Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Head Extreme 2024 (Pro and MP)
- Thread starter TW Staff
- Start date
_FrankTheTank_
Rookie
Did you check static weight and balance?
SirCraigoryy
Rookie
I’ve got about 3 hours on the racket so far. Nothing comprehensive to write but here are my initial thoughts.
- This thing feels way more stable outside the sweet spot that the first gen.
- The launch angle is much lower than I was expecting but produces a heavy penetrating topspin ball.
- Knifing backhand slices feel and glide like butter and is my favorite shot so far of the playtest.
- The string bed is a little launchy outside the sweet spot but plenty of power in it in stock form. I need more time to get a feel for it.
- The feel is solid on impact!!! No more tinny/pingy feel and sound like the first gen!
- Maneuverability is great which is standard for the line.
- Serves are good but not great. Still need time to gel with it. The power seems average and spin is slightly above but placement has been great. Will continue to work with it to see if it’s just me needing more time with the frame.
stapletonj
Hall of Fame
Just got my extreme mp. stinging pattern/skips/knot locations?
jackcrawford
Professional
Just an update following the TW review. I would say I am roughly equal to Jason and far inferior to Brittany as a ball striker, but I only shanked one ball in 12 hours. I guess all this shanking by them is just an unsolved mystery. The Extreme MP is a little anemic at the top of the stringbed, but nothing so outlandish that would point to this result.
pheonix6579
Professional
Yea I have to agree 100%. Something that a little lead at the tip might solve. But I am not feeling the way TW did with their review about the shanking issue either.
Alcawrath
Professional
Can't say much until I hit one for an extended period of time, but they said in the video that the sweet spot may just be lower on the frame than they're used to or smaller than the racquets they typically play. These people are literally in the business of selling new racquets, ignore their feedback at your own risk, but this does not seem to be much of a mystery. If you're not having shanking issues then maybe you 1) play a racquet with a similar sweet spot 2) play a racquet with a smaller sweet spot or 3) are playing at a slower pace.
jackcrawford
Professional
I am not suggesting ignoring their feedback, but the three reviewers at PH Tennis Youtube channel, who all hit a big ball and play against players who hit a big ball, and are in the business of selling new racquets, liked the MP a lot and had no shanking issues. It is a bit like two capable reviewers said that the Gravity Pro was the stiffest feeling frame ever, it would be somewhat mysterious.
Alcawrath
Professional
Disagree, RA is an objective measure. For someone to call an objectively flexible racquet stiff is weird. These two just said the sweet spot was hard to find for them. It's a completely subjective measure/take which is why you disagree, because you found it easily, and PH tennis disagrees, because they found it easily. My takeaway from the TW reviewers' comments on shanking was simply that this racquet is not going to mesh well with everyone, but that it would work well for some.
jackcrawford
Professional
Notice I said feeling, not RA measurement. I don't find it strange that many reviewers, including those who like it, think the Blade 100 v9 is a stiff feeling frame, even with its 60 RA. I feel that way myself. I am not surprised people would shank with the Prestige reissue, it is a 90 sq in with a pea sized sweetspot. Usually the Power/Spin racquets cause some framing due to their thick beam, but not shanking as they are designed with forgiveness in mind. I will be interested to see if the shanking issue is common as reviews roll in. I guess Brittany and Jason won't be joining the Extreme family!
A_Instead
Legend
Also be mindful.. TW Playtesters are not paid influencers or hoping to be paid influencers.
They have been testing rackets before that term was ever penned...
At any time they can take any racket down to their in house court and play tennis..
I value all their opinions as they can choose and play test any racket..
In most cases it shows a loyalty to a particular brand as well as a model within that brand as their own racket of choice basically stays the same over the years..
Of course some change as their game changes with age..
I give props to the goats who don't change.. they are lucky..
They have been testing rackets before that term was ever penned...
At any time they can take any racket down to their in house court and play tennis..
I value all their opinions as they can choose and play test any racket..
In most cases it shows a loyalty to a particular brand as well as a model within that brand as their own racket of choice basically stays the same over the years..
Of course some change as their game changes with age..
I give props to the goats who don't change.. they are lucky..
jackcrawford
Professional
On the contrary, I think this points out the integrity of Tennis Warehose reviews. The playtesters don't push products, they give their honest feedback. The free racquet, which is my second playtest, is nice, but it is the excellent customer service that keeps me buying, and the insightful Youtube reviews that keep me watching.
