Racquet Review: Head Boom MP 2024

• Price: $259
• Head Size: 100 sq. in.
• Length: 27 in.
• Weight: 11 oz.
• Balance: 6 pts. HL
• Swingweight: 317
• RA Rating: 62
• Beam Width: 23mm / 24mm / 23mm
• String Pattern: 16x19

What’s New

With this being just the second generation of the franchise, the Boom MP hasn't undergone any major changes. The primary addition is Auxetic 2.0—carbon fiber construction that improves feedback at contact. The original Boom MP had it in the yoke, and it has now been added to the handle as well. It’s intended to give the Boom a plusher and more stable response. The green and black cosmetic of the Boom now has the same color-blocking design as Head’s other silos. The same goes for the concept specs, which have been cleaned up and moved from the perimeter of the hoop to the inside of the throat. In addition to the standard look, the MP also comes in a special mint colorway option. Coco Gauff is currently using this model on tour.

What Works

A racquet called the Boom may lead you to believe that it’s designed to really pummel the ball. While there’s certainly power to be had with the MP, it’s more controllable than unbridled. Compared to other user-friendly 100s, its overall playability is less extreme. The dials are turned up, but kept to balanced levels. This allows you to play your game without having to overcompensate for the excesses of the frame.

At just 10.4 oz (295g) unstrung and with a feathery swingweight, the first thing you notice about the MP is it’s a breeze to swing and generate racquet-head speed. The combination of the frame’s wide shoulders and open string pattern add up to easy lift on shots. Net clearance hardly seems an issue. A medium-paced swing produces plenty of pop, while faster cuts can take advantage of the string spacing to create topspin to keep the ball in the court.

Given its spec profile—including a low stiffness rating—the stability and comfort are quite impressive, and an improvement over the outgoing model. Its predecessor could be rather shaky against incoming pace like a hard first serve, but this update feels sturdier in such situations. The flex of the frame allows it to breathe on contact and pocket the ball more than firmer frames. But it doesn’t feel mushy—more muted—or springy. It has a welcoming sweet spot, and while impact outside it isn’t as comfortable, the racquet absorbs it in a way that shots don’t fly all over the place.

Despite the lightness of frame, there’s just enough weight toward the top of the hoop to maintain a stable serving rhythm. It doesn’t have the inherent firepower of a racquet with more mass or stiffness, but you can still muster pretty decent pop from a measured swing. However, spin is probably the more outstanding trait. If you like serving with a varied arsenal, it’s a good frame for mixing in kickers and sliders out wide.

Off-speed angles and topspin lobs—shots that demand longer swings and more spin—are also strengths. While less adept on shots requiring a little more finesse, the improved response makes it a cut above its predecessor in this department as well.

The quick handling and pleasing feel both show up at the net. It’s no trouble getting the racquet into position during quick exchanges. There’s plenty of pop to put away chest-high floaters, and there’s good command to direct shots when more building volleys are required. You wouldn’t have a worry with this racquet by your side in a doubles match.

What Needs Work

The Boom’s open string pattern and higher launch angle can make distance control a little trickier. This is most apparent when trying to flatten out shots or putting away a short ball. Faster swings require some measure of topspin to keep things in check.

In stock form, the weight and balance is probably adequate for 3.0-4.0 intermediates. However, it may play too light for players above that level. Added mass in the hoop would help ensure shots—like the backhand slice—don’t float and have more stick.

And, depending on what you’re looking for in a frame, the Boom could present too much of a middle ground. It’s pretty good at everything, but may not stand out in any particular category. It sometimes leaves you wishing for either a bit more precision to play closer to the lines, or more free power to hit out on serves and short balls.

Tester Comments

“It has a nice solid feel for such a quick and whippy frame.”

“I loved playing doubles with it, and taking advantage of its ability to produce an offensive shot from various positions within the point.”

“Easy to use for almost any level of player.”

Bottom Line

For players liking speedy, comfortable and user-friendly mid-weight frames, the Boom MP will make a lot of noise.