• Head Size: 100 sq. in. MP
• Length: 27 inches
• Weight: Strung — 11.6 oz Unstrung — 11.1 oz
• Tension: 48-57 Pounds
• Balance: 10.7 Pts. Head Light
• Beam Width: 24/26/23mm
• Composition: Graphene
• Flex: 70
• Grip Type: Hydrosorb Pro
• Power Level: Low-Medium
• String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses
• Shared Holes: None
• Main Skip: 8T, 8H
• Swing Speed: Medium-Fast
• Swing Weight: 325

The Head Graphene Extreme Pro updates the company’s heaviest model of “modern” frame by incorporating one of the world’s lightest and strongest materials. The use of Graphene allows Head to re-distribute weight to the handle and tip, creating maximum maneuverability and power. It checks in at 11.7oz (strung), has a 10 pt head light balance, stiffness of 70RA and a swing weight of 325. For players with longer, faster swings, this frame will offer tremendous power and spin potential to dictate play.

Groundstrokes
From either wing, the Graphene Extreme Pro is capable of hitting an incredibly heavy ball. Power potential is vast thanks to the 24/26/23mm beam width and stiffer flex. The rounder, 100 square inch head has a generous sweet spot and plenty of spin potential. I had no trouble using lots of net clearance in neutral rallies and then stepping into shorter balls with power. The racquet accelerates through contact nicely, although it doesn’t quite feel as head light as its specs. There is plenty of mass present for flattening out shots and driving them through the court. Feel on slices was a little vague at first but after awhile, I had no problem producing biting slices that stayed low. The racquet is capable of being a weapon from every area of the court.

Volleys & serves
Volleying at the net was very straightforward with the Graphene Extreme Pro. The racquet has good maneuverability, allowing it to stand up in rapid exchanges at the net. The extra mass of the frame allows it to finish volleys at the net with ease while the head size and shape provides some extra forgiveness when stretched for low volleys. I had a bit more trouble finding the range on touch volleys compared to the previous version of the Extreme. It still has excellent feel for a modern frame, it simply may take players some time to dial in the touch required for drop and angle volleys.

Serving became a dominant weapon with the Graphene Extreme Pro. The extra weight of the racquet provides plenty of pop behind flat serves both wide and up the T. By moving weight to the tip, Head has given more power potential on serve to the frame. I also found great access to spin thanks to the open 16x19 pattern and quick feel. The racquet produced kick serves with heavy movement, allowing me to keep opponents off balance with a blend of speed, power and spin.

Fine Points
The Extreme Range got a huge upgrade in feel with the previous model and this new version largely retains that. I did find it to be slightly more inconsistent when contact was made outside the sweet spot but the feedback was still in line with other modern style frames and did not cause any negative issues. Comfort in the racquet was very solid, considering the higher stiffness rating it has.

Overall
With the Extreme, Head has now updated all of their player frame lines with Graphene. The Graphene Extreme Pro is a strong option for players with more advanced strokes. It provides tremendous power and spin while still offering excellent feel, comfort and feedback. If you can handle the overall weight, it provides players the ability to control the court space with variety and excellent weight of shot.

About the Reviewer: Matt Locke currently serves as the Junior Programs & Development Coordinator for USTA-Idaho and is an active USTA League and Tournament player.