longtimelurker
Professional
I like the sw at the mid 320's for xl's. Hope the qc is decent with this version. I think head done a great job introducing an XL
Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Head Extreme MP XL
- Thread starter TW Staff
- Start date
ozbikebuddy
Professional
Hi @fritzhimself might I be ok to direct message you about your custom pallets? I'm really curious about themI’ve already done several extensions for this guy.
This time, he want the Extreme.
Here are a few pictures.
The SW was 324.6 with the original factory stringing. After the extension, it was 393.8.
But he absolutely wanted to get it up to 414 SW.
Then the frame weighed a good 361 grams, or a whopping 12.7 ounces.
The guy isn’t even 1.90 m or 6.2 feet tall. He plays tournament tennis.
Unfortunately, I haven’t seen him play yet, but according to what he’s told me, he’s been playing with these extreme lengths since he was a teenager.
PhxRacket
Hall of Fame
Better experience playing doubles. I was curious to see how pressure returns and volleys would be in a doubles setting. Volleys were better than anticipated. The extra reach proved its worth. The MP XL is maneuverable enough to handle body serves and net opponent poaching and fake poaching with aplomb. Comfortable hitting, launchiness working itself out. Easy depth and acute angles. As expected, serves and overheads were DYNAMITE! Don’t sleep on this stick.
hisreekanth
New User
I really want to see how the extended length and spin grommets work together. Coming from the Prince O3 Phantom 100X, that should make for a really interesting comparison, especially since the swing weight and static weight are so similar. I’m also curious whether the extra string movement actually translates into noticeably more spin and snapback on court. Definitely interested to hear what tension you end up settling on and how it affects the power and control
i just got the racket yesterday. It came with velocity and lynx tour black, but I have strung it tru pro pure rush 16g with 49/47 tension. I’ll probably use the lynx tour as well but I want to make my comparison with black out v1 xtd as well as diadem axis 98.
I hit with my wife today as well as doing some drills with a ball machine for 2 hours and here is my initial thoughts:
Looks: It is a pretty racket, in my opinion one of the best looking extreme racket. It looks glossy and metallic at the same time, and it’s just shining and shimmering under the sun lol.
Playability: very whippy / fast feeling compared to BO XTD. I do not find any problem switching with my axis 98 in regards to maneuverability.
The feel is also very good in my opinion and has just the right balance of crisp/comfort/muteness. Off center hits are not jarring compared to BO XTD. I have been playing more with the axis lately and one problem that I do not like is the mutedness so it is nice to feel the ball and be rewarded on center shots.
During rally, it was easy to gel with racket overall. I had a bit of hick up with my backhand as maybe I am used to do more open string patter of my axis. Power is enough, tad bit lower than BO, but I would say spin is equal for both rackets. Control is better with extreme though compared to the two and I do not have problems with flattening my shots then doing loopy strokes the next.
Overall pretty impressive initial hit and I am excited to clock in more hours with this one.
I hit with my wife today as well as doing some drills with a ball machine for 2 hours and here is my initial thoughts:
Looks: It is a pretty racket, in my opinion one of the best looking extreme racket. It looks glossy and metallic at the same time, and it’s just shining and shimmering under the sun lol.
Playability: very whippy / fast feeling compared to BO XTD. I do not find any problem switching with my axis 98 in regards to maneuverability.
The feel is also very good in my opinion and has just the right balance of crisp/comfort/muteness. Off center hits are not jarring compared to BO XTD. I have been playing more with the axis lately and one problem that I do not like is the mutedness so it is nice to feel the ball and be rewarded on center shots.
During rally, it was easy to gel with racket overall. I had a bit of hick up with my backhand as maybe I am used to do more open string patter of my axis. Power is enough, tad bit lower than BO, but I would say spin is equal for both rackets. Control is better with extreme though compared to the two and I do not have problems with flattening my shots then doing loopy strokes the next.
Overall pretty impressive initial hit and I am excited to clock in more hours with this one.
