Price: $269
Head Size: 98 sq. in.
Length: 27 in.
Weight: 11.7 oz.
Balance: 6 pts. HL
Swingweight: 328
RA Rating: 64
Beam Width: 20 mm / 21.5 mm / 21 mm
String Pattern: 16x19
What’s New
As with the other frames in Head’s lineup, the Radical Pro has been given the Auxetic treatment. It’s not a new material but rather a carbon fiber construction in the yoke of the frame designed to create a more uniform and pleasing response at contact regardless of impact location on the string bed. It’s intended to be particularly beneficial on off-center hits. Graphene 360+ technology returns again, strategically placing Graphene around the hoop for power and stability, and combining it with Spiralfibers for an improved feel.
What Works
Ever since Head introduced Graphene to the Radical Pro, the feel of the racquet has been something of a dividing line. Putting more of the weight in the poles of the frame and hollowing out the throat has left the racquet with a response that’s more of an acquired taste. However, the addition of Auxextic to this latest generation results in a marked improvement in feedback and feel. It’s as solid and stable as ever, but with appreciable bumps in sweet spot size, comfort and ball-pocketing.
From a stroke perspective, this latest Radical is very much in step with its recent heritage. It’s the type of racquet that offers a little extra energy but has command enough to allow aggressive players to go after their shots with confidence. The sufficient swingweight gives strokes good plow through, yet the racquet remains quick enough to avoid feeling sluggish or cumbersome. The 16x19 string pattern favors directional control with just enough spin potential. So whether hitting offensive, dictating ground strokes to smaller targets, or counterpunching in protracted rallies, the versatility is readily available.
On serves, the frame accelerates easily through contact to summon plenty of pace. If desired, you can really rear back and nail flat first serves with a fair amount of accuracy. When second serves are required, a high kick can be dialed up to keep opponents at bay. Overall it's a very capable option for accomplished servers to start points on their terms.
Volleys and court craft are areas that probably benefit most from the improved response. It has a solid feel on punch volleys, sturdiness on off-center hits and enough flex to absorb and deflect hard shots with control. And while not in the category of an old school players frame, the Radical Pro holds its own on drop shots, angles and touch lobs as well as any modern racquet. It’s got the all-court bases well covered.
