Head Extreme 2024 Thread

Boomersooner

New User
The 100D has more pop for sure but less spin.

The big advantage with the Extreme Pro are the angles you can generate. That way you open up the court a lot easier. As mentioned, it is a nice control/spin racket.
Compare launch angle on EZ98 and EP for me if you would please. Thinking of hitting then side by side this fall before choosing next year's frame lol.
 

Honza

Semi-Pro
Compare launch angle on EZ98 and EP for me if you would please. Thinking of hitting then side by side this fall before choosing next year's frame lol.
Launch angle is something completely different.
The Ezone ball starts very very flat. Its hard to play some angles but its easier to generate depth.
Depends what kind of a player you are. I can generate depth with the EP but cant play angles with the Ezone, so my choice is pretty clear. The opponents i play with have a much harder time playing me with the EP.
The constant frame and stringbed of the EP give me more control.

Btw i still play the Ezone because you cant get the EP in Europe under 200 Euro. Head is creating some artificial shortage at the moment. I guess because not many ppl bought it from the beginning.
 

nivea77

New User
What strings are people using on the Extreme Pro? I tried HG and HGS both 1.20 and preferred the HG over HGS. I normally like the soft version but not on this racquet.
 

Honza

Semi-Pro
To be honest i thought more about a round consistent string like Head Hawk or Razor Soft, because it is so spin friendly.
Playing a shaped poly in 1.20 it breaks within 30 mins.
 

Boomersooner

New User
To be honest i thought more about a round consistent string like Head Hawk or Razor Soft, because it is so spin friendly.
Playing a shaped poly in 1.20 it breaks within 30 mins.
Quick power comparison between EZ98 & Extreme Pro? EZ is one of favorite serving rackets ever
 

Honza

Semi-Pro
Quick power comparison between EZ98 & Extreme Pro? EZ is one of favorite serving rackets ever

My Ezone is modded, so i am not sure.
I had the feeling that a stock Ezone wasn't powerfull at all.

The Ezone with lead has more power than the EP.
 

Fighting phoenix

Professional
My Ezone is modded, so i am not sure.
I had the feeling that a stock Ezone wasn't powerfull at all.

The Ezone with lead has more power than the EP.
Agreed it’s more powerful, but serves with the EP are great with the ability to generate a ton of racquet head speed.
 
My Ezone is modded, so i am not sure.
I had the feeling that a stock Ezone wasn't powerfull at all.

The Ezone with lead has more power than the EP.
I have both at similar SW/static/balance (although string setup isn't the same but comparable).
For me the EP gives more easy, consistent 70-80% level of power, EZ takes the cake on max power.
Haven't been able to blast the same kind of baselines winners with the EP than with the EZ.

Stock I agree, EZ beam design does not compensate the lower mass.
 

Honza

Semi-Pro
The EP fits my personal bill for power requirements. I just wanted to add my experience to yours for the person who initial asked about power comparison.
No offense intended, sorry. We share almost the same opinion.

Btw my hitting partners, especially the ones taking the ball early, dont like the heavier balls with the EP.
 

Ryebread

Hall of Fame
I’m at 4.0 and I am surprised, but the extreme pros the best stick for my two handed backhand.

I have three of them now!

The only other thing in my bag right now is a ezone 98.

All EP at 51/49
EZ at 51/48

All 18g pure rush poly.

With the ezone, my back hand is not as consistent or as powerful.

Need more playing time to diagnose the rest of my game yet, with the ez. But it feels a lot more boardy, less plush. I think the world of these new clear grommets on the EP - possibly placebo tho.

EP better at net for sure.
 

EternalEnvy

New User
How do you guys rate Extreme Pro vs Percept 100D in terms of power, stability and maneuverability?
Currently have an extreme pro, but considering the 100D too.
 

Ryebread

Hall of Fame
How do you guys rate Extreme Pro vs Percept 100D in terms of power, stability and maneuverability?
Currently have an extreme pro, but considering the 100D too.

100d is not as good at net, on serve, smaller sweet spot, less forgiving, less power, more control. It’s almost anemic. It really is asking for weight.

Maneuverability is almost identical.

Launch angle is low for both of them, but I would say the 100d is lower.

Spin is surprisingly OK with the 100d. Obviously way more access to spin with the EP though.

