*** Long Live The Radicals ***

bertrevert

Legend
Tried the Microgel Radical Pro today<snip> Anyway the one thing that I noticed is the power. This has too much IMO.

Too much power? Try different strings.

The specs remind me of a PureDrive. I appreciate tweeners but a PD wasn't for me. After a year I woke up to the fact that my game was too one-dimensional, too predicatable. The Rad MP is more scalpel like and offers more angles.

Neverthless if you've made the move to the Pro then with time you can adapt. But you must assess what you are good at and how you ulitimately like to play.
 
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frekcles

Semi-Pro
Hey all. Not much traffic in this thread these days. I hope you are all still playing with your various iterations of the Radical.

I'm still playing with the Trisys 260 MP and very recently acquired a Trisys 260 OS. Will try it in a few days to compare to the MP version.
 

Doc Hollidae

Hall of Fame
Still playing with my Radical LE's, but have been taking a break from tennis lately so I haven't posted much. Been thinking about getting one of those Donnay OS's to compare to the LE.

Frekcles, I suspect that you'll find better access to spin with the OS and a little more power.
 

jdelcue

Rookie
Those Donnays do look pretty neat, eh?
I also noticed the Radical LEs have gone on sale at TW...

Three good lookin' racquets at $100 a piece now.
 

mista-k

Rookie
I have 4 lm radical OS
1 Irad OS

***thinking microgel is nice...drool (especially after seeing patty.schnyder's matches)

long live ANDRE AGASSI (#1 marketing PRO)
 
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Vision84

Hall of Fame
***thinking microgel is nice...drool (especially after seeing patty.schnyder's matches)

I wouldn't be surprised if she has the same racket as before and just uses a paintjob but I honestly have no idea about her.


I bought a microgel radical MP today after having borrowed my coaches racket for a while. I started looking for a new racket after the k-95 screwed up my shoulder and was just to stiff and I didn't feel I was getting as much control as I would like. I tried a variety of tensions but to no avail.

The microgel gives me lots of control and comfort and unlike the kfactor off center shots don't feel very uncomfortable. I get more control on my serves and I felt much more confident really going for my second serve than before. The volleys have a nice plush feel and I was surprised at the control on some of the volleys I hit today. The stability is great and I found it better than the head extreme which is one of the main reasons I chose this over that one. That and it feels a bit heavier. My only complaint is that the dampened feel can be a bit to much but it should be fine after I take out the factory strings.
 

frekcles

Semi-Pro
Still playing with my Radical LE's, but have been taking a break from tennis lately so I haven't posted much. Been thinking about getting one of those Donnay OS's to compare to the LE.

Frekcles, I suspect that you'll find better access to spin with the OS and a little more power.

Those Donnays look good. Can't wait for your write up.

I'm excited to try out the Trisys 260 OS. But it'll be a few days before I play.:mad:
 

JesseT

Rookie
Has anyone put weights in their MicroGel RadPro handle? I don't want to take my butt cap off to find out I can't add weight there.

In lieu of *in* the handle, has anyone put tape right at the flare, underneath all of the grips? Anyone experience much difference in the comfort of the grip?
 

kaztennis

Rookie
Long live the Radicals!

Currently own:
Head Flexpoint Radical Tour x 5
Head Agassi Limited Edition x 2

Demoed Microgel Radical Pro and the MG Radical Oversize.
hmm...my first impression of the MG Radical Pro was ok.
Good stick but I didn't feel the flex and seemed like it lacked the mass on the head a little bit but I did like it. Something that didn't make me say, I want this now!

Thought I'll post to this thread for the first time to revive this thread!:grin:
 

Danradical

New User
Long live the Radicals!

Current own:
Head Radical Tour MP x 4 OS x 2
Head Radical Tour Twintube MP x1
Head Agassi Limited Edition x 1
 

f2fanatic

New User
My son has 2 LM radicals mp that I bought from frekcles; he is 12 so I modified them slightly to lower the swingweight by trimming the headguards to a minimum and using head tape instead and making them more headlight by putting blue tack in the handle. He loves them and when I try them, I am always surprised as how good and easy to hit they are.
 

frekcles

Semi-Pro
Hi f2fanatic. Good to know that your son still uses the LM Radicals. They should last him for quite some time.
 

TheJRK

Rookie
I've been playing with the Ti Radical since it came out (in 2000?) since I like it so much and I haven't really seen anything to replace it with.

