Head Microgel Radical OS
The Radical is a more friendly version of the player’s racquet. The Radical Oversize was also the racquet of choice for former world number 1 Andre Agassi. Now Head has done the impossible and made this classic racquet even better by incorporating their new Microgel technology. Head’s Microgel technology is a new unique technology. Microgel technology involves the injection of a silicone-based material that has the lowest density on the planet, and is able to support up to 4,000 times its weight. At ball contact this technology helps to evenly distribute the impact load throughout the racquet, providing both rock solid feel and amazing touch. Specifications include a 107 sq. inch head; a size that generally is known for power has a surprising amount of control. The 11.1-ounce weight is one that will work for a great number of players, both intermediate to advanced. The 3-point head light balance gives a great balance of power to this racquet without sacrificing control.
Groundstrokes
Hitting groundstrokes with the Radical Oversize was amazing. To begin with the 107 square inch head had a wonderfully large sweet spot that made hitting great. The 11-ounce weight was light enough for me to get a good swing, and yet not necessarily get tired over time. Today it is hard to find a good oversized players’ racquet, but Head has done just that. The oversized head made a great area for hitting. The response off the string bed was lively and sweet. As with the midplus, I initially had reservations about the tight 18 x 19 string pattern. With most tight string patterns it is a little tougher to generate spin. With the Radical oversize though, this is not true. The racquet played more like a racquet with an open string pattern. Spin was easy to generate and provided good control despite the larger head size. This is a great racquet for intermediate players who want control, but still want the racquet to generate good power.
Volleys
The fun I had hitting groundstrokes with the Radical carried over into its volleys. They were crisp and sweet, due at lest in part to the Microgel technology. Every Microgel I’ve hit with has had a great response with volleys and the Radical was no different. As I mentioned before, when I began to try out the Radical I was leery of the tight string pattern. When I began to hit volleys, this fear quickly went away. The string pattern allowed for awesome precision in volleys. Both drop, touch, and driving volleys were easy, and a joy to hit. The more moderate weight was also light enough to keep the racquet maneuverable while not sacrificing stability. In a prior review I said that the midplus version of this racquet would be a great choice for doubles players. That however was before I hit with the oversize version. This is another great doubles racquet. The added power made hitting volleys easier, and the added real estate on the racquet face made poaching much easier.
Serves
Serves with the Microgel Radical were great. All types of slices and spins were easily possible with this racquet. Again, the 18 x 19 string pattern was worrisome, especially for my kick serves, but it turned out not to be a problem. Hitting kick serves was as easy as other racquets without such a tight string pattern. Slice serves were just as fun to hit as the kick serves. Of course, we can’t forget flat serves in this discussion - they were hard and they felt great coming off the racquet. The precision was out of this world. I felt there was no serve and no place that I couldn’t hit a serve. Here was an oversize racquet that added much more power to my serves while not sacrificing control.
Serve Returns
When I began to review this racquet, serve returns were the one shot I really wanted to hit. I figured whatever racquet Andre Agassi used is one of the best racquets for returning. No doubt this racquet lived up to it’s billing. It was awesome. I felt any return I wanted to hit was possible. As with volleys, the lighter weight allowed for me to have a maneuverable racquet, while still being able to withstand a rocket serve. Again the tight string pattern, which before hitting with the racquet was a potential trouble spot, turned out to be no problem again. It actually was a great asset of the racquet. This tight pattern added so much precision, it was scary!
Overall
Overall it is easy to see why Andre decided to make it his racquet of choice. This racquet has the benefits of the Microgel midplus with the added power of the oversize. Because of this, the Radical oversize has to be one of the most versatile racquets on the market today. Both beginners to intermediate to advanced players will enjoy hitting with this racquet. Not only is this a versatile racquet with regard to skill levels, but it is extremely versatile for different playing styles. There was nothing I felt I couldn’t do with this racquet.
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