Wilson Ultra Tour v Head Youtek IG Radical MP v Head Microgel Radical MP

A

Ace214

Rookie
Hey guys! I'm trying to decide between the 3 racquets mentioned (Ultra tour, Youtek IG Radical MP & Microgel Radical MP) -
Could you please give me your opinion along with pros and cons if possible? Thank you! :)

I'm 23 YO. Semi western forehand. Single hand backhand. Looking for the ideal combination of stability, control, and comfort - free power would be an added bonus.

Thanks!
 
If you are ok with customizing frames, the Microgel Radical MP will be a great option for you. It just feels much nicer with added weight. I believe it''s the same with the IG Radical MP.

The Ultra Tour sounds like a nice frame if you are into classical feeling frame. This also looks like it needs weight for the heavy hitters.

What is your current racket of choice?
 
Thank you for the response!

I've most recently actually been using a weighted Wilson PS 97LS. But I'm looking for something more plush, more stable and something which gives me more control. Something which allows me to take a bigger cut on the ball; which is more forgiving on off centre hits and stays stable would be ideal.
 
Ace214 said:
How different is the feel? I haven't played with a Microgel racquet before. Thanks again!!
Click to expand...
I've only played the original MG, not the reissue, which I hear plays stiffer and somewhat off. I'd say the MG plays more traditionally soft while the IG has more firmness behind it. I don't think a move from the 97LS to the MG Rad is what you're looking for though, go for the IG.
 
Spin to Win has it right. I've got the old MG radical and the IG radical, and while they're both fine racquets, I think the IG is a more "updated" firmer racquet with a little more power. I have also found them both to be pretty string sensitive.
 
Should I be considering the IG Rad Pro at all since I'm used to a more open string pattern and the weight is not an issue?
 
Ace214 said:
Thank you for the response!

I've most recently actually been using a weighted Wilson PS 97LS. But I'm looking for something more plush, more stable and something which gives me more control. Something which allows me to take a bigger cut on the ball; which is more forgiving on off centre hits and stays stable would be ideal.
Click to expand...

DR98 fits the bill!

MG Radical is inferior to LM Radical imo, loop too unstable due to flex. Throwing lead at it is useless, but feed it to LM and it grows into a beast.

Ultra is coming in on 17th, ask me then ;)
 
Ace214 said:
I've demoed it! Wasn't bowled over by the DR 98 unfortunately.

Any thoughts on the IG Rad MP? :)
Click to expand...

IG Rad brings the words "weak sauce" to mind, reallly nothing special and doesn't take weight too well either.

DR98 does need a few grams of lead get to promiseland, otherwise sqeezing juice out of it is tough
 
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Anton said:
DR98 fits the bill!

MG Radical is inferior to LM Radical imo, loop too unstable due to flex. Throwing lead at it is useless, but feed it to LM and it grows into a beast.

Ultra is coming in on 17th, ask me then ;)
Click to expand...

I have to agree with Anton re: Microgel vs Liquidmetal Radical. I had the Microgel up to ~370 SW this Winter (just for heck of it) and it still had a horrible ping sensation/sound. Have since sold those. Recently I was able to get some LMs for free from a buddy and with a more conventional weight and swingweight it plays much bigger. Plays bigger than my Pro Tours and it's breaking my heart a little inside, lol

Everyone is wondering how the Ultra Tours are going to turn out. Try it out before making a decision.

I'm guessing the Blades are the closest to the LM Rad? With mid 60s RA and higher twistweight...
 
At 23 unless there is compelling reason to stay with a 18x20, flexible ,low power racquet that they don't make any more there are a lot of options for you to consider. What is you game like ?
 
If you are seeking an older model, why don't you take a look at the IG Prestige MP, instead of Radical MP? When they came out, I had both but didn't really played much with the Radical MP because I thought it was completely inferior to the IGPMP. As far as the MG Radical goes, it does take a lot of weight for it to feel substantial. Not sure if you want to go through that trouble.
 