PhxRacket
Hall of Fame
Sadly, I have to return my demo box tomorrow so my MP XL is boxed up at the moment. I can honestly say that the demo was a lot of fun and very eye opening for me. I thought I might have an issue with control-no. I thought it might feel clubby-no. I thought it might be a challenge to swing owing to the extra length-no. I felt like it might be too launchy-it was until the user altered his technique. This racquet will appeal to players of different levels if they give it a chance and are able to accommodate its features in their game. Is it a tweeter-maybe? Is it a control/precision player’s racquet-no. Can you hit dimes-yes. I have to seriously consider the Extreme MP XL as a replacement stick for me as it was equally at home on the singles and doubles courts.
ozbikebuddy
Professional
McLovin
Legend
If I recall correctly, @chrian is using the BO XTD V1. Having used both extensively (V1 for ~ 2 1/2 years, and now V2 for a year), and having been on the latest PD+ playtest, I'd say in order of "whippiest":
- BO XTD V2
- '25 PD+/BO XTD V1 (basically the same)
<Refreshes UPS Tracking App...>
....Nope, still the 27th...
ozbikebuddy
Professional
Very keen to hear the feedback. Need to see if I can get a BOV1 or V2 demo anywhere near me.
The new Extreme I can test thanks to friends in a pro shop. Just need to work out timing
I would want to demo the V2 as well but with a limited time right now, I rather focus on my technique lol.
Other thing to mention is that my wife currently uses my BO and strung it with a 17g velocity. I have strung the extreme with a 16 pure rush, and still feel like the extreme is faster to swing compared to BO. Of course that’s just base on how I feel since I do not have anyway to measure swingweight accurately
SJSA
Professional
What gauges of Velocity and Lynx Tour did you get?
hisreekanth
New User
That sounds like a really promising first session. I’m especially interested in your comparison with the Axis 98 since you mentioned the this extreme version gives you better control without feeling too harsh. The balance between crispness, comfort, and feel sounds like a nice middle ground.
I’m also curious how the Tru Pro Pure Rush 16g at 49/47 plays as the hours add up. Do you think the Extreme’s control and spin are coming more from the frame itself, or do you feel the string setup is contributing quite a bit? And once you put some more time into it, I’d love to hear whether the backhand issue goes away as you get used to the string pattern.
hisreekanth
New User
TW review is up
I think this is a very positive and convincing review, especially for someone considering an extended-length racquet. The biggest takeaway for me is that the Extreme MP XL seems to hide its 27.5-inch length surprisingly well. The combination of maneuverability, stability, spin, and easy power is what makes the review stand out.
I also like that the playtesters didn't simply focus on the extra power. They highlighted how the racquet remained fast through the air and didn't feel overly cumbersome on groundstrokes, volleys, or even returns. The 9.3 serve score makes sense given the extra leverage, and the comments about heavy spin and easy pace are particularly compelling.
The one area I'd pay attention to is returning against heavy pace. Oak's comments about initially feeling late and Troy wanting more mass suggest that while the racquet is fast and maneuverable, stronger players may eventually want to customize it with some additional weight for more plow-through and stability.
Overall, I think the review makes the Extreme MP XL sound like a really interesting option for players who want the benefits of an extended frame without the usual penalty in maneuverability. The comparison to the Pure Drive Plus and Blackout 300 XTD is also useful because it gives players a better idea of where the Extreme MP XL sits in the extended-length category. The review's 8.7 overall score seems well supported by the individual playtester.
I got 17g for both
It’s more in the racket. Axis has a wider string spacing on the mains compared to the extreme. I think it has a stiffer layup as well compared to the extreme
hisreekanth
New User
Nice @SJSA ! I can't wait to string this stick!
hisreekanth
New User
I just strung this racket at 51 Lbs.
SJSA
Professional
Thank you for your quick service!I just strung this racket at 51 Lbs.
hisreekanth
New User
Let me know how the string bed feels and also the racket overall performance!
