Microgel & LM Radical MP

[Tommyj]

I seems that Head continues to manufacture older versions of their Radical line for long periods once the frame is no longer current. Someone at a pro shop told me that these non-current models are not manufactured to the same level of quality or specs as when they were current. I find that hard to believe, does anyone have any thoughts or info. Is the Microgel version of the Radical MP essentially the same as when it was newly released?

 

[klementine]

I've heard the same as well. Here's what I've noticed.

The serial code for the $89 MgRad with MicroGel packaging seems to all be the same. I've seen many MgRads with this packaging (ie-cardboard insert and plastic on handle) that all had the same serial number at the bottom, on the buttcap.

The MgRads with the newer cardboard insert and plastic on handle seem to have serial numbers that go in sequential order and are not the same.

To me they play stiffer than the original production, have a plastic feel to them and have a low tolerance in terms of quality control. Strung numbers have been all over the place, from 11oz to 11.3 and 11.4oz.

 

[d wayne]

I got a pair of LM Radicals 1 1/2 years ago at the discount price. Fortunately, my shop was abole to bring out several so I found 2 that matched in weight and balance( there was a variation between 5 or 6 racquets of approx 6 grams). However, this issue will be found with any racquet, regardless of whether it is a new or old model.

As far as playability, they play great. I made some small mods(added 5 grams with lead tape) and love them.

I don't think you will have a problem buying the discounted Radicals

 

[cork_screw]

I actually just both both these racquets. I couldn't decide on which one at the time and thought they were cheap enough. I kept hearing different things from different members. I've heard that the liquidmetal radical mp was more solid and heavier with a harsher feel. Then I read how it had a big sweet spot, and I've heard that other people say the microgel radical mp has a more solid feel. So in the end, I hit with both in casual rally play, then I played them in set matches. When freshly strung the microgel felt very unstable and pushed back. But on that day, I was using a new string setup and the day was very hot and humid and all the balls felt very heavy as did the air. But after a few days and giving it another try and hitting with the liquidmetal side by side my thoughts flipped where I initially like the liquidmetal more. I actually now enjoy the microgel a lot more. I do believe it's a tad light, but that is very minor it has a nice stiff feel which I feel gives it some power to compensate for the low powerish people seem to gripe about.

I found the Microgel to have a lot of power as long as you have a full stroke. I actually really enjoy the microgel a lot and have since gotten rid of my liquidmetal as it has a flex that can be really unpredictable. I think the volleys are a bit off and they seem to get thrown by the flex a bit. But the microgel hits more true and the control is phenomenal. It reminds me a lot like if you mixed the Speed MP with a generic prestige. Where that one relied on spin to carry it along this one has great redirectional control and has the solidness when you catch the sweetspot. I don't think you can really go wrong regardless of the price. I've tried a ton of racquets and this one is one that I could go into a match and feel confident that I won't win or lose based on anything the racquet did. It really hits true and it counters spin very well as well as pace. In fact the power level of it allows you to hit with complete and full strokes and return against hard hitters without worrying that the ball will act erratically or fly out. I really enjoy using the mg and will keep with it until I find something better. But at the time, there's no rush.

 

[droliver]

This QC issue with the older Head models is complete urban legend with NOTHING to substantiate it. These have been produced in the same factories (as are most other companies BTW) for years and there has been no substantiation that lesser quality graphite, resin, fiberglass, etc... is being deployed.

 

[alm]

This QC issue with the older Head models is complete urban legend with NOTHING to substantiate it. These have been produced in the same factories (as are most other companies BTW) for years and there has been no substantiation that lesser quality graphite, resin, fiberglass, etc... is being deployed.

After playing happily with an original Flexpoint Radical for years (Czech manufactured) I ended up buying in an LM radical from TW as I couldn’t get hold of a flexpoint at the time. I’d like to point out that I have some experience of playing with many LM models of that era including the instinct, prestige & radicals. I can’t explain why & I have no scientific evidence to offer but I simply wasn’t happy with the feel of the LM Rad compared with the originals I’d hit with in the past.

 

[mawashi]

After playing happily with an original Flexpoint Radical for years (Czech manufactured) I ended up buying in an LM radical from TW as I couldn’t get hold of a flexpoint at the time. I’d like to point out that I have some experience of playing with many LM models of that era including the instinct, prestige & radicals. I can’t explain why & I have no scientific evidence to offer but I simply wasn’t happy with the feel of the LM Rad compared with the originals I’d hit with in the past.

I agree, there seems to be some changes (ie cheaper) materials and processes for frames now.

Gone are the days where high modulus graphite or the really expensive hm carbon fiber is used.

Perhaps Bosworth and vantage are the only retail stick still using such materials but the rest of the names have all gone to the cheaper stuff.

The KPS88 might be one of the last sticks that has anything kevlar in it but then again aramid is pretty cheap anyway lol!

