Speed Pro Graphene pics (and others)

[Adidas_Anderson]

Originally Posted by Torres

Just had a look at the Pro in the shop. Long and oval head. Doesn't look like 100 at all, more like 98.

Looks oval to me, i prefer it to be 98 if there is a chance of it lol...

[Torres]

Originally Posted by A_Instead

Torress...
Is the head shape like past generations (Tear Drop) or is it more like a Radical and/or Prestige?

I thought it looked more long and oval than tear drop. I suppose that there's a very slight tear drop ie it tapers slightly towards the lower half of the hoop, but overal, its really more of an oval. Definitely nothing like the rounder headshape of the previous version.

[neil1b]

Hit with it two more times this weekend. I was able to hit all my shots and here is my finding.

I AM SWITCHING TO THIS RACQUET IMMEDIATELY!!!!!

I have to say, I have demos every new racquet, except for the yonnex(s), and I keep coming back to my babolat due to weight balance and power I can produce along with spin. The downside is the babolats don't have the touch/feel for drop shots and touch vollley that I would like. Also, you get the occasional ball that would fly. The control is good,but could be much better.

All the demos usually produce better results in some categories, but not in enough for me to make the switch.

I have tested a ton of 18x20 as well as have played with the prestige mp and radical for many years.

I will go out on a limb and say that this racquet produces the most controllable power image ever seen with a 18x20 pattern. This racquet does everything phenomenally well. It swings with ease and balls are hit exactly where intended.

My hitting partner commented on my placement and depth of shots. He stated when I went for a shot the power was the same as my previous stick. Shots were coming at him with ample spin and hitting flat when needed was a breeze. Drop shot came of the stick with great precision and feel.

I am ordering two more for sure. I will keep my old sticks as I am a racquet junkie collector,but I am not looking back.

One more thing I would like to add, this stick has a very short learning curve. One or two session is all that it takes and you could play with it in matches.


I applaud head on this one, and hope they continue to listen to the player feedback.

Oh yeah.........the head shape has a little ovalish head shape, but it is not noticed when hitting. Nothing like the past dunlops-

This stick outshines everything in the head line including the radical and prestige pros in the power category. More precision than the mp prestige.

Grip shape is spot on, not rounded and not square.

[A_Instead]

Neil1b,
So what you are saying.... OMG!!!!
Oh My Graphene !

[parasailing]

Originally Posted by neil1b

I have tested a ton of 18x20 as well as have played with the prestige mp and radical for many years.

I will go out on a limb and say that this racquet produces the most controllable power image ever seen with a 18x20 pattern. This racquet does everything phenomenally well. It swings with ease and balls are hit exactly where intended.

Oh yeah.........the head shape has a little ovalish head shape, but it is not noticed when hitting. Nothing like the past dunlops-

This stick outshines everything in the head line including the radical and prestige pros in the power category. More precision than the mp prestige.

Grip shape is spot on, not rounded and not square.

So would you say this is one of the first 18x20 that has more power and spin than typical 18x20 while giving you more of a 16x19 lively string bed feel? I tried out both the Youtek Prestige MP and Pro and found them underpowered though control was great and have pretty much associated 18x20 with great control but lacks that additional pop and ease of spin.

[mrmo1115]

Originally Posted by parasailing

So would you say this is one of the first 18x20 that has more power and spin than typical 18x20 while giving you more of a 16x19 lively string bed feel? I tried out both the Youtek Prestige MP and Pro and found them underpowered though control was great and have pretty much associated 18x20 with great control but lacks that additional pop and ease of spin.

I'd say yes. This racquet has the pop and control. Not as much control as a Prestige but comparable.

[neil1b]

I disagree with the comment as not as much control as the prestige mp. Here's how I see it. The prestige mp has control because of the lack of power it produces and what is required by the user. The speed had exceptional control WITH a ton of power. It you hit with less power and not as aggressive as a swing, the control is better IMO that the prestige.

