Question about Head Microgel Radical MP

Faris

Faris

Professional
Hi guys,

Just pondering over a couple of things and was hoping some of the more older and knowledgeable expert folk here who have used this racquet and know more about it can chime in.

I have a few questions and was hoping I could get answers to them:

1. Why is Head Microgel Radical not offered as a premium offering? It is being sold right now at a very attractive price.
2. I understand it is complicated; the lines/history of each of the 4 big branches (Radical, Prestige, Extreme and Speed) by Head. If someone can tell me where this one lands in that Radical hierarchy I would be thankful.
3. Has this racquet always been one of the side offerings of HEAD?
4. In terms of lineage, is this in any way related to the iconic molds (PT57, TGK etc) that are so revered?
5. I understand that it is a fairly light racquet but with a bit of lead bringing it's weight and SW up, does it have the potential to be on par with some of the more expensive molds mentioned above?

The reason I'm curious is because between having children and basically keeping them fed and clothed (lol) I do not have the spare money to get those expensive north of $300 iconic made in Austria racquets (owning a PT57a is one of my goals in life later).

Just hoping I can get some background and history of this particular racquet.

Thank you.
 
1. Microgel line is 10 years old - this is why it sells cheaper than new "technologies".
2. Prestige is the most classic one. Radical came 2nd but is more playable imo. I dont pay any attention to Xtreme (copy-paste attempt of pure drive) and latest Speed line (pure marketing line claiming Djoko is playing it).
3. When it was current it was expensive racquet.
4. PT57 is oldchool prestige. TGK are newer codes od HEAD racquets.
5. Why not? So many ppl play with Radicals, including pro players as Djok, Berdy, Maria...

"Owning a PT57a is one of my goals in life later" - I do not want to derail your dream but I warn you that you can be very upset from getting such stick for so much cash. It wont play as good as you expect. Legends always over-hype...
 
I tested it out when it came out, but decided on a prestige instead mostly because of balance and weight. I remember it being somewhat flexible (58 rdc?), even balanced, and very comfortable.
 
Nice racket, I have a few (had 5 at one time). Leaded to almost 12oz, about 6 pts HL.

Yes, they are soft but nice balanced feel. Loves a NG main.
 
Very nice soft, plush feeling racquet. In stock form it is too light and underpowered. Needs some lead all over to unlock its potential.
 
Last edited:
Faris said:
Hi guys,

Just pondering over a couple of things and was hoping some of the more older and knowledgeable expert folk here who have used this racquet and know more about it can chime in.

I have a few questions and was hoping I could get answers to them:

1. Why is Head Microgel Radical not offered as a premium offering? It is being sold right now at a very attractive price.
2. I understand it is complicated; the lines/history of each of the 4 big branches (Radical, Prestige, Extreme and Speed) by Head. If someone can tell me where this one lands in that Radical hierarchy I would be thankful.
3. Has this racquet always been one of the side offerings of HEAD?
4. In terms of lineage, is this in any way related to the iconic molds (PT57, TGK etc) that are so revered?
5. I understand that it is a fairly light racquet but with a bit of lead bringing it's weight and SW up, does it have the potential to be on par with some of the more expensive molds mentioned above?

The reason I'm curious is because between having children and basically keeping them fed and clothed (lol) I do not have the spare money to get those expensive north of $300 iconic made in Austria racquets (owning a PT57a is one of my goals in life later).

Just hoping I can get some background and history of this particular racquet.