Alcawrath
Professional
I'm confused, you're original post was to question their feedback and implied that their feedback was akin to an "unsolved mystery"
jackcrawford
Professional
It is like if you enjoy a coffee, say a dark roast Guatemalan, find a roaster's version of it good, and two friends who ordinarily do not find dark coffees acidic find this one to be. Liking or disliking a frame is subjective, I am just surprised they had that problem with this frame. I would not find it mysterious they didn't like the frame, just that issue. Maybe the mystery will be solved and lots of the reviews will mention excessive shanking.
jackcrawford
Professional
A little detective work, Brittany and Jason were both on the video review of the earlier 2022 Auxetic version. Per TW specs, weight, balance and stiffness are identical and the 2024 has 323 sw as opposed to 322. Neither Brittany nor Jason mentioned shanking with the 2022. Sonic Pro was used in the 2024, it is not mentioned in the 2022. Perhaps this string is a bad match for this racquet? Besides the specs being virtually identical, I couldn't tell them apart if they had the same pj.
Fed Kennedy
Legend
I’m kind of interested in how subtle the difference is between this MP and the Avocado MP.
The stiffness is the same. The avocado mp could generate a very nasty ball for a 300g racquet…do we maintain that quality? Is comfort improved? What say you guys
The stiffness is the same. The avocado mp could generate a very nasty ball for a 300g racquet…do we maintain that quality? Is comfort improved? What say you guys
jackcrawford
Professional
Tennis Guy and PH tennis both named 2022 frame of the year. While composing my review of the 2024, I thought it a slight improvement to a very good frame, but when writing these past replies, I have to admit with the same pj, string, and tension, I don't think I could tell them apart - a good thing, Head didn't screw it up.
TwinCinema
Professional
Hitting the ball outside the sweet spot of the racket, either on the frame or the edges of the bed, causing the ball to go in an unintended direction.
I've restrung my Extreme Pro with a full bed of Head Lynx Tour 17 at 46lbs. Plays much better than what I had originally with the Lynx Tour/MLT hybrid in my previous post. Launch angle with full Lynx Tour is better which was expected full a full bed of shaped poly. However, I found the launch on flat groundies still lower than my Wilson UP with Solinco Hyper-G hybrid..two different type of rackets, I know, but the Wilson UP is what I'm accustomed to. But nothing too serious as long as I played with spin. I was able to play 4.0/4.5 combo doubles and my partner and I won 7-5 in a one set scrimmage. Flat and slice serves still excellent with the new set of poly - power and great spin. Backhand slices, especially when you knife them, are deadly with the Extreme Pro...so fun...I can slice all day with this racket.
A_Instead
Legend
Had my MP out for it's first drive last evening.. played a match directly..
Yes..it's a Extreme which requires that type of technique to optimize its performance..
No shanks... No control issues...swing weight is slightly higher than last Gen.. not much.. it gives it a better feel of solidness.
Very similar overall to last generation..yet positive slight changes..
It does tend to glow in the dark and attract lighting bugs.
Yes..it's a Extreme which requires that type of technique to optimize its performance..
No shanks... No control issues...swing weight is slightly higher than last Gen.. not much.. it gives it a better feel of solidness.
Very similar overall to last generation..yet positive slight changes..
It does tend to glow in the dark and attract lighting bugs.
TennisHound
Legend
Yep, agreed. I haven't looked at their review yet. The MP is a fun racquet. It's just too cool to not use. It takes a little adjustment. Here's the things I like
- Sweetspot. Yes, it has one (Even if it's about the size of a quarter). Obviously its not in the upper hoop but a little lower. When you hit it, it feels like its supposed to - soft and the ball goes through the court faster than you think.
- Spin. Yes its a tighter pattern, but it does have "some" spin. We all know you have to have rhs, but its not resistant to spin and brushing up on the ball produces nice spin.
- Head shape. I like racquets that don't feel like a frying pan. This one and the Dunlop FX500 don't feel as wide and feel a hair faster, even though this one has a little higher SW.
- SW. At least it has a 320+ SW. I think it could use a little more, but its nice like it is.
More to come
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TennisHound
Legend
...
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Ryebread
Hall of Fame
What are the specs of your racquets, especially SW?
My pro is 315 strung with 17L poly and with an overgrip. Such a low SW number for me. I am used to much higher.
I believe it’s the best version of the tour, now pro yet - by far.
Stable
Great at net
Awesome on serve
Excellent pocketing
Control/Power is there
Low launch angle
And I love the feel
Recent Mains:
Percepts 100d & 97d
Blade v9 100 - primary main since launch
Shift Pro
4.0
51/49
My pro is 315 strung with 17L poly and with an overgrip. Such a low SW number for me. I am used to much higher.
I believe it’s the best version of the tour, now pro yet - by far.
Stable
Great at net
Awesome on serve
Excellent pocketing
Control/Power is there
Low launch angle
And I love the feel
Recent Mains:
Percepts 100d & 97d
Blade v9 100 - primary main since launch
Shift Pro
4.0
51/49
KingCarlitos
Hall of Fame
HEAD rackets are good but they keep creating the same rackets and rebranding them as different.
stapletonj
Hall of Fame
First impressions. lots of spin. a little head heavier than Yonex vcore 100.
