extreme tour vs speed mp

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Head Radical MP 2021 VS Head Extreme Tour Racquet Comparison

In this post I will compare the Radical MP to the Extreme Tour, they are almost identical when it comes to specs but do they play differently?

For those of you who likes to watch and listen you can check out the YouTube video! Otherwise just scroll down for the full text 🙂

To begin with, these two racquets are marketed as two very different racquets with different racquet lines. The Radical is made for a versatile all-court player and the Extreme is made for big spin, preferably a baseliner. So why am I comparing these racquets when they should be so different, because they aren’t. I think we start of by looking at the specs of both the racquets to get the whole picture.

As you can tell they have a lot of things in common, same string pattern, stiffness, head size and power level. It is a difference in weight, only 5 grams which you could add to the Radical to make it equal but other then that the main difference is the swingweight and the width of the beam. The Radical has a 2mm thinner beam at the top which in play should make it more controlled and slightly more maneuverable. This small difference makes the Radical a bit more versatile and more all around compared to the Extreme. The 22mm thick beam at the top of the Extreme Tour makes this more powerful and stable from the baseline, so it get’s easier to redirect pace without adding much weight to the racquet.

Second we look at the swingweight, the Radical comes in at 326 and the Extreme at 318. This is very noticable when playing, the Extreme with less swingweight comes through the air very fast and is easy to maneuver. The Radical does a great job of this too but feels in general a bit heavier and slower. This didn’t affect the outcome that much, it just affected how it felt and was experienced but I believe I played the same level of tennis with the same amount of confidence no matter what racquet I held.

Another difference is the feel, and how the stringbed responded to the ball. The Radical felt much livlier and sometimes not as controlled as the Extreme since the Extreme has a more dead and compact feel which makes my brain think it’s more controlled. Although the Radical has better plowthrough it sometimes felt like the ball could just fly if not the necessary amount of topspin was added. So I felt like hitting flatter was more comfortable with the Extreme.

In conclusion, two very similar frames from two different racquet lines. Both suited for a modern topspin based playstyle but maybe not suited for everyone in terms of feel. Thank you for reading this comparison, and maybe you even watched the video? Don’t forget to check out my Instagram and subscribe to the YouTube channel! Have a great day, bye!

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Where do Boom racquets fit into the HEAD line-up?

I’ve gotten plenty of questions in the style of: Where do Boom racquets fit into the HEAD line-up? The answer isn’t simple.

So where do Boom racquets fit into the HEAD line-up? Well, it is the POWER silo, partly replacing the Instinct as far as I understand. This means that Boom will be at the top range of their CPI scale ranging from 100-1000 in power (1000 has the most power). You can find out more about the HEAD CPI scale by watching my HEAD racquets video .

This means that the range of HEAD racquets look like this: (Low to high in power)

Prestige  (precision and touch) Gravity  (control with a bigger sweet spot) Radical  (versatility and control) Speed  (power/spin but not too much) Extreme  (spin and power Boom  (power and some spin)

You can click each link to find my latest review of that particular silo.

A jungle of HEAD racquets

HEAD offers the most different racquet models on the market. Each silo has about 4-5 models (MP, Tour, Pro, MP L, S) and there are 6 silos leaving us with around 25-30 key racquet models for HEAD. It’s quite a lot to get your head around (pun intended).

The Prestige is the lowest powered line, but has racquets that flirt with power like the S. The Extreme is supposed to be the quite powerful spin line, but has a more controlled option in the Extreme Tour, which is a slightly more powerful Radical Pro/Prestige MP. The Speed focuses on 100 sq inch racquets that is supposed to offer a good balance of power/control and the same goes for the Radical although they are 98 sq inches.

98 sq inch HEAD racquets

Prestige Pro 2021 (18×20) Radical Pro and MP (16×19) Extreme Tour (16×19) Boom Pro (16×19)

All these racquets are quite similar with the Prestige being a standout for its lower power and added control due to the tighter string pattern.

The Boom Pro is the most powerful, the Extreme Tour comes in second, the Radical Pro in third and the Radical MP in 4th, closer to the Prestige Pro.

100 sq inch HEAD racquets

In this category we could lump in the Prestige MP and MP L at 99 sq inches, but let’s not! :)

Gravity MP, Tour and Pro Speed Pro and MP Extreme MP and Pro Boom MP

That’s quite a few racquets! The same pattern is clear here.

The Boom MP is leading power ahead of the Extreme MP then Pro. Followed by Speed MP then Pro. The most controlled racquets are the Gravity ones, MP, Tour and the Pro offering the most control.

Is this complicated? Maybe it’s time to create a new video about HEAD’s racquet selection?

Jonas Eriksson

Jonas has been known as "tennis nerd" mainly for his obsessing about racquets and gear. Plays this beautiful sport almost every day.

HEAD Boom MP Review

Dunlop sx racquets 2022, you may also like, best racket / string combos right now, head gravity tour 98, karolina muchova’s racquet – player profile, new tecnifibre tf40 (2024), adv backpack v2 review, wilson rf pro or pro staff rf 97..., racquet advice, the best tennis racquets in 2024, new head extreme 2024, tennis brand sponsorships among the top 200 rankings.

HI, PRESTIGE TOUR FITS WHERE ON THIS LIST? WOULD IT BE MORE POWERFUL THAN RADICAL PRO?

Great classification, you should do it for all the racket brands

Hi, thanks for the update on this matter. I’m trying to understand the correlation between the power of the rackets, according to HEAD and the swingweight. I have the notion that the higher the swingweight the more powerful the racket is. So comparing the Radical MP and the Extreme Tour I would naturally sway towards the Radical when looking for more power due to the higher swingweight. Does this mean that the Extreme is actually “better” for power and hence for handling as well since the power index is higher while retaining a lower swingweight? Also what feature/aspect of a racket makes it more powerful when the swingweight is low yet the power index remains high?

