PRICE: $225
BALANCE: 4/5 in. head heavy
HEAD SIZE: 107 sq. in.
FLEXIBILITY: Firm
LENGTH: 27.3 in.
IDEAL SWING: Medium-long
WEIGHT: 9.6 oz.
NTRP: 3.0–4.5

COMPARE TO:
Head i.X5

HOW IT TESTED:
Hitting with this frame requires a delicate balance: Swing too fast and balls will sail long; too slow and shots land short. But players with medium to long swings will get a very good blend of power and control. The Liquidmetal 5’s head is rounder than that of its predecessor, the i.X5, so it has shorter main (up and down) strings, which provide a bit more control and slightly less power. Of course, the racquet also features the stiff alloy Liquidmetal in the head (at the 10, 2, 5, and 7 o’clock positions) to increase stability and control on off-center hits. The big story, though, is comfort. Thanks to a built-in vibration dampener and memory foam in the handle, which Head calls NoShox, the racquet eliminates most of the vibration. While some players said they didn’t get enough feedback, older players who needed comfort liked the dampened sensation.

BOTTOM LINE:
It scores excellent marks for comfort.