After getting back into tennis following a long hiatus, I wanted a racket that wouldn’t intimidate my rusty skills but could still pack a punch. Recommended by a friend, I took this graphite beauty for a spin over several weeks, hitting the courts with my son and a few buddies.
The Radical S, with its lightweight design and Graphene XT technology, promised an easy feel with a blend of control and power. Did it deliver? In my experience, it’s a fantastic choice for casual and intermediate players, though it’s not without a few quirks. Here’s my take after putting it through its paces.
Key Features of the HEAD Radical S
- Frame Weight: 295 g / 10.4 oz (though some note it feels closer to 280 g).
- Head Size: 102 square inches, offering a generous sweet spot.
- Grip Size: 4 1/4 inches, single size option.
- Length: 27 inches, standard for adult rackets.
- String Pattern: 16/19, great for spin and control.
- String Tension: Prestrung at 48-57 lbs.
- Technology: Graphene XT for 30% stronger construction and optimized weight distribution.
- Design: Lightweight with a head-light balance, includes a plastic head cover for durability.
My Pros and Cons of the HEAD Radical S
Pros (What I Liked)
Feather-Light Maneuverability: In my opinion, the lightweight design is a standout. Swinging this racket felt effortless, whether I was serving or volleying. It’s like an extension of my arm, making it easy to chase down shots without feeling weighed down.
Powerful Yet Forgiving: The 102-square-inch head size gave me a forgiving sweet spot, which was a lifesaver for my inconsistent swings. I noticed a real boost in power, especially on serves, and the 16/19 string pattern added some wicked topspin to my shots.
Solid Build Quality: The Graphene XT tech makes this racket feel sturdy yet nimble. I scraped the court a few times (oops), and the plastic head cover held up nicely, protecting the frame from dings.
Great for Progression: As someone easing back into tennis, I found this racket perfect for my skill level. My 10-year-old son, who’s starting to play competitively, also loved it, crediting it for a recent tournament win.
Comfortable Handling: The grip felt soft and secure, and I experienced minimal vibrations, which was easy on my wrist compared to a cheaper Head racket I tested alongside it.
Cons (What I Didn’t Liked)
Grip Issues: The grip started to slip off the handle after a few intense sessions, especially during serves. I had to tape it down temporarily, which was a bit annoying for a racket of this caliber.
String Tension Too Tight: Out of the box, the strings felt overly tight for my liking. I’m planning to restring it to better suit my swing, which adds an extra step and cost.
Single Grip Size: The 4 1/4-inch grip is the only option, which might not suit everyone. I got lucky, but others might need to look elsewhere for different sizes.
No Included Bag: Unlike some sets, this one doesn’t come with a carry bag, which felt like a small oversight for the price.
After weeks of testing, I can say the HEAD Radical S is a stellar pick for beginners and intermediate players like me. It’s lightweight, powerful, and forgiving, making every rally feel fun and achievable. The grip slip and tight strings were minor hiccups, but nothing that overshadowed the overall experience. If you’re looking for a tennis racket with good grip for beginners that also offers strong performance and build quality, this one’s a winner in my book.