Ultimate racquet of choice - tournament players and/or coaches

[galapagos]

I'm playing with a '21 Pure Drive Plus. I added some weight to get the swing weight up to 330ish, and to get the racket up to 330 grams, strung. It's perfect, and I won't change until they no longer make the racket.

I used a Prokennex 7G for a bit, when I started to play again after a 25 year layoff. It was fine, but I simply couldn't deal with the flex. The PD+ is pretty close to my prior racket (an extended Spaulding Assault 110, which was more like 104). Personally, I'm not really one to change equipment (racket or strings) once I find something I'm happy with.

One interest note: I read lots of stuff on the internet about how the 7G is "arm friendly" and the Babolats are not. While I've never been prone to arm trouble, I now have a large DVR plate in my hitting wrist, and it can be pretty sensitive to vibration. I actually find the PD+ to be more comfortable, not less, using the same string.

I've heard Prokennex are very comfy also Volkl make soft racquets for injury-proned players. At least in theory/marketing.


Does the plate increase SW and twistweight ? sorry bad joke ! I heard that with the racquets there can be high freq and low freq response and some players might be sensitive to different "areas" . Also I bet your Pure Drive has crazy high twistweight which also helps to power the ball before it manages to do anything to you. You are just winning the collision and higher stiffness also doesn't allow the ball to play with your body too long (it shots off faster). So the only factor left is vibration frequencies (stiffer=higher) and it seems you're body is fine with this !

Cool that you managed to find the setup you like given the circumstances. It makes me appreciate some things even more !

Forever humble,
G

 

[galapagos]

Time to continue Speed week !
Let me tell you that Head Graphene 360+ Speed Pro is the best version of this line ever !

I know only 2 players with Speed Pro 18x20. JJ Wolf and Illya Marchenko

There is probably more of them outside top 100 who we can probably call "Djokovic effect" - very talented juniors who bought Speed just like me in the past and are actually rocking the tour now with the stick they are most used to.

But back to review....

It is the most comfortable speed ever but not noodle. It's very solid and offers lot of feedback given its 23mm thick. Impact is very clean and satisfying.

If I had to use one word for speed pro 360+ it would be - performance. This racquet is loaded with performance. 100" headsize with a more oval shape and 18x20 pattern captures almost all necessary assets for a pro racquet. I know the SW is around 330 but it wasnt too heavy. Faster than blade 18x20 or yonex vcore pro hd 18x20 ... Easy spin, easy acces to power, great on backhand. Well its almost a perfect racquet really !

so what's wrong with it?
I absolutely hate it's thickness and in this case its more the look than anything tennis related. Because If I close my eyes it actually doesn't feel like 23mm racquet. More like 21.5-22mm. But when I look at it I just feel old haha ! Do I need that much help from the racquet ? It feels weird looking at it xd And this can transition to my brain and this to my performance hah! So yes. It's almost a perfect racquet - for a modern player. Old school guys will feel a bit off.

One thing to mention - serves. I unfortunately didn't try serving with it. I heard that the thicker beam is akward on serve motions.

BTW I checked and youtek graphene speed pro (the one i started my journey with) was: 22.5/22.5/21.5

I think I would highly consider this racquet if they made it 22mm straight beam while retaining all the performance they packed in 360+ version. I imagine that 360+ version can be a bit tough for touch shots. It's a bit one trick pony stick with amazing groundstrokes. 22mm could offer more touch and feedback.

rest of the racquets (click)
say hello on IG ! @dandan.tennis

 

[McLovin]

HEAD:
1. Head Gravity Pro - review to come
2. Head Graphene 360+ Speed Pro (Graphene Speed Pro and IG Speed MP (18x20) comparison) - review to come
3. Head Graphene 360+ Speed MP ( XT , Touch, 360 comparison) - review to come
4. Head Graphene 360+ Radical MP - review to come
5. Head Graphene 360+ Radical Pro - review to come
6. Head Graphene 360+ Prestige MP (IG prestige MP, Prestige touch mp comparison) - review to come

No Extreme Tour? Seems like that should most definitely be on the list.

 

[Wheelz]

Time to continue Speed week !
Let me tell you that Head Graphene 360+ Speed Pro is the best version of this line ever !

I know only 2 players with Speed Pro 18x20. JJ Wolf and Illya Marchenko

There is probably more of them outside top 100 who we can probably call "Djokovic effect" - very talented juniors who bought Speed just like me in the past and are actually rocking the tour now with the stick they are most used to.

But back to review....

It is the most comfortable speed ever but not noodle. It's very solid and offers lot of feedback given its 23mm thick. Impact is very clean and satisfying.

