NEW HEAD RADICAL 2023 REVIEW

[@gowzahr]

The marketing blurb didn't make much sense to me, so I looked into it. Auxetic, it turns out, is a term used in material science literature to refer to materials that have a negative Poisson's ratio. What that means is is that, unlike most materials that get thinner when you pull on them (like a rubber band that gets longer and thinner when pulled) or shorter and thicker when compressed (like a ball of clay or dough which spreads outward and gets fatter when squeezed) auxetic materials get fatter when pulled and thinner when compressed. So auxetic is real in the sense that it is an official term used by material scientists. Whether or not it's real in the sense that it delivers the performance characteristics that Head claims is a separate matter that I'm not qualified to comment on.

[@Dh5Alfalfa]

Overqualified comment right here

[@tenniswithric]

Thanks, that's helpful

[@EdmonBegoli]

Thanks for the review, Jonas. It would be interesting to hear what your friend Nikki (Roehn, 360+ Radical MP user) thinks about the difference between the 360+ and Auxetic.

[@mastoslayerica]

Im a longtime prestiege mid user, recently picked up the prestige pro and radical pro. The radical feels more forgiving on my backhand size and seems a bit more spin friendly. However some shots have less predictablity and sail out compared to the ultra controled prestige. I dont love the volleys on the radical, its more head heavy than the prestige, at net the head naturally wants to "drop" causing more net misses. I prefer the prestige line but this radical pro is a nice stick and undeniably i got good results with it even though i wish the net feel was tighter.

[@strahinjabozovic1630]

One of the best intro music ever, just gona say that :)

[@bugraguner]

Hello guys, I have been using this stick for six months with yonex poly tour pro but I feel lack of power. I need more power and spin. Which string can you suggest for me thank you.

[@LeevitDeBeeva]

Just Demo'd the Radical Pro 360+ 2021. Can't wait to watch this

[@lfung711]

Hi is this racket good for one handed backhand?

[@stefanfiegl6024]

Radical plays very good and comfortable with Head Lynx Yellow 1.25(it is important to use the yellow one).

[@Dan-p4t]

This is the racket John Mcenroe was using at his exhibition matches at the US Open this year tan leather grip

[@c.k.8920]

Hello Jonas, thanks for your great reviews. I tried the radical mp and love it, except for the stiff feel. I think I prefer a bit softer frames. Do you think that the Prestige MPL is a "softer" alternative or not comparable? Thanks!

[@kungfutennis]

Pro feels so heavy to me, much beefier swingweight than my weighted up Speed Pro. 21.5 beam is nice though. Liking the MP quite a bit, didn't like Lynx Tour @48 though, much much prefer HyperG 18 or even Foxus Hex 16L. Still hitting with it, will put my own review out too

[@vnishpt7036]

The Pro specs look sorta interesting so might give that one a demo when able to get my hands on one (but doubt it plays better than the PT2). I much prefer the new paint job over the predecessor. Pretty much align with Head on the minor updates as no reason to mess up a good thing imo. Thanks for the update review as always interesting👍.

[@petershort936]

Curious how the MP compares to the Blade v8

[@philanthropenos1074]

This week I demoed both. Blade (16x19) is less agile, less powerful but more stable on returns and at the net (Though in doubles, I'd rather go with MP). On serv I prefer MP for easier placement. Overall, as a baseliner, I'd say I'd go with MP.

[@synhet84]

you need to try them both as they have a very different feeling aswell.

[@stefanfiegl6024]

I switch from Blade V8 to Radical MP.more power and easier to play.more arm comfort with the Blade.

[@Jr-hb7in]

Great content, i play with a wilson 6 1 95 ncode, i understand that you have the same and like it so i was wondering why you preferred the Head MP over the Pro, since you like head light racquets with some weight and plow-through, i am concerned about the stability of the MP, currently looking for a replacement that can give me a little extra spin with control and am considering the Head Radical among others-thanks in advance.

[@bugraguner]

What can you tell difference between this one and babolat pure drive vs? Both 98 and 300g

[@shalomleal7975]

Good morning, I would like to know which racket has more power between the Radical Pro 2023, which has a strung weight of 332 grams and a swing weight of 325, and the Head Speed ​​Pro 2022 with 326 grams of strung weight and a swing weight of 326. Thank you very much for your reply.

