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The Head Radical is one of the best tennis racquets for power on the market. Below, we’ll review the Head Radical, including pros, cons, and different models of the racquet. Then, we’ll compare it to other tennis racquets to help you decide if the Radical is right for you.
Review Summary & Ratings for the Head Radical
The Head Radical has been one of the most popular models of tennis racquets in the world for decades.
The Radical tennis racquet is known for its control and feel. Head has now updated the Radical to include a bit more power and flexibility. Head also makes different versions of the Radical for all skill levels.
See our ratings, plus the pros and cons of the Head Radical below for a quick glance at how it performs compared to other tennis racquets.
Our Ratings for the Head Radical
- Power: 7
- Control: 8
- Spin: 8
- Serve: 8
- Return: 8
- Groundstrokes: 8
- Volleys: 7
- Price: $$
Pros
- Great control & feel
- Great spin potential for an advanced racquet
- Decent power for a 98 square inch head size
- Very comfortable, flexible frame
- Easy to swing
Cons
- Not great for beginners
- Less power than some other advanced racquets
Different Versions of the Head Radical Tennis Racquet
The Head Radical racquet comes in several different versions that vary in size, weight, string pattern, and other specifications. Below is a list of the different Head Radical tennis racquets available with information on how each racquet can help your tennis game.
We’ll review each version in more detail below.
What did Head Update with the Radical 2023?
With the newest version of the Radical, Head did not make significant changes.
- Head added their new Auxetic technology to the throat of the racquet for improved feel.
- The main difference with the new versions is that they have better stability and power, but less maneuverability.
- I’d recommend the previous version if you want something easier to handle, but the newer version for higher-level players who need better stability and feel.
You can still purchase the old version of the Radical and its family of racquets for a discount.
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Head Radical Pro Review: A Control-Oriented Racquet
This is the most advanced version of the Head Radical.
Head Radical Pro Racquet Specifications
- Weight: 11.7 oz. strung
- Head Size: 98 square inches
- Length: 27 inches
- Balance: 323.9 mm
- String Pattern: 16×19
This racquet has a good weight for an advanced racquet giving it excellent stability. At 98 square inches, it is definitely a control-based racquet. The beam is relatively thin making it easy to maneuver, and the open string pattern allows you to add spin to your shots.
The Head Radical is a Great All-Around Advanced Racquet
The newest version of the Head Radical Pro is one of the all-around best tennis racquets for advanced players on the market. It has enough power from the baseline, while still being built more for control.
The 16×19 string pattern makes it very spin-friendly as well. The weight and graphene 360+ technology help with defending against faster-paced shots with sufficient comfort.
Advanced singles and doubles players who want a good blend of comfort, feel, and stability will like the Radical Pro. It is great for players who can create their own power and control the point with precision and spin.
The only area this racquet might be lacking is in its power. If you have a slower swing, read our Head Speed review (choose the MP version) or Head Extreme review for a racquet with more power.
Head Radical MP Review: A Lighter, More Playable Version
The Radical MP tennis racquet is a lighter version for less advanced players seeking a bit more power.
Head Radical MP Racquet Specifications
Here are the specifications for the Head Radical MP.
- Weight: 11.2 oz. strung
- Head Size: 98 square inches
- Length: 27 inches
- Balance: 330.2 mm
- String Pattern: 16×19
This racquet is slightly lighter than the Pro version. It has a thicker frame and a balance point closer to the end of the racquet (more head heavy) for added power and stability. The MP version is also easier to swing.
The Head Radical MP Offers a Blend of Control, Power, & Spin
The Radical MP is a great tennis racquet for intermediate or advanced players looking for something a bit easier to handle.
Although lighter than the Pro version, the Radical MP has a slightly thicker beam to help add power and stability to the racquet. At 98 square inches, it is still an advanced tennis racquet but with a bit better maneuverability.
Intermediate and advanced players who like to control their shots with spin and feel will like the Radical MP. It doesn’t sacrifice too much power either.
The open string pattern of the Radical MP allows for great spin potential for an advanced racquet as well. This racquet won’t have as much power as some other advanced tennis racquets, but it will offer a bit better control and feel.
The Radical Pro is Great on Groundstrokes & Serves
The Pro version of the Radical performs well on both groundstrokes and volleys.
- On groundstrokes, you’ll find the Radical is easy to swing, but with enough weight to get depth on your shots. You’ll have good control on offensive or defensive shots as well.
- On volleys, the combination of maneuverability and stability makes it solid for fast-paced doubles, but lacking some maneuverability.
- On returns, the weight and stability will help you defend fast first serves. You’ll be able to attack second serves with control and spin as well.
- On serves, this racquet does not have a ton of power. However, you can hit with good spin and control, and the newest version has some added power.
This is not a good tennis racquet for beginners, however, some intermediate players who can generate their own power will like the Head Radical Pro.
Reviewing Other Versions of the Head Radical
There are several other versions of the Head Radical that might be right for you.
| Radical MicroGel Midplus | Radical Microgel Oversize | Radical Team |
|---|---|---|
| A more affordable Radical option. | For beginners only. | An updated version of the old Radical S. |
| This is a beginner tennis racquet for people who need something very light. | Big 107 square inch head size gives it a large sweet spot. | A great 102 square inch head size for rising intermediate players. |
| Small head size (98 square inches) for beginners. Players who struggle with hand-eye coordination will have trouble finding the sweet spot. | A comfortable racquet with good power and control. | At 10.4 oz., this is a great option for players looking for a speedy racquet with good feel. |
| Buy the Radical Microgel Midplus on Amazon | Buy the Radical Microgel Oversize on Amazon | Buy the Radical Team 2023 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 Radical
Below are several tennis racquets similar to the Head Radical.
- Head Speed – The Speed tennis racquet has a slightly larger, more forgiving frame. Head offers versions for most skill levels.
- Head Prestige – The Prestige is a slightly more control-oriented racquet than the Radical. Advanced players will find better touch and feel with less power.
- Wilson Blade – The Blade is a bit more comfortable than the Radical and will provide a bit better control. There are versions for most skill levels as well.
My Experience Playing with the Head Radical
The Radical felt like a very balanced racquet for me. I played both singles and doubles with the Radical Pro, which is the most advanced version of the racquet.
Similar to my Head Speed Pro, I felt like the Radical had no real weaknesses. I generated a good spin and power on my serves. From the baseline, it performed similarly on my groundstrokes with a high level of comfort. I was able to hit with easy depth and topspin.
The racquet is easy to swing and maneuver for its weight as well. At the net, the handling was great. While it doesn’t have quite the feel or stability of a racquet like the Head Prestige, it is still solid on volleys.
When returning, I found a similar story. It was right in the middle of other Head tennis racquets. I generated good power and spin against second serves, and had enough stability to defend against hard-hit first serves.
Overall, the Head Radical is a great racquet for tennis players with a modern baseline game who want a good balance of power, spin, control, feel, and comfort.
