HEAD Gravity Tour 98 Teaser Review - Not what I expected!

[@OldManMidnight]

By the sounds of it we still need to hope that HEAD releases a Speed 98

[@davech07]

Agreed! That'd be an interesting racquet. I have the 2024 Speed Pro it's surprisingly fast to swing because of the 310mm un-strung balance. The 330+ swing weight is a tad deceiving - it feels significantly faster to swing than the 2024 Speed MP, with much more feel on the strings. It also has a surprising amount of spin and a nice balance of power and control. That said, I'd jump at a 98 Speed Pro - maybe with a 16-20 string bed.

[@Sinisterg60]

What i have learned with 98's with pretty open string patterns (boom pro, vcore 98, aero 98 and the like) use a 1.30 string at a kilo or 2 lower tension to calm down the launch angle. Worked wonders on boom pro 2022 and vcore 98 2023.

[@userdjee834]

Sounds exactly like a racquet made for an upcoming 17yo top junior player, Engel perhaps, just like Musetti got his when he was 17, ET was also a new mould. v2 will probably be softened up for rec players. Interesting, a must try then.

[@ThePBJ96]

I am a flat hitter and the Aero 98 is my current frame, it suits my game pretty nice helping me to raise the ball a lot, with some adjustments you can hit flat without any problem too. Before I was playing with a Pro Staff 97 for almost 10 years (red and black cosmetic). This Gravity its a must try for me.

[@Flootyy]

currently running 2 PS97. i liked forehands on aero 98 but not the backhand (OHBH).

[@tkycapital5436]

@@Flootyy The problem might lie in your technique (no offense), I use the aero and also have a OHBH. Its power and consistency is on par with my FH.

[@Flootyy]

@@tkycapital5436 oh it definitely works, i just simply dont like the lack of whip and stability compared to pro staff. and the stiffness of the PS i just love it

[@kennethlau9149]

How does it compare to the Boom Pro? 2 very similar frames, same tear-drop head shape and string pattern (16x19), very similar beam width, balance and swing-weight. Perhaps the biggest difference is the 5g in static weight?

[@phecez]

The Boom Pro plays much softer than its 64RA, whereas from this review it seems like the new Gravity plays pretty stiff. Maybe the Boom's increase in comfort does come from the static weight, perhaps you're right.

[@steveschaeffer5999]

Thanks for the clarification Jonas. I was expecting a more flexible, little heavier and a lower RA 98 version with not quite such an open pattern. Helpful review!

[@LOSTINTENNIS]

Hi Jonas, coming back from the Blog comment. So far, I did enjoy the racquet but am still in the process of making a full idea on it, I felt at home from the beginning and as you pointed out the sound is quite amazing (if you swing fast you can hear the swooshing sound through the air, like an old Prestige). I am arm sensitive and have decided to string with Lynx, did not feel harsh. About stiffness, not sure is that stiff, I think is more in the 62/63 range. Finding difficult to categorize the racquet in the Head space as well as in what compares to it from other brands. Overall I think is a great frame

[@hybrid11theory75]

Thicker gauge and round poly should help with the launch angle. Something like Razor Soft could work really well.. soft and controlled, lower launch ;)

[@johnfairbrother6346]

I would love a comparison between this, the Extreme Pro and the new Radical when it is available next year. Sometimes I feel that Head makes it overly complicated

[@b.lakeberg7456]

Agree! Head should simplify. This racket sounds interesting, but its a crowded market in the Head line up.

[@johnfairbrother6346]

@@b.lakeberg7456 I’m very interested in this frame. But yeah, Head has almost too many options

[@sebastiandomagala9233]

So, a Head PA 98 it is? Why not market it as a Radical, should fit the line way better. If it says "Gravity" on the outside, it should play like a Gravity and not like something completely different. Although the result sounds tempting.

[@tomk5238]

Would have fit extreme more. Extreme is more about power and spin. Which the extreme pro has like no power.

[@phecez]

I think Jonas was really holding back here out of respect for Head -- I think he's really baffled at why this is being marketed as a Gravity. It makes sense to have this kind of racket to compete with the Aeros, but isn't that what Extreme is for? Gravity rackets have such a consistent set of feel and specs, I think we can say straight out that this just doesn't make a lot of sense. I'm just really disappointed, since I was just looking for something inbetween the MP and Pro. Wonder if it's too late for Head to rethink?

