The Head Microgel Extreme Pro Pro Original CLUB

THESEXPISTOL

THESEXPISTOL

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The Head Microgel Extreme Pro Original CLUB

As the title says..
A club for the owners of this amazing racquet.
Post pics, string setups, customizations.. Everything about this model of head.
I will later post some pics of my sticks.

Members list:
1- THESEXPISTOL
2 - shogun90
3 - scs96ajr
4 - Don Luca
5 - Winks
6- VivalaVida
7- Kick Serve 14
 
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I'm in. Currently 1 with Blue Gear 18g 47# x Gosen Micro 17g 52#. Another with Klipper Pearl Zone 57# x 57# with lead @ 10/2. Both with leather grips and Gamma overgrip. Lowe's rubber gasket as dampener. Been bouncing around between the MGEP and Volkl Cat V10 V-Engine. Found the one with the lead hitting a heavier ball.

Members list:
1- THESEXPISTOL
2 - shogun90
 
Count me in.
I am very happy with my sticks, use them for almost 2 years and still in love with them, best rackets I ever had. :p

Members list:
1- THESEXPISTOL
2 - shogun90
3 - scs96ajr
 
Hi everyone,

this is my first post here and I think I should introduce a bit myself! :)

My name is Luca, I'm 23, male (yeah, names like Luca, Gianluca, Andrea and Nicola are commonly used male names here in Italy), I live in Rome and I've been playing tennis for 11 years, though not consecutively.
I started when I was 6, played until 16, then stopped because my doc said I was growing unbalanced onto the right and I had to practice swimming and gym to develop back muscles.
That's been 3 years of swimming and 2 years of gym, then had to study for university so I didn't have the time to practice a sport (terrible mistake) and last year I grew tired of just being there on a chair, studying and not doing any physical activity, so I went back to the court and started again.

As of now I'd rate myself as a beginner, I'm taking lessons three times a week and fell in love with tennis again.

I used to play with a Head Extreme Competition Twintube Midplus (the orange and black one, not the blue one!) but recently switched for a Head Microgel Extreme Pro ( 2008 ) which I absolutely love.

Here are some photos of it:

This is the stock one, with Head Sonic Pro @ 25 kp (55 lb or so)

img2026l.jpg


Here I applied a stencil I made on it of a "L" in gothic

img2033u.jpg


img2034bn.jpg
 
After 2 weeks I simply hated the Sonic Pro, so I switched for Tecnifibre Black Code @ 27 kp (~60 lb), I still have to try this setup. I put a overgrip (Head Prestige Pro) as well since the grip was a bit too little for my hands.

img2035ri.jpg


img2036ac.jpg


Of course, I'd like to join the club! :D

P.S.: As you can see my english is far from perfect... if you notice any grammatical errors/horrors, please correct me so I can improve. ;)
 
Add me to the list. A while back I was looking for something a bit more powerful than the old Prince Retros I was using but not at powerful as the Pure Drives I had tried. I wanted the power the PD has on the serve but had trouble controlling groundstrokes. I saw the original MG Extreme Pro and it thought it appeared to be somewhat of a clone of the PD. When it went on sale for $99 I thought I'd take a chance.

It was a bit lighter in the head than I expected but I did what others mentioned and added some lead at 10/2. Plays nicely now so I bought a 2nd for backup.

Microl Gel Extreme Pro Original Members list:
1- THESEXPISTOL
2 - shogun90
3 - scs96ajr
4 - Don Luca
5 - Winks
__________________
 
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If you have 2+ of these, how's the quality control?
Same weight and balance, or all over the place?
 
BigT said:
If you have 2+ of these, how's the quality control?
Same weight and balance, or all over the place?
Click to expand...

i have three quality control is very good +/- .1, recommend that you buy them at the same time from the same batch.

please add me to the club
 
BigT said:
If you have 2+ of these, how's the quality control?
Same weight and balance, or all over the place?
Click to expand...

I bought 4 at the same time from TW, the strung weight is within 5 gr. Balance is the same. So I will recommend buying all at the same time.
 
Can you guys tell us about your string setups and how do they perform?