EP is playable stock. Volleys and serve are sublime. A little weight brings it up to epic status.
 

EternalEnvy

New User
100d is not as good at net, on serve, smaller sweet spot, less forgiving, less power, more control. It’s almost anemic. It really is asking for weight.

Maneuverability is almost identical.

Launch angle is low for both of them, but I would say the 100d is lower.

Spin is surprisingly OK with the 100d. Obviously way more access to spin with the EP though.

EP is playable stock. Volleys and serve are sublime. A little weight brings it up to epic status.
Thanks guess I won't need to demo the 100d based on that response haha!
Where did you add weight on your EP?
 

Ryebread

Hall of Fame
Thanks guess I won't need to demo the 100d based on that response haha!
Where did you add weight on your EP?
It really depends on who you are, how you hit, and what tool is best for you.

But the EP does have some magic though.

One is stock and 322 SW. plays great.

One underweight one was 316 SW, I have just two grams at 12. And it’s a beast now too.

the other one I haven’t checked yet. It’s a mystery stick for now!
 

heavyD

Professional
I’m at 4.0 and I am surprised, but the extreme pros the best stick for my two handed backhand.
That's funny because the EP has been the best stick to date for my OHBH and I think that's because of how fast it moves through the air and for me it seems very forgiving on shots hit just above the sweet spot near the upper end of the stringbed.
 

bubuly

Rookie
That's funny because the EP has been the best stick to date for my OHBH and I think that's because of how fast it moves through the air and for me it seems very forgiving on shots hit just above the sweet spot near the upper end of the stringbed.
Do you play it stock form ?
 

Ryebread

Hall of Fame
more on my EZ98 vs. EP comparison.

The EP:
for me, it seems the EP is more of a players frame.
little better directional control,
I can get a little more punch on my FH wing with it.
even more punch on my 2hbh.
stock for stock, a little better at net for sure.
with added weight on the EZ98, now they are both solid at net
slightly better return game
great power on first serve, nice spin on second. NO complaints on serve at all!

the EZ98:
I feel I get easier depth, and therefore the ball is going out a bit more...
surprisingly, I feel that the EZ just doesn't give ME the same level of punching power, when I want it.
so the ball goes long at times, but not necessarily faster/harder through the court.
higher launch for me perhaps?
what's even more bizarre, is that it's not as plush a feeling, feels more boardy, like it's a 16x20 or 18x19.
doesn't feel like a 16x19
but even with that note, I can still hit a super spinny second serve for sure, really do damage with it.

I feel I can hit relaxed with either, but when I'm swinging all out....
I have more margin for error with the EP, than with the EZ98, while having more zip on my ball, it's weird right?

The EZ is WAY more muted, which is something that could take some folks a while to really appreciate what it means for you, and whether or not you prefer this or not.

The EP is still super comfy, making it just an amazing offering.
I think the EZ is at that line for some folks, could be harsh, but it's not a problem racquet for me.
The EP in the past, has been a problem stick for me! And this one is DEF not.
it's the new tech and perhaps the cool clear grommets!?! haha!

I'm a yy guy at heart. I have around 12 yy shirts in my locker at the club.
Sure, I've been a wilson or head or even tech guy at times, but
I've hit more yy frames since high school days, than anything else.
and yes I could live with either of these frames.
But sorry yy, the EP seems to be the one I'd put a ring on.
 

ulunxtns

Professional
more on my EZ98 vs. EP comparison.

The EP:
for me, it seems the EP is more of a players frame.
little better directional control,
I can get a little more punch on my FH wing with it.
even more punch on my 2hbh.
stock for stock, a little better at net for sure.
with added weight on the EZ98, now they are both solid at net
slightly better return game
great power on first serve, nice spin on second. NO complaints on serve at all!

the EZ98:
I feel I get easier depth, and therefore the ball is going out a bit more...
surprisingly, I feel that the EZ just doesn't give ME the same level of punching power, when I want it.
so the ball goes long at times, but not necessarily faster/harder through the court.
higher launch for me perhaps?
what's even more bizarre, is that it's not as plush a feeling, feels more boardy, like it's a 16x20 or 18x19.
doesn't feel like a 16x19
but even with that note, I can still hit a super spinny second serve for sure, really do damage with it.

