Category Archives: PEEK
Head Extreme Tour
Head is, I believe, going to expose and promote the Extreme Series to a greater extent than before.
Why do I think that? Because I am holding in my very own hands a Head Extreme Tour! This 98 square inch racquet continues the Graphene 360+ technology which has become popular in the last several releases of Head Racquets!
The new Extreme series will be shipping in July so we can’t show many pictures except the all-black version I am holding.
Head Extreme Tour
The other Extreme models will be:
Extreme MP – 100 square inch head size, 300 gram
Extreme S – 105 square inch head size, 275 gram
Extreme Lite – 105 square inch head, 265 gram
Extreme PWR – 115 square inch head, 230 gram
Extreme Jr – 100 square inch head, 240 gram
All of this series continues the “extreme” optic yellow colorway but it is now complemented by a really nice grey upper shaft and hoop! The optic yellow grip may be over the top but that is easily changed.
The Extreme Tour is fitted with a TK82S grip pallet for a comfortable rounder feeling.
Take a look at the specs here:
| Manufacturer | Head |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Head Extreme Tour |
| Reference Tension | 55 lbs - 24.9 kg |
| String | Victrex PEEK fiber Experimental 7718 |
| Machine Used | True Tension Professional |
| ASPS, RDC | 52 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 63.5 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 62 - After stringing |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 40 |
| Weight, Grams | 320 |
| Weight, Ounces | 11.29 |
| Balance, mm | 323 |
| Balance, Inch | 12.72 |
| Length, Cm | 68.6 |
| Length, Inch | 27.008 |
| Head Width | 9.59 |
| Head Length | 12.87 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 625.1 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 96.9 |
| Beam Width, mm, Shaft, Center, Tip | 22, 23, 21 |
| In Plane Stiffness, Pounds/In | 359.5 Lbs/In. |
| In Plane Stiffness, Kg/cm | 163.0 Kg/cm |
| Number of Main Strings | 16 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 19 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .627 |
| Main String Grid | 7.12 |
| Cross String Grid | 9.63 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .708 |
| Average Cross String Space | .507 |
| Average Main String Space | .445 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 35 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 195.76 |
| First Moment, Nm | .794 |
| Polar Moment | 322 |
| Torsional Stability | 16 |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 306 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 10.79 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 333.9 |
| Power, RDC | 47 |
| Control, RDC | 55 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 83 |
| Power, Calculated | 1856.5 |
| Head Points | 6.30 (negative = head heavy) |
| Head Weight, % | 47.1% |
| Center of Percussion | 20.8 |
| Dwell Time, ms, No Swing | 8.62 |
| Effective Stiffness - lbs | 28.3 |
| K, Lb/In (SBS) RDC | 166.67 |
| Recoil Weight | 149.14 |
| Twist Weight | 220.52 |
| End Weight | 132.8 |
| Tip Weight | 190.4 |
| 9 O'Clock Position | 96.6 |
| 3 O'Clock Position | 98.3 |
| Butt Cap Position | 126.3 |
Know Your String!
Several years ago, when we were beginning to increase the use of Ashaway MonoGut ZX and ZX Pro, it was not unusual to get a call from a client saying, “my coach says I should not be using polyester!” We could not agree more, and you are not using polyester!
You are using PEEK polymer! This string material was, and still is, referred to as Zyex with polymer production capabilities of Victrex in England.
Given the appearance of MonoGut ZX, Babolat Origin, and a few other non-polyester monofilament strings, it is not easy to distinguish these from stiffer polyester material strings. So know your string!
Single strand (monofilament) strings will have a gleaming surface unless they have been through a “roughing” process. So will monofilament strings of different materials. It is hard to tell just by looking, and that is what can create some confusion on behalf of the coach and subsequently, the player. So know your string!
If your racquet technician does not put a label on the racquet that identifies the material (or string), then be sure to ask what material you are using. The material choices may be natural gut, Zyex (PEEK), Nylon, and Polyester. The string construction may be referred to as a monofilament, multi-filament, single wrap, etc. however, the material will probably be one of these four.
Know your string! If you are unsure, contact your racquet technician or “Ask John” on this site, and we will try to help.
