The Official Head Youtek IG Extreme Pro 2.0 Club

[asifallasleep]

Has anyone experienced arm pain after switching to this racquet? I used the use the lighter S version. After switching to the pro, I am loving the way I play but get terrible arm pain after I play... It is strung with multi in the mains at 55 and poly crosses at 52.

The S and the Pro couldn't be more different. The S has a much much lower swing weight, static weight, is more head heavy and stiffer. The S is a light tweener frame whereas the Pro is moreso a players frame. The Pro is a heavy stick with a really high sw.

You'd have to be fairly strong to get the needed racquet head speed to effectively hit with the Pro. You can't just use your arm and really need proper form from your core and good rotation to hit the ball properly. It's a much more advanced frame. You can probably just flail away using your arm with the S and still get some good pop although not the same plow through as with the Pro and proper form.

If your mechanics mainly use your arm to hit the ball, you would feel pain using the Pro. It's too heavy for that style of play. Also due to the added weight of the frame you may also be catching the ball late.

If it's not a form issue, i'd say drop your tension down to 45-50 range.

I'm guessing you may be using too much arm and not enough of your core to rotate, and therefore your arm is hurting.

 

[mbrenner]

Thanks for the response. I think you are right about me using too much arm. I will have to schedule a lesson with my local pro and sure up my form.

 

[cartel]

i have had occasional shoulder pain with these but i do like them-- i was using full poly 50's range a few months ago and now lower tension..

today i tried a ki Q5x and its an even higher SW-- but i was able to hit a much more penetrating ball with it-- i havent decided to switch yet but the extended just helped me so much on serve its hard to not lean that way

 

[willkho]

I used wilson 90 for many years...until I felt getting older, weaker and slower.
I then tried 95 but didn't really like it.

Borrowed a speed pro, a Babolat APD and an Extreme pro 2.0....LOVE the Extreme pro 2.0 since then.
Although transition from 90 to 100 was quite painful at the first time.

Bought 4 then sold 1 (due to the small bag).

Now I have 3x EP 2.0 (2 for playing, 1 as string tester).

Strings I've tried with EP 2.0 before:
-Spiky Shark
-Black code
-Alu power rough
-Dyreex Black edge

all tension around 53-54.

 

[asifallasleep]

I used wilson 90 for many years...until I felt getting older, weaker and slower.
I then tried 95 but didn't really like it.

Borrowed a speed pro, a Babolat APD and an Extreme pro 2.0....LOVE the Extreme pro 2.0 since then.
Although transition from 90 to 100 was quite painful at the first time.

Bought 4 then sold 1 (due to the small bag).

Now I have 3x EP 2.0 (2 for playing, 1 as string tester).

Strings I've tried with EP 2.0 before:
-Spiky Shark
-Black code
-Alu power rough
-Dyreex Black edge

all tension around 53-54.

Wow this is really interesting. I've always been a Wilson 90 guy as well. I really like the Extreme and thought I was going to change but I just can't get the K90 out of my system. I keep switching back and forth which is horrible for my game. I'm debating selling my 3 Extremes or putting them in storage so I can't keep switching. Crazy.

This may change again in a few weeks!

I just find nothing compares to the maneuverability of a thin beamed frame. Even though the K90's static weight and sw are high, the hl balance and thin beam enable me to react so much quicker than i can with thicker beams with lower static and sw's.

 

[X999X]

My EP 2.0s have one overgrip and a little lead under the bumper @ 12, they are roughly 6 points head light and weigh in @ 345 g

A full bed of Genesis Black Magic @ 46 lbs plays great and is really comfortable.

I tried Yonex PTP 125 at the same tension and the BM was far easier on the elbow.

 

[willkho]

That's right..changing from wilson 90 to this racket is hard...especially if you love to touch around such as drop shot, half volley, etc.
At first, forget about it...play different style.
The touch come later.
I was also switching around for at least 2 months until I noticed that I couldn't preserve my game quality with 90 after 2 sets, too tired and keep missing balls.

