Head Graphene XT Radical MP A Racket Review
Upsides
- Option to choose string pattern
- Combination of spin/power
Downsides
- Lacks stability
Summary
The neXT generation of Radicals is here! The Graphene XT Radical MP A is an update to the popular Radical Midplus, and it features new technology to boost your game to the next level. Graphene XT, an update to Graphene, creates a lighter and more stable feel. Additionally, the Radical now includes Adaptive String Pattern technology, which lets you choose between the standard 16x19 string pattern and a more open, spin friendly 16x16 string pattern. Our playtesters, who played with the more open 16x16 string pattern, found ample amounts of spin and power from the baseline and were impressed with the control and launch angle of the ball. This racket had a firm, crisp feel up at net, and our playtesters enjoyed the manoeuvrability in both singles and doubles. Our playtesters also tapped into this racket's spin potential to keep their powerful serves in the box. Insufficient stability was the only downside to the Graphene XT Radical MP A, especially on volleys and returns, as our playtesters felt the racket was getting pushed around against bigger hitters. Because it has two string patterns, the Head Graphene XT Radical MP A is a perfect choice for a wide range of intermediate to advance level players.
Groundstrokes – Score 82
The Head Graphene XT Radical MP A has the unique ability to play as a 16x19 string pattern or 16x16 string pattern. For this playtest, the TW playtesters tried out the 16x16 pattern, with surprising results. At first, the playtesters didn’t even realise it was the 16x16 string pattern and appreciated the more manageable launch angle and manoeuvrability. It was one of the easier extremely open string pattern rackets to adjust to and spin was plentiful. However, the TW playtesters were wishing for just a tad more control with the open string pattern especially when playing points. Additionally, it is stiffer and more powerful racket than previous versions with a more modern feel. One playtester recommends stringing the racket up with a multifilament string at lower tensions for the best results.
Volleys – Score 78
There were mixed feelings from the playtesters when hitting with the Graphene XT Radical MP A up at the net. Some playtesters found all the stability they needed at net to be effective but were wanting more manoeuvrability. Others were wishing for more mass to avoid being pushed around up at net. They also found the racket to be fast and firm feeling. The TW team had the most success at net when they were punching volleys deep in the court to finish the point.
Serve – Score 79
The spin potential was the highlight when our playtesters were serving with the Head Graphene XT Radical MP A. With a favourable combination of power and spin, the playtesters could start the point off aggressively. They found a boost in power from the stiffer frame as well as extra spin potential to tap into from the extremely open string pattern. One playtester found room for customization and felt that he could add weight to get more plow through out of the racket.
Returns – Score 80
Our playtesters found excellent power and spin when returning serve with the Graphene XT Radical MP A, but they would have liked more stability. For the best results, the playtesters kept the racket moving quickly for a better response out of the racket. There was almost too much power and the open string pattern created some extra spin to keep the ball in the court. The playtesters used this to their advantage and often found themselves taking the ball early and attacking the returns. However, when returning bigger serves, they found the racket to get pushed around a bit and wasn’t as solid feeling as they would have liked.
Overall - Score: 80
Playtester Profiles
Brittany: Open level player with a semi-western forehand and a two-handed backhand. She currently plays with the Yonex EZONE Ai 100.
Jason: 4.0 baseliner with a semi-western forehand and two-handed backhand. Currently using a Yonex EZONE Ai 100.
Chris: 4.5 all-court player currently using the Wilson Six.One 95 S. Chris uses a semi-western forehand grip, has a fast swing style and hits a one-handed backhand.
Tiffani: 4.0 level baseliner with a semi-western grip on the forehand and hits a two-handed backhand. Currently playing with the Babolat Pure Drive.
Likes
Brittany- “I liked the power, manoeuvrability, spin and crisp feel.”
Tiffani- “I like the ability to get two string setups out of one racket with a quick grommet change.”
Jason- “The Graphene XT Radical MP A gave me tons of spin and more power than I expected.”
Chris- “I liked the easy access to spin and pace. Getting the Graphene XT Radical MP A moving quickly was very easy, and that made it a fun racket when attacking from inside the baseline.”
Dislikes
Brittany- “It was missing some stability and some precision.”
Tiffani- “I miss the flexy feel of the older Radicals.”
Jason- “The Graphene XT Radical MP A felt fairly stiff to me. I would definitely use a soft poly strung in the low if I were to use this racket. It's not as whippy as I would’ve liked for an 312g racket.”
Chris- “I would like a higher swingweight to get some additional mass behind the ball.”
Comparing it to other racquets they've used, our testers said:
Brittany- “The Graphene XT Radical MP A plays a lot like the previous Graphene racket, and it had excellent power and manoeuvrability. The small difference between the two rackets would be the feel. It felt a tad stiffer, crisper. I also wanted more stability in both rackets. The ability to change string patterns in the Graphene XT Radical MP A is a big plus.”
Tiffani- “The Radical line has gotten more powerful over the years, and this Graphene XT version continues that trend. It has evolved into a racket with a much more modern feel. This racket reminds me of the Tecnifibre TFight 300 Dynacore, or even the 305, which has an 18x20 string pattern.”
Jason- “The Graphene XT Radical MP A plays a lot like the Prince Textreme Tour 100P or the Wilson Blade 98S.”
Chris- “I’m a big fan of the Volkl Super G 10 295, and I’d say the Graphene XT Radical MP A competes with that. However, the Volkl feels more solid at contact and also wins on comfort. The Babolat Pure Strike 16x19 would be another racket to consider as a side by side demo buddy. With the 16x16 string pattern I would also put the Wilson Blade 98S in the mix as an alternative.”