Need help to select Head Racquet.

StilltheGOAT

StilltheGOAT

Rookie
I'm an Intermediate-advanced player, looking for a heavier racquet for control.
Don't play a very attacking game like Rog, but not exactly a grinder. I'm humbly trying to model my game on Djokovic's stlye, attack from the baseline.
Which Head Racquet is better for me-
1) G 360 Radical Pro (2019)
2) G 360+ Radical Pro (2021)
3) G 360+ Speed Pro
4) G 360+ Extreme Tour
5) G 360+ Prestige Mid
Please give other suggestions too !!!
Looking for unstrung weight = 310-320 gms.
Also have to add that I have a Single BH and semi-western FH
I use a G Radical mp (2014) right now
 
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StilltheGOAT said:
Ok Thanks ! Will it support my 1BH ? What'd you think?
Click to expand...
1HBH can be hit with almost anything, as proved by Thiem and Gasquet. It’s not shot-dependent, but can fit your habits or not. So the question - is there a racquet you use now and like to hit 1HBH with?
 
Dragy said:
1HBH can be hit with almost anything, as proved by Thiem and Gasquet. It’s not shot-dependent, but can fit your habits or not. So the question - is there a racquet you use now and like to hit 1HBH with?
Click to expand...
Ohh ok, I use a G Radical Pro (2014) right now. wt. is 295 gms.
 
StilltheGOAT said:
Ohh ok, I use a G Radical Pro (2014) right now. wt. is 295 gms.
Click to expand...
295 is MP, no? Pros are 310.
Anyway go with 360+ Rad Pro if you want some shopping. Or go with some lead and putty for your current frame to figure out what exact specs of "heavy" you want and can swing for entire match, then look for racquets in that range.

Imho, heavy is not increasing control. Heavy is a requirement for control frame to play solidly - so you don't want a thin-beam 95 18x20 to be 290g, 310 SW. You may just need to make your frame more HL by adding 8-10g to the handle and see how it goes.

Something like Prestige 360+ Tour (99 sqin) may generally give you a bit less lively response than your current frame, without being heavier. And decrease number of errors (aka increase control). But is it what you need?
 
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Dragy said:
295 is MP, no? Pros are 310.
Anyway go with 360+ Rad Pro if you want some shopping. Or go with some lead and putty for your current frame to figure out what exact specs of "heavy" you want and can swing for entire match, then look for racquets in that range.

Imho, heavy is not increasing control. Heavy is a requirement for control frame to play solidly - so you don't want a thin-beam 95 18x20 to be 290g, 310 SW. You may just need to make your frame more HL by adding 8-10g to the handle and see how it goes.

Something like Prestige 360+ Tour (99 sqin) may generally give you a bit less lively response than your current frame, without being heavier. And decrease number of errors (aka increase control). But is it what you need?
Click to expand...
After reading your whole piece, I feel that I could use some more power, even it means less control..... I like a racquet with a more lively response actually
 
StilltheGOAT said:
Alright, Thanks @EggSalad
Click to expand...

All those racquets fit the style you described but each have such a different feel when you’re hitting with them. I hope you can do some demos as you’ll find out pretty quickly which you prefer.

I was expecting to love the Radical Pro but instead found that the Gravity Pro is right for me. The soft frame and thin beam reminded me so much of racquets I played with when I was younger and it just clicked.
 
EggSalad said:
All those racquets fit the style you described but each have such a different feel when you’re hitting with them. I hope you can do some demos as you’ll find out pretty quickly which you prefer.

I was expecting to love the Radical Pro but instead found that the Gravity Pro is right for me. The soft frame and thin beam reminded me so much of racquets I played with when I was younger and it just clicked.
Click to expand...
That's great on you, and I also have to mention that I like a responsive racquet..... my power should completely reach the ball.
 
And it'll also be appreciated if anyone can figure out how I could set an Avatar at Zero posts :p I mean I'm happy, but also puzzled.
 