Has anyone tried the new Microgel Radical? What I mean is, can anyone provide a comparison between the Ti Radical and the new Microgel Radical? :D
 

Euthanasiast

New User
There seems to be a couple of brand new radical Twin Tube Tour circa 1998s for sale on the tennis******.com site for 199.00 each brand new. Are these the coveted 1998 twin tubes you guys are referring to? The ones that are so rare? If so, how could they still be brand new and so sought out?

Just curious, as I may look into getting one if they are really that fantastic.
 

akoni

Rookie
i just picked up an lm radical mp the other day at a local tennis shop that was closing. anyways, anyone playing them with a leather grip? any lead tape setups worth trying?
 

cys19

Semi-Pro
I switch between the lm tour and the mp, and I'm surprise as to how solid the mp is. I use the tour to overpower/out-spin my opponent and the mp to hit out.
 

LafayetteHitter

Hall of Fame
Curious where and how much lead some of you may have added to the I radical MP? I am currently trying to set one up from my gf and will be adding leather this week and a little lead in the hoop. Just curious how some of you I Radical guys might have yours set up to help some with stability and power.
Scott
 

Euthanasiast

New User
Count me in, then. I have just acquired three '95 Twin Tube MP and so far 2 '98 models. It has taken me a little time to get used to the classic weight, but I'm coming around and the racket does have an awesome feel.

I may look into rounding out my collection with a couple of 260's and it might even be smart to obtain a couple of the new limited editions in case I get fatigued mid match with the heavier twin tubes.
 

Wheelz

Hall of Fame
Radical users.

I have to string my FXP Radical Tour.... I know nothing about string..

I have the choice between...

Head SYNTHETIC GUT
Wilson Sensation 16
HEAD SPIN PLUS
Wilson NXT

I was looking at the Head Spin plus just because it claims to give more spin... so excellent for top spin. For tension, I guess I can't see advice on it but would like your opinion. I've read alot of your signatures to know what you guys are using.

Thanks in advance for your knowledge !
 

Anton

Legend
I was looking at the Head Spin plus just because it claims to give more spin... so excellent for top spin.

It doesn't give you more spin - just a gimmic

Order yourself some Kischerbaum Pro Line II strings and string at 58lbs - will last you forever, will feel very comfortable and will give you plenty of control

NXT is descent too, but will pop much quicker if you hit hard, string at 60lbs
 

Wheelz

Hall of Fame
It doesn't give you more spin - just a gimmic

Order yourself some Kischerbaum Pro Line II strings and string at 58lbs - will last you forever, will feel very comfortable and will give you plenty of control

NXT is descent too, but will pop much quicker if you hit hard, string at 60lbs

thanks alot for the info !
 

Ross K

Legend
Question for all you Radical connoisseurs...

I know it's hard to say as we're talking about so many different racquets here, but how does the Radical line compare to the Prestige line?... what, traditionally, are the Rads renowned for as opposed to what the Prestiges are renowned for?

Cheers
 

johnv_pr

Rookie
I have hit with the Microgel Radical MP for 5 days now. I have to admit that it is an awesome stick. I own 2 i.Rads MP and go back to them from time to time but my main sticks are some Aerogel 100s. This new Microgel Radical really has me considering making a switch.
 

keithchircop

Professional
According to the USRSA the Microgel Radical OS (flex 56) is the lowest powered radical OS ever, followed by the iRadical OS (302 SW). Does that sound right to you guys?
 
P

PrestigeClassic

Guest
Question for all you Radical connoisseurs...

I know it's hard to say as we're talking about so many different racquets here, but how does the Radical line compare to the Prestige line?... what, traditionally, are the Rads renowned for as opposed to what the Prestiges are renowned for?

Cheers

In my limited experience with a few different Radical frames (all 630), I have found them to be more geared toward spin while having less power, all the while they are generally harsher.
 

Ross K

Legend
calling all familiar with radical twin tube 630!

As part of my recent 'education' on the Prestige line and earlier great Head racquets such as the Pro Tour series (to name but one), I'm wondering if anyone could fill me in with a bit of info on the Radical Twin Tube MP?

I've heard outstandingly good things about this one. Is this justified? What are the characteristics of the rad tt? How does it play. Strengths, weaknesses. Etc...

Cheers,

R.
 