 

[XTR_Chris_XTR]

I used the Wilson PS 95 and changed because of arm problems to the head extreme pro 2.0 a few weeks ago.
I tested a lot of racquets (Wilson Blade 98, Steam, Head Radical Graphene MP, Yonex VCore 97, Head Graphene Speed MP).
In my opinion the Head Extreme was the best combination of power, Touch, control ans spin.
And the best...no more problems with my arm!!

I play the extreme with the focus Hex 1.23. 55/53lb

 

[jshanem72]

This is my first post on this forum. I'm 41 years old and play about 15 sets of very competitive singles a week at the 4.5 5.0 level. I have tried many new rackets and have never found anything that compares to my old school head graphite masters and ti radical mps. My girlfriend just got me the extreme pro for Christmas. I was very skeptical when I saw the thick beam and high flex rating but it is a present so what the heck. I strung it up with pros pro twist hex at 52lbs in the mains and pp black force @ 55 in the crosses. All I can say is WOW!!!!!! Try this racket. I can play with anything and I know that there is no holy grail but this thing is damn close!!!! Its stupid good for a knew style racket....

 

[Ziev]

I'm currently playing with the head ig extreme pro, the yellow black version with the nice paintjob. Love the racket, but it's time to get me some new ones.

The 2.0 version got the same specs as far as I can see, does it play similar? What 're the biggest differences between these 2 versions? Someone here who played both version

 

[Roberto_spin]

I've got a 2.0 Extreme Pro today... At scale 340gram... I removed the 2 overgrips on it... 330gram... But now the racket is very Headheavy... So I put some cotton+ blutac and now it's nearly 4pts HL and 338grams, still not my desired 6 pts HL...

Anyone an idea how I can get a more HL setup, while not raising the static weight?

 

[cartel]

what strings on it-- i use 17 poly//+ hybrids

 

[velvel95]

That is one almighty racq. If not for wrist discomfort I would make a permanent switch from vcore 89.

 

[Ziev]

I'm currently playing with the head ig extreme pro, the yellow black version with the nice paintjob. Love the racket, but it's time to get me some new ones.

The 2.0 version got the same specs as far as I can see, does it play similar? What 're the biggest differences between these 2 versions? Someone here who played both version

Anyone knows?

No one?

 

[Roberto_spin]

what strings on it-- i use 17 poly//+ hybrids

I got the racket strung with Big Banger Alu 1.22mm in the mains and Head Sonic pro 1.3mm in the crosses.. It is very low powered (16kg) so I'm gonna have a new string strung at 21kg at it.. probably a soft copoly like MSV focus Hex or Black Widow. Isn't low tension gonna give too much power to this racket?
Isn't 25kg better for control? The racket feels plush/soft enough to me... I normally play with a PDR....

 

[naturallight]

Can anyone compare the new Pro 2.0 with the Youtek Extreme Pro (the yellow one from two versions ago http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Head_YOUTEK_Extreme_Pro/descpageRCHEAD-YTXP.html?showinvis=yes)?

The specs are obviously similar. From digging around the stats on TWU (these are pretty cool tools), it looks like the minor differences are
- new Pro 2.0 has more plowthrough on the edges, while old Youtek has more plowthrough in upper hoop
- new Pro 2.0 has a lower swingweight but much higher twistweight
- new Pro 2.0 has a better vibration score
- power levels look basically even
- spin window is a smidge better for the old Youtek as it is slightly wider

Any comments on the differences in power, control, spin potential, and especially comfort would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[AA5B Tiger]

Can anyone compare the new Pro 2.0 with the Youtek Extreme Pro (the yellow one from two versions ago http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Head_YOUTEK_Extreme_Pro/descpageRCHEAD-YTXP.html?showinvis=yes)?