If I had to use one word for speed pro 360+ it would be - performance. This racquet is loaded with performance. 100" headsize with a more oval shape and 18x20 pattern captures almost all necessary assets for a pro racquet. I know the SW is around 330 but it wasnt too heavy. Faster than blade 18x20 or yonex vcore pro hd 18x20 ... Easy spin, easy acces to power, great on backhand. Well its almost a perfect racquet really !

so what's wrong with it?
I absolutely hate it's thickness and in this case its more the look than anything tennis related. Because If I close my eyes it actually doesn't feel like 23mm racquet. More like 21.5-22mm. But when I look at it I just feel old haha ! Do I need that much help from the racquet ? It feels weird looking at it xd And this can transition to my brain and this to my performance hah! So yes. It's almost a perfect racquet - for a modern player. Old school guys will feel a bit off.

One thing to mention - serves. I unfortunately didn't try serving with it. I heard that the thicker beam is akward on serve motions.

BTW I checked and youtek graphene speed pro (the one i started my journey with) was: 22.5/22.5/21.5

I think I would highly consider this racquet if they made it 22mm straight beam while retaining all the performance they packed in 360+ version. I imagine that 360+ version can be a bit tough for touch shots. It's a bit one trick pony stick with amazing groundstrokes. 22mm could offer more touch and feedback.

Yonex Vcore Pro 100 ? Thinner beam... lighter but add weight as you wish for balance and SW. I'd be curious how you would like the thin beam and 100sq combo. I'd do something like leather grip, weight at 12 for 323-325 SW, a bit of weight at bottom if needed to bring balance at 31.5-8.

 

[galapagos]

Yonex Vcore Pro 100 ? Thinner beam... lighter but add weight as you wish for balance and SW. I'd be curious how you would like the thin beam and 100sq combo. I'd do something like leather grip, weight at 12 for 323-325 SW, a bit of weight at bottom if needed to bring balance at 31.5-8.

In general i hate when i have to add lead to the racquet. I tweak too much. BUT i might be able to get that for a hit ! But No customizations and No leather with a demo

 

[Wheelz]

In general i hate when i have to add lead to the racquet. I tweak too much. BUT i might be able to get that for a hit ! But No customizations and No leather with a demo

Missing all the fun and nightmares of the rabbit hole ! Hehe I guess I try to replicate my latest prefered specs (until they are not eh...).

 

[RVT]

Does the plate increase SW and twistweight ?

Well, the plate is titanium, and I no longer have the grossly hypertrophic forearm--so I think it may have been a net decrease!?

I think the reason the PD+ is more comfortable for me is based on where I hit the ball on the racket. Looking at the wear patterns on the strings, I hit it pretty high up. This is probably a result of learning to play with a small head racket during my formative years. I think this is also why I always preferred a really stiff racket when I started to go up in head size--the sweet spot is just a bit higher, in my experience. I get a bit less vibration out of the PD+ on most balls hit closer to the top.

I thought my racket search would be simple--I just wanted an extended racket that was stiff, pretty heavy and had a reasonably thin beam. Turns out, not so easy! PD+ is pretty close--the beam isn't annoyingly wide to me, and with a bit of added weight it's been perfect.

 

[galapagos]

@Shangri La

i can compare graphene prestige 360+ with ig prestige mid for you

my coach from junior days was using ig prestige mid and it was very interesting racquet. He was also using like 3 overgrips on it so the racquet was more headlight.

Touch and plow - ig prestige mid > g360+ prestige
Everything else - ig prestige mid < g360+ prestige mp

now after so many years with prestige mid my coach now plays with 360+ mp and its Just easier with similar performance. You can customize it a bit for yourself. IMO 360+ mp is clear winner and better balanced racquet while ig mid is kinda heavy and fast at the same time if that makes any sense

 

[galapagos]

Time to continue Speed week !
Let me tell you that Head Graphene 360+ Speed Pro is the best version of this line ever !

I know only 2 players with Speed Pro 18x20. JJ Wolf and Illya Marchenko

There is probably more of them outside top 100 who we can probably call "Djokovic effect" - very talented juniors who bought Speed just like me in the past and are actually rocking the tour now with the stick they are most used to.

But back to review....

It is the most comfortable speed ever but not noodle. It's very solid and offers lot of feedback given its 23mm thick. Impact is very clean and satisfying.

If I had to use one word for speed pro 360+ it would be - performance. This racquet is loaded with performance. 100" headsize with a more oval shape and 18x20 pattern captures almost all necessary assets for a pro racquet. I know the SW is around 330 but it wasnt too heavy. Faster than blade 18x20 or yonex vcore pro hd 18x20 ... Easy spin, easy acces to power, great on backhand. Well its almost a perfect racquet really !

so what's wrong with it?
I absolutely hate it's thickness and in this case its more the look than anything tennis related. Because If I close my eyes it actually doesn't feel like 23mm racquet. More like 21.5-22mm. But when I look at it I just feel old haha ! Do I need that much help from the racquet ? It feels weird looking at it xd And this can transition to my brain and this to my performance hah! So yes. It's almost a perfect racquet - for a modern player. Old school guys will feel a bit off.

One thing to mention - serves. I unfortunately didn't try serving with it. I heard that the thicker beam is akward on serve motions.

