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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.
Below, we will review the Head Radical Pro and the Radical MP alongside other versions of the racquet. We will compare them to other racquets on the market and help you find the best tennis racquet for your game.
The Different Versions of the Head Radical
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.
- Head Radical Pro – Great for advanced players who want a racquet with control, spin, stability, and feel.
- Head Radical MP – A slightly lighter version of the Radical. This model is easier to swing for intermediate and advanced players.
- Head Radical S – For beginner to intermediate players, this racquet has a 102 square inch head making it more forgiving. It is also lighter and easy to maneuver.
- Head MicroGel Radical – This less expensive line of Radicals is great for beginners with a smaller budget. The Midplus version has a 98 square inch head size and is better for control. The Oversized version has a 107 square inch head and is for beginners only.
We’ll review each version of the Head Radical in more detail below.
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Head Radical Pro Review: Specs & Playability
This is the most advanced version of the Head Radical.
Head Radical Pro Racquet Specifications
Here are the specifications for the Head Radical Pro.
- Weight: 11.7 oz. strung
- Head Size: 98 square inches
- Length: 27 inches
- Balance: 320 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.
The Radical Pro is Great on Groundstrokes & Volleys
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 make it great for fast paced doubles.
- 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.
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.
Head Radical MP Review: Specs, Pros & Cons
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 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.
Pros & Cons of the Head Radical MP
Here is a summary of the benefits and drawbacks of choosing the Radical MP.
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
Reviewing Other Versions of the Head Radical Tennis Racquet
There are several other versions of the Head Radical that might be right for you.
- Head Radical S
- A lighter version of the MP.
- Great for intermediate players.
- Head MicroGel Radical Midplus
- Less expensive.
- Great for beginners or low level intermediate players on a budget and looking for a racquet with good control.
- Small head size (98 square inches) for beginners. Players who struggle with hand-eye coordination will have trouble finding the sweet spot.
- Head MicroGel Radical Oversize
- Budget racquet for beginners only.
- Big 107 square inch head size gives it a large sweet spot.
- Comfortable racquet with good power and control.
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.
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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.
