Revisiting the Head Liquidmetal Radical MP

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Just finding this thread after restringing my LM Radical MP after many years in the closet. The feel and sound of this racket on contact are just unparalleled.
My only issue with it at this point is the head size, stiffness and beam width. Are there any rackets that play similarly in a true 98 that have more power? around 300-310 grams? I don't think I've hit with any other rackets in the radical line but I'm open to it. To me the blade 18x20 was similar with a more dampened, yet firm feeling on contact.

Blade 98 18x20 (like you said), but will also come down to how much Swing Weight you are comfortable with. The Tecnifibre TFight 305 ISO (18x19) would also suit, as would the Blade Pro (both 16x19 and 18x20), Yonex VCore Pro 97 (16x19) or 97D (18x20 - if you could go up to 320g static unstrung). You could also get some of the Angell racquets (they are Custom - where you pick your specs, or there are already made/set weight options - including the new React line). There is also the Solinco WhiteOut 305 in both 16x19 and 18x20 (they also come in Extended (XTD) options, if you're into that).

You could also consider racquets like the Head Auxetic (or Graphene 360+) Extreme Tour and the Dunlop Srixon FX500 Tour (both of which are 16x19, but have great control), as well as, the Babolat Pure Aero 98 (which is 16x20 - and the racquet endorsed by several Pros like Alcaraz, Rune, and Felix Auger-Alliasime).

That should be enough for a while. Hope that helps.

 

[2ndServe]

I have 15 (!) of these that I'll be selling soon. You guys have first dibs. 6 are 1/2 Austria or Czech, 6 are 3/8 from Czech and possibly Austria (unclear) and 3 are 3/8 from China. All very nice...

Harry Z

How do you tell where it’s made?

 

[NicoMK]

How do you tell where it’s made?

Usually written on the frame or on the buttcap.

 

[rlau]

Based on the four LM MP frames that I have, I think there are a couple ways to identify Austrian vs Chinese models:

• buttcap => Austrian models have a silver buttcap, whereas Chinese models have a black buttcap.
• pallet => Austrian models have the code H22167.1N printed on the hairpin underneath grey TK57 pallets, whereas Chinese models have the code TGK167.1 (TT) printed on the hairpin underneath black pallets
• grommet ending => Austrian models have square-ish string channel ending with a tiny bit of room left, whereas Chinese models have round and grommets fit perfectly.
• Patent numbers written in the thoat => Austrian models only have two patent numbers (US and EP), whereas Chinese models have three: US, EP and DE.

I hope this helps.

Best regards,

rlau

 

[dr325i]

Based on the four LM MP frames that I have, I think there are a couple ways to identify Austrian vs Chinese models:

• buttcap => Austrian models have a silver buttcap, whereas Chinese models have a black buttcap.
• pallet => Austrian models have the code H22167.1N printed on the hairpin underneath grey TK57 pallets, whereas Chinese models have the code TGK167.1 (TT) printed on the hairpin underneath black pallets
• grommet ending => Austrian models have square-ish string channel ending with a tiny bit of room left, whereas Chinese models have round and grommets fit perfectly.
• Patent numbers written in the thoat => Austrian models only have two patent numbers (US and EP), whereas Chinese models have three: US, EP and DE.

I hope this helps.

Best regards,

rlau

Last two are easiest way to verify.
Buttcap can be replaced by the former owner and removing pallets is not a trivial task for everyone.

Good job highlighting those.

 

[aus89]

Still have my Austrian LM Radical - will have to get it strung up

 

[aus89]

Played with my LM Radical the other day, was great - served amazing with it.
However the grommets are starting to go on it, and idk if im really up for searching for vintage grommets.

Would we say the Blade Pro would be the "modern" equivalent or perhaps the Prestige Pro/Tour/Yonex Percept?

 

[optic yellow]

Played with my LM Radical the other day, was great - served amazing with it.
However the grommets are starting to go on it, and idk if im really up for searching for vintage grommets.

Would we say the Blade Pro would be the "modern" equivalent or perhaps the Prestige Pro/Tour/Yonex Percept?