Head Graphene 360+ Speed PWR
I suppose you have a pretty good idea what PWR means, right? Well, you would be correct! The Head Graphene 360+ Speed PWR is just that at a calculated power value of 2297.5! Compare that to the calculated power value for the Head Graphene 360+ Speed Lite of 1838.3! Twenty percent (20%) more powerful than the Lite!
This is what a 115 square inch head size can do for a racquet! The strings are quite a bit longer and more widely spaced which contributes to power, and comfort.
This head size is normally referred to as a “game improvement” racquet and relegated to those players that were not too athletic and/or didn’t want to exert too much energy on each stroke. In other words slow and short swings.
I am not sure that is the case with this racquet! Sure it has a big head and a thick beam but it sure does feel good when picked up (first moment)!
If we were going to recommend this racquet I would suggest some weight added to the rear end. The head does not need any additional weight.
Head Graphene 360+ Speed PWR
As I am working on this post I realize how much trouble it is to switch between racquet reviews for comparison so I am including a link to the Head Graphene 360+ Speed Series Comparison.
| Manufacturer | Head |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Head Graphene 360+ Speed PWR |
| Reference Tension | 56 lbs - 25.4 kg |
| String | Victrex PEEK fiber Experimental 7718 |
| Machine Used | True Tension Professional |
| ASPS, RDC | 48 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 59 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 64 - After stringing |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 59 |
| Weight, Grams | 276 |
| Weight, Ounces | 9.74 |
| Balance, mm | 352 |
| Balance, Inch | 13.86 |
| Length, Cm | 69.4 |
| Length, Inch | 27.32 |
| Head Width | 10.50 |
| Head Length | 13.81 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 734.8 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 113.9 |
| Beam Width, mm, Shaft, Center, Tip | 26, 26, 28 |
| In Plane Stiffness, Pounds/In | 550.5 Lbs/In. |
| In Plane Stiffness, Kg/cm | 249.7 Kg/cm |
| Number of Main Strings | 16 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 19 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .640 |
| Main String Grid | 8.56 |
| Cross String Grid | 11.15 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .759 |
| Average Cross String Space | .532 |
| Average Main String Space | .535 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 33 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 184.57 |
| First Moment, Nm | .764 |
| Polar Moment | 324 |
| Torsional Stability | 18 |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 306 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 10.79 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 342.0 |
| Power, RDC | 49 |
| Control, RDC | 52 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 83 |
| Power, Calculated | 2297.5 |
| Head Points | -1.57 (negative = head heavy) |
| Head Weight, % | 50.7% |
| Center of Percussion | 21.3 |
| Dwell Time, ms, No Swing | 9.18 |
| Efective Stiffness - lbs | 27.4 |
| K, Lb/In (SBS) RDC | 153.85 |
| Recoil Weight | 132.95 |
| Twist Weight | 225.40 |
| End Weight | 92.6 |
| Tip Weight | 184.4 |
| 9 O'Clock | 91.1 |
| 3 O'Clock | 90.6 |
| Butt Cap | 94.2 |
Head Graphene 360+ Speed Lite
As you probably guessed, this is the lightest of the Speed Series, 100 square inch head size, at a weight of 281 grams (9.91 ounces)!
There are several positive features in this racquet and one is the reasonable flex (stiffness) of 63 RDC, plus the uniform string pattern that provides a consistent hitting experience needed by developing players. This pattern should contribute to extended string life as well.
Head Graphene 360+ Speed Lite
As with all light racquets, this one can be customized as the need or desire arises, and I think that will happen more quickly than most other racquets.
This is just too light, in my opinion, for players wanting to improve all aspects of their game. Remember, weight is your friend! However, if you prefer a light racquet for any reason this is a top choice!
As I am working on this post I realize how much trouble it is to switch between racquet reviews for comparison so here is a link to the Head Graphene 360+ Speed Series Comparison.
