Executive Summary
The Head Instinct MP is Head's primary power-comfort offering for intermediate players. At 300g unstrung and ~68 RA, it delivers effortless depth and accessible pace — stiffer and more powerful than the Radical MP, but easier and more forgiving than a Prestige or Speed.
Key Characteristic: The Instinct's Graphene 360+ construction amplifies string bed energy for accessible power without requiring a full, aggressive swing. It's confidence-inspiring — moderate effort produces good depth, which benefits players building technique or playing with reduced physical capacity.
Key Positioning: The Instinct targets intermediate players (3.5–4.5 NTRP) who want accessible power and a comfortable, forgiving feel. It was most famously associated with Maria Sharapova, whose aggressive baseline game and exceptional serve demonstrated what the Instinct platform can achieve at elite level.
Performance Profile
The Instinct MP leads the Instinct S in power, control, and stability. The lighter S offers more maneuverability for players who need a more mobile swing.
Performance Comparison: Instinct Models
Instinct MP leads in control and stability · Instinct S leads in maneuverability and comfort
Model Context
The Instinct family spans competitive intermediate to beginner recreational. The MP is the benchmark — choose lighter variants only if the standard weight feels genuinely difficult to swing.
Instinct MP
The flagship Instinct for competitive intermediate play. Accessible power, comfortable feel, forgiving 100 sq in sweet spot. The standard recommendation for players considering the Instinct family who play competitive club tennis.
Instinct S
Lighter version with the same Instinct identity. At 285g it's more manageable for players who find the MP fatiguing — ideal for juniors transitioning to full frames or older players managing physical capacity. Slightly less stable than the MP on heavy incoming pace.
Instinct PWR
Maximum power and forgiveness. The oversized 105 sq in head and 270g weight make it extremely accessible for recreational players and beginners. Excellent for social tennis and club play where consistency and comfort are prioritised over precision.
Technical Must-Knows
Who Plays With This?
The Instinct's most iconic ambassador was Maria Sharapova, whose aggressive, flat-hitting baseline game and elite serve defined the frame's character.
Sharapova's aggressive flat groundstrokes and exceptional serve were the defining demonstration of the Instinct platform. Her heavily customised tour version was significantly heavier and stiffer than retail, but the style profile — flat, penetrating, high-paced — maps perfectly onto what the Instinct enables at club level.
Players who hit flat and hard from the baseline and want a frame that provides depth without requiring maximum effort. The Instinct MP's power assist means moderate swings produce competitive depth — a significant advantage in long matches where conserving energy matters.
String Setup Guide
The Instinct MP rewards setups that complement its power character. Avoid overly powerful strings that make control difficult. Reference range: 50–60 lbs (22.7–27.2 kg).
Quick Start (Most Players)
- Standard setup (soft poly, 1.25mm): 53–55 lbs — balances the Instinct's power with enough string control.
- If the ball is flying long: Try a firmer co-poly at 55–58 lbs or switch to a 1.27mm gauge for more control.
- For arm-sensitive players: Multifilament at 54–57 lbs — preserves comfortable feel across long sessions.
- For spin: Shaped poly (Hyper-G, RPM Blast) at 51–54 lbs to amplify the 16×19 pattern's natural snapback.
Setup Reference
| Player Type | String | Tension | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat Hitter | Babolat RPM Blast 1.25mm | 54–56 lbs | Control + spin, complements flat game |
| Arm-Sensitive Player | Tecnifibre Razor Soft 1.25mm | 52–55 lbs | Comfortable soft poly for long sessions |
Top 3 String Recommendations
Best for: Players wanting spin and control alongside the Instinct's accessible power.
RPM Blast's octagonal profile generates solid spin in the 16×19 pattern and provides reliable directional control. In the Instinct MP at 53–56 lbs it creates a balanced setup — the frame provides power, RPM provides precision. A safe, proven choice for most intermediate club players considering the Instinct family.
Best for: Players prioritising arm comfort who want a full poly setup.
Razor Soft's triangular profile and soft co-poly formula provide excellent spin with a comfortable, dampened feel. In the Instinct MP it creates a particularly comfortable setup — suitable for players who train frequently or have mild arm sensitivity. Tension maintenance is good for a soft poly, making it a reliable long-term pairing.
Best for: Players who want natural feel and comfort with adequate durability.
Head Velocity MLT's multifilament construction delivers a comfortable, natural feel at contact. In the Instinct MP it produces a lively, comfortable setup suitable for players with arm concerns or those who prefer the softer, more natural response of multifilament over polyester. Good durability for a multifilament makes it practical for regular club play.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Instinct MP | Instinct S | Instinct PWR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head Size | 100 sq in (645 cm²) | 100 sq in (645 cm²) | 105 sq in (677 cm²) |
| Weight (Unstrung) | 300g / 10.6oz | 285g / 10.1oz | 270g / 9.5oz |
| Length | 27 in | 27 in | 27 in |
| Balance | ~330mm / 3 pts HL | ~335mm / 2 pts HL | ~340mm / 1 pt HL |
| String Pattern | 16x19 | 16x19 | 16x19 |
| Stiffness (RA) | ~68 | ~67 | ~67 |
| Swingweight | ~315–322 | ~300–308 | ~280–290 |
| Beam Width | 23–26mm | 23–26mm | 25–27mm |
| Technology | Graphene 360+ | Graphene 360+ | Graphene 360+ |
| Target Player | Intermediate (3.5–4.5) | Club / Lighter Swing | Recreational / Beginner |