Looking for a heavier swingweight than Head Liquidmetal Rad MP

[kingp1ng]

As the title suggests, I currently have the Head Liquidmetal Radical MP (98") which I used throughout high school because it suited net playstyle in doubles matches. Now that I'm not playing many doubles matches anymore, I find that my Radical MP doesn't have enough plowthrough or ball weight at the baseline.

I also used to own a Dunlop Aerogel 500 Tour (100") which my younger brother trashed. It looks horrendous... but that racquet was awesome at the baseline. Ample free power, decent feel, open string pattern, and a distinct ball-shot weight. I remember demo'ing the AeroPro Drive back around 2010 and the Dunlop trumped the APD since I couldn't generate the high racquet head speed the APD needed.

I think the Dunlop Aerogel 500 Tour was like 11.4 ounces (I can't find the specs online). Can anyone recommend racquets similar to the Dunlop? Is the only alternative the Babolat Pure Drive / Pure Drive Tour?

 

[n8dawg6]

if youre looking for a baseline stick, think pure aero ... it has everything else outclassed. the textreme warrior 100 aint bad neither.

 

[bkfinch]

Why not just add weight to the racquet instead of buying a new one? The LM rad is very solid with extra weight, it shouldn't take very much weight either at 3/9 or at 12 to bring the swingweight up to 330/335/340. It is light enough that I think you could still raise the sw quite a bit and counterbalance without reaching 12oz. But if you want bigger headsize or more open pattern, you may need to look elsewhere, sure.

 

[Arti]

Just add lead tape!

 

[2HBH-DTL]

Dunlop Aerogel 500 Tour
Head Size: 100 sq. in. / 645 sq. cm.
Length: 27.00 inches / 68.58 cm
Strung Weight: 11.10 oz / 315 g
Balance: 3pts HL
Swing Weight: 325
Beam Width: 25.0mm
Tip/Shaft: 23.0mm / 23.5mm
Composition: Graphite Multifilament / Aerogel
Power Level: Medium
Stiffness: 70
String Pattern: 16 Mains/18 Crosses
Main Skip: 7T,9T,7H,9H
String Tension: 55-65



I would demo the new pure strikes. The pure strike 16x19 may be right up your ally!

 

[kingp1ng]

Why not just add weight to the racquet instead of buying a new one? The LM rad is very solid with extra weight, it shouldn't take very much weight either at 3/9 or at 12 to bring the swingweight up to 330/335/340. It is light enough that I think you could still raise the sw quite a bit and counterbalance without reaching 12oz. But if you want bigger headsize or more open pattern, you may need to look elsewhere, sure.

Thanks for the suggestion. After reading the other comments, I think my original analysis was wrong. The issue may not be the swingweight, rather more about stability and headlight balance. I'm going to add some lead tape to 3/9 and make my Radical MP a tiny bit more headheavy. Hopefully that gives me more mass to put behind the ball.

 

[fuzz nation]

Years ago I switched away from my ProStaff 6.1 Classics (stiff, 12.8 oz., about 10 pts. HL) when I found more baseline control and general comfort that I wanted with softer alternatives. One stint landed me on a pair of LM Radical mp's - wonderful racquets that seemed to give me terrific feel and control.

Eventually I got missing the heft and inherent stability I had always enjoyed in previous frames, so I leaded up both the hoops and handles of my Radicals. They probably ended up a bit over 12 oz. with 8-9 pts. HL balance and while this gave them a more familiar layout for me, they never really clicked, so I found them a new home.

I've since become a Volkl nerd after initially switching to their C10 - this was a GREAT next step for me because it more or less gave me a softer version of my 6.1 Classics. Hefty and stable, but much better control right out of the box. This racquet isn't for everyone, but you may want to eventually sample one if you get the chance. Mine have weight added only to their handles for at least 10 pts. HL balance and they are my no-brainer when I'm going to play higher speed singles or have a heavy workout on the practice court and want to really thump the ball.

My other Volkls are from their midplus (98") 10-series line; the Organix 10 325g. Volkl has put out newer generations of this frame - the Super G and V-Sense lines - and I think the Super G is currently marked down at TW. My O10 325g's were a little underweight for me in their stock form, but they absolutely came to life after I leaded both their hoops and handles. Several of our pals here have reported positive results after tuning their own 10-series Volkls, both the 325g and lighter 295g options. We often wonder whether Volkl designed these racquets with a stock layout that would allow for easy customization.

Just my story, but given what it sounds like you're looking for, you might get rather close to what you want with one of these frames. Since you're okay with doing a little of your own tuning, you just might be able to dial in a great fit for yourself. My O10's are fun for everything from feeding when I'm teaching/coaching to all-court play and I generally prefer them over my C10's for doubles.

 

[Moveforwardalways]

Just add lead to your Head racquet. It's already a good frame, and lead will add stability and alter the weight and balance to suit you. The only thing you cannot easily change is the head size, length, and stiffness. If one of those is your issue, then you may need to change racquets.

 

[tennistomcat]

lm radical is a great racket - especially leaded up

wish i hadn't sold all of mine - especially the austrian one

 

[Anton]

LM Radical MP is great racket that is very under-weighted in stock form. Adding lead is a must, otherwise it just doesn't have the mass to command the ball.

 

[sma1001]

Just reinforcing the comments above. LM Rad MP with a bit of weight added is a great stick. Some lead in the hoop, and putty in the butt, and you have a pro stock. Also: the LM Rad seemed to get the balance between flex (control) and stiffness (power) better than other Radicals since the original MP. So one to persevere with if you can. If not buy an Angell TC97 18/20 in your preferred specs. It's a dream racquet for those who appreciate sticks like the Lm Rad MP.