Head Gravity MP Auxetic 2023

[Casper777]

For those who buy the MP with the goal of customizing it...

Make yourself a favor... play it stock first!!

I too wanted to make it like a Tour with a 16x20 pattern but hopefully tried it first... wow

The beauty of the MP is its whippiness... I finally just added 3 gr of tungsten putty in the handle and that perfectly enough!!

Low weight, super quick and decent SW (325) is a killer spec combo!!

 

[Fxanimator1]

Sorry. I planned to tag the OP. @Fxanimator1 what do you think about the stability compared to the Blade 98?

Yeah, it’s more stable on returns and volleys than the Blade V7 16x19. I used those for a couple of years, so I am very familiar with them and my son uses the, Blade’s
V8 16x19 ).
I have a OHBH and it’s more stable on that too. So, yes, it’s more stable.
It is more flexible than the Blades, but it’s a different kind of flex than a Blade. It flexes in a different way.
Comfort-wise, it’s similar to a Clash 98 V1, but not the floppy feeling, that feels slightly different each time you hit the ball, like the Clash 98.
Oh, and it’s got a nice beam thickness, not that really fat feeling and no Wilson (fuzzy-feel paint).

 

[konstantinos kalfountzos]

Now watching the customized review...

 

[Tmano]

I'm resuming this thread as i'm trying to find a softer racquet while recovering from TE. Comparing the new Gravity MP to the DR 98 would you say that the Gravity is more comfortable? How's the power level compared to the DR 098?
Thanks

 

[SupahMan5000]

I'm resuming this thread as i'm trying to find a softer racquet while recovering from TE. Comparing the new Gravity MP to the DR 98 would you say that the Gravity is more comfortable? How's the power level compared to the DR 098?
Thanks

I feel like Head for most part just has pretty good feel. The gravity’s, speeds, and prestige pro in particular

 

[NYTennisNut]

Agreed. Something about the Auxetic line has made them softer (in a nice way) and easier on the arm.

But IMO, it’s more about the strings. Go with N Gut (if you are able to) at mid tensions and you will be fine.

 

[Tmano]

I feel like Head for most part just has pretty good feel. The gravity’s, speeds, and prestige pro in particular

thanks!
By feeling do you mean more arm friendly?

 

[Tmano]

Agreed. Something about the Auxetic line has made them softer (in a nice way) and easier on the arm.

But IMO, it’s more about the strings. Go with N Gut (if you are able to) at mid tensions and you will be fine.

Yes i totally switched to multi, isospeed professional and multifeel. they are not gut but very soft multies

 

[SupahMan5000]

thanks!
By feeling do you mean more arm friendly?

Not necessarily. Something like the speed is definitely comfortable And connected.

Usually with feel I mean like it isn’t jarring like a Babolat or raw and brassy like *some* Wilsons

 

[Tmano]

Not necessarily. Something like the speed is definitely comfortable And connected.

Usually with feel I mean like it isn’t jarring like a Babolat or raw and brassy like *some* Wilsons

I understand but what i now need something soft especially when i hit those balls close to the frame. I'm not saying the Speed MP is not soft (i play with the touch MP for months years ago and i liked it) i'm just trying to narrow down a few racquets.
The gravity MP RA is 59 the speed MP RA is 62 and the boom MP which everyone says it is great for people with TE issue the RA is 64 and the yonex vcore RA is 62 and vcore pro RA from 60-61.......sooooo many!!!

 

[NYTennisNut]

The Prince Phantom 97P is another awesome option. RA of 58… Just an awesome stick, and with a little weight at 10 and 2, it really plays like a dream players racquet. I used this plus Gut for a time right after TE rehab and it worked great. No issues at all

 

[badmice2]

I have both a much prefer the Auxetic one...

Yes it has a lower RA but I can assure you the 2021 model feels more noodlely !! The Auxetic one is much more stable and feels mor solid despite the lower flex. Yes it pockets the ball extremely well but it isn't flimsy like the 2021 model...

This is great feedback. Have been a MP user since gen 2 red/blue and bought 4 more of the 2021 when they ran the bag promotion. I’ve also played with leather and gut/poly and the sticks feels amazing. So much so that when my kid went on a demo tour for his upgrade (L/team frame to adult), he asked to try mine and immediately asked to switch. I ended up giving him 3 of ‘21 frames (pallet swap them all) and now left with one.