Is it a typo that you wrote “The Boom Pro is the most powerful, the Extreme Tour comes in second” since the power index shows precisely the opposite? Extreme 500 power index Pro 400 power index

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Head Extreme Tour tennis racquet review

Here is my review of the Head Extreme Tour tennis racquet.

A racquet slightly control oriented, lively, top spin friendly, maneuverable and comfortable.

Test string: Head Lynx Tour , 22 Kg.

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Head Extreme Tour video review

Head Extreme Tour presentation

The Head Graphene 360+ Extreme Tour racquet is part of Head's Extreme line, which offers comfortable and powerful racquets that promote top spin.

The Extreme serie is close to the Instinct serie in terms of power, the MXGs are powerful and also top spin oriented, the Speed ??and Radical are intermediate and the Prestige are the least powerful.

The Head Graphene 360+ Extreme Tour is a new racquet in the Head Extreme range at the time I write this article.

Until then, the Head Extreme serie did not have a racquet with a 632 cm² head size and their weight did not exceed 300 grams.

This version results in a smaller head and a thinner profile, which make the Head Graphene 360+ Extreme Tour a top spin oriented racquet that gives more control than other racquets in this serie.

Technologies

• Graphene 360+: provide resistance, flexibility, lightness, stability while keeping a reasonable weight,
• Spin Shaft: reinforced handle to improve stability,
• 360 Spin grommets: enlarged, funnel-shaped grommets  to promote movement of the strings and thus access to top spin and power.

Head Extreme Tour power level

Despite its average head size of 632 cm², the Head Extreme Tour delivers a nice dose of power.

In the category of tennis racquets with a 632 cm² head size, slightly "control" oriented, it is in my opinion one of the most powerful racquets.

On the forehand, I had very good power, on the backhand as well, I even sometimes lacked a little control on this stroke on strong hitting with little top spin.

Even on serve, which is a stroke where I generally lack power, I felt absolutely correct in terms of power.

Here is a comparison in terms of power with other similar racquets:

More power:

• Head Extreme MP, Instinct, Gravity S, Radical S
• Babolat Pure Drive, Pure Aero
• Yonex VCore 100, Ezone 100
• Wilson Burn, Ultra

Similar power:

• Head Speed MP, Boom MP
• Babolat Pure Drive VS

Less power:

• Wilson Blade 98, Pro Staff, Clash
• Head Radical MP, Gravity Pro/Tour/MP, Prestige, Speed Pro
• Babolat Pure Strike, Pure Aero VS
• Tecnifibre TFight 300, 305, TF 40
• Yonex Vcore Pro, Ezone 98, Vcore 95

Head Extreme Tour and spins

The Head Extreme Tour, like the Head Extreme MP, is equipped with grommets whose shape is intended to facilitate power and access to top spin.

I had very good feelings on the backhand slice, in terms of feel and control.

As for top spin, I had excellent feelings from the baseline and serving, despite the head size a bit small.

The racquet provides very good access to top spin, although players who play with extreme top spin will certainly be even more comfortable with a 645 cm² head size frame.

For a racquet in this category, it is in my opinion one of the racquets that provides the best access to top spin.

Head Extreme Tour maneuverability and stability

The balance located at 31 cm and the swingweight of 318 allow the Head Extreme Tour to have exceptional handling.

In my test, I didn't feel like I was playing with an unstrung 305g racquet; I felt the racquet was lighter than other racquets of the same weight I have tested.

The stability is correct, however I would have preferred to have a little more weight in the head of the racquet to have more.

This is something that can be easily changed by adding some lead tape to the head of the racquet.

Head Extreme Tour comfort

I found the Head Extreme Tour to be very comfortable.

I also liked the tolerance of the racquet, which is really good for a racquet with this head size.

Summary of my Head Extreme Tour review

The Head Extreme Tour is a control oriented racquet that delivers a great dose of power at the same time.

Access to top spin is excellent considering the size of the head, the racquet is very maneuverable and comfortable.

Personally, I liked it a lot, I'd just have needed a bit more weight to feel the racquet more stable and have a bit more plow through.

Players I would advise the Head Extreme Tour

Considering the characteristics of the Head Extreme Tour, I would recommend it to tennis players:

• from an intermediate to advanced level (I do not recommend for beginners),
• who are looking for control and at the same time do not want a very hard racquet to play,
• who are looking for a racquet with a good balance between power and control,
• having an offensive and top spin game style, without using extreme top spin
• who are looking for a racquet with a 632 cm² / 98 in² head size that offers good power and good access to top spin,
• who are looking for a relatively flexible and comfortable racquet,
• looking for a racquet that provides very good maneuverability.

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The power may not have been quite as robust, but the Extreme MP still hit a juicy ball from the back of the court. The improved handling encouraged big swings that applied ample pace and spin to shots.

The Head Extreme MP 2022 updates an already successful line of racquets. It features more maneuverability and an impressive level of spin to create a user-friendly on-court experience. Our playtesters all noted how easily the racquet moved through their strokes, whether it was from the baseline or on serve. The launch angle during groundstrokes allowed for easy net clearance without the fear of blasting the ball into the back fence. Serves were consistent, and the Extreme MP 2022 snapped through the ball to create some serious spin. Return of serve was best attacked with a full, confident stroke to create depth, or with a flick of the wrist to produce sharp angles. While there is a tad less stability here, it remains in line with what players have come to expect from the Extreme family of frames. Not the most powerful version to date, this racquet relies more on fast strokes to create deadly spin that gets the ball jumping off the court. For those concerned about that marginal drop in power, this is an excellent racquet to customize to your preferences. The Extreme MP does everything well, and it will give confidence to players looking for spin and comfort.

