Gravity Pro and that caused elbow issues for me, then we both moved down to the MP and then again down to the MP-L and Team. The Team plays very similar to the MP-L and MP being they are all 16x19 patterns, although plays with the benefits and/or disadvantages of a lighter racquet. Being the Team has a wider beam than the MP and MP-L, it has a little more of the hollow/tinny feel from having less density. We both add 20+ grams of blue-tec into the butt cap and some lead on the hoop to get to our desired static weight, swing weight and balance. In stock form the racquet is not suitable for any intermediate to advanced player due to the head heavy balance point.
We both demo'd every viable racquet on the market and we both felt the Gravity series provided us the best feel.
Tmano
Hall of Fame
Thank you!
How's the comfort/flex?
TK Tennis
New User
Very slight more stiff than the MP, but it's still a flexible comfortable stick
Tmano
Hall of Fame
Thank you!!
ttlapointe
Rookie
Are there any significant differences to consider between the 360+ Gravity Tour and the Auxetic Gravity Tour?
Any pros playing with Gravity Tour? Just wondering...
Power Player
Bionic Poster
DG21
Rookie
You are right! Underpowered is the last word i would use for this GPro. I finally playtested it today and it was simply “wow”! Plush, controlled, yet very powerful! But i must admit that it’s a bit heavy for my liking (340g static weight, 32.4cm balance and unfortunately i cant measure the SW but i guess it’s around 335kg). I absolutely loved this racquet but i feel some pain in my arm after hitting with it though.
Still cant decide which one to go for - 2021 or this 2023. I am Head Gravity Tour 2021 user. After hitting with this 2023 Gpro my Tour felt like a plastic toy.
DG21
Rookie
2021 or 2023 version?
2023
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