The specs are obviously similar. From digging around the stats on TWU (these are pretty cool tools), it looks like the minor differences are
- new Pro 2.0 has more plowthrough on the edges, while old Youtek has more plowthrough in upper hoop
- new Pro 2.0 has a lower swingweight but much higher twistweight
- new Pro 2.0 has a better vibration score
- power levels look basically even
- spin window is a smidge better for the old Youtek as it is slightly wider

Any comments on the differences in power, control, spin potential, and especially comfort would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

I've owned them both -- as well as other racquets with very similar specs -- and my advice is to ignore the specs. It's been eye-opening to me how much differently the Extreme Pro 2.0 plays to the older Extremes. It had me scratching my head as well: I look at the specs and think nothing has changed, then I demo'd them. Really taught me to take specs with a grain of salt.

I have heard someone describe the Extreme 2.0 as a "comfortable Babolat PureDrive"... I'd say that's pretty close.

 

[phanker]

I think it's just poor quality control on Head's part. I have 3 EP2.0s and they vary quite a bit in swing weight erring more on the heavier side. Looking for ways to remove weight from the head of my heavier racquets also.
Drilling holes in the top bumper guard seem to be a popular method. I might try using a dremmel tool to do so instead to avoid having to remove the guard itself which is painful.

 

[604al]

Can anyone compare the new Pro 2.0 with the Youtek Extreme Pro (the yellow one from two versions ago http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Head_YOUTEK_Extreme_Pro/descpageRCHEAD-YTXP.html?showinvis=yes)?

The specs are obviously similar. From digging around the stats on TWU (these are pretty cool tools), it looks like the minor differences are
- new Pro 2.0 has more plowthrough on the edges, while old Youtek has more plowthrough in upper hoop
- new Pro 2.0 has a lower swingweight but much higher twistweight
- new Pro 2.0 has a better vibration score
- power levels look basically even
- spin window is a smidge better for the old Youtek as it is slightly wider

Any comments on the differences in power, control, spin potential, and especially comfort would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

There's a huge comfort/sweetspot difference because of the S-Tech grommets, which are bigger string/grommet holes at 3 & 9. This is also featured on the Instinct (@ 3 & 9 & 6) and on the new Radical (@ 3 & 9... although they're not as big on the radical). Prince had their version before they went full blown exo and volkl has their version. It makes stiff rackets more comfortable.

 

[anubis]

Question: Why does this frame seem very sensitive to the way you grip the handle?

I recently purchased an Extreme Pro 2.0 and am testing it out, trying to find out if it works for my game. I normally use a semi western grip and have no trouble keeping balls in play. However, I find that if I use a semi western grip with the Extreme Pro 2.0, I absolutely cannot keep the ball in play. EVERYTHING sails long.

the only way i can keep the ball in is if I go full western. I guess the added spin is what keeps it in play.

FWIW I'm using a full bed of Prince Premier Control 16 @ 62 lbs.

I'm trying to transition from a Pure Drive to the Extreme. I find the Extreme to be a little more comfortable, and the extra mass helps me keep up with higher level, big hitter players.

I normally don't play with full western grip, but if I have to use it with this frame, so be it. I just don't know why this frame seems to favor that grip.

thanks

 

[X999X]

Try it with a 17g co-poly at 48 lbs, I use a semi western and have no problems generating spin or keeping the ball in the court.

 

[naturallight]

AA5B Tiger and 604al -- thanks for the feedback. So it sounds like the main difference is the comfort level? The new 2.0 does get a pretty good vibration score relative to its stiffness rating.

Anything other differences stand out? Spin, power?

thanks again

 

[Sid_Vicious]

Bump

Hey guys, I have a Head MG Extreme Pro that I bought a long time ago. Recently, I have been hitting with this stick and really liking it. How does this newer version compare to the microgel extreme? Surely, It can't be that different. I have read people say that it has a very oval head and very thick beam. That applies to the microgel version to. Anything in particular that makes the new version a must-get?

 

[Sweet-Spot]

I tried putting a leather grip on mine took weight up 360 grams, fel like thors hammer and I could not wield it. So back to the soft overgrip.

I threw the leather grip on my Extreme MP's 2.0's and they are feeling somewhat like the pros now!

