HEAD Auxetic Extreme MP Racquet Review

by Jonas Eriksson

Synchronized spin! This HEAD Auxetic Extreme MP Racquet review coincided closely with the launch of the Babolat Pure Aero 2023.

But for a play-tester the proximity in releases of racquets within the same category makes life a little easier. You can compare the two frames directly. And while doing this HEAD Auxetic Extreme MP racquets review, I also compared it to the Graphene 360+ Extreme MP predecessor.

HEAD Auxetic Extreme MP Racquet Review

Let’s start with what’s new. The Auxetic material worked well in the Speed racquets and many players liked the updated Auxetic Prestiges too (I preferred the red ones though). What I have noticed from adding Auxetic tech to the frame is that the feel is a bit cleaner and I get the sense that the sweet spot is somewhat larger. This was clearly noticeable in the new Speed racquets, but also with this new Extreme MP, I sense that the racquet is slightly more forgiving. It’s not a huge difference, but noticeable to the trained arm.

However, the Auxetic tech is not the major difference-maker in the new Extreme MP.  The denser string pattern is. The previous model had a tendency to spray balls and had a lot of movement in the string bed. This one offers better control and will allow big hitters to strike with more confidence. Similar to what Babolat did with the 2023 Pure Aero.

Specifications

These are the specs listed on the racquet and the official HEAD website. No RA or swing weight measurements are available as of yet, but my racquet had a strung swing weight of 325 with the HEAD Lynx Tour 1.25.

CPI: 500
WEIGHT (UNSTRUNG): 300 g / 10.6 oz
STRING PATTERN: 16/19
HEAD SIZE: 645 cm² / 100 in²
GRIP SIZE: 1-5
BALANCE: 320 mm / 1 in HL
LENGTH: 685 mm / 27.0 in
BEAM: 23/26/21 mm

As you can see there is not much difference here from the predecessor. It does feel a tad softer though, maybe RA 64-65 strung (but you shouldn’t look closely at the RA rating since the racquet flexes differently in different locations and that is just an average).

How does it play?

This written review is a work in progress, but you can watch the video above to see what I think about the racquet. Overall, I find it to be a solid improvement over the predecessor. Players choosing between the Pure Aero and the Extreme MP will face a tough choice. The MP plays a bit softer and with longer dwell-time on the string bed, while the Aero is a tad stiffer and offers more energy return. I liked touch shots better with the Aero, but found the one-handed backhand much more natural with the Extreme.

It’s a tough decision if I would choose in between them. For my game, these racquets are a bit too lively and I can’t really swing out with confidence. But for players looking for extra power and spin, they’re both excellent. The new Extreme MP should definitely be demoed by players who like to wreak havoc from the baseline, preferably on a clay court.

What do you think of the new HEAD Extreme MP?

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14 comments

Rel August 11, 2022 - 12:29

When will we see the Tour?

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TN August 12, 2022 - 21:18

Soon! My thoughts are already on Patreon.

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Anis August 13, 2022 - 03:32

Nice review. Thank you.

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Phil August 13, 2022 - 11:51

How does the extreme MP compare to the new speed MP? They look pretty similar to me.

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TN August 13, 2022 - 13:37

The Extreme offers more power and spin, while the Speed is better for control

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Paul August 15, 2022 - 06:57

How different is this Extreme MP compared to the previous (Graphene 360+) MP? Is it worth the upgrade?

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TN August 15, 2022 - 19:48

It’s quite different, I much prefer the new version. I talk about the differences in the review

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Phil August 21, 2022 - 23:20

Would you compare it alongside with Pure Drive?

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TN August 21, 2022 - 23:30

More comfortable and more string movement (spin potential). Perhaps a bit less powerful.

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Robert August 27, 2022 - 20:21

Did you only play it with Lynx Tour or also with Grapplesnake Tour M8? Which one would you prefer and why?

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TN August 28, 2022 - 09:01

I also tried it with Grapplesnake Tour M8. That string is a bit softer and one of my favorites, but I preferred the control of Lynx Tour in this one.

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Nick September 6, 2022 - 02:00

how does this compare to the last gen extreme pro

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JU September 28, 2022 - 12:42

Hello TN.
I know the question of control/power between 2022 Speed MP and Extreme MP was already asked, but who’s strings are denser in the center: Speed or Extreme?
Thanks for an answer.

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Criki October 15, 2022 - 18:21

Heard some comments that the frame is slightly slimmer too then the old one. Is is true ?

Reply

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