Head Extreme MP Review

The modern tennis racquet tends to favor comfort over feel, and spin potential over maneuverability. Head’s Extreme line of tennis racquets fits the profile neatly: the Head Extreme MP is a comfortable, potent tennis racquet that promotes baseline slugging but will reward even those players whose game isn’t built around maximum topspin.

Ground Strokes

I play a counter-punching baseline game with the occasional foray to the net. The Extreme MP’s greatest strength--aside from its plush feel even on off-center hits--is its easy spin production. Any overt attempt at topspin, even an exaggerated flick of the wrist, produced immediate results. My forehand (my most topspin-heavy stroke) seemed to find the court, and my typical backhand was penetrating without my providing any extra oomph. As with any racquet with modern dampening technology, Extreme MP made it difficult to gauge whether my strokes felt good because I was hitting well, or because the tech took away all the pain I should have felt, but it beefed up my game in pure baseline battles. A lot of fun.

Volleys and Serve

The Extreme MP’s grace extended to forecourt. It thunked the ball on on-center volleys and forgave my wrist on anything off-center or off the frame. Fine for putting away points, but players looking for a crisp, mobile ally at the net should look elsewhere.

I was surprised by the pop I got on flat serves with the Extreme MP. For a such spin-friendly racquet, it gets through the ball, period. My second serve, usually a slice out wide, had good shape with meaner angles when I took bigger cuts at the ball.

Summary

The Head Extreme MP pairs well with a variety of baseline-first styles. It’s a touch head-light, with nimble-off-the-backfoot swings that won’t hamper defense. For players who already have ample topspin it’s a cherry on top, though it has enough plow-through that flatter hitters can still appreciate its comfort and versatility. Powerful, attack-minded players looking to get to net and stay a while may find it’s not enough racquet for their needs.