StilltheGOAT said:
I'm an Intermediate-advanced player, looking for a heavier racquet for control.
Don't play a very attacking game like Rog, but not exactly a grinder. I'm humbly trying to model my game on Djokovic's stlye, attack from the baseline.
Which Head Racquet is better for me-
1) G 360 Radical Pro (2019)
2) G 360+ Radical Pro (2021)
3) G 360+ Speed Pro
4) G 360+ Extreme Tour
5) G 360+ Prestige Mid
Please give other suggestions too !!!
Looking for unstrung weight = 310-320 gms.
Also have to add that I have a Single BH and semi-western FH
I use a G Radical mp (2014) right now
Click to expand...
If those listed above, I suggest Radical Pro or Extreme Tour. Those two are generally very similar. 360+ Radical MP would be natural replacement for your current stick.
If you can wait a little longer, Boom Pro would be worth trying
 
dr325i said:
If those listed above, I suggest Radical Pro or Extreme Tour. Those two are generally very similar. 360+ Radical MP would be natural replacement for your current stick.
If you can wait a little longer, Boom Pro would be worth trying
Click to expand...
Thanks a lot. I'd like to know which Radical you are referring to here, the 360 or 360+ . Also, I would like a Pro cuz I'm moving up in weight (it's about time ig).
About the Boom Series, the wait might be too long :oops: Also, they will be way out of budget being fresh.....
 
StilltheGOAT said:
Thanks a lot. I'd like to know which Radical you are referring to here, the 360 or 360+ . Also, I would like a Pro cuz I'm moving up in weight (it's about time ig).
About the Boom Series, the wait might be too long :oops: Also, they will be way out of budget being fresh.....
Click to expand...
Boom is coming out in January.
All rackets I suggested are 360+
 
Really hard to go wrong with any current Head offer at the moment..
They offer a good to great Racket for pretty much every want/desire/need of a tennis player of all levels... Unlike some of the other brands... which only have a decent offer of 1 or 2 in their entire line...
 
Maybe, I can help you as a long time Head racket user a little bit.
I played the youtek IG radical pro a long time, which was a really really great racket for me. After that time, I am looking for a worthly follower. I tested many rackets in the last 2 years e.g. VCORE 98, DR 98, PS 98, newer radicals, Gravity tour, Blade 98. PS 98 was the closest to the IG rad pro. This year I tested the new 360+ radical pro, 360+ rad MP and 360+ prestige pro. The new rad pro was for me the worst out of this three. It has a really small sweet spot and you have to be in a good shape to play constantly with a good depth. I customized the new rad mp a little bit (4g at 3&9 and 8g in the handle) and this made the racket really nice. It is easy to play with, very stable, great control and feel. The prestige pro is in between the new rad pro and my customized rad mp. What really shined with the prestige pro was my OBH.
Now I want to check out the 360+ extreme tour, bring it to near Musetti specs and then I will make my decision.
 
A_Instead said:
Really hard to go wrong with any current Head offer at the moment..
They offer a good to great Racket for pretty much every want/desire/need of a tennis player of all levels... Unlike some of the other brands... which only have a decent offer of 1 or 2 in their entire line...
Click to expand...
I agree, but which one would be better for my style ?
 
GermanBeast said:
Maybe, I can help you as a long time Head racket user a little bit.
I played the youtek IG radical pro a long time, which was a really really great racket for me. After that time, I am looking for a worthly follower. I tested many rackets in the last 2 years e.g. VCORE 98, DR 98, PS 98, newer radicals, Gravity tour, Blade 98. PS 98 was the closest to the IG rad pro. This year I tested the new 360+ radical pro, 360+ rad MP and 360+ prestige pro. The new rad pro was for me the worst out of this three. It has a really small sweet spot and you have to be in a good shape to play constantly with a good depth. I customized the new rad mp a little bit (4g at 3&9 and 8g in the handle) and this made the racket really nice. It is easy to play with, very stable, great control and feel. The prestige pro is in between the new rad pro and my customized rad mp. What really shined with the prestige pro was my OBH.
Now I want to check out the 360+ extreme tour, bring it to near Musetti specs and then I will make my decision.
Click to expand...
First of all I thank you for filling me in with your valuable research.
The thing is, I'm not that qualified to customize my stick....
I'll keep in mind your review of the 360+ rad. Can you let me know what you think about the 360 rad (2014) ??
 