[neil1b]

Originally Posted by parasailing

So would you say this is one of the first 18x20 that has more power and spin than typical 18x20 while giving you more of a 16x19 lively string bed feel? I tried out both the Youtek Prestige MP and Pro and found them underpowered though control was great and have pretty much associated 18x20 with great control but lacks that additional pop and ease of spin.

Those two sticks are very string Dependant. To answer your question,yes this is hands down the best 18x20 I have hit with. Granted I have not experimented with any other string or tension yet, which could get better or worse. I string racquets myself and knowing my game,think I dialed the string tension/spec to my liking and game.

The string bed isn't 16x19 like, its unique. It does not have the loose feeling that the 16x19 can feel like, but it does have the plush forgiving sweet spot of an open pattern racquet.

Try this stick period. Its worth the demo. It has great spin and pop with the control of the tight pattern. This is,for me,the shangra-la of what I was looking for.


Funny, my local store said head is already backordered on these.

[parasailing]

Originally Posted by neil1b

Those two sticks are very string Dependant. To answer your question,yes this is hands down the best 18x20 I have hit with. Granted I have not experimented with any other string or tension yet, which could get better or worse. I string racquets myself and knowing my game,think I dialed the string tension/spec to my liking and game.

The string bed isn't 16x19 like, its unique. It does not have the loose feeling that the 16x19 can feel like, but it does have the plush forgiving sweet spot of an open pattern racquet.

Try this stick period. Its worth the demo. It has great spin and pop with the control of the tight pattern. This is,for me,the shangra-la of what I was looking for.


Funny, my local store said head is already backordered on these.

Great what tension recommendation do you suggest for a gut main/poly hybrid or a full set of multi?

[neil1b]

What type of stroke do you have? Swing type, current string type, racquet and tension? I like to know this info before I make a recommendation. Also what type of string would you be referring to in those combinations?

[parasailing]

Originally Posted by neil1b

What type of stroke do you have? Swing type, current string type, racquet and tension? I like to know this info before I make a recommendation. Also what type of string would you be referring to in those combinations?

I mainly use Babolat VS 17gauge non BT7 natural gut mains and Ltec 4S crosses and on a PSTGT, I string it at 58lbs mains/52lbs crosses and it feels good. On my blade 98 16x19, I tried 55lbs/50lbs but felt too springy so I probably will have to up it to 58lbs/52lbs like my PSTGT.

I also use Biphase X1 17gauge and string it at 58lbs full setup. The reason I ask is I haven't had much luck trying to find a good tension for 18x20 on the two Head Youtek Prestige MP and Pro and I know you tend to string lower due to the tighter string bed so a starting suggestion would be helpful.

[mrmo1115]

Originally Posted by neil1b

I disagree with the comment as not as much control as the prestige mp. Here's how I see it. The prestige mp has control because of the lack of power it produces and what is required by the user. The speed had exceptional control WITH a ton of power. It you hit with less power and not as aggressive as a swing, the control is better IMO that the prestige.

I just think the Prestige might have a tad more control. I did say it was comparable but I think the low power definitely contributes to the control of the Prestige. The Speed is more powerful thus just a bit less control but its still solid. You get a bit of both IMO.

Originally Posted by neil1b

Those two sticks are very string Dependant. To answer your question,yes this is hands down the best 18x20 I have hit with. Granted I have not experimented with any other string or tension yet, which could get better or worse. I string racquets myself and knowing my game,think I dialed the string tension/spec to my liking and game.

The string bed isn't 16x19 like, its unique. It does not have the loose feeling that the 16x19 can feel like, but it does have the plush forgiving sweet spot of an open pattern racquet.

Try this stick period. Its worth the demo. It has great spin and pop with the control of the tight pattern. This is,for me,the shangra-la of what I was looking for.


Funny, my local store said head is already backordered on these.

I totally agree with your comments on the racquet. Love it myself. I'd switch but I still want to have more playing time with it. Luckily for me, I can get these racquets with the Head partial sponsorship package since I'm a college player.

