Head Auxetic Radical

BDAZ

Hall of Fame
Is the Auxetic Radical coming out before the Gravity? I see lots of new Radical pj's but no new Gravity pj's.
 

aus89

Hall of Fame
Head has started marketing the Radical
radical-pro-2023.jpg

radical-mp-2023.jpg

Specs:
MP
CPI:400
WEIGHT (UNSTRUNG):300 g / 10.6 oz
STRING PATTERN:16/19
HEAD SIZE:630 cm² / 98 in²
GRIP SIZE:1-5
BALANCE:320 mm / 1 in HL
LENGTH:685 mm / 27.0 in
BEAM:20/23/21 mm

PRO
CPI:200
WEIGHT (UNSTRUNG):315 g / 11.1 oz
STRING PATTERN:16/19
HEAD SIZE:630 cm² / 98 in²
GRIP SIZE:1-5
BALANCE:315 mm / 1 in HL
LENGTH:685 mm / 27.0 in
BEAM:20/21.5/21 mm
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
Head has started marketing the Radical
radical-pro-2023.jpg

radical-mp-2023.jpg

Specs:
MP
CPI:400
WEIGHT (UNSTRUNG):300 g / 10.6 oz
STRING PATTERN:16/19
HEAD SIZE:630 cm² / 98 in²
GRIP SIZE:1-5
BALANCE:320 mm / 1 in HL
LENGTH:685 mm / 27.0 in
BEAM:20/23/21 mm

PRO
CPI:200
WEIGHT (UNSTRUNG):315 g / 11.1 oz
STRING PATTERN:16/19
HEAD SIZE:630 cm² / 98 in²
GRIP SIZE:1-5
BALANCE:315 mm / 1 in HL
LENGTH:685 mm / 27.0 in
BEAM:20/21.5/21 mm
Wish they would provide the RA
 

Dberger820

Rookie
Visited my club this evening and they had the new 2023 Auxetic Radical MP. It was strung up with basic Head syn gut 16g. From looking at the string I believe I was the first person to hit with it. I usually play with 2021 VCore 98, but spent years playing Radicals up until the Youtek series.

First off, I am so very disappointed on the paint job. The outside of the hoop is highlighter orange. The inside of the hoop is a salmon/pink/orange color. The yoke is navy blue. None of these colors look good together and it comes off to me as very ugly. Possibly I’m just not young enough to appreciate it as I think the new 2023 Nadal paint job for the Aero is horrendous as well.

I played about 30 minutes then handed it off to another guy on court who wanted to hit with it. My initial impressions are that it feels plusher than the previous model. I tried my best to like the 360+ frame but always felt a bit boardy. This one did not feel boardy at all. I got good spin, nothing like my VCore with RPM Blast, but nice for the strings provided. I really enjoyed the heft for the MP and how easy it was to flatten out the shot. Volleys felt solid with more touch than my Yonex. Nothing stood out on my serve. Felt like each previous Radical since they went the stiffer route.

I look forward to playing with it more the next time out.
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
Visited my club this evening and they had the new 2023 Auxetic Radical MP. It was strung up with basic Head syn gut 16g. From looking at the string I believe I was the first person to hit with it. I usually play with 2021 VCore 98, but spent years playing Radicals up until the Youtek series.

First off, I am so very disappointed on the paint job. The outside of the hoop is highlighter orange. The inside of the hoop is a salmon/pink/orange color. The yoke is navy blue. None of these colors look good together and it comes off to me as very ugly. Possibly I’m just not young enough to appreciate it as I think the new 2023 Nadal paint job for the Aero is horrendous as well.

I played about 30 minutes then handed it off to another guy on court who wanted to hit with it. My initial impressions are that it feels plusher than the previous model. I tried my best to like the 360+ frame but always felt a bit boardy. This one did not feel boardy at all. I got good spin, nothing like my VCore with RPM Blast, but nice for the strings provided. I really enjoyed the heft for the MP and how easy it was to flatten out the shot. Volleys felt solid with more touch than my Yonex. Nothing stood out on my serve. Felt like each previous Radical since they went the stiffer route.

I look forward to playing with it more the next time out.
Looking forward to hearing more.
 
Just picked up a new MP and a new Pro to demo. Specs stock, with same strings (apparently a new Head string, blue/gray) at same tension, no overgrip:
MP: 317g, 33.4cm, 326 SW
Pro: 326g, 32.6cm, 314 SW (!)

Swingweight was measured with a freshly calibrated Briffidi SW1 so it should be accurate. Not sure how accurate my “balance board” setup really is (in quotation marks because you can barely call it that), so take the balance measurements with a grain of salt, but they should be accurate relative to each other.
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
So you could have the number that is completely irrelevant?
But if you must, it will be the same or 1pt lower than the 360+ however, it feels 3-4 points softer than the 360+. Does that help?
I guess. I was hoping that it would be on the stiffer side as to provide good power. I like rackets that the ball comes off of the stringbed quickly. I don't like soft mushy frames that absorb energy from the ball.
 
