G-Speed Pro Review (in Progress)

[dr325i]

OK, based on many positive reviews, I pulled the trigger and got me one from TW.

First things I noticed:
- It came at 325g strung, which tells me that unstrung weight was about 310g. I am glad it came on the lighter side (see "customization")
- The gommets are "interesting" and a nightmare for a stringer -- the gommet strips are multiple pieces that click together. However, I would think they are hard to keep in place when stringing and one of "connections" on my strung (TW) racket snapped off and is sticking out. Still playable, however, looks like it may affect the string life, not sure.
- The Head is definitely elongated, more oval, however, I think it is different from Prestige shape.
- The string pattern (18x20) is very tight in the middle, and when overlayed with the IG Speed MP 315, mains 1 and 18 are about 1/4 inch closer to the center.
- The frame is visibly thicker beam than the previous generation and the overal frame shape (inside the hoop and other) is different
- I really like the new PJ, too -- clean

Customization:
In order to match my other rackets (Pro Stock of the IG/YT Speed MP with Silicone and Lead), I have added the overgrip and about 10g of silicone in the handle and about 12g of lead from 4 to 8. This made the racket 350g and 32cm balance.

I spent about 1.5 hours today hitting with this racket, serving and some net play.

Initial Review:

First serves are powerful and accurate. A good thing is that the racket has a lot of power and you can serve with 70% effort and still get a nice pop. It took absolutely no time/effort to get my serve going.
I had a lot of trouble with the second serve -- just could not get the spin and kick I get with my IG Speed. I believe the tight string pattern is contributing to it. Therefore, I had a lot of double faults. I switched for 30 minutes back to my IG Speed and the 2nd serve was no problem (for me, it was for the returner ).
The second serve was actually the main draw back for me so far, along with the volleys.

It was effortless to make the shots with this racket -- FH and 2HBH. I noticed that there is some spin but definitely less than with the IG version. I use Western FH, so, this was a hard part to adjust, and will take a few more sessions to feel comfortable with. The racket is powerful, my customization added more to it, so...
The racket is very stable and offers a nice sweet spot as other testers have mentioned. This definitely helps with the off-center shots.

2HBH did not change much for me as my shots are more flat than I would like them to be. G-Speed feels about the same on the BH side.
Slices felt nice, deep and low.

Altough G-Speed is spec'd at higher flex rating (stiffer), I (and my arm/shoulder) did not feel negative about it, with full poly setup. In fact, the racket feels very much like the IG Speed rather than the YT Speed MP that was stiffer than the IG. I would say the racket feels very comforable on arm. I was expecting some pain as my elbow and shoulder are sensitive, however, no issues so far.

I did some net practice today, but not enough to be conclusive. It felt like the ball was flying too long, and I did not have a good depth control like with my IG Speeds. I will do more net practice over the weekend.

OK, so, I will update after the weekend practice when I should put in additional 5 hours with the racket. If I can figure out my second serve (my serve is my biggest weapon as I age), there is a good chance I will be looking for a few more of the lighter G-Speed Pros, otherwise, sticking with the IG/YT's...

January 27th Update:

I spent additional 3.5 hours with the racket this weekend. I do everything well with this stick, I just do it better with my regular rackets. So, this racket is going to the For Sale Section.

To Sumarize:- Head has done a great job with Graphene Speed Pro!
- Vibrations are minimal (no dampener used), however, it is not completely muted and there is a nice feedback
- I am surprised with the RA Rating of the stick because it does not feel too stiff and did not give me any problems after about 6 hours (and I do have very sensitive Tennis Elbow and shoulder)
- The power is great with the racket, very easy to block the shots and effortless shot making
- The string pattern is very tight in the middle (oval head shape) and the access to spin is not as good as on the IG/YT Speed MP 18x20. This was the main drawback for me as I rely on my spin FH and second kick serve. However, there is more spin access than, for example Prestige MP...
- The sweet spot is nice, large. Very stable with the off the center shots.
- Excellent control!
- Serves are powerful and easy directional control
- My second serves got better last two days, but still, I was not as confident as with my current stick. Could be in my head...
- Volleys are actually very nice once I tuned them in
- FH is easy and deep. It would be a total monster for the flat hitters! 2HBH (fairly flat for me) was great! Slices are beautiful.

This concludes my review.

[El Diablo]

You've added nealy an ounce to the racquet and still call it "G-Speed Pro Review"??

[dr325i]

Originally Posted by El Diablo

You've added nealy an ounce to the racquet and still call it "G-Speed Pro Review"??