BTW I checked and youtek graphene speed pro (the one i started my journey with) was: 22.5/22.5/21.5

I think I would highly consider this racquet if they made it 22mm straight beam while retaining all the performance they packed in 360+ version. I imagine that 360+ version can be a bit tough for touch shots. It's a bit one trick pony stick with amazing groundstrokes. 22mm could offer more touch and feedback.

@Illya Marchenko would you agree with my review ?

 

[Shangri La]

@Shangri La

i can compare graphene prestige 360+ with ig prestige mid for you

my coach from junior days was using ig prestige mid and it was very interesting racquet. He was also using like 3 overgrips on it so the racquet was more headlight.

Touch and plow - ig prestige mid > g360+ prestige
Everything else - ig prestige mid < g360+ prestige mp

now after so many years with prestige mid my coach now plays with 360+ mp and its Just easier with similar performance. You can customize it a bit for yourself. IMO 360+ mp is clear winner and better balanced racquet while ig mid is kinda heavy and fast at the same time if that makes any sense

That's exactly the info I'm looking for. Considering the 360+ MP not because it may be my main racquet, but more of a fun one to hit around with. But if it doesnt give more feel/plow than the IG mid which I already have, then I'm happy to save some money. Thanks!

 

[n8dawg6]

Time to continue Speed week !
Let me tell you that Head Graphene 360+ Speed Pro is the best version of this line ever !

I know only 2 players with Speed Pro 18x20. JJ Wolf and Illya Marchenko

There is probably more of them outside top 100 who we can probably call "Djokovic effect" - very talented juniors who bought Speed just like me in the past and are actually rocking the tour now with the stick they are most used to.

But back to review....

It is the most comfortable speed ever but not noodle. It's very solid and offers lot of feedback given its 23mm thick. Impact is very clean and satisfying.

If I had to use one word for speed pro 360+ it would be - performance. This racquet is loaded with performance. 100" headsize with a more oval shape and 18x20 pattern captures almost all necessary assets for a pro racquet. I know the SW is around 330 but it wasnt too heavy. Faster than blade 18x20 or yonex vcore pro hd 18x20 ... Easy spin, easy acces to power, great on backhand. Well its almost a perfect racquet really !

so what's wrong with it?
I absolutely hate it's thickness and in this case its more the look than anything tennis related. Because If I close my eyes it actually doesn't feel like 23mm racquet. More like 21.5-22mm. But when I look at it I just feel old haha ! Do I need that much help from the racquet ? It feels weird looking at it xd And this can transition to my brain and this to my performance hah! So yes. It's almost a perfect racquet - for a modern player. Old school guys will feel a bit off.

One thing to mention - serves. I unfortunately didn't try serving with it. I heard that the thicker beam is akward on serve motions.

BTW I checked and youtek graphene speed pro (the one i started my journey with) was: 22.5/22.5/21.5

I think I would highly consider this racquet if they made it 22mm straight beam while retaining all the performance they packed in 360+ version. I imagine that 360+ version can be a bit tough for touch shots. It's a bit one trick pony stick with amazing groundstrokes. 22mm could offer more touch and feedback.

the 23 mm straight beam bothers me too. i have no idea why. the racquet itself is one of the best ones out there, not to mention the best speed pro yet (IMO). the touch speed pro, with the thinner 22 mm beam is still my favorite. but playability wise, its hard to say theres a better speed pro than the 360+.

 

[CosmosMpower]

Oh man is it sad that I've own/owned 11 frames on your list.

The best in my opinion are Vcore 95 2021, G360+ Prestige MP. Runner ups TC95 18x20 and K7 lime.

OP should also try Blade Pro 18x20 and TC97 18x20.

 

[VaMoose98]

Add Prince Textreme Tour 310

 

[CosmosMpower]

What strings do you use mostly on your Tc95? I love mine, just wish I could get my static weight down...should have ordered the 310. My 320g TC95 lowest I can get is right around 340-342g static weight.

It's easy, take off the base grip, take off the pallets and you can remove some lead weights in the handle. All the base frames are more or less the same they go from 290 to 330 grams unstrung just by adding weights to different slots in the handle to achieve the desired static weight and balance.

 

[galapagos]

Oh man is it sad that I've own/owned 11 frames on your list.

The best in my opinion are Vcore 95 2021, G360+ Prestige MP. Runner ups TC95 18x20 and K7 lime.

OP should also try Blade Pro 18x20 and TC97 18x20.

I owned tc97 in 18x20 and 16x19 . Forgot to add them lol.,

 

[galapagos]

Oh man is it sad that I've own/owned 11 frames on your list.

The best in my opinion are Vcore 95 2021, G360+ Prestige MP. Runner ups TC95 18x20 and K7 lime.

OP should also try Blade Pro 18x20 and TC97 18x20.

Have you tried Tecnifibre TF40? Reviews are amazing. Also regarding Blade Pro its not available for demo so i dont care much about it with Wilsons Quality control. Blade pro probably will kill me with SW. My max is 335.

 

[galapagos]

No Extreme Tour? Seems like that should most definitely be on the list.

you are definitely right ! adding it to the list !

