Category Archives: Kinesiology
Head Radical MP 2023
You have seen the pretty pictures; now see the specs of this new Radical series!
We are starting our property review with the Head Radical MP 2023. The MP version will probably be the most popular due to the very lovely weight and “player” style head size of 98 inches!

Head Radical MP 2023
As you look at the following specifications you may notice the addition of some “numbers”, specifically “beam width”.
We have been taking this number for many years but now believe it is time to expose it to you, the readers.
Briefly, the beam height-to-width ratio contributes to in-plane stiffness which is important for consistent string bed stiffness (SBS).
Manufacturer | Head |
---|---|
Racquet Model | Head Radical MP 2023 |
Reference Tension | 55 |
String | MonoGut ZX Pro |
Machine Used | True Tension Professional |
String Bed Stiffness - RDC | 53.0 Units |
String Bed Stiffness -FlexFour | 64.9 pounds |
String Bed Stiffness - SBS | 51.8 pounds |
String Bed Stiffness - ERT | 35 Kg/Cm |
Racquet Flex, RDC | 65 - After stringing |
Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 44.5 |
Racquet - In Plane Stiffness | 379.7 lbs/Inch |
Weight, Grams | 326 |
Weight, Ounces | 11.50 |
Balance, mm | 333 |
Balance, Inch | 13.11 |
Length, Cm | 68.57 |
Length, Inch | 27.00 |
Head Width | 9.63 |
Head Length | 12.79 |
Head Area, cm2 | 623.0 |
Head Area, Sq. Inch | 96.7 |
Beam Height @ Grip, mm | 21.0 |
Beam Height @ Mid, mm | 22.5 |
Beam Height @ Tip | 20.5 |
Beam Width @ Grip, mm | 12.5 |
Beam Width @ Throat, mm | 11.5 |
Beam Width @ Mid, mm | 12.8 |
Beam Width @ Tip, mm | 12.8 |
Number of Main Strings | 16 |
Number of Cross Strings | 19 |
Ratio Cross/Mains | .634 |
Main String Grid | 7.18 |
Cross String Grid | 9.44 |
Density (% of head filled with string) | 69.6% |
Average Cross String Space | .494 |
Average Main String Space | .449 |
Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 35 |
Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 195.76 |
First Moment, Nm | .841 |
Polar Moment | 347 |
Torsional Stability | 16 |
Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 331 |
Swing Weight, Ounces | 11.68 |
Swing Weight Calculated | 361.5 |
Power, RDC | 52 |
Control, RDC | 49 |
Manueverability, RDC | 66 |
Power, Calculated | 2101.4 |
Head Points | 3.15 |
Head Weight, % | 48.5% |
Center of Percussion | 21.1 |
Dwell Time, ms | 8.74 |
Efective Stiffness - lbs | 29.2 |
K, Lb/In | 169.87 |
Recoil Weight | 156.44 |
Twist Weight | 226.48 |
End Weight | 126.0 |
Tip Weight | 197.7 |
9 O'Clock | 105.1 |
3 O'Clock | 104.7 |
Butt Cap | 115.6 |
COF, Main | .416 |
COF, Cross | .388 |
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.
The Elephant in the Room!
I suspect we all have heard that expression!
It means there is something that everyone tries to ignore, but it is too large to do so!
I recently read an article in Racquet Sports Industries authored by Georgetta L. Morque. The title is “Tackling Tennis Elbow.” Tennis elbow is an important topic and deserves much attention. Georgetta is writing about ways to mitigate tennis elbow after the fact.
Let’s try to prevent tennis elbow, so it does not need to be treated!
When we say stiff, it means a string with less than 4% elongation at 60 pounds which is our testing parameter. Most strings, and for this discussion, strings exhibiting that property will be monofilament PET-based (polyester).
Fully understanding this required a lot of testing, both lab and play, for many playing styles and racquets. To make a long story short, as a racquet technologies business, we decided not to promote polyester strings for most players. That sounds silly, but why take a chance when you don’t have to!
Our success is based on helping you, the player, perform the best you can, so it does not make sense to promote something contrary to that philosophy. Probably 75% of our clients have come to us for something different, so we have a “head start.”
So why do so many players use it or want to use it?
We believe it is because they have not been exposed to alternative string materials. Some outstanding players at the pro level use it, so it must be good, and it is for about 10-11 games. Of course, manufacturers and marketers of polyester string stand to make a nice profit! It is in their best interest to promote products by adding some terminology and material to make the string less stiff.
A polyester string is deficient in power and needs to be walloped, and the harder it is hit, the stiffer it becomes, which is the problem. Developing bodies can’t tolerate that level of impact for long.
Head Boom Team L 2022
Like the Head Boom Team 2022, the Head Team L 2022 has been much anticipated!
Finally, a 107 square inch head without the ridiculous thick beam and ultra-lightweight, a legitimate “tweener”!
The Boom Team L has the highest power level assigned to recent Head racquets coming in at “900”, compared to the Boom Team at 800 and the Boom Pro at 400. If a power racquet is what you are looking for, this may be a good choice!
The Boom Team L is a slightly longer racquet at 27.35 inches. This increase in length increases the swing weight without adding weight. You can think of swing weight as “leverage.”
The Boom Team L incorporates all the newest materials and design chops of the viral Boom Pro and Boom MP.
The specifications will give you a better idea of where this racquet may fit your game.
Manufacturer | Head |
---|---|
Racquet Model | Head Boom Team L 2022 |
Reference Tension | 56 lbs - 25.4 kg |
String | Head Reflex MLT 17 |
Machine Used | True Tension Professional |
ASPS, RDC | 45.0 |
ASPS, FlexFour | 55.0 |
Racquet Flex, RDC | 63 - After stringing |
Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 46.0 |
Racquet - In Plane Stiffness | 339.8 lbs/Inch |
Weight, Grams | 290 |
Weight, Ounces | 10.23 |
Balance, mm | 353 |
Balance, Inch | 13.90 |
Length, Cm | 69.5 |
Length, Inch | 27.362 |
Head Width | 10.15 |
Head Length | 13.25 |
Head Area, cm2 | 679.5 |
Head Area, Sq. Inch | 105.6 |
Number of Main Strings | 16 |
Number of Cross Strings | 19 |
Ratio Cross/Mains | .643 |
Main String Grid | 7.90 |
Cross String Grid | 10.56 |
Density (% of head filled with string) | .792 |
Average Cross String Space | .556 |
Average Main String Space | .494 |
Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 31 |
Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 173.39 |
First Moment, Nm | .805 |
Polar Moment | 331 |
Torsional Stability | 18 |
Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 313 |
Swing Weight, Ounces | 11.04 |
Swing Weight Calculated | 361.4 |
Power, RDC | 53 |
Control, RDC | 48 |
Manueverability, RDC | 78 |
Power, Calculated | 2139.2 |
Head Points | -1.73 |
Head Weight, % | 50.8% |
Center of Percussion | 20.7 |
Dwell Time, ms | 9.48 |
Efective Stiffness - lbs | 26.3 |
K, Lb/In | 144.23 |
Recoil Weight | 129.71 |
Twist Weight | 221.11 |
End Weight | 97.7 |
Tip Weight | 192.3 |
9 O'Clock | 93.0 |
3 O'Clock | 92.8 |
Butt Cap | 103.8 |
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 |