Head IG Extreme MP play test

[Pro_Tour_630]

I played a doubles tournament with the IG extreme MP and won the tournament. Not sure if it was the extreme or my davis cup partner that helped me win Anyway, the frame has MUCHO MUCHO power, it felt like it is on steroids. One thing I noticed that is different from previous YT extreme is the inside of the throat, it is isometric in shape ala yonex or similar to the ribs inside the throat of the red Kneissl. It played stiff and surprisingly I liked it better than the Babolat Pure Drive, which head is trying to win some PD players with IG extreme MP. It had Gamma TNT 17g at 55lbs that broke towards the end of the tournament. This frame is a string killer, not sure how long strings will last, if you are a heavy hitter, might want to go to 16g or poly mains which I hate,,,,,Anyway,,,,,,,,

Ground strokes were super powerful with nice crisp response on both wings. Very Solid. OHBH were smooth and powerful

It volleyed amazing again with lots of pop and depth.

Serves were powerful with amazing kick. It is not as accurate as head prestige MP with 18X20 on first serves.

After play testing for few days I decided that I will buy this frame. It will be a first for me to deviate from a dense pattern MP. I have tried many and this IG extreme MP seems like a winner.

I will write more when I get to string it with my mojo setup

 

[retlod]

Thanks for the review!

As a former PDGT owner and current APDGT and YTEMP hitter, I'm curious--were you able to feel the *difference* in stiffness between the YTEMP and the YTIGEMP or just that the IG played stiff? Also, the specs on the new MP confuse me. Its static weight is 9g heavier than the old version and it's only 2 pts HL as opposed to 8, yet its SW is 7g lower. Was this apparent to you in your play?

 

[Fed Kennedy]

did you ever try the yt extreme? I actually switched to it from 18x20 some months ago...it is an incredible return of serve frame. Total string killer too.

 

[Pro_Tour_630]

Thanks for the review!

As a former PDGT owner and current APDGT and YTEMP hitter, I'm curious--were you able to feel the *difference* in stiffness between the YTEMP and the YTIGEMP or just that the IG played stiff? Also, the specs on the new MP confuse me. Its static weight is 9g heavier than the old version and it's only 2 pts HL as opposed to 8, yet its SW is 7g lower. Was this apparent to you in your play?

yes I was able to feel the difference, but some may not, as for specs they are all over the place, I would ask TW to pick the lightest or the heaviest of what they have and match them for a $20 fee. the spec difference is apparent in play, again it depends how sensitive you are.

 

[Fed Kennedy]

Are we talking ig extreme mp or pro? Have they shortened the mp to standard length? Does it have the super open pattern like the youtek extreme pro?

 

[retlod]

I found some unofficial specs on the Pro on another site that sells racquets. They claim a stiffness rating of 74 and a SW of 337. Oof!

 

[bertrevert]

Standard length this time for the IG Extreme - down from 27.2 to a standard 27... I liked the light Extreme - a very powerful hit.

At the moment I am enjoying Extreme-like power out of a 95 sq. inch frame - in the KTour.

Don't believe me? Check this power comparison between the two.

I cut down the K to standard length.

However if you are talking the Extreme Pro then I bow out - just too much static weight for me...

 

[bertrevert]

PT 630, this isn't the usual sort of racquet you normally play, and being quite different, and being perhaps one of the first to play it, can you say what on earth is attracting you to it?

I have read your previous posts and understand that you like to finely analyse a racquet, get out the micrometer, but this seems quite a departure for you. An interesting departure nonetheless.

The prev Extreme showed some easy pwoer, but to me that 0.2 inch extra length knobbled it manouverability. I'm haertened by the fact you got some good volleys out of this version!

 

[sargeinaz]

^^ I was wondering the same thing. Seems so different from a Prestige midplus.

 

[roundiesee]

Oh no, first Rabbit moves to Babolat; now PT 630 is considering a move to a Babolat-like Head Extreme; what in the world is happening to TT? :wink:

 

[Pro_Tour_630]

Are we talking ig extreme mp or pro? Have they shortened the mp to standard length? Does it have the super open pattern like the youtek extreme pro?

the IGEmp..........

