Head Boom Pro: A Forgiving and Powerful Tennis Racquet for Modern Players

Head Boom Pro: A Forgiving and Powerful Tennis Racquet for Modern Players

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.

Babolat Pure Strike 100 (16x20): Control and Feel for All-Court Dominance

Babolat Pure Strike 100 (16×20): Control and Feel for All-Court Dominance

The Babolat Pure Strike 100 (16×20) is a new addition to the Pure Strike family, offering a unique blend of control, feel, and playability. With an extra cross string and lower flex than its 16×19 counterpart, the 100 (16×20) provides enhanced precision and a softer, more comfortable feel.

The racquet’s NF2 Tech, featuring natural flax fibers, effectively dampens unwanted vibrations, while the tighter FSI Control string pattern and Woofer system optimize dwell time for improved ball control and spin generation. Despite its 100 square-inch head size, the 100 (16×20) prioritizes control over raw power, making it ideal for players seeking a balanced and versatile frame.

The head-light balance and manageable swingweight allow for quick and effortless swings, facilitating precise shot placement and spin manipulation. The racquet’s playability shines in counter-punching situations, where players can effectively neutralize their opponents’ aggression and dictate the pace of the game.

While the 100 (16×20) may not possess the inherent power of some competitors, it compensates with its control and touch. Full swings generate good pace and depth, while the softer feel allows for delicate touch shots and effective spin generation.

At net, the racquet’s quickness and stability make it a reliable performer. Volleys are effortless, and the control and touch enable players to effectively neutralize passing shots and drop volleys over the net.

However, some testers noted that the racquet’s more traditional response may not appeal to all players, particularly those accustomed to the stiffer and more powerful Pure Strike models. Additionally, the racquet may feel underpowered when stretched or facing heavy hitters.

Overall, the Babolat Pure Strike 100 (16×20) is a well-rounded and versatile frame that prioritizes control and feel. Its quick handling, comfortable response, and spin-friendly string pattern make it an excellent choice for players seeking a balanced and precise all-court weapon.

Head Boom MP: A Balanced Blend of Power and Control

Head Boom MP: A Balanced Blend of Power and Control

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 16×19 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.

Dunlop CX 400 Tour: A Versatile and User-Friendly Tennis Racquet

Dunlop CX 400 Tour: A Versatile and User-Friendly Tennis Racquet

The Dunlop CX 400 Tour tennis racquet is a versatile and user-friendly option for a wide range of players. With its slightly squared-off beam and 100 sq. in. head size, it offers a blend of power, control, and maneuverability.

The racquet’s Powergrid Stringtech+ technology enhances spin potential and power, while the box-shaped hoop at the 2 and 10 o’clock positions improves stability and stiffness. The Vibroshield vibration dampening material provides a comfortable feel at contact.

On ground strokes, the CX 400 Tour delivers consistent depth and pace with minimal effort. It offers free power when defending against bigger hitters and controlled pop when hitting inside-out. The 16×19 head pattern provides good bite and generous topspin.

On serves, the racquet’s combination of power and maneuverability allows for easy pace and spin. It handles both hard kick serves and sliced serves effectively. As a returner, the CX 400 Tour is quick and stable, enabling players to block back challenging first serves and draw early offense from second serves.

At net, the racquet offers versatility, from reflex volleys to sharp punches. It provides a comfortable level of dampening and stability without sacrificing feel. This makes it suitable for change-of-pace tactics such as drop shots, angles, and lobs.

While the CX 400 Tour may not be as boisterous as some competing racquets in its class, it offers a balanced combination of features that appeal to a wide range of players and styles. Its under-the-radar status makes it a sleeper worth checking out.

Head's Boom Franchise Returns with Enhanced Auxetic Technology

Head’s Boom Franchise Returns with Enhanced Auxetic Technology

Head’s Boom franchise returns with its second generation, offering a crowd-pleasing racquet that caters to a diverse range of players. Its unique head shape, wider in the upper hoop, expands the sweet spot, facilitating effortless power, ample spin, and precise hitting. The Boom’s user-friendly design inspires confidence, encouraging players to execute their shots with ease.

This latest iteration retains the core features of its predecessor, with the primary enhancement being the incorporation of Auxetic 2.0 technology. This advanced carbon fiber construction resists deformation upon impact, delivering enhanced feedback and a more connected feel. Initially introduced in the yoke of the frames, Auxetic 2.0 has now been extended to the handle, resulting in a plusher and more stable response.

The Morph Beam, with its robust cross section, provides ample power, while the elongated box shaft ensures effortless playability. A uniform string pattern promotes consistent ball trajectory and forgiveness, while enlarged power grommets and directional drilling maximize string movement, further expanding the sweet spot for comfortable impact.

Aesthetically, the Boom’s green-and-black livery remains largely unchanged, but the color-blocking scheme now aligns with Head’s other racquet lines. The concept specs have been refined and relocated from the hoop perimeter to the throat interior. Additionally, a special Mint cosmetic option is available for the MP and Team L models, which Coco Gauff is expected to use on tour.

The lineup welcomes a new member, the MP L, which is lighter and less demanding than the MP. This weight class is gaining popularity, offering a smooth transition from junior to standard-length racquets, with its quick handling and effortless playability.

Head’s Lynx Touch string remains the recommended pairing for the Boom racquets. Designed for a wide audience, this string provides a friendly feel, with deeper ball-pocketing, increased snapback, and a softer response, appealing to players seeking enhanced power and forgiveness.

The new Boom models will be available in stores from March 7th. Stay tuned for more in-depth reviews in the coming weeks.

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