Category Archives: Racquets – New
New racquet introductions
Head Graphene 360 Speed Pro
Head has introduced their new Speed Series, and it is here, yes, I men here, with some significant changes!
The most obvious and dramatic is the move toward a minimalist “look.” The graphics consist of black and white! Gone are the days of multi-colored Speed racquets.
As with many Head racquets, the graphics mimic the “SkiTip” angle as seen with the logo and white paint headed in the same angle.
Less obvious but no less important is the “360” designation that has replaced the “Touch” designation that was on the last series.
Players of the Speed series don’t want muted, as suggested by “Touch” they want feedback!
And, “360” suggests the use of Graphene in more areas of the racquet.
This image is the Graphene 360 Speed Pro, a highly maneuverable, flexible, (57RDC) racquet with an 18×20 string pattern. This may be the ticket for juniors that can’t handle a heavier, stiffer racquet but need the dense string pattern to mitigate string breakage. I would not recommend any stiff string in this racquet, however.
I am a little surprised by the low swing weight (306kg/cm2) but this can be increased as necessary.
| Manufacturer | Head |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Graphene 360 Speed Pro |
| Reference Tension | 55 |
| String | Head Velocity MLT 16 |
| Machine Used | True Tension Professional |
| APPS, RDC | 56 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 59.5 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 57 |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 46 |
| Weight, Grams | 323 |
| Weight, Ounces | 11.39 |
| Balance, mm | 323 |
| Balance, Inch | 12.72 |
| Length, Cm | 68.5 |
| Length, Inch | 27.0 |
| Head Width | 9.75 |
| Head Length | 13.12 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 648.4 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 100.5 |
| Number of Main Strings | 18 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 20 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .669 |
| Main String Grid | 7.70 |
| Cross String Grid | 10.25 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .784 |
| Average Cross String Space | .525 |
| Average Main String Space | .417 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 37 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 206.94 |
| First Moment, Nm | .802 |
| Polar Moment | 321 |
| Torsional Stability | 15 |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 306 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 10.79 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 337 |
| Power, RDC | 39 |
| Control, RDC | 63 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 83 |
| Power, Calculated | 1753.0 |
| Head Points | 6.14 |
| Head Weight, % | 47.2 |
| Center of Percussion | 20.7 |
| Dwell Time, ms | 8.50 |
| Efective Stiffness | 28.2 |
| K, Lb/In | 179.49 |
| Recoil Weight | 147.6 |
| Twist Weight | 229.75 |
Head MXG 1 and MXG 7 are Here!
The new additions to the Head MXG series have arrived and waiting for you!
The new MXG 1 is a 98 square inch head with ten (10) extra long main strings to deliver the power needed to hit massive topspin! The rigid throat piece maintains torsional stability so the massive topspin will go where you want it to go! According to Head;
“Designed like no other for those who play like no other: With MXG, the MXG 1 features the first racquet technology that combines precision-injected Magnesium and Graphene to provide the ultimate balance of power and control like no other racquet ever before. In addition, the MXG1, the heaviest of the series, provides ultimate stability to support players at each level to raise their game. Based on a completely new way to engineer a racquet, the racquet features an innovative Magnesium Bridge construction that allows for longer free-moving main strings which leads to a much larger sweet spot and, ultimately, more power. At the same time, the molded bridge ensures that the upper hoop does not deform under pressure, which gives the player total control on every shot. The MXG 1 is the perfect weapon for tour players who need extreme control.”
All of the data is posted here, but it is worth hitting with this racquet to see for yourself what power with control feels like.
The new Head MXG 7 is also here and deserves the attention of players now using or considering big headed racquets such as Weed, for example. The MXG 7 is 115 square inches of hitting power in a very easy to handle package. The ten (10) long main strings are at the ITF limit of 15.5 inches long, about the same as the Weed Open 135.
You can see all the specs here but you should really hit with this to see that you too can play with a “performance” racquet masquerading as a game improvement racquet!
New Head MXG 7
Head is introducing two (2) new racquets to the MXG Series, and this is an excellent thing in my opinion! It is not that we need a bunch of new racquets, but this signals a commitment to the MXG concept.
In case you don’t know, the MXG Series racquets incorporate a “string suspension system” (my words) into the throat of the racquet. The most notable of this system is the bright silver paint. However, the most important functions are the increase in main string length across the entire throat area and torsional stability that contributes to control of this 115 square inch racquet. We now have ten (10) main strings that are the same length in the throat. These 15.0 inch long main strings do contribute to “power”.
The Head MXG 7 has a slightly “fanned” pattern for the 16 x 18 string format and a built-in vibration damper in the throat. The MXG 7 will accept the Head Tennis Sensor.
The Head MXG 7 is a 115 +/- square inch head with a variable beam (28, 29, 26mm) that puts it in the “game improvement” category. You will see all the specifications below. If you are considering a new racquet and prefer power,”. this is a “must see.” Head has always done a good job in the game improvement category, and this adds a new dimension to the series.
Head MXG 7
The MXG 7 demo is here so call to reserve your spot!