 

[Pro_Tour_630]

I found some unofficial specs on the Pro on another site that sells racquets. They claim a stiffness rating of 74 and a SW of 337. Oof!

had few on the RDC and they were all over the place

all the way down to 317

 

[Pro_Tour_630]

PT 630, this isn't the usual sort of racquet you normally play, and being quite different, and being perhaps one of the first to play it, can you say what on earth is attracting you to it?

I have read your previous posts and understand that you like to finely analyse a racquet, get out the micrometer, but this seems quite a departure for you. An interesting departure nonetheless.

The prev Extreme showed some easy pwoer, but to me that 0.2 inch extra length knobbled it manouverability. I'm haertened by the fact you got some good volleys out of this version!

this frame had lots of zip, maybe it is the IG but i notice lots of pop,

I am playing more doubles and the PT630 is just not a doubles frame,

I volley better with this IGEMP, like I said only hinderance would be the First serve mobs,

there are some IGEMP that are a little sluggish, get the ones with the lowest SW's or go with the light

remind, this IGEMP is a different mold than the previous extreme MP, especially at the throat, this is where the power is coming from and I guess the IG material itself

 

[Pro_Tour_630]

^^ I was wondering the same thing. Seems so different from a Prestige midplus.

Oh no, first Rabbit moves to Babolat; now PT 630 is considering a move to a Babolat-like Head Extreme; what in the world is happening to TT? :wink:

to all, I have not moved to it, i am just testing it and like to purchase it and might be a keeper

but there is one thing you are forgetting, we are getting old and to play with the PT630 you need to be fit. we need extra zip and some controlled pop, the game is changing and we are stuck in the 90's

 

[purple-n-gold]

I will have to demo this new IgExMp thanks to this intriquing review...tried the old microgel extreme mp and got a very light one, meh. Currently play with APDs and Instincts and this should be right up my ally, love these "easier" sticks.

 

[Fed Kennedy]

Looking forward to your thoughts pt630. Currently use yt extreme pro. I saw the ig in person with the wierd throat but I don't know what it plays like. TW site does not list the specs of pro...

 

[BDAZ]

a friend of mine at my club just got one. came in the mail from head yesterday. i may be able to try it today depending on how ambitious he was in stringing it yesterday. he said he's going with a full set of rpm. gotta say, it looks better in person than in pics. it definitely is a different mold than previous extremes. kind of has that triangular cross section like old yonexes that the op mentioned. always looking for a frame that makes the game easier. we'll see if this is it.

 

[retlod]

Looking forward to your thoughts pt630. Currently use yt extreme pro. I saw the ig in person with the wierd throat but I don't know what it plays like. TW site does not list the specs of pro...

I tried out your Pro today but it was too heavy for my weak arm.

Here are the specs I found on the YTIGEP:

Headsize: 100 sq. in.
Length: 27.00 in.
Weight (strung): 12.20 oz. = 345g
Stiffness (Babolat RDC): 74
Balance: 12.90 in. Head Light
Cross Section: 24/26/23mm Tapered Beam
Swingweight: 337 kg*sq. cm
String Pattern: 16x19
Grip:Head Hydrosorb Tour

 

[Fed Kennedy]

Those IG Epro specs are insane! 12.2 stock and 74 stiff? It must be so powerful...where did you get the specs?

 

[Anton]

Holy moley head butchered the Extreme Pro

 

[JT_2eighty]

to all, I have not moved to it, i am just testing it and like to purchase it and might be a keeper

but there is one thing you are forgetting, we are getting old and to play with the PT630 you need to be fit. we need extra zip and some controlled pop, the game is changing and we are stuck in the 90's

In this vein, I too am looking again at newer (lighter) stuff. Obviously the last 15+ years of wielding the PT280, means I have this insane muscle memory attached to that balance, SW, weight, etc... so anything I demo just leaves much to be desired by my tastes.

Question for you is, have any thoughts on demoing the YTIG Speed 300?

Is the 300 supposed to be a throwback to the days of the 260, 280 & 300? I'm not sure why else HEAD decided to add a random "300" to the name of a stick, while none of the other ones carry any sort of numerical labels?

Anyway, I was browsing a competitor's site who has it in stock, and it looks to have 59 stiffness which piqued my interest. I may demo this weekend since they are down the street from me... Just also curious your opinion on this (or any other YT frame that would be good for a PT280er), although anything above 64-65 stiffness does not jive with my arm.