As I said I tried first with Head's Sonic Pro strung at 55 lb but after some hitting (and some heavy serving) I felt like the strings were already loosening... I had a match against my hitting partner and the first set went very well, but the second one was terrible... I had to cut my swings a bit or the ball would always land a bit over the line.
Some days after I decided to give them another try but the situation got even worse.

Now I have my MXP strung with black code at 60 lb but haven't tried it yet since my hitting partener got ill -.-
Today he felt better, so tomorrow I should be playing with him and I'll report asap how the black code performed.

Btw, I'm using a eastern forehand grip and a 1 hand western backhand grip.
My best strokes are serves and backhands.
 
Don Luca said:
Can you guys tell us about your string setups and how do they perform?

As I said I tried first with Head's Sonic Pro strung at 55 lb....

Now I have my MXP strung with black code at 60 lb but haven't tried it yet.....
Click to expand...

I switched to a 100% poly setup years ago and am currently using Babolat Pro Hurricane in my MGXP's at ~60 lbs.

You can try a Poly like that but I think the strings you choose are more of a preference thing. I like a relatively firm stringbed that lets me "hit out" more so I can generate more spin. To some people this is harsh and prefer a softer bed with more "feel". You only know by trying yourself!

I just happened to be reading the specs printed on my Racquets and saw on them that Head recommends using "Sonic Pro". I've never heard of this string before nor anyone using it until you mentioned it. I assume it is just a new synthetic that Head is trying to push?
 
Fedace said:
Where can i buy the extreme original. its a discontinued model
Click to expand...

I bought my first one right here at TW after the new version came out and they dropped the price of the original to $99.

When I wanted another as a backup TW no longer had any in stock but searched the internet and was able to be find another at the same price. I don't remember the name of the online retailer, but it was a well known name and somewhere out Mid West? I think they still have them.
 
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winks said:
them that Head recommends using "Sonic Pro". I've never heard of this string before nor anyone using it until you mentioned it. I assume it is just a new synthetic that Head is trying to push?
Click to expand...

No.. Sonic Pro is a poly from Head. One of the softest out there..
 
winks said:
I just happened to be reading the specs printed on my Racquets and saw on them that Head recommends using "Sonic Pro". I've never heard of this string before nor anyone using it until you mentioned it. I assume it is just a new synthetic that Head is trying to push?
Click to expand...

Yes, and it is very cheap indeed... I tried it because they gave me it for free and at first it was over average, but after 1 hour or so of hard hitting the strings start loosening and after 2 hours I had to cut my swings. They were rather soft, no spin, average-low power.

Fedace said:
Where can i buy the extreme original. its a discontinued model
Click to expand...

I found one at a pro shop near home, I couldn't believe it until I had one in my hand and bought for 110 € (let's say 110 $, since everything here in Italy costs a lot more to the point that € = $. Damn taxes -_-' ).
 
Oops, sry, I thought that by "synthetic" you meant "poly".
Sonic Pro, as said by SexPistol, is a co-poly, not synthetic gut.
 
Ok, today I had a match with a friend so I finally tried out my new setup with Black Code @ 60 lb.

I'd start saying that today I was in exceptional physical form and I played great (won 6-3 6-4, then started raining hard :( ), so my little review will obviously be affected by this, I'll have to play again when I'll be more "normal", lol.

The string performed very very well.
I had much more confidence on my groundstrokes and I pulled several powerful forehand winners with plenty of spin on them. Had to adjust my 1hbh a bit but then felt absolutely great.
On the other side I felt my kick serve a bit underpowered than it used to be, but that just might be me, in spite of this, my slice serve was sick; on the second set I changed my first kick serve for the slice serve because it was way too good.
Volleys weren't that great but I'm not that net player myself, so, again, it may be just me.
After 2 hours of hitting the strings were perfect, they didn't move a bit and had 0 tension loss.

Anyway, this is just a first time review of Black Code on my MXP2008, I'm looking forward playing more with it so I can give more details. :)
 
SexPistols, what's your string setup? How does it play?

Today I'm going to hit again and will report if black code still performs well ;)
 
Don Luca said:
SexPistols, what's your string setup? How does it play?