The MXG 7 is available for pre-order and will be available May 11.
| Manufacturer | Head |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Head MXG 7 |
| Reference Tension | 57 |
| String | Head Velocity MLT 17 |
| Machine Used | True Tension Pro |
| APPS, RDC | 43.0 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 55.0 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 67 |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 50 |
| Weight, Grams | 282 |
| Weight, Ounces | 9.95 |
| Balance, mm | 370.0 |
| Balance, Inch | 14.57 |
| Length, Cm | 69.7 |
| Length, Inch | 27.44 |
| Head Width | 10.13 |
| Head Length | 14.75 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 756.7 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 118.8 |
| Number of Main Strings | 16 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 18 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .610 |
| Main String Grid | 8.56 |
| Cross String Grid | 11.31 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .793 |
| Average Cross String Space | .622 |
| Average Main String Space | .519 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 32 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 178.98 |
| First Moment, Nm | .830 |
| Polar Moment | 340.0 |
| Torsional Stability | 18 (the difference between polar moment and swing weight. Higher is better) |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 322 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 11.36 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 386.1 |
| Power, RDC | 59 |
| Control, RDC | 42 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 72 |
| Power, Calculated | 2631.7 (compare to 1996.9 for the MXG 1) |
| Head Points | -6.77 (negative = head heavy. See % below) |
| Head Weight, % | 53.1% |
| Center of Percussion | 20.6 |
| Dwell Time, ms | 9.70 |
| Effective Stiffness | 26.2 |
| K, Lb/In | 137.82 |
| Recoil Weight | 118.85 |
| Twist Weight | 215.2 |
New Head MXG 1
Head is introducing two (2) new racquets to the MXG Series, and this is an excellent thing in my opinion! It is not that we need a bunch of new racquets, but this signals a commitment to the MXG concept.
In case you don’t know, the MXG Series racquets incorporate a “string suspension system” (my words) into the throat of the racquet. The most notable of this system is the bright silver paint. However, the most important function(s) is the increase in main string length across the entire throat area and torsional stiffness for control. We now have ten (10) main strings that are the same length in the throat, and this does contribute to “power.”
The Head MXG 1 is a 98 square inch head with a thin beam (22mm) that puts it in the “player” category, but it may need additional weight for big hitters. You will see all the specifications below. If you are a player and have shied away from the MXG for head size reasons, this is for you!
Head MXG 1
The MXG 1 demo is available now. Call to reserve it!
The new MXG 1 is available for pre-order and will available May 11, 2018.
| Manufacturer | Head |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Head MXG 1 |
| Reference Tension | 53 |
| String | Head Velocity MLT 17 |
| Machine Used | True Tension Pro |
| APPS, RDC | 50.0 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 59.0 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 65 |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 48 |
| Weight, Grams | 312 |
| Weight, Ounces | 11.01 |
| Balance, mm | 319.0 |
| Balance, Inch | 12.56 |
| Length, Cm | 68.5 |
| Length, Inch | 26.986 |
| Head Width | 9.51 |
| Head Length | 13.50 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 649.9 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 100.7 |
| Number of Main Strings | 16 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 19 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .593 |
| Main String Grid | 7.20 |
| Cross String Grid | 9.37 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .658 |
| Average Cross String Space | .490 |
| Average Main String Space | .445 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 34 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 190.16 |
| First Moment, Nm | .762 |
| Polar Moment | 320.0 |
| Torsional Stability | 15 (the difference between polar moment and swing weight. Higher is better) |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 305 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 10.76 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 317.5 |
| Power, RDC | 51 |
| Control, RDC | 51 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 83 |
| Power, Calculated | 1996.9 |
| Head Points | 7.40 |
| Head Weight, % | 46.6% |
| Center of Percussion | 21.5 |
| Dwell Time, ms | 9.00 |
| Effective Stiffness | 28.3 |
| K, Lb/In | 160.26 |
| Recoil Weight | 157.54 |
| Twist Weight | 211.48 |
Get real!
A lot of players are anxious for new tennis racquets this time of year and have, maybe, asked for one as a gift. A great idea, of course.
However, be sure the gift giver, or yourself, gets real! There are some real bargains out there, but the bargains may not get you what you expect. This can happen to any brand and the more popular the racquet, the more likely there are to be fakes!
Fake Blade 98
This is an image of a fake Wilson Blade 98 compared to a real Wilson Blade 98.
I am showing this image because without seeing this detail the fake racquet graphics will look nearly identical to the real Wilson racquet.
One of the best ways to confirm a fake or real racquet is to “bend” it, that is to check the stiffness of the racquet. In almost every case the fake will be quite a bit more flexible. For example, this fake racquet has a stiffness of RDC 41 whereas the real racquet has a stiffness of RDC 63. If your racquet technician does not have a device for checking stiffness the next best thing is to look at the “insides.” A qualified racquet technician will know what the insides of the real racquet look like.
Another sign of fakery is the grip pallet. Most performance racquets will have a foam pallet molded over the graphite shaft or a two-piece pallet that is attached to the racquet shaft.
Fake racquets may very likely have a continuous graphite pallet. You can quickly look under the first couple of inches of the grip and see if it is foam or graphite.