 

[purple-n-gold]

Calling Pt..calling pt630

Pt630, any thoughts as fair as weighing the pros and cons vs. the PDGT would be much appreciated. I believe you posted that you have played with both,thanks.

 

[retlod]

Those IG Epro specs are insane! 12.2 stock and 74 stiff? It must be so powerful...where did you get the specs?

|\/|idwe5t5p0rt5.com.

 

[Fed Kennedy]

Retlod, you hit the new ig epro and or mp? Tell me more...I agree the pj is bad. Do these have black teflon groms?

 

[retlod]

@Fed: Not yet. I'm just a member of the general public.

 

[purple-n-gold]

just ordered one last night, will give a run down next week

 

[Fed Kennedy]

Nice trigger pull, purple, the extreme nation thanks you. Did you get the pro or the mp? What strings did you go for...

 

[purple-n-gold]

I got the mp, light enough to do some tweaking, strung with kirsh. pl2 at 56lb...should have it by tues.

 

[Rabbit]

Oh no, first Rabbit moves to Babolat; now PT 630 is considering a move to a Babolat-like Head Extreme; what in the world is happening to TT? :wink:

As an FYI...the Babolat Aerostorm is by far a lower powered frame than the C10. And, I have to add that it is also easier to play with, especially for an old and getting older fart. The Aerstorm has more control than the C10 and is as easy and comfortable.

I have recently discovered that the best stringbed for me is gut (again). Second to that is a poly with a multi in the crosses. I'm currently using Pacific Classic in the whole stringbed at 56, but will be moving to either Pacific Imperial or Pacific Prime as they both have more pop.

 

[ahuimanu]

Thanks for the feedback. I used the micro gel extreme with rpm which was a killer serving racquet but just too heavy for me for extended tournament play. I heard great things from the guys who had an advance preview of this stick so am looking forward to giving this test spin.

I played a doubles tournament with the IG extreme MP and won the tournament. Not sure if it was the extreme or my davis cup partner that helped me win Anyway, the frame has MUCHO MUCHO power, it felt like it is on steroids. One thing I noticed that is different from previous YT extreme is the inside of the throat, it is isometric in shape ala yonex or similar to the ribs inside the throat of the red Kneissl. It played stiff and surprisingly I liked it better than the Babolat Pure Drive, which head is trying to win some PD players with IG extreme MP. It had Gamma TNT 17g at 55lbs that broke towards the end of the tournament. This frame is a string killer, not sure how long strings will last, if you are a heavy hitter, might want to go to 16g or poly mains which I hate,,,,,Anyway,,,,,,,,

Ground strokes were super powerful with nice crisp response on both wings. Very Solid. OHBH were smooth and powerful

It volleyed amazing again with lots of pop and depth.

Serves were powerful with amazing kick. It is not as accurate as head prestige MP with 18X20 on first serves.

After play testing for few days I decided that I will buy this frame. It will be a first for me to deviate from a dense pattern MP. I have tried many and this IG extreme MP seems like a winner.

I will write more when I get to string it with my mojo setup

 

[retlod]

I tried out your Pro today but it was too heavy for my weak arm.

And again today when I was fresher. And I liked it. It's definitely not as maneuverable as my YTEMP, even with the added lead, but the solid, stable feel was really impressive. It's great for blocking hard serves back with a little topspin, and I can really hit a heavy forehand with it if I have enough time to set up. I also had some trouble getting it through the hitting zone on some serves and some backhands. It would be a great anti-pusher frame for me. I could just dial back the effort to about 80% and blast their weak sauce back at them from the baseline for hours. I'm thinking I'll try the YTIGEMP but not the YTIGEPro.

Aw, who am I kidding?

 

[Fed Kennedy]

Those ******* specs are off, I have Iggy Pro in hand. It may be the GEOAT.

 

[roundiesee]

As an FYI...the Babolat Aerostorm is by far a lower powered frame than the C10. And, I have to add that it is also easier to play with, especially for an old and getting older fart. The Aerstorm has more control than the C10 and is as easy and comfortable.

I have recently discovered that the best stringbed for me is gut (again). Second to that is a poly with a multi in the crosses. I'm currently using Pacific Classic in the whole stringbed at 56, but will be moving to either Pacific Imperial or Pacific Prime as they both have more pop.