Very tempted to buy a brand new set of Auxetic as I get 40% off at work.

Does the Auxetic version have similarly flex location on the frame comparing to the 2021/2019? If so I might have to lock in a set.

 

[lazywombat]

I'm resuming this thread as i'm trying to find a softer racquet while recovering from TE. Comparing the new Gravity MP to the DR 98 would you say that the Gravity is more comfortable? How's the power level compared to the DR 098?
Thanks

Gravity is more comfortable and slightly more powerful mostly because it encourages faster swings.

 

[Tmano]

The Prince Phantom 97P is another awesome option. RA of 58… Just an awesome stick, and with a little weight at 10 and 2, it really plays like a dream players racquet. I used this plus Gut for a time right after TE rehab and it worked great. No issues at all

That's right! i saw the Prince phantom 97p and also considering the100x

 

[bertrevert]

Very tempted to buy a brand new set of Auxetic as I get 40% off at work.

Does the Auxetic version have similarly flex location on the frame comparing to the 2021/2019? If so I might have to lock in a set.

Auxetic noticeably nicer feel which makes it worth it alone (esp with discount). Auxetic is meant to grow larger upon being hit, adding a kind of firmness with feel - it counteracts any vague dampening of prev gen noticeably. MP is great feeling racq.

Sheesh, bit unsure flex(iest) location...

Afaik the flex point would be at its most flexy in the spiral fibres area just above th yoke/throat? Or sort of bleeding into it. Like the hoop retains it's stifness while flexing, wobbling on contact, atop the yoke.

If that is so then the Auxetic is meant to be in the yoke and doesn't affect that flex point, while yet indeed altering the feel.

 

[BPlain]

Thanks for starting this thread @Fxanimator1. I had demoed the MP 2023 once or twice but never with my preferred string or customized set up. Ironically, I just found your thread after I finally ordered an MP 2023 and my current frame is also a 2023 VCore 95. Good tip on removing the staples in the handle too as I wasn't sure if I'd be able to fit enough BlueTac in handle space or have to go with lead strips directly on the handle itself instead.

 

[BPlain]

I commented over in the holics thread already but just wanted to add here that my first outing with modified Gravity MP Aux was great. I added 16g plus an OG to the handle to bring unstrung static weight to 310 and unstrung (before OG added) balance to 310 as well. Strung specs came in around 332g and 317.5 balance point.

More arm comfort than my VC95 2023s and similar control and maneuverability with more free power. It actually felt like it cut through the air better too on serves, slices, and knifing volleys.

I might play around with some added weight in the hoop, maybe 1 or 2g, but not sure it really needs it. We’ll see as I get to play with it more.

 

[Tmano]

I commented over in the holics thread already but just wanted to add here that my first outing with modified Gravity MP Aux was great. I added 16g plus an OG to the handle to bring unstrung static weight to 310 and unstrung (before OG added) balance to 310 as well. Strung specs came in around 332g and 317.5 balance point.

More arm comfort than my VC95 2023s and similar control and maneuverability with more free power. It actually felt like it cut through the air better too on serves, slices, and knifing volleys.

I might play around with some added weight in the hoop, maybe 1 or 2g, but not sure it really needs it. We’ll see as I get to play with it more.

Silly questions about the power and comfort in the stock form; is the racquet still arm friendly and what's the power level compare it to the speed Auxetic mp?
Thanks

 

[BPlain]

Silly questions about the power and comfort in the stock form; is the racquet still arm friendly and what's the power level compare it to the speed Auxetic mp?
Thanks

Sorry, didn’t play it in stock form and haven’t played Speed Aux MP so I’m no help on either question.

 

[Tmano]

Sorry, didn’t play it in stock form and haven’t played Speed Aux MP so I’m no help on either question.

That's fine BPlain, hopefully someone did.
Thanks

 

[Fxanimator1]

Silly questions about the power and comfort in the stock form; is the racquet still arm friendly and what's the power level compare it to the speed Auxetic mp?
Thanks

It has a bit more power than a Speed MP. My wife has Aux Speed MP’s and is switching to the Gravity MP after using one of mine. It does everything a little better than the Speeds in my opinion, plus it just feels better when making contact.

