Head Boom MP Tennis Racket Review

People’s preferences for certain colors can affect how much they like the frames in those colors. And this is definitely a divisive colorway. 

The celeste color chosen by Head is soothing and easy on the eyes compared to the Radical line’s bright orange theme. It could be an obstacle for some of Head’s male demographic, as they might perceive it as a more effeminate color.     

Nonetheless, the color, quite rightly, doesn’t bother Lorenzo Musetti, and we have given it a solid 8/10.

On paper, the 100 sq-inch head and substantial beam profile of 23.5mm, 24.5mm, and 23.5mm suggest this frame will live up to its name. While you get a reasonable amount of free power, the frame still feels compliant, largely thanks to a pleasant RA (stiffness rating) of 64. 

Consequently, you get some pop with more than a modicum of comfort. This is a nice blend for players who want help to generate power without the punishing levels of stiffness usually associated with frames dedicated to power.  

An open 16×19 string bed ensures easy access to spin, a fact enhanced by the very manageable swing weight of 318, which makes moving the racket a breeze, especially with a handy 5-point head-light balance. 

However, weighing in at 295 grams can make finding stability and plough-through a niggle, notably for stronger players or when playing against opponents hitting a heavy ball. To remedy this, adding weight will, of course, help. But if you want an off-the-shelf frame that trades in substance and stability, there are potentially better options.

The static weight and head-light balance will be your friend at the net when it comes to maneuverability, but again there is a pay-off in terms of stability and thus an ability to hit authoritative volleys. 

We found that the Head Boom MP can be positioned in a heartbeat. And for volleys that demand subtlety, this frame acquits itself without issue. However, for volleys against pace and for volleys that need directional control and authority, we found ourselves craving something with more muscle.    

Serving is where the Head Boom MP shines brightest. Here, the easy handling helps to generate head-speed while the 16×19 string-bed promotes power and invites the application of spin with ease. 

In fact, the speed at which the Boom MP can be swung really does make serving a joy, negating a loss of plow-through provided by more substantially weighted sticks. 

We noticed that our first serves possessed plenty of pop while second-serves could be dispatched with ample kick and spin, enough to ask questions of even an accomplished opponent. Overall, minus a little heaviness, we had no real gripes when it came to the Head Boom MP’s capacity to launch some pretty savage serves.

Unlike serving, where you are in absolute control hitting against a ball of your complete choosing, returning places a completely different set of demands upon a frame. This is where the Boom MP’s frailties stood out the most. 

Bigger hitting servers exposed the Boom MP’s lighter weight and relative instability on returns, and on occasion, it was a case of holding tight to bunt back a return. 

Without question, we would apply a few ounces of lead-tape should we routinely use this racket against more imposing opponents, but there again this frame really isn’t targeted towards ‘heavy duty’ competition. 

In the right arena, mainly one where developing and intermediate players face each other, the Boom MP will acquit itself very well, but against more powerful opposition you will likely have to customize a little.