Head Liquidmetal 8 Review
The Liquidmetal 8 happens to be one of Head’s more popular models, promising power, control, and comfort in an all-in-one package. The Liquidmetal name refers to the special material applied to four areas on the racquet’s face, which is supposed to improve on power output and energy return by a great deal. But does it really live up to the hype? And what are all of its other strengths? We decided to do a Head Liquidmetal 8 review to see if the claims were true. Could this racquet be a fit for you? You decide for yourself. So let’s get into the details of the racquet, here is our Head Liquidmetal 8 review.
>> More info on the Head Liquidmetal 8 here <<
Head Liquidmetal 8 Review
Features & Specifications
- Total Sweetspot Construction for max power wherever the ball may land
- Liquidmetal technology has 29% more power on ball impact
- NoShox dampening system reduces racquet vibration by more than 27%
- Integrated String Dampener on grommets to reduce string vibration
- Head HydroSorb grip for airflow and comfort
- Pre-strung with Head Synthetic Gut at 60 lbs
| String Pattern: | Headsize: | Weight / Balance Point: | Swing Weight: | Frame Stiffness: | Composition: |
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328 | 62 | Liquidmetal Titanium / Graphite / Piezzo Electric Fibers |
- Liquidmetal Technology
Head deliberately named this racquet Liquidmetal for a reason. Is it a liquid? No. Is it metal? Not quite. Liquidmetal is a unique material with a liquid atomic structure that you can see applied to the 2, 4, 6 and 8 ‘o clock positions of the racquet face. What exactly does it do? It utilizes all of the energy your swing generates so that no energy is lost on ball impact. This special material does not deform on contact (compared to standard titanium), resulting in maximum energy return and 29% more power for every shot. That means it takes less energy on your part to produce more power. Tough as metal but allows for natural flow like a liquid, at least that’s our take on it. Combined with other factors such as a 16×19 open string pattern, a head heavy frame, and a 28/26mm tapered beam, this racquet stresses the importance of power.
And with this technology comes another benefit: Total Sweetspot Construction. With the special compound applied to the four areas, this creates a unique design that increases the torsional stability of the racquet head. So while the Liquidmetal titanium enhances surface rigidity for optimum strength and stiffness, the fact that it does not deform on ball impact means you get an extended sweet spot that covers the entire racquet face. And with an oversize head of 112 sq.in, this means that wherever you hit, it will feel like you’ve hit the sweet spot every time.
With that being said, the Head Liquidmetal 8 is geared more toward beginning and intermediate players with short to moderate swings (casual and recreational players alike), known in the trade as a “game-improvement racquet”. With the forgiving sweet spot that offers maximum power even for shots that don’t land in the very center, this could be a huge benefit for players just starting off who need that extra boost in power to get balls over the net. But intermediate players can enjoy its benefits as well, since you won’t have to use so much energy on the court. Ultimately, the Head Liquidmetal 8 helps you to develop stronger, cleaner strokes with less effort.
>> Find more reviews of the Head Liquidmetal 8 here <<
- Control with Comfort
Besides the Liquidmetal technology and Total Sweetspot Construction comes the features in comfort and control. Head added the NoShox dampening system, the Integrated String Dampener (ISD) on the grommets, and HydroSorb grip to improve on feel and control by reducing vibrations and maximizing comfort.
NoShox is built right into the handle, which consists of a memory foam that helps to reduce vibrations by more than 27% compared to other racquets on the market. The Integrated String Dampener is located on the racquet’s grommets, which reduces string vibration, further increasing the ease of use and reducing backlash on the arms. HydroSorb grip features a twin-channel system with perforated holes that provides ventilation, comfort, and a firm grip all-in-one. The Head Liquidmetal 8 also falls into the light side of the weight spectrum, with a strung weight of only 10 ounces. And even though this racquet belongs in the power category–racquets that produce lots of power are known to lack control and produce more strain–all of the elements we talked about work together to provide you superior comfort for the arm and a perfect sound and feel every time.
With that being said, these features can be a huge benefit for older players or players who are concerned with body problems. As you may know, tennis elbow and wrist issues are major ramifications of playing tennis a lot, since lots of vibration causes stress to the arms, elbow, and shoulders. This can really take a toll on your body once you realize how many times you actually hit the ball within a game. And Head knew that when they added all of this technology, creating the ultimate racquet with a balance of power, control, and comfort. Hats of to you Head, you’ve made me a firm believer.
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Final Thoughts
The Head Liquidmetal 8 was designed with two things in mind: power and control. We’ve already explained all of this in our Head Liquidmetal 8 review, going over that it delivers on both of these qualities by offering advanced technology that allows maximum energy return on your shots, a larger sweet spot that helps you improve your game, and a reduction in vibration for more control on the court and comfort on your wrists, arms, and shoulders. Do we think it’s for everyone? Probably not, but if you’re either: a beginning player, a casual enthusiast, or a recreational athlete, this tennis racquet can serve you well (especially for players who want to reduce the risk of tennis elbow and wrist pain). Our only advice: try not to rely on the racquet too much for its power output and extended sweet spot, you’ll develop those skills in due time.