 

[Tmano]

It has a bit more power than a Speed MP. My wife has Aux Speed MP’s and is switching to the Gravity MP after using one of mine. It does everything a little better than the Speeds in my opinion, plus it just feels better when making contact.

thank you fxanimator1!!! How's the comfort?

 

[Fluffy_Skye]

thank you fxanimator1!!! How's the comfort?

Gravity series is one of the most comfortable series you can buy from the big companies. I find Gravity MP much more comfortable than Speed MP. Not that Speed MP is uncomfortable, but it has a special board-like feel on contact which isn't as quiet and plush like Gravity MP.

 

[Tmano]

Gravity series is one of the most comfortable series you can buy from the big companies. I find Gravity MP much more comfortable than Speed MP. Not that Speed MP is uncomfortable, but it has a special board-like feel on contact which isn't as quiet and plush like Gravity MP.

To hear that is very arm friendly is one of my main focus right now but i can't wrap my mind around the 16x20 pattern. Now i'm recovering from TE and I play with the DR98 which is a 16x19 pattern but tighter than usual, so i would not want to get a racquet with such pattern as i feel a normal 16x19 patter would be even more comfortable for my elbow. If the Gravity was a 16x19 i would not have any doubt. As now the only one that checks the boxes is the Vcore 98 2023 about unsure of how arm friendly is.

 

[Fluffy_Skye]

To hear that is very arm friendly is one of my main focus right now but i can't wrap my mind around the 16x20 pattern. Now i'm recovering from TE and I play with the DR98 which is a 16x19 pattern but tighter than usual, so i would not want to get a racquet with such pattern as i feel a normal 16x19 patter would be even more comfortable for my elbow. If the Gravity was a 16x19 i would not have any doubt. As now the only one that checks the boxes is the Vcore 98 2023 about unsure of how arm friendly is.

Well the gravity mp, though 16x20, to me, is more spin friendly than the ezone98. Not sure about DR98 though. In fact I think the pattern is part of the reason it is so comfortable. The gravity tour, 18x20, is the most comfortable racket I’ve ever played, though very underpowered.

I’ve played vcore 98 as well and it is also an arm friendly racket. It holds the ball in the string bed well which gives a soft feel. The launch angle is much higher than gravity mp. Though in terms of pure comfort I would still give the edge to gravity mp because of its lower stiffness and bigger racket head.

As this point it is probably better for you to try the rackets yourself.

 

[lazywombat]

It has a bit more power than a Speed MP.

That's weird because for me it was the opposite. Maybe one of my demos was heavily over/under spec (Head QC is trash) and swing weight difference changed subjective power level feel. My Speed MP felt heftier on swing and produced heavier and faster ball, while Gravity swung much lighter and faster and it's low flex absorbed some power.

 

[Tmano]

Well the gravity mp, though 16x20, to me, is more spin friendly than the ezone98. Not sure about DR98 though. In fact I think the pattern is part of the reason it is so comfortable. The gravity tour, 18x20, is the most comfortable racket I’ve ever played, though very underpowered.

I’ve played vcore 98 as well and it is also an arm friendly racket. It holds the ball in the string bed well which gives a soft feel. The launch angle is much higher than gravity mp. Though in terms of pure comfort I would still give the edge to gravity mp because of its lower stiffness and bigger racket head.

As this point it is probably better for you to try the rackets yourself.

yes i agree with you Fluffy_Skye about to actually see, feel and play with the racquets right now. I'm really trying to narrow down 1-4 racquets that could work for me when i'm ready to hit again! I also would prefer a 100sqin possibly but most of the racquets are a little stiffer....at least of those i like considering i like some power.

It's not due to lack of spin, i simply thought that a 16x19 would have an even softer string bed so that is way i would like to find one with that specific string pattern but as you mentioned it might not always be the case.
Thanks

 

[Power Player]

To hear that is very arm friendly is one of my main focus right now but i can't wrap my mind around the 16x20 pattern. Now i'm recovering from TE and I play with the DR98 which is a 16x19 pattern but tighter than usual, so i would not want to get a racquet with such pattern as i feel a normal 16x19 patter would be even more comfortable for my elbow. If the Gravity was a 16x19 i would not have any doubt. As now the only one that checks the boxes is the Vcore 98 2023 about unsure of how arm friendly is.

