Head Updates Extreme Racket With Fresh Technology

Welcome the addition of Auxetic technology from Head to the updated Extreme line of rackets.

With the launch of the Extreme Tour and Extreme MP on Sept. 8—the Extreme Team and Extreme Team L will launch about a month later, on Oct. 6—the highlight of the updated model includes the addition of Auxetic tech in the yoke of the racket to improve feel while remaining focused on spin throughout the design.

“Auxetic is designed to enhance the impact feel of the racket, creating a smooth crisp response on every shot regardless of impact location on the string bed,” says Felix Schumann, Head product manager in North America.

The location of the technology on the bottom of the hoop of the frame is designed to allow the carbon fiber engineered yoke piece to widen when a pull force is applied and contract when squeezed. The bigger the applied force, the greater the reaction of the technology. The idea is that on ball impact, a big force is applied to the yoke, caused by the strings pulling it toward the center of the racket. Depending on where the ball hits the string bed, the force of the impact will be applied at different locations in the yoke, allowing the technology to react and even out the feel of the ball against the strings.

MORE: Coco Gauff, New Balance Unveil Modern Vintage ‘90s Signature Tennis Shoe

The addition of Auxetic technology is new for the Extreme franchise, a line already with its own sub-technologies tailored to its unique characteristic of highlighting spin.

“Each of our lines have different so-called sub-technologies to enhance the uniqueness of each silo,” Schumann says. “The strength of the Extreme line is the spin component. We created a specific spin shaft and spin grommets to improve the spin on the ball. The string pattern is also our so-called spin pattern, which is more open to bite the ball better.” The spin grommets allow for greater string movement, while the addition of sound grommets allow for power-friendly string movements and improved ball sound on impact.

The spin shaft design of the Extreme comes optimized for lateral stability, aiming to increase spin potential on each shot.

MORE: Daniil Medvedev Turns ‘Defense Into Offense’ With Updated Tecnifibre Racket

The changes to the Extreme franchise give it a unique designation within Head’s six main racket franchises. “The Extreme line is a very spin oriented and powerful line, with now an even more forgiving impact feel due to the implementation of Auxetic,” Schumann says.

The Extreme Tour weighs in at 10.8 ounces (305 grams) with a 98 square inch head. The Extreme MP drops to 10.6 ounces (300 grams) with a 100 square inch head. Both have a 16×19 string pattern. The Team and Team L designs come lighter and with head sizes reaching 105 square inches.

Aesthetically, Head has introduced a range of fresh colors to the tennis world and the update of the Extreme keeps that hued momentum. “We have aligned the design of the 32-degree angle yoke asymmetry,” Schumann says. That means the hoop section comes in lime-green, with the yoke and grip now pistachio colored. Graphical changes on the shaft highlight the Head control-power index and the Extreme name.

The lead Head athlete endorsing the Head Extreme line is Matteo Berrettini.