[@davech07]

Thanks for a really informative and balanced review. I've looked at a few other reviews of it and it sounds potentially like a lot of fun. I agree that it doesn't seem to sit well in the Gravity family. Might have fitted better as an Extreme, but they've renamed the 2022 Extreme Tour to Pro, so no obvious place to put it.

[@craignelson5689]

I'm surprised Head doesn't have an embargo on talking about the new racquets! Have you gotten to sample the updated Radical as well?

[@dustyroot4708]

How does it feel around the net? That was my only gripe with the Gravity Pro, which is just too sluggish at the net during quick exchanges imo.

[@Tennisnerd]

Faster, quite decent

[@EGchristian]

There’s already a racquet with similar specs on the market, the Diadem Elevate 98. Crazy open string pattern too.

[@TheTennisDaddy]

Jonas, if you have a chance to get the racquet again, try stringing in the low 40s…I hit with it last week with Hawk Touch and it felt low 40s or even lower, but man it felt great, really controlled and comfortable…normally I’m no lower than 50lbs in everything other than my Prestige Tour(45lbs in them) 54lbs in my current playing racquet(Speed Pro) but surprisingly this Gravity Tour strung really low was sensational..100% agree with needing to keep committing to your shots, when I got lazy, balls sailed, otherwise I was getting quite a lower launch than I expected…my one hander was the shot that launched the most as it’s flatter than my forehand so I really had to try rip it some more so I also agree that it’s demanding in that sense, you need to keep the foot down

[@RhayaderGoesToTown]

Weird they put it in the Gravity line, but it actually sounds the kind of racquet I'd like. My fav is the TFight 300.

[@marklin83]

The 2 that I measured here were 59 RA

[@xavieralfonsoortizvinagera9335]

Great background music 🎶

[@rosshayden1416]

Hopefully they make a 95 version. The market needs some powerful 95s that are more manageable than prestige tour. People say 95 are no good in today's game but clearly not true with Novak still going strong

[@limes..100]

I feel an ezone 95 would be amazing

[@experientialtennispickleball]

Not so far out of topic, I really feel Head should release the V2 Eco Prototype String. It was the string I enjoyed the most in 2024 and was the best eco-string among 3 others I've played.

[@KienPham-vq6uo]

Does the racket feel good on the one handed backhand?

[@michaelcasto5727]

How does this frame compare to the Radical Pro?

[@andrewedminson3635]

It sounded similar but with different head shape

[@tomk5238]

They should have made this the extreme pro. But an aero 98 type racquet with a black cosmetic will sell out. They already have a classic heavy control line with the prestige. Glad they are making something like this. What's interesting is that all the Japanese reviews say this is low powered. Wonder if that's a qc problem.

[@DanielHelc]

That intro tune is back: )

[@paulcx2]

I thought higher string tension is needed to lower the launch angle..?

[@ThomasThomas-cf2jp]

Finally a one handed backhand version!

[@willfaust471]

Sounds a lot like the EZONE 98, definitely interested

[@CH-yp5by]

Looks like you'll would get more control with a Vcore 98 2023, let alone an Ezone 98 2022, both with tighter 16 x19 string patterns. I feel this is a bit of missed opportunity as its too similar to the Extreme line, a tighter 16 x19 pattern would be much better!

[@dermeisenmann4576]

Would even buy the teaser paint job

[@bigrobsydney]

Hey Jonas, great review. Confirms that its NOT the racket for me, which is very helpful. Out of interest, who was your hitting partner at Sergio's? Leah?

[@TK-Tennis]

I don't understand the perspective about the Gravity "line" not being spin friendly. Sure, the Gravity Pro and Tour with 18x20 patterns are certainly very controlled oriented, however the Gravity MP and MP-L are 16x20 open patterns and are indeed more spin oriented models. The head shape and layup is what defines a tennis racquet line and not the head size or string pattern. The Gravity being offered in a 98 version fills a void advanced players who want more spin or for one handed backhand players. With that said, it would be ideal to offer this in both 16x19 and 18x20 patterns to fully fill the gap.

[@steveschaeffer5999]

Hey string man! Have you gotten your hands on one yet to hit. I was wondering how stiff and crisp it feels or how the control is considering the open pattern. I imagine it would still feel more controlled than an aero 98.