I love 16x19s typically but the Gravity shape really works with 20 crosses. Even the 18x20 is awesome with pretty generous spacing for 18 mains.

I think with 16x19 in the Gravity, you would not have the control and would lose a good amount of feel as well. But if you want to play and not deal with tennis elbow, you may like the Pro Kennex Q series. 100 sqi, 16x20, lots of power, but easy on the arm.

 

[Tmano]

I love 16x19s typically but the Gravity shape really works with 20 crosses. Even the 18x20 is awesome with pretty generous spacing for 18 mains.

I think with 16x19 in the Gravity, you would not have the control and would lose a good amount of feel as well. But if you want to play and not deal with tennis elbow, you may like the Pro Kennex Q series. 100 sqi, 16x20, lots of power, but easy on the arm.

You are right Power Player about the Gravity and its string pattern! And i'm not excluding at all that it would work for me as well, i only need to test them when time comes...hopefully soon.
I just checked the Ki Q+5 and i don't mind the specs besides it is a 3 phs HL
How can the PK stiffness rating can be read compared to the other racquets? Maybe subtracting 5-7 point to have a realistic/play stiffness?

 

[A_Instead]

I have 2 aux gravity mp WTA tour prepared by the famous NY RP .. what a nice solid frame.. paid some nice coin.. but definitely noticeable different in performance compared to normal retail..
Some goop up the handle.. little lead under the grommet.. not crazy heavy..a usable recipe. Definitely worth the investment..

 

[Fluffy_Skye]

yes i agree with you Fluffy_Skye about to actually see, feel and play with the racquets right now. I'm really trying to narrow down 1-4 racquets that could work for me when i'm ready to hit again! I also would prefer a 100sqin possibly but most of the racquets are a little stiffer....at least of those i like considering i like some power.

It's not due to lack of spin, i simply thought that a 16x19 would have an even softer string bed so that is way i would like to find one with that specific string pattern but as you mentioned it might not always be the case.
Thanks

About the string pattern. As long as the spacing is generous, I find 18*20 to be more comfortable than 16*19, which is why I mentioned that Gravity Tour (18*20) is super comfortable. In fact, personally speaking, 16*19 feels more lively and 18*20 is more quiet and stable, which actually means more comfort.

I love 16x19s typically but the Gravity shape really works with 20 crosses. Even the 18x20 is awesome with pretty generous spacing for 18 mains.

I think with 16x19 in the Gravity, you would not have the control and would lose a good amount of feel as well. But if you want to play and not deal with tennis elbow, you may like the Pro Kennex Q series. 100 sqi, 16x20, lots of power, but easy on the arm.

And as Power Player mentioned, the gravity head shape really works with 20 crosses. My point is, if anyone ask me for recommendation of the most comfortable racket from the big four brands, I will definitely say Gravity.

 

[JFrijhoff]

Have a similar situation as original poster. I tried many different frames (not Gravity MP however), and landed on Vcore 95 2023. Just felt very smooth. However, trying different strings, still develop painful shoulder, and bit of elbow. Guessing I’m just not hitting the sweet spot well enough.
I got my hand on a secondhand Prokennex (black ace pro), so hoping it’ll help and better, but the Gravity MP 2023 sure sounds like a nice alternative. Was a bit concerned indeed for my OHB, but can work well hearing some of the others comments.

 

[BPlain]

Last time out with modified Gravity MP was the first time I felt like the racket was getting pushed around a little bit by the depth & pace of my opponent's ball (strong 4.5 / 5.0 USTA player). It's VERY possible this is merely operator error as holiday party the night before wasn't doing my footwork any favors! However, for experimentation purposes, I just added 2g at 10/2 just to see if that provides a little more stability and plow without sacrificing too much maneuverability. Adding those 2g brings my static weight up to 334g and balance to 318. Will report back once I get a chance to hit with the new setup later this week.