 

[TeamOB]

Just joined the club! After searching for 4 months I finally found something to replace my beat-up YOUTEK Speed Pros. I have to say this is one of the most underrated frames on the market. I wonder why? No one else at my club uses it and I get puzzled looks when I'm hitting. Must be something with the marketing since the playability is top-notch. It has great maneuverability, power and sweet-spot size, but keeps the stability and plowthrough of a heavy players frame. Great for my one-handed backhand and net game.

 

[AA5B Tiger]

Just joined the club! After searching for 4 months I finally found something to replace my beat-up YOUTEK Speed Pros. I have to say this is one of the most underrated frames on the market. I wonder why? No one else at my club uses it and I get puzzled looks when I'm hitting. Must be something with the marketing since the playability is top-notch. It has great maneuverability, power and sweet-spot size, but keeps the stability and plowthrough of a heavy players frame. Great for my one-handed backhand and net game.

I agree. I can hit everything better with this frame vs any of my old frames -- including my old Extremes. Can't quite put my finger on anything in particular other than noticeable added comfort, but the racquet just becomes an extension of my arm and I stop thinking about it. FWIW, I tried it with a few different strings and seem to settle back to Yonex Pro Tour around 48-50 or VS Touch Mains / MSV Co-Focus around 57/53. Both work great -- with the Yonex costing about 65% less but going dead about 500% faster than the VS Touch... Surprises me the VS Touch lasts so long -- I beat the hell out of the ball, hit a can-opener slice regularly, and crank top-spin on the forehand and the VS Touch just glides on the MSV Co-Focus with minimal wear. FWIW, I sure think the black-coated VS Touch lasts longer than the natural.

 

[phanker]

You need a dead poly to tame the power of the EP2.0 and get more snap back for spin.
I'm trying the shaped Yonex Poly Tour Spin at 44/48lbs and am quite liking it. Lot's of spin and still pretty comfortable. No issue keeping the ball in with my semi western grip.

Question: Why does this frame seem very sensitive to the way you grip the handle?

I recently purchased an Extreme Pro 2.0 and am testing it out, trying to find out if it works for my game. I normally use a semi western grip and have no trouble keeping balls in play. However, I find that if I use a semi western grip with the Extreme Pro 2.0, I absolutely cannot keep the ball in play. EVERYTHING sails long.

the only way i can keep the ball in is if I go full western. I guess the added spin is what keeps it in play.

FWIW I'm using a full bed of Prince Premier Control 16 @ 62 lbs.

I'm trying to transition from a Pure Drive to the Extreme. I find the Extreme to be a little more comfortable, and the extra mass helps me keep up with higher level, big hitter players.

I normally don't play with full western grip, but if I have to use it with this frame, so be it. I just don't know why this frame seems to favor that grip.

thanks

 

[souledge]

Hi 2.0 club... I'm an all gut user. I'm not a string breaker and I find that gut lasts me months. Anyone play with gut?

I find full gut and even gut/poly too powerful in this racket.

I think any more powerful string setups than full bed poly do not fit well in this racket.

 

[AA5B Tiger]

I find full gut and even gut/poly too powerful in this racket.

I think any more powerful string setups than full bed poly do not fit well in this racket.

To each his own... I find VS Touch / MSV Co-Focus (or Evo) a really good combination in this racquet. Likewise, I found Yonex Pro Tour poly and Tourbite excellent as well. I'd probably stick with the polys if they didn't go dead so quickly (Yonex in about 10-15 hours for me - the longest lasting poly I've found to-date). For that reason, I keep VS Touch / Co-Focus as my go-to 2 racquets. If anything, they get better after 5-6 hours of hard playing.

Granted, I have the VS Touch nearly 10 pounds tighter than a full poly setup to harness the power (or likely mass -- as my racquets are matched at 12.1 ozs).

