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Weight: 165g (unstrung)
Factory String: Megablast 17g
Strung Surface 106 sq in
Factory Grip: Hydrosorb Black
Balance: Head Light
Frame Shape: Modified Teardrop
It’s the 5th year of the Head Radical and this year HEAD has decided to stick with the same traditional winning Radical shape but instead of the IGS (inner grommet system) they have gone with the previous 4 years they will have full grommet holes through the frame.
"The 165 has proven to be one of HEAD’s most popular racquet weights for 20 years. The perfect blend of weight and balance allow players to generate a high racquet head speed for ultimate power and feel. Competitive players will appreciate the power and precision generated with the Radical 165."
This is the first time the Radical comes in these 3 weights which are 155, 165 or 175 gram weights.. The 155 gram weight is designed for the player with the fast swing speed or the younger player and the 165 and 175 are for the slightly older player or a player that could use some extra weight to help get the racquet around.
- 16/16 Traditional String Pattern- Designed for players with faster swing speeds that need maximum power while increasing precision and string durability
- 12/16 Modified String Pattern- Designed for players with all swing speeds looking to maximize power. This modified fan pattern keeps the center ten mains the same as the 16/16 pattern but eliminates four of the outer main strings. This maintains the dense pattern in the sweet spot area while still lowering swing weight and increasing string deflection delivering incredible power and soft feel on every shot.
Please note... If you choose the 12/16 option and don't select a string upgrade ($22-$25) you will get the factory 16/16 option.
These are available in the smaller 3 5/8 and the larger 3 7/8 grip sizes.
If you're unsure about your model or weight...try our DEMO Program.
A racquet cover IS NOT provided by the manufacturer with this racquet. You have the option to add a cover for $8-$12 if you would like.
RacquetWorld General Notes
RacquetWorld recommends changing the grip to a Python (Our favorite), which will be $12.00 installed, for the added traction to prevent slippage. The Racquetworld Grommet Tape upgrade ($2) can save you $$ in the long run as sometimes strings break from the grommet being worn down. For those who don't know what the grommet is, it's the plastic piece at the top of the racquet that the strings go through.When you hit the wall and floor this gets worn down.
The Python Atlas Deluxe string upgrade is recommended because factory string is less playable/durable than the Python Atlas Deluxe string we suggest. At the time of purchase, the Python Atlas Deluxe restring upgrade is $29.95. It's normally $45 if you mailed the racquet to us later so you save $15 if you choose the upgrade right away. This string comes in Black or Natural and it’s a very soft string with incredible playability/durability. We recommend the 17g as it’s right in the middle of 16g (most durable) and 18g (most playable but less durable).
If you choose a vibration dampener go with the Python Vibration Dampner (Our favorite), Head Megasorb, Gamma Worm or the BBB (Big Bad Band).
The wristlacer black is the default wrist tether that comes on your racquet at no charge.If you want to change colors, a small fee of $3.95 will be added for switching.
A question we get everyday is "What is Grommet Tape?"It's a piece of tape that goes over the head (bumper) of your racquet. Sometimes you need a restring because of a broken bumper.For an extra 2 bucks to add this, it could save you $25-40!!
We get follow up calls/emails everyday thanking us for the upgrades as they really help bring out the performance of the racquet.
Racquet Covers - Choose one for $8-$12 (RacquetWorld Cover is Only $8.00)
A full racquet cover is NOT provided by the manufacturer with this racquet. You have the option of adding a full cover for $8-12 if you would like. If you want the best cover on the market buy the Racquetworld Cover. It is oversized, has a full outside pocket, a handle strap and a large shoulder strap as well as a ventilated pocket to let your grip breathe and best of all its $2-$4 less than the others because we want to help you by supporting our company! The charge will only be $8.00 when added to the cart for this choice instead of $10.00-$12.00 like the other covers.
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Demo this racquet
Chris Corigliano
04/09/2024
Verified Buyer
I’ve been a longtime Gearbox fan. This Head racquet feels just a little bit smoother, lighter and harder hitting than my old 165G. It just feels more like an extension of my hand. I really love it. If you are thinking of a new racquet then demo the Head and one other racquet with the Racquetworld demo program and see if it’s right for you.
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Very pleased with this racquet
Peter
02/05/2022
I am very happy with this racquet. I have been playing racquetball for 30 years and this is my favorite so far. Great combination of power and accuracy in both the front and back court.
Also, the 16/16 string pattern is the factory default so you don’t need to request it as mentioned in another review.
Have fun.
4 of 4 customers found this helpful.
