Head Radical Review: An All-Around Racquet for Everyone

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The Head Radical is one of the best tennis racquets for power on the market. Below, we’ll review the Head Radical, including pros, cons, and different models of the racquet. Then, we’ll compare it to other tennis racquets to help you decide if the Radical is right for you.

Review Summary & Ratings for the Head Radical

The Head Radical has been one of the most popular models of tennis racquets in the world for decades.

The Radical tennis racquet is known for its all-around performance, balancing power and control. Head has now updated the Radical to include a bit more power and flexibility. Head also makes different versions of the Radical for all skill levels.

Head Radical 2025 tennis racquet

See our ratings, plus the pros and cons of the Head Radical below for a quick glance at how it performs compared to other tennis racquets.

  • Power: 7
  • Control: 8
  • Spin: 8
  • Serve: 8
  • Return: 8
  • Groundstrokes: 8
  • Volleys: 7
  • Price: $$
  • Great control & feel
  • Great spin potential for an advanced racquet
  • Decent power for a 98 square inch head size
  • Very comfortable, flexible frame
  • Easy to swing

Cons

  • Not great for beginners
  • Less power than some other advanced racquets

Different Versions of the Head Radical Tennis Racquet

The Head Radical racquet comes in several different versions that vary in size, weight, string pattern, and other specifications. Below is a list of the different Head Radical tennis racquets available with information on how each racquet can help your tennis game.

Head Radical 2025 tennis racquet

We’ll review each version in more detail below.

What did Head Update with the Radical in 2025?

With the newest version of the Radical, Head did not make significant changes other than adding the new Radical Elite to the lineup.

  • Head added their new Auxetic 2 technology to increase the racquet’s feel and response.
  • With identical specs, most players won’t notice much of a difference, if any, with the latest version.
  • Head added the Radical Elite to the lineup, a budget-friendly version for players just starting out and not ready to invest in a premium racquet.

You can still purchase the old version of the Radical and its family of racquets for a discount.


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Head Radical Pro Review: A Control-Oriented Racquet

This is the most advanced version of the Head Radical.

Head Radical Pro Racquet Specifications

  • Weight: 11.7 oz. strung
  • Head Size: 98 square inches
  • Length: 27 inches
  • Balance: 323.9 mm
  • String Pattern: 16×19

This racquet has a good weight for an advanced racquet giving it excellent stability. At 98 square inches, it is definitely a control-based racquet. The beam is relatively thin making it easy to maneuver, and the open string pattern allows you to add spin to your shots.

Other Sellers: Amazon.com

The Head Radical is a Great All-Around Advanced Racquet

The newest version of the Head Radical Pro is one of the all-around best tennis racquets for advanced players on the market. It has enough power from the baseline, while still being built more for control.

The 16×19 string pattern makes it very spin-friendly as well. The weight and graphene 360+ technology help with defending against faster-paced shots with sufficient comfort.

Advanced singles and doubles players who want a good blend of comfort, feel, and stability will like the Radical Pro. It is great for players who can create their own power and control the point with precision and spin.

The only area this racquet might be lacking is in its power. If you have a slower swing, read our Head Speed review (choose the MP version) or Head Extreme review for a racquet with more power.


Head Radical MP Review: A Lighter, More Playable Version

The Radical MP tennis racquet is a lighter version for less advanced players seeking a bit more power.

Head Radical MP Racquet Specifications

Here are the specifications for the Head Radical MP.

  • Weight: 11.2 oz. strung
  • Head Size: 98 square inches
  • Length: 27 inches
  • Balance: 330.2 mm
  • String Pattern: 16×19
Head Radical 2025 on court

This racquet is slightly lighter than the Pro version. It has a thicker frame and a balance point closer to the end of the racquet (more head heavy) for added power and stability. The MP version is also easier to swing.

Other Sellers: Amazon.com

The Head Radical MP Offers a Blend of Control, Power, & Spin

The Radical MP is a great tennis racquet for intermediate or advanced players looking for something a bit easier to handle.

Although lighter than the Pro version, the Radical MP has a slightly thicker beam to help add power and stability to the racquet. At 98 square inches, it is still an advanced tennis racquet but with a bit better maneuverability.

Intermediate and advanced players who like to control their shots with spin and feel will like the Radical MP. It doesn’t sacrifice too much power either.

The open string pattern of the Radical MP allows for great spin potential for an advanced racquet as well. This racquet won’t have as much power as some other advanced tennis racquets, but it will offer a bit better control and feel.

The Radical Pro is Great on Groundstrokes & Serves

The Pro version of the Radical performs well on both groundstrokes and volleys.

  • On groundstrokes, you’ll find the Radical is easy to swing, but with enough weight to get depth on your shots. You’ll have good control on offensive or defensive shots as well.
  • On volleys, the combination of maneuverability and stability makes it solid for fast-paced doubles, but lacking some maneuverability.
  • On returns, the weight and stability will help you defend fast first serves. You’ll be able to attack second serves with control and spin as well.
  • On serves, this racquet does not have a ton of power. However, you can hit with good spin and control, and the newest version has some added power.

This is not a good tennis racquet for beginners, however, some intermediate players who can generate their own power will like the Head Radical Pro.


Reviewing Other Versions of the Head Radical

There is one other version of the Head Radical that might be right for you.

  • Head Radical TeamAn updated version of the old Radical S. It has a 102 square inch head size for rising intermediate players. At 10.4 oz., this is a great option for players looking for a speedy racquet with good feel.
  • Head Radical Elite – A budget-friendly version great for athletes just getting into tennis. This racquet is easy to swing at only 10.0 oz and has a forgiving 102 square inch head made with slightly cheaper materials to minimize your investment if you’re just starting out on the tennis court.

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The Best Alternatives to the Head Radical

Below are several tennis racquets similar to the Head Radical.

  • Head Speed – The Speed tennis racquet has a slightly larger, more forgiving frame. Head offers versions for most skill levels.
  • Head Prestige – The Prestige is a slightly more control-oriented racquet than the Radical. Advanced players will find better touch and feel with less power.
  • Wilson Blade – The Blade is a bit more comfortable than the Radical and will provide a bit better control. There are versions for most skill levels as well.
  • Solinco Blackout – A racquet with similar all-around playability providing extra comfort and control.

My Experience Playing with the Head Radical

The Radical was an all-around racquet for me. I played both singles and doubles with the Radical Pro, which is the most advanced version of the racquet.

Similar to the Head Speed Pro, I felt like the Radical had no real weaknesses. Unfortunately it also didn’t feel like it had any real strengths either. I was able to hit solid serves with decent power and topspin, but they didn’t blow anybody off of the court.

Head Radical Pro on court

It has good plow-through, but it doesn’t hit through the ball quite as well as the Head Prestige. The Radical was easy to pickup and start hitting with, but it also didn’t swing quite as easy as the Head Boom. It played reasonably well at net, but again, I wasn’t blown away by it there either.

While I really enjoy the all-around playability of the Speed Pro, the Radical Pro just didn’t quite feel as comfortable. It truly is the jack of all trades, but a master of none. If you don’t know what kind of racquet you’re looking for, this may be a good place to start though. If you want more power, look at the Boom or Extreme. If you’re looking for more control, maybe try the Prestige or Gravity.

Overall, the Head Radical is a great racquet for tennis players with a modern baseline game who want a good balance of power, spin, control, feel, and comfort.

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