[@musarra195]

I get plenty of spin on my Grav Pro. Use Lynx yellow 17g at 51 lbs.

[@TK-Tennis]

@@steveschaeffer5999 Ha LOL. Nah I'm just a small fry within the tennis KZbin ecosystem and I don't get early access. I typically avoid reviewing racquets (too frustrating always changing racquets), but as a Gravity user I am eager to play with the new 98. I have the same hunch that it will be more control oriented and less spin oriented than the Aero 98.

[@TK-Tennis]

@@musarra195 I struggled getting adequate spin with the G-Pro, but with the right game, swing type and speed the G-Pro can generate healthy spin 👍

[@thibange]

Its a perfect mix between speed gravity and extreme all in 98 . Perfect

[@vnishpt7036]

Seems like a strange release in the Gravity lineup imo. I was hoping for a mostly Gravity Pro specs in a 98 head size. Oh well.....Thx for the post & insights☮

[@jonathanchen1026]

This honestly just looks like a blade pro 16x19

[@Wetshock]

hype killed for this one. im definitely a control oriented racquet lover, was playing with the head pro tour 2.0 but the grommets and racquet has gotten too pricy for used frames. switched to the red and black version of the cx 200 tour 18x20 recently and its been great. I was hoping for maybe a 98 gravity but still with control elements, almost like a blade or pro staff etc.

[@Stu49583]

gravity line gets way more hype than it deserves. I think too many people want to see some new pt57a in it, however for me that teardrop head shape kills it

[@Tennis040]

Maybe you can test the prince phantom 100x 18x20 some weight 4g @ 3 and 9 and you got near the same feeling ...not the same precision than a pt 57a

[@Stu49583]

@@Tennis040 I used the Prince Phantom 100 Pro 16×18, my father has it, that racquet is way too underpowered, however I never tried to add lead to it, so it might improve quite a lot. I also have an original very old pt57a, problem is, that racquet is very "tired".

[@tonygareth221]

There is no perfect racquet. Some are better than others, but for me every “players” racquet has something I like. I’m tired of searching so I’m just going to stick to my Diadem Elevate Tours (teal ones) and I’m going to buy a few more for years to come.

[@PD-nz5rk]

Specs are similar to Head Pro Boom, even the shape.

[@123Squito]

Any chance to test the new Angell K7 98?

[@CB-mr1ci]

Does it react in a similar way to the vcore 98 where you can still hit flat even with the more spin friendly technologies/specs ?

[@CH-yp5by]

This has a more tighter 16 x19 string pattern, it would have more control

[@toemouse]

Pretty similar specs to TF40. Do they play similar?

[@NoahMirandaQUAGBALLGAMING]

How does it compare to the Head Gravity MP XL??

[@highflying19]

Doesn't sound like a gravity. I play the tour and have no problem with spin or my one hander, the brassy feeling you describe sounds like a extreme pro, or tour or whatever they call it now.

[@PhilippeDeBruin1374]

I play with a Ezone 98, just demoed the Gravity Tour 98 and blade 98 16x19, gravity is more similar to ezone than blade, people really just wanted a spin friendly blade from this racket. Very sad, still a fantastic racket don’t get me wrong, just not what I wanted (expected).

[@wackojumey]

I was hoping it would be like a softer Radical MP

[@Rigbuss]

Gotta give it that Hawk Tuah'ch

[@Eddie-hn5hp]

DryDoggin' 17ga. Quite a ROUGH DRY playing string!!

[@Khun.Pattaya]

how does this compare to nordicdots 99 ?

[@gholland75]

How was it on serves?

[@jerome_morrow]

An 18x19 string pattern would have made it even more interesting.

[@Tennisnerd]

Agreed, but that is my personal taste

[@SwagKnight420]

oh man that'd be amazing. good call

[@rosshayden1416]

@@jerome_morrow they prob will just releasing this one first.

[@TheMergeBuff45]

If it were an 18x19, it would be directly competing with the Tecnifibre T-Fight ISO 305. That racket is pretty damn good, especially because there isn’t really a racket that is similar to it. If they don’t release an 18x19 version (which they probably won’t sadly), I think this will be a massive missed opportunity from HEAD. It would’ve taken some sales away from the T-Fight. This all just my opinion of course, so who knows what would’ve happened.

