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Head Radical Review: Comparing the Head Radical Pro & MP Tennis Racquets

Will Boucek · January 12, 2023

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.

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.

Quick Navigation
  1. Review Summary & Ratings for the Head Radical
    1. Our Ratings for the Head Radical
    2. Pros
    3. Cons
  2. Different Versions of the Head Radical Tennis Racquet
    1. What did Head Update with the Radical 2021?
  3. Head Radical Pro Review: A Control-Oriented Racquet
    1. Head Radical Pro Racquet Specifications
    2. The Head Radical is a Great All-Around Advanced Racquet
  4. Head Radical MP Review: A Lighter, More Playable Version
    1. Head Radical MP Racquet Specifications
    2. The Head Radical MP Offers a Blend of Control, Power, & Spin
    3. The Radical Pro is Great on Groundstrokes & Volleys
  5. Reviewing Other Versions of the Head Radical
  6. The Best Alternatives to the Head Radical
  7. My Experience Playing with the Head Radical

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.

Head Radical Pro on the tennis court

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.

  • Head Radical Pro
  • Head Radical MP
  • Head Radical S
  • Head MicroGel Radical OS
Head Radical Tennis Racquet

We’ll review each version in more detail below.

What did Head Update with the Radical 2021?

With the newest version of the Radical, Head did not make significant changes.

  • The main difference with the new versions is that most of them are slightly heavier.

You can still purchase the old version of the Radical and its family of racquets for a discount.


Stop paying full price for tennis gear! Get deals on shoes, racquets & more up to 70% off.

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: 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.

Buy the Head Radical Pro on Tennis Warehouse

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 Pro tennis racquet

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 oz. strung
  • Head Size: 98 square inches
  • Length: 27 inches
  • Balance: 323.9 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.

Buy the Head Radical MP on Tennis Warehouse

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 & 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.

View All Head Radical Tennis Racquets On Tennis Warehouse

Reviewing Other Versions of the Head Radical

There are several other versions of the Head Radical that might be right for you.

Radical SRadical MicroGel MidplusRadical Microgel Oversize
A lighter version of the MP. A more affordable Radical option. For beginners only.
Better for beginners or junior players who are still developing their skills.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.
Intermediate players who prefer a lighter racquet can use this version as well.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.
Buy the Radical S on Tennis WarehouseBuy the Radical Microgel Midplus on AmazonBuy the Radical Microgel Oversize on Amazon

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.

View All Head Radical Tennis Racquets On Tennis Warehouse

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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