StilltheGOAT said:
First of all I thank you for filling me in with your valuable research.
The thing is, I'm not that qualified to customize my stick....
I'll keep in mind your review of the 360+ rad. Can you let me know what you think about the 360 rad (2014) ??
Click to expand...

360 rad 2014 ? I don't know which racket you mean. In 2014 came the first generation of graphene. In 2019 the first generation of 360. If you mean the Graphene radical pro, I can remember that I didn't like the feeling. It felt very hollow and stiff, but really powerful. For me, after the youtek IG version the radicals became really bad. The 2021 radicals are much better.
 
GermanBeast said:
360 rad 2014 ? I don't know which racket you mean. In 2014 came the first generation of graphene. In 2019 the first generation of 360. If you mean the Graphene radical pro, I can remember that I didn't like the feeling. It felt very hollow and stiff, but really powerful. For me, after the youtek IG version the radicals became really bad. The 2021 radicals are much better.
Click to expand...
I'm sorry I meant the G Radical mp.
It weighs 295 grams.... I'd like to stick to the radical rather than moving to speed honestly.
What's do you think ?
 
Ah ok, then I would definitely check the 2021 radical mp. This stick is now a real 98 s.q. Your G radical mp is a 95 s.q. because Head had measured the head size different in the past. So switching to a 100 s.q. like the speed will need some more adjustments.
The new radical will give you more free power, more Spin and much better stability in comparison with your G rad mp. Also it felt very maneuverable.
 
GermanBeast said:
Ah ok, then I would definitely check the 2021 radical mp. This stick is now a real 98 s.q. Your G radical mp is a 95 s.q. because Head had measured the head size different in the past. So switching to a 100 s.q. like the speed will need some more adjustments.
The new radical will give you more free power, more Spin and much better stability in comparison with your G rad mp. Also it felt very maneuverable.
Click to expand...
This sounds perfect, but I think I can move up in weight.... I don't think I'll have any problems playing with a racquet weighing 310 grams.
That won't be very difficult right???
 
Another good question to ask is why are you limiting yourself to just Head? Find some racquets you think you might like, Head and otherwise, and demo, demo, demo. If you don't demo and end up disliking a racquet, you'll have lost a decent chunk of cash reselling it versus the small fee on demoing.
 
MattHeup said:
Another good question to ask is why are you limiting yourself to just Head? Find some racquets you think you might like, Head and otherwise, and demo, demo, demo. If you don't demo and end up disliking a racquet, you'll have lost a decent chunk of cash reselling it versus the small fee on demoing.
Click to expand...
Ummm I wasn't looking at changing the Brand cuz I've never really played with any other brand than Head. I've only demoed Babolat once, a few years back.... it didn't feel bad, but I've never thought about changing the brand actually.....
From my style of play and the specs of the racquets above, which racquets in your opinion would suit the best ???
 
asamo said:
I did a Head demo this past year with all the lines and the Head Speed Pro stood out to me from the rest. It does everything so well. My father and brother in law loved the Gravity of the bunch and they switched to those. Head has a lot of good choices now.
Click to expand...
Ohhh so Speed seems to be good too then.... I'll definitely take a demo. Thanks for you input !!!
 
MattHeup said:
Another good question to ask is why are you limiting yourself to just Head?
Click to expand...
Errr...once a committed HEAD fan, always a committed HEAD fan! :D

Something about the DNA, I think. If you like the particular feel of a brand, you end up trying to find something similar in every subsequent racquet. The best chance is almost always within the same brand. I do play intermittently with some other brand racquets due to particularly unique characteristics that I also like the feel of eg: Prince Phantom and Tour (Textreme and Twaron), Dunlop CX200 Tour (BASF Infinergy foam). However, I always return to where I'm most comfortable; which is with a HEAD racquet. Additionally, there's the compelling history of the brand and it's origins with Howard Head (Patron Saint of the Average Athlete). What's not to like!
 