Ace214 said:
.... I'm trying to decide between the 3 racquets mentioned (Ultra tour, Youtek IG Radical MP & Microgel Radical MP).....
Click to expand...

I recommend to stay away from Rads, if you don't plan to customize with foam, silicone, etc..
Harsh vibrations, specifically on the low pace easy shots!
I almost brake my wrist with IG Rad, when I just try to stop a lob ball (to catch it for a serve).

To say the "whole story" this specific IG Rad MP "missing" whole 20 grams due to very very low QC! It's supposed to be 325g and was only 305g!

Imho just wait for the first customer reviews of Ultra Tour...
 
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Daddy's said:
At 23 unless there is compelling reason to stay with a 18x20, flexible ,low power racquet that they don't make any more there are a lot of options for you to consider. What is you game like ?
Click to expand...


I play with a semi western forehand and a single handed backhand. I play an aggressive baseline game, and love to go to the net when the opportunity presents himself. I hit more flat shots than I do topspin.

Ideally my racquet should be comfortable (plush, buttery feel - emphasis on buttery), and offer me tons of control. Free power is an added bonus. Stability is really important as well with how often I tend to go to the net and 'cuz I tend to play against hard hitters. Weight should be ideally between 11 and 12 oz.
The Radical MP sounded like a good fit.
 
Ace214 said:
Should I be considering the IG Rad Pro at all since I'm used to a more open string pattern and the weight is not an issue?
Click to expand...
the ig rad pro feels better than the ig rad mp, but is a pretty special frame and can feel slugish (if you use lighter frames).

Ace214 said:
Ideally my racquet should be comfortable
Click to expand...
the ig radical mp is not plush and not comfortable (my opinion). it feels harsh on off center hits.

if the plush feel and control are your main concerns, i would demo the wilson ultra tour (although i don´t know if it feels as plush as described by other playtesters) and the pacifc x force pro no.1 (if this racquet plays like the old fischer pro no.1 which i played for years , and the tw playtest indicates that, than its the plushest frame on the market)
 
Could you link me to the Pacific X Force Pro No. 1 racquet? Thanks! Would appreciate anyone else's take on the racquet as well :)

"Ideally my racquet should be comfortable (plush, buttery feel - emphasis on buttery), and offer me tons of control. Free power is an added bonus. Stability is really important as well with how often I tend to go to the net and 'cuz I tend to play against hard hitters. Weight should be ideally between 11 and 12 oz."
^Does that bring anything else to mind? I'm of the opinion that there may be Pro Kennex racquets which fit this to the bill?

Would appreciate anyone's personal experience with the IG Rad MP based on the above wants.

Thanks a ton! :)
 
Ace214 said:
I play with a semi western forehand and a single handed backhand. I play an aggressive baseline game, and love to go to the net when the opportunity presents himself. I hit more flat shots than I do topspin.

Ideally my racquet should be comfortable (plush, buttery feel - emphasis on buttery), and offer me tons of control. Free power is an added bonus. Stability is really important as well with how often I tend to go to the net and 'cuz I tend to play against hard hitters. Weight should be ideally between 11 and 12 oz.
The Radical MP sounded like a good fit.
Click to expand...

If you want buttery, you have got to at least demo the Blade 98 18x20 Countervail. Seriously a great frame.
 
TennisHound said:
IG Radical MP supposed to be 325g? No lol. Unstrung weight 295g (10.4oz). Strung weight 315g (11.1oz).
Click to expand...

320g on TW review

321g on TWU lists

Def. not 315. - Usually TW messures many racquets to publish specs.

Sorry not 325 (as have passed many tears), but lol too!

So Head's QC are OK with 16g less weight? What do you believe?

TennisHound said:
I can't imagine this racquet being the sole cause of you "almost" breaking your wrist.
Click to expand...