 

[bkirk]

I just recently switched to this racquet. I've been using the Dunlop F3.0 Tour since november 2012. While i definitely loved that racquet, it was just a little too demanding for me at times. I ended up purchasing 2 extreme pro 2.0's. I have demoed the EP 2.0 on multiple occasions and have contemplated switching to it for a very long time. I am very glad that i finally made the switch. I played 6 sets over the past 2 days with the new sticks. So far I'm impressed. It is a little bit of a difference coming from a thin beamed 18X20 on the F3.0 Tour. The biggest adjustment for me is the shape of the handle. The head has a rectangular shaped handle vs the more square shape of the dunlop. My EP 2.0's came in at about 329 and 331 strung with Cyclone 17ga. I took off the stock grips right away and threw on some TW leather grips. Since one of the leather grips i ordered weighed more, i put the heavier one on the lighter frame i received. Strung with cyclone, TW leather grip, and Wilson pro overgrips, my now both weigh in at about 344 grams. This was the same weight that my dunlops were at also with leathers + overs + lead at 3 and 9. So far I'm loving the EP 2.0 on the serve and groundies. I also had it strung at 46lbs kind of going off recommendations on this forum,which is WAY too low for me. Feels like a trampoline rocket launcher and I've definitely lost some control. I will be trying out tensions in the 50-55 range on my next few stringings to see what i like best in this frame . For comparison I'm use to using a full bed of cyclone 17 on my dunlops at 52/50 and that has never felt too tight, stiff, unforgiving, or jarring. Going from a thin beamed racquet with a more oval head shape to a thick beamed, round head shape has definitely taken some adjustment also. The one big thing i noticed that i need to adjust personally when playing is that if i swing like i use to on short balls/sitters like i did on my old racquets, the balls were sailing long. Overall I do appreciate everything this frame has to offer and cant wait till i get fully calibrated with it.

 

[phanker]

Welcome to the club. Try 50/54 with your cyclone. It will get rid of the trampoline and give you a more consistent string bed. The crosses are much longer on the EP2.0 compared to the F3.0. It's a wider frame and it's grommet system makes it even wider if you look closely.

I just recently switched to this racquet. I've been using the Dunlop F3.0 Tour since november 2012. While i definitely loved that racquet, it was just a little too demanding for me at times. I ended up purchasing 2 extreme pro 2.0's. I have demoed the EP 2.0 on multiple occasions and have contemplated switching to it for a very long time. I am very glad that i finally made the switch. I played 6 sets over the past 2 days with the new sticks. So far I'm impressed. It is a little bit of a difference coming from a thin beamed 18X20 on the F3.0 Tour. The biggest adjustment for me is the shape of the handle. The head has a rectangular shaped handle vs the more square shape of the dunlop. My EP 2.0's came in at about 329 and 331 strung with Cyclone 17ga. I took off the stock grips right away and threw on some TW leather grips. Since one of the leather grips i ordered weighed more, i put the heavier one on the lighter frame i received. Strung with cyclone, TW leather grip, and Wilson pro overgrips, my now both weigh in at about 344 grams. This was the same weight that my dunlops were at also with leathers + overs + lead at 3 and 9. So far I'm loving the EP 2.0 on the serve and groundies. I also had it strung at 46lbs kind of going off recommendations on this forum,which is WAY too low for me. Feels like a trampoline rocket launcher and I've definitely lost some control. I will be trying out tensions in the 50-55 range on my next few stringings to see what i like best in this frame . For comparison I'm use to using a full bed of cyclone 17 on my dunlops at 52/50 and that has never felt too tight, stiff, unforgiving, or jarring. Going from a thin beamed racquet with a more oval head shape to a thick beamed, round head shape has definitely taken some adjustment also. The one big thing i noticed that i need to adjust personally when playing is that if i swing like i use to on short balls/sitters like i did on my old racquets, the balls were sailing long. Overall I do appreciate everything this frame has to offer and cant wait till i get fully calibrated with it.

 

[phanker]

How do they compare in terms of power, spin, and comfort? I'm curious to try your VS Touch / MSV Co-Focus combo. Thanks.