Today I'm going to hit again and will report if black code still performs well ;)
Click to expand...

Gosen Micro 17 @ Crosses 24kgs
Isospeed Baseline spin 17 @ Mains 23kgs

Very cheap hybrid, very durable. I can take big cuts at the ball and still it goes in. It has some good feel for dropshots of volleys thanks to the Gosen Micro.
Definitly a must try if you don't have a lot of money for stringing and you play at a competition level.
 
That sounds like a very good setup! ;)

I absolutely DO NOT play at competitive levels xD
Even if I've been playing tennis for 11 years, I had a 5 years gap during which I haven't been hitting and I've started taking lessons last year and I'm continuing now because I just love this game. :)

To sum up, I'm definitely not a string breaker, nor I have durability problems (apart from the Head's Sonic Pro case where the strings lost tension very badly in a few hours of hitting :confused: ) but in the next months, when black code will eventually start loosening, I'll probably try your setup :D


So, today I had another match with my hitting partner, and I thought I was again in great form, but after few minutes of hitting I felt my arm terribly heavy and after a few good powerful serves it started aching a bit, so I had to switch over to my slice serve (which, btw, is getting better and better) and considerably lower the pace. Obviously my game got influenced and I could say goodbye to my big forehand winners and opt for a more strategical play with high and deep topspin strokes. The match finished in a draw because the time ran out and we ended up 5 - 5 due to very long games.

Anyway, the black code still performed greatly, I could definitely put a load of spin on my groundstrokes to compensate the lack of power due to my condition. The slice serve gets better and better and I'm taking a lot of confidence in it.
I must play with it again at least another time when I'm in a better shape to give it the final word.

Stay tuned! ^^
 
which tension are you using to keep the ball on the court?
I will strung my racquets with full tecnifibre redcode at 25kgs.. I hope thats enough for take big cuts at the ball and keep it on court
 
Sorry for replying so late but this thread went too down and I ended up forgetting it, my bad :(

I'm stringing Black Code at 27 Kg and finally can take full swings without cutting my swings or putting insane spin in favor of power to keep it in.

Today I had my first lesson after the summer interruption and it went great, I'm tremendously happy with my MXP2008 and Black Code, I think I've found my perfect setup, though I want to try yours and Jolly's Rig because it really intrigues me.
I finally have decent consistency and always play deep with excellent strong strokes... now I have to work on my second serve and build up accuracy.

Two thumbs up! ^^
 
The racquet is doing an awesome job during my tennis lessons... I'm visibly improving my strokes, extremely happy! ^^

Welcome aboard VivaLaVida!
 
Don Luca said:
The racquet is doing an awesome job during my tennis lessons... I'm visibly improving my strokes, extremely happy! ^^

Welcome aboard VivaLaVida!
Click to expand...
Why thank you Don Luca!

I have a pretty embarrassing story to tell you guys. I used to have a Head Microgel extreme, the new one and not pro. I loved the racket and one day this summer I lost my temper on court and threw it down and the frame cracked. I was so upset because I didnt wanna break my frame. What was worse is that my parents bought it for me for a 180 dollars. I felt bad so I went and got a new old version pro for 100 dollars. At first, I hated the racket very much, I got wrist and elbow tendinitis for just a few hitting sessions but now I am starting to love this racket. It is very solid and has a lot of control and power. My serving has gotten a lot better too.
 
It's strange that such a good racquet isn't used by a lot of people in this forum...

About the HEAD MICROGEL EXTREME PRO:
This very spin friendly racquet offers a solid feel thanks to its combination of weight and HEAD's MicroGel technology. At close to 12 ounces strung, the MicroGel Extreme Pro offers excellent stability at contact. HEAD claims that its MicroGel material, placed throughout the hoop, reacts at contact and distributes shock around the frame. On court testing has proven the Extreme Pro to be a very comfortable racquet. Our TW playtesters noticed a much softer feel from this racquet than one would expect from its 68 RA stiffness rating. HEAD have designed the hoop of the Extreme racquets to be wider at the sweetspot, allowing the ball to slide further across the stringbed for improved spin production and racquet stability. Aggressive players will find this racquet perfect for taking large cuts at the ball from all areas of the court. Players will find some useful power from the heft and stiffness of the racquet, yet the level of control remains very high thanks to lots of feel and good ball bite. All in all a very impressive racquet for 4.5+ NTRP level players.