Last edited:
StilltheGOAT said:
I'm sorry I meant the G Radical mp.
It weighs 295 grams.... I'd like to stick to the radical rather than moving to speed honestly.
What's do you think ?
Click to expand...
If you play well with the G RadMP, the current HEAD stick which will play most similarly is the 360+ Radical MP. It's got better feel than the G RadMP but remains a relatively crisp racquet, though by no means stiff. Exceptionally stable hoop and swings fast through the air, great bite on the slice - assets to have for someone using a OHBH (as I do).

I would advocate starting with a demo of the 360+ RadMP, then work your way upwards to the heavier Pro versions. If you can get the weight, balance and swingweight of your existing racquets, this can be helpful as it will give you a better idea of why some of the racquets you demo work better than others. You should also ask yourself what it is you are hoping to get out of the change in racquet:
1) more of the same, just in a newer package?
2) more weight for better plow and stability as your playing level increases?

Wishing you a happy onward racquet quest!
 
HitMoreBHs said:
If you play well with the G RadMP, the current HEAD stick which will play most similarly is the 360+ Radical MP. It's got better feel than the G RadMP but remains a relatively crisp racquet, though by no means stiff. Exceptionally stable hoop and swings fast through the air, great bite on the slice - assets to have for someone using a OHBH (as I do).

I would advocate starting with a demo of the 360+ RadMP, then work your way upwards to the heavier Pro versions. If you can get the weight, balance and swingweight of your existing racquets, this can be helpful as it will give you a better idea of why some of the racquets you demo work better than others. You should also ask yourself what it is you are hoping to get out of the change in racquet:
1) more of the same, just in a newer package?
2) more weight for better plow and stability as your playing level increases?

Wishing you a happy onward racquet quest!
Click to expand...
Heyy Thanks for your input.
I'm thinking of moving up the weight just for the reason you mentioned, because I'm trying to increase my level of competition....
I can still generate loads of power from my current stick. (and the person who told me I had powerful strokes is my coach and former Atp #980 smth... and I believe him.) The problem with mp is, it vibrates like anything when playing with hard hitters :laughing:
I decided to move towards a heavier racquet for stability, and cuz I could
So yes, I'm looking for option 2 here....
Thanks again!!!
 
StilltheGOAT said:
Heyy Thanks for your input.
I'm thinking of moving up the weight just for the reason you mentioned, because I'm trying to increase my level of competition....
I can still generate loads of power from my current stick. (and the person who told me I had powerful strokes is my coach and former Atp #980 smth... and I believe him.) The problem with mp is, it vibrates like anything when playing with hard hitters :laughing:
I decided to move towards a heavier racquet for stability, and cuz I could
So yes, I'm looking for option 2 here....
Thanks again!!!
Click to expand...
So, are you asking which one to use, or …? (Oh and we’re all really excited about you’re high ranking coach saying you can hit the ball hard) lol
 
TennisHound said:
So, are you asking which one to use, or …? (Oh and we’re all really excited about you’re high ranking coach saying you can hit the ball hard) lol
Click to expand...
I'm asking you which one to use.... and was flexing a bit :-D:oops:
I'm asking for a recommendation.... of a heavier one.
 
StilltheGOAT said:
The problem with mp is, it vibrates like anything when playing with hard hitters :laughing:
I decided to move towards a heavier racquet for stability, and cuz I could
Click to expand...
1. I’d suggest you to buy some lead tape and add 2 grams at 3, 2 grams at 9 and 3-4 grams under the buttcap. It’s easy to do. You will know if this fixes the unstability problem. I had the same issue with Liquidmetal Radical MP and 6 grams of lead at 3 and 9 plus 8 grams under the buttcap worked like gold :) More stability, more power, etc. You can do it just to know a bit more what do you prefer, how heavy racquet you can handle, etc.
2. You need to demo, no other way around it.
3. Rackets are like frying pans so the brand does not matter. If you haven’t demoed any rackets recently, demo 5-6 different ones to see what you like.
4. I’d suggest you not going into rackets like Prestige MP/Pro, Radical Pro. They have rather small sweetspots and you need to swing them clean and hard every time to get power. They feel great at first but after some time you realize you can play better with other rackets.
5. Rackets like Extreme Tour, Radical MP get better when you add lead. They are kind of a platform rackets - buy light and then modify how you want them to be. So point 1 is important - get used to customization. Leaded up Radical MP plays differently than Radical Pro.
6. Rackets from Head that I’d suggest to try:
Head Gravity Pro
Head Radical MP
Head Extreme Tour
Head Speed Pro
If you want to buy blind with no demoes I’d go with Speed Pro. It does everything well in stock form.
Rackets from other brands that I’d suggest to try (if you want to):
Yonex VCore Pro 97 310
Yonex Ezone 98 Tour
Babolat Pure Strike18x20
Babolat Pure Aero VS
Wilson Blade 98
Tecnifibre 305 RS
 