McLovin
Legend
Got mine this afternoon. Unstrung measurements are 300g, 8pts HL. So, dead-on for static weight, but a tad more head-heavy than targeted specs. Of course…I’m doing this with a homemade balance board, so take that number with a grain of salt…
Playing doubles this Friday w/ @Soundbyte. Looking forward to seeing how this plays compared to my Blackout XTDs.
Playing doubles this Friday w/ @Soundbyte. Looking forward to seeing how this plays compared to my Blackout XTDs.
SJSA
Professional
The feeling of playing with it for the first time yesterday: a powerful and stable racket.
Other than cross shots, the longer racket doesn't really need any adjustments.
My serves have become stronger and faster.
It's a bit light for me, so I might add some lead tapes next time when I play.
To be continued...
Other than cross shots, the longer racket doesn't really need any adjustments.
My serves have become stronger and faster.
It's a bit light for me, so I might add some lead tapes next time when I play.
To be continued...
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hisreekanth
New User
You are most welcome @SJSA !!
That sounds like a really promising first session. The extra length giving you more pace on the serve without requiring a huge adjustment is definitely a good sign. I’m curious how it feels once you add a little weight—especially whether the extra stability and plow-through are noticeable without making it feel sluggish. Looking forward to hearing how it performs after a few more sessions!
McLovin
Legend
Got out this morning with it. 4.5-level doubs, partnered w/ @Soundbyte. Used the Extreme MP XL for the 1st set, and really enjoyed it (even though I lost my first service game at love...). Returns were solid, as were my groundstrokes. Had a little problem placing the serve in the beginning, but got the hang of it for my 2nd service game. Volleys I felt a little off, but in all honesty, that was more me than the frame. I struggled at the net all match.
Overall a solid first showing. However...if you have issues w/ muted frames, don't bother. It is quite muted, and for the record, I love it.
Playing singles on the clay tomorrow, so I'll get a solid feel for how it plays in extended ralleys.
Overall a solid first showing. However...if you have issues w/ muted frames, don't bother. It is quite muted, and for the record, I love it.
Playing singles on the clay tomorrow, so I'll get a solid feel for how it plays in extended ralleys.
PhxRacket
Hall of Fame
A lot of high level players may turn up their noses at this one to their own detriment. I am having a hard time understanding why I played my best tennis in months when I demoed the MP XL. To be honest, I didn’t play with the other two racquets in the box. The serve was absolutely the best part.
McLovin
Legend
I let one of the other guys use it in the 2nd set. He's a strong 4.5 singles player that settled on the Blade 18x20 (forgot which version) after a year or so of trying different frames. He played arguably the best doubles I've ever seen. I was going to switch back to the Extreme in the 3rd set, but he wanted to keep hitting with it.
And to your point...he absolutely crushes the ball w/ his Blade. His biggest issue is control (this is not me knocking his game...he readily admits it), but he had no issues controlling his shots w/ this. Granted it was doubles, but there were a bunch of drawn out cross-court ralleys, and he seemed more than willing to stay back & just rip forehands. I'd hit a few nice sliders into the body/backhand (he returned from the deuce side), only to see him fight them off & hit inside-out backhand return winners.
A_Instead
Legend
I think more people would enjoy XL rackets in general if manufacturers would keep the swing weight to a some what normal level.. meaning close to 325 ish -/+
The extra length gives a nice advantage of extra pop and power without much extra effort.
Control comes with skill as one learns how to use a + length racket..
The extra length gives a nice advantage of extra pop and power without much extra effort.
Control comes with skill as one learns how to use a + length racket..
hisreekanth
New User
Sounds like a really solid first hit with the Extreme MP XL. The fact that you were able to adjust to the extra length pretty quickly and get good results on returns and groundstrokes is encouraging. I’m especially curious to hear how it performs on clay in longer rallies—the extended length and added leverage could really show up there.