To each his own... I find VS Touch / MSV Co-Focus (or Evo) a really good combination in this racquet. Likewise, I found Yonex Pro Tour poly and Tourbite excellent as well. I'd probably stick with the polys if they didn't go dead so quickly (Yonex in about 10-15 hours for me - the longest lasting poly I've found to-date). For that reason, I keep VS Touch / Co-Focus as my go-to 2 racquets. If anything, they get better after 5-6 hours of hard playing.

Granted, I have the VS Touch nearly 10 pounds tighter than a full poly setup to harness the power (or likely mass -- as my racquets are matched at 12.1 ozs).

 

[bkirk]

Welcome to the club. Try 50/54 with your cyclone. It will get rid of the trampoline and give you a more consistent string bed. The crosses are much longer on the EP2.0 compared to the F3.0. It's a wider frame and it's grommet system makes it even wider if you look closely.

I was looking closely at the grommet system and will definitely try out the tension you have listed. Thanks!

 

[SC in MA]

I'm a long time 12oz 6.1 95 user who's been looking for a more maneuverable racket for doubles. A number of months ago, I bought an EP2, which came strung with Gamma Challenger Syn. Gut at an unknown tension. I hit with it a few times and while I liked a lot about it, I couldn't hit a precise forehand. So I put it away while looking at other rackets.

Today, I decided to pull it out for a drilling session, which I'm glad I did. What I found is that I need to really focus on the grip on the forehand side in order to hit a precise, controlled forehand. This is probably related to the EP2 grip being much more rectangular than the Wilson grip. For whatever reason, the EP2 grip doesn't seem to be a problem for me on the backhand side (mostly one-handed; top and slice) or any other strokes.

After my drilling session, I played a set of doubles with it. No problem at all. I find the EP2 is much easier to play with than the 6.1 95, though it doesn't have the plow nor control of the 6.1 95. Serving was easier and I had more pop and spin with the EP2 over the 6.1 95. I also think its a very comfortable racket to play with.

This was all with the Gamma syn gut strings that it came with. I don't play with poly (my arm can't take it). So, I'll probably restring it with my usual nat gut/syn gut hybrid at 60lbs.

I don't know yet if the EP2 will replace my 6.1 95 as my go-to racket, but right now it's definitely a contender.

 

[phanker]

For the grip, I've added cardboard strips underneath the grip on the fat sides and that seems to have square up the grip nicely. Simple and enough for me to not be bothered by it anymore.

I find this frame is too powerful at the sacrifice of control with any lively string. I'm still looking for less lively string that's still arm friendly. So far, it's actually pretty comfortable still with some soft poly albeit still too powerful. Still experimenting.

I'm a long time 12oz 6.1 95 user who's been looking for a more maneuverable racket for doubles. A number of months ago, I bought an EP2, which came strung with Gamma Challenger Syn. Gut at an unknown tension. I hit with it a few times and while I liked a lot about it, I couldn't hit a precise forehand. So I put it away while looking at other rackets.

Today, I decided to pull it out for a drilling session, which I'm glad I did. What I found is that I need to really focus on the grip on the forehand side in order to hit a precise, controlled forehand. This is probably related to the EP2 grip being much more rectangular than the Wilson grip. For whatever reason, the EP2 grip doesn't seem to be a problem for me on the backhand side (mostly one-handed; top and slice) or any other strokes.

After my drilling session, I played a set of doubles with it. No problem at all. I find the EP2 is much easier to play with than the 6.1 95, though it doesn't have the plow nor control of the 6.1 95. Serving was easier and I had more pop and spin with the EP2 over the 6.1 95. I also think its a very comfortable racket to play with.

This was all with the Gamma syn gut strings that it came with. I don't play with poly (my arm can't take it). So, I'll probably restring it with my usual nat gut/syn gut hybrid at 60lbs.

I don't know yet if the EP2 will replace my 6.1 95 as my go-to racket, but right now it's definitely a contender.

 

[veecee]

Welcome to the club. Try 50/54 with your cyclone. It will get rid of the trampoline and give you a more consistent string bed. The crosses are much longer on the EP2.0 compared to the F3.0. It's a wider frame and it's grommet system makes it even wider if you look closely.

