Head Graphene Radical Pro

Juan2thePaab

New User
I liked the G radical pro. I would have bought a pair but TW was out of stock, and in the meantime I became intimate with a 6.1 95S

Coming from a PD Roddick, I found the G Rad Pro to be soft :)
 
These graphene vibrations are so strange.Today I played the radical and the skills are nice.But these vibrations..(Like Graphene prestige)I´ve heard from very good table tennis players that they like expensive woods with a vibration feedback..But in a tennis racquet?Your body/shoulder/arm will tell you when you have to switch.
 

Top Jimmy

Semi-Pro
I own 3 Ig Rad Pro's, they are currently my go to racket. I just tried a buddies Graphene and it's much stiffer, no upper hoop flex (which I like) and it basically feels like every other modern racket coming out: plenty of power, good sweet spot, not a ton of feel.

Not ragging on anyone who uses it or loves stiff rackets, each of us plays their best with different specs.

This reminds me of when Dunlop went from the flexible 4d200's to something like the M2.0. Flexible racket to stiff as hell.
 

RalphJ

Banned
I'm guessing the polarized frame also has a lot to do with the high arm toxicity. Counterbalancing? Anyone tried? Results?
 

corners

Legend
I'm guessing the polarized frame also has a lot to do with the high arm toxicity. Counterbalancing? Anyone tried? Results?
Polarization actually makes a frame more flexible because mass concentrated in the tip and butt pulls the two primary vibration nodes further apart, effectively lengthening the racquet. A longer beam is more flexible and vibrates at a lower frequency than a shorter one.
 

DonDiego

Hall of Fame
Polarization actually makes a frame more flexible because mass concentrated in the tip and butt pulls the two primary vibration nodes further apart, effectively lengthening the racquet. A longer beam is more flexible and vibrates at a lower frequency than a shorter one.

Sounds good in theory, but I've always had success by leading up the throat of a racquet to improve comfort. Frames that are heavy in that particular area have always been comfortable in my experience.

I tried the Graphene Radical MP and I love it. I'm gonna put some lead under the bridge and inside the throat, just in case.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Anyone else using this great racquet? I was looking for a less flexy version of the Yonex Ai98 and this is it. I was surprised at how comfortable it feels to me after reading all the comments about how stiff it is. I hit with it side by side with the ProStaff 97 and the PS97 feels noticeably firmer and more boardy than the GRP.

Surprised the Ai98 gets so much ink but this one does not. The GRP is a better version of that racquet, but without all that flex and muted, hollow feel.
 

RalphJ

Banned
Polarization actually makes a frame more flexible because mass concentrated in the tip and butt pulls the two primary vibration nodes further apart, effectively lengthening the racquet. A longer beam is more flexible and vibrates at a lower frequency than a shorter one.

Oki . . . Well, either way, Head has managed to make the G Rad Pro less flexible, and very hard to modify. I guess polarized is the wrong word. Maybe feels like a fishing weight was attached to the tip and metal was put in the throat I'm not sure what the scientific name would be for this process, lol.
 
Finally

Anyone else using this great racquet? I was looking for a less flexy version of the Yonex Ai98 and this is it. I was surprised at how comfortable it feels to me after reading all the comments about how stiff it is. I hit with it side by side with the ProStaff 97 and the PS97 feels noticeably firmer and more boardy than the GRP.

Surprised the Ai98 gets so much ink but this one does not. The GRP is a better version of that racquet, but without all that flex and muted, hollow feel.

Bout time you got on board with this stick :) This is a way better option than the PS 97 and Yonex AI 98.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Bout time you got on board with this stick :) This is a way better option than the PS 97 and Yonex AI 98.

I agree it feels nicer than the PS97, but I could see how someone might like the PS97 more. Feel is very much up to the user.

The Ai98 would be a better choice if you prefer a flexy more muted feel on contact.

But yes, I am very surprised that the GRad Pro hasn't gotten the same attention as the Ai98.
 
Agreed

I agree it feels nicer than the PS97, but I could see how someone might like the PS97 more. Feel is very much up to the user.

