Racquet Review: Head Boom Pro 2024

• Price: $269
• Head Size: 98 sq. in.
• Length: 27 in.
• Weight: 11.5 oz.
• Balance: 7 pts. HL
• Swingweight: 320
• RA Rating: 64
• Beam Width: 22mm
• String Pattern: 16x19

What’s New

Being just the second generation of the franchise, the Boom Pro didn’t undergo any major changes. The primary addition is Auxetic 2.0—carbon fiber construction that improves feedback at contact. The original Boom had it in the yoke, and has now been added to the handle as well. It’s intended to give the racquet a plusher and more stable response. The green and black cosmetic of the Boom now has the same color-blocking design as Head’s other silos. Same goes for the concept specs which have been cleaned up and moved from the perimeter of the hoop to the inside of the throat.

What Works

The Pro is the Boom’s heaviest and most demanding model in the lineup, but don’t let that scare you—it’s a got a very friendly demeanor. It requires little break-in period, and delivers impressive thump for a 98. Especially one with a constant beam that isn’t too stiff, heavy or a chore to swing. Where the lighter, larger Boom MP perhaps doesn’t live up to the racquet’s name, the Pro can certainly make some noise with its shots.

Compared to the outgoing model, the updated Pro may have slightly more flex, and the additional areas of Auxetic give it a more stable, pleasing feel at contact. But otherwise, it plays quite similarly to its predecessor. Not a huge surprise since that was the first iteration. Users of that frame should have little trouble transitioning to this one.

What they—and anyone trying it—will find is a solid hitter with respectable command. The Boom has a unique head shape that’s somewhat squared off at the top of the hoop, giving it broad, stable shoulders comparable to the latest Yonex VCORE. This raises the sweet spot, which gives the frame extra clout. At contact, it just feels like there’s a bunch of mass behind the ball. You can use that momentum created by the upper part of the hoop to crank forehands and swat serves. If you put effort into your shots, there’s more payoff than you typically get from a “Pro” model.

The racquet has the flexible throat and firmer head combination that’s become popular in many current models. It offers good stability and another layer of power, while remaining rather arm-friendly and comfortable. The wide string pattern also promotes a cushy pocket as well as an attractive spin window. Kick and slice serves have long tails that are headaches for opponents to return.

The mixture of its dimensions and the added Auxetic, give the Pro a solid and rather unique response. The constant beam offers pretty accurate feedback that’s also a little muted. So the racquet seems to respond best when crunching a volley at net or nailing a return, more so than when those shots require subtlety.

What Needs Work

The Boom Pro doesn’t really have any glaring weaknesses. The fact that it rewards users with a bit more power potential than some competing 98s, also means it’s not going to be quite as precise. That opinion will probably be colored by what kind of racquet you’re coming from to the Boom. And it’s something that can be dialed in somewhat with string choice/tension and repetitions. But it’s in its element swinging away from the baseline with lots of topspin for safety. Otherwise, it can get a bit launchy.

Similarly, it’s not as capable on in-between, playful shots. Those instances when you’re moving inside the court to handle a low mid-court ball and want finesse something like a cheeky slice angle. When you slow the swing down, the Boom has a tendency to float those slices. It doesn’t quite have the same feel and ball connection for those shots as something like a Blade 98, Percept 97 or Pure Strike 97.

Tester Comments

“The ability to shape and control the ball separated this from many of the other frames I’ve played this year.”

“The 2022 model felt a little stale, while this version feels more alive.”

“When the ball was in my strike zone, I could take a rip and felt pretty confident that it was going in.”

Bottom Line

Head currently has a deep and crowded field of Pro models in its lineup. But if you’re in the market for a forgiving, modern player’s frame, don’t overlook this one.