A Radical Standoff

Head Microgel Radical MP vs Head Microgel Radical Team

(or: A Radical Standoff)

I thought it might be neat to compare Head’s newest Radical frames to one another, and see what the differences in specs might mean to tennis players looking to “Radicalize” their games.

Specs

I decided to compare Head’s Microgel Radical MidPlus and Radical Team models, since the Radical Oversize was clearly a different beast to me. The specs are most comparable: with a flex of 62, the 98 sq. in. MidPlus weighs in at 295g (10.4oz), with a 6-point head light balance point of 325mm (12 3/4”), and a swingweight of 274. These numbers make for a center of percussion (COP) of 20.19”, a first moment of inertia of 95.875, and RDC readings of 38(C) for power, 61(A) for control, and 84(A) for maneuverability, pretty normal measurements for this series.

The 102 sq. in. Radical Team is a departure from its FXP predecessor. While its weight is quite similar at 282g (9.95oz), it has a much more head light balance of 332mm (13 1/8”, or 3 points head light), and a noticeably lower swingweight of 272. The Team has a COP of 20.31”, a first moment of 93.624, and RDC readings of 38(C) for power, 62(A) for control, and 85(A) for maneuverability. Flex is a similar 63.

The MidPlus has Head’s classic dense, 18x20 pattern, while the Team has a more open 16x19. Both frames measure out at a 22mm constant beam. I know Head’s literature always says 21mm beams, but I seem to get closer to 22 each time, so there.

I was most anxious to see how these frames matched up, so away we go!

Stringing

Guess what? The Team is easier to string! Its more open pattern makes weaving much easier, and stringing it took a couple of minutes less than the tighter pattern of the MP (a couple of minutes doesn’t seem like much until you’ve got a dozen of these babies to do with polyester!). Both have well laid-out patterns, with hole skips not only noticeable, but marked on the frame along with tie-off holes. Both require 2-piece stringing. An experienced stringer should fall right into working with either one.

Both have a bumper guard with adequate string groove depth, a great improvement from the Ti./i.Radical’s disaster of a strip. Hard court play shouldn’t be a problem for these sticks.

In Play

Even though the specs are quite close, these 2 frames play most differently. With the Microgel Radical MidPlus, we could not only swing quite hard and still control our groundstrokes, it was necessary to do so: the frame doesn’t have much inherent power. A somewhat narrow beam combined with a dense string bed, while making for fine control, limits the amount of power you can generate. It was a little tough to move at net, and serving power was only adequate.

Balls hit on the upper and outer areas of the hoop lose some power, but are still pretty close to the target, a good thing for aggressive play. Torsional and longitudinal flex are not issues, making the Rad MP good for strong play (for an interesting take, see “Brilliant Observation” below).

The Microgel Radical Team is an altogether different beast. Its open string pattern let us feel the ball much better, and it had quite a bit more pace for use on groundies. The lighter frame was a snap to move at net, and much easier to get up in the air on serves and overheads.

Where the Team let us down was in the comfort and feel areas. Balls hit on the top of the frame still had adequate power, but those mis-hits on the side of the hoop made the frame twist noticeably. While the Microgel (or something) dampened the shock quite well, the torque was a little off-putting. I don’t think it’ll be an arm issue, but those of you with TE problems should take note. This can be a problem area for light frames.

Fine Points

Both frames held up just fine to the poundings we gave them. Paint chipping was minimal, and the bumpers passed our hard court exam with flying colors.

I never have been a fan of Head’s Hydrosorb grip, and this test is no exception: the cushioning is minimal, absorption marginal, and edge definition not as I’d like. At least it’s easy to change.

Brilliant Observation

“Why not,” I thought, “Take these 2 frames, match up the weight and swingweight, and see what they’re like in a more direct comparison?”

Man, I’m smart!

I took the frames to the RDC and matched up the weight to 344g (12.14oz), and the swingweights to 322. Might as well go to an extreme, right? The results were interesting.

The Team shone through on the customization test, the extra weight really adding some power and stabilizing the torsional flex. Maneuverability suffered a little, but was still quite workable at net. All in all, I think this frame could be made to work for a wide range of swing styles.

The MP was a heavier version of itself, not really benefiting at all. The moderate increase in power would only help a really strong player (who might not need or want it), and maneuverability was even worse than before.

Conclusion

The Microgel Radical Team is, to my mind, the top offering in Head’s 2008 Radical line. Extra power and maneuverability, along with a more spin-friendly string pattern make it a great choice for the majority of players. It can be customized to suit almost anyone’s game.

The Microgel MidPlus, on the other hand, is a good choice for a more narrow market: players with pretty strong swings who can’t quite work with the Prestige series. A more “dead” feel at impact makes it easier to control, but quite a bit more work about the court, and is something customization can’t help.

I think most players would be smart to buy the Team and have a technician customize it to their game.

Accumulated Data:

Manufacturer: Head

Model: Microgel Radical MidPlus

Construction: Graphite composite with Microgel additive

Unstrung Specifications: Length: 27” Head Size: 98 sq. in. Weight: 295g(10.413oz) Balance: 325mm(12.75”/6 points HL) Flex: 62 Swingweight: 274 Beam Widths: 22/22/22/22 COP: 20.19” First Moment: 95.875 String Pattern: 18x20 RDC Ratings: Power 38(C); Control: 61(A); Maneuverability: 84(A)

Power Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Control Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comfort Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 910

Cosmetic Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Customization Potential (NEW): 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Expected “street price”: $180 (unstrung)

Recommended Player Type: High Power Moderate Power Low Power

Sore ArmAverage ArmHealthy Arm

Full SwingMedium Swing Short Swing

Manufacturer: Head

Model: Microgel Radical Team