Head Size:
100 sq. in. / 645 sq. cm.
Length: 27 inches / 69 cm
Strung Weight: 11.8oz / 335g
Balance: 7pts Head Light
Swingweight: 332
Stiffness: 68
Beam Width: 24 - 26 - 23 Tapered Beam
Composition: Microgel / Graphite
Power Level: Low-Medium
Swing Speed: Fast
Grip Type: HydroSorb
String Pattern:
16 Mains / 19 Crosses
Mains skip: 8T,8H
Two Piece
No shared holes
String Tension: 52-62 pounds
 
I put some Vantage Leather grips on my babies. They're more sexy than ever.
I'm using Tecnifibre Redcode 16L in mains at 24,5kgs and Tecnifibre Syngut 15 in the crosses at 25kgs and i'm liking it. I will try some Signum Pro Poly Plasma aka SPPP 16 at 25kgs. Did someone tried this one?
 
I know there are a lot of guys using this ones. Please contribute to the club.

My current stick specs are:
weight: 350g (with grip, overgrip, dampener)
modifications: added TK82S pallet to all of them and the new youtek buttcap. Also added 3g at 3' and 3g' at 9 and 6 on the bottom of the handle.

Strung with Polystar Energy 1.25 at 24kgs and it plays like a dream.
 
THESEXPISTOL said:
I know there are a lot of guys using this ones. Please contribute to the club.

My current stick specs are:
weight: 350g (with grip, overgrip, dampener)
modifications: added TK82S pallet to all of them and the new youtek buttcap. Also added 3g at 3' and 3g' at 9 and 6 on the bottom of the handle.

Strung with Polystar Energy 1.25 at 24kgs and it plays like a dream.
Click to expand...

I use the 2008 MP, non Pro, but as you see in my signature, my racket is heavily customized so that it actually weighs more than the Pro. I liked the Pro more than the MP, however, I felt that the Pro was too stiff and hurt my elbow, while the MP didn't. Anyways, I technically use the Pro, so feel free to add me if you wish.
 
Don Luca - I am looking at buying an Extreme Competition. You mentioned that you used the orange and black version, not the blue one - is there any difference between those two version? Thanks!
 
Count me in!!! This is a great racquet, plays similar to Pure Drive Roddick but more spin potential. Got mine last year when they first went on sale @ TW and love it ever since! I typically have a powerful and very spinny forehand and w/ with my MGEP I can spank 'em around like Nadal. Currently using lead at 9 and 3 for added stability on my one-handed BH w/ a hybrid set-up of Kirschbaum Pro Line II mains @ 59 /// Kirschbaum Touch Multi crosses @ 57. Although the Extreme Pro is my bread and butter, I just purchased a MicroGel Prestige Pro and am struggling to get used to it and was wondering if any other Extreme Pro users who have also used a MGPP might offer any weighting or string set-up suggestions for me.
 
I used to play with the old extreme pro with hybrid setup.. put on a fairway leather, lead it up to 350g unstrung.. it's a great racket.. I tried the same setup for the 2009model and it's not as good.. I don't feel the ball like the old original one..
 
Win! Got 3 all strung with Gosen Synthetic Mains and Pro Supex Big Ace Crosses. (16/17) Stung depending on the season. Also got a rubber band and wilson or yonex overgrip on it. Fricken quality control. Bought one in Taiwan and was way too head heavy and had to add lead to the handle and balance one out. Cheers.
 
img0054n.jpg


Yes! I'm glad other people truly love this racket. I've played with the Wilson 6.1 series (nCode and KFactor) for the entirety of my tennis career. Hit with this racket and fell in love with it. These are strung at 58 with a hybrid of babolat pro hurricane 18 and some head syn gut. Scored these in 9.5/10 condition for $120. Greatest purchase ever.
 
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