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Great racquet but read this
Payam
01/05/2022
Verified Buyer
I'm 46 and I've been playing RB since 2016, so not a guru. Always purchased the highest models from the day 1. Started with Ektelon, then Pro Kennex, then E-Force, and finally this year I started being coached by Rocky C, and loved his racquets. He helped me to choose this model and at first I didn't like its touch comparing my E-Force DeathStar 170G.
However, Rocky helped me to adjust it with new rubber grip and here is the secret sauce: Change the string pattern to 16x16. That did the magic and I love it now. I'll buy another as the spare.
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Exclusive RacquetWorld Racquet Ratings
Ratings and comparisons for all racquets can be found in RacquetWolrd Exclusive Racquet Ratings
Racquetworld's Durability Rating:
Racquetworld's Power Rating: Age 24- 94.55 Age 35 94.55 Age 45+ 92.57
Racquetworld's Control Rating #1 (Front Court):
Control 1 (Front Court) represents how the racquet handles upfront in the court. We are basically looking at how certain components stacked together to produce good (or bad) racquet maneuverability. To figure this out we look at the weight, balance point, and shape of the frame. We throw all this info into Pat's brain along with a couple hours of hit testing and out pops the rating. This value is useful especially for doubles players who find themselves covering the upfront court a lot. It is also good to know if you are a good server and find yourself quickly putting away returns off your serve without leaving front middle court.
Racquetworld's Control Rating #2 (Back Court):
Control 2 (Back Court) represents the traditional control rating when taking a full shot from mid to back court. Our goal with control is to redirect the Force of the ball. We again focus on weight, balance point, shape, string pattern and tension, frame stiffness and on court experience.
Racquetworld's Overall Rating: Age 24- 94.89 Age 35 94.89 Age 45+ 93.90
Technology - Manufacturers Features:
RacquetWorld Head Racquetball Racquet Technology Section - Head Technology Section
- Graphene 360+
- PWRAIL - Power Rail
- AFP - Adaptive Fan Pattern
- IGS2
- Power Channels
Graphene 360+ - the combination of Head's signature Graphene 360 technology for optimized energy transfer and innovative SPIRALFIBERS for enhanced flex and unmatched power. Sprialfibers stretch and untwist on ball impact. - New for 2020 - 2021
PWRAIL - High Performance Beam - New for 2018 - 2019
THE NEW RADICAL'S ARE THE MOST POWERFUL EVER FEATURING POWERRAIL TECHNOLOGY
HEAD engineers have developed a major breakthrough in high performance racquet design. PowerRAILS Technology is an all new advanced beam cross section in the throat area of the racquet. PowerRAILS dramatically increases torsional stiffness delivering unprecedented power with stunning pinpoint control.
Adaptive Fan Pattern (AFP) - New for 2016 - 2017
Head's new technology allows you to customize your string pattern to match your game. Specially designed bumper guard allows you to choose your string pattern every time you string. (No special inserts required)
16 / 16 String PatternUltimate in Power, Precision and Durability
12 / 16 String PatternUltimate in Power and Softer Feel
CHANGE YOUR GAME. ANYTIME.
Graphene - New for 2014 - 2015
Graphene exploded on the tennis world last year and has now made it over to Head's Racquetball Racquet Line..
Discovered in 2004, Graphene™ consists of a single two-dimensional layer of carbon atoms. This material has a breaking strength 200 times greater than steel, which makes it the ultimate substance for creating new HEAD racquetball racquet frames with exceptional properties. Graphene™ technology allows for the first time an optimal redistribution of weight in HEAD racquets allowing for the creation of lightweight racquets with balance point never before acheived.
Benefit:- Has a breaking strength 200 times greater than steel.
- Enables us to create lightweight racquets and shift the balance points down to a level we could not achieve in the past.
- This creates increased swing speed which causes the racquet to become radically powerful.
- In addition to the increased power, the racquet also becomes very maneuverable.
Inner Grommet System 2
The next generation of Head's revolutionary Inner Grommet System Technology, IGS2, eliminates exterior grommet holes delivering optimal stiffness, but with less weight. Each tube is now lined with Teflon friction reducing polymer allowing the strings to slide through the IGS tubes with nearly no friction. This results in maximum energy transfer which increases power on every shot.
Power Channels
Head takes Power Channels to the next level! This power technology is created through molded tubes in the throat, eliminating exterior string holes and the traditional grommet system. This lengthens each main string and creates maximum stiffness which results in an incredible increase in raw power. The Power Channels are now equiped with Teflon friction reducing polymer allowing the strings to slide through the Power Channels with nearly no friction resulting in maximum energy transfer which increases power on every shot