Racquet Review: Head Gravity MP 2023

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Price: $259 (buy here)
Head Size: 100 sq. in.
Length: 27 in.
Weight: 11 oz.
Balance: 4 pts. HL
Swingweight: 318
RA Rating: 60
Beam Width: 22 mm
String Pattern: 16x20

What’s New

After hearing from users of the previous Gravity MP, Head determined the frame needed more backbone. So adjustments were made to the layup of this latest installment to better the stability. Just as with all recent Head releases, the Gravity MP has Auxetic construction in the yoke. This gives the frame an overall sturdier feel, particularly on off-center hits. Updated materials were also used in the grommets to improve the sound at contact to promote the perception of solidity. The flip design cosmetic has also been given a sleeker, black and silver combination. Previous versions, while eye-catching, had more divisive colorways. The hope is this look is more universally praised.

What Works

The Gravity MP has a classically clean and comfortable response. It leans towards the power side of the control racquet spectrum due to the relatively open (and forgiving) 16x20 string pattern. The distinctive wider shoulders of the Gravity give the head a reverse teardrop shape. This broadens the sweet spot in the upper part of the hoop where modern players tend to make contact, and helps amplify spin production.

The alterations to the construction have also succeeded in bolstering the frame’s stability. Though unusually flexible with a thin constant beam, there’s no “noodle” feel at contact. At just 295g unstrung, it swings effortlessly, building up plenty of speed into contact. The frame possesses excellent command, capable of reproducing either meat-and-potatoes ground strokes or attempting more creative shots. The narrower beam width makes carving up the ball with slice a breeze, especially when playing touch shots from inside the court.

There’s not a ton of free power at your disposal, but extra aggression can be achieved with assertive cuts and ambitious targeting. Serves can bring some heat, although high percentage and placement are more to its core. For this reason the racquet doesn’t shine as brightly as other 100s at grabbing the reins of a point in the in the first shot or two, instead excelling at grinding from the baseline and waiting for an error or an opening.

Taking those opportunities and transitioning to net is a good play with the Gravity MP. The smooth handling instills the confidence that you can get the racquet on any passing shot. It has exceptional control in the forecourt; the feel and the frame’s ability to take pace off the ball are first-rate. You can trust it equally to punch the ball through an open court or softly place short angles and drop volleys.

What Needs Work

While the stability has been augmented, repelling a heavy topspin groundstroke or wicked first serve can still push the frame around. A bit late or off-center, and the racquet loses the battle at contact. For a rising junior, or an aging intermediate looking shave weight from old reliable, it probably won’t be an issue. But advanced players may have to consider adding mass to handle faster ball speeds. Fortunately, the low static and swing weights make the racquet ripe for customization.

Along the same lines, the Gravity doesn’t punch much above its weight. Playing against the wind or a tenacious opponent, it can feel like you have to consistently pure the ball to make any headway. Again, it will depend on the circles you traffic in on a tennis court. Players needing to implement greater offensive tactics may want to trade some of the frame’s precision for a little more pep.

Tester Feedback

“The sweetspot feels large, with the top of the hoop providing a better than average response. And the cosmetics are classy, with just a touch of cool—if anything, I want even more of the color shift!”

“Easy spin and good power from what is at its core a control-oriented frame.”

“I had a 3.5 player that absolutely loved it, and so did several of the better junior players.”

Final Analysis

The Gravity MP remains quick, precise and comfortable, with an improved response at contact. Any player who values lightweight, controllable and versatile frames should give it a try.