tennisislife4622
Rookie
Has anybody hit with this stick? Looks like it has some good reviews, but would like to hear more about how it plays!
Has anybody hit with this stick? Looks like it has some good reviews, but would like to hear more about how it plays!
What's the final verdict on the Ezone Tour? Was the weight and balance starting to get to you?Has anybody hit with this stick? Looks like it has some good reviews, but would like to hear more about how it plays!
For some reason I just could not groove with it and feel fully confident in my game. To be honest it didn't feel as stable as I expected considering weight increase and balance with the weight in the head. I don't think its a bad stick, just in the end not for my game style. The combination of weight in the head and the 4 PT hl balance was just something I really wanted to get used to but I couldn't adapt.... Great serving stick, and felt nice on my BH, but I could never figure out the balance on my FH side. A buddy on my team uses the speed pro and it was a whole new world hitting with it. Honestly it felt even more stable than the EZT and 100x more forgiving bc of the 100 sq inch head... To top it all off the 18x20 was tight enough so I didn't have to worry about slowing my racket head speed to keep it in the court, but yet it there was enough spacing to get easy power and not have to worry about launch angle like in many other 18x20's.What's the final verdict on the Ezone Tour? Was the weight and balance starting to get to you?
Yeah I was surprised to find little threads regarding the new speed pro it was a landslide better than the previous version. Maybe people are skeptical about so called "new technology" these days and having to justify the much higher price tag that comes with it.. This new stick is definitely an upgrade in both feel and SW and not just a PJ change like people may think.. IDKKCoincidentally, I just hit with this the other day. I’ve got a buddy who has one and plays with it stock, just an OG and dampener. I hit with it for awhile with Poly mains and SG crosses, which is a combo I don’t like, and I was loving this stick anyway. I’ve been playing mostly with Gravity Pros recently and I have to say the Head shape on the Speed Pro is just about perfect. The mains spacing between the GP and SP are about the same but the SP has slightly more open spacing on the crosses. More power than the GP if that’s what you want but it is still flexy with nice feel. Really versatile stick and has me wondering if I should just go ahead and order one to mess around with. Something about a 100” 18x20 just works for me really well. Perfect balance of power, spin, and control. I haven’t seen much discussion on the board about this stick but apparently it’s one of Head’s and TW’s best sellers.
Yeah, it is strange no one is really talking about it on here but I saw something a couple months ago that said the Speed line was Head’s best selling. Pretty popular in the college ranks from what I gather.Yeah I was surprised to find little threads regarding the new speed pro it was a landslide better than the previous version. Maybe people are skeptical about so called "new technology" these days and having to justify the much higher price tag that comes with it.. This new stick is definitely an upgrade in both feel and SW and not just a PJ change like people may think.. IDKK
I have also hear great things about the MP, the Pro plays perfect in stock form and im afraid the MP would be too powerful and need some customization anyways..Yeah, it is strange no one is really talking about it on here but I saw something a couple months ago that said the Speed line was Head’s best selling. Pretty popular in the college ranks from what I gather.
Same here man, mine should be coming in on Wednesday. What are you thinking for strings, I had Them do head lynx edge blue 17G 52 LBS.Couldn’t take it anymore. Bought one of these bad boys. I’ll report back after some play testing.
Couldn’t take it anymore. Bought one of these bad boys. I’ll report back after some play testing.
I made it a whole 24 hours, haha!Same here man, mine should be coming in on Wednesday. What are you thinking for strings, I had Them do head lynx edge blue 17G 52 LBS.
I have MP and Pro. But both play different given 18x20 and 16x19 patterns and have weight differences (pro +10gms in weight). The SW are about the same But the launch angles is what makes them different and also the 10gm weight helps you defend and have a good weight behind the shots using Pro. I customized them with lead, but with the lead I liked the pro better than MP. Although its 18x20, you get good amount of spin and more over better control over the shots.Can anyone compare the MP to the Pro? I wonder if a specified MP with lead plays better than the pro in Stock form
I tried the MP. If it would have been called an IG Speed I would have believed it in terms of feel. Was pleasantly suprised.
