HEAD Radical Jr. 26 Youth Tennis Racquet - Lightweight Control

In this review of the HEAD Radical Jr. 26 the bottom line is clear: this is a well-balanced, comfortable first full-length racquet for kids transitioning to an adult-size frame. Designed for players around 9 to 11 years old, the Radical Jr. 26 stands out because of its low unstrung weight and vibration-damping insert, which together make it easy to swing and kinder on young arms. The review focuses on playability and comfort, and finds this racquet best when a junior wants a versatile tool to learn groundstrokes and net play without the sting of heavy vibration.

Key Features

• Lightweight frame: At 245 g unstrung the racquet is easy for most pre-teens to generate racquet head speed and maintain control through rallies.
• Damp+ insert: The built-in vibration isolation reduces shock on contact so young players can practice longer with less arm discomfort.
• 680 cm2 head size: A 105 in2 hitting surface offers a forgiving sweet spot that helps with consistency while learning direction and depth.
• 16/19 string pattern: The slightly open string pattern provides a balance of spin potential and control useful for developing varied shots.
• 26 in length: The 660 mm length is standard for this age group and keeps maneuverability high at the net and on quick exchanges.

Who It's For

The HEAD Radical Jr. 26 is aimed at juniors roughly between 9 and 11 years old who are ready to move to a near-adult size racquet but still need a light, manageable frame. It's a good choice for club players and lessons where kids are building fundamentals, learning topspin, and starting to serve from a full stance.

Players outside that range should look elsewhere: older teens with more strength may prefer heavier or longer racquets for power, while very young beginners will be better served by shorter, smaller-headed junior models tailored to ages under nine.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Low unstrung weight makes it easy to swing and accelerates skill acquisition for younger players.
• Damp+ insert noticeably reduces vibration, improving comfort during extended practice.
• Generous 105 in2 head size adds forgiveness and makes consistent contact easier for learning players.

Cons

• At 26 in the length is fixed and may feel small for stronger or taller juniors who need extra reach or power.

Specifications

Weight (unstrung)	245 g / 8.6 oz
Head size	680 cm2 / 105 in2
Length	660 mm / 26 in
Balance	315 mm / 0.6 in HL
String pattern	16/19
Frame material	Aluminum

Our Verdict

The HEAD Radical Jr. 26 is a practical, value-minded junior racquet that suits most 9 to 11 year olds who need a light, forgiving frame with reduced vibration. It is particularly good for players moving up in racquet size who want a comfortable learning tool that supports all-court development without overwhelming weight or length.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is the Radical Jr. 26 best for?
The racquet is targeted at children around 9 to 11 years old making the transition to near-adult racquet sizes.

Is the racquet comfortable for long practice sessions?
Yes, the Damp+ insert isolates impact and reduces vibration, which improves comfort during extended play.

Does the 26 in length limit reach or power?
For many juniors this length balances maneuverability and power, but stronger or taller players may prefer a longer, heavier racquet for extra reach and added power.