Prestige Pro is same 98" 18x20 so seems probably worth a look. Of course, always a chance its grommets or those of another 98" 18x20 frame just fit the LM Radical...

 

[aus89]

Prestige Pro is same 98" 18x20 so seems probably worth a look. Of course, always a chance its grommets or those of another 98" 18x20 frame just fit the LM Radical...

LM Radical is 95 (same as the old prestiges and radicals) unfortunately

 

[snoflewis]

Played with my LM Radical the other day, was great - served amazing with it.
However the grommets are starting to go on it, and idk if im really up for searching for vintage grommets.

Would we say the Blade Pro would be the "modern" equivalent or perhaps the Prestige Pro/Tour/Yonex Percept?

Microgel grommets should fit. You just lose the ridges on the bumper.

 

[aus89]

Microgel grommets should fit. You just lose the ridges on the bumper.

Cool - I only have one though and probably need a couple as playing more often now but I'll keep it in mind to hold me over perhaps

 

[oldmanyellingatcloud]

stock up on Microgel Radical MP grommets.

the Blade Pro mold probably comes closest to the old Radicals, but I'm not sure if the layup resembles the classic feel.

it's worth trying the new Radical MP along with the Gravity Tour and Prestige MP (if they're available in your country, assuming you're not in Europe)

 

[optic yellow]

LM Radical is 95 (same as the old prestiges and radicals) unfortunately

Oh my bad I thought the MP was the standard version of it, sorry.

 

[aus89]

Oh my bad I thought the MP was the standard version of it, sorry.

it was sold as 98 but like all Head racquets at the time it was really more like 95 (like the 93 mid was more like 89.5/90)

 

[optic yellow]

it was sold as 98 but like all Head racquets at the time it was really more like 95 (like the 93 mid was more like 89.5/90)

Oh for some reason I thought they had changed their labeling by then.

 

[raftervolley]

I actually have a Head LM Radical that was made in Austria. It's a sweet ride.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Played with my LM Radical the other day, was great - served amazing with it.
However the grommets are starting to go on it, and idk if im really up for searching for vintage grommets.

Would we say the Blade Pro would be the "modern" equivalent or perhaps the Prestige Pro/Tour/Yonex Percept?

Yeah... I'd look into the Blade Pro. The 18x20 is probably the one to go for... but the 16x19 is very good too, not too open, and produces easier spin and more margin.

With the current v8 on sale... it would also be a great time to acquire one... or more.

 

[ajw470]

Yeah... I'd look into the Blade Pro. The 18x20 is probably the one to go for... but the 16x19 is very good too, not too open, and produces easier spin and more margin.

With the current v8 on sale... it would also be a great time to acquire one... or more.

Purchased a blade v4 recently and loved it. Obviously feel is much firmer than the LM Radical but in terms of performance, similar but with much more power. Looking to buy a v5 now.

 

[bkfinch]

Figured I'd share some recent experience in this thread:

Took mine out recently and was so impressed by how solid it is without added weight. Serve returns, volleys, flatter forehands are really fantastic. It has a stiffness to it which isn't harsh. It's not for a super spinny style but for absorbing/redirecting pace and hitting through the court it's really sweet. Also love the uber rectangular TK76 pallets. I have a softspot for this frame because I used it to compete in high school and it always takes me back, also to my old playing style and mechanics.

About Austria and China - I have one of each. They don't feel different, but their specs are way off. The chinese one is a centimeter head-heavier and has a much lower swingweight. I would tend to assume the Euro made LM Rads were tighter spec wise and closer to listed specs.

I don't really try new rackets anymore but I'm sure they don't make them like this one anymore. Cheers guys!

 

[rlau]

About Austria and China - I have one of each. They don't feel different, but their specs are way off. The chinese one is a centimeter head-heavier and has a much lower swingweight. I would tend to assume the Euro made LM Rads were tighter spec wise and closer to listed specs.