With the MP you are going to get better spin and maneuverability with a higher launch angle. If you aren't playing very high level (up to 4.5 NTRP??) tennis, then you will probably be able to rock with this stick in stock form w not many problems. I play mid-level d1 tennis so I thought the Pro would be the more stable and consistent option for me. I have no doubt a customized MP could play better than the stock pro, but I personally don't find leaded rackets play well with my game for some reason. Different strokes for different folks!Can anyone compare the MP to the Pro? I wonder if a specified MP with lead plays better than the pro in Stock form
Very well said, I think the 18x20 is just about perfect because its accurate but still very forgivable and user friendly. What customizations did you do with the Pro?I have MP and Pro. But both play different given 18x20 and 16x19 patterns and have weight differences (pro +10gms in weight). The SW are about the same But the launch angles is what makes them different and also the 10gm weight helps you defend and have a good weight behind the shots using Pro. I customized them with lead, but with the lead I liked the pro better than MP. Although its 18x20, you get good amount of spin and more over better control over the shots.
Very well said, I think the 18x20 is just about perfect because its accurate but still very forgivable and user friendly. What customizations did you do with the Pro?
Gotcha, thanks for sharing! Hopefully I can rock with it in stock form, but will see how it plays.thanks.
Pro is forgiving but more importantly gives you power whenever you push it for, you have to trust your swing and go for it, with MP you can maneuver a bit easily and generate power and spin i.e more user friendly at the cost of control. But among the two, if you can generate your own power pro is better. I am sure there are other threads that talk about the Pro vs MP. personally I felt pro can flatten out and can generate spin when needed where as with MP, flattening shots wasn’t that easy.
my customization: 3 gm total around 10 and 2, ~8 gms in the handle ( mostly silicone + small amount of lead). I tired it at 3 & 9 too, racket felt stable around the center, but for some reason I always like “the feel” when lead is at 10&2 ( may be because its further away from sweet contact point); overall the weight is about 340 grams and balance about ~ 32.5 cm. notice speed looks like it got some thicker beam in the top of the hoop, so I didn’t bother to try putting at 12. Hopefully that helps!
thanks.
Pro is forgiving but more importantly gives you power whenever you push it for, you have to trust your swing and go for it, with MP you can maneuver a bit easily and generate power and spin i.e more user friendly at the cost of control. But among the two, if you can generate your own power pro is better. I am sure there are other threads that talk about the Pro vs MP. personally I felt pro can flatten out and can generate spin when needed where as with MP, flattening shots wasn’t that easy.
my customization: 3 gm total around 10 and 2, ~8 gms in the handle ( mostly silicone + small amount of lead). I tired it at 3 & 9 too, racket felt stable around the center, but for some reason I always like “the feel” when lead is at 10&2 ( may be because its further away from sweet contact point); overall the weight is about 340 grams and balance about ~ 32.5 cm. notice speed looks like it got some thicker beam in the top of the hoop, so I didn’t bother to try putting at 12. Hopefully that helps!
Can’t speak to the MP, but the Speed Pro is probably the most open 18x20 I’ve played with recently.Thanks, that's helpful. I'm interested in both the MP and Pro and how open/closed the string patterns are is my main concern. How open is the 16x19 and how tight is the 18x20? Any chance you can compare the string patterns to some other rackets? Comparisons with the APD (2013 and earlier) or old PD (pre FSI) patterns would be super helpful.
Thanks, that's helpful. I'm interested in both the MP and Pro and how open/closed the string patterns are is my main concern. How open is the 16x19 and how tight is the 18x20? Any chance you can compare the string patterns to some other rackets? Comparisons with the APD (2013 and earlier) or old PD (pre FSI) patterns would be super helpful.
Can’t speak to the MP, but the Speed Pro is probably the most open 18x20 I’ve played with recently.
On 18x20 pro, yes the pattern feels like in between 16x19 -> 18x20, not tight at all, but you got both of the worlds I say.
