We are used to the bridge of a tennis racquet just being where the frame connects to head. But with the MxG series from HEAD, the bridge is a technological leap that has tangible performance benefits. Let’s take a closer look at the MxG 1.

Though it’s the heaviest in the series, the MxG 1 is barely over 11 ounces strung. Combine that with a constant-thin beam, head light balance, and a lightning quick swing weight and you get one of the easiest swinging control racquets on the market. There’s a basic equation as far as racquets go: stability = weight. If you want to make a racquet more stable, then you need to make it heavier. The MxG 1 breaks tradition with other light racquets because it is one of the most solid 11 ounce frames around.

Groundstrokes
From the baseline, the most noticeable benefit of the MxG 1 is how fast it feels in hand. When on the move or a little out of position, it’s easy to ramp up the racquet head speed and add more spin and height to buy time to get back to a neutral position. While the "feel" of the MxG 1 is medium-firm, it isn’t harsh or jarring in the slightest. The MxG 1 rates a 66 on the stiffness scale but it is surprisingly soft and comfortable. The 16×19 string pattern grabs the ball well, and the 98’ head on the MxG 1 adds more control than its big brother the MxG 3 (100’).

Volleys
Up at the net, the frame was maneuverable and not easily pushed around, continuing the anomaly of light-weight stability. The MxG 1 is handy in quick-fire reflex volley situations, and never feels too cumbersome when playing a first volley after the serve. At times on harder passing shots, slowing the ball speed on drop volleys could be troublesome. But the racquet shines brightest when redirecting pace and sticking volleys in the corners.

Serves & Overheads
While it’s easy to hit heavy slice and kick serves, flattening out first serves with the MxG 1 was more challenging. The test frame was strung with Head Hawk Touch and stringing with a hybrid may work to get a little more pop on the serve. In a lot of ways the MxG 1 can force you to serve smarter and more strategically instead of trying to produce aces. The high level of maneuverability almost makes the MxG 1 feel like a shorter length racquet. That being said, it was easy to put away deeper more difficult overheads particularly when moving backward.

Feel/Comfort
The MxG 1 is the most comfortable racquet in the MxG series and while still on the firm side the frame has a modern blend of feel and control. With its barely 11-ounce weight, customizers will love the MxG 1 as a platform racquet. Though it doesn’t have the heft of a Prestige, the MxG 1 demands players to finish their strokes or they will miss long.

Overall
It’s always interesting when game improvement technology gets applied to control racquets. Players are often skeptical of changes in technology, but Head’s MxG bridge is an authentic development, and it creates unmatched stability for such light weight. Players that take full swings and crave a lighter but stable frame, will find a good fit in the MxG 1.

About the Reviewer: Sam Jones currently works at Tennis Express on the Content Marketing team. He previously played at Southwestern University, taught tennis for 10+ years and earned his Master Racquet Technician Certification in 2011. He is an active USTA League and Tournament player.