Tennis

Head Gravity Tour 98: A New Era of Control and SpinHead's Gravity series has long been renowned for its blend of classic feel and modern power. Now, the company is introducing a new addition to the family: the Gravity Tour 98. This limited-edition racquet is designed to provide players with an unparalleled combination of control, spin, and playability.The Gravity Tour 98 features a smaller 98-square-inch head and a more open 16x19 string pattern compared to its predecessor. This combination enhances the racquet's maneuverability and spin potential while maintaining the control and feel that advanced players demand.The racquet's unique half cap grommet construction contributes to its exceptional feel and sound at contact. It also provides additional protection to the top of the hoop, ensuring durability and longevity.Early testing by Head has revealed that the Gravity Tour 98 has been met with rave reviews. Players have praised its added liveliness and spin potential, while still maintaining the control and precision that tournament-level players require.Head believes that the Gravity Tour 98 fills a gap in its lineup. It offers more control and feel than the Radical, Extreme, and Boom 98s, while providing more punch and spin than the Prestige. The closest comparisons from competing brands would be the Wilson Blade 98 (16x19) and Yonex Percept 97.The Gravity Tour 98, along with the rest of the 2025 Gravity silo, will officially debut in a few months. In addition to performance enhancements, the racquet's aesthetics have also received a major upgrade. Stay tuned for more detailed reviews once the racquet hits store shelves.

Head Velocity Power: A Multifilament String for Power and ComfortHead's Velocity Power multifilament string is designed to deliver exceptional power and arm-friendly cushioning. Compared to the standard Velocity MLT, the Power version features thinner and more numerous filaments in the outer wrap, resulting in increased elasticity and a softer feel.Upon installation, Velocity Power exhibits minimal coil memory and kinking, making it easy to string. Its smooth surface and pliability allow for effortless stretching. As a cross string in a hybrid setup, its slick coating facilitates smooth pulls, although its softness may pose challenges when maneuvering through blocked holes.On the court, Velocity Power lives up to its name. It offers a near gut-like level of power and cushioning, providing excellent ball pocketing and depth. Despite its softness, it maintains a respectable level of feedback and responsiveness, allowing for precise touch shots. Its feel is comparable to Babolat Xcel and Wilson NXT, but at a more affordable price point and with reduced fraying.The string's impressive ball pocketing translates into shots with easy depth and pace. Accuracy is also commendable, especially when paired with a smaller head size or denser string pattern. While its spin potential is moderate compared to polyester strings, it provides sufficient spin for most players.Velocity Power excels in net play, offering both power and touch. It drives volleys through the court with ease and allows for soft drop shots. Its added power enhances flat serves and slice serves, making it a valuable asset for doubles players.However, Velocity Power's moderate spin production may be a drawback for players who rely heavily on topspin. Ground strokes may lack the same movement and dip, and kick serves may not have the desired jump. Additionally, as the string loosens, it may become stickier, leading to potential control issues for big hitters with longer strokes.Overall, Head Velocity Power is an excellent choice for players seeking a power-oriented, arm-friendly multifilament string with good touch. It is also a solid option as a cross string in a hybrid setup to soften up the string bed.

The Head Boom Pro tennis racquet, the second generation of its line, boasts an impressive blend of power, stability, and comfort. Its 98 sq. in. head size and 11.5 oz. weight provide a balanced feel, while the 7 pts. HL balance and 320 swingweight offer stability and control.The racquet's most notable feature is its Auxetic 2.0 carbon fiber construction, which enhances feedback at contact. This technology, previously found only in the yoke, has now been extended to the handle, resulting in a plusher and more stable response.Despite its heavier weight, the Boom Pro is surprisingly user-friendly. It requires minimal break-in and delivers impressive power for a 98 sq. in. racquet. Its constant beam design, which is neither too stiff nor too heavy, makes it easy to swing.Compared to its predecessor, the updated Pro offers slightly more flex and a more stable feel at contact. The broad, stable shoulders of the head shape, similar to the Yonex VCORE, raise the sweet spot and provide extra clout. The flexible throat and firmer head combination offer stability and power while maintaining arm-friendliness.The wide string pattern promotes a cushy pocket and an attractive spin window, making it ideal for kick and slice serves. The mixture of dimensions and Auxetic technology gives the Pro a solid and unique response, particularly when crunching volleys or nailing returns.However, the Boom Pro's power potential may come at the expense of precision. It is not as precise as some competing 98s and can become launchy if not swung with topspin. Additionally, it lacks the finesse for in-between shots, such as cheeky slice angles.Overall, the Head Boom Pro is a forgiving, modern player's frame that rewards users with power and stability. It is an excellent choice for players seeking a racquet that can handle aggressive baseline play and deliver impressive shots.

The Head Boom MP tennis racket is the second generation of the franchise, featuring enhancements that elevate its performance. The primary addition is Auxetic 2.0 carbon fiber construction, now extended to the handle, providing improved feedback and a plusher, more stable response.Despite its name, the Boom MP offers a balanced blend of power and control. Its 100 sq. in. head size and open 16x19 string pattern facilitate easy lift and topspin generation. The lightweight frame (10.4 oz unstrung) and feathery swingweight (317) make it effortless to swing, generating impressive racquet-head speed.The Boom MP's stability and comfort are notable, with improved performance over its predecessor. The frame's flex allows it to absorb incoming pace, providing a muted and controlled response. The sweet spot is generous, and off-center hits are absorbed effectively.While the Boom MP excels in power and spin, distance control can be challenging due to its open string pattern and higher launch angle. Faster swings require topspin to keep shots in check. Additionally, the weight and balance may be too light for players above the 3.0-4.0 intermediate level.Despite its versatility, the Boom MP may not stand out in any particular category. It offers a middle ground, providing a solid performance in all aspects but lacking the precision or free power of more specialized frames.Overall, the Head Boom MP is an excellent choice for players seeking a speedy, comfortable, and user-friendly mid-weight frame. Its balanced performance and improved stability make it a versatile option for a wide range of players.