[@MrFunkyko]

I currently play the speed pro 2022 and going to demo the radical pro I can let you know

[@alastairtheduke]

One thing I noticed with the '21 version. Yes, the pro is for more advanced players (which i'm not) but I still went with it since it moves through the air very fast. At 333g strung, it feels like 325g to me. There isn't enough power in it for a 3.5-4.0 player like me, but I'm hoping to help that with a hybrid setup. Hyper-g 17 just did not produce enough consistent power for me. Half the shots landed on the service line for me and I have, what I would describe as more powerful strokes than the average 3.5 guy.

[@pabloadanvazquezaragon5099]

You could try a 2 pounds diference in tensión something like 55 mains and 53 croses, it could healp

[@captainobvious254]

Jonas, you mentioned you liked the hybrid setup. Did you put biphase in mains or crosses? What tension did u like w the hybrid setup? Thanks!

[@Tennisnerd]

Mains Bi-phase 55 lbs and crosses Lynx Tour 52 lbs

[@captainobvious254]

@@Tennisnerd Thank you!

[@andykasim5922]

Hi @tennisnerd, I am still using the old OS liquidmetal radical and I still love it. Asking your opinion whether you had experience liquidmetal one, compared to these auxetic which one is near or better whether the pro or mp?

[@AlexanderGr8]

Jonas I’ve always used head and recently started to use a yonex v core 98 but considering going back to head again as I’ve not played well with yonex since changing. I teach now for the last 28 years and wondered if it’s something to do with grip shape? Please could you advise. Is the grip a different shape perhaps.

[@rutan4000]

I haven't tried any of the current head radicals or prestige, but the 360+ extreme tour I recently tried had the regular wilson grip shape. Coming from a long time microgel radical user, this felt weird initially, but I only could get used to it for the groundstrokes. I can't seem to get used to it for the flat serves. Something about the flatter sides on the top and bottom bevels makes flat serves so much more natural. Then again, I've heard that the current generation of head rackets all use this wilson type grips so just gotta get used to it.

[@N4CHHH]

hello jonas, im using a pure strike vs but im considering changing to the new radical? What do you think? would you recommend other racquet?

[@BenTan89]

MP + Hybrid gut/poly + leather grip = awesomeness.

[@malagabee]

I use the 360+MP and I'm not upgrading. Also own the Extreme tour 360+ and Auxetic and the difference is minor.

[@paulobraz6117]

How do the ezone 98 2022 and the radical mp 2023 compare in terms of feel, power and launch angle?

[@MrRodrigo4815]

Compare head radical MP vs head prestige MP? Which provides more depth?

[@Tennisnerd]

Radical MP, very all-round frame

[@chadallen3211]

Jonas, Quick question for you. I've heard two very high level players say the exact opposite things about the same two rackets. One believes that the Radical MP Aux has much more dwell time in the stringbed than the Extreme Tour Aux does. And the other thinks that the Extreme Tour Aux has much more dwell time than the Radical MP Aux. 😂 It's so weird how two high level players who are supposed to know about these things can have polar opposite opinions about the same frames. I'd like to know what your opinion is? Which racket do you think holds the ball longer in the stringbed?

[@Mewborne89]

I’m surprised they’ve gone away from the Liquidmetal type of Radical. That was the gold standard IMO for this line. They’re so stiff and tin can feeling now. Bring back the 107 as well!

[@zeroelus]

I guess they’re happy with just keep selling the microgel generation of raquets to cover those of us that still want that kind of a frame. Happily still using a microgel one and the fact that Jonas mentions these are super stiff makes me wonder just how different these “radicals” are.

[@davelee6002]

Yeah, sadly, you'll want the pro tour 2.0 for a bit of that old feel and controlled head size of the older gen radicals. I should really try a liquidmetal, but those silver ribbed sections are so ugly.

[@vijaynarsapur147]

Totally agree. The LM radical was the best one they ever made...and they should have kept the head size at 95...