My made in Austria ip mid and vantages might be the last I ever see of some really high quality sticks.

 

[0d1n]

I seems that Head continues to manufacture older versions of their Radical line for long periods once the frame is no longer current. Someone at a pro shop told me that these non-current models are not manufactured to the same level of quality or specs as when they were current. I find that hard to believe, does anyone have any thoughts or info. Is the Microgel version of the Radical MP essentially the same as when it was newly released?

Sounds to me like a bunch of sales b*llsh*t to motivate you to buy the newer, more expensive models.

 

[Tommyj]

What prompted me to ask the original question was that I picked up 2 LM Radical MP racquets a couple of years ago from TW. The original TW review repeats over and over how comfortable this racquet is. I started playing them and had elbow and shoulder issues within a matter of weeks. And I'd never had arm problems before. So now I'm considering the Microgel version, once again because I want a comfortable frame that's easy on the arm. I just don't want to run into the same issue that I had with the LM version.

And the guy in the pro shop wasn't giving me a sales pitch. He knew I wasn't in the market for a racquet. It was just a general discussion on manufacturing and marketing of tennis racquets.

 

[klementine]

I own an original production MgRadMid+ ($189) and a post-production MgRadMid+ ($89).

The original is softer, less powerful and comes in at 311g strung. The post production is stiffer, more powerful and weighs 319g strung.

Doesn't make any sense that a company would use the same exact manufacturing processes and tolerances that produce a $189 frame for a post production $89 frame.

 

[javierjavier]

I own an original production MgRadMid+ ($189) and a post-production MgRadMid+ ($89).

The original is softer, less powerful and comes in at 311g strung. The post production is stiffer, more powerful and weighs 319g strung.

Doesn't make any sense that a company would use the same exact manufacturing processes and tolerances that produce a $189 frame for a post production $89 frame.

I'm by no means an expert in the manufacturing process but i do know that much of the cost is in the design, tooling, and initial work flow set-up. it makes perfect sense that a factory could offer a product for considerably cheaper 2 yrs later...

think the variance you guys see and "feel" are to be expected given all the variables that exist from one batch to the next. you're best bet is to get several racquets from the same "batch".

the one thing that most likely is true is that perhaps the QA tolerances for the factory are more lenient given these are late models.

 

[klementine]

^ You're probably 100% correct and I also don't claim to be an expert.

I'm basing my opinion on the ever subjective and proverbial 'feel' aspect.

I also own 2 MgPresMid+'s. One is definitely more flexible than the other but they still have the same relative ball feel and play quite similar. The $89 radical just feels off compared to the original production. Even with the same strings and tension.

 

[javierjavier]

^ also wanted to add a racquet that's been played with for 2 plus years is going to have more flex than when it was brand new. another reason to use your racquets interchangeably if you have several of the same and intend to use them for several years.

 

[BigT]

Would you say that the TW demos are the newer versions?

The Prince TT Warrior's newer $69 model was much different than the original.

 

[Doubles]

I can speak from personal experience that there is a difference between some of the frames. I had one original NOS LM Instinct that I purchased unstrung, and it played great. When I got a backup, it was a new, reissued version. While the feel was similar, the weight and balance were different. The newer model was more head heavy, and had a higher swingweight. Furthermore, the handle shape was different, as one had the old style pallets on it, while the newer racket had HEAD's current pallet shape on the handle.

In regards to the MG Radical, I have only owned the new model, so all of mine felt the same, furthermore, I cannot compare them to the older version.

 

[cork_screw]

I think there's nothing more evident about this than the reissue of the pro staff 85. To me the one with the grey bar inside the specs felt the best. It did remarkable things that I don't believe the current BLX buttcap version can touch. Although that one is a tad more comfortable and flexible, I felt more plough and better power (maybe a bit stiffer too) and control than the BLX.

As for the microgel, I think what they have currently available is really good. I love the stiffness as it does give off a lot more power than what people have complained about. It has really good combination of a sweetspot that is large and maneuverability that makes it nice at the net. If it was softer or any different I think that might affect some of the things I like about it so much. It does really well at countering spinners as did the Speed MP and that racquet is also stiff. I can normally go with either stiff or soft as I've used many soft racquets over the time, but I do believe that the combination of stiffness with the sweetspot and the weight and balance makes this racquet that much better.

 

[struggle]

As far as the new versions go, I switched from LM to MG (mp) and all elbow, wrist and shoulder pain went away.

nice older style feeling stick at a good price (got 4 for $230).
no they don't all match perfectly, but damned close.

 

[mawashi]

As far as the new versions go, I switched from LM to MG (mp) and all elbow, wrist and shoulder pain went away.

nice older style feeling stick at a good price (got 4 for $230).
no they don't all match perfectly, but damned close.

Well the great news is the MGRadMP are all really light sticks and are easily mod to match exactly.

Trying to match 4 pro staff blx 90 n not have it become too heavy.... difficult.