Today in the RACKETBATTLE the Head Graphene Radical Pro vs the Head Graphene Prestige S. Bring it on!
Specifications Head Graphene Radical Pro: Brand: Head Model: Graphene Radical Pro Head size: 98 sq/inch Weight: 310 gr Balance: 31.5 cm Stringing pattern: 16/19 Length: 27 inch RA (stiffness): 68 VS. Specifications Head Graphene Prestige S: Brand: Head Model: Graphene Prestige S Head size: 98 sq/inch Weight: 305 gr Balance: 32.0 Stringing pattern: 16/19 Length: 27 inch RA (stiffness): 61 Tested by: Player name: Stephan Couzijn Level: 5 Player type: 39 year old, all-courter, eastern grip, one-handed backhand, fairly flat strokes Own racket: Wilson Juice Pro, 96 inch, 324 gr, 31.0 cm, 16 x 20 Player's racket history: Wilson Pro Staff 6.0 95, Wilson Six-One 95, Head Radical, Dunlop Aerogel 300 Tour, Babolat Pure Storm Tour GT, Wilson Pro Staff 95. A comparison of two historical frames with similar specifications, the Head Graphene Radical Pro and the Head Graphene Prestige S. Baseline: Both rackets are slightly lighter than my current racket, the Wilson Juice Pro. To start with the Head Graphene Radical Pro. What immediately stood out was that the racket feels lighter than the specifications suggest. The Radical Pro is very easy to get moving. From the baseline this racket plays stable but feels very different from the old Radicals. Probably due to the open string pattern and the weight distribution. So for players who know the old playing feel it will take some getting used to. Due to the head size and the open string pattern, generating spin is quite easy. Due to the extra weight of the Pro, hard serves are also easy to turn. With both my forehand and backhand I was able to get enough length in my strokes. In short, a nice racket to dictate from the baseline. Now the Head Graphene Prestige S. In my eyes a special racket especially because it bears the name Prestige with a rich history as a players racket. This Benjamin among the Prestige's is one of the lightest rackets in the Prestige line. When I think of a Prestige I expect a racket with feeling and precision and little power. The Prestige S has the classic Prestige feeling combined with a much lighter weight with spin potential like modern rackets. The Prestige S plays stable from the baseline but delivers little power so you have to do a lot yourself. This is reinforced by the relatively low weight. Because of this I had the feeling that I was pushed into the defense too often and I did not get enough length in my strokes. Slices on the other hand were great to play. The classic Prestige feeling clearly came into play here.
The Head Graphene Radical Pro Service: Serving with the Radical Pro is fine. Sufficient weight to be able to hit hard. The same applies to the Prestige S, but it clearly offers less power. The open string pattern offers sufficient space for slice and kick serves on both rackets. Net: The Radical Pro is a very manoeuvrable racket, which makes hitting volleys remarkably easy. The weight also allows volleys to be laid off hard. The Prestige S is also easy to handle at the net, but here too the lower weight plays tricks on easily laying balls off deep. However, feeling volleys are somewhat easier to play with the Prestige S. But overall, the Radical Pro is also clearly the winner at the net for me. Power: The Radical Pro offers sufficient power that is reinforced with a good, smooth swing. As noted earlier, the Prestige S offers little power and you as a player have to do a lot yourself. In itself, you can create a lot of racket head speed due to the relatively low weight, but that is also necessary to be able to produce real cannon shots. A little more weight would have given the Prestige S more power. Control: Both rackets are evenly matched in terms of control. Both play stable on every spot on the court. I am inclined to call the Prestige S the most stable, although you are quickly put on the defensive by the lower weight.
The Head Graphene Prestige S Comfort/Arm-friendliness: The Radical Pro feels comfortable and gave me no arm problems despite the high stiffness rating. The Prestige S felt less comfortable, perhaps because hard balls had a heavy impact due to the lighter frame. General impression: The Head Graphene Radical Pro is clearly my favorite. A wonderful all-round racket that easily passes the test on every criterion. In terms of weight and balance, well thought out and can easily compete with 'Pro' rackets from other brands, such as the Tour variants from Babolat. Where I find the Radical Pro much less stiff. In short, a real test winner for me. I have mixed feelings about the Prestige S. The idea that I play with a Prestige with a mix of classic and modern features makes the 'S' a bit of a strange racket that I find difficult to explain. In fact, the racket is too light to compete with the players rackets, but is again too 'low powered' to get away with as a slightly advanced player. The 'S' is in my eyes a racket for someone who generates enough power himself and is used to the precision of the Prestige line but no longer has the strength to swing a 320 gram Prestige MP back and forth for 2 hours. A little extra weight would make the Prestige S a more accessible option for many players. Note: both rackets were tested with a Head Sonic Pro stringing, strung at 24.5/24.5 kg.