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The Head Extreme is one of the best tennis racquets for power on the market. Below, we’ll review the Head Extreme, including pros, cons, and different models of the racquet. Then, we’ll compare it to other tennis racquets to help you decide if the Extreme is right for you.
Review Summary & Ratings for the Head Extreme
The Head Extreme tennis racquet has grown in popularity over the last 5 years for its “extreme” power and spin. This powerful racquet is great for tennis players who like to hit big serves and heavy groundstrokes.
See our ratings, plus the pros and cons of the Head Extreme below for a quick glance at how it performs compared to other tennis racquets.
Our Ratings for the Head Extreme
- Power: 9
- Control: 7
- Spin: 8
- Serve: 9
- Return: 7
- Groundstrokes: 9
- Volleys: 7
- Price: $$$
Pros
- Great power on serves & groundstrokes
- Very spin-friendly
- Good stability
- Easy to swing
- Good for most skill levels
Cons
- Can feel a loss of control against pace
- Less comfort than other racquets
Different Versions of the Head Extreme Tennis Racquet
The Head Extreme tennis racquet comes in several different versions that vary in size, weight, and other specifications. Below is a list of the different Head Extreme tennis racquets available.
We’ll review each version in more detail below.
What did Head Update with the Extreme 2022?
With the newest version of the Extreme, Head made minor updates.
- The Extreme Tour and MP are slightly lighter and have a lower swing weight.
- The Extreme Team and Team L are new versions of the Extreme that are more beginner friendly.
You can still purchase the old versions of the Head Extreme for a discount.
3 Steps to Find the Perfect Tennis Racquet for Your Game
Free checklist with 27 racquet recommendations
Head Extreme Tour Review: A Blend of Power & Control
We’ll start with the standard version, the Head Extreme Tour. Below are the specifications and on-court performance you should expect from this racquet.
Head Extreme Tour Racquet Specifications
- Weight: 11.3 oz. strung
- Head Size: 98 square inches
- Length: 27 inches
- Balance: 324.9 mm
- String Pattern: 16×19
This racquet is fairly lightweight for an advanced tennis racquet, making it easy to generate racquet head speed. The open string pattern maximizes spin potential, so you can control the ball with heavy topspin groundstrokes.
The Head Extreme Tour Offers Controlled Power
The Head Extreme racquets are built for both power and spin. The Extreme Tour offers this combination in a controlled frame for advanced players.
The frame’s beam is wide for a 98-square-inch racquet, and the open string pattern will help you create more spin and power. The weight of the racquet makes it fairly easy to maneuver and swing if you’re a competitive tennis player.
Head’s Graphene 360+ technology gives this tennis racquet good feel around the net as well.
Advanced tennis players who swing fast and control the point with big serves and groundstrokes will get the most out of the Head Extreme Tour.
This racquet is not great for players who need more help with control. The Head Extreme Tour’s performance on returns and volleys hit slightly off-center is worse than many of the best advanced tennis racquets.
Overall, the Extreme Tour is great for advanced players who like to stay at the baseline and want to add power and spin to their shots.
Head Extreme MP Review: A Powerful Racquet
The Extreme MP tennis racquet has even more power and is great for a wider range of skill levels. It is one of the top 7 tennis racquets for power.
Head Extreme MP Racquet Specifications
- Weight: 11.2 oz. strung
- Head Size: 100 square inches
- Length: 27 inches
- Balance: 329.9 mm
- String Pattern: 16×19
This version of the Head Extreme is 0.1 ounces lighter and has a larger frame making it more powerful with a larger sweet spot. The beam is wider and this racquet is head heavy making it a very stable racquet as well.
The Head Extreme MP Helps with Power & Spin
One of the most powerful tennis racquets on the market, the Head Extreme MP is great for intermediate and advanced players who like to hit big.
This version of the Head Extreme is lighter and easier to swing, but has a thicker frame to increase its explosive power. The 100 square inch head size and open string pattern create unmatched spin potential. The Extreme MP is also one of the best tennis racquets for spin.
Because of the balance point being towards the head, this racquet has surprising stability as well. You won’t lose too much control when defending against pace.
Intermediate and advanced players who take an aggressive approach from the baseline will get the most out of this racquet. The Head Extreme MP will maximize your power and spin when attacking or hitting approach shots.
This racquet is stiffer than other advanced and intermediate tennis racquets. It is not great if you’ve had tennis elbow issues. It also sacrifices some control to prioritize its power and spin.
For a racquet with more control and comfort, read our Head Radical Review.
The Extreme Tour is Great for Serves & Groundstrokes
The Extreme Tour performs well on both groundstrokes and volleys.
- On groundstrokes, the Extreme is easy to swing, and explosive on contact. The Tour version offers good control and spin.
- On volleys, the maneuverability and feel of this racquet will help with touch volleys. It can feel unstable defending against fast paced groundstrokes.
- On returns, the Extreme Tour will generate good power to attack second serves. Defending against big servers will be a bit more difficult.
- On serves, this racquet performs best. It will maximize your power and spin so you can hit flat, slice, or kick serves with ease.
Reviewing Other Versions of the Head Extreme Tennis Racquet
There are several other versions of the Head Extreme that a beginner or intermediate player might consider.
| Extreme Team | Extreme Team L |
|---|---|
| Very spin-friendly racquet, making it great for developing topspin and slice. | 105 sq. in. head size gives the racquet some extra power. |
| The weight of this racquet makes it easier to swing. | The weight of the racquet makes it easy to swing. |
| Great for people who are improving and looking to rise to the next level. | Great feel for a head-heavy racquet. |
| Buy the Extreme Team on Tennis Warehouse | Buy the Extreme Team L on Tennis Warehouse |
3 Steps to Find the Perfect Tennis Racquet for Your Game
Free checklist with 27 racquet recommendations
The Best Alternatives to the Head Extreme
Below are 3 other tennis racquets similar to the Head Extreme that you may want to consider.
- Babolat Pure Aero – Rafael Nadal’s racquet offers tons of power and spin. Great for players who like to hit heavy groundstrokes from the baseline.
- Wilson Ultra – Another power-oriented racquet, the Ultra is a bit stiffer than the Extreme.
- Babolat Pure Drive – The Pure Drive is a great racquet for all skill levels. It has similar power to the Extreme with a bit better feel but doesn’t offer the same level of spin.
- Dunlop SX 300 – A stiffer racquet with similar power and greater spin potential but less comfort.
My Experience Playing with the Head Extreme
After playing several sets with the Head Extreme MP racquet, it is now one of my favorite power-focused racquets on the market.
The level of power and spin were similar to the Wilson Ultra, but with even better comfort and handling. I was easily able to hit with dept, power, and spin from the baseline. I also felt more in control of my shots with the Extreme than I do with other similar racquets.
At the net, this racquet was very easy to handle. While I didn’t have quite as much control on my volleys as I did with the Head Prestige, for example, the comfort and stability were still very solid.
The Head Extreme also helped my serve. I was able to generate plenty of spin and pop on first and second serves.
If I played more singles, I’d consider switching to the Head Extreme for its excellent power, spin, and feel from the baseline. However, since I play mostly doubles and like to get to the net, I prefer a more control-oriented racquet.