Rabbit, the head understands the bolded part, but the heart just cannot accept that a Volkl can "lose" out to a "Babolat"

 

[tailofdog]

Extreme Mp

Are we talking ig extreme mp or pro? Have they shortened the mp to standard length? Does it have the super open pattern like the youtek extreme pro?

Had a 10 min hit with it today. It is still ok on the joints at an ra of 72
It has reasonable control and a fair bit of power.
My one complaint is that, it is too heas heavy for the weight of the racquet.

 

[Fed Kennedy]

Nice, you are speaking of the mp, I presume? I will retreat from this thread with talk of the pro, but I am curious about the mp...hows the stability?

 

[tailofdog]

It,s Fine

Yes,
Sorry it,s the IG Extreme MP.
Really every thing stability included seems fine. I do question how the HH + weight would play out overall.
After a 10 min hit i knew i could use it but, i am not going to.

 

[ManuGinobili]

Question for you is, have any thoughts on demoing the YTIG Speed 300?

Is the 300 supposed to be a throwback to the days of the 260, 280 & 300? I'm not sure why else HEAD decided to add a random "300" to the name of a stick, while none of the other ones carry any sort of numerical labels?

.

300 means 300g stock weight. Head names it that to differentiate this new offering from the Speed Pro (335g stock) and the two Speed MP (around 315g)

 

[JT_2eighty]

300 means 300g stock weight. Head names it that to differentiate this new offering from the Speed Pro (335g stock) and the two Speed MP (around 315g)

Oh, lol. How could I have missed that? I guess since all the others didn't have a #, it got my hopes up.

Nonetheless, demo on its way to me, the specs are exactly what I've been looking for, for a while. The extreme just sounds too stiff for me, so my hijack is over. Carry on

 

[purple-n-gold]

IG Extreme MP

Got mine today, mp specs: weighs 323g strung w/poly, og & damp. 33.25cm balance

Looks pretty cool, sorta Technifibre Kabukish

Hopefully get to hit in the next few days.

 

[purple-n-gold]

Bazooka Joe

Brief hit yesterday for some doubles action with some pretty big hitters. Most impressed with the volleys coming off this stiff raq, able to deflect some reflex volleys with some nice zip on 'em. Sweet spot is low on the face, will customize it like my Bab's and see what's up.

 

[ahuimanu]

Thanks for the feedback. I used the micro gel extreme with rpm which was a killer serving racquet but just too heavy for me for extended tournament play. I heard great things from the guys who had an advance preview of this stick so am looking forward to giving this test spin.

Well, finally got my hands on one and wow, think this stick has it all (for me !

Got to hit with it for two hours straight. Nice control and pretty good pop using poly strings (tec red code) strung mid range. Large sweet spot and even response, a racquet that's predictable with enough control to scrub speed and control those hard hit serves (bombs) and forceful groundies.

My only problem is my buddies all wanna use it, haha!

 

[Fed Kennedy]

Still honeymooning this PT630?

 

[Fedace]

I tried out your Pro today but it was too heavy for my weak arm.

Here are the specs I found on the YTIGEP:

Headsize: 100 sq. in.
Length: 27.00 in.
Weight (strung): 12.20 oz. = 345g
Stiffness (Babolat RDC): 74
Balance: 12.90 in. Head Light
Cross Section: 24/26/23mm Tapered Beam
Swingweight: 337 kg*sq. cm
String Pattern: 16x19
Grip:Head Hydrosorb Tour

SW is too high. how can you volley with such a stick ?

 

[Fed Kennedy]

No need to volley when you are vaporizing winners from the b line

 

[Pro_Tour_630]

Still honeymooning this PT630?

nope I divorced

Stick sucked, the IG series

It was too heavy and too much stick,

Like I said get a light MG extreme and shave .25 to 27 and string it with wilson NXT 17g at high tension, you will be surprised.

 

[Fed Kennedy]

nope I divorced

Stick sucked, the IG series

It was too heavy and too much stick,

Like I said get a light MG extreme and shave .25 to 27 and string it with wilson NXT 17g at high tension, you will be surprised.

I love a good project. I will undertake this effort in the quest for the GEOAT.

 

[Fed Kennedy]

Ok pt630, got an mg extreme mp, shaved it to 27. Put a leather grip, overgrip and dampener. It's 11.4 oz fully loaded. It feels like a feather. Still strung with factory sonic pro.
I will report how it plays. You recommend any lead in the hoop to compensate for the handle shave?