Thank you.
Click to expand...
The MG Radical MP was a part of the standard Microgel line during the two year period of that line. After two years, it was discontinued and later introduced back as an re-issue. It is the TGK231.1. However, the re-issue layup is slightly altered from the original one and it feels and measures higher RA. It also felt more hollow than the original.
The TGK231.x mold was only used for the Microgel Radical MP line (Pro was 233.x). The TGK231.x was similar to the Ti.Radical MP mold, however, the bridge narrows down
The TGK231.2 is a stiffer version of it (some pros preferred that one, Chardy comes to mind). The TGK231.3 was the 16x19 drill pattern of the same mold that was never introduced to public, however some pros (Cilic) have used it.
It is a great platform racket. I used to put silicone in and lead under the bumper and bring it to 340g strung, 335SW and it was like a dream. However, I still prefered the original issue over the re-issue.
Definitely worth trying and messing with to get it to your spec. Worst case, you would lose $20-30 when you resell it.
 
dr325i said:
The MG Radical MP was a part of the standard Microgel line during the two year period of that line. After two years, it was discontinued and later introduced back as an re-issue. It is the TGK231.1. However, the re-issue layup is slightly altered from the original one and it feels and measures higher RA. It also felt more hollow than the original.
The TGK231.x mold was only used for the Microgel Radical MP line (Pro was 233.x). The TGK231.x was similar to the Ti.Radical MP mold, however, the bridge narrows down
The TGK231.2 is a stiffer version of it (some pros preferred that one, Chardy comes to mind). The TGK231.3 was the 16x19 drill pattern of the same mold that was never introduced to public, however some pros (Cilic) have used it.
It is a great platform racket. I used to put silicone in and lead under the bumper and bring it to 340g strung, 335SW and it was like a dream. However, I still prefered the original issue over the re-issue.
Definitely worth trying and messing with to get it to your spec. Worst case, you would lose $20-30 when you resell it.
Click to expand...
Thanks so much! Makes it much more clear. I'll go the weighting up route like you did and see how it plays. I have had elbow issues in the past, would you recommend syn gut full bed in this? If yes, would 52-55lbs be a good starting point? i usually play with 55 in my DR98 with polys but ever since i switched to syn gut (prince w duraflex) i cant find the right tension. Also, whats the difference between layup and mold if I may ask? I always thought the two terms were interchangeable when it came to racquets but obviously I'm wrong in that..
 
Last edited:
Faris said:
Thanks so much! Makes it much more clear. I'll go the weighting up route like you did and see how it plays. I have had elbow issues in the past, would you recommend syn gut full bed in this? If yes, would 52-55lbs be a good starting point? i usually play with 55 in my DR98 with polys but ever since i switched to syn gut (prince w duraflex) i cant find the right tension. Also, whats the difference between layup and mold if I may ask? I always thought the two terms were interchangeable when it came to racquets but obviously I'm wrong in that..
Click to expand...
I have been using the same string setup (Solinco TB --> Solinco TB Soft) for a long time now and have not experimented with any other setup in a while. I use it at 50/48.
I also have had the elbow (and wrist) issues in the past, however, the softness of the racket, the added weight and poly (at lower tension) did not bother me at all. I play 4 -5 times per week in 2-hour sessions (rallying for 60 minutes, serve and returns for 60 minutes).
 
I picked one up, and although it took some time for me to set it up the way I like. I love mine. Some people find them to be a little jarring, but I attribute that to:
Stringing poly too high in it
Stringing it way too high in general (it's a tight pattern, 98 inch, and 18x20) I think around 50 plays very well. Head finest calfskin, silicone, and some lead from 10-2. Then it becomes the goat stick. I haven't ordered the new reissue, but I found an old one that came prestrung with sonic pro at way too high tension.
 
JohnBPittsburgh said:
I picked one up, and although it took some time for me to set it up the way I like. I love mine. Some people find them to be a little jarring, but I attribute that to:
Stringing poly too high in it
Stringing it way too high in general (it's a tight pattern, 98 inch, and 18x20) I think around 50 plays very well. Head finest calfskin, silicone, and some lead from 10-2. Then it becomes the goat stick. I haven't ordered the new reissue, but I found an old one that came prestrung with sonic pro at way too high tension.
Click to expand...
it is a 95, though, which additionally helps your point.
If I find an original one or two, I may just pick them up and customize them for fun.
 