Clamshell grip pallet
If you are requesting a new tennis racquet be sure you get it from a local business, if possible, or an otherwise reputable source.
If you have any questions at all, please call your local dealer or us (407.491.4755) to be sure you “GET REAL.”
Opportunity Knocks Just Five More Times!
We are down to the last five (5) Volkl player’s racquets that can be built to your specifications!
Each of these racquets will cut to length, up to 28 inches, a 3 or 4 grip pallet, Custom yellow butt cap with RQ Racquet Technology insert, a Volkl DNX grip, or an additional charge Volkl black or tan leather grip, finished with a white or black grip band.
Overall weight and swing weight will be to your specifications and will be permanent unless otherwise specified.
These are beautiful retro “player’s” racquets and do not incorporate the Volkl “Sensor” grip insert technology but do have the vibration damping layer on the shaft.
Each racquet made to your length and finished is $200.00, unstrung.
For these five (5) remaining racquets only, select Volkl V-Icon natural gut for $50.00!
Please let us know if you have other stringing requests.
The remaining racquets are:
Volkl PB 8 315 gram 100 Sq. In. 16 x 18 One (1) Remaining
Volkl PB 9 310 gram 98 Sq. In. 16 x 19 One (1) Remaining
Volkl PB 10 325 gram 98 Sq. In. 18 x 20 Two (2) Remaining
Volkl PB 10 295 gram 98 Sq. In. 18 x 20 One (1) Remaining
These are “thin beam” racquets that offer a true player feel, comfort, and control.
Is This the Perfect Combination?
It seems like Ashaway had this very racquet in mind when they developed their Dynamite Soft 18 string! This blue string is a perfect match to the blue accent color on the Ultra 100 CV and Ultra Tour!
And, the gauge, a very thin 18, is a perfect match to the very stiff frame (73 RDC, 70 FF stiffness).
I think the 18 gauge string may not be durable enough for hard hitters but this combination could be very good for many players.
You can be the judge of that, of course.
The string tension of 48 lbs (21.7 kg) combined with the racquet stiffness returns an effective stiffness of 30.3 which is a very comfortable number.
This stiff, 100 square inch racquet, should pack a powerful punch with a weight of 318 gr (11.2 oz) and swing weight of 318 kg/cm^ (11.2 oz).
Head Extreme…Yes!
Head continues to upgrade the Extreme Series racquets and that is a good thing, I believe!
The latest version has a slightly different head shape that is not quite as “round” as previous versions. The frame geometry is more contemporary with angles instead of smoothness. The string pattern, while still 16 x 19 has a little more open and the graphics are HUGE!
Head Graphene Touch Extreme MP
This version comes in two (2) models; the MP and Lite. The MP weighs in at 316 grams (11.15 oz), and the Lite comes in at an easy to use 279 grams (9.84 oz). Obviously, the Lite has some customization capabilities.
The MP is slightly stiffer at 61 than the Lite at 56. Not a big difference but it will be noticeable. The swing weight of the MP is a robust 331 while the Lite is easy to swing at 298.
Both models are 100 square inch head size and look exactly the same. These racquets are a perfect fit for good players wanting to become more aggressive. The “open” pattern will bring the ball down into the court (if you are swinging/hitting correctly) making it easy to go for shots that might otherwise go long.
To go with the new versions, there are two bags and a backpack.
Extreme BackPack and SuperCombi 9
Head Extreme MonstrCombi 12 Racquet Bag
Wilson Blade 104 Serena Williams Autograph CV
A new shipment of the extraordinary Wilson Blade 104 Serena Wiliams Autograph racquets has arrived! If you missed the last batch now is your chance!
Wilson Blade 104 SW Autograph
This is the real deal!
10.8 ounces.
104 Square inch head with Power Hole Technology.
Countervail material for a more forgiving feel.
28 inches long for easy power.
18 x 19 String Pattern for enhanced control.
For a supreme combination ask for Luxilon Natural Gut string in either 16 (130) or 17 (125) gauge.
New! Head Adaptive Tuning Models!
I have been working on these new models for a few days and will post more data as it is available but right now here a few points about this fascinating racquet concept.
The two (2) models are Speed Adaptive and Instinct Adaptive. The racquets are both new versions of the current models with slightly newer graphics, that are, in my opinion very cool! The Instinct has new graphics which will appeal to more players.
First, the Adaptive Tuning can create thirty-two (32) possible combinations, including increasing the overall length of the racquet.
The racquets are shipped in the lightest (285 gram), 16×19, 27.0-inch length format, and swing weight 287.
The Adaptive Tuning Kit is required and costs $29.00. In the “kit” you will find a “heavy” butt cap insert, three (3) sets of grommet inserts to add weight and change string pattern, and three (3) sleeves that go onto the shaft to create length.
The length modification can be made quickly by the player, if necessary, however, the other modifications require the racquet to be unstrung.
These modifications should be left to your racquet technician.
Head Adaptive Length Extenders
Below is a spreadsheet representing the various combinations as they are applied. This does not include all the options because the 16×16 grommet set did not participate in this session.
This was done at Racquet Quest, LLC and represents actual data, not calculated characteristics.
Racquet Quest, LLC