• Maneuverability
• Could be slightly more stable

Intermediate to advanced

Groundstrokes - Score: 83

The Extreme MP 2022's feel will be familiar to anyone who has experience with the previous models, but this generation puts an emphasis on maneuverability. Jason noticed a change in performance that allowed him to whip through his forehands. He said, "This was an easy racquet to just pick up and use. I felt comfortable with it right away, with no need to acclimate. This updated model feels slightly whippier than the previous generation, which I appreciated, and I was able to hit with tons of topspin on my forehand side. The only small adjustment I'd make would be adding a bit of mass to help me put the ball away more easily."

Chris agreed with Jason when talking about the Extreme MP 2022's head speed. He said, "The Extreme MP was super fast and whippy on groundstrokes. It responded best to a fast swing, which rewarded me with good pace and spin. I had fun working angles with this racquet, and I was able to pull opponents wide to open up the court for my next shot. In defensive situations, I was often able to flick the ball deep and get myself back in the point. I would have liked a more solid response on touch shots. The racquet got pushed around a bit on a compact swing and when I was looking to bleed pace off the ball. When I did get my drop shot right, I loved following it up with a topspin lob, as that was a very easy shot to execute with this racquet. Comfort was impressive, and overall the Extreme MP 2022 had a nice feel to it, even when paired with a firmer co-poly string."

The specs of the Extreme MP 2022 are similar to Brittany's longtime racquet of choice, so she had a natural reference point. She described, "I have playtested several generations of the Extreme MP, so I had a good idea of what to expect from this update. I found plenty of spin potential with the Extreme MP 2022 from the very start, and it was extremely easy to swing, just like the previous iterations. I had a great time getting into a groove with this racquet in practice; I loved rallying cross court and was able to get a good feel for the ball. The spin potential allowed me to tap into a variety of strokes and be creative with my shot selection. I also appreciated the higher launch angle, which provided great depth on my groundstrokes, with the balls dropping a couple of feet in front of the baseline. Because I was able to generate racquet head speed, I could create plenty of power as well. I will note that I felt like my shots weren't as heavy as I expected, and they weren't pushing my opponent back as much as I would have liked. Slices were just OK. I thought they were missing a little mass behind them, and they were just sitting up more than I wanted."

After a few adjustments, Sage grew in confidence from one hit to the next. He explained, "My best results with the Extreme MP came when I made the decision to play to the racquet's strengths. While this departs from my typical play style, I did eventually settle into a nice groove from the baseline. I immediately noticed easy net clearance and a fast swing. The launch angle bordered on being too high, but I was still able to dip the ball into the court. It was the depth and weight of my shots that I felt were lacking. I could change direction pretty well, but my forehand didn't have its usual sting. Control was middle of the road. I don't think this frame was intended to produce pinpoint accuracy, but even with that considered, my targets were larger than normal. I tried to stay well away from the lines with this racquet and use large targets and consistency to win points."

Volleys - Score: 77

While our team agreed the Extreme MP 2022 would benefit from additional stability, the agility of the frame during quick volley exchanges was a major positive. Chris described, "As with groundstrokes, I had my best results when carrying some tip speed with the Extreme MP. Whether it was punching through a volley or hitting a swinging volley, I found good pace, depth and directional control. Touch shots and angles were a little harder for me with this racquet. I like to soften my grip on the racquet for those shots, but when I did the Extreme MP would twist or flutter in my hand. My shots would often drop short into the net when I lost stability. I had better results if I cut the ball aggressively with spin, but that meant modifying my game to find the same angles I can usually find with just placement."

Brittany loved how easy it was to hit aggressive volleys. She said, "I put the Extreme MP through a couple of different scenarios, including doubles point play to really get a feel for the racquet. I liked how quickly I could get the Extreme MP 2022 into position during fast volley exchanges, and I was able to punch the volley away when I was heading into the net off an approach shot. Just like when I was hitting groundstrokes, I would have liked a little more stability at net. At times, the racquet was twisting in my hands on hard-hit passing shots, and I didn't feel like I had enough weight behind my ball to be offensive."

"The ball felt like it was on and off the stringbed quickly, which fits well with my preferences," added Sage . "I like to punch through contact and aim deep in the court, and this racquet gave me those results. That said, there were moments when I wanted more stability and a higher degree of confidence in my placement when I needed to target a smaller area of open court. The Extreme MP 2022 lost the battle when I was up against a big groundstroke in doubles."

Jason echoed the rest of the team, saying, "I liked how whippy the Extreme MP 2022 felt up at net. It was definitely helpful when exchanging reflex volleys, and there was enough pop to put away sitters with ease. Like my groundstrokes, I wanted additional weight when volleying, but more for torsional stability on off-center hits than for power."

Serves - Score: 82

Consistency was the name of the game when our playtesters were serving with the Extreme MP 2022 . Brittany used a variety of shots to ensure she started the point on offense. She explained, "The ability to really get the racquet up and over my head with ease allowed me to have a consistent first and second serve motion. I liked accessing the spin potential and carving my deuce side serve out wide to open up the court. I felt I could hit a variety of serves with the Extreme MP 2022, and I would throw in a flat first serve up the T on key points to keep my opponents honest. On second serves, I actually had fun seeing how much kick I could add to the ball. I was able to get some good arc and get the ball to bounce up and out of my opponent's strike zone. However, I had to be careful, as my serve wasn't the heaviest, and if I didn't fully go after the second serve it would sit waist height, and my opponents could step in and attack."

Jason thought the Extreme MP's easy access to spin made up for a lack of raw power on serves. He said, "It was very easy to serve with this racquet. It didn't necessarily produce the most power, but the spin and consistency were what stood out here."

