Is the Head Radical mp with Auxetic 1.0/2.0 more comfortable than Graphene XT Radical Mp?

[SharonC]

I currently used the Head Graphene XT radical mp and like the racket. However, I started to have wrist pain since September last year. I bought the Boom mp with Auxetic 1.0 cos it is supposed to be more comfortable and the balance and weight are the same as those of XT radical mp. I found that the feel is more muted but I got arm pain after playing with it . I also hit more often out than before. I want to stay with Radical and wonder whether the current Radical mp is really better for the arm. According to the data from TWU, the racket vibration (Hz) of the currrent radical mp is higher than that of the XT mp. Auxetic is supposed to dampen the vibration, isnt it? But how come the data tell a different story? Anyone can share your thought/experience if you have both rackets? Thanks!

 

[A_Instead]

Try increasing your grip size..use two over grips..
My wrist starts to hurt with most rackets if the grip is too small.
I have 2 Radical MP AUX 2.0, strung with the same string and tension. 4 1/4 and 4 3/8. The 1/4 starts to hurt my wrist after use..
I added an extra overgrip and no more pain..

 

[Trip]

@SharonC - To answer you initial question, in short, yes, the Auxetic Radicals should, in theory at least, be more comfortable than the Graphene XT, as the XT was known to be very firm, crisp, crackly, vibration-propagating, and arm-unfriendly, across several of Head's silos, Radical included, and the Auxetic versions, while not a panacea for everyone, should be at least a partial step in the right direction, as their feel is noticeably more muted (especially Auxetic 2.0).

That said, unless you're making serious money playing tennis, playing with a racquet that gives you pain, even in the slightest, isn't worth it. Presuming you've tried all the string adjustments (gauge, tension, more gentle material, etc.) and customization (namely adding recoil weight), then you're probably best off finding something else, even if it makes some of your shots less effective. Additionally, if you haven't already, I would integrate physical therapy/training to help heal and lower your susceptibility to future pain. Or, if all else fails, simply take time off from tennis for a while, to fully heal, free from the stress/trauma load.

Getting back to a solution, looking at your first post from 2018, I see that you were able to find at least passable-enough comfort with the Prince Original Graphite, so perhaps you take a look at a current Phantom, a ProKennex or a Clash v3. Again, perhaps not the sexiest options in certain ways, but if they allow you to at least play tennis, pain-free (or significantly reduced), then priority #1 is accomplished, and every else can be increased after the fact.

Hope some of that helps.

 

[fritzhimself]

Well, it's often the case that you give your favourite racket to be strung and then it can suddenly go bad.
Maybe it's due to the stringing hardness, the wrong string or the wrong technique?
That brings me to the question: ‘Which string is used and how hard is the racket strung?’

 

[SharonC]

@SharonC - To answer you initial question, in short, yes, the Auxetic Radicals should, in theory at least, be more comfortable than the Graphene XT, as the XT was known to be very firm, crisp, crackly, vibration-propagating, and arm-unfriendly, across several of Head's silo, Radical included, and the Auxetic versions, while not a panacea for everyone, should be at least a partial step in the right direction, as their feel is noticeably more muted (especially Auxetic 2.0).

That said, I know this might not be what you want to hear, but it may be what you need to hear: unless you're making serious money playing tennis, playing with a racquet that gives you pain, even in the slightest, isn't worth it. Presuming you've tried all the string adjustments (gauge, tension, more gentle material, etc.) and customization (namely adding recoil weight), then you're probably best off finding something else, even if it makes some of your shots less effective. Additionally, if you haven't already, I would integrate physical therapy/training to help heal and lower your susceptibility to future pain. Or, if all else fails, simply take time off from tennis for a while, to fully heal, free from the stress/trauma load.

Getting back to a solution, looking at your first post from 2018, I see that you were able to find at least passable-enough comfort with the Prince Original Graphite, so perhaps you take a look at a current Phantom, a ProKennex or a Clash v3. Again, perhaps not the sexiest options in certain ways, but if they allow you to at least play tennis, pain-free (or significantly reduced), then priority #1 is accomplished, and every else can be increased after the fact.

Hope some of that helps.