tomkowy said:
1. I’d suggest you to buy some lead tape and add 2 grams at 3, 2 grams at 9 and 3-4 grams under the buttcap. It’s easy to do. You will know if this fixes the unstability problem. I had the same issue with Liquidmetal Radical MP and 6 grams of lead at 3 and 9 plus 8 grams under the buttcap worked like gold :) More stability, more power, etc. You can do it just to know a bit more what do you prefer, how heavy racquet you can handle, etc.
2. You need to demo, no other way around it.
3. Rackets are like frying pans so the brand does not matter. If you haven’t demoed any rackets recently, demo 5-6 different ones to see what you like.
4. I’d suggest you not going into rackets like Prestige MP/Pro, Radical Pro. They have rather small sweetspots and you need to swing them clean and hard every time to get power. They feel great at first but after some time you realize you can play better with other rackets.
5. Rackets like Extreme Tour, Radical MP get better when you add lead. They are kind of a platform rackets - buy light and then modify how you want them to be. So point 1 is important - get used to customization. Leaded up Radical MP plays differently than Radical Pro.
6. Rackets from Head that I’d suggest to try:
Head Gravity Pro
Head Radical MP
Head Extreme Tour
Head Speed Pro
If you want to buy blind with no demoes I’d go with Speed Pro. It does everything well in stock form.
Rackets from other brands that I’d suggest to try (if you want to):
Yonex VCore Pro 97 310
Yonex Ezone 98 Tour
Babolat Pure Strike18x20
Babolat Pure Aero VS
Wilson Blade 98
Tecnifibre 305 RS
Click to expand...
Heyy there !!! It is so kind of you to take the time out, and give me such a great review. First of all, Thanks a lot.
About point one, I have never tried to customize my racquet till now. :p But if you say so, I guess it's time to adapt to the circumstances. :) And now I'm feeling that it will be superb to get a racquet that suits me perfectly....
Yeah I have to do demos, that's one thing what all people here have to say in common. And I'll try all brands.
Yeah it doesn't feel really exciting to play with a small-sweetspot racquet. This idea feels good.
I'll definitely consider the racquets that you've recommended, Head or otherwise. Thanks for doing the research and recommending similar sticks.
So I think from the replies to this thread, the Speed Pro is more favored over the Radical Pro.
But ykw, I'm gonna first get my hands on a lead tape and customization manual -- courtesy you.
 
StilltheGOAT said:
Heyy there !!! It is so kind of you to take the time out, and give me such a great review. First of all, Thanks a lot.
About point one, I have never tried to customize my racquet till now. :p But if you say so, I guess it's time to adapt to the circumstances. :) And now I'm feeling that it will be superb to get a racquet that suits me perfectly....
Yeah I have to do demos, that's one thing what all people here have to say in common. And I'll try all brands.
Yeah it doesn't feel really exciting to play with a small-sweetspot racquet. This idea feels good.
I'll definitely consider the racquets that you've recommended, Head or otherwise. Thanks for doing the research and recommending similar sticks.
So I think from the replies to this thread, the Speed Pro is more favored over the Radical Pro.
But ykw, I'm gonna first get my hands on a lead tape and customization manual -- courtesy you.
Click to expand...
Also, I think I'll need 6 gm Lead tapes.
Any idea where I can get them in India ??
 
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