HEAD Radical vs Speed vs Prestige: Which HEAD Racket Is Right for You?

November 5, 2026

by Peter Wong

2 minutes

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to Amazon.ca. I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Three tennis rackets with different head sizes fanned out on a court with tennis balls

As a committed HEAD enthusiast for 25 years I get asked this constantly: which HEAD line should I buy? Once you understand what each line is designed for, it becomes obvious.

🎾 Full disclosure
I am a HEAD fan and have been for decades. See our HEAD vs Wilson vs Babolat comparison for the full cross-brand picture.

The HEAD Lineup at a Glance

LineDesign FocusSwing SpeedBest Recreational Model
HEAD SpeedPower and all-round performanceMedium to highSpeed MP or Speed LITE
HEAD RadicalControl and precisionMediumRadical MP
HEAD PrestigeTour-level controlHigh — advanced onlyPrestige MP
HEAD ExtremeTopspin and powerMedium to highExtreme MP
HEAD MXG and TiComfort and forgivenessAnyMXG 5 or Ti.S6

HEAD Speed — Best for Aggressive Recreational Players

Used by Novak Djokovic and adapted for every level from beginner to tour. The Speed is for players who like rallying hard and want a racket that rewards pace with more pace.

  • HEAD Speed MP: 300g, 100 sq in — sweet spot for recreational players with a confident swing
  • HEAD Speed LITE: 275g — better for players who find 300g tiring over a full match

HEAD Speed MP — Check Price on Amazon.ca →

HEAD Radical — Best for Consistent Recreational Players

Used by Andre Agassi throughout his career Grand Slam. The Radical rewards consistent technique with precision. For players who already hit reliably and want more control over placement.

HEAD Radical MP — Check Price on Amazon.ca →

HEAD Prestige — For Advanced Recreational Players Only

The small head at 93-100 sq in rewards technically correct swings and punishes everything else. Outstanding for advanced players. Start with Speed or Radical if you are unsure.

HEAD Prestige MP — Check Price on Amazon.ca →

Which HEAD Racket Should You Choose?

Your Playing StyleRecommended HEAD Line
Aggressive baseliner who likes to swing hardHEAD Speed MP or Speed LITE
Consistent rallier who values placement over paceHEAD Radical MP
Advanced player with technically sound strokesHEAD Prestige MP
Heavy topspin baseline playerHEAD Extreme MP
Recreational player wanting maximum forgivenessHEAD MXG 5 or Ti.S6

See our string tension guide for the right configuration for each line. 🎾

Related articles

12 Types of Club Tennis Players — Which One Are You? (2026 Edition)

4 minutes

12 Types of Club Tennis Players — Which One Are You? (2026 Edition)

We already covered the 7 types of opponents you’ll face on the other side of the net. But what about your own side? After 25 ... Read more

May 28, 2026

Peter Wong

Best Clay Court Tennis Shoes in 2026 — What’s Different and Why It Matters

Best Clay Court Tennis Shoes in 2026 — What’s Different and Why It Matters

With Roland Garros 2026 underway and the clay court season in full swing, more recreational players are heading to clay surfaces for the first time. ... Read more

May 27, 2026

Peter Wong

Best Tennis Training Aids in 2026 — Solo Practice Tools That Actually Work

Best Tennis Training Aids in 2026 — Solo Practice Tools That Actually Work

Recreational players who want to improve faster than match play alone allows need two things: a deliberate practice plan and the right training tools to ... Read more

May 26, 2026

Peter Wong

Previous