You may read more carefully this forum and other too.
I'm not the only one who says that...
Actually when it happens I supposed that was my problem.
But when I search info for a Ti.Rad (which I bought few days ago) I read the same problem from others too.
Sorry, don't keep the links. But you can search them, if you don't believe it.
Or may other members can post about that.

But as I've already said I believe that the specific IG Rad was a defective product.
 
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Simplicius said:
320g on TW review

321g on TWU lists

Def. not 315. - Usually TW messures many racquets to publish specs.

Sorry not 325 (as have passed many tears), but lol too!

So Head's QC are OK with 16g less weight? What do you believe?



You may read more carefully this forum and other too.
I'm not the only one who says that...
Actually when it happens I supposed that was my problem.
But when I search info for a Ti.Rad (which I bought few days ago) I read the same problem from others too.
Sorry, don't keep the links. But you can search them, if you don't believe it.
Or may other members can post about that.

But as I've already said I believe that the specific IG Rad was a defective product.
Click to expand...
Copy that
 
I've recently gotten 9 different racquets with RA from 57 (rad mp) to 72. They all have their advantages and disadvantages if your swing is sound I seriously doubt any frame is the sole cause of injury. More likely technique, string/tension, or just plain accident. Regarding your question demo the frames together if possible and then decide. Then just buy one and play with it. You can adapt to it and vice versa. My MG rad pro is my top of the list go to. They aren't made anymore but can be found on the bay really cheaply. My last one was $65 and I'd stack it up against ANY modern stick without question. Good luck.
 
I've been through a few rackets over the past year and I have ended up using the IG Rad MP and love it. Tried the MG but couldn't gel with it. I've waiting to demo the Ultra Tour though.

Only racket I've used that I liked more was the older Radical Tour Zebra that was lovely! However, due to an elbow injury I now find the Zebra a little too heavy after a set. However, I'm very happy with the IG.
 
Ideally my racquet should be comfortable (plush, buttery feel - emphasis on buttery), and offer me tons of control. Free power is an added bonus. Stability is really important as well with how often I tend to go to the net and 'cuz I tend to play against hard hitters. Weight should be ideally between 11 and 12 oz."

Does the Grapheme Speed Pro/MP fit that billing?
 
I have played with both the MG Rad MP, and IG Rad MP. In stock form they are too light and underpowered.

Had both modded, and ended up at approx 345g 6pts H/L strung. The MG was still low on power, but I found the IG played well all round and was quite plush feeling.
 
Ace214 said:
Ideally my racquet should be comfortable (plush, buttery feel - emphasis on buttery), and offer me tons of control. Free power is an added bonus. Stability is really important as well with how often I tend to go to the net and 'cuz I tend to play against hard hitters. Weight should be ideally between 11 and 12 oz."

Does the Grapheme Speed Pro/MP fit that billing?
Click to expand...

Based on this I would recommend Prince TT95 and 100P.
They are very buttery, and very stable. Excellent at the net, and great at serving.
I have an MG Rad MP, and it is buttery, but it needs to be weighed well above 12oz to play good.

You asked about PK as well. I would not describe them as buttery, they are comfortably firm. The only buttery feeling one for me in your weight range is the 5g, but is is underpowered in stock form. Needs a bit of weight in the head (just couple of grams).


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Zlatni said:
Based on this I would recommend Prince TT95 and 100P.
They are very buttery, and very stable. Excellent at the net, and great at serving.
I have an MG Rad MP, and it is buttery, but it needs to be weighed well above 12oz to play good.

You asked about PK as well. I would not describe them as buttery, they are comfortably firm. The only buttery feeling one for me in your weight range is the 5g, but is is underpowered in stock form. Needs a bit of weight in the head (just couple of grams).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Thank you! Any thoughts on the Youtek Graphene Speed Pro?
What about the new Prince Phantom line?
 
Ace214 said:
Ideally my racquet should be comfortable (plush, buttery feel - emphasis on buttery), and offer me tons of control. Free power is an added bonus. Stability is really important as well with how often I tend to go to the net and 'cuz I tend to play against hard hitters. Weight should be ideally between 11 and 12 oz."