Late to the party, but I am glad I found MGRMP. This is the first stick I was able to mod successfully using lead. Tried to make it similar in weight and balance as my stock Prestige MP. What a great feeling racket, especially after it was modded. With added weight, it has everything I look for in a racket - HL balance, plow through and pin point control. What a great frame!
 
It is one of the few frames I will never sell!!! Glad you found a frame you love!! I wish more people would give it a try!!
IMG_6008_zpsynajtl0c.jpg
 
Hey John, did you ever have a chance to compare MG Rad to a Ti Rad (MIA)?
I never played with a MG Rad, but I have few Ti Rads.
 
I have 3. Added lead and weight in handle and all is good. Might consider MG Radical pro if you can find one used, go for $50-100. 11.7 oz, 100 si head, 16x19 pattern. More heft and power but still arm friendly. Ken
 
Last edited:
ricki said:
1. Microgel line is 10 years old - this is why it sells cheaper than new "technologies".
2. Prestige is the most classic one. Radical came 2nd but is more playable imo. I dont pay any attention to Xtreme (copy-paste attempt of pure drive) and latest Speed line (pure marketing line claiming Djoko is playing it).
3. When it was current it was expensive racquet.
4. PT57 is oldchool prestige. TGK are newer codes od HEAD racquets.
5. Why not? So many ppl play with Radicals, including pro players as Djok, Berdy, Maria...

"Owning a PT57a is one of my goals in life later" - I do not want to derail your dream but I warn you that you can be very upset from getting such stick for so much cash. It wont play as good as you expect. Legends always over-hype...
Click to expand...

The last statement is golden
 
i found the IG rad mp to be a nice frame as well. i believe berdych is using a customized version of something similar. the IGs are available fairly cheaply as well.
 
I have a Ti (Austrian) that I have been fiddling with :) I have tried to make it work, and I feel like I am getting closer to perfecting it. I originally capped it (dumb idea, made it feel stiffer than a 2x4, and more of a pain to string!!!) I tried that for a little while, then finally decided to admit defeat, and uncap it. Then, I only had some IG grommets, so after I uncapped it, I put lead from 10-2, and then installed the ig (clear) grommets. I also added silicone and leather (I always do lol).

At this time, I got some 18 gauge synthetic gut. Long story short, I hated it (full bed). So I restrung it with a cheapo poly and Forten Sweet (lol, I think the cost of the strings are less than a McChicken!!!) Surprisingly, this has been the closest I have come to liking the Ti. Rad Mp.

I still want more time to perfect it, and I am now willing to throw in a decent string setup. But if asked which I like more....it would be my Microgel Radical Mp, then Liquidmetal (Austrian), and finally Ti Rad Mp. (I recently picked up a Zebra, and it gets better every time I play with it!!! ) My Microgel Rad is strung with Gut/poly, and it feels amazing!!!

That said, the Tec LTD 18M is still the undisputed champion (for me) but the Radicals have a spot in my collection. (I have always been curious about the IG Rad too...but the Tecs are so perfect, I figure, why waste time/money on another disappointment) :(

My new mantra....get better with the sticks I have, instead of lusting after yet another frame :) I have had a ton of fun collecting frames and trying all kinds of crazy setups. But there is something satisfying about being able to crush all that oppose you with a single stick :D:p:cool:;):) (I am going to overdose on smiley faces someday)
 
JohnBPittsburgh said:
I have a Ti (Austrian) that I have been fiddling with :) I have tried to make it work, and I feel like I am getting closer to perfecting it. I originally capped it (dumb idea, made it feel stiffer than a 2x4, and more of a pain to string!!!) I tried that for a little while, then finally decided to admit defeat, and uncap it. Then, I only had some IG grommets, so after I uncapped it, I put lead from 10-2, and then installed the ig (clear) grommets. I also added silicone and leather (I always do lol).

At this time, I got some 18 gauge synthetic gut. Long story short, I hated it (full bed). So I restrung it with a cheapo poly and Forten Sweet (lol, I think the cost of the strings are less than a McChicken!!!) Surprisingly, this has been the closest I have come to liking the Ti. Rad Mp.

