The Head Radical MP (or “MP”) and Babolat Pure Drive (or PD”) are two rackets with similar specs that are good options for intermediate players looking for a racket that offers good power and spin.
This article will look at the specs of both rackets to see how they compare to each other.
Racket Specs Comparison – Pure Drive vs Radical MP
Below is a comparison of the technical specifications* of the Pure Drive (2021) and Radical MP (2023) tennis rackets.
Main Differences: The Radical MP has a smaller head size (98in vs 100in), a slightly higher swing weight (323 vs 320), a much lower stiffness rating (65 vs 71), and a thinner beam width (20mm / 23mm / 21mm vs 23mm / 26mm / 23mm).
Similarities: Both rackets have the same racket length (27in), strung weight (318g), head light balance (4 pts HL), and unstrung weight (300g).
*Please be aware that the below specs are based on averages so the specs of the racket you actually purchase may differ by as much as 10%.
| Racket Specs: | Pure Drive | Radical MP |
|---|---|---|
| Version | 2021 | 2023 |
| Design |  |  |
| Head Size (sq cm) | 645cm2 | 632cm2 |
| Head Size (sq in) | 100in2 | 98in2 |
| Length (cm) | 68.58cm | 68.58cm |
| Length (in) | 27in | 27in |
| String Pattern | 16 x 19 | 16 x 19 |
| HL or HH1 | HL | HL |
| Strung Balance (cm) | 33.02cm | 33.02cm |
| Strung Balance (pts) | 4 pts HL | 4 pts HL |
| Strung Weight (grams) | 318g | 318g |
| Strung Weight (ounces) | 11.2oz | 11.2oz |
| Swing Weight | 320 | 323 |
| Unstrung Weight (grams) | 300g | 300g |
| Unstrung Weight (ounces) | 10.58oz | 10.58oz |
| Frame Stiffness | 71 | 65 |
| Beam Width (mm) | 23mm / 26mm / 23mm | 20mm / 23mm / 21mm |
| Colors: | Blue and Black | Orange and Blue |
1 Head Light or Head Heavy
Pros and Cons
The Pure Drive offers a good mix of power, control, and spin, a generous sweet spot, and easy power on serves but has a relatively high stiffness rating.
The Radical MP has a nice blend of power, spin, and control with a manageable weight but more advanced players may feel it lacks control.
Head to Head
The Pure Drive offers more power and spin while the Radical MP offers more control and is more comfortable to play with.
| H2H | PD | MP |
|---|---|---|
| Power |  | – |
| Control | – |  |
| Spin | | – |
| Arm Friendliness | – | |
Player Level Recommendations
Both rackets are best used by intermediate to advanced players as they are too heavy for beginners to play with.
If you are an advanced player who likes a racket with lots of control, then you will probably be better off going with a more control focused racket like the Babolat Pure Strike or the Head Radical Pro.
| Player Level | PD | MP |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner |  | |
| Intermediate |  | |
| Advanced | | |
Pro Player Endorsements
The Radical MP is currently endorsed by Taylor Fritz and Diego Schwartzman, while the Pure Drive is endorsed by Garbine Muguruza, Karolina Pliskova, Fabio Fognini, and Sofia Kenin.
Where can you buy these rackets?
The rackets are for sale in most good online tennis shops and on the Babolat and Head websites.