And I’m with you on the muted feel. I actually like a more muted, dampened response as long as it doesn’t feel disconnected from the ball. Looking forward to hearing how it holds up in singles and whether the extra length helps with spin and serve consistency once you get more comfortable with it.
@McLovin normally uses extended frames, it's our other friend who played 2 sets with the MP XL who is a regular length Blade v8 user.
I didn't hit with the Extreme today. On court, I wasn't a big fan of the PJ. I know we're in a moment of glossy bright colors, but they all seem kinda lazy. My Defyer is no different.
hisreekanth
New User
Ah, gotcha—that clears up the MP XL comparison. I’d be curious to hear how the regular Blade v8 user felt about the extended length after two sets.
I’m with you on the PJ, too. The glossy, bright-color trend seems to be everywhere right now, and some of them feel more like they were designed to stand out on a shelf than to actually look good on court. The Extreme definitely has that “loud” look.
PhxRacket
Hall of Fame
I play the V8 Blade 16x19 as a regular stick and I had no problems with the extended length. I thought I might-but no. It took a minute to adjust for volleys. What I can tell you is that after playing three sets in the Phoenix summer heat, the Extreme MP XL still moved easier than the Blade
ozbikebuddy
Professional
I've got a demo for a week, so hopefully I might be able to get a few sessions in and give it a run again my old PD+, and hoping to get on court with some Solinco's soon too.
Gotta say though the MPXL is definitely the best value price wise outta all 3 atm
Gotta say though the MPXL is definitely the best value price wise outta all 3 atm
I’m not on the play test but bought the racquet on a whim. Great couple of hits with it so far. Took just 30 minutes or so to get used to the length but after that it felt very natural. Very whippy. Backhands felt great. The slice was awesome. Short balls and approach shots were great. I really enjoyed all the groundstrokes. Where I really was impressed was at the net where it was very stable and a lot of touch. It’s gonna be a great doubles racket for sure. On serve it was really good too, but I think that’s gonna take me some more time to adjust. All these impressions were with using head velocity.
I typically play with a pure drive, and this gave me less power, same control and more spin. I’m excited to get my own string in this racket and take it into match play. Great job by head.
I typically play with a pure drive, and this gave me less power, same control and more spin. I’m excited to get my own string in this racket and take it into match play. Great job by head.
Can someone compare this to the Gravity Tour 98? I know those 2 are very different, but just wanted to get a sense of how the 2 compare in terms of power, spin, launch angle, control and overall playability.
The GT98 likely has much better feel but I am in the market for an extended length frame and have the following options: Extreme MP XL, extending my GT98 myself, or getting a prostock GT98 XL.
I could also look at the Blade Pro 100 which is slightly extended or wait for the new Solinco lineup which would be more similar to the GT98 than the WO or BO.
Essentially, would just like to know how different this is from the GT98 in terms of power, spin and launch angle.
The GT98 likely has much better feel but I am in the market for an extended length frame and have the following options: Extreme MP XL, extending my GT98 myself, or getting a prostock GT98 XL.
I could also look at the Blade Pro 100 which is slightly extended or wait for the new Solinco lineup which would be more similar to the GT98 than the WO or BO.
Essentially, would just like to know how different this is from the GT98 in terms of power, spin and launch angle.
Just one more comment here and then I will bow out of this thread, especially since I am not an official play tester. The TW review was pretty spot on here, especially the comment that Oak made about the top cross being closer to the top of the hoop than other frames. I can feel higher levels of control when I hit higher in the string bed. This is very apparent on serves, and specifically flat serves. The directional control on serves to me is more like a 98 than a power 100. I am very impressed with this stick and it makes me wonder what more Head can do if they made some other extended length racquets.