The Ai98 would be a better choice if you prefer a flexy more muted feel on contact.

But yes, I am very surprised that the GRad Pro hasn't gotten the same attention as the Ai98.

I agree with everything. I am trying to get my PS 97 as close to the GRP as possible, cause it felt pretty good to me but heavy. Keep going back to GRP. AI is too flexy and not enough pace. Graphene Radical Pro needs more love!
 

prjacobs

Hall of Fame
I went in to Wigmore Sports in central London a few weeks ago to demo the new Prestige & Radical models. The store manager advised me against it as they are so poor in comparison to other similarly spec'd racquets on the market.



When someone who makes money from selling racquets tells you not to bother with them you know you have a dog of a racquet on your hands.


Conversely, Roman. Prokes at ****, one of the most highly regarded racquet customizers in the U.S. highly recommended it, and the Pure Strike.
To me, it's far more solid than the PS97, Ai98 or Pure Strike. Hits a very heavy ball and serves really well.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
I played G Rad Pro for month or so. I liked it a lot. Not hollow feeling but rather fat. It manages to be crisp same time. Great power but nothing like Pure Drive -like. Just fat ball pocketing and great control.

It is stiff but it doesn't feel too stiff when hitting. I would use word fat again on the feeling of impact. It feels crisp and naturally that comes from stiffness. I was serving very well with it, it was so nice on volleys, forehand easy to make to a fearhand, with my two handed back hand I struggled a bit.

Now why I don't use it anymore. My forearm and wrist don't like it. Is it because of stiffness? I don't know but I doubt it - at least to be a sole reason. I tend to get similar muscle fatigue and later tennis elbow like pain when I go too high in swing weight. The G Rad Pro I had weigh 333g with over grip and has swing weight of 345 (measured 344-346). As such the combination feels fine. Not sluggish and not tiring to swing. But those inevitable miss timed hits with this SW and stiffness most likely took their toll.

Agree with what you said about the impact feeling "fat". It's also one of the best volleying sticks I have tried recently.

Not sure why the one you had was so high in swingweight? It must have been close to even balance or something? Mine is 336 grams static weight and 325 swingweight.
 

Jay2014

New User
What are people recommending for strings with it? Originally had full yonex ptp (50lbs) and power level was perfect but lack of feel not great for slice/volleys. When I tried babolat vs/rpm hybrid significantly overcooked the power despite going a few pounds tighter (55-53).
 

fuzzgut

New User
after hopping from racquet to racquet I have settled on the radical pro, really like this stick. I string it with volkl cyclone at 52lbs
 
Head racquets

Maybe it's because Yonex sticks don't cause elbow or wrist problems.



That's odd since the first thing i noticed when i tested the Ai98 is I really struggled to keep the ball in the court. Looked pretty powerful to me.

Eeveryone I know has used all the older Head sticks and newer. No elbow or wrist problems.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
What are people recommending for strings with it? Originally had full yonex ptp (50lbs) and power level was perfect but lack of feel not great for slice/volleys. When I tried babolat vs/rpm hybrid significantly overcooked the power despite going a few pounds tighter (55-53).

I would suggest trying a copoly/syngut or multi hybrid. You will get the control from the poly mains, but with much nicer feel due to the softer crosses. I would try it at 52/55.
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
How do you guys think the G Rad Pro would play with a soft poly like BHB7 or Quadro Twist in it strung in the upper 40's?
 
I have never played with those polys. Most people try to stay away from a full bed of poly in thus frame, but I don't think it could be too bad if it was a softer poly. I did Tour Bite in a full bed and it was a little painful. Strung it too high though. I think at the tension you stated you would be fine.
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
I have never played with those polys. Most people try to stay away from a full bed of poly in thus frame, but I don't think it could be too bad if it was a softer poly. I did Tour Bite in a full bed and it was a little painful. Strung it too high though. I think at the tension you stated you would be fine.

I know all to well about Tour Bite... believe me. I used to use a full bed of it in a Tour 90 for a couple of years. And then in a Prestige Pro for about a year. After a few years of that my shoulder was destroyed. I've been using full beds of soft poly in an IG Prestige Pro for two years now and have no problem at all with my shoulder anymore. I would like to try a frame that will provide a little more pop on serve and groundstrokes though. I'm still considering trying the G Radical Pro. I'm also waiting on the new Blade 16x19 to come out.
 