P

PrestigeClassic

Guest
The first Radical Tour Twin Tube 630 flexed more along the lines of a Pro Staff, that is to say it felt like it had a stiffer throat. But it was a bit low-powered; as much as the frame enabled my forehand, my backhand was not so great. But for being a Head 630, it's decent at the net, slice serves down the middle, etc. I would string it on the loose side.
 

Ross K

Legend
The first Radical Tour Twin Tube 630 flexed more along the lines of a Pro Staff, that is to say it felt like it had a stiffer throat. But it was a bit low-powered; as much as the frame enabled my forehand, my backhand was not so great. But for being a Head 630, it's decent at the net, slice serves down the middle, etc. I would string it on the loose side.

Thanks PrestigeClassic.

Hmmm... I must say I was expecting to hear more praise and a generally far more glowing testimony for the rad tt.

Anyone else have any views and insights to impart about the Radical Twin Tube MP (630)?

Is it really such an amazing frame? And if so - WHY? Or is it (as the above post seems to be suggesting), not actually, you know, so very very outstanding.
 

Ross K

Legend
Thanks PrestigeClassic.

Hmmm... I must say I was expecting to hear more praise and a generally far more glowing testimony for the rad tt.

Anyone else have any views and insights to impart about the Radical Twin Tube MP (630)?

Is it really such an amazing frame? And if so - WHY? Or is it (as the above post seems to be suggesting), not actually, you know, so very very outstanding.

Right. It's later in the day (or at least it is here in the UK.) Maybe someone could now answer the above query?...( forgive my ignorance)... So, anybody care to tell me about the Radical Twin Tube 630?
 

AJTx0

New User
Hey guys!

I'm relatively new to the forums.. and I've been asking around for suggestions on which racquet I should get.
Lately, I've been setting my eyes upon the Liquidmetal Radical due to recommendations, as well as my own constraints, such as price. (heh. perfect place to ask my question eh?! :D)
However... I can't seem to decide between the MP or the OS. I haven't had time to demo lately, so I would just like to ask you guys this :D.

Background info:
3.0 ish.. high school player on JV.
I'm unfortunately... pretty scrawny (5'6" 110 lbs, and no, I'm not anorexic)
I tend to have a longer swing
I recently somewhat hurt my wrist by playing with a fake Babolat Aeropro Drive (I probably would've hurt my wrist, even if it was real.), however it's been healing great and I seem to be fine now.
Might need a little power boost? (Because of that... I seem to be leaning towards the OS, also due to the fact it's less stiff)

Thanks you guys :D!
 

frekcles

Semi-Pro
So, anybody care to tell me about the Radical Twin Tube 630?

Ross. They're softer (flexier) than the later versions of the Radical. Just read through the posts in this thread to know more. They're very stable with good control. I guess the one trait that they have which separates them from all the other versions (later versions) is the flex. You have to try one out to really know what I mean. It's a very different feel from the bumblebee (the first Radical) which is also a great racquet.

Good luck!
 

Ross K

Legend
Cheers frekcles... I guess the message is, if you ever get the chance to purchase one of these frames, unless the price range is silly money - Buy! Buy! Buy!
 

frekcles

Semi-Pro
Cheers frekcles... I guess the message is, if you ever get the chance to purchase one of these frames, unless the price range is silly money - Buy! Buy! Buy!

You got it Ross! Any of the earlier Twin Tube Radicals (95, 98, or even the Ti) or the Trisys 260 is a sure bet.
 

frekcles

Semi-Pro
Seen my other post (diff thread) asking the Q which would you choose out of the TT Rad or the Pro Tour?

The PT (280?) is totally different from the Twin Tube Radicals. The feel is even better, it's softer feeling, very buttery.

I'd pick the PT 280/630 over the Twin Tube Radical. The thing is they're getting harder and harder to find so if you come upon one better grab it while you can.
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
Just a quick update:

Hit with two guys from the boards today (Klatu Verata Necktie & jmverdugo) with my trisys 260 MP (strung with ashaway kevlar crossifre II at 70 lbs). I strung it yesterday as I wanted to go out and hit today with a fresh string job. I was hitting some monster FH's, and the serves were unbelievable. I hit a few serves that were easily topping 110. Klatu, who was sitting on the side while jmverdugo and I played a couple of games, mentioned he could hear the whizzing of the ball during my serves as it approached the net.

