PRICE $200
HEAD SIZE 98 sq. in. (MP); 107 sq. in. (OS)
LENGTH 27 in.
WEIGHT 11 oz.
FLEXIBILITY Flexible
BALANCE 3/10 in. head light
BEAM WIDTH 21 mm
IDEAL SWING Long (MP); medium to long (OS)
NTRP 4.0–7.0 (MP); 3.5–7.0 (OS)

FIRST TAKE:
The advanced player’s Radical, which debuted in 1992 and is now in its seventh incarnation, is also Andre Agassi’s racquet of choice.  

COMPARE TO:
Head Liquidmetal Radical  

HOW IT TESTED:
At the 3 and 9 o’clock positions of the head, the Radical has something new: dimples, and holes drilled through the beam, creating Flexpoints that are supposed to allow the head to bend on impact, cupping the ball for more power and control. It works. Advanced players with long, fast swings will savor the mid-plus because it’s accurate and generates a surprising amount of pop. The frame also feels less boardy than 2002’s Liquidmetal Radical, since the Flexpoints cushion the blow. The oversize has a tighter string pattern than you typically find in a larger head, which makes the string bed feel a little stiff. After playtesters got used to the feeling, they found that although the racquet wasn’t ideal for hitting flat shots, which tended to sail long, it aided them on heavier topspin ground strokes and lobs.  

BOTTOM LINE:
While the Flexpoint Radical isn’t significantly different from the last Radical, it’s yet another improvement for one of Head’s franchise frames.