Thanks @Trip, @fritzhimself. Yes, i did use the POG and Phantom Pro100 during the time when i had some problems with my arm in the past. Phantom is very comfortable and i still have two of them. However, it is more difficult for me to hit well with my one-handed backhand and serve. I am currently using Donnay Pro One 97 Octa and had much less pain playing with it and I think i play better with Pro One 97 than Phantom. Nevertheless, my shots are still not as good as when i am using the XT radical mp...and, yes, i want to use the Radical mp if there is a way to reduce the vibration -> eliminate the pain.

I also read that Auxetic is supposed to be more muted. But in my experience with Boom mp, i still had wrist pain. I also find it very muted if I use a Gamma Shockbuster dampener but it doesnt make my wrist pain go away. Therefore i doubt that Auxetic really absorb the vibration...

I already use full bed of Diadem Impulse 1.25 (24/23kg). I like this string a lot when it is freshly strung but after a couple of hours I start hitting more out.

 

[SharonC]

Try increasing your grip size..use two over grips..
My wrist starts to hurt with most rackets if the grip is too small.
I have 2 Radical MP AUX 2.0, strung with the same string and tension. 4 1/4 and 4 3/8. The 1/4 starts to hurt my wrist after use..
I added an extra overgrip and no more pain..

My grip size is already bigger than what i am supposed to use...

 

[esgee48]

What other strings (name, gauge, tension) have you used? Did you have pain issues using them?

Your Diadem Impulse is a multi strung at a reasonable tension. But it does not seem to maintain tension very well if your shots go long after a few hours.

edit: Auxetic material is Head’s fancy name for foam and is mainly in the bridge or throat of the frame. It’s there to dampen string bed vibrations. How comfortable are you about adding lead tape inside the hoop near the throat. Or adding foam insulation inside the handle?

 

[Trip]

@SharonC - When you say:

my shots are still not as good as when i am using the XT radical mp...

What exactly do you mean by that? Where, precisely, is the Pro One, or any of the other more comfortable frames, lacking vs. the GXT Rad MP? Examples: Pace? Heaviness? Spin? Precision? Something else? Depending on what you can best describe, you may simply be able to modify the Pro One 97 enough with string adjustments and/or customization, to make up for whatever perceived difference there might be.

As for muting level being a sole predictor of comfort, you're certainly correct: it's far from the only factor. Overall flex and impact cushioning play a huge role, and even with the softest, most gentle string bed possible, the Radicals, GXT, Auxetic or otherwise, may still not be comfortable enough. That's why, though, it's important that you share what exact strings, and tension if you know it, you've tried in the GXT Rad, and/or your other frames. Without that info, we really can't estimate how arm-friendly a setup you're actually playing with, and give you guidance on how to possibly improve it.

In summary, your arm/wrist sound pretty sensitive, and depending on the stringing setups and any other customization you've tried, the Radicals may be usable, or they may not, and past a certain point of trying to force it, you'll probably just have to come to terms with it at some point, but depending on what you're looking for from a handling and performance perspective, I have a hard time believing there isn't something out there that couldn't fill the shoes of the 98" Radicals well enough, while also being comfortable enough.

 

[SharonC]

@SharonC - When you say:

What exactly do you mean by that? Where, precisely, is the Pro One, or any of the other more comfortable frames, lacking vs. the GXT Rad MP? Examples: Pace? Heaviness? Spin? Precision? Something else? Depending on what you can best describe, you may simply be able to modify the Pro One 97 enough with string adjustments and/or customization, to make up for whatever perceived difference there might be.

As for muting level being a sole predictor of comfort, you're certainly correct: it's far from the only factor. Overall flex and impact cushioning play a huge role, and even with the softest, most gentle string bed possible, the Radicals, GXT, Auxetic or otherwise, may still not be comfortable enough. That's why, though, it's important that you share what exact strings, and tension if you know it, you've tried in the GXT Rad, and/or your other frames. Without that info, we really can't estimate how arm-friendly a setup you're actually playing with, and give you guidance on how to possibly improve it.

