Right at the release Mike tested the new Head Graphene Touch Radical MP ! Read his full review here!
Tested racket:
Brand: Head Model: Graphene Touch Radical MP Head size: 98 sq/inch Weight: 295 gr Balance: 32.0 cm Stringing pattern: 16/19 Length: 27 inch RA: 65 Stringing: Diadem Elite XT 17 at 23/22 kgTester:
Name: Mike Playing strength: 4/4 Type of player: somewhat classic player, flat groundstrokes, generates little spin himself. Had shoulder problems until recently. Racket history player: Head Ti Fire, Babolat Pure Drive, Prince EXO3 Rebel Team, Wilson Steam 100 BLX2, Head Graphene Radical MP and the Prince Textreme Warrior 107. Recently also the Babolat Pure Strike 16/19 2017 in use.
Test scores Head Graphene Touch Radical MP:
Power: 8.5 Control: 8 Spin: 7.5 Arm friendliness: 7.5 Agility: 8 Touch: 7.5Technology and innovations:
Graphene Touch is the third generation of Graphene that Head uses in its rackets. Graphene is light and very torsionally stiff and is therefore used around the heart of the racket. The 'gained' weight is placed towards the top and grip of the racket. This polarization of the weight ensures rackets with more power and stability. This latest Graphene Touch version also has a more dampening playing feel for extra comfort and touch.
It is also useful to know that the balance point of this Radical MP has been increased by half a point (32.0 versus 31.5) compared to the previous two versions. This makes the racket, in terms of specs, but also playing characteristics, secretly move towards a Babolat Pure Drive 2018, for example.
Baseline:
From the baseline it's great to blast with this Graphene Touch Radical MP! In the past I have played the 'regular' Graphene Radical MP. I have also tested the previous version, the Graphene XT Radical MP. This latest Graphene Touch version offers more power from the baseline and feels very stable at ball impact. The sweet spot is of course smaller than I am used to with my Prince TXT Warrior 107, but this did not cause me any problems. The spin and slice are more than sufficient; the mesh of this 16/19 stringing pattern has remained exactly the same as the previous 2 versions. What was noticeable is that the racket plays a little less directly than its predecessors. It is a slightly softer playing feel that I have experienced. I also found the racket to perform well under pressure. The racket is easy to maneuver, despite the fact that the balance point has been increased by half a point compared to the previous two versions.
When testing this racket I was reminded a lot of the Babolat Pure Strike 16/19 2017. The Pure Strike is a bit more stable and crisper/more direct from the baseline, which gives a bit more control. This Head Graphene Touch Radical MP offers a bit more free power and comfort.
Service:
My previous racket test was the Wilson Pro Staff 97 CV. With this racket I had some trouble delivering service power. That is a lot easier with this Graphene Touch Radical MP! The racket is very easy to get around for good racket head speed. My kick and slice serves also went to my full satisfaction. In short: nice!Just:
Beforehand I was a bit afraid that the increased balance point (from 31.5 to 32.0) would make the Radical MP less fast and agile at the net. Fortunately this is not the case. Hard balls can be parried well at the net. The promised extra touch was a bit lacking, certainly compared to the Wilson Pro Staff 97 CV from my last playtest. Nevertheless, the racket performs well at the net.
Power/control:
Actually, this Head Graphene Touch Radical MP is very nicely balanced in terms of power and control. As mentioned, it is noticeable that the racket has gained a bit more 'body' from the baseline due to the fractionally higher balance point. This certainly benefits the power. Yet the racket is also nice and stable at ball impact and hardly twists. I expected a bit more from the touch, but the control is good. Even under pressure, the racket holds up well in terms of control.Comfort/arm friendliness:
For me, my shoulder is always a good indicator of comfort. I was able to serve freely with this racket. I didn't have any reaction the next day either. I found the previous Graphene XT version a bit stiffer in that respect. The Head Graphene Touch Radical MP is not necessarily an arm-friendly racket, but the racket is more comfortable than most rackets in this segment. I found this to be worth mentioning.
