The HEAD Radical Pro is part of the Radical series, which has long been known for its versatility and balanced performance. Aimed at intermediate to advanced players, the Radical Pro provides an excellent combination of control, power, and spin.
With a strong focus on all-court play, this racquet is a solid choice for those who need a racquet that can handle both aggressive baseline rallies and quick net exchanges.
Let’s dive deeper into its features, performance on the court, pros and cons, and how it compares to other racquets in the market.
Graphene 360+ Technology
The HEAD Radical Pro is equipped with Graphene 360+ technology, a major upgrade that combines Graphene with spiral fibers to create a more flexible and stable frame. This technology optimizes energy transfer from the racquet to the ball, enhancing both control and power. The integration of Graphene allows for better weight distribution, ensuring the racquet feels well-balanced and responsive on both slow and fast strokes.
This Graphene 360+ innovation also increases the racquet's stability on off-center hits, ensuring consistent performance across the sweet spot. The result is a racquet that’s responsive yet forgiving, delivering enhanced feel and vibration reduction, providing comfort for players during long matches.
Weight and Balance
Weighing in at 11.3 ounces (320 grams) unstrung, the Radical Pro has a medium-to-heavy weight, offering excellent stability and control. It is head-light, which means the weight is distributed toward the handle, helping with maneuverability and quick reactions during exchanges at the net.
This head-light balance makes it ideal for players who need a racquet that allows for fast transitions, whether they are reacting to a fast serve or executing a quick volley at the net. While the Radical Pro is slightly heavier than some racquets aimed at beginners, intermediate and advanced players will appreciate the extra weight for its ability to handle more powerful shots.
Head Size and String Pattern
The HEAD Radical Pro comes with a 100 square inch head, which is slightly larger than traditional control racquets but still provides a good amount of precision. This head size allows for a larger sweet spot, giving players a little more forgiveness on off-center hits. The 16x19 string pattern is a favorite among players who want a combination of control and spin. This pattern provides a balance of power and spin generation, helping players hit both deep groundstrokes and heavy topspin shots.
The larger head size also aids in offering a bit more power compared to some other racquets in the Radical series, while maintaining enough control for precise shot placement. The open string pattern is also designed to enhance the ball pocketing effect, making the racquet feel more responsive.
Frame Construction
The Radical Pro features a mid-plus beam and a graphite construction that strikes a balance between flexibility and stability. This design allows for solid power output while maintaining excellent control during shots. The frame is slightly stiffer than some traditional racquets, providing extra pop on hard-hitting shots, yet it retains enough flexibility for players who prefer a more controlled and consistent response.
The Graphene 360+ technology not only helps with the frame’s stability but also with its aerodynamic properties, making the Radical Pro faster through the air. This design gives players better maneuverability, allowing for quick swings and fast-paced rallies.
HEAD Radical Pro Racquet - Performance on the Court
Groundstrokes
On the ground, the Radical Pro excels in offering a solid blend of control and power. The 100 square inch head provides ample space for hitting with precision, while the 16x19 string pattern enhances both ball pocketing and spin generation. This makes the Radical Pro a versatile racquet for all types of groundstrokes, from flat shots to heavy topspin.
The Graphene 360+ technology ensures that the racquet remains stable on off-center hits, providing consistent performance across the entire string bed. Whether you’re hitting powerful forehands or well-placed backhands, the Radical Pro responds with a clean feel and excellent feedback. Its slightly heavier frame offers extra stability, allowing players to control high-speed rallies with precision.
Serves
The Radical Pro is a strong performer when it comes to serving. The combination of head size and string pattern allows players to generate a variety of serves, from powerful flat serves to high-kick serves that dive into the corners. The head-light balance provides excellent maneuverability, helping players quickly adjust their grip and stance for different types of serves.
Although it might not be as powerful as racquets designed specifically for serving, such as the Babolat Pure Drive or Wilson Blade, the Radical Pro delivers a solid level of control and placement, which is more than enough for most advanced players. The Graphene 360+ technology also reduces vibrations, making the racquet feel smooth and comfortable, even on hard, fast serves.
Volleys
At the net, the Radical Pro offers excellent maneuverability and stability. The head-light balance makes it easier to adjust the racquet quickly for volleys, while the solid frame construction ensures that you can hold up against hard-driven shots. The medium weight and aerodynamic frame allow for quick reaction time, while still offering enough stability for strong volleys.