 

[ron schaap]

i know one atp guy in my country who was using Diadem but then switched to Prestige Pro and now rocking the Prestige MP. For him Prestige MP is the ultimate racquet of choice He also adds weight to his racquets making it around 360 grams strung.

for most of us here and everywhere 360 gr is just too much. Only if you lift weights on regular basis so this is no comparison
If you want a fair compasison than stay as close to original off the shelf spec as possible!

 

[galapagos]

for most of us here and everywhere 360 gr is just too much. Only if you lift weights on regular basis so this is no comparison
If you want a fair compasison than stay as close to original off the shelf spec as possible!

Yes and no.
I agree that for most of us around 360 is too much but also it depends where he adds weight. Maybe its all in the handle ? Maybe Just leather grip that would make it i guess around 330 unstrung (+20 gr strings, 5g overgrip , 3g dampener and already you have 358 g racquet but around 30.5 balance). I would say difference between those two will be more feel oriented and power oriented than fatigue.

i will review the racquets of course it stock form and Maybe with my favourites i will play around with customization.

i would say SW and HH balance is the ultimate challenge. Then static weight.

 

[galapagos]

Also. I just added it as interesting fact , not part of racquet review prestige is MUCH easier to swing frame than blade and you have 15grams difference there.

 

[Gee]

Yes and no.
I agree that for most of us around 360 is too much but also it depends where he adds weight. Maybe its all in the handle ? Maybe Just leather grip that would make it i guess around 330 unstrung (+20 gr strings, 5g overgrip , 3g dampener and already you have 358 g racquet but around 30.5 balance). I would say difference between those two will be more feel oriented and power oriented than fatigue.

i will review the racquets of course it stock form and Maybe with my favourites i will play around with customization.

i would say SW and HH balance is the ultimate challenge. Then static weight.

I agree.
Most people don't consider swingweight and balance due to lack of knowlegde. They only judge the weight of a racket on static weight.

 

[tomkowy]

Also. I just added it as interesting fact , not part of racquet review prestige is MUCH easier to swing frame than blade and you have 15grams difference there.

As you said, Prestige has lower SW than Blade Blade with bad QC can get to 345 SW and that is wayyy too high

 

[galapagos]

Add Prince Textreme Tour 310

not interested. sorry. Any reference stick to this one ?

 

[galapagos]

another random picture to create hype.
2015/2017 period. Back then those were probably the best racquets around. So called "Graphene era" . Those were probably my last sticks pre-Angell era and Angell is the introduction to golden era of racquets. Did he (Paul Angell) change the game?

Yonex probably was the biggest winner in this era (marketing-wise) since many frustrated users migrated from blades and prestige/radicals towards those more forgiving and flexy racquets.

Also... Andy Gerst the ultimate playtester

agree?

 

[Wheelz]

Andy picked the 2020 ezone... maybe that will be your pick, but his were customized to his specs. That yonex dampener, that's like 4-5SW points right there. monster dampener.

 

[galapagos]

Andy picked the 2020 ezone... maybe that will be your pick, but his were customized to his specs. That yonex dampener, that's like 4-5SW points right there. monster dampener.

I really like his specs. I play with similar. I highly doubt ezone 2020 could be my favourite but we will see...
Also i much more enjoyed the performance of the yellow colored ezone dr. Much softer and responsive. Blue was more dead.

 

[galapagos]

time for the Head Graphene 360+ Speed MP (compared to Xt version, touch version and 360 version lol)

(wide base executed too seriously) Coco Gauff

Sinner - tennis prodigy - his stability is amazing probably on par with Djokovic. If he improves controling speed of the exchange and gain more flexibility he might be the next BIG thing.

Ok. So to be honest. Despite such a strong lineup I didn't like this racquet too much. It's kinda nice but nothing special about it. First of all one of the coaches in the academy owns the newest 360+ MP and the previous 360 speed mp and in my opinion there is almost no difference !
So I would say Head focused more on tweaking Speed Pro line where I can see a HUGE improvement. I don't like the overall balance of the Speed MP. It tires my wrist a bit yet the weight makes it low powered and slightly unstable. I just don't see it great in stock form. Sinner adds weight to his Speed MP making it closer to Nadal's specs. Also I am more of a traditionalist when it comes to sticks so obviously speed mp should feel a bit strange in my hands. It's thick.

And regarding balance it's not only about head heaviness. For example I used to play with Liquidmetal Radical MP and that was very sweet frame !

My other friend is still rocking his xt speed mp and doesnt care about latest updates...my other friend is rocking his touch speed mp and also seems to be not so excited with other updates. If I had to choose the best speed mp it would probably be the touch version. But I am not super crazy about it. Oh... maybe it's a combination of balance, SW and 100" headsize that bothers my wrist.

It's a more control oriented, comfortable babolat pure drive but with this kinda feel I would probably still pick pure drive to at least try to dominate more. It's like - if you dont have the king of control sticks then at least try to get the best stick for crushing your opponents. Its somewhere in the middle making it a weird choice.

