Correction: sw of my tour is 327 after measuring it with sw1. That is with volkl cyclone 1.10mm, hence a thicker string will result in +330 SW. Somehow it feels like one of the heaviest racquets i played with. Probably the twist weight? And of course static and balance are also heavy and not that HL (6 pts).. probably one can compare it to a six one 95 with better feel
Revisiting the Head Liquidmetal Radical MP
- Thread starter Kal-El 34
- Start date
Any mods?
Kal-El 34
Hall of Fame
swapped the original grip for a babolat syntac and two pro overgrips. New grommets. Been playing it stock lol
Kal-El 34
Hall of Fame
its like a prestige with better pop great racket.
Actually think it’s slightly heavier than the prestige at the time
chrischris
G.O.A.T.
I tried both the tour mp and the mp leaded to to match the same specs as the tour..
For some reason the leaded regular mp felt better more flexy and comfy.
For some reason the leaded regular mp felt better more flexy and comfy.
Kal-El 34
Hall of Fame
You‘re not the first person I’ve heard say that. Odd
chrischris
G.O.A.T.
Then its a rule rather than an exception maybe...
Like the claw and grip of the ball /dwell time the LM Radical MP has when leaded at 3 and 9 oclock with 12 grams to 14 grams and silicone or lead same amount under the grip. Serious racket.
Kal-El 34
Hall of Fame
beast mode
antonbilly
New User
I love my liquidmetal radical Mp’s. Somehow stumbled upon them and haven't found anything better yet.
7g or so up in the bumper with 5HL balance and it just feels like the perfect mix of spin, stability and control.
Only thing id want more of is a more open string pattern but oh well cant have it all.
7g or so up in the bumper with 5HL balance and it just feels like the perfect mix of spin, stability and control.
Only thing id want more of is a more open string pattern but oh well cant have it all.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Got two LM Radical Tour MPs on the way.
Can't wait to try them.
Can't wait to try them.
Kal-El 34
Hall of Fame
There we go
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
You will absolutely love them!
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
I love the regular LM Rad MP... and I'm trying not to over-hype the Tour version... but I think you might be right. I'm hoping the Tour version produces a heavier ball at a more HL balance (which I prefer).
Yes and yes. In stock form really stable and a lot of inherent plow. No mods needed if you ask me. Cyclone 1.1 played wonderfully, I think your co focus 1.18 might as well
chrischris
G.O.A.T.
H.G
Rookie
Yes lead up the MP at 3,9 and 12 o’ clock. Over grip and alittle lead in the handle as well. Around 340g. My tour is around 355g. I like the tour the most of theses two. On ground strokes it’s really easy to get heavy balls.
But struggle with the serve. Alittle to heavy for me. I actually do t use them alot, I use I.prestige(at the moment).
I’m not a collecter that keeps all the raquets that I buy, I just keep the ones I like. For example I also had the LM prestige but really really didn’t like that one, so I sold it.
Thought no one would talk about LM Radical any more since they are 19 years old now. Picked up an used LM Radical Tour, looks sexy and flashy on the court. I'm coming from Prince Response 97, 350g stock. Never thought I could handle the mass but it forces me play fluidly.
Then, I saw an elder with his OS LM racket one and a half month ago at a store for a string job after a long tennis hiatus. LM ridges looked attractive the first time I laid my eyes on them. Anyway, they reminded me of the famous Wilson pro staff PWS, the added weight at 3 and 9. And that started me looking up more information about LM. The views on TT are polarized, the only way to know about the racket playability is to demo or in my case, to bite the bullet.
I'm a head light racket person, one handed backhand, never played with any regular Radical primarily due to 2 points head light. It interests me again to see TW states 6 points head light, not sure if this is strung or unstrung.
Expect to get my Tour in 3 days time, I wonder if I can still get set of new grommet for my Tour. Where and how much? Thanks.
Then, I saw an elder with his OS LM racket one and a half month ago at a store for a string job after a long tennis hiatus. LM ridges looked attractive the first time I laid my eyes on them. Anyway, they reminded me of the famous Wilson pro staff PWS, the added weight at 3 and 9. And that started me looking up more information about LM. The views on TT are polarized, the only way to know about the racket playability is to demo or in my case, to bite the bullet.
