Want more power and control? Check out these two new frames.
Head YouTek Five Star and Six Star
Price: $225 (Five), $250 (Six)
Head size: 107 sq. in.
Length: 27 1/3 in.
Weight: 9.6 oz. (strung)
Swingweight: 316 (Five), 322 (Six)
Balance: 3/4 in. head heavy (Five), 1 1/4 in. head heavy (Six)
Beam width: 26/28/28 mm
String pattern: 16x19
Flexibility: Firm
Ideal swing: Medium
NTRP: 3.0–4.5
Power and control—those two seemingly mutually exclusive qualities—have found a cozy coexistence in the new Head YouTek Five Star and YouTek Six Star frames. They’re for fairly accomplished veteran players who’ve lost some hitting clout with age and lower-level intermediates ready to move up from short, punchy strokes to medium swings.
At first glance, both models appear to be power racquets by virtue of their jumbo head sizes, ultra-light weights, fairly wide beams, extra lengths and head-heavy balances. But their raw power is harnessed with a new technology Head calls “Control Rings.” They’re strategically placed at the 10 and 2 o’clock positions on the Five Star, and at 10, 2, 4 and 8 on the Six Star. The small plastic strips seem to shrink the head on balls hit dead center, giving the hitter the control and stability of a midsize racquet. Meanwhile, off-center hits are largely forgiven in both racquets because the Control Rings extend the string bed to fortify dead zones at the outer edges.
The Six Star’s two additional Control Rings at 4 and 8 o’clock on the face give it a touch more control than its slightly more powerful sibling, the Five Star, and a lot more comfort. We think most players will prefer the Six Star, which is well worth the additional $25 in suggested retail price.
But both models are agile from both the baseline and at net because of their light weights, which make up for the fact that you’re dragging around an extra 1/3 inch in length. You’ll appreciate that extended length when you chase down wide shots and get a better trajectory on serves. Spin is also easily accessible due to the racquets’ open string patterns and maneuverability.
Another nifty feature is the grip that slips over the handle like a glove. It does away with the ridges of conventional diagonally wrapped grips, enhancing the feel of the bevels. It’s also easy to replace: The butt cap snaps out so you can slide a new grip on and clicks back into place when you’re done. (Click here for a video demonstration.)
All these bells and whistles come with a hefty price in an otherwise sub-$200 marketplace, but these rare sticks that blend power and control are well worth a serious playtest.