The racquet played unbelievable strung at a high tension.
 

Klatu Verata Necktie

Hall of Fame
Background info:
3.0 ish.. high school player on JV.
I'm unfortunately... pretty scrawny (5'6" 110 lbs, and no, I'm not anorexic)

Thanks you guys :D!

You're at that age where you grow 3 inches per year, so you won't be scrawny for long! By the way, don't discount the Pro version off hand. It is also a good stick.
 

Klatu Verata Necktie

Hall of Fame
Just a quick update:

Hit with two guys from the boards today (Klatu Verata Necktie & jmverdugo) with my trisys 260 MP (strung with ashaway kevlar crossifre II at 70 lbs). I strung it yesterday as I wanted to go out and hit today with a fresh string job. I was hitting some monster FH's, and the serves were unbelievable. I hit a few serves that were easily topping 110. Klatu, who was sitting on the side while jmverdugo and I played a couple of games, mentioned he could hear the whizzing of the ball during my serves as it approached the net.

The racquet played unbelievable strung at a high tension.

The racquet was making very musical sounds, for sure. Your first serve percentage was up from last time, so I had more opportunities to see the green blur that was your serve whirl past me!

My impression of the Trisys 260 was positive. The feel was solid and stiff, not unlike the Microgel Radical Pro that I have in my bag. My guess is that it would feel even more similar to the Microgel if it were strung at a less intense tension.
 

Ross K

Legend
xl rad tour mp

Hi Rad fans,

As I've just bought this and am very keen to get my hands on it (it's been held up in the mail.) And having had only a little success getting info in different threads previously, I'm wondering if people here might be able to tell me a bit about this frame. It's an older, Radical XL Tour 630 MP Tour... (I believe it's the 1998 model with the twin tube technology.)

e81a_1.JPG.jpg


So what should I expect then? How does it play? How does it compare to the standard sized Rad Tour and other similar frames? And how drastically do you think the fact it's XL will affect things?

Cheers!
 

Doc Hollidae

Hall of Fame
Hey Guys,

It's been a while. I've been on the courts improving my game so I haven't been spending much time around the computer. How's everyone's radicals doing? Has anyone switched to the Microgels from previous Radical models? I still haven't gotten a chance to try any of them, but have no real desire to change sticks.

I recently made some changes to my Radicals. After playing at 64 lbs for so long, I started experimenting and settled with 60 mains and 62 crosses. The results were very surprising for me as I had never strung below 63 lbs before, but there was no loss in control and my the depth of my shots increased significantly. I tried playing with full poly, but I've come to accept I enjoy the feel or lack of in kevlar too much.

I've also moved away from my Gamma Gel Grips I'd been using. They were thicker than the average grip and really rounded out the grip, making it closer to a Wilson shape than the normal head. However after making some grip changes to my strokes, I found that I liked the defined bevels much more. Also I originally had full sized heat shrink sleeves, but downgraded to half sized sleeves. The smaller grip has helped with topspin and allow for more wrist action on shots. So I'm sitting somewhere between a 1/4 and 3/8 grip.

Ross - Let me know how that TT XL plays.

Frekcles - How's that collection coming along? I might be in the market for a TT Zebra finally, so lemme know if you have any leads.

Also for any I haven't added to the members list. If someone can make a post with a bulk of the names it would be appreciated or just make another post requesting to be added.

-Doc
 

frekcles

Semi-Pro
Frekcles - How's that collection coming along? I might be in the market for a TT Zebra finally, so lemme know if you have any leads.


-Doc

What's up Doc? Glad to have you back. The collection is still intact. I have added a Microgel Radical Pro and a Trisys 260 OS (the original one). Lately I've been playing with the LM Radical. For some reason I like hitting with this one as well as the older Radicals.

I'll let you know if I come upon any TT Radicals (MP or OS?).

Take care.
 

Ross K

Legend
Doc Hollidae;1800595)...Ross - Let me know how that TT XL plays...-Doc

As soon as I've hit with it, I shall (it's still in transit right now.) Obviously though, I'm really looking forward to doing so and comparing the frame with my main present rod - the one that actually got me looking into all these older Heads - the i. Prestige. And more specifically, I'll be interested to compare power levels, because although the i. prestige is altogether a great racquet as far as I'm concerned, I admit to experiencing some issues with depth and hitting a little short (although I've yet to change strings since I bought the i.p. and have racked up only limited hitting time so far.) Anyway... can't wait to finally try this highly esteemed and - I have to say - fantastic looking rod!
 

bertrevert

Legend
Okay have kept my trusty LM Rad (Czech one, sold a China one) in my bag and have now just added a new Microgel Radical MP.