The GRP is a very string sensitive stick. A full multi/gut feels great but for me the power is too high. A hybrid is a nice compromise but again for me the power is still a bit too high. If your arm can handle it, this stick works best by far with a full bed of co-poly strung at a tension in the low 50's. Just my two cents...
 

oldcity

Rookie
I'm enjoying my pro with cyclone/OGMS @54. Anyone try the Graphene speed Pro. seems pretty similar. that might be a good stick to have in the bag as a second.
 

sma1001

Hall of Fame
Just to add something here. I was hitting the G Rad Pro and the PS97 side by side today. Both with poly/gut. Given they come up on comparisons as being similar specs (don't blame me...) i thought it might be good to post a comparison. For what its worth i liked both but to contrast the two i found that:

* the Pro felt more head heavy and a little less maneuverable - so i needed to set up for the shot earlier
* the Pro felt stiffer - in fact the PS97 felt quite flexy in comparison. To be fair it may be strung higher in the demo.
* the Pro had a little more plough and spin, provided i set up the shot
* the PS97 was easier to flick and hence to get some killer angles, and wrist spin
* launch angle on the PS97 was noticeably higher, especially on topspin OHBH. This helped me get that shot over with good depth when on the run. Harder to do that with the Pro.
* flat serves better with the Pro, slice with the PS97

My arm is a bit tender after the session. Can't attribute that to either over the other of course!

I could see myself playing with both these sticks.

I am very happy to see contrasting opinions. And i am conscious that first hits don't always translate to permanent views. It was also windy today which meant i had to improvise more than i would have liked, which probably introduced the maneuverability factor more than otherwise.
 
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TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
Just to add something here. I was hitting the G Rad Pro and the PS97 side by side today. Both with poly/gut. Given they come up on comparisons as being similar specs (don't blame me...) i thought it might be good to post a comparison. For what its worth i liked both but to contrast the two i found that:

* the Pro felt more head heavy and a little less maneuverable - so i needed to set up for the shot earlier
* the Pro felt stiffer - in fact the PS97 felt quite flexy in comparison. To be fair it may be strung higher in the demo.
* the Pro had a little more plough and spin, provided i set up the shot
* the PS97 was easier to flick and hence to get some killer angles, and wrist spin
* launch angle on the PS97 was noticeably higher, especially on topspin OHBH. This helped me get that shot over with good depth when on the run. Harder to do that with the Pro.
* flat serves better with the Pro, slice with the PS97

My arm is a bit tender after the session. Can't attribute that to either over the other of course!

I could see myself playing with both these sticks.

I am very happy to see contrasting opinions. And i am conscious that first hits don't always translate to permanent views. It was also windy today which meant i had to improvise more than i would have liked, which probably introduced the maneuverability factor more than otherwise.

Thanks for the review. Which one do you think gave you more mph's on serve? And which one produced a heavier ball on groundstrokes?
 
Just to add something here. I was hitting the G Rad Pro and the PS97 side by side today. Both with poly/gut. Given they come up on comparisons as being similar specs (don't blame me...) i thought it might be good to post a comparison. For what its worth i liked both but to contrast the two i found that:

* the Pro felt more head heavy and a little less maneuverable - so i needed to set up for the shot earlier
* the Pro felt stiffer - in fact the PS97 felt quite flexy in comparison. To be fair it may be strung higher in the demo.
* the Pro had a little more plough and spin, provided i set up the shot
* the PS97 was easier to flick and hence to get some killer angles, and wrist spin
* launch angle on the PS97 was noticeably higher, especially on topspin OHBH. This helped me get that shot over with good depth when on the run. Harder to do that with the Pro.
* flat serves better with the Pro, slice with the PS97

My arm is a bit tender after the session. Can't attribute that to either over the other of course!

I could see myself playing with both these sticks.

