The MP is the most popular model in the line-up. Is the addition of Auxetic 2 improving this racquet? Read this HEAD Extreme MP Review to find out.
This HEAD Extreme MP review was done over several weeks with several string setups and play-testers. As always, we try to be as unbiased as we can when testing gear, but what is written below and talked about in the YouTube version of the review are our subjective opinions. I hope this will help you in our purchasing process, but the best idea is to demo the racquet to see if it works for you.
Tech
What is new in the HEAD Extreme MP 2024 compared to the predecessor Extreme MP Auxetic 1? The mold is the same (meaning the racquet’s structure), but this is Auxetic 2.0, meaning this technology is also in the handle, not only in the yoke piece, as with Auxetic 1.0.
The idea is to dampen more vibrations and give the racquet a better feel, according to HEAD’s marketing. For 2024, Head adds Auxetic 2 to the layup, a uniquely flexible material in the yolk and handle to optimize the racket’s feel and response, writes Tennis Warehouse on their website. Click here if you’re interested in buying the new Head Extreme MP.
The idea is to dampen more vibrations and give the racquet a better feel, according to HEAD’s marketing. For 2024, Head adds Auxetic 2 to the layup, a uniquely flexible material in the yolk and handle to optimize the racket’s feel and response, writes Tennis Warehouse Europe on their website. Remember that you can get 10% off all not-already-discounted products using the code TNERD10.
We will discuss whether the addition of Auxetic tech to the handle works or not. But no matter what, the update is pretty minor.
Specifications
The specs of the HEAD Extreme MP are very similar to the predecessor, so there’s not much to look at here. It does feel like the racquet has better stability and a more forgiving sweet spot, but my demo had a strung swing weight of 330 (Henrik’s had 323 strung), so the stability and power levels will differ depending on the exact specs you get.
| Head Size: | 100 in / 645 cm |
| Length: | 27in / 68,5cm |
| Strung Weight: | 318g / 11,2oz |
| Unstrung Weight: | 300g /10,6oz |
| Balance: | 32,99cm / 4 pts HL |
| Unstrung Balance: | 32cm/7 pts HL |
| Swingweight: | 323 |
| Stiffness: | 66 |
| Beam Width: | 23mm / 26mm / 21mm |
| Composition: | Graphene 360+/Graphite |
| Racket Colours: | Yellow |
| Grip Type: | Hydrosorb Pro |
| String Pattern: | 16 Mains / 19 Crosses Mains skip: 8T,7H,9H |
How does it play?
As we write above, this HEAD Extreme MP Review was done using multiple string setups. HEAD Hawk Touch, HEAD Lynx and HEAD Lynx Tour. We thought it played best with Hawk Touch at 23 kg or 51 lbs.
Bear in mind that no matter what string, the racquet is made to have a high launch angle. This makes it unsuitable for flatter hitters craving a bit more precision and a lower trajectory.
Overall, the Extreme MP delivers a balanced amount of power and spin and suits intermediate to advanced players looking to maximize extra spin and height over the net. It feels a bit more controlled than the Babolat Pure Aero or Tecnifibre TFX1, for example.
Should you upgrade?
Let’s say you play with a HEAD Extreme MP Auxetic, but you feel like it is a bit unforgiving and uncomfortable, but you still love playing with it. Then, this HEAD Extreme MP 2024 will be a good choice for you. Adding Auxetic in the handle filters out vibrations and improves the comfort a bit. The sweet spot feels a bit bigger on the new HEAD Extreme racquets, which limits the need to add weight.
This racquet is not made for my play style as I get too much power and spin, but even if you want that, you should probably demo it first. Because both I and Henrik felt the racquet has too much dampening for me to entirely trust it. The sensation when striking the ball is artificial and “plasticky”. I miss the old-school Graphite response. This is a classic issue when you add dampening to the handle of tennis racquets. Yonex had a similar issue with their Vibration Dampening Mesh, for example, and Wilson’s Countervail tech was unconvincing to many.
It is not quite as muted as the above examples, but I don’t particularly enjoy the feel of this racquet. I hit a decent ball with it, but overall I feel like I play better and enjoy the predecessor more.
Summary
There is no doubt that plenty of people will enjoy the HEAD Extreme MP 2024 for its mix of control, spin, improved sweet spot, and comfort. But some will complain about the muted response. The feel is, like most things, subjective, but several of the players who tried this frame with me noted the issue with dampening, so it has to be mentioned.
The Auxetic tech in HEAD racquets gives me mixed emotions. In some control racquets like the Gravity Pro and the Radical MP, it felt like the Auxetic 1.0 improved the feel of the frame. But perhaps adding Auxetic 2.0 is a step too far. I wasn’t convinced about the new HEAD Speed MP 2024 and now I have similar feelings about the Extreme. I did enjoy the Boom Pro, but the Prestige felt a bit disconnected as well.
We will see what happens as more silos roll out with Auxetic 2.0. I assume Radical is next. Meanwhile, I will try the lighter options of the Extreme and see if those feel better.
I am keen to hear your thoughts about this racquet and the HEAD Extreme MP Review in the comments below.