[@allainangcao28]

A 95 sq in. 18x19 racket from Head would be big sales for them. But they gave us a regular Speed painted black... 😂

[@RickOwensHeelDrag]

Prince tour > gravity When I had a Grav Pro it made me yearn prince tours...they feel better In just about every way. I also found weighted up Phantom 100 X 18x20 was straight up better, funnier and quicker through the air. The teardrops head shape feels too cumbersome

[@ryanf3616]

Damn, I was recently looking at both and settled on the Grav Pro. Was concerned about the lack of plow through on the 100x...

[@RickOwensHeelDrag]

@ gravity pro is better in stock form. But If your willing to add a bunch of lead to the Phantom it has all the plow and stability

[@aj520605]

Old Speed MP in 98 size...must be years earlier

[@iqmalhishamahmaddolek3842]

we want 18 x 19!!!!

[@jrh3486]

When you say things like "the racket didnt allow me to be lazy with my feet or swing speed" do you think that makes a racket that is this demanding a better choice for players seeking to improve their game? Sort of a training tool that forces you to do all of the right things to get the results? Compared to something like a VCore where I can be extremely lazy with my feet & still hit a great shot.

[@rbarreira2]

In my opinion it is good to play with a racket that really makes you focus, once in a while at least.

[@kevinle5460]

FELLOW TENNIS NERDSSSSSSSSSSSSsssssssssssssssssssssss

[@felipebruzaferro4370]

Is it good for a one handed?

[@Tennisnerd]

Yeah, not bad!

[@amirjon]

Any blade users thinking about this?

[@BingOfHildegard]

Yes, I’m wanting to move down from the 330+ SW 2015 Blade

[@brunis_m]

It looks like a Boom Pro with 5g less 🤔

[@Golikov_]

head, pls make a new version of old, lm radical tour with 18/19. It be me bomb racket….

[@SaqibSheikh]

Seems like it’s too close to the extreme tour. An attempt to go for aero 98. Design is blah. Y isn’t it the same paint style as normal gravity.

[@CB-mr1ci]

The paint job is like that because it’s a « prototype ». They did a similar thing with the head boom before it was fully released.

[@meinsouza]

Head hasn't made announcement on when this will be on sale.... Crazy marketing

[@Stuen4y]

Are we even sure they'd call it Tour given they've gone away from the Tour name for the Extreme. Head Gravity Pro 98 would be more suitable.

[@TW-uh1ny]

They want to attack the Blade

[@LorenzoLamarche]

Looks like Bel Air tennis club near Marbella

[@Tennisnerd]

It is

[@Richibald1]

Whew NOT encouraging. In present form it looks very drab. Higher arc isn't why I own a 2023 Gravity Pro. How did it feel at the net for volley, cat and mouse Jonas? I got last year's because it was a control racket. Being a smaller framed guy I need that stability or I get blown of the court. Finish look Teal on Black would be really nice looking FWIW, Blue on Brown well 👎 if I'm being honest. I use Restring Synch so that's about the only positive frankly. No 18X20? If that's the case man huuuge mistake. My only criticism of 2023 Gravity Pro, it's a little boardy for touch. Otherwise I can swing-volley from the baseline and penetrate court low and deep. TBH Jonas I'll keep an open mind for time being, but sounds like they butchered the racquet which is really disappointing.

[@peterookotai6965]

So its a blade.

[@austin1123]

We don’t need another extreme.

[@Nopanop]

Old intro music is bekkkkkkkk . Racket design looks bad given current standards unless it's not the final paintjob

[@Robust2013]

They should have put 8 mains in the throat!

[@muskistutter]

What a letdown. This is not a Gravity.

[@JD-767]

Another silly release from head. Pointless really. Losing respect for this company. Has no relationship with the Gravity line. They make it up on the run it seems

[@mteca5093]

STOPPP WITH THE gravity identity BS ... YOU said it 50 times... is vcore 95 a vcore... is pro staff 100 a pro staff...

[@Tennisnerd]

Yes I think they are

[@TK-Tennis]

Good points although I disagree with the angry tone. The head shape and layup are the primary factors that determine a line of racquets, not it's head size or string pattern.

[@johnbrondum]

AC Tennis noted RA 58 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5m2cpSsr9iBhpY. Is the stiffness feeling more to do with the string, HEAD Hawk Touch?