I still want more time to perfect it, and I am now willing to throw in a decent string setup. But if asked which I like more....it would be my Microgel Radical Mp, then Liquidmetal (Austrian), and finally Ti Rad Mp. (I recently picked up a Zebra, and it gets better every time I play with it!!! ) My Microgel Rad is strung with Gut/poly, and it feels amazing!!!

That said, the Tec LTD 18M is still the undisputed champion (for me) but the Radicals have a spot in my collection. (I have always been curious about the IG Rad too...but the Tecs are so perfect, I figure, why waste time/money on another disappointment) :(

My new mantra....get better with the sticks I have, instead of lusting after yet another frame :) I have had a ton of fun collecting frames and trying all kinds of crazy setups. But there is something satisfying about being able to crush all that oppose you with a single stick :D:p:cool:;):) (I am going to overdose on smiley faces someday)
Click to expand...

Ti Rad causes me trouble. I like the feel of it on my hand, never harsh, sweet...originally I had a stupid idea so I put 14 g, then 15 g around the hoop (8-4 o'clock). Result was a lagging, slowish, almost head heavy stick which didn't quite work no matter what I did with the handle and dampener. Control wasn't there (and it wasn't just about lead on the head side, as certain sticks still work with as much mass on the head side). Then I started to remove some lead, so currently I removed 7 grams, 8 grams still there on the hoop and mostly at the side, for twist stability. It's really better now for groundstrokes, however I'm still not completely satisfied. Ok, this is drastic, but I got the picture this one isn't as easy to customize, and I do want some extra stability and power from it.

At the same time, both i.Rad (Chech L4) and i.Prestige MPs are much easier to customize and with much more satisfying result, even when not perfect and even with lots of lead (14 grams at i.Rad and 7 grams at i.Prestige on the hoop with some counterbalancing, and no trouble - and especially on i.Rad you can feel huge power and SW but it's still under control). With the side note that Chech i.Rad is not the best one on the arm, I feel it causes some more shock. With i.Prestige, this is it, not harsh, just solid and firm. With both I can feel some benefit from a firmer hoop, makes things easier to play and more precise. But those two really feel much firmer than Ti Rad. Perhaps this is about torsional firmness...

So if there are some specs on which Ti Rad starts to play heavenly I'm yet to find them, as some other similar sticks still feel easier to play with. And it's really interesting regarding MG Rad, which is according to its RA on the flexy side the most. To me it (Ti Rad( feels like a more demanding Radical, but I lack experience. I'd really like to try MG Rad one day.
 
Last edited:
I recently got mine back out of the closet to play with again. Mine is strung at 59lbs with Babolat Xcel French Open 17ga. I have 3 grams of lead split at 3&9. The other racquets in my arsenal are a 2015 Pure Drive Tour and a Prince Textreme Tour 100t. Quite a weird selection of racquets but I like changing things up every now and then when my game is suffering. The Head is by far the easiest on my arm and the one that lets me swing away with imperfect strokes and still keep the ball in more than not. I really enjoy those two factors because I know if I played my Babolat three times a week my elbow would complain a lot. The only thing I don't like about the Head is the shape of the pallet. I am a fan of the rounder ones by Babolat.

I'm going to keep playing with my Microgel Radical MP and have fun. I will say that there are times I miss the punch of the Pure Drive but keeping the ball in play is more important to me. If I can get there and take a good swing with the Head, I am ok. The Pure Drive does have the punch to get me out of trouble when I can't get as much on the swing under pressure. I tend to swing late.
 
MG Rad MP as suggested above by IA-SteveB needs a touch of lead at 3/9 for a bit more plow and thump and I would strongly suggest a leather grip as well, primarily to bump up the weight a bit and offset the lead and maintain somewhat the factory balance.

