Tip of the Day: When hitting a low point during a match, changing focus can support a momentum shift

The Head Extreme Pro slots in for the outgoing Extreme Tour. The racquets share the same dimensions and very similar playability; the name change is primarily to keep in stride with the naming structure with the rest of Head’s silos.

Under the hood, Auxetic 2.0—carbon fiber construction that improves feedback at contact—has been added to give the racquet a plusher and more dependable response. The layup of the frame has also been altered—stiffer hoop and more flexible throat—to bolster stability, feel and the sound when hitting the ball. Lastly, the grommet and bumper material has been updated to also enhance the sensation at contact.

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Matteo Berrettini endorses the Head Extreme Pro

What Works

The Extreme franchise has always been aimed at the “spin to win” crowd, and the Pro certainly delivers on that promise. Speedy with a spread string pattern and plenty of play in the grommets, the frame is a natural at putting heavy work on the ball. The added flexibility in the throat makes the racquet compress more at contact than the outgoing model, creating a feel of increased pocketing and launch. Fast, vertical swings result in lots of extra torque on the ball.

While the 98 square-inch head size might seem challenging for some, it's also a very forgiving frame. Less so than the slightly bigger MP if you’re regularly off-center or late, but that shouldn’t be an issue for racquet’s intended audience. The Pro has a friendly sweet spot and a very comfortable, if somewhat muted, feel at impact. The higher launch angle allows you to find easy depth—especially when defending or in challenging scenarios—without being exacting.

Similar to racquets like the Yonex VCORE 98 and Babolat Pure Aero 98, it’s got more natural juice than a pure player’s frame. Perhaps not as weighty a shot as a heavier frame, but taking advantage of smooth acceleration can compensate. Which makes for an extra gear when trying to nail an ace or disposing a mid-court ball.

Yet, there’s still got enough feel and control as to not limit your options. If you want to blast a first serve and back it up with a mashed forehand, it’s got the goods. On the other hand, if you prefer a more patient approach, it’s just as capable carving a slider or snapping a kicker out wide and grinding down opponents with steady groundies. Block the return of serve or step in and be aggressive—the racquet has the versatility to either approach. Given the frame’s predilection for spin and easy pace, it’s probably best suited for baseline tactics, but it’s just versatile enough to gel with just about any playing style.

Head Extreme Pro (2024)

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So when those ground strokes yield short ball opportunities it’s no slouch finishing points at net. Quick to contact with a solid response, it has plenty of punch to power volleys through the court. And it ably catches the ball on the strings for drop volleys, half-volleys and those tricky in-between shots. If you’re playing dubs or like to throw in the occasional crush and rush, it certainly won’t hold you back.

What Needs Work

Some of the Pro’s improvements come at a cost. Namely precision. The added power and spin-potential make it tougher to flatten the ball out and hit into tighter windows. That was arguably never a strength of the frame relative to other 98s in its weight class, and it remains possible players could feel likewise this time around.

Depending on what you’re looking for, the softer, more muted response may also be too much of a good thing. Those seeking something comfortable and arm-friendly on full swings will have no complaints. However, some players could find it a bit too numb and lacking enough feedback when volleying or hitting touch shots.

Both of these issues could be mitigated with choice of string and tension. Some testers found the Pro to be rather sensitive in this regard. A full bed of a firm, shaped polyester rewarded shots with excellent spin and good command, but not enough court penetration. A softer string bed upped the power output, but noticeably hurt control. Tinkering with the setup will really help dial in the frame’s capabilities.

The new Extreme racquets have an accompanying bag line

Tester Comments

“Smooth, solid, and a ton of spin! Also excellent for directing airport traffic at night… soooo much YELLLLLOW!!”

“I'm strongly considering switching to this frame going forward, as it offers enough of everything (power/control, feel/comfort, maneuverability, spin potential) for my game.”

“A slight improvement over the Extreme Tour 2022 in nearly every department.”

Bottom Line

The Extreme Pro delivers a lively ball in a comfortable and user-friendly package. If spin is the foundation of your game, you can certainly build it around this racquet.

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Baseline