Sage had to get crafty and focus on his choice of serve to be effective. He described, "It was all about spin and slice on serve. I could really get the ball moving through the service box, and I relied on that action to trouble my opponents. Unfortunately, the lack of power was again the biggest downside, forcing me to rely on staying one step ahead of my opponents by mixing things up. I noticed a higher percentage of serves being returned deep onto my side of the court, putting me on my back foot much more than usual. Even though I wasn't thrilled with my serve, it was super consistent, and I did look to hit my second serve nearly as big as my first."

Returns - Score: 83

Returns were "all gas, no brakes" with this new Extreme MP 2022 . Jason used the racquet's effortless net clearance and spin to generate penetrating shots. He said, "I liked that I could take bigger cuts at the ball with this racquet, and the great access to spin helped me keep them in play. I was getting some decent depth when chipping returns back, but I could've used just a tad bit more mass."

Brittany also preferred to step into her returns. She explained, "The Head Extreme MP was a fun weapon on returns that helped me start points off aggressively. I could maneuver it around my body quickly and never felt late on any return. My returns were landing deep in the court. I loved being conservative and aiming deep up the middle on first serve returns. On second serves, I could step up and be aggressive and use the spin to hit a variety of returns to keep my opponent guessing. Just like with volleys, there were times when I noticed the racquet fluttering in my hands on first serve returns, and I found myself wishing for a little more weight to return more effectively."

Sage adjusted his positioning to get the most out of this racquet. He said, "Returns had a tendency to land short if I didn't keep my racquet head speed up and get my feet under me. That said, when I was able to get into the right spot, the resulting shot was a rocket. I liked taking a step back to give myself more time, then unloading a rip of a forehand. Against big serves, the Extreme MP struggled with stability and power. Nothing was free, so to speak. My best returns were deep and to the center of the court. My margins weren't quite good enough to narrow my targets in most cases. Attacking second serves demanded a big swing at the ball and yielded mixed results."

"I had fun taking returns early with a good rip at the ball when swinging the Extreme MP 2022," added Chris . "If you like to bang returns with pace and spin, I think you'll find this racquet to be a willing partner. My favorite return was a heavy cross court rip with as much topspin as I could muster. Flicking angles was also easy to do with this racquet, which made it a solid option when up against a serve and volleyer."

Overall - Score: 82

Chris - "Easy pace and spin, with a comfortable feel."

Brittany - "I like how easy the Extreme MP 2022 is to swing. Great power, depth and spin potential."

Jason - "More maneuverable than the previous generation. Easy to swing and generate lots of spin."

Sage - "Great spin generation and user-friendly playability. From the first hit, it was easy to put the ball in court."

Chris - "The Extreme MP 2022 lacks stability on touch shots."

Brittany - "I feel like the Extreme MP is missing a little mass. It gets pushed around at net and doesn't hit as heavy a ball as I'm used to."

Jason - "Needs just a bit more mass for torsional stability and put-away power."

Sage - "Based on the specs, I expected a little more free power. The stability also falters against heavy shots."

Comparing the racquet to others they've tried, our testers said:

Chris - "The Extreme MP 2022 felt faster than Extreme MPs of the past, with the result being excellent access to spin. This was a great racquet for working the ball and moving an opponent around. I'd demo this racquet against the Babolat Pure Drive 2021, Tecnifibre TF-X1 300, Dunlop SX 300 and Wilson Ultra 100 v4."

Brittany - "This update plays very similarly to past generations with its exceptional maneuverability and spin potential. I thought there was a slight step down in stability, but I did enjoy the feel of this update more. Other racquets that feel similar include the Babolat Pure Aero 2023, Dunlop SX 300 and Yonex VCORE 100."

Jason - "This updated Extreme MP plays a lot like the previous model, but is slightly whippier. This racquet reminds me of the Babolat Pure Drive 2021 and Wilson Ultra 100 v4."

Sage - "The transition from the outgoing model to the current Extreme MP 2022 will be an easy one. This version gives up some stability, but replaces it with some of the best maneuverability on the market. I could pick up either one and feel about the same level of confidence. I'd look to demo the Babolat Pure Aero 2023 and Dunlop SX 300 alongside this Extreme MP ."

Playtester Profiles

Chris: 4.5 all-court player currently using the Head Speed Pro 2022. Chris uses a semi-western forehand grip and hits a one-handed backhand.

Brittany: Open level player with a semi-western forehand and a two-handed backhand. She currently plays with the Yonex EZONE 100.

Jason: 4.0 baseliner with a semi-western forehand and two-handed backhand. Currently using a customized Prince Twistpower X100 Tour.

Sage: 4.5 lefty all-court player with a two-handed backhand. He currently plays with a customized Head Speed MP 2022.

Review date: October 2022. If you found this review interesting or have further questions or comments please contact us. All content copyright 2022 Tennis Warehouse.

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Head Tennis Racquet Reviews: Compare Head’s 7 Best Racquets

Will Boucek · September 18, 2024

When you buy a product through our links below, we may earn money from our affiliate partners to help support the site. However, this does not affect our evaluation or recommendation of each product.  See our list of partners & how we get paid here . You can also learn our process for reviewing tennis gear here .

Below, we will review the most popular Head tennis racquets to help you decide which racquet is best for your skill level and playing style.

Head is one of the best tennis racquet brands in the world, making some of the best tennis racquets on the market. They offer some of the best tennis racquets for beginners , juniors, and professional tennis players like Novak Djokovic.

Head makes several different models of tennis racquets. Within each model, there are different variations that differ in size, weight, string pattern, and other specifications. We will review each Head tennis racquet model and variation below.