First hit was 1 hour yesterday. Came from TW with free Wilson Stamina @ 58lbs. Comparison is my LM Rad with Lux Timo @ 52lbs and lead added.

Feedback: MG Rad MP

It's light, real light, but it swings heavier than its static weight. This makes it manouverable and whippy and not tiring at all. Serves were immediately dialled in and was able to put it in corners of the box. Couldn't get the slice serve going. It has more pop than the LM.

While let's say the nCode "feel" is dampened - this microgel feel is too but it's firm and concentrated and very comfortable. I thought the nCode was "rubbery" and too muted, but the microgel is not.

Definitely I will be adding some lead to the MG Rad. It needs about 6 grams at 12 I think, maybe more.

Background: I thought the iRad was whippy and wiry and a little harsh. Great for directional court play still it was great on touch and slice.

The TiRad was a little light I thought. It's a while ago now but I enjoyed it for serving (before getting stuck into a MW200g for years!).

I always thought the FXP was the oddball in the lineage, although according to this forum it was great. I just cannot understand taht conclusion. Okay the LM wasn't a raging success but the Tour was pretty good. FXP was just plain weird I thought.
 

hyogen

Hall of Fame
OK........so I have played with the Ti.Radical (back then I wasn't as good)...it was an OS

and then since I loved Agassi so much I decided to try the i.Radical because it was on sale.

I really liked the soft feel of it....the first time I had really had a soft frame.

I had the OS just like Agassi had. then recently I decided that I wanted to change up racquets (instead of improve my skills).

I felt I wanted an even more flexible racquet...a longer one (for serves) and one that had a smaller head so I could hit more accurately.

Well....after wasting.........money on like 3 TT warriors (2 used, 1 new), 2 FXP Prestige Teams (1 used, one new), and 1 i.Prestige XL Mid (new on ****)....and demoing LITERALLY ABOUT 20 racquets in the past month...I have decided to go back to the i.Radical.

I sold mine a couple months ago for $70? (OS). It was probably in 8-8.5/10 shape. Sold it locally so I got a lot. I'm about to buy 2 more used ones (7/10) for $50 shipped!!!!!

I'm excited. I have definitely improved my strokes--especially my backhand...and have great expectations for the radical again.

quick question (i posted a thread about this tonight elsewhere), but why did Agassi use an OS frame? for more power? was it always like this or did he change when he switched to the i.Radical or whatever.

Thanks
 

hyogen

Hall of Fame
The first Radical Tour Twin Tube 630 flexed more along the lines of a Pro Staff, that is to say it felt like it had a stiffer throat. But it was a bit low-powered; as much as the frame enabled my forehand, my backhand was not so great. But for being a Head 630, it's decent at the net, slice serves down the middle, etc. I would string it on the loose side.

YO Prestige Classic--I read your signature.

How did you get scammed? Just so we can avoid things like this. Didn't you pay with Paypal? Can't you get your money back?

Thanks,
 

Ross K

Legend
Although only used twice thus far in coaching capacity with young children, here are my early if not fully formed impressions...

groundstrokes: amaaazing... crushing... incredible... best frame I've ever tried for fh and bh...

serve: not as immobile as I feared, but then again, not exactly easy though.... good power... but I need more proper time on it...

net play: this is where I found I couldn't quite cope with the high sw...

general: as suspected, there are manouverabillity and mobility issues. However, that high sw is also responsible for a frame with a wonderful heft, pop or power, stabillity, plow and feel. Basically, it's like nothing `i've tried before. Funnilly enough, it's almost the opposite to my i. Prestige. At this early stage though, I'll just say I think I can live with my game 'regressing' back to the baseliner game (the mobility and sensitivity of the i. Prestige had threatened to 'develop' or at least alter my game... but after today, my instinct is: "Yes, actually I do like being able to just pulverise the crap out of the ball!"

I have to say, I'm already wondering if I haven't, more by accident than design, stumbled on to something here with this 369 sw... ?

BTW, any of you have experience with high sw frames, I'd love to hear your views on the topic...

R.
 
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