Introducing the Head Gravity MP Auxetic 2023

Here is the 2023 version of the Head Gravity MP, a tennis racquet with a slightly reduced power that nevertheless offers good access to topspin.

Compared to the previous version, the 2 main new features are the addition of Auxetic technology and the reduction in stiffness from 62 to 59 Ra, making the racquet more flexible and a little more comfortable.

To quickly locate the Gravity line compared to other Head lines :

• The Head Prestige are the least powerful racquets,
• The Head Radical have a slightly reduced power but they are very accessible,
• The Head Speed have an intermediate power,
• the Head Boom are slightly more powerful than the Speed, good for topspin,
• The Head Extreme are powerful and topspin oriented, 
• finally the Head Gravity are close to the Radical in terms of power, perhaps a little less powerful, but with a better access to topspin.

AUXETIC

This is one of the essential differences with the previous model: Head now integrates Auxetic technology into the Gravity racquets.

This technology corresponds to the use of materials which have the counter-intuitive property of becoming thicker when stretched and thinner when compressed.

These materials are used in the upper throat of the racquet to improve the sensations and to have a nice response even when the ball is off center.

GRAPHENE 360+

This technology, already present on the previous model, provides stability without having too much weight, it also helps for power and comfort.

The Power of the Head Gravity MP 2023

The Head Gravity MP 2023 is a control oriented racquet, with a slightly reduced power, which is among the least powerful racquets among those with a head size of 100 in².

The fairly thin profile of 22 mm, the low rigidity of 59 Ra and the tight string pattern are the elements that will contribute to reduce the power of the racquet.

The 100 in² head size will help compensate for this by providing both power and forgiveness to the racquet.

Personally, I was surprised because I thought I would have more difficulty generating power with this racquet.

The racquet is more flexible than the previous model I tested, with a string having about the same tension (Head Lynx Tour in 1.25 mm, tension 24 kg), I should have had a little less power and finally I had better feelings especially on my forehand.

I really liked the racquet in all areas of the game, it's really a great surprise!

On the forehand, I really felt the "control" and slightly demanding side of the racquet, but I didn't lack ball length and I had a good power/control compromise.

On the backhand side, I loved slice and topspin/hit backhand, I appreciated the control provided by the racquet which allowed me to hit powerful backhands with confidence, great sensations!

The ultimate test for power for me is the serve, a shot where I can easily lack power.

Even on this one, I managed to have quite correct power.

Good technique is required to generate decent power, but in this category of racquets, the Head Gravity MP is not too hard to play.

Given the relatively low weight of the racquet, players of a good level with somewhat short swings should be able to swing the racquet easely to produce swing speed and power.

The Head Gravity MP is an attractive racquet for players with a modern, aggressive and topspin game style who seek control but at the same time want the forgiveness and access to topspin of a 100 in² headsize.

The racquet can also be interesting for players with a semi-powerful game rather flat or with slice.

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

More power:

• Head Instinct, Speed MP, Boom MP
• Head Extreme Tour
• Wilson Shift 99 300 g, Ultra, Burn, Clash
• Babolat Pure Drive, Pure Aero

Similar power:

• Head Prestige MP, MP L,  Radical MP
• Head Speed Pro, Boom Pro
• Prince Tour 100P
• Wilson Pro Staff X
• Yonex VCore Pro 100
• Babolat Pure Strike 18x20

Less power :

• Head Prestige Tour, Pro
• Head Radical Pro
• Wilson Pro Staff 97, Blade 98
• Yonex VCore Pro 97, VCore 98
• Tecnifibre TF40

Access to spins with the Head Gravity MP Auxetic 2023

Like the previous models, the Gravity MP has a versatile head size of 100 in² with a slightly rounded shape in the upper part, which facilitates access to topspin.

The 16x20 string pattern is slightly tighter than 16x19, however access to topspin remains very easy.

I had excellent sensations on my forehand, a shot where I use topspin a lot, in particular I was able to accelerate the racquet quickly to lift low balls with topspin.

Access to topspin is not extreme but I found it very easy, just a little harder on the serve but the topsin serve is not a shot I master !

Maneuverability

Maneuverability is another area where this racquet was a pleasant surprise.

I expected to be a little more bothered by the slightly head heavy balance of 32.5 cm, but thanks to the reasonable weight and the average swingweight of 319, I finally had very good maneuverability.

Given the racquet's average weight of 295 g and the fairly thin profile, it's even interesting to have a little weight in the head, to have stability, power, and not to have an ultra maneuverable racquet which would lead to do whatever you want technically.

This maneuverability is interesting for making quick swings, for example in situations where you are short of time or simply when you have short swings.

The slightly rounded head of 100 in² did not bother me at all for maneuverability on my one-handed backhand.

On the serve, the maneuverability facilitates the speed of swings and power, it helped me to have the correct power despite my lack of amplitude during the racquet drop.

Nevertheless, I think it's better to have rather medium or large swings and a correct technique to generate power without forcing too much.

Comfort of the Head Gravity MP 2023

I enjoyed the comfort of this version of the Gravity MP, which I found more comfortable than the previous version I tested, I found it gave a bit more vibrations.

It may be related to the Auxetic technology which can provide more comfort.

In any case, I had a lot of fun playing with this Gravity MP, I found the shots quite clean, with little vibration.

The flexibility of the frame led me to feel a slight deformation of the frame on my powerful shots located at the top of the racquet.

Personally, it didn't bother me, this feeling will depend on each player.

Moreover, I found the tolerance very good, in particular thanks to the 100 in² head size, which is a little rounded at the head.

Who would I recommend the Head Gravity MP 2023 racquet to?

I would recommend the Head Gravity MP 2023 to players:

• with an intermediate or advanced level who want a medium weight racquet (not for beginners),
• with a modern powerful, aggressive and topspin game style or semi-powerful flat/slice,
• able to generate power with their game,
• who are looking for control without wanting a racquet that is the most demanding,
• who are looking for a racquet with a head size of 100 in², for forgiveness, access to topspin, a little power, while having excellent control,
• who are looking for a good level of comfort and good manoeuvrability.