Plays great in my experience with thin gauge poly like MSV Focus Hex 19g in mid 40's or plays great with Head Intellitour at mid range (about 57#)

I never tried it with natty gut but imagine that would go nicely at around 60#

Nothing wrong with a pair of those in your bag.....and the snarly tiger cat graphics add a bit of scare to your game.

:)
 
MG Radical MP really deserves more praise. It is super control oriented like the IG Prestige MP but is much easier to customize to get even more out of the frame. I actually added lead @ 2 & 10, as well as 4 & 8 with counter balancing with lead in the handle and leather grip. It became a super stable & comfortable frame with lots of power and still having that great control.

I wish I had gotten to know this racket before my racketaholism kicked in. Had I found this racket earlier, I probably would have become more interested in modifying rackets to my preferred specs, instead of buying countless frames just trying to find the holy grail.
 
mhkeuns said:
MG Radical MP really deserves more praise. It is super control oriented like the IG Prestige MP but is much easier to customize to get even more out of the frame. I actually added lead @ 2 & 10, as well as 4 & 8 with counter balancing with lead in the handle and leather grip. It became a super stable & comfortable frame with lots of power and still having that great control.

I wish I had gotten to know this racket before my racketaholism kicked in. Had I found this racket earlier, I probably would have become more interested in modifying rackets to my preferred specs, instead of buying countless frames just trying to find the holy grail.
Click to expand...
Yup. It's a great frame. Like the igyt prestige mp, graphene prestige mp, mg prestige mp, Fischer mag speed pro no.1, blade 98 18/20, 2013 and, black drive, pure storm gt, pro staff classic 6.1, etc... :D

Yeah, had I discovered it earlier, I don't think it would have helped my rackaholism!
 
I'm in exactly the same situation with kids and things and would recommend keeping an eye out for a 1995 Radical Tour MP (the legendary Zebra). PT57a mould and one seriously awesome racquet. Picked up my latest for £20.
 
IA-SteveB said:
I recently got mine back out of the closet to play with again. Mine is strung at 59lbs with Babolat Xcel French Open 17ga. I have 3 grams of lead split at 3&9. The other racquets in my arsenal are a 2015 Pure Drive Tour and a Prince Textreme Tour 100t. Quite a weird selection of racquets but I like changing things up every now and then when my game is suffering. The Head is by far the easiest on my arm and the one that lets me swing away with imperfect strokes and still keep the ball in more than not. I really enjoy those two factors because I know if I played my Babolat three times a week my elbow would complain a lot. The only thing I don't like about the Head is the shape of the pallet. I am a fan of the rounder ones by Babolat.

I'm going to keep playing with my Microgel Radical MP and have fun. I will say that there are times I miss the punch of the Pure Drive but keeping the ball in play is more important to me. If I can get there and take a good swing with the Head, I am ok. The Pure Drive does have the punch to get me out of trouble when I can't get as much on the swing under pressure. I tend to swing late.
Click to expand...
youll be back, heh heh ...
 
i have a couple microgel rad MPs (reissue) and its always the first racquet i loan out to beginners. they usually move on to tweeners (gasp) or something else bc they want more power. but its a great frame to learn the fundamentals without being overly burdensome in terms of weight. needs more weight to be a serious contender when you get into 3.5+ play, IMO.

also have found the prestige S to be strangely similar to the OLD radicals (MG, IG, youtek, etc) in terms of flex and power level ... although it has a more open pattern and a bit more weight. the radical became a tween-tweener starting with the graphene model.
 
I've only tried the re-issue Microgel. It was really underpowered, flimsy, and empty (marshmallow like the current Pure Strike). I added a little lead here and there, but didn't try playing with it.
 
I recently picked up a Microgel Midplus 18x20, and I love it. Before picking it up, I had my eye on the soon-to-be-released Wilson Ultra Tour. Still considering picking up the Ultra to compare the two. Any other Microgel users interested in the Ultra?
 
TennisHound said:
I've only tried the re-issue Microgel. It was really underpowered, flimsy, and empty (marshmallow like the current Pure Strike). I added a little lead here and there, but didn't try playing with it.
Click to expand...