Is that 50 for the mains and 54 for the crosses?

Sorry for the newb question but I've never strung mains and crossed at different tensions...

 

[phanker]

You are correct.

Is that 50 for the mains and 54 for the crosses?

Sorry for the newb question but I've never strung mains and crossed at different tensions...

 

[SC in MA]

For the grip, I've added cardboard strips underneath the grip on the fat sides and that seems to have square up the grip nicely. Simple and enough for me to not be bothered by it anymore.

I find this frame is too powerful at the sacrifice of control with any lively string. I'm still looking for less lively string that's still arm friendly. So far, it's actually pretty comfortable still with some soft poly albeit still too powerful. Still experimenting.

Thanks phanker. I'm going to try a couple of more sessions with the stock grip and see how it goes. I actually like this grip shape for the serve and am ok with it for other strokes, except the forehand where I need to really focus to be sure and get the correct grip. I'm hoping the forehand will become more natural with the stock grip. If not, I'll give your solution a try.

I'm not a poly guy, but I've been thinking about Tour Bite Soft. Have you tried it ?

Also, have you tried an all syn gut ?

I'm guessing you think that a nat gut/syn gut hybrid would be too lively. (That's my usual setup in my 6.1 95. I haven't tried it yet in the EP2).

 

[phanker]

I've tried TBS but not on this frame. Could work I think.
Haven't try anything else yet other than Yonex poly tour and spin based on others' recommendations here and they feel pretty comfortable on this frame surprisingly albeit still too powerful.
Gonna try kevlar/syngut and Kevlar 18/poly shortly.

Thanks phanker. I'm going to try a couple of more sessions with the stock grip and see how it goes. I actually like this grip shape for the serve and am ok with it for other strokes, except the forehand where I need to really focus to be sure and get the correct grip. I'm hoping the forehand will become more natural with the stock grip. If not, I'll give your solution a try.

I'm not a poly guy, but I've been thinking about Tour Bite Soft. Have you tried it ?

Also, have you tried an all syn gut ?

I'm guessing you think that a nat gut/syn gut hybrid would be too lively. (That's my usual setup in my 6.1 95. I haven't tried it yet in the EP2).

 

[Whiplash169]

Switched to this as my second frame after the head Ti.S5. I've gotta say that I absolutely love it strung with Signum PPP at 53 lbs.

 

[phanker]

16 or 17? Thx.

Switched to this as my second frame after the head Ti.S5. I've gotta say that I absolutely love it strung with Signum PPP at 53 lbs.

 

[Whiplash169]

I use the PPP in 17 gauge.

 

[SC in MA]

I've played a number of more times with the EP2. The stock grip is feeling very natural now. I'm really liking this racket. I'm now using it as my main racket, on-trial - subject to a couple of more tough doubles matches. If things go well over the next week or 2, I'll be committing to it full-time.

I noticed that the EP2 came out around Aug 2012. Just curious. Does anyone know if Head is working on an "upgrade" or new version (not that it would be better) ?

 

[Tennis_Fever]

Just purchased this frame last week and played with it for the first time on Sunday. Have it strung with MSV Focus Hex Soft 17L @ 58 lbs. Absolutely love this stick for touch shots (my hitting partner said it produced some of the best drop shots I've ever hit) but it is much more powerful then my other stick (Volkl PB 10 Mid). Will take some getting used to but so far, I'm loving it! Great slice serves to boot

 

[spinovic]

I'm a long time 12oz 6.1 95 user who's been looking for a more maneuverable racket for doubles. A number of months ago, I bought an EP2, which came strung with Gamma Challenger Syn. Gut at an unknown tension. I hit with it a few times and while I liked a lot about it, I couldn't hit a precise forehand. So I put it away while looking at other rackets.

Today, I decided to pull it out for a drilling session, which I'm glad I did. What I found is that I need to really focus on the grip on the forehand side in order to hit a precise, controlled forehand. This is probably related to the EP2 grip being much more rectangular than the Wilson grip. For whatever reason, the EP2 grip doesn't seem to be a problem for me on the backhand side (mostly one-handed; top and slice) or any other strokes.

