Key takeaways
- MP, Pro, Tour: MP frames are the mainstream choice. Pro and Tour frames are smaller, heavier and more demanding. Team and Elite frames have bigger heads and lower weight.
- Weight: A strung weight near 11 ounces suits most adult club players. L and UL versions suit juniors, seniors and slower swings.
- Length: XL and extended-length versions give leverage but alter timing, so try before buying.
- Pattern: 16×19 is the spin-friendly default. 16×20 and 18×20 patterns add control and durability.
- Grip size: Pick the size that feels natural and add an overgrip if needed.
Head’s racquet range maps onto player types fairly cleanly: the Boom suits improving players who want easy, comfortable power and spin, the Extreme suits big-swinging baseliners who want spin and net clearance, the Speed suits all-court players who want feel and control with some power, the Radical suits players who want a stable, controlled all-court frame, and the Gravity suits players who want the softest, most arm-friendly feel in the family. Each family comes in MP (mid-plus), Pro or Tour, and lighter versions.
This guide compares the current Head families using specifications from retailers and independent reviewers, and explains which buyer each one fits. Figures differ slightly between sources and between frames, so treat them as approximate.
Our top picks
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Head’s Current Lineup in Brief
Retail listings show a mix of 2025 and 2026 generations. The Speed, Extreme and Boom families are listed in 2026 versions, which add a boron-based material that Head calls Hy-Bor. The Radical and Gravity families appear in 2025 versions, with the Gravity also offered in a signature Zverev edition. Prestige is a separate, player-level family not covered in depth here.
| Model | Best for | Key stated specs (approximate) | Notable limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed MP 2026 | Intermediate to advanced all-court players wanting feel and control | 100 sq in, 16×19, about 318 g strung, 4 points head light, swingweight about 329, stiffness about 60 | Higher swingweight demands early preparation; some testers felt it absorbed serve pace |
| Radical MP 2025 | Players wanting a stable, controlled all-court frame | 98 sq in, 16×19, about 318 g strung, 4 points head light, swingweight about 323, stiffness about 66 | Less free power; one tester found it a bit stiff on volleys |
| Gravity MP 2025 | Players wanting a very soft, arm-friendly feel | 100 sq in, 16×20, about 312 g strung, 3 points head light, swingweight about 323, stiffness about 57 | Soft feel is muted for some; 16×20 pattern gives a bit less spin help |
| Extreme MP 2026 | Intermediate to advanced baseliners wanting spin and net clearance | 100 sq in, 16×19, about 318 g strung, 4 points head light, swingweight about 318, stiffness about 67 | Firmer than Gravity or Speed; not a touch frame |
| Boom MP 2026 | Improving players wanting comfortable, easy power and spin | 100 sq in, 16×19, about 312 g strung, 6 points head light, swingweight about 316, stiffness about 61 | Light; can be unstable against heavy, fast balls |
Speed: Feel and Control With Some Power
The Speed family is Head’s all-court line, associated with Novak Djokovic. The Speed MP 2026 has a 100 square inch head, a 16×19 pattern and a 23 mm constant beam, with Tennis Warehouse’s lab data showing about 11.2 ounces strung, four points head light, swingweight near 329 and stiffness near 60. The main change in the 2026 generation is the Hy-Bor material, with Auxetic 2 and graphene still in the layup.
Tennis Warehouse’s testers found a strong baseline performer that gives plenty of power and spin once they adjusted, with a buttery feel from the 60 RA flex. One tester felt the low flex absorbed some pace on serves. The relatively high swingweight calls for earlier preparation and some physical conditioning. Tennis Express, in contrast, describes it as light and easy to swing and arm-friendly. These differing impressions are a reminder that stated figures vary and that swing style matters.
The Speed family also lists Pro, Tour and Team versions and lighter MP L and UL versions; head sizes and weights differ by version, so check the listing. The Tour and Pro suit advanced players, and the L and UL suit players who want the feel with less weight.
Radical: The Stable All-Court Frame
The Radical is described by The Tennis Tribe as an all-around racquet for modern baseliners. The 2025 Radical MP has a 98 square inch head, a 16×19 pattern and a 20/23/21 mm beam, with Tennis Warehouse listing about 11.2 ounces strung, four points head light, swingweight near 323 and stiffness near 66. Head added Auxetic 2.0 for 2025 and a budget Radical Elite, while the core specs stayed the same.
Tennis Warehouse’s playtesters scored the Radical MP highly for stability, control and comfort, and said the sub-325 swingweight makes it fast enough for aggressive all-court play while stable against pace. IQ Tennis places it on the control side of the power-control scale. The Radical also appears as Pro, Tour, Team and Elite versions.
Gravity: The Soft, Arm-Friendly Option
The Gravity is the line that reviewers tie most closely to comfort. The 2025 Gravity MP has a 100 square inch head, a 16×20 pattern and a 22 mm constant beam. Tennis Warehouse lists about 11 ounces strung, three points head light, swingweight near 323 and stiffness near 57, and says the 2025 update gives it a softer beam so it feels even more buttery. Sources list different stiffness values, between 57 and 62, so treat them as indicative.
Tennis Warehouse suggests that at roughly 312 g strung with a sub-325 swingweight, it suits intermediate ball strikers, and advanced players who want easy acceleration and user-friendly net handling. Tennis Express calls it the friendliest way into Head’s feel-first line and one of the most arm-friendly frames available. The Gravity range also lists a lighter MP L, an extended-length MP XL, Team, Tour and Pro versions; the Tour and Pro are for advanced players, and Zverev signature editions are the Gravity models listed for 2026.