I had been wondering about the re-issue Microgel Radicals and its 58 RA was so flexible because it was design to be that way or just cheaply made like the pre-strung rackets you typically find at box box stores.

GreenClay said:
I recently picked up a Microgel Midplus 18x20, and I love it. Before picking it up, I had my eye on the soon-to-be-released Wilson Ultra Tour. Still considering picking up the Ultra to compare the two. Any other Microgel users interested in the Ultra?
Click to expand...

I'm in the same boat and decided to wait for the Wilson Ultra Tour (H19). One seems like a MIC PT280 re-issue that isn't the same as the OG and one could be a pro stock.
 
TennisHound said:
I've only tried the re-issue Microgel. It was really underpowered, flimsy, and empty (marshmallow like the current Pure Strike). I added a little lead here and there, but didn't try playing with it.
Click to expand...
My first one was the reissue version and I found it brittle and hollow feeling. Sold those and lucked into a brand new original release version. What a huge difference. The original release feels almost as smooth and buttery as as pro stock tgk231.2. Leaded up, it's a wonderful hit.
 
How does the MG radical mp play leaded and filled with silicone to about 355g with a 345-350 sw and about 6-7 points headlight. Would it have a substantial increase in power?
 
Last edited:
mad dog1 said:
My first one was the reissue version and I found it brittle and hollow feeling. Sold those and lucked into a brand new original release version. What a huge difference. The original release feels almost as smooth and buttery as as pro stock tgk231.2. Leaded up, it's a wonderful hit.
Click to expand...

Is there that much difference? Mine is a reissue, but I didn't play with it stock at all. All I know is that it feels wonderful after some modification.

Is it fair to say the original is great in stock form but better modded, whereas the reissue is flimsy in stock form but gets good after some mods? I actually like everything (*maybe except for the paint job) about the racket.
 
mhkeuns said:
Is there that much difference? Mine is a reissue, but I didn't play with it stock at all. All I know is that it feels wonderful after some modification.

Is it fair to say the original is great in stock form but better modded, whereas the reissue is flimsy in stock form but gets good after some mods? I actually like everything (*maybe except for the paint job) about the racket.
Click to expand...
I played the reissue in modded form too. Compared to the original, the reissue feels brittle and harsh. The original feels silkier and buttery smooth in comparison. This was also confirmed by my buddy jgads from the forum who hit with both of versions of my sticks. He said the original feels more like his pro stocks tgk 231.2s
 
mad dog1 said:
I played the reissue in modded form too. Compared to the original, the reissue feels brittle and harsh. The original feels silkier and buttery smooth in comparison. This was also confirmed by my buddy jgads from the forum who hit with both of versions of my sticks. He said the original feels more like his pro stocks tgk 231.2s
Click to expand...

What are some other great platform frames, like the MGRMP? It's actually pretty interesting how things change with lead.
 
mhkeuns said:
What are some other great platform frames, like the MGRMP? It's actually pretty interesting how things change with lead.
Click to expand...
Pure Storm GT, Pure Storm Team GT, Yonex VCore Xi98 (to a lesser extent), 2013 APD Lite :)

if you can swing a battle axe like shroud, any modern stick can be a great platform frame! :D
 
I've also tried the MRMP but found it hollow and empty (reissue). The IGRMP felt the best out of all these to me.

Kind of off-topic, but the IGPMP was a revelation with weight added. And I used it for years unmodded.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

T
Head Microgel Radical MP or Liquidmetal Rad. MP
Replies
7
Views
5K
kashgotmoney
kashgotmoney
D
Head MicroGel Radical MP Futures
Replies
0
Views
791
Dave M
D
fattsoo
HEAD microgel radical mp
Replies
5
Views
2K
Rafa=KingofClay
R
L
Head Radical Microgel MP
Replies
6
Views
731
Lasse192000
L
T
Head Microgel Radical MP
Replies
0
Views
999
tennisplayer132
T
Back
Top