[neil1b]

Originally Posted by mrmo1115

I just think the Prestige might have a tad more control. I did say it was comparable but I think the low power definitely contributes to the control of the Prestige. The Speed is more powerful thus less control but its still solid. You get a bit of both IMO.



I totally agree with your comments on the racquet. Love it myself. I'd switch but I still want to have more playing time with it. Luckily for me, I can get these racquets with the Head partial sponsorship package since I'm a college player.

Mrmo...... I can understand your points. Of course with anything...... Racquets and string vary from player to player......... But many people will love thi

[parasailing]

How does the handle compare against the Blade or PSTGT? I notice Head is not consistent with their handles, sometimes they are round like Wilson and Babolat and other times they are square or rectangle.

I am trying to figure out which grip size to get and depending on whether it is square, round, or even more rectangle, I can go between 4 1/4 to 4 3/8.

[Peter_G]

Picked up the Pro this afternoon and strung with my current setup (Lux Power Rough in mains and VS Natural in crosses). First hit tomorrow am and will report back with thoughts.

One thing that jumps out at you is the tighter 18x20 pattern than the previous Speed. Dig the new look and paint job

More later....

[Anton]

Originally Posted by parasailing

How does the handle compare against the Blade or PSTGT? I notice Head is not consistent with their handles, sometimes they are round like Wilson and Babolat and other times they are square or rectangle.

I am trying to figure out which grip size to get and depending on whether it is square, round, or even more rectangle, I can go between 4 1/4 to 4 3/8.

^^^

I'm assuming this frame is in line with previous Speed line 82S grip which is more round than classic 82 oval HEAD shape.

Can someone confirm?

[Peter_G]

Originally Posted by Anton

^^^

I'm assuming this frame is in line with previous Speed line 82S grip which is more round than classic 82 oval HEAD shape.

Can someone confirm?

It's the same grip shape as the previous model

[Adidas_Anderson]

Originally Posted by neil1b

Hit with it two more times this weekend. I was able to hit all my shots and here is my finding.

I AM SWITCHING TO THIS RACQUET IMMEDIATELY!!!!!

I have to say, I have demos every new racquet, except for the yonnex(s), and I keep coming back to my babolat due to weight balance and power I can produce along with spin. The downside is the babolats don't have the touch/feel for drop shots and touch vollley that I would like. Also, you get the occasional ball that would fly. The control is good,but could be much better.

All the demos usually produce better results in some categories, but not in enough for me to make the switch.

I have tested a ton of 18x20 as well as have played with the prestige mp and radical for many years.

I will go out on a limb and say that this racquet produces the most controllable power image ever seen with a 18x20 pattern. This racquet does everything phenomenally well. It swings with ease and balls are hit exactly where intended.

My hitting partner commented on my placement and depth of shots. He stated when I went for a shot the power was the same as my previous stick. Shots were coming at him with ample spin and hitting flat when needed was a breeze. Drop shot came of the stick with great precision and feel.

I am ordering two more for sure. I will keep my old sticks as I am a racquet junkie collector,but I am not looking back.

One more thing I would like to add, this stick has a very short learning curve. One or two session is all that it takes and you could play with it in matches.


I applaud head on this one, and hope they continue to listen to the player feedback.

Oh yeah.........the head shape has a little ovalish head shape, but it is not noticed when hitting. Nothing like the past dunlops-

This stick outshines everything in the head line including the radical and prestige pros in the power category. More precision than the mp prestige.

Grip shape is spot on, not rounded and not square.

Can you compare that with a prestige MP?
any similarities or difference?

[neil1b]

Just picked up racquet number two tonight.!!!!!!!



Here's the spec in grams in retail packaging

[mrmo1115]

Originally Posted by neil1b

Just picked up racquet number two tonight.!!!!!!!



Here's the spec in grams in retail packaging

Sweet... between the two quality control okay? If I switch I might send mine off to TW to match them all to the same specs as listed on TW and pretty much whats on the racquet itself.