2022 Gear Guide: Head Racquets—Boom MP 2022 and Boom Pro 2022
“It was too good and too much fun to put down.”
Seven racquet companies, two frames from each. One is sure to be a perfect match for your game.
HOW WE TEST: Several samples were requested of every racquet reviewed. Each model was either strung with the manufacturer’s recommended string and tension, or such a string was provided, to optimize the frame’s performance. Racquets were then distributed to our playtesters located throughout the country. Each tester was encouraged to try a racquet for as long as it took to get a feel for its particular playing characteristics, including power, control, comfort, maneuverability and overall playability. In addition to forming their own opinions, they sought assessments from playing partners, students and customers. A special note of thanks to Kevin Brandt, Mitchell Case, James Golden, and Kin Roseborough for their valuable contributions.
Head
Boom MP 2022
- PRICE: $249 (Buy)
- HEAD SIZE: 100 SQ. IN.
- LENGTH: 27 IN.
- WEIGHT: 11.1 OZ.
- BALANCE: 5 PTS. HL
- SWINGWEIGHT: 316
- RA RATING: 64
- BEAM WIDTH: 24 MM
- STRING PATTERN: 16X19
Player Profile:
Baseline Counterpuncher
Tester Quote:
“The Boom MP moves like a lighter frame, but drives like a heavier one.”
How It Tested:
+ Brand-new franchise from Head that impressed with its feathery handling and pick-up-and-play quality.
+ Angular cross section in the head gave the frame good punch—it practically serves for you—and stability for its weight class.
+ The quickness through the hitting zone coupled with the wider string pattern in upper hoop was tailor-made for rolling sharp angles.
- Disconnected feedback made finesse shots more of a challenge.
Boom Pro 2022
- PRICE: $259 (Buy)
- HEAD SIZE: 98 SQ. IN.
- LENGTH: 27 IN.
- WEIGHT: 11.7 OZ.
- BALANCE: 7 PTS. HL
- SWINGWEIGHT: 325
- RA RATING: 66
- BEAM WIDTH: 22MM
- STRING PATTERN: 16X19
Player Profile:
All-Court Assassin
Tester Quote:
“I try to rotate through several racquets as I playtest, but I never switched this racquet out. It was too good and too much fun to put down.”
How It Tested:
+ The consistent, dependable response of true player’s frame but in a more powerful and forgiving package.
+ Serves brought serious boom while groundies got a nice boost without turning unruly.
+ Nice combination of maneu-verability, substance and preci-sion at net led to confidence in the forecourt.
- Being a “Pro” model, more discerning players may want a smidgen more weight and a warmer feel.