I feel I can hit relaxed with either, but when I'm swinging all out....
I have more margin for error with the EP, than with the EZ98, while having more zip on my ball, it's weird right?

The EZ is WAY more muted, which is something that could take some folks a while to really appreciate what it means for you, and whether or not you prefer this or not.

The EP is still super comfy, making it just an amazing offering.
I think the EZ is at that line for some folks, could be harsh, but it's not a problem racquet for me.
The EP in the past, has been a problem stick for me! And this one is DEF not.
it's the new tech and perhaps the cool clear grommets!?! haha!

I'm a yy guy at heart. I have around 12 yy shirts in my locker at the club.
Sure, I've been a wilson or head or even tech guy at times, but
I've hit more yy frames since high school days, than anything else.
and yes I could live with either of these frames.
But sorry yy, the EP seems to be the one I'd put a ring on.
Try to string EZone 98 looser than you do in other racquets. Cause the center of the Ezone is like a 18x20, if you string at your normal tension, it will feel boardy.

I tested it out with my ERT, when I string it at my normal tension 48/46, off the stringer, the DT equals 52 lbs, after one hit it will drop to 48 lbs, then it'll hold tension around that number. Most racquets if you string them at 48 lbs, after first hit it will drop to around 44 or 45. So string Ezone 98 about 4/5 lbs lower to match your normal hitting tension.
 

heavyD

Professional
Do you play it stock form ?
Yes. Go back and see post #434. I got two matched frames that are a little beefier than spec. No need for me to add any weight as they feel perfect for me and I could probably play with them fine at a lower spec as I'm pretty used to using the typical tweener spec frames.
 

pelusi

Rookie
Yes. Go back and see post #434. I got two matched frames that are a little beefier than spec. No need for me to add any weight as they feel perfect for me and I could probably play with them fine at a lower spec as I'm pretty used to using the typical tweener spec frames.
Do you know the weight and balance of your rackets?
 
Does anyone know what lynx tour 1.30mm adds SW points to the pro? Have the chance to get one with 330SW strung for good conditions, but sounds quite beefy (my max is 292SW unstrung).
 

toaster

New User
I have an Extreme Pro with 324 Swingweigt. For me it feels very dampened and easy to swing. Power, Spin and Control are good, I only struggle with slices, since the racquet is relatively light. The powerlevel is more like a control racquet, you will not the have the crazy power of an Pure Aero 100.

All in all I will keep the racquet and make the switch. Comfort is very good in my opnion.
 

ZeroandOne

Rookie
I bought an Extreme Pro last month and all the comments here seem pretty accurate. The ball feels neutral and predictable off the stringbed. Swings easy. Forgiving. Can't fault it really.
 

Ryebread

Hall of Fame
I have an Extreme Pro with 324 Swingweigt. For me it feels very dampened and easy to swing. Power, Spin and Control are good, I only struggle with slices, since the racquet is relatively light. The powerlevel is more like a control racquet, you will not the have the crazy power of an Pure Aero 100.

All in all I will keep the racquet and make the switch. Comfort is very good in my opnion.

You got a nice copy!

The folks who want PA100 power would get the MP. But IMO you can be rewarded with some nice pop from this “more controlled” offering, the new Pro. Lower launch angle, thinner beam, slightly heavier, smaller head size.
 

toaster

New User
I bought another Extreme Pro, but this one had only 286 SW without strings. I put about 4 grams in total at 12 and 3 and 9. Now it is 294 and matches my other racquet.
 

Ryebread

Hall of Fame
I bought another Extreme Pro, but this one had only 286 SW without strings. I put about 4 grams in total at 12 and 3 and 9. Now it is 294 and matches my other racquet.
IT'S A SHAME
but it's worth it, in the end.
I wish Head/Wilson/Bab would do better.
Yonex is slightly better.
Tech, I can't do it. Until they let the consumer open the but cap, so we can add weight there potentially.
 

curtstead

Professional
Tech, I can't do it. Until they let the consumer open the but cap, so we can add weight there potentially.

I still, for the life of me, cannot understand why they won't add a trapdoor. That along with the grip shape, their customers say they love their frames except these two things. Yet Tecnifibre won't change either. So dumb, lol.
 