I guess. I was hoping that it would be on the stiffer side as to provide good power. I like rackets that the ball comes off of the stringbed quickly. I don't like soft mushy frames that absorb energy from the ball.
I don’t know that it’s an either/or. I demoed the Auxetic Radical MP and the Auxetic Speed MP back to back and found the Radical to be firmer but also less powerful than the Speed. The Radical definitely isn’t mushy, but it also isn’t overly stiff. Same with power - not a rocket launcher, but not underpowered. On first demo, it was a nice goldilocks middle ground on a lot of attributes.
 
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TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
I don’t know that it’s an either/or. I demoed the Auxetic Radical MP and the Auxetic Speed MP back to back and found the Radical to be firmer but also less powerful than the Speed. The Radical definitely isn’t mushy, but it also isn’t overly stiff. Same with power - not a rocket launcher, but not underpowered. On first demo, it was a nice goldilocks middle ground on a lot of attributes.
Sounds nice. As long as it has more raw power potential than the wimpy PS97 I'm going to love it. Hopefully :laughing:
 

KungfuTennis

Semi-Pro
Having a good time with the Radical MP Auxetic right now. Head sent me one last week, and I've been hitting it a lot in the last few days, feels nice and solid, not super stiff or harsh. I haven't used many previous radicals so its hard for me to compare, but it feels closer to a Prostaff than any other racket that I've played with. MP has a decent swingweight for the 300g unstrung specs. Not a huge fan of the Lynx Tour, maybe it's because I'm too used to HyperG 18g in my Speed Pro, but then again I just strung that racket up with Focus Hex 1.25 and it also felt great. Currently stringing at 48lbs, doesn't feel like it gives me great spin and is a bit launchy if I hit too hard and flat. I'll try another string once this one dies. Also finding the sweetspot a bit lower than I'm used to, but that might be a radical thing. Volleys and serves feel really great, especially flat first serves. Forehands are good too, struggling a bit on backhand since I don't have that 100 sqr in Sped Pro crutch, but I'll keep using it in the coming weeks and update yall.
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
Having a good time with the Radical MP Auxetic right now. Head sent me one last week, and I've been hitting it a lot in the last few days, feels nice and solid, not super stiff or harsh. I haven't used many previous radicals so its hard for me to compare, but it feels closer to a Prostaff than any other racket that I've played with. MP has a decent swingweight for the 300g unstrung specs. Not a huge fan of the Lynx Tour, maybe it's because I'm too used to HyperG 18g in my Speed Pro, but then again I just strung that racket up with Focus Hex 1.25 and it also felt great. Currently stringing at 48lbs, doesn't feel like it gives me great spin and is a bit launchy if I hit too hard and flat. I'll try another string once this one dies. Also finding the sweetspot a bit lower than I'm used to, but that might be a radical thing. Volleys and serves feel really great, especially flat first serves. Forehands are good too, struggling a bit on backhand since I don't have that 100 sqr in Sped Pro crutch, but I'll keep using it in the coming weeks and update yall.
How did you manage to get one of these from Head? Are you sponsored by them or something?
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame

artdeco

Semi-Pro
I tend to like this guy's reviews. But this was definitely his worst. He didn't touch on power, control, spin, launch angle and what might help it out in certain areas with some customization. Just kept saying over and over that it was basically the same as the last generation. He definitely dropped the ball with this one.
He never really tries with the Radical. I don't think he likes it very much.
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
He never really tries with the Radical. I don't think he likes it very much.
When he was making those videos with his buddy Nikki Roenn he was really into the Rad MP saying how he preferred it over the Extreme Tour and how it really suited his game. I guess he was just kissing butt. :laughing:
 

KungfuTennis

Semi-Pro
Switched to TAAN 5600, which is a cheap Chinese 1.15mm smooth poly at 51/48lbs. Feels FANTASTIC, far far better than Lynx Tour at 48lbs. Not sure if I messed up stringing the lynx or something but now the ball pocketing and control feels great.
 

A_Instead

Legend
It seems that quantity is now the objective... certainly there will be many more videos on the new Radicals once they are released..
The detailed review will come in video #5.
It's all part of guerrilla marketing approach.
Social media is a boon for OEM's..
It's cheap or even free to get penetration in today's market place.. it also enables others to make nice $ on other persons dime while doing the leg work for the OEM... The beauty of social media.