| Manufacturer | Head |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Head Graphene 360+ Speed Lite |
| Reference Tension | 56 lbs - 25.4 kg |
| String | Victrex PEEK fiber Experimental 7718 |
| Machine Used | True Tension Professional |
| ASPS, RDC | 56 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 68.5 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 63 - After stringing |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 43 |
| Weight, Grams | 281 |
| Weight, Ounces | 9.91 |
| Balance, mm | 345 |
| Balance, Inch | 13.58 |
| Length, Cm | 68.5 |
| Length, Inch | 26.97 |
| Head Width | 9.71 |
| Head Length | 13.06 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 640.8 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 99.6 |
| Beam Width, mm, Shaft, Center, Tip | 25, 25, 25 |
| In Plane Stiffness, Pounds/In | 422.5 Lbs/In. |
| In Plane Stiffness, Kg/cm | 191.6 Kg/cm |
| Number of Main Strings | 16 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 19 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .626 |
| Main String Grid | 7.30 |
| Cross String Grid | 9.53 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .710 |
| Average Cross String Space | .503 |
| Average Main String Space | .463 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 36 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 201.4 |
| First Moment, Nm | .758 |
| Polar Moment | 311 |
| Torsional Stability | 18 |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 293 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 10.34 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 334.5 |
| Power, RDC | 42 |
| Control, RDC | 61 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 91 |
| Power, Calculated | 1838.3 |
| Head Points | -0.79 (negative = head heavy) |
| Head Weight, % | 50.4% |
| Center of Percussion | 20.7 |
| Dwell Time, ms, No Swing | 8.50 |
| Efective Stiffness - lbs | 29.6 |
| K, Lb/In (SBS) RDC | 198.31 |
| Recoil Weight | 126.53 |
| Twist Weight | 198.31 |
| End Weight | 98.6 |
| Tip Weight | 182.3 |
| 9 O'Clock | 90.5 |
| 3 O'Clock | 91.2 |
| Butt Cap | 98.3 |
Head Graphene 360+ Speed MP Lite
The Head Graphene 360+ Speed MP Lite may be the perfect racquet for a player looking for a thin(er) beam, 100 square inch head size, slightly lighter than most MP racquets!
As you will see in the specifications this racquet is about 28 grams (1 ounce) lighter than the MP model, and, just a little more flexible, or better said, less stiff!
Forty-nine point nine percent (49.9%) of the total weight resides toward the head of this racquet, so if you think in terms of “points” it is 0.16 points head light.
Some customization will make this a racquet that you can stay with for a long time. As your skills advance, so can the racquet!
Head Graphene 360+ Speed MP Lite
As I am working on this post I realize how much trouble it is to switch between racquet reviews for comparison so I am including a link to the Head Graphene 360+ Speed Series Comparison.
| Manufacturer | Head |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Head Graphene 360+ Speed MP Lite |
| Reference Tension | 56 lbs - 25.4 kg |
| String | Victrex PEEK fiber Experimental 7718 |
| Machine Used | True Tension Professional |
| ASPS, RDC | 51 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 62 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 60 - After stringing |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 49 |
| Weight, Grams | 293 |
| Weight, Ounces | 10.34 |
| Balance, mm | 342 |
| Balance, Inch | 13.46 |
| Length, Cm | 68.5 |
| Length, Inch | 26.97 |
| Head Width | 9.68 |
| Head Length | 13.06 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 640.8 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 99.3 |
| Beam Width, mm, Shaft, Center, Tip | 23, 23, 23 |
| In Plane Stiffness, Pounds/In | 307.3 Lbs/In. |
| In Plane Stiffness, Kg/cm | 139.4 Kg/cm |
| Number of Main Strings | 16 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 19 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .624 |
| Main String Grid | 7.30 |
| Cross String Grid | 10.62 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .780 |
| Average Cross String Space | .559 |
| Average Main String Space | .456 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 35 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 195.76 |
| First Moment, Nm | .782 |
| Polar Moment | 323 |
| Torsional Stability | 15 |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 308 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 10.86 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 342.7 |
| Power, RDC | 46 |
| Control, RDC | 57 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 81 |
| Power, Calculated | 1835.6 |
| Head Points | 0.16 (negative = head heavy) |
| Head Weight, % | 49.9% |
| Center of Percussion | 21.0 |
| Dwell Time, ms, No Swing | 8.91 |
| Efective Stiffness - lbs | 27.6 |
| K, Lb/In (SBS) RDC | 163.46 |
| Recoil Weight | 138.67 |
| Twist Weight | 205.8 |
| End Weight | 105.8 |
| Tip Weight | 186.5 |
| 9 O'Clock | 95.1 |
| 3 O'Clock | 94.5 |
| Butt Cap | 103.0 |
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