 

[JFrijhoff]

The VCores hurt my elbow after a while, so I went back the Clash 98's v1 for a month to heal up the elbow, it wasn't bad, just need a break form the new VCore's I know the RA says 61, but it doesn't feel like any 61 I've ever used and I won't be surprised if more people start complaining about sore elbows using it.

I had the same like you, and actually looking for a more comfortable option. How is the string spacing compared to the gravity MP? I like the 16x20 patterns, but coming from the vcore 95, perhaps the 18x20 in the bigger MP comes closer to the Vcore 95 spacing?

 

[Fxanimator1]

I had the same like you, and actually looking for a more comfortable option. How is the string spacing compared to the gravity MP? I like the 16x20 patterns, but coming from the vcore 95, perhaps the 18x20 in the bigger MP comes closer to the Vcore 95 spacing?

The Gravity MP is also a 16x20 string pattern.
I am using a Pro Staff 97 V14 now and it is such a great frame. I was assuming it was just going to be the V13 with new paint, but it actually does play much differently. Using natural gut mains and a poly cross is very comfortable for me.

 

[JFrijhoff]

Thanks, was just wondering because even with the same string patterns, the space between the strings can be quite different between rackets, and it’s 95 vs 100 inch^2. Wondering to what extent the Vcore then relates to the MP va the Tour for example with 18x20 string pattern.

Nice going with the Pro Staff! I discounted it for probably going to be not comfortable enough.

 

[BPlain]

Last time out with modified Gravity MP was the first time I felt like the racket was getting pushed around a little bit by the depth & pace of my opponent's ball (strong 4.5 / 5.0 USTA player). It's VERY possible this is merely operator error as holiday party the night before wasn't doing my footwork any favors! However, for experimentation purposes, I just added 2g at 10/2 just to see if that provides a little more stability and plow without sacrificing too much maneuverability. Adding those 2g brings my static weight up to 334g and balance to 318. Will report back once I get a chance to hit with the new setup later this week.

Added weight at 10/2 was a quick no for me. Tried 1g at 12 and felt it didn't really need it and then also tried 2g at 9/3 but also didn't care for it either. Sticking with a 16g in the handle bringing it to 310g static / 310 cm balance unstrung and then adding an OG once strung.

 

[lazywombat]

If you want more stability in this frame try adding lead in the throat area.

 

[BPlain]

If you want more stability in this frame try adding lead in the throat area.

I added 2g to the throat and will finally get a chance to test it out tonight. Will report back.

 

[Casper777]

I added 2g to the throat and will finally get a chance to test it out tonight. Will report back.

Interested!!

 

[BPlain]

Interested!!

2g in the throat felt ok. Tried just 1g as well. I think it helped a bit on volleys but ultimately I preferred and went back to no weight in the throat and preferred the extra maneuverability.

Note: This is my experience with Gravity MP with 16g already added to the handle plus an OG.

 

[Hitro]

Anyone have a favorite multifilament set up for the Gravity Mp?

I'm looking to buy this racket pretty soon and leaning towards 16g velocity mlt black at 52lbs. But open to hearing other opinions.

 

[BPlain]

Just updating my continued customization with the Gravity MP...

While I enjoyed the extra maneuverability without any added weight to the head, I ultimately found it just wasn't stable enough as I moved into indoor hard court season. I played around with a bunch of different setups with lead added to the head and landed on running 1/4 inch lead all the way from 9 to 3. Now it feels rock solid and I can really let the racket do the work instead of having to over swing to get what I want out of the ball. Redirecting pace has also been much easier too and the extra SW has helped keep my golfer's elbow in check too.

My final specs landed at 339g static, 6 pts HL, and SW of 348.

 

[Minuver]

I just bought 2 of the 2023 models. Since I don't love a rackets with a high SW, I decided to play this in almost stock form with the exception of adding 2.5 grams to each racket (in different locations) just to manage a slight quality control issue with the weight and balance, so they are 322g and 3 Pts HL. At the Moment, I'm absolutely in love with this racket. I don't have any trouble generating pace or spin with it. Serving with this racket is a dream thus far. The control on both wings makes me wish I had bought one 2 years ago. I'm using an all poly set up at 45x43. Perhaps it's the honeymoon phase but at the moment it's pretty hard to find something to complain about!