[@bern3154]

My first racket was a microgel MP and as i got better I thought of upgrating to the 2022 RADICAL MP version, so far it’s not going to well in regards to getting use to the racket. Thinking of going back to my first love.

[@TheTamrielDrunkard]

@@davelee6002 are they still selling the pt 2.0?

[@hybrid11theory75]

The stiffness rating is much higher than TW reviews are saying/measuring. I had a couple of Radical Pros measured out and the Stiffness was 68-66 for all of them.... when strung it only drops by 1 point, so average Stiffness is around 67-65... this is indeed a rather stiff racquet with not much dwell time and ball pocketing.

[@FabioMolle]

Interested to try the MP and spec match it with my 360 graphene. The last one just didn’t feel as solid for me even when customised to the same spec

[@Tennisnerd]

Let me know how it goes, Fabio!

[@chadallen3211]

Was wondering if perhaps you could compare this Radical MP Auxetic to the Blade V8 16x19?

[@Tennisnerd]

The Blade has a little firmer, less muted feel. Power levels are similar. These are two excellent choices for players looking for a blend of control/power and some spin potential.

[@frantzsly]

⁠@@Tennisnerd If I may, looks like it is the other way around, with the Radical for being firmer and less muted than the blade ?

[@_Andi_]

Hi, Nice Video! Could you tell me the differences of Radical MP and Prince ATS Tour 98? Thank you

[@Robust2013]

@@robertsmatt3356 For me the Radical was what I expected the ATS Tour 98 was supposed to be. I use the Textreme Tour 310 2019. Just played the new Radical. Very easy transition, but life is easier with the Textreme. I'll get tired easier with the Radical. More aces with the Prince. UTR 9

[@Dejan254]

Give me MG Radical with this PJ and I’ll be happy to buy 5-6 frames.

[@pedermittet2248]

Any changes in comfort with Auxetic?

[@jesuscamargo6820]

Wilson blade 98 v8? Or auxetic mp radical?

[@Tennisnerd]

I prefer the Radical, less muted

[@johnnacke893]

How does the VCore 95 match up?

[@rf10is]

Any idea when hawk power might release? Also how is its tension maintenance compared to lynx tour

[@captainobvious254]

I’ve been waiting on this and am also curious if you prefer the Radical MP Auxetic or the Speed MP Auxetic?

[@EveryTimeIDavid]

Personally, speed Auxetic is one of the top racquets on the market.

[@cd8145]

Hi Jonas, Would you choose this new Radical Mp or the Tempo Iga 298?

[@Tennisnerd]

Hey C D, for me, the Radical MP. Nothing wrong with the IGA, though. Just want a bit more control.

[@cd8145]

Thanks! Which one would you say is closer to the AeroVS? I really liked itbut just couldn’t get used to the Babolat grip shape.

[@cd8145]

@@WaltKurtz68 I’m considering the Iga and also seeing how these new Radical performs. I really like the Aero VS power/control ratio, just couldn’t get used to the Babolat grip shape and aero frame.

[@cd8145]

@@WaltKurtz68 Hi again, what’s been your experience with the IGA? How does the 71 RA feel like even with foam inside? Would you say it has the same level of controllable power of the Aero VS? I’ve never tried the Radical MP before but did try the 360+ Speed MP and Extreme Tour. Speed was just too clunky and too much power, while the ET was so flimsy without any lead.

[@cd8145]

@@WaltKurtz68 I notice that the frame geometry on the Iga, the widest part seems to be just a bit below the 3-9 position; whereas the Radical’s frame is more flared towards 10-2. Did you find the Iga to have a lower sweetspot?

[@experientialtennispickleball]

Just opened my laptop man!!!

[@Tennisnerd]

Good stuff!

[@experientialtennispickleball]

@@Tennisnerd I hope I can get the Pro and be able to compare with the Boom Pro. I grip the Boom Pro with 1/3 of my palm beneath the butt cap, to be able to whip it relaxed and get easy acceleration. It's unforgiving if I hit late, but that is the effect of slow footwork. The Boom Pro plays great for me (the Diadem V2 Elevate is more powerful and forgiving with a slightly less control on flat forehands, but much better spin. The other 98 sq inch the Blade 2015 is very challenging!)