That is why I mainly focused on the spin/string spacing and comparison to the same weighted IG, and feel in general

[Tennisguy3000]

I just bought the Speed MP today, a little lighter with an open pattern. I preferred it over the Speed Pro version.
Here is the comparison chart of this years speed lineup:

[IMG][/IMG]

[dr325i]

Originally Posted by Tennisguy3000

I just bought the Speed MP today, a little lighter with an open pattern. I preferred it over the Speed Pro version.
Here is the comparison chart of this years speed lineup:

Thanks!
Those are STUNG weights, correct?
I am just not the 16x19 guy -- tried many times before from the Radical to TF to Prestige to Speed lines and I am sticking to the 18x20

[Power Player]

Originally Posted by dr325i

That is why I mainly focused on the spin/string spacing and comparison to the same weighted IG, and feel in general

How is the feel compared to your pro stocks?

[Bartelby]

Yes, it would be nice if people spent some time with a racquet before they modified it. It would seem to make sense to get to know the racquet as is before modifying it.

Originally Posted by El Diablo

You've added nealy an ounce to the racquet and still call it "G-Speed Pro Review"??

[dr325i]

Originally Posted by Bartelby

Yes, it would be nice if people spent some time with a racquet before they modified it. It would seem to make sense to get to know the racquet as is before modifying it.

How would I benefit from an ounce lighter frame than what I used for past 3 years??? Obviously, I would "not like it"

[dr325i]

Originally Posted by Power Player

How is the feel compared to your pro stocks?

I like the feel very much. It is solid, stable and does not feel stiff as the numbers say. I would say it feels very close to the TGK263.5, IG Speed MP 315 (my TGK263.2, YT Speed MP, definitely feels stiffer).
Someone has mentioned it feels hollow, I completely disagree, feels very solid IMO.

[Bartelby]

You may perhaps have an overly rigid formula for modifying a racquet that doesn't pay enough attention to the base material you're working with?

Originally Posted by dr325i

How would I benefit from an ounce lighter frame than what I used for past 3 years??? Obviously, I would "not like it"

[seb23]

What does everyone think of the Graphene Speed REV, looks like it could be a good racket for people that like to customise. It has a low static weight and swingweight so would give plenty of room to add silicon and led tape. Also its not as stiff as the other speeds for people that want additional comfort

[dr325i]

Originally Posted by Bartelby

You may perhaps have an overly rigid formula for modifying a racquet that doesn't pay enough attention to the base material you're working with?

Could be...
I have been playing tennis since 1979, and playing with the racket modification since 2006. I believe I have found a sweet spot for my rackets at 350g, 32 cm balance. Of course, the same setup does not apply to every stick, however, the G-Speed Pro felt just right with the timing. Obviously, other racket characteristics may require some adjustments, but DEFINITELY not at 325g static weight...

[dr325i]

Originally Posted by seb23

What does everyone think of the Graphene Speed REV, looks like it could be a good racket for people that like to customise. It has a low static weight and swingweight so would give plenty of room to add silicon and led tape. Also its not as stiff as the other speeds for people that want additional comfort

SOunds interesting, however, TOO light. I bet you it feels very hollow. I would need to add about 3.5 oz to it and it would just make it feel weird... Anything under 10.7 or 11 oz is too light even for customization.
And I believe those are strung weights...

[seb23]

Originally Posted by dr325i

SOunds interesting, however, TOO light. I bet you it feels very hollow. I would need to add about 3.5 oz to it and it would just make it feel weird... Anything under 10.7 or 11 oz is too light even for customization.
And I believe those are strung weights...

Was just a thought, can't say I'm an expert on customising rackets but I know pro stock rackets come very light and are then customised to the desired weight and balance so looking at how light it is I thought maybe it could give someone a good platform to work with

[dr325i]

Originally Posted by seb23

Was just a thought, can't say I'm an expert on customising rackets but I know pro stock rackets come very light and are then customised to the desired weight and balance so looking at how light it is I thought maybe it could give someone a good platform to work with

The pro stock usually comes about 20-25g lighter than the retail. That is less than an oz.

[cork_screw]

Originally Posted by Bartelby

Yes, it would be nice if people spent some time with a racquet before they modified it. It would seem to make sense to get to know the racquet as is before modifying it.

Very good point.

[cork_screw]

Originally Posted by Bartelby

You may perhaps have an overly rigid formula for modifying a racquet that doesn't pay enough attention to the base material you're working with?

Damn, nother really good point.

[cork_screw]

Keep us updated. For me the speed ig is near perfection. There's been a lot of hype about this stick and tempted to try. Unfortunately this is one of the coldest winter spells in the east coast, so ill have to keep my ears and eyes peeled for your generous feedback. Wanna know whether to transition or stock up on ig's.

Very disappointed to hear there's less spin. The ig was a spin monster.

[rlau]

If you had used the word "graphene" in the thread title, it would have helped people who are using the search feature....

Anyway, thanks for the review. This frame interests me.

[movdqa]

I'm with dr325, it has to weigh at least 12.5 oz for me to play with or else I need to change my strokes. If it's stiff, the light stuff will probably bother my arm. So I look for the heavier stuff, preferably already modified but I'll modify it if I need to.

So why are you giving this a try if you're reasonably happy with your Pro Stocks? Just playing around? I find that it is so much work to find something that I like that once I like it, I try to stick with it for a while.