Ex.7.4k "looks" ( exposure) on a current posting of just 1 video.
Free of charge to OEM... or perhaps at least a small investment of a frame at cost.
As views climb.. more $
The better the channel, the better the views..the better the $..
The more channels, the more videos...the more information we all have to make our own opinions.. Aka.. More penetration.
Looking forward to the YT video on the Aux Radical from the famous TW member from the great country of Canada..who is a standing member of this board.
His insight is bond.
Props to DRG.. (Dr God Mode)
 
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KungfuTennis

Semi-Pro
So we're allowed to post pics of this thing now right? I never know when I'm allowed or not allowed to post pre-release stuff these days lol. If so, I'll take some detailed pictures tomorrow
 

Konik_1982

Rookie
He never really tries with the Radical. I don't think he likes it very much.

Interesting...he just posted a video on his Patreon when he´s choosing a racquet to play with in 2023 and on his TOP3 list are the new vcore95, new Radical MP and new Gravity Tour which he likes the most from the Pro, Tour and MP with aux tech.
 

A_Instead

Legend
Perhaps he will switch to it.. He is lucky to get access to frames before most.
being a social media influencer has its advantages.
Time will show..
Likely many more new offers will be presented.. access and advance demo is a nice benefit..
Again.. Having connections has it advantages..
 
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jdx2112

Hall of Fame
I don’t know that it’s an either/or. I demoed the Auxetic Radical MP and the Auxetic Speed MP back to back and found the Radical to be firmer but also less powerful than the Speed. The Radical definitely isn’t mushy, but it also isn’t overly stiff. Same with power - not a rocket launcher, but not underpowered. On first demo, it was a nice goldilocks middle ground on a lot of attributes.
Any sense of how the Auxetic Radical compares to the Blade v8? I play with the Blade v8 and I'm looking for a bit more power without sacrificing too much maneuverability.
 
Any sense of how the Auxetic Radical compares to the Blade v8? I play with the Blade v8 and I'm looking for a bit more power without sacrificing too much maneuverability.
I have only hit with the Blade v8 100, and not with my normal string setup, so I can’t really give a good comparison unfortunately.
 

A_Instead

Legend
Jdx.. If you want want more pop and spin than your blade v8... Swing about the same..
Then Solinco White Out is your ticket..
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
Any sense of how the Auxetic Radical compares to the Blade v8? I play with the Blade v8 and I'm looking for a bit more power without sacrificing too much maneuverability.
The Rad MP will definitely provide more power than your Blade V8 while still being just as maneuverable. So would the Extreme Tour for that matter.
 

The Seeker

New User
I tend to like this guy's reviews. But this was definitely his worst. He didn't touch on power, control, spin, launch angle and what might help it out in certain areas with some customization. Just kept saying over and over that it was basically the same as the last generation. He definitely dropped the ball with this one.
Vcores review was also pretty bad. All rackets in one video and only shallow comments. Getting pretty obvious that he's focusing on the ads.
 

jdx2112

Hall of Fame
Vcores review was also pretty bad. All rackets in one video and only shallow comments. Getting pretty obvious that he's focusing on the ads.
I think the thing he needs for his reviews is a consistent structure to his comments. Power/Feel/Spin/Comfort...etc,
 

KungfuTennis

Semi-Pro
I’m a fan of the nerd’s content, especially good commentary on feel and specs for us “aud-vaunced” players!
Agreed, I just wish his videos were a bit more focused and to the point. Sometimes its a bit of a struggle to watch a 10 minute racket review, though he does provide valuable commentary most of the time
 

A_Instead

Legend
check out tan tennis review of the vcore 98...it's format isn't bad.. just get past the first sit down session....
I liked his video of the Auxetic Extreme Tour and Auxetic Radical...
What do you think of his videos?
 

jdx2112

Hall of Fame
check out tan tennis review of the vcore 98...it's format isn't bad.. just get past the first sit down session....
I liked his video of the Auxetic Extreme Tour and Auxetic Radical...
What do you think of his videos?
A tad long-winded, but ok. His issues is that he lacks experience.
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
A tad long-winded, but ok. His issues is that he lacks experience.
I personally can't stand the guy. I don't agree with half of what he says in any of his reviews. The guy isn't good enough to play with the Rad MP so he tries to trash it. That tells me all I need to know. The guy's a bum. Simple as that.
 

jdx2112

Hall of Fame
I personally can't stand the guy. I don't agree with half of what he says in any of his reviews. The guy isn't good enough to play with the Rad MP so he tries to trash it. That tells me all I need to know. The guy's a bum. Simple as that.
Tell us how you really feel.

When I watched his Radical MP review, I didn't see evidence of his criticism in the sample footage. Ball looked basically the same as when he hit the Extreme Tour. My guess is the ball dwells longer on the ET than the Radical and he didn't like it.
 

A_Instead

Legend
One of my favorites is the last dude in the Tennis company in Texas.. Tennis press
Reviews..
I wish he would do the entire review...
 
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