A_Instead
Legend
That's what happens when you create good rackets..no need to reinvent the wheel..
Big retools are a result of a less than ideal scenarios..
KingCarlitos
Hall of Fame
It's a marketing strategy that preys on the uninformed
TennisHound
Legend
Head did a major re-tooling around the end of 2013.
A_Instead
Legend
Uninformed about what?
What and Where are they praying?..
Perhaps we are talking about something different..
They typically keep the same name and don't rebrand.
Agree the Gravity was rebranded from the Youtek Speed years ago..
Booms new.
People buy Head rackets cause they are good.
Some buy Head rackets cause they see a pro using them.
Most are happy they keep the similar recipe..
Most manufacturers use this similar approach..
Yonex is a company that typically reinvents a particular model with each new update..some good.. some not so good.
What and Where are they praying?..
Perhaps we are talking about something different..
They typically keep the same name and don't rebrand.
Agree the Gravity was rebranded from the Youtek Speed years ago..
Booms new.
People buy Head rackets cause they are good.
Some buy Head rackets cause they see a pro using them.
Most are happy they keep the similar recipe..
Most manufacturers use this similar approach..
Yonex is a company that typically reinvents a particular model with each new update..some good.. some not so good.
TennisHound
Legend
^^^"What and Where are they praying?" lol
Probably praying out on the tennis court - "God let me win this match and I'll serve you forever."
Probably praying out on the tennis court - "God let me win this match and I'll serve you forever."
jackcrawford
Professional
A brief update, restrung with green Head Lynx 1.20, a favorite round poly. Surprised it only subtracted three grams of weight as compared to black Lynx Tour 1.25. I like it better with the thinner string, no surprise since I have preferred 1.20 over 1.15 and 1.25 for a few years, my personal goldilocks Guage. I had thought this racquet/string combo might be an exception, but no. I think eventually I will settle on Hyper-G 1.20, as all things being equal I think a shaped string is a better match for spin racquets. I don't think I will try Lynx Tour 1.20 because after having been away from the 1.25 for a bit, it felt like a 1.30 so I think the 1.20 would seem like a 1.25 to me.
TennisHound
Legend
I like the ,17ga in the MP since the thinner string opens up the string pattern slightly. Plus, Lynx Tour is a smooth poly and the thinner gauge seems to give it a little more bite on the ball. I can't see a difference in this string vs Sonic Pro. The MP would do well with an edged poly like Hyper G, Diadem Solstice Power, or any Rough string at lower tension - below 53lbs.
TennisHound
Legend
I'm thinking Lynx Tour may not be the best string for the MP. It's got a ping and vibration that is very slight but distracting. I'll try a different string and see if I can shake it. It may be the racquet. It may not help that I'm hitting in the rain lol (there's just not a good time to play - raining about every day aarrgh).
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jackcrawford
Professional
I prefer the Lynx 18 in it, I don't know if it's the Tour is not a good match for the frame or I just don't like strings thicker than 1.20 after a few years using thin strings. I did not notice a ping or vibration, but I use a Sampras dampener, maybe I would have without one.
pheonix6579
Professional
I think it may be the racquet . I've tried two very different string setups (both poly hybrids) and both gave the racquet a "different" sound than I guess I'm used to hearing. But a #64 rubberband took care of that.
Fed Kennedy
Legend
i like the avocado paint more
StringStrungStrang
Professional
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Fighting phoenix
Professional
Wrong thread ;-)The Solinco Hyper-G / Hyper-G Round Hybrid Playtest
Q: Can a tennis string make you a better player?
A: Below
Tennis background: 4.0 looking for 4.5 NTRP all-court attacking style. Love to come in whenever possible. Can play from the baseline, but prefer to be inside of it especially on returns and will play the occasional serve and volley. I like to think there is no such thing as “no man’s land” so I rely on string with great touch / feel when taking balls out of the air. RE strings I’m always experimenting and trying new combos in search of the Holy Grail.
Regular string set up: Generally a Poly / Poly Hybrid. Shaped Poly Mains / round poly crosses. Mains Ytex Quadro Twist 17, Hyper-G 17, or Volkl Cyclone 16 and Round polys like Kirschbaum Flash, PP Vendetta and the occasional synthetic gut or multi.
Racquet Used: Babolat Pure Strike 98 16x19 P17 weighted.
Hours played: 14-15
String in Mains: Hyper-G Regular / Round in the Crosses
Tension(s) used: 44 m / 46 cr. lbs
Power/Control of Hyper-G Combo
Power: Surprisingly good, but not overpowering. I have played Solinco’s Hyper-G 17g off and on for years in a full bed and in hybrid setups with other round polys, with synthetic gut and it has never provided this much (controllable) power. Not too much mind you, but not this kind of pop. Serving usually lets me know if a string is too low powered – this is not! Goldilocks territory.