[@Javi_C]

Thanks Jonas

[@Nellethiex]

Still looking for gravity aux!

[@p4r4n0id_4ndr0id]

Any idea on what's the CPI for the HEAD TI RADICAL MID PLUS, 1999? I got back to tennis months ago after like 20 years lol and I'm using those still. They feel amazing for my game, so I was wondering what would be the difference between this and the radical 2023?

[@K4R3N]

Here we go 🍿

[@rehnleah1250]

Hi Jonas, I'm here again 😊. Just wanna ask, which string do you recommend for the head radical mp 2023? Thanks 😊

[@Tennisnerd]

HEAD Lynx Tour champagne at 49 lbs or Hawk Power at 51 lbs

[@coolcartons2153]

The last Rad pro was the worst stick I’ve ever touched. Zero feel. If it’s similar and you like ball on string feel I’d avoid this.

[@brunoalves3736]

Hate how they play, but one of the best looking radicals I can remember

[@basic_le4857]

I see new Tennis nerd vid, I like

[@Tennisnerd]

I see this comment, I like

[@michaeltreis9751]

When is the video for head hawk power coming out?

[@Tennisnerd]

I should be able to finish it by next week, hopefully

[@michaeltreis9751]

@@Tennisnerd Thank you very much for responding👍 I have one more question that I am sure you get all the time. What string would you pair the radical mp with at 1.25 guage. I am looking for for some free power and ball pocketing: Yonex PTP, Poly Tour Strike, Hawk Power, Alu Power Soft... What would you suggest... Also could you do a video on Yibing Wu's racquet setup since he won the Dallas Open👍.

[@antoniocatalano7160]

Hi, differences between Radical MP and Extreme Tour Auxetic?

[@Mewborne89]

Just a heads up, he has multiple videos comparing the two. Check them out, they’re very detailed.

[@EveryTimeIDavid]

I was pretty disappointed with these racquets. I feel like the speed plays much better than these frames, and does more well that the Radicals are trying to do (though I do wish the speed came in a 98 - it might be the perfect frame at that point). Idk what they’re doing with the Radicals any more, and I kind of feel like they’re saturating their own market and muddying what they want to do with most frames they put out now.

[@allchannel1841]

the 100 sqinch in the speed makes it horrible, nor precision and no feel ! ( even with high swingweights )

[@EveryTimeIDavid]

@@allchannel1841 I appreciate the weight, the 18x20 offering. It’s got way more touch and feel than Just about any other Head model, except the prestige. Again, if it came in a 98 it would one of the best frames I could imagine.

[@allchannel1841]

@@EveryTimeIDavid yes but 100 sqinch and 23 mm beam take alot of feel and pinpoint precision from it, felt like its impossible to do everything you wanna do with it somtimes it provides unnecessary spin and bad timing!

[@gavlatennis2824]

I've wasted so much money on Head graphene generation onwards of racquets including the last few Radicals. Never been so disappointed with generation after generation of Head racquets.

[@efrainjgonzalezcolmenares8108]

I bought 3 CandyCanes Radicals and haven’t looked back. AMAZING racquets! Highly recommend them.

[@allchannel1841]

Weird review, you talked too much about auxetic, strings setups, etc... and you said nothing about the racquets and their different aspects !

[@gaga-jo7dy]

He said it’s not much difference, just with the auxetic it feels slightly more stable, but not enough difference for most of the people to consider a change if they are happy

[@darkjedi60]

@@gaga-jo7dy 👏👏👏

[@chadallen3211]

I was a little disappointed in this review. You didn't talk about the power level, control, spin, launch angle..... nothing. Was this really even a review?

[@Tennisnerd]

Maybe it was too focused on the comparison with the 360+. But it's a control frame rivalling Blades etc, which is nothing wow but dependable.

[@hybrid11theory75]

He clearly said it plays the same as the 360+ but with slightly better stability...

[@allchannel1841]

@@Tennisnerd he's right, it's one of your worst reviews!

[@malagabee]

He said why fix something when it ain't broke so if you're not familiar with the previous 365+ model then go check out tons of reviews on it.

[@MikeSmith-go8wk]

Do your own reviews then