PRICE: $180
HEAD SIZE: 100 sq. in.
LENGTH: 27.25 in. (standard); 27 in. (Pro).
WEIGHT: 11.1 oz. (standard); 11.8 oz. (Pro)
FLEXIBILITY: Flexible (standard); stiff (Pro)
BALANCE: 4/5 in. head light
IDEAL SWING: Long
NTRP: 4.0–5.0 (standard); 4.5–7.0 (Pro)

COMPARE TO
N/A

HOW IT TESTED
The rounded-out lollipop head of the Extreme has a different look and feel from previous oval-shaped Head performance racquets. It’s the stick that Top 10 players Ivan Ljubicic and Svetlana Kuznetsova have been using this year, and it caught the attention of many of our reviewers. The purpose of the longer cross strings (a result of the wider string bed) is to promote spin generation by staying in contact with the ball longer. Playtesters with aggressive swings did manage to get more spin, particularly on serves. The Extreme comes in two versions: the standard, which is lighter, a bit longer, more fl exible, and quicker through the hitting zone; and the Pro, which offers more heft and stability. Both contain a new material called MicroGEL that’s combined with the frame’s graphite and designed to enhance playability and feel. Even so, several testers recommended using a vibration dampener, particularly on the standard, to increase comfort.

BOTTOM LINE
Big hitters and accomplished juniors will like the liveliness of this frame.