Control: Excellent. Usually when a string (hybrid) has power you are giving something up, but not in this case for me. Solinco’s Hyper-G Hybrid was point and shoot. Shape, slice or flat shots were no problem. HGH has a medium (right where I like it) launch angle which gave me excellent directional and depth control. It was responsive and really did whatever I asked of it. Consistent and predictable.
Feel: Feel (as undefinable as it may be) is critical to my game. Great feel gives me a connection to the racquet and ball which inspires me to approach all shots more confidently (with only myself to blame for mistakes). Not stiff, not mushy but a very pleasing balance that is a touch muted (not dead) that gives you a satisfying thud when hit it right.
Spin: Yes, please. Great! Spin was there and easy to access. Slices sliced and drop shots bit, topspin lobs bounced high, groundstrokes dipped in and serves sliced and kicked. I like spin, but not too much just enough to add shape when you want it. Spin was there and aided control in just the right amount – bringing the ball back in the court and allowing you to back opponents up.
Durability & playability duration?
Excellent. I have played nearly 15 hours with it and while it is not optimal now, it is still acceptable and holding up better than many other combos at 6 hours. The great thing is the stringbed characteristic have not changed dramatically. Of course they have changed over the course of this playtest. I’d say initially hours 0- 2 it played a touch stiffer a little more spin, hours 3-6/7 it loosened up a bit better ball pocketing a touch more power still nice spin and control. From hour 8 on it is a touch softer still, with a bit more power and a little less control. Spin is still better than most and balls still dip and slice. FWIW I was serving with a freshly strung set up of Mayami hex pro and everything was going long, so I brought out the Hyper-G Combo and magically everything was going in -identical racquets, identical tensions. ROS was similar too!
Tension Recommendations: I strung at 44 / 46 and my experience was exceptional. I could play at this tension anytime and be happy. When (not if) I play this combo again I’ll bump it up a pound or two, (even 3-4 lbs) especially now that the temps are up. I think this combo is comfortable enough to give it a try without losing all the positives of this setup. I’m not an overpowering hitter and I think bigger hitters could comfortably dial it up even more.
Additional thoughts
So finding the right string for me is tough. I want everything: control, power, spin and a certain feel – and it has to be in the right quantities. Too much of one or not enough of the other upsets the balance of “the force”. I don’t want an overly soft string and I don’t want to turn my racket into a board or rocket launcher either. As mentioned, I’ve played Hyper-G regularly over the years but it never felt as good to me as this Hyper-G Hybrid. How did Solinco do it? Is it the Hyper-G Round? Whatever it is I want to try it with Tour Bite or Confidential or Hyper-G soft etc. with the Hyper-G Round. Perhaps there is a Confidential Round coming? Not sure but whatever they've done - I hope they keep doing it!
To me this Hyper-G Hybrid has completely revitalized my interest in Hyper-G...like a Hyper-G 2.0 !
As a stringer, I think the Hyper-G Combo can work for a lot of others too especially those that enjoy what poly has to offer. I have a hunch that choosing the right tension for your needs and player profile you’ll have an enjoyable experience with this combo.
Honestly, I have enjoyed the Hyper-G Combo so much that I hesitate to tell friends more than “I think you might like it.” because if I tell them what I really think they’ll think I have stock in Solinco!
A: Yes. The synergy ( power, control, spin, feel) this combo brings to bear on my game gives me the confidence to play anyway I want or need to.
Thanks Solinco and TW for making this playtest happen !! I'd like to congratulate your team and all you've accomplished this season.
StringStrungStrang
Professional
Apologies !! Has been reposted in the correct string review. Hyper-G Combo hybrid try it !!
BTW I had the chance a few days ago to try this HEAD Extreme Pro. Nice racquet !! The colors are nice - it has that summertime vibe, very Miami Vice !!
I only hit for 10 minutes, but there is a lot to like; spin, swingweight and good pop.
BTW I had the chance a few days ago to try this HEAD Extreme Pro. Nice racquet !! The colors are nice - it has that summertime vibe, very Miami Vice !!
I only hit for 10 minutes, but there is a lot to like; spin, swingweight and good pop.
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TennisHound
Legend
Nice review though
TennisHound
Legend
Rain today again, and every day till Monday. Guess most of my review will be how this racquet performs in wet weather.
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
No indoor courts where you live?Rain today again, and every day till Monday. Guess most of my review will be how this racquet performs in wet weather.
TennisHound
Legend
Not really. There is an indoor facility south about 15 miles for about $30 hour, but its taken up today. I may have to bite the bullet and do it. I might have some windows over the next few days. I've already played a lot with it, but I want to try a .17 edged poly. I'll make it work
At least the wet balls have loosened up the strings a bit, but I keep hitting the dead spot up top near the frame eeegh
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