Strings are one of the most important components of a tennis racket, as they directly affect power, control, spin, and feel.
A string bed that has lost its tension has also lost its elasticity and can increase the risk of injury.
To choose the right string, you should mainly consider three factors:
The material of the string
The gauge (thickness)
The string tension
String Material
Tennis strings are divided into three main categories based on their material.
- Natural Gut
Natural gut strings offer exceptional feel, elasticity, and excellent tension maintenance. They are also a great option for players with arm or joint issues. Today, many ATP and WTA players use them in hybrid setups combined with polyester strings.
However, they are more expensive and sensitive to extreme conditions such as high humidity or temperature.
- Synthetic Gut
Synthetic strings are the most popular choice in tennis and cover the needs of most players.
There are several types:
- Polyester / Co-polyester
The #1 choice among pro tour players.
They offer high levels of control, excellent durability, and strong spin potential. Polyester strings allow players to maintain precise control over their shots while generating heavy spin that significantly affects ball trajectory and angles during rallies.
Due to their stiffness, they are not recommended for beginners or players with arm issues (e.g. tennis elbow).
- Nylon
A balanced option between power, control, and durability. Affordable and suitable for most players.
- Multifilament
Provide excellent feel and greater comfort, as they absorb more vibration. A great choice if you want a softer playing experience. One of the best options for players with tennis elbow.
- Textured / Shaped Strings
Feature a special surface that increases friction with the ball, helping generate more spin on your shots.
- Hybrid Strings
A hybrid setup means using two different types of strings in the same racket.
In a racket, there are:
The main strings (vertical)
The cross strings (horizontal)
In a hybrid setup, you use one type of string for the mains and a different one for the crosses, combining different characteristics.
For example:
Polyester strings in the mains for more control and spin
Multifilament strings in the crosses for more comfort
This way you can improve:
Feel
Durability
Control or spin
*Keep in mind that the main strings have a greater impact on the overall feel of the string bed.
String Gauge (Thickness)
String gauge affects feel, spin, and durability.
Thinner Strings:
Better feel
More spin potential
More power
Break more easily
Thicker Strings:
More durable
Last longer
Less feel
The most common gauge for most players is 1.25 mm.
String Tension
The tension at which your racket is strung affects both power and control.
Lower Tension:
More power
More comfort and arm-friendliness
Higher Tension:
More control
More consistent response
It’s recommended to string your racket within the tension range suggested by the manufacturer, which is usually printed on the frame.
You can start in the middle of that range and adjust up or down by 1–2 kg until you find what suits your game best.
This racket is unstrung, if you like to have it strung please choose a string from the list above
Description
The HEAD Radical MP 2025 delivers a dynamic mix of control, spin and power for intermediate and advanced all-court players who want a fast, stable and modern performance racket. Enhanced with Auxetic 2.0 technology, it offers extra stability, a crisper feel and improved feedback on every shot. The sound grommets boost power through greater string movement while refining sound and vibration for a cleaner hitting experience. With a variable beam and a versatile 16x19 string pattern, the Radical MP provides the ideal balance of spin potential and precision for players who like to mix up their game. Graphene construction ensures a responsive and stable frame, supporting confident shot-making across the whole court. Finished with a bold asymmetrical cosmetic, the 2025 Radical MP stays true to its identity as “The People’s Racket.”
Graphene Inside Strategically positioned in most of Head racquets, graphene strengthens the frame, provides greater stability and optimises energy transfer from racquet to ball.
Sound Grommets The sound grommets offer more power thanks to the better sliding of the strings and optimize sound and vibrations.
Auxetic 2.0 Its positioning inside the racket has been optimized in the bridge and on the bottom of the handle. The revolutionary carbon structure in the bottom of the handle uses Auxetic 2.0 technology to establish the best connection with the racket and to provide an exceptional FEELING. Auxetic 2.0 actively responds by adapting its internal structure providing excellent feedback and a great feeling of solidity. During impact with the ball, a large force is applied to the bridge, caused by the strings pulling it towards the center of the racket. Depending on where the ball hits the stringbed, the force of the impact will be applied at different points on the bridge.
Variable Beam The variable cross-section perfectly balances power, control and spin of the racket.
Control Pattern A denser 16/19 string pattern provides the perfect blend of control and power.