I'm a head light racket person, one handed backhand, never played with any regular Radical primarily due to 2 points head light. It interests me again to see TW states 6 points head light, not sure if this is strung or unstrung.
Expect to get my Tour in 3 days time, I wonder if I can still get set of new grommet for my Tour. Where and how much? Thanks.
guilhermefdc
Semi-Pro
I've replaced the grommets on a few LMRTs with the Flexpoint Radical MP ones -- I think they are the same (maybe @vsbabolat or @dr325i can confirm?)
EDIT: it seems they aren't available anymore, but the Microgel Radical MP ones will fit, I guess
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
Yes, the Flexpoint and LM Radical MP grommets were the same.
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
LM/FXP/i/Ti/MG/YT/IG Radical MP + i/MG/YT/IG/G/GXT/GTouch Prestige MP head sizes/18x20 string patterns and grommets all interchangeable (I may have missed a few in there...)
Kal-El 34
Hall of Fame
Yes. But if you’re going to swap out LM grommets, they have to have the ridges in the grommets or what are you even really doing?
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
That is a different challenge….
One side of the grommet is brittle. I assume the ridges grommet is of some plastic, not LM.
Would you describe the feel of LMRT MP crisp or muted with poly on?
Kal-El 34
Hall of Fame
echo these sentiments though it’s been awhile since I used the tour. To me felt like a high end pro stock racket you could still just buy at the time. I don’t consider it to feel muted at all, but it’s not stiff. Just great feel. Surprising access to spin too for the tight 18x20 pattern and enough stock weight to put some extra thump on the ball if you can handle it
chrischris
G.O.A.T.
I strung my leaded LM Radical MP with 17 gauge Solinco Hyper G mains and TF xone biphase 16 gauge crosses at 52lbs.
Really nice setup imo.
Cupping the ball and imparting pace and spin.
Really nice setup imo.
Cupping the ball and imparting pace and spin.
Kal-El 34
Hall of Fame
x one plays nice in these frames. Tried some with hawk rough and only negative was it broke so fast
Wheelz
Hall of Fame
I love my radical MP LM but it’s annoyingly shorter than 27inch. Yours?
Mine has the same length lined up side by side with Prince Response 97.
My LMRT has arrived, the grommet is brittle on one side as a result of a bad string job and a missing butt cap. And ya, the grommet at the hoop has ridges my replacement MG Radical grommet doesn't have.
I guessed mine is Asian spec, made in China since no mentioned made in Austria anywhere on the racket. Feel great in my hand, the strung weight (with an overgrip) is 345g, right around the spec. It feels whippy when swinging compares with Prince Response 97.
The cosmetic looks modern, I'd rate the condition a 7. Can't wait to hit balls on the the court.
I guessed mine is Asian spec, made in China since no mentioned made in Austria anywhere on the racket. Feel great in my hand, the strung weight (with an overgrip) is 345g, right around the spec. It feels whippy when swinging compares with Prince Response 97.
The cosmetic looks modern, I'd rate the condition a 7. Can't wait to hit balls on the the court.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
I just checked mine against random other racquets in my collection (TC97 18x20, G360+ Speed Pro, and Tecnifibre TFight 315 Limited 18x20) and there is no difference in the length.
Yours might be as a result of a string job. Cut out the strings and let it sit for a day or so... then check it against another racquet. Hopefully, it comes back to standard length.
Hope that helps.
Wheelz
Hall of Fame
Thanks for checking and for the tips. I did that trick before. Even strung it once with cross 5lbs higher. Weird! Still plays fine, I’ll see if I can do something like you suggested again or play with the buttcap
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
If you didn't buy the racquet new... there is also a possibility that someone cut it in order to make it slightly shorter? I heard that Djokovic used to use a slightly shorter frame (not sure if it's true or not), so some people may want to emulate him (or like that kind of setup themselves)?