In summary, your arm/wrist sound pretty sensitive, and depending on the stringing setups and any other customization you've tried, the Radicals may be usable, or they may not, and past a certain point of trying to force it, you'll probably just have to come to terms with it at some point, but depending on what you're looking for from a handling and performance perspective, I have a hard time believing there isn't something out there that couldn't fill the shoes of the 98" Radicals well enough, while also being comfortable enough.

The most obvious thing I noticed is that i can hit my serve with more pace and can aim the target/direction easier using the radical (e.g. down the T or serve out wide). The other thing is I feel that i can swing faster with GXT radical mp and my balls are faster and more difficult for my opponents. Finally, it is my volley. I can punch the ball harder with the radicals. I think my technique is not yet good enough to use the Pro One 97.

@esgee48 - I did add some weight to my radical since the Pro One 97 is heavier and i tried to make them the same weight and balance by adding some weight on the tip of the racket head and the handle. But of course, there will still have some differences because of the thickness, head size and hardness of the frame...and i dont have the machine to measure their swingweights.

I used the same string and tension on both rackets.

 

[Trip]

The most obvious thing I noticed is that i can hit my serve with more pace and can aim the target/direction easier using the radical (e.g. down the T or serve out wide). The other thing is I feel that i can swing faster with GXT radical mp and my balls are faster and more difficult for my opponents. Finally, it is my volley. I can punch the ball harder with the radicals. I think my technique is not yet good enough to use the Pro One 97.

@esgee48 - I did add some weight to my radical since the Pro One 97 is heavier and i tried to make them the same weight and balance by adding some weight on the tip of the racket head and the handle. But of course, there will still have some differences because of the thickness, head size and hardness of the frame...and i dont have the machine to measure their swingweights.

Thank you for the extra info. Now we're getting somewhere. Even with weight added after the fact, I think your serve, strokes and volleys are all benefitting from 1) a lighter/lower-balanced stock mass distribution in the Radical versus the Pro One, 2) a slightly more centrally dense string bed in the Rad and 3) a more firm overall average flex of 63RA in the Rad, versus probably a mid-high 50's RA of the Donnay.

Even with weight added, and even with swing weight roughly equalized, the net effect of all of the above could definitely explain why you favor the Radical, for sure.

I used the same string and tension on both rackets.

That's fine, but what are the strings you have been using, if you know them? The idea is that you might be able to switch to softer, thicker and/or more powerful strings in the Pro One, which could make up at least a portion of the gap in power and control, while retaining comfort.

Beyond that, I if you wanted a similar, or perhaps even higher, level of power/velocity with precision, that was also comfortable, I would give a serious look at the 2025 Yonex EZone 98, which has very similar central string pattern density, even slightly higher power per unit weight, while still remaining fairly soft and comfortable on contact.

 

[A_Instead]

You can also try those wrist strengthening squeeze things.. that also helped me..

 

[SharonC]

Thank you for the extra info. Now we're getting somewhere. Even with weight added after the fact, I think your serve, strokes and volleys are all benefitting from 1) a lighter/lower-balanced stock mass distribution in the Radical versus the Pro One, 2) a slightly more centrally dense string bed in the Rad and 3) a more firm overall average flex of 63RA in the Rad, versus probably a mid-high 50's RA of the Donnay.

Even with weight added, and even with swing weight roughly equalized, the net effect of all of the above could definitely explain why you favor the Radical, for sure.


That's fine, but what are the strings you have been using, if you know them? The idea is that you might be able to switch to softer, thicker and/or more powerful strings in the Pro One, which could make up at least a portion of the gap in power and control, while retaining comfort.

Beyond that, I if you wanted a similar, or perhaps even higher, level of power/velocity with precision, that was also comfortable, I would give a serious look at the 2025 Yonex EZone 98, which has very similar central string pattern density, even slightly higher power per unit weight, while still remaining fairly soft and comfortable on contact.

I am using Diadem Impulse 1.25 at 24/23kg on both rackets. This multi does not move all over the place so quickly like many others I have used so far. Head Velocity MLT also stay in place pretty well but harder.

 

[Trip]

I am using Diadem Impulse 1.25 at 24/23kg on both rackets. This multi does not move all over the place so quickly like many others I have used so far. Head Velocity MLT also stay in place pretty well but harder.