The Radical Pro is ideal for all-court players who like to come to the net and execute sharp volleys. Whether you’re intercepting a deep ball or playing touch volleys, this racquet provides control and comfort during high-speed exchanges.
Spin Potential
The Radical Pro generates solid spin, thanks to its open 16x19 string pattern and 100 square inch head size. The open string pattern allows the ball to sink into the strings, creating greater spin potential and helping players execute heavy topspin shots with ease. While it may not generate as much spin as a racquet with a more open string pattern (like the Babolat Pure Aero), the Radical Pro still delivers enough spin for players who rely on topspin for consistency and control.
The Graphene 360+ technology enhances ball pocketing, which means that players can control the ball's trajectory and spin more effectively, especially on topspin forehands and kick serves.
Comfort
The Radical Pro delivers excellent comfort, thanks to the Graphene 360+ technology, which helps reduce vibrations during ball contact. The Graphene material improves stability, while the flexible frame offers a more comfortable response. The Hydrosorb Pro grip also contributes to comfort by reducing moisture and providing a secure, cushioned feel.
Players who are sensitive to vibration or prone to elbow and wrist issues will appreciate the comfortable feel of the Radical Pro, which provides a solid combination of control and comfort during both long rallies and intense matches.
HEAD Radical Pro - Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent Balance of Power and Control: The Radical Pro offers a great combination of control and power, making it a versatile racquet for different playing styles.
- Graphene 360+ Technology: The integration of Graphene enhances stability, feel, and power, while reducing vibrations for added comfort.
- Spin Potential: The 16x19 string pattern allows for good spin generation, making it suitable for players who rely on topspin.
- Maneuverability: The head-light balance and medium weight make it an ideal racquet for quick exchanges and net play.
- Comfortable Feel: The Hydrosorb Pro grip and Graphene 360+ technology reduce vibrations, making it comfortable for long matches.
Cons:
- Limited Power for Aggressive Players: While the Radical Pro provides excellent control, it may not generate as much raw power as some other racquets in the market.
- Spin Generation Could Be Better: The 16x19 string pattern offers good spin but is not as spin-friendly as more open patterns, such as the Babolat Pure Aero.
- Not Ideal for Beginners: Due to its control-oriented design, it is better suited for intermediate and advanced players who have developed their technique.
HEAD Radical Pro Racquet - Comparison with Similar Racquets
Babolat Pure Drive 2021
The Babolat Pure Drive is known for its power and spin generation, offering a more open string pattern (16x19) than the Radical Pro, which allows it to produce more spin. While the Pure Drive offers more power, the Radical Pro is more control-oriented and provides a more precise feel for advanced players who don’t need as much power.
Wilson Clash 100 Pro
The Wilson Clash 100 Pro is similar to the Radical Pro in terms of control and precision, but it is known for its incredible flexibility and comfort. The Clash 100 Pro is softer, offering a unique feel, while the Radical Pro has a bit more pop in the ball response.
HEAD Radical Pro Racquet Review - FAQ
1. Is the HEAD Radical Pro suitable for beginners?
No, the Radical Pro is designed for intermediate to advanced players. Beginners may find it challenging due to its heavier weight and focus on control rather than power.
2. How does the HEAD Radical Pro feel during long rallies?
The Radical Pro provides a comfortable feel thanks to the Graphene 360+ technology, which reduces vibrations and ensures a smooth response during extended rallies.
3. What type of player would benefit from the HEAD Radical Pro?
The Radical Pro is best suited for players who prioritize control, precision, and spin in their game. It is ideal for all-court players who want a racquet that performs well from both the baseline and at the net.
4. Does the HEAD Radical Pro generate a lot of spin?
The Radical Pro generates solid spin due to its 16x19 string pattern and 100 square inch head. While it’s not as spin-friendly as some other racquets, it still provides ample spin for most players.
5. Is the HEAD Radical Pro arm-friendly?
Yes, the Radical Pro is arm-friendly due to the Graphene 360+ technology, which reduces vibrations and offers comfort during long matches.
Conclusion
The HEAD Radical Pro is an excellent choice for intermediate to advanced players who prioritize control, precision, and comfort. While it may not be as powerful or spin-heavy as other racquets in the market, it offers a well-balanced performance across all aspects of the game. If you're looking for a versatile racquet that excels at both groundstrokes and net play, the Radical Pro is a top contender.