Help me to understand Head Rackets product line.

[DJTaurus]

I am currently playing with a blade 98 18x20 2012 and i ve also tried the 2013 model. Before the Blade i was using Graphene Instinct 2013 and it was an ok all around stick but it didnt give me power when i wanted. Blade is a more difficult stick but i have more access to power.

So i want to try out some head sticks.... the models are so many and i cant choose from where to start on. Most of my friends are using Prestige S sticks with Graphene and without. I also found on the forums that Radical and Speed are popular too...

My player style is hitting hard from the baseline and i want my shots to be deep. So....

1) Whats the difference between S, MP and Pro?
2) Difference between Radical, Prestige and Speed models?
3) I also want to try Yonex 98 ai that so many people consider it one of the best sticks of 2014.


I believe sticks below are the most popular on heads lineup.... which one do you propose?
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Head_Graphene_Radical_Pro/descpageRCHEAD-HGRP.html
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Head_Graphene_Prestige_Pro/descpageRCHEAD-GPP.html
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Head_Graphene_Prestige_S/descpageRCHEAD-GPS.html
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Head_YOUTEK_IG_Prestige_S/descpageRCHEAD-HYIPS.html

 

[Lukhas]

1) In terms of weight, Pro>MP>S>Rev. Sometimes the Pro or MP version will have a different headsize. Note that the Instinct line doesn't have a Pro model.
2) Control: Prestige>Radical>Speed ower. Or at least it used to be, but with the Graphene versions the difference in power between the Radicals and Speed are blurrier. However from my point of view, the Speed still is easier to use than the Radical.

The Instinct is one of Head's most powerful racquet line. If you want something easier to use than the Blade, I'd advise against the Radical or the Speed (which are fine racquets, don't be mistaken).
If I were you I'd demo an Extreme MP out off all Head's racquet. The Pro, at nearly 12oz might prove a bit difficult to use. Can't tell you much about the Yonex but it has been discussed a lot in the forums and may also be worth a demo in both 98 and 100 versions.

 

[NDtennis_Williston]

Radical or Speed Pro

I would recommend the Speed Pro, generally everyone loves that stick. The Radical Pro is great as well. If those are a little out of your spec range than drop down to the MP's.

 

[DJTaurus]

I would recommend the Speed Pro, generally everyone loves that stick. The Radical Pro is great as well. If those are a little out of your spec range than drop down to the MP's.

This has by far the most positive comments.... have you played with it?
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Head_Graphene_Radical_Pro/descpageRCHEAD-HGRP.html

 

[The_Racketeer]

If you're looking for something with more power than your current Blade, I'd stay away from the Radicals or Prestiges.

The Extreme line-up is probably your best fit. Give the YT-IG Extreme Pro 2.0 here http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Head_YOUTEK_IG_Extreme_Pro_20/descpageRCHEAD-HYTIGX.html

It's on sale for a ridiculous price, not to mention has that power you're looking for.

 

[LapsedNoob]

Yeah I have never quite figured out the place of the Instinct in relation to the Speed and Extreme. It really seems like a mix of the two.

 

[RalphJ]

I would go with the Speed Pro as well. Its 18X20 but with more power than the Prestige, and more forgiving than the Radical.

 

[NDtennis_Williston]

I disagree

If you're looking for something with more power than your current Blade, I'd stay away from the Radicals or Prestiges.

The Extreme line-up is probably your best fit. Give the YT-IG Extreme Pro 2.0 here http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Head_YOUTEK_IG_Extreme_Pro_20/descpageRCHEAD-HYTIGX.html

It's on sale for a ridiculous price, not to mention has that power you're looking for.

Graphene Radical Pro has more power than the Blade by far. More than most racquets in that spec range.

 

[oble]

I am currently playing with a blade 98 18x20 2012 and i ve also tried the 2013 model. Before the Blade i was using Graphene Instinct 2013 and it was an ok all around stick but it didnt give me power when i wanted. Blade is a more difficult stick but i have more access to power.

That's weird.. The Instinct should be more powerful than a Blade 98 18x20. Maybe it's the lack of plowthrough that you're feeling in the Instinct because of the lower swing weight than the Blade. I'd say the older Blade has a smaller sweetspot so it can feel difficult to use, but the new Blade is a different beast, with a much bigger sweetspot and the plow.. oh the plow..

Otherwise, if you want to strictly look at Head's range, the Extreme MP seems like a good fit, with specs right in between the Instinct and the Blade 98.

As for the Yonex sticks, the Ai 98 would be quite similar to the Blade 98, imho. It feels to me like a more spin-friendly Blade 98 without the Spin Effect string pattern. The Ai 100 might be a better fit for your requirements.

 

[3fees]

Theres
1.) Speed
2.) Instinct
3.) Radical
4.) Extreme
5.) Prestige
6.) Liquid Metal
7.) Titanium
8.) Junior

Demo a few and keep the one that you like the best. Babolat Racquets are worth a mention.

Cheers
3Fees

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Current Racquet: Head Graphene XT Speed Pro(2015 1 yr warranty), Babolat VS Touch Full Bed, strung on Babolat Star 5 .