It's a good all around but lacking in all departments overall compared to other "top frames". It's perhaps a good transition racquet but at the same time I would faster give Radical MP to a talented junior rather than speed mp.

Slightly disappointed but again - Speed Pro is standing there, saving the little brother

5.5 rating - there are better options even for intermediate players. Tournament players will probably not like this and coaches will probably prefer easier racquets OR more control oriented racquet OR more powerful spin oriented racquets.

other frames on my list(click)
say hello on IG ! @dandan.tennis

 

[Wheelz]

Good show. Keep on Rollin. This test still needs more Yonex 100.

 

[galapagos]

Good show. Keep on Rollin. This test still needs more Yonex 100.

Ruud is rocking his yonex ezone 100. For me ezone98 line is a great balance of power/control/spin. Maybe a bit too much power. That's why I probably won't review yonex ezone 100. HOWEVER!

I did try Yonex Ezone DR 100 in the past. Crazy spin but too much power and kinda hollow feeling. It's basicly Yonex version of Babolat Pure Aero. In conclusion: too much power and the feel is too disconnected.

 

[Happi]

@galapagos we seen to share the same love for the Angell TC95, so I will have a few suggestions for you.

I have been through a long term racquet quest, and the one that came closest to the TC95 16x19 RA63 was the Prince Extreme Tour 95 (2015 version). That racquet is great, and has as good a feeling as the TC95, power is a lot lower but control and stability is better. Head is a little smaller, and it is a cool looking box beam frame. Here is a review from a Talk Tennis Forum member:

To go to Angell, my journey was TC100, TC97, TC96 16x19 (both RA63 and RA70) and finally TC95 18x20 (both RA63 and RA70) V3 oh and I also got the new Lime XL - My preferred racquet right now is TC95 18x20, but I just ordered one in 27.5 as I also like the way the Lime XL swings - so basically I am still on a quest that soon will end.

I will suggest you try out the TC95 in RA70, this frame plays really great with just a tiny bit of more crispiness. One would think there is a big difference between 63 and 70 RA but in reality, it is less than going from a soft poly to a medium stiff poly. Since you like more stiff polys I think you could perhaps benefit from the 70RA version.

Have you ever played extended Angell's, perhaps I could be worth a try. Perhaps try extending with an XTP butt cap before purchasing a 27.5 Angell.

Looking forwent to your reviews.

Cheers, H

 

[galapagos]

@galapagos we seen to share the same love for the Angell TC95, so I will have a few suggestions for you.

I have been through a long term racquet quest, and the one that came closest to the TC95 16x19 RA63 was the Prince Extreme Tour 95 (2015 version). That racquet is great, and has as good a feeling as the TC95, power is a lot lower but control and stability is better. Head is a little smaller, and it is a cool looking box beam frame. Here is a review from a Talk Tennis Forum member:

To go to Angell, my journey was TC100, TC97, TC96 16x19 (both RA63 and RA70) and finally TC95 18x20 (both RA63 and RA70) V3 oh and I also got the new Lime XL - My preferred racquet right now is TC95 18x20, but I just ordered one in 27.5 as I also like the way the Lime XL swings - so basically I am still on a quest that soon will end.

I will suggest you try out the TC95 in RA70, this frame plays really great with just a tiny bit of more crispiness. One would think there is a big difference between 63 and 70 RA but in reality, it is less than going from a soft poly to a medium stiff poly. Since you like more stiff polys I think you could perhaps benefit from the 70RA version.

Have you ever played extended Angell's, perhaps I could be worth a try. Perhaps try extending with an XTP butt cap before purchasing a 27.5 Angell.

Looking forwent to your reviews.

Cheers, H

I am aware of Prince Tour 95 (2015) I think somebody even posted a pictures here to show the differences in head sizes. I rarely see this frame around but used to see it in "graphene era" haha.

Smaller headsize would mean less forgiveness but from my experience forgiveness is one thing and sweet spot size is another.
In theory you can get quite big forgiveness with still kinda smaller sweet spot. Many 95 and now 98 frames are great because you can "pack" more weight to the head and it becomes very solid while with 100" you are gettig more forgiveness but at high level its for nothing if hitting outside the sweet spot is twisting the racquet or the ball is barely making it over the net. Because the weight is distributed in such long distance from the impact that you are not getting the support "behind the ball" , it's more "around it".

Thats why I suspect we don't see many 100" frames with stiffness below 64 and beam below 22mm. It's very difficult to create low powered feel oriented 100" that is stable enough to perform at high lvl.


I used to play with extended stick but i am quite tall with long arms so I dont feel the need. Also my max SW is 335. I like stiff polys for more control while stiffer frames give more power (less control) - so i dont think 70 ra angel would be my thing... I think I already found the best Angell for my game Now looking around if something can take it down.

