Head YouTek IG Extreme OS Tennis Racquet Review
Tennis Magazine

How It Tested: When the ball sat up in their strike zones, play testers said the Extreme OS offered an ample sweet spot and sufficient power to drive the ball to their intended targets. The racquet made its mark at the baseline, however at net it was not nearly as maneuverable—particularly on stab and reflex volleys—as the 100-squre inch YouTek IG Extreme MP.

Likes: This is a lighter, more powerful and more forgiving version of the YouTek IG Extreme MP. It’s a spec made for a player who is accustomed to the oversize head or a doubles player who enjoys extra face space on the frame. You don’t need to launch your swing at Mach I speed to generate pace—the frame will provide the power.

Dislikes: Because the oversized head is not as maneuverable as the other frames in the Extreme family, this frame is more of a baseliner than a serve-and-volley stick. While twisting on contact was not an issue from the baseline, some testers felt challenged trying to turn the frame on reflex volleys.

Bottom Line: Ideally suited for a 3.5 up to a 5.0 senior-level player who prefers a larger head, the IG Extreme OS is built for those seeking a bit more power and comfort in the Extreme series. If you’ve been playing with an oversize frame and are looking to upgrade, this is not a bad choice if you play primarily from the baseline.

The new YouTEK IG Extreme series is equipped with Innegra technology and a new ergonomic shaft shape providing less vibrations and additional torsional stiffness for increased power and spin.  The Head YOUTEK IG Extreme OS shares many of the characteristics of the Extreme MP.  With a larger sweetspot and a slightly lighter weight, this racquet offers more forgiveness and added power.  An Excellent choice for 3.5-5.0 all court game or any doubles player.

Innegra Technology: Is the world's lights high performance fiber in the industry today. This new high composite structure is integrated into the racquet for shock absorption and improved stability.  Vibration at ball impact is reduced by up to 17% for the unmatched control and precision and is easier on your arm.

YouTek: YouTek™ combines superior technologies to perfectly match your individual needs. Whether your game is aggressive and adventurous or consistent and smooth, YouTek™ enhances your performance and brings out the best in you. YouTek™ incorporates different technologies to give you the individual benefits you need to match your playing style. In HEAD's tour racquets, YouTek™ includes d3o™, Grommets with Teflon® friction reducing polymer and Aramid bumpers.

d3o: d3o™ belongs to the "smart materials" category and is a futuristic material with abnormal behavior characteristics. More specifically d3o™ changes its behavior under dynamic loading or impact. Integrated in the lay-up and positioned in the shaft area where the racket flexes the most, d3o™ maximizes performance and offers new possibilities for players.

d3o™ is able to sense the needs of the players during different strokes. It's able to adapt to YOU. On high Extreme impacts (aggressive shots), the smart molecules lock together within nano seconds and dramatically increase the stiffness of the racquet to provide maximum power. On slow Extreme impacts (slices or drop shots), the smart molecules absorb the impact to provide a softer touch for better feel. What does this mean to a tennis player? Passing shots are even harder and drop shots have more precision rewarding your spontaneity and supporting your courageous decisions.

Teflon: Less friction gives you more power - HEAD Grommets with Teflon® Friction Reducing Polymer.
Friction is a force that holds back the movement of a string when it comes into contact with a grommet. The new HEAD Grommets with Teflon® friction reducing polymer creates a self-lubricating effect in the base material, allowing the strings to slide through the grommets with nearly no friction for much less energy loss and much more power.