I am very happy to see contrasting opinions. And i am conscious that first hits don't always translate to permanent views. It was also windy today which meant i had to improvise more than i would have liked, which probably introduced the maneuverability factor more than otherwise.

I found the PS97 harder to wield, and the slice muuuuuch better with rad pro.
 

prjacobs

Hall of Fame
Thanks for the review. Which one do you think gave you more mph's on serve? And which one produced a heavier ball on groundstrokes?


For me, the GRadPro produced harder, heavier shots, faster serves and better spin serves. Much more solid than the PS97. However, my demo had a swing weight of 335 - higher than spec. I think the PS97 was 317.
 

MikeHitsHard93

Hall of Fame
Since getting back into the swing of things after a 3 month hiatus, I needed a few weeks to get back in decent playing shape and to get my timing and footwork (or lack of) back. So now I'm getting there.

First started with some lighter frames which made life easier because I could barely get to the ball it seemed. Now, I've got plenty of time to set up and hit my shots and I'm looking at the heavier frames. This one looks like everyone's mostly happy with it. Any thoughts on the type of player that might enjoy this?

Yes, I'm holicking just a touch right now ;) lol.
 

sma1001

Hall of Fame
Thanks for the review. Which one do you think gave you more mph's on serve? And which one produced a heavier ball on groundstrokes?

I'd give both to the Rad Pro. Basically the stiffness of the frame, and the increased weight in the head, lead to more power on serve and groundies. The trade off is maneuverability and (possibly - but to be confirmed) arm comfort. If you can handle the weight/balance and have good footwork and a healthy arm, the Rad Pro is worth a hit. I think you see this come through in the TW review. Michelle - the hardest hitter - likes it the most.
 

oldcity

Rookie
Aside from the awesome plow of the GRP, i really like the depth of defensive shots and blocks. Keeps me alive when i'm behind on a point.
 

o0lunatik

Professional
Pain in my arm, hollow feeling, pain in my arm, stiff, pain in my arm, tennis elbow, cancer in my arm… Did I mention my arm hurting!? :mad:

Gosh, it hurts my arm just by reading about your pain. Glad to know, b/c I was looking to demo this racquet. I can scratch this off my list.
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
I would try it myself before discounting it. Racquets are very much personal preference.

True, but the general consensus on this racquet is that its comfort level is that of hitting a concrete wall with a hollow steel pipe. Even players who used to use very stiff racquets like the Pure Drive (Roddick) with poly at high tensions without problems (for instance Fuji) have reported severe comfort issues.

If your arm can handle it, I can see the appeal. The first part is the problem though.
 
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RalphJ

Banned
I would try it myself before discounting it. Racquets are very much personal preference.

I think SpinToWin forgot to mention pain in the shoulder as well. I wanted to like this racquet, but my arm only lasted about an hour before the pain set in. I rested up and tried it about 45 mins at a time for about a week, but it just hurt too much. It was wierd to say the least. Its the most arm toxic racquet I've ever used (and I used an APD for several months with no arm problems whatsoever).

I think its just too polarized with too much weight at the tip, and no dampening system for off center hits. It felt like I hit a rock or a steel pole when hit off center.
 
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tennis4me

Hall of Fame
True, but the general consensus on this racquet is that its comfort level is that of hitting a concrete wall with a hollow steel pipe.
:lol: That's the most descriptive opinion about GRP.

I own this and a GSP. Initially loved the GRP more than the GSP, but over time I started to agree with many people's comment about the hollow feel. Lots of vibration seems to get transferred to your elbow (even with dampener), even when hitting on sweet spot.

GRP does feel more stiff than GSP even though the stiffness index is the same; probably due to other factors such as materials, construction, balance, etc. etc.

I would try it myself before discounting it. Racquets are very much personal preference.

Yup. Some people may like this feel and not bothered by the hollowness.

One thing I learned from a local pro shop owner when converting from IG Prestige (stiffness:63) was to ignore the specs and just go ahead and try to hit with the new demo and feel (or not feel) the connection. All my demo racquet list had similar feel/stiffness/etc as my old racquet, but with just slightly more power. I avoided all the racquets with stiffness > 66. Long story short, he proved me wrong. Tried the stiffer GSP (stiffness:68 ) and was glad I did.