 

[galapagos]

Time for the Head Radical MP Grapehene 360+

wow. it's been a long road for radical line. The last generation that was "competitive" is probably the one with 18x20 version. Then they decided to give all the popularity to...Wilson Blade. I think that was a turning point for Wilson Blade line. Most radical players that didnt want to play with prestige probably took Blade because it was the closest thing to Radical MP 18x20. I don't even know when was the last time Radical was launched with 18x20 pattern but its crazy long time.

BUT THE WAIT is over. Radical is finally a decent frame.

It's an easier to play blade. I can give it to beginners, advanced and very experience players and everybody can make something positive out of this stick. It's easy, and maybe a perfect "transition" stick ? Control for it's 16x19 pattern is great, spin potential is there, no stability issues for me. However this is still a transition stick for me. The previous radicals were much more demanding but had more plow and heaviness. This feels a bit like a toy (color doesn't help) perfect for everybody that is learning fast and wants to enjoy tennis. For competitive matches I would like to get a bit more of everything. I am sure there is a possibility of adding some lead to make it even better (i imagine that Yonex Ezone and Head Extreme Tour is pretty much the same story)

In stock form it is very stable. Much more stable than other 300 grams I tested in the past. I would even say it's even more stable than some 310g/310mm yonex frames.

Good job Radical but I would say it's a pitstop before going to Blade. Especially if a player wants to stay with 16x19 pattern.

I give this frame a 7.1 rating. It's great stick but can't see it as "final destination" for highly competitive players.

full list of the racquets (click)
say hello on IG ! @dandan.tennis

 

[abhi_trip]

How about a battle royale between the Prince Synergy 98, Tecnifibre RS 305, Blade v7 18x20, and the Pure Strike 18x20. All are rackets that come at 305 g unstrung, 330+ strung swingweight with 18 mains.

 

[tomkowy]

Most radical players that didnt want to play with prestige probably took Blade because it was the closest thing to Radical MP 18x20. I don't even know when was the last time Radical was launched with 18x20 pattern but its crazy long time.

I played with Liquidmetal Radical MP, so one of the last 18x20 Radicals. How would you compare these old 18x20 Radicals to this new one?

 

[thendnpanda]

Saw you were questioning the aero vs, I highly recommend it. It is exactly what you'd expect from an aero with sightly smaller head and slightly thinner beam. I like the whippy feeling stock but a couple of grams at 10 and 2 could really make it a more traditional racket with spin tech. I keep it stock so I can really whip up on low balls. The extra cross string and slightly tighter pattern controls flat shots a little better, but the spin grommets still give you the trademark aero spin. A little more flexy (comfort) than most Babolat rackets but isn't underpowered.

 

[Dartagnan64]

I'm playing with a '21 Pure Drive Plus. I added some weight to get the swing weight up to 330ish, and to get the racket up to 330 grams, strung. It's perfect, and I won't change until they no longer make the racket.

I used a Prokennex 7G for a bit, when I started to play again after a 25 year layoff. It was fine, but I simply couldn't deal with the flex. The PD+ is pretty close to my prior racket (an extended Spaulding Assault 110, which was more like 104). Personally, I'm not really one to change equipment (racket or strings) once I find something I'm happy with.

One interest note: I read lots of stuff on the internet about how the 7G is "arm friendly" and the Babolats are not. While I've never been prone to arm trouble, I now have a large DVR plate in my hitting wrist, and it can be pretty sensitive to vibration. I actually find the PD+ to be more comfortable, not less, using the same string.

I think its more an elbow thing than a wrist thing with Babolat.

 

[thendnpanda]

I used a Prokennex 7G for a bit, when I started to play again after a 25 year layoff. It was fine, but I simply couldn't deal with the flex.

One interest note: I read lots of stuff on the internet about how the 7G is "arm friendly" and the Babolats are not. While I've never been prone to arm trouble, I now have a large DVR plate in my hitting wrist, and it can be pretty sensitive to vibration. I actually find the PD+ to be more comfortable, not less, using the same string.

Yeah prokennex is good in theory, but I also hate feeling and the beads moving around inside between shots. It feels like you're swinging around something with sand in it or maracas or something.

As for the stiffness, some people get more issues from stiffer rackets due to higher frequency rackets. While less stiff rackets can be more taxing just because you need to swing harder and the amplitude of the vibrations might be higher even if the frequency is less.

 

[galapagos]

I played with Liquidmetal Radical MP, so one of the last 18x20 Radicals. How would you compare these old 18x20 Radicals to this new one?

I agree , LM radicals were amazing. You can even see a picture of Djoko playing with this line.
Radical 360+ is much softer and easier to use.spin potential is better with 360+ but the feel is a bit disconnected. LM radical was very „direct”. No fancy thing going. Just straight feedback from the strike Maybe a bit harsh but the ball was much heavier too. LM was grabbing the ball better while 16x19 is kinda „gentle”. I think LM wasnt the best in comfort and its quite demanding (more HH balance)
LM radical 18x20 is a bit like blade 2015 (actually blade 2015 is imo a bit better) radical graphene 360 + mp has totally different DNA but its easier to pick up and play good with it.

