The Extreme Tour excited many when it was released in 2020. Now it’s time for the update and my HEAD Auxetic Extreme Tour Review.

HEAD Auxetic Extreme Tour Review

What do you do when you have a racquet that already plays well? Do you risk ruining it or do you go for a minor update. In HEAD’s case they have many racquets right now that perform in both sales and on the court, so they’ve decided to play it safe with some models. The HEAD Auxetic Extreme MP was a stronger update thanks to the denser string pattern that gives the player more control (similar to the 2023 Pure Aero), while the Extreme Tour does feel a bit plusher on impact but overall plays the same.

I did say in my video review (you can watch it below) that a few grams more in the hoop (a total of 310 grams unstrung instead of 305) would have been a step in the right direction, but I also understand that the racquet designer wants to maintain the whippiness that is important for a spin-oriented racquet.

Specifications

HEAD’s official website doesn’t list RA ratings, but I would assume it’s pretty similar to the previous generation. The other specs are the same, from what I can see.

CPI: 400
WEIGHT (UNSTRUNG): 305 g / 10.8 oz
STRING PATTERN: 16/19
HEAD SIZE: 630 cm² / 98 in²
GRIP SIZE: 1-5
BALANCE: 315 mm / 1 in HL
LENGTH: 685 mm / 27.0 in
BEAM:22/23/21 mm

How does it play?

The HEAD Auxetic Extreme Tour remains a great racquet for advanced players that like to take big cuts at the ball with improved control. For fans of the current version (now on sale at Tennis Warehouse), I’m not sure this update is worth spending extra money on.

I like the balanced spin and power I get from this racquet, but I do miss some stability at times. The swing weight is simply a tad low in stock form (mine was 318 strung with HEAD Hawk Touch) but the racquet did play better with 2 grams of weight at 12′ clock in the hoop. I think most players will end up adding some weight to this frame. I use GAMMA lead tape myself, but any lead tape (1/4) works well.

The HEAD Extreme Tour is a controlled spin machine and this version feels a tad softer on impact compared to the predecessor. I never struggled with stiffness with this frame, but if you did, perhaps it’s worth demoing the new one.

Summary

For players craving power and spin, I would look at the MP or even the MP L and Team versions instead (review to come). I had a lot of fun with those racquets and although I play my most consistent tennis with the Tour, the MPs ease of use and power level has made it a close match.

But for players coming from a control racquet and who wants to add some spin and pace to their frame, the Extreme Tour is must demo. It doesn’t pack the power of the Pure Aero VS, but offers better comfort and control. I think you need to be a relatively advanced player (4.0-4.5 and upwards in NTRP) to appreciate it.

Have you tried the new Tour and what do you think about it?