The main thing is how you feel about the racquet, how you play with it, etc. All the other stuff is just noise.
guilhermefdc
Semi-Pro
Wheelz
Hall of Fame
Just checked again. It’s barely 1/8 but I also notice the same on the speed pro 18x20 I have. On the other side my ezone 98 and pure aero all are 27. To be sure I restrung the speed pro. Made sure the fit was tight on the machine as without string it’s 27 inch. It still got 1/8 shorter and I can’t even put it back on the string machine(with same setting). Weird? Both speed pro and radical are more oval. Speed pro mains are longer then pure aéro for sure as I just measured. More main strings maybe pulling the hoop when fresh. Pure aero is more round and ezone sort of square. Just checked a older head extreme with round shape and it’s almost longer than 27. I should probably check that string way site and take measurements. I bet it will suggest to string cross .5-1lb higher.
Last edited:
3.75
New User
I played with Head Liquidmetal Radical MP for 10 years. was not into racquets, just wanted something that will develop long strokes. Gave up on it to go to Pure Drive and more spin and wrecked my arm. What I remember was that the racquet was too demanding for my 3.5 level. Not heavy, just demanding: OHB and serving were hard.
Basically it implies you were arming the ball and likely had too much tension. The Larger Radicals would've been a better choice for you. The other option would've been a bit more coaching on your swing. Basically I find to improve in tennis you have to always be working on improving fundamentals. A couple hours with a good coach is well worth it sometimes. Now it is mostly videos online, but that is not super different then watching players play in the old days looking for ideas on how to improve
3.75
New User
Oh, I agree that I was doing many things wrong, I still am I was a grad student so every $ counted. I have the $$ now and take occasional lessons so I play at 4.0 level, but I am older and injuries creep in. I guess I am still seeking some of the control and feel of the old Liquidmetal MP. I just bought and trying to use two head gravity pros. Very soft feel and a bit more power while still some control.
I was a grad student so every $ counted. I have the $$ now and take occasional lessons so I play at 4.0 level, but I am older and injuries creep in. I guess I am still seeking some of the control and feel of the old Liquidmetal MP. I just bought and trying to use two head gravity pros. Very soft feel and a bit more power while still some control.It is rough to balance everything. I switched from the LM series to the Gravity Pro a few years ago. Only minor issue was I needed to change my one handed backhand a little. Just a little extra down and burst. The feel is just amazing with the Gravity Pros. Really a joy to hit with...Oh, I agree that I was doing many things wrong, I still am
3.75
New User
Hei, great to hear that another former LM person has ended with the GP. I did use prince phantom pro 18x20 for a couple of years: great feel, 55RA & laser flat forehands. But it is still too demanding and my recent Achilles issues have led me to "ask for forgiveness", which is the head slogan for the GP (a bit distasteful but there is very little grace in the aging process. I am still a bit hesitant with my forehand with the GP and I cannot hit that killer flat forehand the Prince does. My forehand is my bread and butter, but I believe I will nail it once I get to hit more than once a week.
. I am still a bit hesitant with my forehand with the GP and I cannot hit that killer flat forehand the Prince does. My forehand is my bread and butter, but I believe I will nail it once I get to hit more than once a week.
Kal-El 34
Hall of Fame
Hei, great to hear that another former LM person has ended with the GP. I did use prince phantom pro 18x20 for a couple of years: great feel, 55RA & laser flat forehands. But it is still too demanding and my recent Achilles issues have led me to "ask for forgiveness", which is the head slogan for the GP (a bit distasteful but there is very little grace in the aging process
i tried both of these as well. Personally liked the gravity pro better than the MP but that’s preference. Sounds like we have similar taste in frames. I also dabbled with the phantom 18x20 and loved that frame. Awesome stick just very demanding against big hitters on clay. Best volleying frames I’ve ever tried though.
however none compare to the mighty LM radical MP. The paint job has aged nicely and the text is symmetric so doesn’t mess with my OCD like the new head frames
chrischris
G.O.A.T.
Are these beautiful or what...?!
Kal-El 34
Hall of Fame
I have always liked the look of the liquid metal line