Head Makes 7 Different Models of Tennis Racquets

There are 7 Head tennis racquet models that you can choose from. Here is a list of the best Head racquets, how they will help your tennis game, the skill level each one is best for, as well as links to our full reviews of each racquet.

It’s important that you choose a tennis racquet that fits your skill level and playing style.

The best beginner tennis racquets have more power and are lighter for easier handling. While more advanced players can use a heavier racquet with less power and a smaller frame. Fortunately, Head makes a wide range of racquets for everyone.

Your athletic ability, physical strength, and size, as well as your dedication to improvement, should all be considered before purchasing a tennis racquet.

3 Steps to Find the Perfect Tennis Racquet for Your Game

Free checklist with 27 racquet recommendations

Head Extreme Review: A Powerful, Spin-Friendly Racquet

The Head Extreme tennis racquets are built for power and spin.

It has a stiff frame and open 16×19 string pattern which both help increase power. The frame is also relatively thick, adding good stability to the racquet. This will help on any shots that you hit slightly off-center.

Tennis players who like to control the point with power and spin from the baseline will like the Head Extreme tennis racquet.

This racquet performs best on serves and groundstrokes. You’ll find easy power and depth on your shots. The racquet is also easy to maneuver at the net for volleys and great for attacking weak second serves when returning.

That combination makes the Extreme MP one of the best tennis racquets for intermediate players today.

The area this racquet is lacking is control and comfort. The stiff frame is not as comfortable as other racquets like the Head Gravity or Head Radical (below).

Pros of the Head Extreme

• Excellent power
• Very spin-friendly
• Easy to swing
• Great for depth on groundstrokes
• Adds power to your serve
• Versions for any skill level

Cons of the Head Extreme

• Lacks control on some shots
• Stiff frame (not arm-friendly)

Different Models of the Head Extreme Tennis Racquet

Head makes several versions of the Extreme racquet:

• Head Extreme MP – The original version with excellent power & spin. I recommend this for most intermediate to advanced players.
• Head Extreme Pro – A more advanced version with a smaller (98 square inch) head size for more control.
• Head Extreme MP L – Very speedy and spin-friendly, making it perfect for early intermediate players.
• Head Extreme Team – This version has a larger head (105 sq. in.) to provide some extra power.

Head Speed Review: A Perfectly Balanced Advanced Tennis Racquet

The Head Speed is rated as one of our best tennis racquets for advanced players . Used by Novak Djokovic, Coco Gauff, and other touring professionals, the Speed has a great blend of power, control, and feel.

This racquet has a 100 square inch frame and comes in versions with an 18×20 (Pro) and 16×19 (MP) string pattern. The Pro version is the racquet I currently use. The frame adds plenty of power and depth to groundstrokes, while the tight string pattern creates excellent feel and control on all shots.

The Head Speed is great for both singles and doubles players with an all-court game style. Intermediate and advanced players who want a well-balanced racquet will love the Speed.

The MP version will have more power and spin, but both racquets offer great stability and comfort. The Pro version has more feel and control for advanced players. I particularly like this racquet on groundstrokes and volleys. You’ll find a great combination of depth, control, spin, and feel.

This racquet isn’t weak in any areas, but it doesn’t excel anywhere either. The Head Extreme (above) offers more power and spin, while the Head Prestige (below) has more control and feel. This racquet is right in the middle.

Pros of the Head Speed

• Very well-balanced racquet
• Excellent blend of power & control
• Great feel on volleys
• Good topspin & slice
• Versions for all skill levels

Cons of the Head Speed

• Doesn’t excel in any one area

Different Models of the Head Speed Tennis Racquet

Here are the different models of the Head Speed:

• Head Speed Pro 2024 – The original version for advanced players has a 18×20 string pattern for great control and feel. This is Novak Djokovic’s racquet.
• Head Speed MP 2024 – With a 16×19 string pattern, this version will offer more power and spin. Great for intermediate or advanced players with a power baseline game-style.
• Head Speed Team 2024 – Slightly lighter than the MP with a thinner beam. Great for intermediate players seeking power and spin.
• Head Speed MP L 2024 – A great option for intermediates looking for a speedy player’s racquet.

Head Radical Review: A Comfortable Racquet For Everyone

The Head Radical tennis racquets have been popular for decades. Today, the Head Radical is used by everyone from pro tennis players to beginners.

The Head Radical has a good blend of control and power with an easy-to-swing frame. The 98 square inch head size makes it a more advanced racquet built for control. However, the 16×19 string pattern adds plenty of spin and power.

In the 2023 update, Head adds Auxetic technology to the throat of the racquet creating a slightly better feel on contact with the tennis ball. This is a relatively minor change from the previous version.

It still offers good stability and comfort with the Graphene 360+ technology. You will find a more comfortable feel than many modern racquets without sacrificing too much power.

I recommended the Head Radical for intermediate or advanced players who want a balanced racquet that is easy to swing and comfortable on the arm. Doubles and singles players who play competitively will like the blend of spin, power, and feel.

The Head Radical is great for volleys and fast-paced groundstrokes because it is easy to handle. It won’t add much power to your serve, but you’ll find easy spin on kick and slice serves. This is a stable racquet for returning against powerful serves as well.

This racquet doesn’t have quite as much control as a racquet like the Head Prestige but will offer more spin and power.

Pros of the Head Radical

• Great comfort
• Good blend of controlled power & spin
• Stable when defending against pace
• Well balanced racquet

Cons of the Head Radical

• Some versions lack power

Different Models of the Head Radical Tennis Racquet

Here are the different models of the Head Radical available:

• Head Radical Pro 2023 – 98 square inch frame & 16×19 string pattern for a combo of controlled power & spin for advanced players.
• Head Radical MP 2023 – A slightly lighter version, easier to swing for intermediate and advanced players. This will have less stability.
• Head Radical Team 2023 – 102 square inch head size, great for rising intermediate players (an updated version of the old Radical S).

