Head is a well-known brand in the tennis industry, producing a wide range of rackets that cater to different playing styles. In their latest lineup, they have introduced Auxetic technology, enhancing the feel and control of their rackets. This review dives into the pros and cons of several rackets within the Head lineup, focusing only on the Pro models. These include the Boom Pro, Prestige Pro, Speed Pro, Radical Pro, Gravity Pro, and Extreme Tour.
Radical Pro Among the lineup, the Radical Pro stands out as one of the most powerful rackets, even though Pro-level rackets are generally not designed for raw power. The Radical Pro's power mainly comes from its high swing weight and modern beam design, which creates a more solid feel on contact. This design also enhances the racket's forgiveness and enlarges the sweet spot. The thin beam allows for precise control and directional accuracy, making the Radical Pro a well-rounded racket suitable for an all-court style of play. Its 16x19 string pattern adds a level of spin-friendly play, making it versatile for various playing conditions.
Extreme Tour Closely following the Radical Pro in terms of power, the Extreme Tour is a modern spin racket that stands out for its open string bed and spin-friendly grommets. These features contribute to the racket's strong spin potential, making it popular among modern players who prioritize spin in their game. The Extreme Tour shares similarities with the Radical Pro in terms of head shape and beam design, but it distinguishes itself with its spin-oriented characteristics. While it has a stiffer and thicker beam than the Radical Pro, the lower swing weight makes it less powerful overall, but it offers excellent precision and control.
Boom Pro The Boom Pro is a somewhat underrated racket, offering a unique head shape that enhances the sweet spot's size and positioning. This feature allows for increased leverage over the ball, resulting in improved power and spin when making contact within the sweet spot. However, this design can also introduce some inconsistency, as the higher sweet spot adds an element of risk to shots. Despite this, the Boom Pro's traditional beam design provides good control and feel, making it an excellent option for players seeking a balanced racket with a modern twist.
Speed Pro The Speed Pro is another racket that falls into the control category, but it offers a bit more power than other control-focused rackets, thanks to its modern beam design. The 18x20 string pattern and stiff beam contribute to its solid feel and consistent performance, making it a reliable choice for players who prioritize control in their game. Although not the most powerful option in the lineup, the Speed Pro still delivers a decent amount of power while maintaining a high level of stability and precision. It's a versatile control racket that offers a balance between power, spin, and user-friendliness.
Gravity Pro The Gravity Pro stands out as the best control racket in the Head lineup. With its ultra-thin, soft beam and 100-square-inch head size, it offers exceptional feel, precision, and control. Despite being a control-focused racket, the larger head size provides more spin and power potential than other rackets in this category. The Gravity Pro has earned a reputation as a top-tier control racket that excels in every aspect, making it a must-try for advanced players looking for the perfect balance between control, spin, and power.
Prestige Pro The Prestige Pro is the least powerful racket in the lineup, designed for players who seek a classic feel and unmatched control. Its thin beam and small sweet spot provide an unparalleled connection to the ball, offering a unique sensation that few other rackets can replicate. However, this focus on feel and control comes at the cost of spin potential and power, making the Prestige Pro a more demanding racket to use. While it may not suit modern playing styles as much as other rackets, it remains a solid choice for players who prioritize precision and control in their game.
In summary, Head's current lineup of Pro rackets offers a range of options for different playing styles, from spin-focused to control-oriented. Each racket has its strengths and weaknesses, but all share a common emphasis on feel and precision, thanks to the Auxetic technology. Whether you're looking for a powerful all-court racket like the Radical Pro, a spin-friendly option like the Extreme Tour, or the ultimate control racket like the Gravity Pro, Head's lineup has something for everyone.