 

[galapagos]

another hype picture

 

[galapagos]

Thank you Murray. It was a very close one vs Tsitsipas! I wish i could have your racquet for the review

missed this guy.

 

[abhi_trip]

Thank you Murray. It was a very close one vs Tsitsipas! I wish i could have your racquet for the review

missed this guy.

He's my favourite player. I really wanted him to win. A real inspiration. Even with all the injuries and a metal hip, Muzza still put up a fight that everyone is proud of. I hope he plays more and more and reaches to a good level again.

 

[galapagos]

He's my favourite player. I really wanted him to win. A real inspiration. Even with all the injuries and a metal hip, Muzza still put up a fight that everyone is proud of. I hope he plays more and more and reaches to a good level again.

here is the review from tennisnerd of Murray's racquet (used also by Popyrin)

I have a friend in my country who is using this racquet and he is in love. BUT...it's a massive racquet to move around. You have to like the heavy feel. "autopilot" mode because when you start the move, it won't stop until it crushes something My max SW was 335 with about 360 grams / 310-315 mm balance strung and it was amazing BUT crazy difficult in some situations.

It's great BUT if you don't do excercices for stability then there are some situations during play where it's actually very dangerous to play with.

possible situation - you try to lob the guy, it's too short, he smashes, you try to reach the ball and extend your arm fully - during a very heavy impact, mass of the incoming ball, mass of the racquet and your hand fully extended causes shoulder dislocation. TRUE STORY

 

[mb3182]

another hype picture

That's a lot of limes, enough to make a good caipirinha

 

[abhi_trip]

another hype picture

Please post the vanilla and customized specs of your K7 Lime along with your review.

 

[galapagos]

That's a lot of limes, enough to make a good caipirinha

that's probably one of the best comments I've seen on this forum ;p I will need to make one for sure now ! hold me beer first !

 

[galapagos]

Please post the vanilla and customized specs of your K7 Lime along with your review.

no longer in my bag but I will review it!

All the crazy sh$t I did tonight
Those will be the best memories....

 

[galapagos]

Head Gravity Pro REVIEW
I tried this stick sooo many times. Always with intention to switch and I even got one at some point BUT...I had to say goodbye.

Zverev and Rublev are really enjoying this racquet and I really like their game. It's a perfect marketing for Gravity line. Who knows maybe even Grand Slam winner soon?
First I want to say that in theory I love the racquet. Forgiving, soft, very control oriented but also with nice spin potential. I used to play with IG Speed MP (18x20) which was supposed to be Zverev stick before Gravity. Speed was very unstable, it needed a lot of mass to play good and Head solved the problem with Gravity line.

BUT compared to speed or prestige I came up with the idea of performance per weight ratio (to be precise-how heavy the racquet feels and how much it gives in return) and there Gravity is loosing. And its loosing hard.
So Gravity is kinda on a heavier side of racquets. 315g/315 balance 330 +/- SW. At this specs it kinda feels heavy but with thinner beam its kinda also fast. You don't really feel the density and plow of the racquet. I think that more advanced players will try to add lead to this stick anyway in search of better penetration through the ball. (more mass behind it)

Yes its forgiving but if you hit outside the sweet spot then the power drops a lot so you still need to focus on hitting it clean. You are getting forgiveness but I wouldnt say its "forgiving performance". Blade in that respect is much better. Another reason to add more lead but wait...its already pretty heavy..

Thats how I came up with the ratio because it doesnt feel too solid and doesnt offer much plow yet its on a heavier side of racquets. Speed Pro is giving me much more in a lighter package. On top of that the feel of the speed pro is much better. Gravity is kinda numb. You dont really feel the contact with the ball. (probably because there is not enough plow) but again - already too heavy to experiement.

I added 5 grams to the handle to make it more like 320g/310 balance but this didnt improve that much my issues.

I am not enjoying this stick on serves. Very demanding and I put the blame on the huge very rounded headsize.

But please dont get me wrong. It's an amazing stick and in theory a perfect modern racquet. I just think that you are not getting enough performance for the weight you have to handle. Speed Pro is much much much better in that regard. Gravity Pro almost feels like a prototype racquet before the official launch of the Speed Pro The only thing I am not enjoying in Speed Pro is the thickness but other than that its a great stick and even some prestige MP users admit that they enjoyed testing it.

I suspect both Rublev and Zverev play with much heavier Gravity Pro to find the plow and feel of the racquet. At this point the stick is probably too heavy for most of us. But I think some tweaking with weight distribution might solve the issues. Maybe slightly stiffer layup to make the feel slightly more "solid". I think 320g/310 balance would be a better starting point for that frame.

I also think that the head shape is making it tricky for Head to mass produce Gravity Pro with the specs that this frame needs. Who knows... I already seen some stories with gravity pro QC issues.

