Category Archives: Grips
Comparing Racquets (for real)
The Racquet Quest podcast recently aired a session on comparing racquets, so, to be fair I wanted to post that same data here. If you listened to the podcast this will sound familiar.
These racquets are not random. These racquets are owned by a client that is seeking an upgrade without going overboard!
Here is what Jess has to say:
“Hey, John –
Jess definitely likes the VS more than the Rafa. She said that she gets more easy power and stability with the Rafa but she’s able to accelerate faster on the forehand side with the VS.
She also felt like the VS was more maneuverable at the net. She said that if she’s in control of the point that she can really whip her forehand for a winner. She definitely noticed the lighter swing weight and liked that.
However, she also said that sometimes it feels a little unstable – like the VS is getting pushed around a bit. For example, she noticed that the head of the racquet can twist sometimes if her opponent nails a hard ball at her.
She has more control for sure with the VS – felt like she blasted more balls out with the Rafa. Overall, she likes the racquet- just would like a little more stability.”
By the way, Jess had not seen the racquet data prior to her hitting. So, there you have it. I believe you can see how much numbers help us find the right performance characteristics for a racquet.
Head Boom Team 2022…BOOM!
It is here, and I bet you heard another big BOOM recently!
The Head Boom Team 2022 has arrived and is ready for you to try! The Boom Team is a valuable addition to the Head lineup.
For years players have been asking for a 102 square inch racquet that has the “player” characteristics they wanted.
Player characteristics can mean different things to different players, but here is what the Head Boom Team 2022 has:
A fairly thin beam
A thin head cross-section
A modified box beam shaft cross-section
This racquet continues with Graphene and fresh Auxetic material that has been popular in the Boom Pro and Boom MP!
All specifications are in the chart below but suffice to say; this is a significant step in the right direction!
Looking at the inside of the shaft, you will notice the transitional shape from a thin box beam into a slightly thicker trapezoidal beam.
The head shape also continues with the broader upper section like the Boom Pro and Boom MP. Most “aggressive” shots are hitting the string bed in this area, so giving it more energy makes sense!
The density of the string in that area should contribute to good string life.
The first thing you notice upon pickup (first moment) is the weight distribution. While this is still a “headlight” model (see the specs below), the weight is toward the tip of the racquet.
We have had great results with the Boom Pro and Boom MP in both “retail” and full custom racquets, so, If you are considering a racquet upgrade, this one should be on your list!
| Manufacturer | Head |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Head Boom Team 2022 |
| Reference Tension | 55 lbs - 24.9 kg |
| String | Head Reflex MLT 17 |
| Machine Used | True Tension Professional |
| ASPS, RDC | 48.0 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 64 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 61 - After stringing |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 45.0 |
| Racquet - In Plane Stiffness | 389.6 lbs/Inch |
| Weight, Grams | 300 |
| Weight, Ounces | 10.58 |
| Balance, mm | 337 |
| Balance, Inch | 13.27 |
| Length, Cm | 68.6 |
| Length, Inch | 27.008 |
| Head Width | 9.97 |
| Head Length | 13.065 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 659.7 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 102.3 |
| Number of Main Strings | 16 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 19 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .642 |
| Main String Grid | 7.80 |
| Cross String Grid | 10.80 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .845 |
| Average Cross String Space | .568 |
| Average Main String Space | .500 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 33 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 184.57 |
| First Moment, Nm | .786 |
| Polar Moment | 320 |
| Torsional Stability | 15 |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 305 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 10.76 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 340.7 |
| Power, RDC | 46 |
| Control, RDC | 54 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 83 |
| Power, Calculated | 1921.4 |
| Head Points | 1.89 |
| Head Weight, % | 49.1% |
| Center of Percussion | 20.8 |
| Dwell Time, ms | 9.18 |
| Efective Stiffness - lbs | 26.9 |
| K, Lb/In | 153.85 |
| Recoil Weight | 138.76 |
| Twist Weight | 222.21 |
| End Weight | 114.3 |
| Tip Weight | 187.8 |
| 9 O'Clock | 91.5 |
| 3 O'Clock | 93.6 |
| Butt Cap | 114.8 |
…then there was this big BOOM!
Boom Pro
The big BOOM you heard was the arrival of the new Head Boom MP and Boom Pro racquets at the World Headquarters!
Head Boom MP
This is very exciting news for those that have been waiting!
The wait is over!
For those that pre-ordered, your racquet will be prepared for you quickly. For those that have not yet tried the new Boom series…what are you waiting for?
We also offer Full Custom Boom MP and Boom Pro racquets that are built for you including longer length if desired.
Either way, we think you will be hearing more big Booms very soon!
What is an Over-Grip for?
Well, it seems pretty clear that an overgrip is intended to keep the under-grip in good condition for a longer period.
Consider an under-grip of synthetic material that will cost about $15.00 installed and an overgrip is about $1.00 (we put one on for free with every racquet we string). Is it because we are so nice or because we don’t want to spend a lot of time handling your old overgrip! It could be both!
New Over-Grip!
If you listened to the latest Racquet Quest Podcast you heard about our upgrade from Yonex Super Grap to Head Prime Tour overgrips! Why?
There are several reasons but a major one is the packaging of the Head overgrip helps with our efficiency of handling and installing an overgrip. It sounds like a small detail but it is important to us. Plus, the material of the Head Prime Tour is very effective in what it is intended to do!
So, why don’t some players ever change their overgrip? We don’t know! Do you? If so please tell us.
Old Over-Grip!
If you need help installing your overgrip you are welcome to come by the World Headquarters and we will do it for you.
Over-grips are cost-effective enhancements to your racquet grip and your game! So, get a good clean grip on your racquet!
Head Prime Tour Over-Grip
Do You Need Something Special – Update
Happy New Year!
We have begun to receive additional full custom racquets and components so this update will let you know what is available now.
Full Custom Racquet Components
For 2022 we have added:
Head Prestige Pro (Auxetic) 98, Thin beam: 21, 20, 20mm, String Pattern: 18×20
Head Boom Pro (Auxetic) 98, Thin beam: 22mm, String Pattern: 16×19
Head Boom MP (Auxetic) 100, Thinish beam: 21, 24, 23.5mm, String Pattern: 16×19
Head Extreme Tour (big picture above) 98, Thin beam: 21, 23, 22mm, String Pattern: 16×19
Head Extreme MP (360+) 100, Thinish beam: 23, 26, 21mm, String Pattern: 16×19
Head Gravity Pro (hot lava/teal)(360+) 100, Thin beam: 20mm, String Pattern: 18×20
*Head Prestige Mid (Graphene Touch), 93, Thin beam: 20mm, String Pattern: 16×19
Head Calfskin Leather Grip
-
- Boom
These are limited in quantity and require complete customization and assembly to create a full custom racquet for you. If you are interested please let us know so we can begin the specification conversation. We have designed an “order” format however it does not allow for the conversation necessary to create your racquet, so…
Use the “Easy Order” tab to get started.
*One Remaining
Racquet Quest, LLC