Does the Grapheme Speed Pro/MP fit that billing?
Click to expand...

No is the short answer.

IG Speed MP is not bad with some lead, a lot of spin, some power in there and fairly comfy...wouldn't call it buttery though.
 
Anton said:
No is the short answer.

IG Speed MP is not bad with some lead, a lot of spin, some power in there and fairly comfy...wouldn't call it buttery though.
Click to expand...

How about the Babolat Pure Control Tour, or Prince Pro Tour 98, or the Technifibre TFight 315 Ltd ATP 18x20?

Would love to hear your take on this. Thanks!
 
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I've now had two outings with the Ultra Tour and have decided to change to it from the MG, which I played with for the past 6 months. Feel like I have just as much comfort and control out of the Ultra and a bit more power...and just a better feel, perhaps because of the foam. I'd demo if possible
 
GreenClay said:
I've now had two outings with the Ultra Tour and have decided to change to it from the MG, which I played with for the past 6 months. Feel like I have just as much comfort and control out of the Ultra and a bit more power...and just a better feel, perhaps because of the foam. I'd demo if possible
Click to expand...

Thanks! Speaking of foam, have you used an Angell by any chance? How would you compare it with your UT?
 
Ace214 said:
Thank you! Any thoughts on the Youtek Graphene Speed Pro?
What about the new Prince Phantom line?
Click to expand...

Speed pro is not bad. But it is stiff. And not that torsionally stable.
It is very precise and has pretty good spin for 18x20.
TT100P is better for me in every way.

I have not tried the phantom, but I have several. O3/EXO3 racquets including Tour 100 16x18 which is Phantom's predecessor. They have a very different feel. I would describe it as rubbery.
Maybe textreme in the Phantom makes it more solid.
FWIW the Rebel 95/Tour 95 were the best of the bunch. I also liked EXO3 Graphite 100. Pretty good, almost POG feel, and great spin.



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Zlatni said:
Speed pro is not bad. But it is stiff. And not that torsionally stable.
It is very precise and has pretty good spin for 18x20.
TT100P is better for me in every way.

I have not tried the phantom, but I have several. O3/EXO3 racquets including Tour 100 16x18 which is Phantom's predecessor. They have a very different feel. I would describe it as rubbery.
Maybe textreme in the Phantom makes it more solid.
FWIW the Rebel 95/Tour 95 were the best of the bunch. I also liked EXO3 Graphite 100. Pretty good, almost POG feel, and great spin.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot for this, I really do appreciate your input!
Based on what I'm looking for, how would you rate the Babolat Pure Control Tour, or Prince Pro Tour 98, or the Technifibre TFight 315 Ltd ATP 18x20, or the Pacific BXT X Force Pro No 1? Thanks again :)
 
Only have two of those.
I have real problems with the TF315. I can usually play with any racquet, but just don't seem to be able to connect with this one. The feel is great when just bouncing the ball on the stringbed; closest thing to the Pro Tour 280. But I just have very hard time finding a sweet spot. Lots of people swear by these racquets, but its just not for me.

I have a Pure Control 95 (not Tour) and it is a great stick. One of the rare racquets I can play without the dampener. It needs couple of grams at 12, but after that it serves great and has a pinpoint accuracy. It can be strung really low. I have mine strung with Cyclone 19 at 35 lbs and the control is still great. The kind of stick you can swing out and not worry about the ball sailing long. (Prince TT95 and Rebel/Tour 95 are like that for me as well, although TT95 needs to be strung a bit tighter in the high 40s(low 50s with NG mains))


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GreenClay said:
I've now had two outings with the Ultra Tour and have decided to change to it from the MG, which I played with for the past 6 months. Feel like I have just as much comfort and control out of the Ultra and a bit more power...and just a better feel, perhaps because of the foam. I'd demo if possible
Click to expand...

Where is the foam in the Ultra? Frame? Handle?
 
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