ZeroandOne

Rookie
I'm trying lynx tour/hawk touch @ 52 in the EP. Using a stock racquet but the sw should be around 325 if I had to guess. Anyway the strings are just too tight for me, only started enjoying it after 4 hours. Not sure if I like the gummy feel.
 

Ryebread

Hall of Fame
I'm trying lynx tour/hawk touch @ 52 in the EP. Using a stock racquet but the sw should be around 325 if I had to guess. Anyway the strings are just too tight for me, only started enjoying it after 4 hours. Not sure if I like the gummy feel.
SW could be 315-325. You need to check. Even the 315 frames are quite stable, you’d be surprised.

Try 51/49 or 50/48
 
Loving the EP2024. My only issue with the 360+ ET was that it hurt my arm after a few sessions. The mutedness on the EP is not something I mind too much and is a fair trade off for avoiding that discomfort. Everything about it feels so natural in my hand. Love the color, too. Especially the lighter shade of yellow on the PJ.
 

Ryebread

Hall of Fame
Loving the EP2024. My only issue with the 360+ ET was that it hurt my arm after a few sessions. The mutedness on the EP is not something I mind too much and is a fair trade off for avoiding that discomfort. Everything about it feels so natural in my hand. Love the color, too. Especially the lighter shade of yellow on the PJ.
I was curious when we'd see you in this thread!
the EP is my fav frame ever right now.
I remember the last frame I played with for two straight months, it was the 97D.

The 97D was:
good at net
not much pop/great on control
not great on serve.

The EP:
good at net as well, but way more maneuverable!
pop and put away power/but still great on control!
excellent on serve.
put 1-2 total grams at 12 and it all goes up to hall of fame level and is still whippy enough, or you can add 1-2 grams under the trap door.
(being a 305gram starting point, you have room to tinker)

win-win-win!
 

ZeroandOne

Rookie
Hi, I've been tinkering with stringjobs. I bought the stick with rpm blast 1.20 at 48, played decent and whippy but string didn't last long. (Measured sw at the time without damp = 319)
Switched over to lynx tour x hawk touch 52/52 but it was too tight and I couldn't punch through that stringbed constantly. Also a bit head heavy feeling.
Changed to lynx tour x hawk touch 48/46 and now I'm ready to move on, not my string, too head heavy, demanding, mushy, kills my confidence.
I don't know of its stick or string but if I'm not swinging out of my socks I'm dumping it short, net or long.
Enough rambling, any advice? Try more string jobs or move on? I need a crispier string, not sure what gels with these Auxetic sticks as the Extreme is muted.Considering 4G as I like that one a lot.

PS: I think it's a fine racquet I just veered of course with wrong strings.
 

Fighting phoenix

Professional
Hi, I've been tinkering with stringjobs. I bought the stick with rpm blast 1.20 at 48, played decent and whippy but string didn't last long. (Measured sw at the time without damp = 319)
Switched over to lynx tour x hawk touch 52/52 but it was too tight and I couldn't punch through that stringbed constantly. Also a bit head heavy feeling.
Changed to lynx tour x hawk touch 48/46 and now I'm ready to move on, not my string, too head heavy, demanding, mushy, kills my confidence.
I don't know of its stick or string but if I'm not swinging out of my socks I'm dumping it short, net or long.
Enough rambling, any advice? Try more string jobs or move on? I need a crispier string, not sure what gels with these Auxetic sticks as the Extreme is muted.Considering 4G as I like that one a lot.

PS: I think it's a fine racquet I just veered of course with wrong strings.
Gamma amp yellow I thought was fire in the extreme tour - worth a shot
 

toaster

New User
I bought another Extreme Pro, but this one had only 286 SW without strings. I put about 4 grams in total at 12 and 3 and 9. Now it is 294 and matches my other racquet.
However, even if the balance and the swingwright is the same, both racquets feel different. The racquet with the lead tape feels heavier to swing, even with same swingweight.
 

julianokay

New User
I've been putting this off for a long time.
After years of refusing to try the Extreme Tour/Pro due to my disdain for the aesthetics of the frames, I have finally caved. The frame itself and specs always interested me.
I just bought an Extreme Pro off a friend to finally give it a shot.