Head Prestige Review: Pro Level Control & Feel

The Prestige family of Head tennis racquets are built for advanced players who want maximum control.

The Prestige comes in a variety of sizes from 93 to 99 square inches. These racquets have smaller frames and a narrower beam for a precise feel. They have a 16×19 string pattern which helps add some power and spin as well. These racquets are also heavier and very stable for the faster-paced game.

Singles and doubles players who play tennis competitively 3+ times per week and want a racquet to maximize control of the ball will love the Prestige.

On groundstrokes, you will find it easy to hit the ball anywhere on the court with precision and spin. This racquet has excellent feel and touch on volleys with good stability for defending against big groundstrokes.

On serves, you’ll be missing some power but will find plenty of accuracy. When returning, you’ll find a precise, stable feel on contact.

This racquet’s lack of power means you may struggle to find depth on your shots. You also may not have the same pop on your serve that you get with other Head tennis racquets.

Pros of the Head Prestige

• Excellent control for groundstrokes & volleys
• Spin-friendly
• Great feel & touch around the net
• Good stability against power
• Best for advanced players

Cons of the Head Prestige

• Less power than other racquets
• Not as easy to handle
• For high-level intermediate to advanced players only

Different Models of the Head Prestige Tennis Racquet

Here are the different versions of the Head Prestige:

• Head Prestige Pro – This version has a 98 square inch head size & 18×20 string pattern giving it excellent feel in a relatively forgiving frame.
• Head Prestige Tour – A 95 square inch head size and 16×19 string pattern for a blend of precise control and spin with good stability.
• Head Prestige MP – A lighter version with a 99 square inch head size & 18×19 string pattern. This version is good for competitive intermediate to advanced players who want a more forgiving racquet that still offers great feel & control.

Head Gravity Review: A More Flexible, Forgiving, Control-Oriented Racquet

The Head Gravity tennis racquet is also built for control but in a more forgiving and comfortable frame.

This racquet is used by Alexander Zverev and is known for its precise feel and flexible frame. It has a 100 square inch head size, but a thinner beam than most other Head tennis racquets. The 18×20 string pattern gives it added control and feel as well. The Gravity is also a very arm-friendly racquet.

I recommend the Head Gravity for intermediate to advanced players who need a forgiving, comfortable frame, but still seek more control. If you have a faster swing, this racquet will help you control your power.

• On volleys and groundstrokes, you will notice that the Gravity is very comfortable on contact. You’ll be able to feel the ball and redirect shots anywhere on the court.
• On serves, you will lose some power but will feel in control of your placement.
• This racquet is also very stable for returns.

The Gravity is not a very powerful racquet so you may find that you have to swing bigger to get depth and pace.

Pros of the Head Gravity

• Excellent comfort & feel
• Good control on volleys & groundstrokes
• Very stable against power
• Great for returning
• Forgiving frame
• Can help with tennis elbow pain

Cons of the Head Gravity

• Not easy to maneuver for lower level players

Different Models of the Head Gravity Tennis Racquet

Here are the different models of the Head Gravity:

• Head Gravity Pro – 100 square inch frame with an 18×20 string pattern for great control, comfort, & feel.
• Head Gravity Tour – Slightly lighter and easier to use while still keeping a dense 18×20 string pattern.
• Head Gravity MP – Another lightweight version, but with a 16×20 pattern. Great for players learning to control their shots with spin.
• Head Gravity MP XL – A longer 27.5″ version. Great for players who prefer extra power and don’t mind sacrificing maneuverability.
• Head Gravity Team – This version has a 104 square inch head size & 16×20 string pattern. A great option for beginners or intermediate players.

Head Instinct Review: An Easy-To-Swing Racquet That Maximizes Power & Spin

The Head Instinct tennis racquet is similar to the Extreme (above). It is engineered for a great blend of speed, power, and spin.

Maria Sharapova used the Head Instinct, however, it’s actually a great racquet for lower skill levels as well. The 100 square inch head size and open 16×19 string pattern make it great for players who need help with power in a forgiving frame.

It isn’t a particularly heavy racquet at 11.2 ounces, so you can easily generate racquet head speed.

Beginners and intermediate players who are developing their skills will get a lot out of the Instinct as they transition their game to the next level. This racquet is easy to handle and will help you learn to control the ball with power and spin.

• On groundstrokes, you’ll be able to generate easy power, depth, and spin.
• The Instinct will help add pace to your serve. You can also learn to hit a kick or slice serve with more spin.
• On volleys, this racquet is easy to handle, but not the most stable. Advanced players won’t have as much control defending against pace.
• This racquet allows for big swings on returns so you can get the server on defense immediately.

Pros of the Head Instinct

• Great power & spin
• Good for beginners or intermediate players learning topspin
• Can add MPH to your serve
• Effortless depth on groundstrokes

Cons of the Head Instinct

• Less control than other racquets
• Not as stable against pace

Different Models of the Head Instinct Tennis Racquet

Here are the different models of the Head Instinct:

• Head Instinct MP – A stiffer 100 square inch frame with an 16×19 string pattern for maximum power and spin with a crisp feel.
• Head Instinct Team L – A lighter 107 square inch frame with a 16×19 string pattern for increased maneuverability and arm-friendliness.
• Head Instinct PWR 110 – A longer (27.4 in.) and larger (110 square inch) racquet that allows beginners to produce power more easily.
• Head Instinct PWR 115 – Similar to the PWR 110, this racquet is even longer (27.7 in.) and larger (115 square inches), making it a great option for beginners looking for maximum comfort and power.