Demoing a racquet strung with a string you don't love or a tension you don't like is a tricky one. You may hate the demo racquet just because of the string. But, that's for a different thread.
 

sma1001

Hall of Fame
I demo'd the GRP with a multi/gut combo. I think that helps but the stiffness was still very apparent and I've suffered some pain after. I think you need a healthy arm for this stick. That said the results were very good!
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
I've hit twice so far with my demo of the GRP for about an hour each time. TW told me that they strung it with Sonic Pro at mid tention. I was really disappointed in the way this setup played. Super stiff with little power. I was having trouble hitting heavy groundstrokes with pace. I blamed it on the crappy strings and cut them out. I restrung it with Pro Line II around 46 and although the stiffness I was feeling disappeared the power level was still very low. I hated this setup as well. I added 2 grams each to 3 & 9 and 4 grams in the butt to see if this would make a difference but with little to no avail. I have BHB7 and Qaudro Twist on hand that would offer more power as well as comfort, but I'm not sure if I want to waste any more of my string in this demo. I have to send it back in two days. So I'll only get to hit with it one more time. I'm going to add an additional 2 grams each to 3 & 9 to see if this has any affect on the stability, power and plow. I wish I would have put BHB7 or Qaudro Twist in it in the first place. But I heard many say that this racket offered good pop. That was a load of crap. This racket is very low powered if you ask me. Not really what I was looking for. I'm really disappointed. I was looking forward to making this my new frame.
 

Schills

Rookie
But I heard many say that this racket offered good pop. That was a load of crap. This racket is very low powered if you ask me. Not really what I was looking for. I'm really disappointed. I was looking forward to making this my new frame.

This racket is a rocket launcher from my perspective. I play with the Prince Response 97 and bought one of these so I could demo it for an extended period in hopes that I'd get a little more zip on the ball with less effort. What I got was waaaay to much power, to the point that I would need to adjust my hitting style significantly if I had any hope of keeping the ball in the court on ground strokes. Serves and Volleys were pretty hot though. I'll hit with it some more over the next month, but my sense is that its just to powerful for my flattish hitting style and I'll be selling it soon.
 

DonDiego

Hall of Fame
Why don't you guys try the Graphene Radical MP? Practically the same racquet, with just a bit more weight (think lead tape), but softer on the arm.
 

Jonboy

Rookie
I found this racquet quite quirky. It had a pingy hollow feeling to it, so much so that I thought it maybe faulty. Had it strung 3 times until I got the right setup. Then loved it. Its shines most on returning of serve. It did give me some wrist issues but its a great stick. I have just switched to the XT Speed Pro as I cracked the frame on the Rad (RIP's).
 

maxpotapov

Hall of Fame
I found this racquet quite quirky. It had a pingy hollow feeling to it, so much so that I thought it maybe faulty. Had it strung 3 times until I got the right setup. Then loved it. Its shines most on returning of serve. It did give me some wrist issues but its a great stick. I have just switched to the XT Speed Pro as I cracked the frame on the Rad (RIP's).

Conflicting reports in one message. Graphene is quite a polarizing technology ;)
 

tennis4me

Hall of Fame
Ouch

True, but the general consensus on this racquet is that its comfort level is that of hitting a concrete wall with a hollow steel pipe. Even players who used to use very stiff racquets like the Pure Drive (Roddick) with poly at high tensions without problems (for instance Fuji) have reported severe comfort issues.

If your arm can handle it, I can see the appeal. The first part is the problem though.
I have this racquet as my spare racquet for now. Took it out for a hit the other day, and hit a framer on a service return. I could hear the loud frame vibrating sound and it shot right to my elbow. Aargh!

It really did feel like 'hitting a concrete wall with a hollow steel pipe'.

I had Tour Bite on main @ 48lb and X-One on cross @ 52lb. Not loving this setup at all. The grip is also quite elongated - can't seem to get used to this.

If you're currently using this GRP, can you share what works for you on this GRP (i.e. what string/tension). I'm looking for full-bed multifilament only.
 
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