The paintjob of the Extreme Pro looks better in person than online.
It came a bit underspec at 303.5g unstrung. I do not have SW measurements but I suspect it was a bit underspec as well after using it for the first hit.
Decided to put 4g of lead total split at 10 & 2, was no longer overswinging and helped with stability & plow.
Strung with Tru Pro Pure Rush @ 48lbs

Feels absolutely amazing on the one handed backhand and the extra spin on serves is something I've never experienced with any other frame.
I just came off the court a couple hours ago and played some of the best tennis that I can remember.

Since my comeback to tennis after a very long (14 year) break, I've been searching for a racquet that HELPS me out while maintaining good control and feel.
I play a pretty attacking style of tennis while relying on my spot serving to keep me out of trouble. I also have a sensitive elbow and the EP is very comfortable.

Small list of frames I have tried in the last 2 years since coming back in order of preference:
1. Extreme Pro
2. Radical Pro (too heavy/sluggish)
3. Pure Strike VS (low powered)
4. Ezone 98 2022 (too stiff)
5. FX 500 Tour 2023 (erratic stringbed)
6. RF01 300g (weird stringbed + stiff?)
7. Tfight 305 (too much SW)

All in, the EP is the most well rounded stick I have used with good feel, good power, great spin, and still maintains a consistent stringbed that gives great accuracy.
I'm officially onboard.
 

Honza

Semi-Pro
Got 6 of the EPs yesterday.
I will check weight, sw and balance today and keep you updated what head quality control looks like ;)

20241023-215636.jpg
 

Honza

Semi-Pro
Got 6 of the EPs yesterday.
I will check weight, sw and balance today and keep you updated what head quality control looks like ;)

20241023-215636.jpg


Actually not bad:

W - - B - - SW
306,93 - - 311 - - 278
307,56 - - 313,5 - - 281
307,88 - - 313 - - 283
305,75 - - 313 - - 278
306,45 - - 310 - - 276
305,90 - - 312 - - 278

Thats with the plastic around the grip but without the paper string replacement.
I am going to keep 3 of them.
 

Fighting phoenix

Professional
Actually not bad:

W - - B - - SW
306,93 - - 311 - - 278
307,56 - - 313,5 - - 281
307,88 - - 313 - - 283
305,75 - - 313 - - 278
306,45 - - 310 - - 276
305,90 - - 312 - - 278

Thats with the plastic around the grip but without the paper string replacement.
I am going to keep 3 of them.
Those actually seem really low - TW has the average strung SW as 322, which implies around a 290 unstrung sw. I'm surprised that none of these are even close to that.
 

nov

Hall of Fame
Actually not bad:

W - - B - - SW
306,93 - - 311 - - 278
307,56 - - 313,5 - - 281
307,88 - - 313 - - 283
305,75 - - 313 - - 278
306,45 - - 310 - - 276
305,90 - - 312 - - 278

Thats with the plastic around the grip but without the paper string replacement.
I am going to keep 3 of them.
Too low SW on all of them.
 

toaster

New User
Actually not bad:

W - - B - - SW
306,93 - - 311 - - 278
307,56 - - 313,5 - - 281
307,88 - - 313 - - 283
305,75 - - 313 - - 278
306,45 - - 310 - - 276
305,90 - - 312 - - 278

Thats with the plastic around the grip but without the paper string replacement.
I am going to keep 3 of them.
I would go nuts with such low SW!!! I ordered 3 racquets and I am hoping to find one between 290-295 SW.

Those racquets above are not playable without lead tape.
 

Honza

Semi-Pro
I am pretty sure thats what the sw is on all the EPs. You cant tell me i got 6 bad ones.
AT least they dont feel different to the test racket from TW.

It was measured on a Babolat Diagnostic Center btw.

Now the lead modding starts, then matching and i am pretty sure i have to find a new string, since the Black Knight will break fast in that one.
 

Fighting phoenix

Professional
I am pretty sure thats what the sw is on all the EPs. You cant tell me i got 6 bad ones.
AT least they dont feel different to the test racket from TW.

It was measured on a Babolat Diagnostic Center btw.

Now the lead modding starts, then matching and i am pretty sure i have to find a new string, since the Black Knight will break fast in that one.
That is crazy cause statistically a sample of 6 all that low makes me think you’re right; and maybe the tw average was too small of a sample. However I demoed this and measured the swing weight of mine at 321, so again about 290 without strings. I played with the extreme tour and those are numbers consistent with that version.
 
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