Introducing the Head Radical MP Auxetic 2023

The Head Radical MP 2023 racquet is part of Head's Radical range, which offers intermediate racquets in terms of power and access to topspin.

AUXETIC

The main new feature of this version of the Head Radical MP concerns the Auxetic technology.

TIt corresponds to the use of a material intended to improve the feelings, the comfort, and to have a nice response even when off centering the ball.

Sound grommets

Slightly widened grommets to improve power, access to topspin, sound on impact.

Control pattern

The 16x19 string pattern is tighter in the middle, to improve control.

The strings have more space on the sides, to still provide a decent power when off centering the ball.

GRAPHENE 360+

Technology that provides stability without adding too much weight, it also helps provide power and comfort.

The Power of the Head Radical MP 2023

The Head Radical MP is a control-oriented racquet, with reduced power, which remains versatile and accessible to many players.

I found the power close to that provided by the previous model.

Overall, I had the right balance between power and control from the baseline.

On the forehand, a shot where I have variable power and where I can lack ball length with low power racquets, I had decent power but if I had to play with this racquet, I would slightly lower the tension of the string to have a little more easy power compared to the racquet I had in the test, which has a tension around 24 kg.

On the backhand, a shot that is more powerful than my forehand, I had the right power/control compromise.

On both sides, I made few mistakes in length, which shows that the racquet offers a good level of control.

I had decent power on the serve, a shot I can lack power with racquets that are too demanding, it shows there's also a decent amount of power.

The Head Radical MP is not very hard to play but beware, due to its slightly reduced power, it will suit players who are able to produce at least a bit of power with their game.

It will be interesting for players who have a relatively powerful game, no need to be a big hiiter, players who are looking for control, without wanting a racquet that is too demanding in terms of power.

From the baseline, I had more power with the Head Radical Pro because it is heavier, however, with fatigue, I had more difficulty handling the racquet and producing power.

The Radical Pro will therefore be interesting for players who are able to handle the weight of 315 g over a full session without feeling tired.

It is more demanding due to its weight and harder to play than the Head Radical MP.

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

More power:

• Babolat Pure Drive, Pure Aero
• Wilson Burn, Ultra, Clash, Shift
• Wilson Blade 98S
• Tecnifibre TF-X1
• Yonex EZone 100, VCore 100, VCore Pro 100
• Head Extreme MP, Speed MP, Boom MP

Similar power:

• Head Gravity MP, Prestige MP, Extreme Tour
• Head Boom Pro
• Tecnifibre TFight 300
• Babolat Pure Strike 16x19

Less power :

• Head Prestige Pro, Gravity Tour
• Head Radical Pro, Speed Pro
• Wilson Blade 98 16x19, 18x20
• Wilson Pro Staff 97
• Yonex VCore 98, VCore Pro 97

Access to spins with the Head Radical MP Auxetic 2023

I had very nice feelings on my slice backhand, good control, I really liked.

With its head size of 98 in² / 632 cm² and its 16x19 string pattern, slightly tightened in the center, the Head Radical MP gives a correct/average access to topspin.

The Head Radical MP will suit players who play with a normal level of topspin, who have a rather flat game or who use slice.

For better topspin access, still with great control, see the Head Gravity MP.

For great access to topspin, with power, see the Head Extreme MP or the Head Boom MP.

Maneuverability

With a weight of 300g, a neutral balance of 32cm and an average swingweight of 323, I found the maneuverability of the Radical MP to be excellent.

I didn't feel much weight at the tip of the racquet, bothering me to have a nice swing speed.

The 98 in² head size and the nice maneuverability is particularly interesting for players doing a one-handed backhand or who have medium/short swings.

Still better if you have medium/large swings, to produce power easely, especially with this racquet that is a bit control oriented.

Comfort of the Head Radical MP 2023

I found the comfort very good.

The difference is slight but I found it to be a little more comfortable than the previous model, with a slightly softer feeling at impact, which may be related to the Auxetic technology.

I had the same feeling with the Head Gravity MP I recently review, a bit more comfortable than the previous version.

I felt I had clean shots, nice sound at impact, not much vibrations, very nice to play with this racquet.

It's one more racquet I could personnaly use.

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

I would recommend the Head Radical MP 2023 to players:

• with an intermediate or advanced level (not for beginners),
• who are able to produce a bit of power with their game,
• who are looking for a racquet that will provide control while remaining versatile and not too hard to play,
• who are looking for a medium/correct access to topspin or who play flat/slice,
• who are looking for a racquet with a good manoeuverability,
• with a good level of comfort,
• who appreciate the sensations of the previous version, because the two models are very close.

Other Head Radical tennis racquets

For the 2023 Head Radical line, and the Radical Team L replaces the old Radical Lite.

Head Radical Pro

Heavier (315 g) and with a thinner profile (20mm / 21.5mm / 21mm), the Radical Pro will be the most demanding of the Head Radical

It will be less powerful than the Radical MP.

For players:

• with an advanced level,
• with a good technique,
• with rather large and relaxed swings,
• able to generate power through their game,
• who are looking for a good level of control,
• medium/correct access to topspin,
• good manoeuverability and good comfort.

Head Radical Team

The Head Radical Team replaces the former Head Radical S.

It will be more powerful and easier to play than the Radical MP, thanks to its larger head size of 102 in² / 660 cm² head, its weight of 280 g and its thicker profile.

Access to topspin will also be better.

For :

• players with an intermediate level,
• who rather have a two handed backhand, because of the head size,
• who want a reasonable weight, a good level of power, access to topspin, forgiveness and comfort.

Head Radical Team L

This version replaces the previous Head Radical Lite.

Also featuring a large 102 in² / 660cm² headsize and a 25mm profile at the height of the hitting zone, this racquet will be more powerful than the Radical MP, more comfortable, and with better access to topspin.

It is the lightest Head Radical racquet, with a weight of 260 g unstrung.

For :

• beginners or intermediate players who want a very light racquet,
• young players who switch to an adult racquet,
• seniors who want an easy-to-play racquet,
• players who rather have a two handed backhand,
• who want a very light racquet, a good level of power, access to topspin, forgiveness and comfort.