Tennis racket ‘first look’ review: HEAD Gravity Tour 98 (2025)
We (nearly) have lift off! The 2025 HEAD Gravity Tour is set to rocket on court early next year – most likely in time for the Australian Open we believe – but we simply couldn’t wait that long to review it!
Since the original launch in 2019 the unique teardrop shaped series has gathered speed (no pun intended) within a big family of rackets and could potentially be a stellar new season hit for the Austrian based brand.
Gareth Richman jumps on board with a Tennishead review, gaining an advanced sneak peek and his initial impressions on whether the new HEAD Gravity Tour 98 will be a bright burning star on the pro circuit all the way down to your local park courts.
Endorsed by Alexander Zverev and Andrey Rublev, this famed series with its aggressive bite and massive sweet spot, now jumps down to a more control orientated 98 sq in head size and spins up to an open pattern 16×19 string bed. This is a noticeable departure from their 100 sq in, 18×20 2023 specification bestseller.
So, let’s dive straight into the look of the racket. Upon close inspection, it seems we have received the prototype ahead of its official unveiling.
First take on appearance …
Whilst the paint job showcases a lush lacquered black gloss and matt finish with sparkly aquamarine decals subtly positioned on the throat and inside hoop areas. We suspect this design will be altered and finessed – but must admit, the model in our mitts is very clean cut and predict players will absolutely love it.
Moving around the top of the frame, fans of the Prestige will notice a cheeky historic nod to the bumper guard and grommet system. This adds a little extra whoosh factor to the Gravity.
String set up and tech spec …
We decided to sync up the racket with HEAD Hawk Touch 1.25mm tuning the tension at the lower end of the scale, 52lbs in the mains and 51lbs in the crosses (figuring out opting for a control string would be a smart move – as we know the Gravity packs a punch in the potency department).
- Head Size: 98 sq in
- Weight (unstrung): 305g
- Balance: 320mm/0.9 in HL
- Beam: 22mm
- String Pattern: 16×19
Initial thoughts after a quick hit …
Upon picking up the (strung) frame it felt well balanced and on the head light side – personally I thought by adding a bit of weight on the throat it would benefit my game.
After hitting a good few fuzzy yellow balls, the Gravity Tour 98 offered up a controlled plush ride, it’s forgiving and stable upon impact topped off with a nice crisp feel not forgetting that tremendous access to power. Tension wise, I felt I could have dropped the strings down by a 1lb or 2.
Keep an ear out for the amazing swishing sound as you jet through your shot-making, it’s quite something. The generous sweetspot is the icing on the cake!
On the control to feel to power ratio …
Be warned, this gem can light up some serious ammunition, so dialling in on shots with the reduced head size and utilising spin helped me cut down on sailing shots long or wide. Having tested the latest Radical and Speed, I adored the poised combo on this Gravity Tour 98 updated with HEAD’s latest tech. The connection, bite and ball pocketing wasn’t too lively or muted.
Serving up and killing overheads …
The Gravity Tour 98 can produce a decent peppering of presence as you accelerate out of your trophy position (expect a bit frame flex here) but throwing in spikey kickers and sliders out wide seemed to curve in with ease – this became my default mode during doubles format. My hitting partners relayed back that my serves were firing into the service box with gusto … I wasn’t so sure. My smashes happily bombed down with high intensity and control.
Hitting the groundstroke running …
Well, my oh my! I had a blast probing every opportunity to swing free, ripping into the ball and taking huge cuts.
Being aggressive, but not overly is where the Gravity quite clearly wants to be on our planet. Launch angle is high and produced awesome spin velocity, especially on the backhand wing. Changing gear and hitting flat (my go to) equally proved to be enormous fun.
Taking the ball early was also a highlight, as was the cracking sound of the ball shooting off the strings.
Cutting in on the slice …
Chip, chop and chisel away. The Gravity Tour 98 glides though slicing like Gordon Ramsay prepping food in his kitchen. The feedback you receive is bang on target in my opinion. I found it very handy on the forehand return, which usually is a bit up and down for me.
Drop shots, drive volleys and net gains …
Admittedly, being creatively stylish on court isn’t my forte (there are much better players me on that score). However, switching around to delicate touch shots on the drop as well as volleys is something I had immense joy exploring during point play. The Gravity Tour 98 has an extremely attractive personality in this respect.
In addition to this, the frame reacted rapidly and like a brick wall at the top of the court when putting away forceful on coming groundies with a block volley – probably my fav shot with this racket. Bring on the mustard!
Conclusion …
If you are an advanced tournament player with a long fast swing who wishes for a solid, crisp, comfortable racket partnership that exercises superb playability whilst capable of dishing out a dose of reckoning force fused with a decent bit of spin and control, the Gravity Tour 98 could be your dream match up.
Fear not, if you don’t fall into this category, a variety of player options will duly be released as well. Rising stars may want to keep an eagle eye out for the MP L version.
Personally, I’m impressed with what I have seen and experienced so far and reckon this frame has the potential to entice players who find the Prestige (or any similar racket for that matter) a touch demanding. Yes, the market is crowded and competitive … but the Gravity Tour 98 may turn this space upside down.
We expect the fully finished Gravity line to be polished up with an ‘out of this world’ cosmetic upon launch … and quite frankly, we can’t wait to see it!
To purchase any of the HEAD Gravity range or to keep an eye out for the new 2025 Gravity, head over to our favourite tennis specialist retailer All Things Tennis and you’ll receive a 10% discount when using this link (they’re also offering free next-day delivery for all UK customers)
Author profile
Gareth Richman is a tennis nut! For a day job he’s a freelance journalist for The London Standard specialising in tennis products and a PTR qualified coach who also represents his local club. He is an avid supporter of The Elena Baltacha Foundation.
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