Any comparisons to the Solinco Blackout Xtd? The Head MP XL isn't up on the TWU racquet compare tool FWIW. I'm considering an extended length to see if it helps compensate for age related decline in speed and strength. I currently swap between Shift 99 300 with natural gut mains and the Extreme Tour 22 full poly when conditions are wet.
ozbikebuddy
Professional
I'm hoping to try the Solinco's at a demo day later this month, I have a demo Extreme MPXL at the moment, but got a caught a bug so no idea if I'm going to get a chance to hit before I have to return it
McLovin
Legend
My regular stick is the Blackout V2 XTD, and while it's too soon for me to make a full comparison, I'd say they're close in many aspects. The main issue is it's balance point being 2-3 pts more head-heavy (the TW specs here & here confirmed my findings). The Blackout XTD V2 is known for being quite "whippy", and that helps me when I play the younger, big-hitters, as I can often find myself rushed during baseline exchanges. I've only played twice so far, once was doubles indoors, the other singles outside on the clay.
Indoors it felt great. Good serves, really solid on returns, and while I suffered at the net, it had nothing to do w/ the frame. I was just "off" that morning (I switched back to my Blackout after 1 set and still was off). I serve & volley in doubles, so there weren't many drawn-out ralleys.
Outside, on the clay, I was really feeling the difference in balance, especially on the forehand. Countless times I was lagging on my shot, and having to "slap" it. Granted, my opponent was hitting really well, and I was a bit tired, but I switched back to my Blackout for the 2nd set, and after 2 games, got my timing back.
I added a 2nd overgrip (I like mine between 4 3/8 & 4 1/2) and then measured it vs my Blackout (which I've highly customized). My Blackout XTD is 349g strung, but still 11pts HL (most of the weight is in the handle). Adding the 2nd overgrip, the Extreme is now 329g strung, 8pts HL, but the swingweights are identical (I won't bother with the actual numbers as my Briffidi hasn't been calibrated).
I'm playing doubles again tomorrow morning, so I'll get a few more reps in and will try to pay closer attention to things like power & spin.
ozbikebuddy
Professional
Looking forward to hearing more feedback. I'm not going to get to try my demo before I have to return it
This is the thing that concerns me most, the rationale for going to extended length is mainly for a bit easier power and leverage on serve, not sure if that benefit would offset the slower reactions especially if I end up with a heavy swing weight? However going by the specs the Extreme should have a slightly lower swing weight??
A_Instead
Legend
I too am looking forward to the reviews to see if testers can easily adapt to the extended length..
Extended rackets with higher swing weights and lower balance points do tend to get cumbersome.. yet with lower swing weights and higher balance points the extra length isn't really noticeable after a very short adjustment period.
I have a Black Out v2 XTD which I can use interchangeable with any other racket that I have in my bag..
I enjoy using it in doubles as it's extra pop and power are welcomed on shorter swings.. and the extra reach is always an advantage..and of course the serve advantages always help.
If the Extreme XL enhances everything the std mp does...it should be golden.
Extended rackets with higher swing weights and lower balance points do tend to get cumbersome.. yet with lower swing weights and higher balance points the extra length isn't really noticeable after a very short adjustment period.
I have a Black Out v2 XTD which I can use interchangeable with any other racket that I have in my bag..
I enjoy using it in doubles as it's extra pop and power are welcomed on shorter swings.. and the extra reach is always an advantage..and of course the serve advantages always help.
If the Extreme XL enhances everything the std mp does...it should be golden.
ozbikebuddy
Professional
The demo I've had this week feel great in the hand I have to say, I've done planty shadow swings with it (as I've not been able to get out on court with it and I have to return it tomorrow), and I have to say it feels a little nicer than my GT100, & feel not quite as fast through the air as my Boom Pro, a nice balance of both.
I'm definitely going to try and get it out to demo again if I possibly can again soon
I'm tempted to pull the trigger on the MP XL as Tennis Only have a limited offer that if you spend $250 on Head products you get a $50 gift card bringing the effective price down to $250 strung which is cheaper than TW USA! Considering new Wilsons and Babolats are close to $450 now it's certainly good value.
If they increased their QC the price rises would be easier to stomach, but asking $450 for frames that may be out of spec by 10% or more is outrageous!