After swapping out the pallets to TK82S and applying TW leather grips on all four frames, my both Chinese models had a 289 kg*cm2 SW, whereas my both Austrian models had a 295 kg*cm2 SW. In terms of weight and balance, all four where pretty close to 300 grams unstrung and 32 cm balance (i.e. exact 32 cm balance for Austrian and 32.1/ 32.3 cm balance for Chinese).

I will be taking out one of my Austrian models for the first time tonight, to see how it performs. After modifying it with silicone in the handle and lead at 3 and 9, its unstrung specs are now 320 grams, 30.6 cm balance and 303.5 kg*cm2 SW (as measured by myself).

 

[bkfinch]

After swapping out the pallets to TK82S and applying TW leather grips on all four frames, my both Chinese models had a 289 kg*cm2 SW, whereas my both Austrian models had a 295 kg*cm2 SW. In terms of weight and balance, all four where pretty close to 300 grams unstrung and 32 cm balance (i.e. exact 32 cm balance for Austrian and 32.1/ 32.3 cm balance for Chinese).

I will be taking out one of my Austrian models for the first time tonight, to see how it performs. After modifying it with silicone in the handle and lead at 3 and 9, its unstrung specs are now 320 grams, 30.6 cm balance and 303.5 kg*cm2 SW (as measured by myself).

That sounds pretty sweet. Looks like your Austrian ones are identical whereas your Chinese ones have some small discrepancies. Have fun!! Do you hit a OHBH or 2HBH?

 

[Philanthropenos]

Came across with TW review at the time (2003):

"For our playtest, we strung the Liquidmetal Radical MP up with a 17 gauge multifilament string at 59lbs and added an overgrip"

Good old days, when the heathen TW testers were not worshipping the poly god...

 

[Philanthropenos]

.

 

[ajw470]

Came across with TW review at the time (2003):

"For our playtest, we strung the Liquidmetal Radical MP up with a 17 gauge multifilament string at 59lbs and added an overgrip"

Good old days, when the heathen TW testers were not worshipping the poly god...

so true. It's wild to me that virtually all rec players/reviewers/youtubers all use polyester strings. there are good reasons to use it however I feel that it shouldn't be used by 85-90% of players

 

[ajw470]

Yeah... I'd look into the Blade Pro. The 18x20 is probably the one to go for... but the 16x19 is very good too, not too open, and produces easier spin and more margin.

With the current v8 on sale... it would also be a great time to acquire one... or more.

I've replaced my stolen LM Radical with an 18x20 v5 blade- I absolutely love it. comparable feel, albeit a bit firmer. more power and more forgiving. spec wise, the closest "modern" racket to the Rad

 

[Philanthropenos]

On paper current Radical MP has similar specs to LM:

Weight: 11.2 oz (both)
Balance: 33 cm (both)
SW: 323 (New) 325 (LM)
Flex: 65 (New) 64 (LM)
Construction: 20/23/21 (New) 21 straight (LM)

with some differences:
headsize: 98 (New) 95 (LM)
Pattern: 16x19 (New) 18x20 (LM)

My main is Blade v.8 18x20 and it does not play exactly like LM: More stable but cumbersome on the forehand, less headlight. That's why I wonder whether I can closer to LM with the new Radical?

 

[Vicious49]

On paper current Radical MP has similar specs to LM:

Weight: 11.2 oz (both)
Balance: 33 cm (both)
SW: 323 (New) 325 (LM)
Flex: 65 (New) 64 (LM)
Construction: 20/23/21 (New) 21 straight (LM)

with some differences:
headsize: 98 (New) 95 (LM)
Pattern: 16x19 (New) 18x20 (LM)

My main is Blade v.8 18x20 and it does not play exactly like LM: More stable but cumbersome on the forehand, less headlight. That's why I wonder whether I can closer to LM with the new Radical?

They are totally different in terms of power, feel, control, and launch angle. Not close at all.