Head Boom Review: A Powerful, Maneuverable Racquet

The Head Boom tennis racquets are built for power, spin, and maneuverability.

It has a forgiving frame and open 16×19 string pattern which both help increase power and spin. The frame is also relatively light, giving it good maneuverability on every shot. This will help on any shots that you hit slightly off-center or cannot get in a great position on.

The Head Boom was designed to help players get the most out of their shots from anywhere on the court .

This racquet performs best on serves and groundstrokes. The MP version is one of the best tennis racquets for intermediate players because of its generous sweet spot and easy handling. It also provides plenty of power and spin for players who are still developing.

The area this racquet is lacking is control and stability. The maneuverable frame is not as control-oriented as other racquets like the Head Gravity or Head Prestige .

Pros of the Head Boom

• Very playable for different styles
• Superb topspin
• Very comfortable

Cons of the Head Boom

• Lacks stability around the net

Different Models of the Head Boom Tennis Racquet

Head makes several versions of the Boom racquet:

• Head Boom MP 2024 – The main version with excellent power & spin. I recommend this for most beginner to intermediate players.
• Head Boom Pro 2024 – A more advanced version with a smaller (98 square inch) head size for more control.
• Head Boom Team 2024 – Very speedy and arm-friendly, making it perfect for early intermediate players.
• Head Boom MP L 2024 – This version is the lightest in the lineup for beginners and low-level intermediate players looking for a maneuverable and powerful racquet.

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Choosing the Best Head Tennis Racquet for You

To decide which tennis racquet is best for you, you’ll first need to know which area of your game you want to prioritize.

Beginners typically have slower swings and are still developing their skills, so they need a more forgiving, larger racquet with power. In this case, something like the Head Extreme or Instinct are great options.

Advanced players will usually want more control on their shots since they have no problem swinging fast to create power. Tennis racquets like the Radical and Prestige are built for this type of player.

However, most of the Head Tennis racquets that we reviewed above offer a version for each skill level.

For more information, read our buyer’s guides and picks for the best tennis racquets below.

• Best Beginner Tennis Racquets
• Best Tennis Racquets for Intermediate Players
• Best Tennis Racquets for Advanced Players

About Will Boucek

Will Boucek is the Founder & CEO of Tennis Tribe. With over two decades of experience playing & coaching tennis, Will now works as a doubles strategy analyst for ATP & WTA tour players and coaches. Will helps tennis players at every level play better doubles through smarter strategy. He also has expertise in tennis racquets & gear, testing the latest products from Wilson, Babolat, Head, Prince, and other tennis brands.

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Head Extreme MP (2022) Review

Head claims the extreme can overwhelm your opponent with hard-hitting spin, and it features a better feel, and stability than previous versions. how does it play.

As a tennis player, finding the right racket can make all the difference in your game, and it can be challenging to navigate the sea of options on the market, but one option gaining popularity is the Head Extreme MP (2022).

This last version was released in September 2022 and, together with the Extreme Tour, Extreme MP Light, Extreme Team and Extreme Team Light, is part of the latest Head Extreme Line endorsed by Matteo Berrettini and Richard Gasquet.

I recently had the opportunity to test out this racket and wanted to share my thoughts and experiences.

In this review, I will be taking a closer look at the Head Extreme MP and exploring its features, benefits, and drawbacks.

I will also compare it to other rackets on the market and provide recommendations for players considering purchasing it.

Head Extreme MP Cosmetics

However, the classic Head Extreme shape remained with a wide throat and oblong head.

The Head Extreme MP is designed to offer a balance of power, control, and spin. It has a 100-square-inch head displaying enlarged grommets, which provides a large sweet spot and helps players maintain accuracy even when they do not make perfect contact.

It also has an open string pattern designed to facilitate the generation of heavy spins.

Specification and Setup

For this playtest, I had the Extreme MP strung with a full bed of Dunlop Black Widow at 22kg (48.5 lbs). 

Head Extreme MP Playtest and Review

The playtest with the Head Extreme MP 2022 was on outdoor hardcourts, and I used it for several hours over four days to get a good idea of how it played.

For reference and to understand some of my findings with the Extreme, I currently play with a Yonex VCORE 100 in competitive play.

First Impressions

One of the things I immediately appreciated about the Head Extreme MP was its sizeable sweet spot.

Especially at night, with artificial lights, I sometimes struggle to make perfect contact with the ball.

For this reason, having a racket that can still provide power and accuracy on off-centre hits made me feel more secure while hitting.

The open string pattern also lived up to its promise of helping me generate spin and control the trajectory of my shots.

The lightweight design of the Head Extreme MP 100 inch was also a plus for me. I like to generate plenty of racket head speed, and this racket made it easy to do so without feeling heavy or cumbersome.

The balance of power, control, and spin also worked well for my game, as I prioritise precision and accuracy over raw power.

However, it wasn’t all good news. While the Head Extreme MP worked well for me in many respects, I noticed some potential drawbacks.

For one, despite the Head’s attempt to create a reasonably powerful racket through enlarged grommets, the lack of power may concern some players.

While I appreciated the balance of power, control, and spin, I can see how it could create a sense of insecurity and limitation in players that like to rely on their power game,

Moreover, in my opinion, the stiffness of the Head Extreme MP is another cause for concern.

Even though it’s mid-range at 65RA and did not bother me too much during the first couple hours of play, I felt an uncomfortable tingle in both my wrist and elbow at the third-hour mark.

Finally, from my point of view, the price of the Head Extreme MP is a big drawback. While I appreciated some of the features and benefits of this racket, I would not identify it as a professional-level racket.

For this reason, I would not expect its price to be on the higher end of the market. I believe intermediate-level players could find similar options for a more affordable price.