Extreme: Spin and Net Clearance
The Extreme is Head’s spin line, built for big swings and heavy topspin. The 2026 Extreme MP has a 100 square inch head, 16×19 pattern, 23/26/21 mm beam, about 11.2 ounces strung, four points head light, swingweight near 318 and stiffness near 67. Tennisnerd says Hy-Bor makes it feel more alive than the 2024 version, with a fast swingweight without aggressive lift, and described spin as predictable rather than extreme. Its reviewer reported no arm concerns with a soft poly string at moderate tension, and concluded that the MP should be most players’ choice in the lineup.
The 2026 family also includes the Extreme Pro (98 square inches), a lighter MP L, and the MP XL, which is 27.5 inches long. Tennisnerd called the XL potentially the most compelling racquet in the lineup, especially for two-handed backhand players and serve-dominant athletes who want extra reach without jumping to a 105 square inch head. Tennis Warehouse lists the XL at about 11.2 ounces strung, six points head light, swingweight near 326 and stiffness near 63.
Boom: Easy Power for Improving Players
The Boom is Head’s friendly, comfortable-power frame. The 2026 Boom MP has a 100 square inch head, a 16×19 pattern, and a 23/24/22 mm beam. Tennis Warehouse, Tennisnerd and TennisTraveller list about 11 ounces strung, six points head light, swingweight near 316 and stiffness near 61. For 2026, Head added Hy-Bor to improve stability and connection at impact.
Tennis Warehouse’s playtesters liked the update, noting easy comfort, an improved feel, easy depth and spin, and good maneuverability. They also found that the light weight caused problems against heavier, faster balls. TennisTraveller said it is forgiving and makes spin easy but can feel vague and unstable on very fast shots. One customer suggested adding small weights at the top of the hoop for stability. The Boom is also available as a Pro, lighter MP L and UL versions, and larger-headed Team and Elite versions; check each listing for head size and weight.
Sizing and Specification Advice
- MP, Pro, Tour: MP frames are the mainstream choice. Pro and Tour frames are smaller, heavier and more demanding. Team and Elite frames have bigger heads and lower weight.
- Weight: A strung weight near 11 ounces suits most adult club players. L and UL versions suit juniors, seniors and slower swings.
- Length: XL and extended-length versions give leverage but alter timing, so try before buying.
- Pattern: 16×19 is the spin-friendly default. 16×20 and 18×20 patterns add control and durability.
- Grip size: Pick the size that feels natural and add an overgrip if needed.
Who Should Buy and Who Should Skip
Buy Head if
- You prioritize feel and comfort, especially with the Gravity or Speed.
- You want a spin-focused modern frame with a lively response (Extreme).
- You are improving and want a forgiving frame with easy power (Boom).
Think twice if
- You want a firm, direct, plow-through response; a Babolat Pure Strike or Wilson Blade may suit better.
- You are heavily dependent on frame mass for stability; the Boom MP is light and can be pushed around.
- You are a beginner who wants a Tour or Pro frame because of a pro endorsement; these reward technique.
How Head Compares With Babolat, Wilson and Yonex
- Babolat: The Pure Drive and Pure Aero are generally firmer and more power-oriented than the Speed or Gravity. The Extreme is closest to the Aero.
- Wilson: The Clash is the nearest rival to the Gravity for softness, the Blade competes with the Speed and Radical for control, and the Ultra with the Extreme for power and spin.
- Yonex: The VCORE and EZONE offer an alternative spin-and-comfort balance, often noted for their distinct response.
Decision Table: Pick X If
| Pick this | If you |
|---|---|
| Boom MP | Are improving and want easy, comfortable power and spin |
| Extreme MP | Hit big topspin and want net clearance |
| Extreme MP XL | Want extra reach for serve or two-handed backhand |
| Speed MP | Are an all-court player who wants feel and control |
| Radical MP | Want a stable, controlled, compact head |
| Gravity MP | Want the softest, most arm-friendly feel |
| Gravity MP L, Speed MP L | Need less weight with the same feel |
Care and Common Issues
- Restringing: Strings lose tension over time, particularly poly. Restring regularly, and use a lower tension for a softer feel.
- Weight tweaks: Light frames like the Boom MP can be customized with lead tape, but alter balance carefully and ask a stringer for advice.
- Arm comfort: Soft frames help but do not guarantee comfort. Soft strings and moderate tension matter, and persistent pain deserves professional advice.
- Specification variation: Measured specs differ between sources and frames, so check the listing for the year version.
- Generation mix-ups: Retailers often list 2024, 2025 and 2026 versions together. Check the year before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Head racquet is best for tennis elbow?
Reviewers highlight the Gravity as the softest and most arm-friendly, with a stiffness around 57 on Tennis Warehouse’s listing. Elbow pain has many causes, so string choice, tension and professional advice also matter.
What is the difference between the Head Speed and Radical?
The Speed has a 100 square inch head with a lower stiffness near 60 and a higher swingweight in the MP version. The Radical MP has a 98 square inch head and a firmer response, and is described as stable and control-oriented.
Is the Head Extreme good for beginners?
It is aimed at intermediate to advanced players who swing hard and want spin. Beginners and lighter swingers might prefer the Boom or a lighter Extreme MP L.
What does MP mean on a Head racquet?
MP stands for mid-plus, referring to a mid-plus head size, which for these frames is typically 100 square inches (98 for the Radical MP). It is the mainstream version of each family.
Is the Head Boom a good racquet for intermediates?
Yes, for players who want comfort and easy power. The light weight can make it unstable against heavy pace, so stronger hitters might prefer the Speed or Extreme.
Should I buy a previous-year Head racquet?
Earlier generations are widely sold and are often discounted. The 2026 Speed, Extreme and Boom add Hy-Bor, which Head says uses boron fibers in the shaft for a more stable, connected feel, so decide whether that change matters to you. Specs and feel can differ between generations, so read reviews of the exact year.