 

[ajw470]

On paper current Radical MP has similar specs to LM:

Weight: 11.2 oz (both)
Balance: 33 cm (both)
SW: 323 (New) 325 (LM)
Flex: 65 (New) 64 (LM)
Construction: 20/23/21 (New) 21 straight (LM)

with some differences:
headsize: 98 (New) 95 (LM)
Pattern: 16x19 (New) 18x20 (LM)

My main is Blade v.8 18x20 and it does not play exactly like LM: More stable but cumbersome on the forehand, less headlight. That's why I wonder whether I can closer to LM with the new Radical?

fair enough! I hadn't seen this comparison yet. they do look quite close on paper but specs never tell the whole story. keep in mind the string pattern is much more open on the newer radical as well.

 

[onehandbh]

Anyone know where I can get a replacement buttcap for a Liquidmetal MP? (L4 size).

Any of the currenlty available TW buttcaps work?

e.g.

Head Butt Cap | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com

 

[FootFault18]

Anyone know where I can get a replacement buttcap for a Liquidmetal MP? (L4 size).

Any of the currenlty available TW buttcaps work?

e.g.

Head Butt Cap | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com

Yes, all the new Buttcaps work in all Head racquets that have pallets.
But take care, I think old buttcaps (Liquidmetal line, for example) have less flare than the new ones.
If you like the flare of the original L4 Buttcap, I think you will like more an L3 modern buttcap than a L4 modern Buttcap.
I use L1 pallets and a L0 buttcap in my Liquidmetal Radicals MP. I don't like flare.

 

[onehandbh]

Yes, all the new Buttcaps work in all Head racquets that have pallets.
But take care, I think old buttcaps (Liquidmetal line, for example) have less flare than the new ones.
If you like the flare of the original L4 Buttcap, I think you will like more an L3 modern buttcap than a L4 modern Buttcap.
I use L1 pallets and a L0 buttcap in my Liquidmetal Radicals MP. I don't like flare.

Thanks!

I prefer more flare as I hold my grip loosely.

 

[onehandbh]

Are there any currently available non-CAPS grommets that fit the Liquidmetal Radical MP?

Also, how does the Liquidmetal Radical MP play compared to teh Zebra Radical MP?
Similar? different?

 

[H22 fan]

Are there any currently available non-CAPS grommets that fit the Liquidmetal Radical MP?

Yes, there are!
Tk231, Microgel Rad mp
Tk260, IG Rad mp

 

[onehandbh]

Yes, there are!
Tk231, Microgel Rad mp
Tk260, IG Rad mp

I don't see them available here. Is it under the name of another newer racquet?

Head Grommets | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com

 

[oldmanyellingatcloud]

I don't see them available here. Is it under the name of another newer racquet?

Head Grommets | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com

they're not available through traditional retail channels unfortunately. you'll have better luck checking the auction website and seeing what tennis shops sell them there

 

[H22 fan]

I don't see them available here. Is it under the name of another newer racquet?

Head Grommets | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com

pm Erhard what you need, I bought from him a tk260.

 

[H22 fan]

Or check racquet depot uk

 

[oldmanyellingatcloud]

Or check racquet depot uk

i think this is the store front i saw selling Microgel MP grommets on the auction site

 

[Hansen]

but mg grommets are significantly lighter
so you have to add some weight

 

[SamBruin7]

Yes, there are!
Tk231, Microgel Rad mp
Tk260, IG Rad mp

Where did you find tk260?

 

[H22 fan]

Where did you find tk260?

Bought it from other user on ttw

 

[Kal-El 34]

ive got 1 FXP set and one original LM set if anyone needs them shoot me a message

 

[Anton]

LM Rad MP is a good frame begging for lead but IMO Blade V8 is very similar type of racket but more solid and plush.

 

[AndrewUtz]

Just strung up my LM Radical MP this weekend with Lynx Tour Pro. I previously had it at Novak spec just for fun but gonna give it a real try at something closer to my preferred spec. My sig oth got me the pro tour 2.0 for x-mas so I'm excited to compare the two.

 

[onehandbh]

I hit briefly with my newly acquired LM Radical MP a couple weeks ago with @Injured Again . Not sure if it was the cold weather, but I was surprised to find that 42 lbs with full 17g poly felt kind of stiff in it. (I think that's what it was strung at. Might have been 43 or 44). In my 18x20 Blade Pro, it feels fine (in warm weather)