Groundstrokes

During the first 30 minutes of play, I recognised that the Head Extreme MP would not match my expectations.

Even though the design allowed me to generate a good amount of spin, the ball appeared to die right after the bounce.

In both forehand and backhand, I could not transfer enough weight onto the ball, which resulted in overall “empty” spins.

I appreciated the manoeuvrability of this lightweight racket that allowed me to produce a significant amount of head speed and maintain good control of the trajectory of my groundstrokes.

However, this characteristic did not compensate for the lack of power a professional player would desire from the baseline.

As an all-court player, I trust my volleys to close a point. Therefore, I want to feel comfortable executing the shot without second-guessing the reliability of the racket.

While I felt the Head Extreme MP could provide good control from the baseline, I had different feelings about the net.

I felt the racket to be empty on impact, and I could not direct my shot with the precision I wanted.

Moreover, the lack of power significantly affected my overhead, often forcing me to hit two or more in a row to finish a point.

I think the serve is the shot that least benefits from the Head Extreme MP. Although I could consistently hit the ball safely in the court, my serve did not cause any trouble to the returner.

I found that my sliced serve would not gain enough speed, while my kick second serve did not bounce high enough to become difficult to attack.

While returning, I could finally enjoy the manoeuvrability of the Head Extreme MP fully. Especially when I tried to return against big serves, I utilised the enlarged sweet spot and light weight of the racket to move it into position quickly and hit my return on the rise.

In this way, I could compensate for the racket’s lack of power by taking in the power of the serve and using it as my own.

Who is this Racket For?

According to the manufacturer’s description, the Head Extreme MP is a tennis racket designed for intermediate to advanced-level players with a modern playing style who prefer a racket with power and spin. 

However, I do not believe that any advanced-level players would genuinely benefit from using this racket.

All the marketing around the Extreme MP claims it is particularly suited for players who like to hit aggressive shots from the baseline and who generate a lot of topspin. Yet, I find that the weight and power transferred to the ball are not up to the standards of many other rackets I have used.

In conclusion, the Head Extreme MP would best suit low to intermediate-level players rather than advanced-level players.

I would suggest this racket to 3.0-4.0 NTRP players looking for control and consistency during points but not relying on their power or attacking abilities to win their matches.

Higher-level players should look elsewhere. Otherwise, the Extreme MP will need to be heavily customised.

Similar Spec Rackets

• Yonex VCORE Pro 100 (300)
• Dunlop CX 400 Tour

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Final Thoughts

As an advanced-level player, I can say that my final impression of the Head Extreme MP is primarily negative.

It does not allow professional and higher-level players to fully express their potential through their shots.

On the other hand, I think it could help intermediate-level players feel secure that their shots, even if not too powerful, will consistently land on the court.

However, in my opinion, the price of the racket is too high for what the product offers: the quality-price ratio does not seem worth it (especially given Artengo’s offering ), and I would wait until it drops in price to consider purchasing.

• Nice cosmetics
• Manoeuvrable
• Spin-friendly string pattern
• Underpowered
• It Imparts spin, but shots lack weight
• Empty feeling on volleys

Have you tried the Head Extreme MP or any other rackets in the Extreme line? Let me know your feedback in the comments.

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• TW Questions/Comments

Prince Textreme Tour 100P vs Touch Speed MP for Mark and Tiffani

• Thread starter d wayne
• Start date Dec 12, 2020
• Dec 12, 2020

I note that the two of you were on the reviews for the Graphene Touch Speed MP and the current Textreme Tour 100P. I currently use the Touch Speed MP(for reference I am a 62 yo 4.0 male player, all court style). I find that my play is consistent with the racquet, but feel like I have to take big swings to generate consistent pace with it. I recently demo'd a Pure Aero Tour and loved the way the weight drove through the ball- I am not sure I can handle that much weight and stiffness long term. I have used Prince Warrior Pro and Beast 100 in the past(play was a bit inconsistent due to power levels and didn't love the thick beams) and really like the feel of Prince racquets- wondering if the Textreme Tour 100P would provide a bit more pace than the Speed MP along with the feel of driving the ball without going up to the 315g unstrung weight of the Pure Aero Tour. Your comments in the review made it appear the Textreme Tour 100P provides reasonable power along with a nice feel- was hoping you could confirm  

2nd Serve Ace

Hall of fame.

The current speed pro with a power string would honestly work the best for you.  

• Dec 13, 2020

Thanks- I have given thought to the new Speed pro also- actually looked at the power comparison in the TW Learning Center- ruled out the 360 Speed pro & Graphene Touch Speed Pro based on that Also gave thought to the 360 Radical Pro, but concerned that the sweet spot may be smaller than the Prince Tour 100P  

jmacdaununder2

You could try adding some weight to your current racquet; I'll leave the location(s) up to someone more familiar with your model, as I imagine it could be easy to make it feel clubby, unless I'm recalling my brief hit with it incorrectly.  

I have tried leather grip and lead in various places, but none have felt right- the polarized weighting makes it difficult to add weight without making the racquet feel "off"- I have driven myself crazy trying to get it right!! I am through toying with it and plan to demo this spring- I know that I want to go heavier, but think 305g or 310g is likely my limit I specifically asked about the Prince because I have used Prince & Head almost exclusively over the last several years and always liked the feel of them. The Tour 100P reviews and customer comments make it sound like a solid, versatile racquet that provides enough power to be aggressive while still retaining nice feel and control. Haven't seemed to gel with Wilson or Babolat racquets  

Administrator

• Dec 14, 2020

Thank you Tiffani. Sounds like the Textreme Tour 100P is a good option. I also hit fairly flat shots and would like to go slightly heavier than the Speed MP that I am using. I appreciate the quick reply  

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