I much prefer the oval shape of Speed pro. Its more forgiving than 98" frames but doesnt feel like 100". Yonex isometric technology is also offering more "forgiving performance"

Overall it was a very tempting stick but the issues I experienced were way to serious to make it my first choice. Despite the hefty mass it's one of the lowest powered sticks around. String it loose (23kg max) and enjoy the added spin potential and power.
Crazy good idea to have Gravity line with us. I absolutely love the concept and ALMOST loved the frame. DBL backhand players will enjoy it a lot.

I give it a 7.0 rating

full racquet list (click)
say hello on IG ! @dandan.tennis

 

[Spin Diesel]

Head Gravity Pro REVIEW
I tried this stick sooo many times. Always with intention to switch and I even got one at some point BUT...I had to say goodbye.

Zverev and Rublev are really enjoying this racquet and I really like their game. It's a perfect marketing for Gravity line. Who knows maybe even Grand Slam winner soon?
First I want to say that in theory I love the racquet. Forgiving, soft, very control oriented but also with nice spin potential. I used to play with IG Speed MP (18x20) which was supposed to be Zverev stick before Gravity. Speed was very unstable, it needed a lot of mass to play good and Head solved the problem with Gravity line.

BUT when I compare it to speed or prestige then I came up with the idea of performance per weight ratio (to be precise-how heavy the racquet feels) and there Gravity is loosing. And its loosing hard.
So Gravity is kinda on a heavier side of racquets. 315g/315 balance 330 +/- SW. At this specs it kinda feels heavy but with thinner beam its kinda also feels fast. You don't really feel the density and plow of the racquet. I think that more advanced players will try to add lead to this stick anyway in search of better penetration through the ball.

Yes its forgiving but if you hit outside the sweet spot then the power drops a lot so you still need to focus on hitting it clean. You are getting forgivenes but I wouldnt say its "forgiving performance". Blade in that respect is much better. Another reason to add more lead but wait...its already pretty heavy..

Thats how I came up with the ratio because it doesnt feel too solid and doesnt offer much plow yet its on a heavier side of racquets. Speed Pro is giving me much more in a lighter package. On top of that the feel of the speed pro is much better. Gravity is kinda spongy. You dont really feel the contact with the ball. (probably because there is not enough plow) but again - already too heavy to experiement.

I added 5 grams to the handle to make it more like 320g/310 balance but this didnt improve that much my issues.

I am not enjoying this stick on serves. Very demanding and I put the blame on the huge very rounded headsize.

But please dont get me wrong. It's amazing stick and in theory a perfect modern racquet. I just think that you are not getting enough performance for the weight you have to handle. Speed Pro is much much much better in that regard. Gravity Pro almost feels like a prototype racquet before the official launch of the Speed Pro The only thing I am not enjoying in Speed Pro is the thickness but other than that its a great stick and even some prestige MP users admit that they enjoyed testing it.

I suspect both Rublev and Zverev play with much heavier Gravity Pro to find the plow and feel of the racquet. At this point the stick is probably too heavy for most of us. But I think some tweaking with weight distribution might solve the issues. Maybe slightly stiffer layup to make the feel slightly more "solid". I think 320g/310 balance would be a better starting point for that frame.

I also think that the head shape is making it tricky for Head to mass produce Gravity Pro with the specs that this frame needs. Who knows... I already seen some stories with gravity pro QC issues.

I much prefer the oval shape of Speed pro. Its more forgiving than 98" frames but doesnt feel like 100". Yonex isometric technology is also offering more "forgiving performance"

Overall it was a very tempting stick but the issues I experienced were way to serious to make it my first choice. I give it a 6.9 rating

full racquet list (click)

Great review!
My Gravity Pro demo was way above spec with a SW of 344 and when I was timing my shots well it felt amazing. I actually found the sweetspot to be pretty forgiving, especially considering that my timing wasn‘t great with it. But I guess that’s due to the mass it had. I can see how people like such a hefty racket - it feels great when it just moves through the ball but overall I can‘t play effectively with it, unfortunately.
I was wondering how an on-spec one would be - now I consider your review as an answer Found most of your thoughts about the Speed Pro and Tecnifibre rackets spot on!

 

[galapagos]

Great review!
My Gravity Pro demo was way above spec with a SW of 344 and when I was timing my shots well it felt amazing. I actually found the sweetspot to be pretty forgiving, especially considering that my timing wasn‘t great with it. But I guess that’s due to the mass it had. I can see how people like such a hefty racket - it feels great when it just moves through the ball but overall I can‘t play effectively with it, unfortunately.
I was wondering how an on-spec one would be - now I consider your review as an answer Found most of your thoughts about the Speed Pro and Tecnifibre rackets spot on!

yap,very tricky. Mine was maybe a bit underspec. I usually play within 322-335 SW depending on frame but something felt not complete with Gravity Pro (I was playtesting 3 different Gravities and all felt slightly different in terms of plow with only one being great besides serve timing)

 

[Stercules]

I’m currently using Gravity Tours and thinks that’s the way to go if you want to add weight. Pro and Tour are nearly identical spec wise (I think) outside of SW. I haven’t ever added lead but I’m interested in doing so but have no clue where to start lol