Got it. And good for you for already trying full-bed multi. Much beyond trying natural gut and/or a polylephin-based multi like IsoSpeed Classic, I would say you've already got some of the comfiest string. You might also try dropping tension a bit as well, which will also soften the bed. But overall, not sure how much extra you can do to make the string bed more gentle.

Wrist pain can be a tough one to cure. It's typically the sign of a frame and/or frame-string combo who's Hz vibration amplitude and wave profile are just flat out incompatible with your tissue. Aside from changing strings and/or dampeners, as I said earlier, you could also try adding a sorbothane base grip, like something from VT Advantec, and/or also adding some silicone inside the hairpin, which will both increase recoil weight and also help dampen vibrations. But overall, that still might not be enough. It's possible than the Auxetic 1.0 or 2.0 Radicals might be comfortable enough for you, but we certainly can't predict it entirely here. You'll probably have to buy and try.

Beyond that, and beyond looking for softer but also higher-powered 98's (ATS Tour 98, EZone 98, etc.), you might also analyze your technique. If you're technique is too wristy (like many players with very western forehands) or you lead with too much overt wrist lag (like Delpo used to do), both can very easily over-leverage the wrist to much wear and tear, and regardless of the racquet of choice, you may always stand to have issues, without trying to correct for this issue with proper technical cleanup, but also possibly tuning your racquet for to a proper amount of recoil weight for your height and arm length, which in many instances can encourage more correct wrist coupling all on its own (see @Brando's thread: Who Cares About Recoil Weight?).

Hope some of that helps again. Ultimately, I think you should move back to the frames you know you can at least play comfortably with, and let the performance gaps be as they are. Aside from the Pro One 97, there has to be a large-enough headed Phantom, or Clash, or PK, or similar that would let you play well enough with comfort.

 

[SharonC]

Got it. And good for you for already trying full-bed multi. Much beyond trying natural gut and/or a polylephin-based multi like IsoSpeed Classic, I would say you've already got some of the comfiest string. You might also try dropping tension a bit as well, which will also soften the bed. But overall, not sure how much extra you can do to make the string bed more gentle.

Wrist pain can be a tough one to cure. It's typically the sign of a frame and/or frame-string combo who's Hz vibration amplitude and wave profile are just flat out incompatible with your tissue. Aside from changing strings and/or dampeners, as I said earlier, you could also try adding a sorbothane base grip, like something from VT Advantec, and/or also adding some silicone inside the hairpin, which will both increase recoil weight and also help dampen vibrations. But overall, that still might not be enough. It's possible than the Auxetic 1.0 or 2.0 Radicals might be comfortable enough for you, but we certainly can't predict it entirely here. You'll probably have to buy and try.

Beyond that, and beyond looking for softer but also higher-powered 98's (ATS Tour 98, EZone 98, etc.), you might also analyze your technique. If you're technique is too wristy (like many players with very western forehands) or you lead with too much overt wrist lag (like Delpo used to do), both can very easily over-leverage the wrist to much wear and tear, and regardless of the racquet of choice, you may always stand to have issues, without trying to correct for this issue with proper technical cleanup, but also possibly tuning your racquet for to a proper amount of recoil weight for your height and arm length, which in many instances can encourage more correct wrist coupling all on its own (see @Brando's thread: Who Cares About Recoil Weight?).

Hope some of that helps again. Ultimately, I think you should move back to the frames you know you can at least play comfortably with, and let the performance gaps be as they are. Aside from the Pro One 97, there has to be a large-enough headed Phantom, or Clash, or PK, or similar that would let you play well enough with comfort.

I'm interested in the VT Advantec as well. Did anyone try this? would like to hear your experience.

 

[Julian.Peter]

Maybe also try Graphene 360+ Radicals. They are still firm and crispy, more clean feeling than Auxetic which is a little muted in this specific comparison, but they should be more comfortable than Graphene XT from what I have read so far.

 

[RadicalP]

long time radical user. I bought and used the radical xt mp and love how it plays, but my elbow is now hurting after just two matches and I’ve never dealt with arm pain. Also made contact with a ball and felt sharp tendon pain on top of my hand after awkward contact and felt awful. Still sore. This has gotta be the most harsh racket I’ve ever used

 

[Trip]

@RadicalP - Sorry to hear that. Please read my replies above; hopefully they help?

