Today Thursday, December 9, 2021, it is exclusively that we test the new range from Head, the famous Delta 2022.

A little history !

Before getting to the heart of the matter, as usual, a little history never hurts.

Located at the foot of the Austrian Alps, the small town of Kennelbach is home to the world headquarters of HEAD. Although HEAD is currently based in Europe, the brand had its beginnings in the United States, headed by Howard Head, an American aeronautical engineer, passionate about skiing. He sought to modernize the contemporary wooden skis of the time. For inspiration, he looked to industries in other sports disciplines to find new technologies capable of modernizing ski equipment. Tennis rackets followed and today the shovels padel.

It is therefore in Kennelbach, at the north-western end of Austria that all products are designed and developed. The main production plant is no longer in operation but a prototyping center is still in use, mainly to prepare frames for professional players. Some engineers and other employees often have over 30 years of experience developing snowshoes, which is extremely rare these days.

After making the presentations with the company, let's get down to business with this new Delta range which comes in 3 models: Pro, Elite and Motion.

Head Delta Elite pro Motion 2022 installment

Delta Pro

Head Delta Pro 2022

The Delta Pro is the new pearl of the 2022 range launched by Head. Let's not go through four paths, this racket is intended for experienced players.

Not that heavy with its 363 grams, it is rather the weight distribution resolutely in the lead that will surprise those who are not previously informed (balance at 272).

New Head Delta Pro 2022 weight

No surprise regarding the characteristics and technologies deployed, Delta numbers are renowned for providing a high balance due to their diamond shapes, because the heart of the target is undoubtedly attackers in need of thrills.

The color palette is simple, sober and efficient, no fuss as they say in Marseille, the black and gray combo is universal and versatile. It is embellished with touches of orange which add a touch of modernism.

In game, it is clear that this pala will express its full potential during trench attacks or overwhelming smashes. I was waiting for a Power Foam providing more ball output, but I found a fairly rigid foam that it will be necessary to master quickly at the risk of visiting the opposing plexiglass (probably because of the climatic conditions of testing where the celsius was in PLS) …).

The faces are embellished with carbon fiber to improve precision. The reserve of power is quite simply monstrous and the players who will miss this “little extra” to finish the points with enthusiasm will be delighted to have this saving boost.

Stephane Penso Delta Pro 2022 review

Obviously, it is a racquet with character that will absolutely have to be tamed because handling is not its strong point. We will feel this lack of convenience especially in defense and during off-center shots, the fault of a reduced sweet-spot located on the top of the sieve.

However, if you are moving towards this product range, it is because beforehand you are ready to make concessions on handling and comfort to favor aggressiveness and the shock. Please allow 310 € for the flagship of the range.

Delta Elite

It is in a way the little sister of the Delta Pro, but with smooth faces. Which means we're on a model that's supposed to generate even more ball speed! (but less effects)

The color code is the same but reversed, orange predominates over the entire surface of the frame, the logo is black and a small gray part is located in the continuity of the handle.

It is a pala that weighs 360 grams with a balance at 270, so we are far from the “Full Power” standards which generally oscillate between 368 and 380 grams. This time, the sides are made of fiberglass for a greater feeling of flexibility. A softer touch therefore, but less precise.

head Delta Elite 2022 stephane penso test

In game, the difference is not that obvious, the output of the ball is obviously improved and the weight distribution seems a little less pronounced in the head, which will result in benefiting from an additional point of maneuverability ... and a little less efficiency at the smash.

It's a pala that looks a lot like the Delta Pro, with a bit more comfort and ease. Although Head categorizes the Delta Elite as the most powerful of the 3 palas, I play my joker and I estimate that the Delta Pro is nevertheless more powerful (but it is played for nothing, as usual).

With a public price of 210 €, it is certainly a model that will be talked about.

Delta Motion

Head Delta Motion 2022

The latest model to be pampered by yours truly is the Delta Motion. As in the past, this range is synonymous with lightness and fortified amenities.

Always focused on power but relatively more manoeuvrable than the other two models in the range, it is a pala that surprised me on all levels. The colors are somewhat reminiscent of Sanyo Guttirez's old Alpha Pro: a predominance of gray, a hint of orange, and a pinch of black.

Stephane Penso testing Delta Motion Head 2022

The weight has been considerably reduced whether overall (348gr) or at the head (balance ~ 268). This will have the effect of having an ultra versatile model, with a focus on weight and proven energy, while keeping a much more appreciable maneuverability in the fast and complex phases of play. The faces are in carbon fiber in order to gain in precision and impact.

It is a pala that will delight advanced players as well as women, and those looking for a model that develops maximum power while being light and easy to handle. Offered at 250 €, it is a reference packed with technologies, at a great price.

The different technologies present on the Delta 2022

For fans of technology, process and technique, I offer a summary of all the resources on board these new models

  • Anti Shock Skin : this unique polymeric material has enabled HEAD to create protection against shocks to best preserve your racket. Placed on the head of the frame, this special layer guarantees better durability of your racket and also allows it to resist friction.
  • Power foam: the ideal ally for maximum power. The speed that your ball will reach will surprise your opponent as much as you.
  • Optimized Sweet Spot : each racket has its own peculiarities; some are characterized by the control and precision they offer, others by their power or their spin. That is why HEAD has developed the Optimized Sweet Spot ideal hitting sector, to adapt a specific area to each model.
  • Extreme Spin : this rough circular surface increases the effect.
  • Smart bridge : each racket has its own DNA. Some will offer control and precision, others power or comfort. That is why Head created the Smart Bridge, in order to adapt the bridge area to the needs of each racquet.
  • Tailored Frame : Each tube section is individually constructed to achieve the best performance for each racket.
  • Graphene Inside : Strategically placed in most of the brand's racquets, graphene reinforces the frame, provides greater stability and optimizes the transfer of energy from the racquet to the ball.
  • Auxetic : new construction, implemented on the bridge of the racket, which offers a better feeling on impact even when the ball does not hit the sweet-spot perfectly. With the new Auxetic technology, players will get more sensitivity and confidence in the game. (Auxetic constructions exhibit a unique deformation compared to non-auxetic constructions. Due to their internal properties, auxetic constructions expand when a "tensile" force is applied and contracts when compressed. The greater the force applied, the greater the auxetic reaction).

In conclusion

Three complementary palas, all in the shape of a diamond, having power as their main axis, with three different balances (Pro 272, Elite 270, and Motion 268). They all have a simple adjustable strap, and the size and length of the handle are, for me, a unique accuracy.

Head has capitalized on previous models, and unlike its competitors declared at the time of this writing, has endowed its references with a promising new technology, namely the Auxetic System.

I also greet Head, even if it is no longer a secret for anyone, to have affixed the name “Made in China” directly on the frame, and not camouflaged in the small internal pocket of the cover, or more often than not completely hidden!

Thanks to Thomas from Head France for the loan of palas!

Stéphane Penso

Fan of padel, Stéphane has become the official tester of the planet padel in Europe. Everything goes through his expert hands. Thanks to his extensive experience in the snowshoeing world, he is able to scan your gear from head to toe!

On the same subject

Tags