With the new YouTek Radical Midplus, HEAD aims to bring us both power and feel in one racquet. Don’t believe this review? Just watch Robin Soderling smack the ball around during the French Open. This is the racquet Soderling uses.

The Head Youtek is 98 square inches, which puts it squarely in the mid plus size. The racquet head has a 16 x 20 string pattern, and the racquet weighs 10.4 ounces (unstrung).

In terms of maneuverability, the Head YOUTEK Radical MP is literally, Head of the class. This frame is one sweet swinger, and offers a great blend of features for literally every level of player, the best of those being just how easy it seems to swing. That seems what every racquet should attempt to be, but we all know that’s not the case. This racquet really possesses no extra weight, no top heavy or bottom heavy feel.

Followers of the popular Head LiquidMetal and FlexPoint lines of the Radical model will really appreciate the not-so radical updates to this classic frame, and the d30 technology that it employs.

At 10.4 ounces unstrung you’d think the plow through on groundstrokes or serves might come up begging. You’d be wrong. There’s still plenty of pop in this 16 x 20 string patters, even at that light of weight.

Slice and dicers will really love the way this racquet lets them manipulate and massage the ball around the court. Slices and drop shots were especially fun, and I found myself channeling my inner-Santoro due to the overall responsiveness of this frame.

I think baseliners will love the “cuppy” quality of this racquet and the added touch this stick can bring to their game. There really seems to be a lot of dwell time on just about every hit, which makes the Radical MP feel like a wand in your hand.

Serves took a bit more of a swipe to get that extra mustard on it, but control was never an issue. Spins, especially benders out wide, were easy to generate with the Radical MP. Half-volleys and on-the-rise hitting were joyful experiences too, as the playability really shone through in those areas. Another tennis player noticed when serving was the light weight. The YouTek Radical Midplus is 11-ounces, which isn’t that light, but it just felt easy to swing when serving. First serves were surprisingly consistent, and when they hit a second serve it was there for me, but with a little less spin than desired.

Placement players will love the deft touch the Radical provides, but hard-hitting baseliners will definitely need to come correct and bring their own power with it, maybe add a little lead to the sides.

The Radical MP’s not going to knock anyone off the court. But, it sure might help you move your opponent around enough to score a T.K.O.

Head Youtek Radical Midplus Specs
Head Size: 98 sq. in. / 632 sq. cm.
Length: 27 inches / 69 cm
Strung Weight: 11oz / 312g
Balance: 2pts Head Light
Swingweight: 324
Stiffness: 59
Beam Width: 21.5 mm Straight Beam
Composition: Graphite/D30
Power Level: Low
Swing Speed: Fast
Grip Type: HydroSorb
String Pattern:
18 Mains / 20 Crosses
Mains skip: 9T,8H,10H
Two Piece
No shared holes
String Tension: 52-62 pounds

Popularity: 24% [?]

If you have a fisherman in your life, or if your children are showing an interest in the sport, then you need to make sure they have the right gear. A classic must-have gear item for any angler is multi purpose fishing pliers. A good tool will include a knife blade, diamond hook hone, scissors, flat-head screwdriver, small screwdriver, and nail knot tube. Multi purpose fishing tool should attach to a zinger or lanyard so the tool is handy near the fishing vest.

There are three kinds of pliers, those that are standard long nose pliers that anglers use to pull double duty as fishing pliers, affordable fishing pliers with fish friendly features and designed with high end materials and bear an equally high price. Abel pliers fit into that third category and are designed for serious anglers that are looking for more out of their pliers than sheer bang for the buck functionality.

Finally, a multi-tool designed specifically for fishing. The new FliK Fishing Tool from Gerber includes long needle-nose pliers for quick and easy removal of hooks. Sharpen your hooks with the included file. Cut hooks with the pinch cutters. It also includes scissors, bottle opener, knife blade, saw, and flat and Phillips head drivers. One-handed opening allows quick access to the tools. Sheath included.

Popularity: 20% [?]