@SharonC - How have things gone for you since last May? Hopefully more comfortable?

 

[SharonC]

@RadicalP - Sorry to hear that. I also think that this racket is not so good for the arm .

@Trip - Thanks for asking. Unfortunately I am still using my radical xt mp but have started using the Road To Pro dampener as well as their Shocksorb WASP Strip (just 1g at 12 o'clock). And surprisingly my wrist pain is gone. Once i took out the dampener, my wrist pain is back a little bit. But if i keep the dampener and take out the Wasp strip, my wrist pain is still gone. So, i think the dampener has an effect.

Since i want more snapback on my multi setup, i took one of your advice to use Multifeel black 125mm as a cross string and pair up with Tourna Quasi-gut. It works pretty well and the snapback is still there after 10 hours of play. But Multifeel is harder than my usual string Diadem Impulse, therefore i felt a little bit pain, not unbearable though, after using it.

So, I can manage my pain with both the string and the RTP dampener.

I am still trying out different multi multi setup and currently i find that Yonex Rexis Comfort and Diadem Impulse is a good mix. But i have to test it for longer before i get a full reel. Next, i want to try Rexis Comfort with Prince lightening Pro 17. maybe it is softer than multifeel?

Before using the RTP dampener, i have tried Donnay Pro One Octa 97 for 3-4 months. My wrist is also so much better using this racket. But my volley is not good enough with this racket somehow. I tried Prince ATS tour 98 but my wrist pain came back immediately during the session and i had to stop using it. Besides, it is pretty heavy to swing. I also tried Head Boom MP and dislike it - too unprecise and I hit out pretty often.

Now i sort of know my racket requirement:
Must have: below 320 SW (so that i can use the RTP dampener within feeling too heavy to swing), 315mm balance, more comfortable than my radical xt, similar stability if not more, similar precision
Wish to have: 98 Sq In (better for my single backhand), less than 305g (I found 295g very optimium for me).

It is very hard to find...

 

[RadicalP]

@RadicalP - Sorry to hear that. I also think that this racket is not so good for the arm .

@Trip - Thanks for asking. Unfortunately I am still using my radical xt mp but have started using the Road To Pro dampener as well as their Shocksorb WASP Strip (just 1g at 12 o'clock). And surprisingly my wrist pain is gone. Once i took out the dampener, my wrist pain is back a little bit. But if i keep the dampener and take out the Wasp strip, my wrist pain is still gone. So, i think the dampener has an effect.

Since i want more snapback on my multi setup, i took one of your advice to use Multifeel black 125mm as a cross string and pair up with Tourna Quasi-gut. It works pretty well and the snapback is still there after 10 hours of play. But Multifeel is harder than my usual string Diadem Impulse, therefore i felt a little bit pain, not unbearable though, after using it.

So, I can manage my pain with both the string and the RTP dampener.

I am still trying out different multi multi setup and currently i find that Yonex Rexis Comfort and Diadem Impulse is a good mix. But i have to test it for longer before i get a full reel. Next, i want to try Rexis Comfort with Prince lightening Pro 17. maybe it is softer than multifeel?

Before using the RTP dampener, i have tried Donnay Pro One Octa 97 for 3-4 months. My wrist is also so much better using this racket. But my volley is not good enough with this racket somehow. I tried Prince ATS tour 98 but my wrist pain came back immediately during the session and i had to stop using it. Besides, it is pretty heavy to swing. I also tried Head Boom MP and dislike it - too unprecise and I hit out pretty often.

Now i sort of know my racket requirement:
Must have: below 320 SW (so that i can use the RTP dampener within feeling too heavy to swing), 315mm balance, more comfortable than my radical xt, similar stability if not more, similar precision
Wish to have: 98 Sq In (better for my single backhand), less than 305g (I found 295g very optimium for me).

It is very hard to find...

Yeah, I am going to try a hybrid setup before totally giving up on the xt and see how it goes. I honestly don’t know if it’s the balance of the xt racket vs my old radical with weight in different places (static weight is slightly more to) and how I whip my forehand, or the harshness of the racket frame itself.