After my drilling session, I played a set of doubles with it. No problem at all. I find the EP2 is much easier to play with than the 6.1 95, though it doesn't have the plow nor control of the 6.1 95. Serving was easier and I had more pop and spin with the EP2 over the 6.1 95. I also think its a very comfortable racket to play with.

This was all with the Gamma syn gut strings that it came with. I don't play with poly (my arm can't take it). So, I'll probably restring it with my usual nat gut/syn gut hybrid at 60lbs.

I don't know yet if the EP2 will replace my 6.1 95 as my go-to racket, but right now it's definitely a contender.

When I returned to tennis, my initial racquet purchase came down to a decision between those two frames. I ultimately went with the Extreme because I liked it better and played better with it.

I did not like syn gut in the Extreme. I felt like poly strings really unleashed the strengths. It allowed me to swing out more. The poly strings seemed to tame some of the frames power. It is a great frame for generating spin, and the poly setup really upped the control.

If it is a possibility for you, I'd recommend trying a full bed of poly in the Extreme, or at least a hybrid. It is an excellent frame. Obviously, I've since switched, but I would have kept one Extreme for fun, but I needed the money and didn't really need an extra frame.

I'll be curious to see if the Graphene update is as good. I think HEAD will have a hard time improving on this frame.

 

[Sweet-Spot]

As much as I love this frame, I may have to say goodbye to it and go with the Extreme MP 2.0. Playing against top tier guys I just run out of time trying to get this in position due to its beasty head.

Either tha, or I hit the gym to up my strength. But I salute those of you who can wield this amazing weapon properly. I am going to chuck a leather on my MPs and some lead tape so it will still be hefty, but light enough that I can generate some good racket head speed.

I may have 3 EP's up for sale in the near future.... lol!

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

Nice

Just hit with this for the first time tonight thanks to a buddy on my travel team, and I have to say that I'm impressed. Super easy to use, forgiving, easy power but tons of control also, and really like the way this thing slugs the ball. The only thing that bothered me was stiffness, but it had some old poly in it. This is a great frame if you're intermediate/advanced and are looking for something easy to use and a little more punch on the ball but no loss in control. Big thumbs up, and I'm considering getting one.

 

[spinovic]

Just hit with this for the first time tonight thanks to a buddy on my travel team, and I have to say that I'm impressed. Super easy to use, forgiving, easy power but tons of control also, and really like the way this thing slugs the ball. The only thing that bothered me was stiffness, but it had some old poly in it. This is a great frame if you're intermediate/advanced and are looking for something easy to use and a little more punch on the ball but no loss in control. Big thumbs up, and I'm considering getting one.

I think it will feel much better with some fresh strings. I left a set of Cyclone in too long once and it started to feel a little jarring, but that was the only time I found the racquet uncomfortable. It is a sweet stick. Great from the baseline and solid at net. The only shot I had trouble getting dialed in to my desire was the serve...not that it was bad, I could have lived with it, but I served better with some other frames.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

I think it will feel much better with some fresh strings. I left a set of Cyclone in too long once and it started to feel a little jarring, but that was the only time I found the racquet uncomfortable. It is a sweet stick. Great from the baseline and solid at net. The only shot I had trouble getting dialed in to my desire was the serve...not that it was bad, I could have lived with it, but I served better with some other frames.

Dude I personally loved it on serve. Good direction, tons of pop, tons of spin for the second serve. I think I would add a heavy OG to make it more HL so I can utilize my 1 hander. Felt totally like Gasquet haha!

 

[spinovic]

Dude I personally loved it on serve. Good direction, tons of pop, tons of spin for the second serve. I think I would add a heavy OG to make it more HL so I can utilize my 1 hander. Felt totally like Gasquet haha!

It is good for second serves, but I just couldn't get satisfied with the flat first serves.

Anyway, great stick. Glad you like it. A lot of people can't accept the round head shape, but it never bothered me.

And don't forget Youzhny...