Overall I think you can easily transition to Speed MP from APD
No counterbalancing other than an over grip. I don’t like my frames to be too HL. 4-6 HL is my ideal. I use Tourna XLs and they’re around 5g. I don’t know the SW, I just base it off feel and based on matched sticks I used to play with, 335 SWish is perfect for me and I should be pretty close here. I usually start with 5g at the 3&9 and adjust it from there until I like the feel.I have been playing with it for the last week or so and I am also enjoying it stock form, but definitely thinking of customizing as well. I have it strung with a full bed of lynx edge blue 17g and it does play a little stiff and not much feel so im going to try something else. I think gut poly would play amazing but don't want to hurt the pockets too much so ill keep looking. Villain, would you mind posting a pic of where you have the lead tape, I think ill add some as well before my next session. Also did you counterbalance?
Funny you mention that, I was serving great yesterday was hitting my spots very well. Def not as much pop as pretty much any Babolat or other open string pattern sticks, but this new one has more than enough imo.The biggest knock against the Graphene Speed Pro has always been - lack of pop on serve. But it hits great everywhere else. Maybe this one is different.
It’s all relative I guess but serve power is one of the things I’m really liking on this stick. Then again I mostly only play and demo flexy racquets. This and the Ezone Tour are the two sticks I’ve hit in the last couple years where I immediately noticed a little extra on my serves.The biggest knock against the Graphene Speed Pro has always been - lack of pop on serve. But it hits great everywhere else. Maybe this one is different.
Some updates please?
Shopping this stick today!
I just demo’ed a few weeks ago and bought one. What would you like to know?
I loved the Speed pro, wasn’t a lot to dislike, very solid, stable, access to spin and easy to dial it up and go big off the ground whenever needed.
the last generation 360 speed pro is at my normal SW. which is the pure aero VS 2020 - which I like a lot. But I’m somewhat interested in going toward a more flexible racket. With that said, the VS is likely one of the more flexible currency Babolat sticks - at 67. But I think the old 360 speed pro is 62!
Not one reviewer including tennisnerd could think of anything negative to say about it, the 360 pro.
yet nobody talks about it
and then the 360+ version came out. And everyone says it is soooo much better than the previous one. But how is that possible lol. Something about a plastic feel in the 360 version?
the last generation 360 speed pro is at my normal SW. which is the pure aero VS 2020 - which I like a lot. But I’m somewhat interested in going toward a more flexible racket. With that said, the VS is likely one of the more flexible currency Babolat sticks - at 67. But I think the old 360 speed pro is 62!
Not one reviewer including tennisnerd could think of anything negative to say about it, the 360 pro.
yet nobody talks about it
and then the 360+ version came out. And everyone says it is soooo much better than the previous one. But how is that possible lol. Something about a plastic feel in the 360 version?
the last generation 360 speed pro is at my normal SW. which is the pure aero VS 2020 - which I like a lot. But I’m somewhat interested in going toward a more flexible racket. With that said, the VS is likely one of the more flexible currency Babolat sticks - at 67. But I think the old 360 speed pro is 62!
Not one reviewer including tennisnerd could think of anything negative to say about it, the 360 pro.
yet nobody talks about it
and then the 360+ version came out. And everyone says it is soooo much better than the previous one. But how is that possible lol. Something about a plastic feel in the 360 version?
I use the 360 Pro and have found it to be excellent. I have 4 grams of lead at 3,9 and use natural gut 17g at 59 lbs. I play competitive 4.5 singles and sometimes hit with 5.0 players which is the only time I have an issue with this racket. It can still get pushed around a bit by real heavy hitters. Maybe a bit more lead could help. I'm really happy with the racket but have been tempted to try the Yonex Ezone 98 Tour so se if that has a bit more free power. The Speed Pro I find to be great when I'm able to be proactive but a little underpowered when I'm on the defensive. It's tough to find a perfect racket so overall I'd give this one an A- for sure.
Hit with mine for the first time today for an hour. Added some weight in the handle, none in hoop, strung with 17g Black Code @51. Very solid feeling, comfortable without being mushy or flexy feeling like a Blade or Clash. Good connection to the ball. Amazing volley racquet with a solid feel and amazing control, especially knifing backhand volleys. The 18X20 didn't feel too tight and does offer spin if you generate it correctly. For a bit I found myself hitting the net tape too often -- important to drive through the ball and give yourself a little more margin over the net. Flattening it out is easy and the Pro has ample power and I could hit higher percentage shots with more confidence than say a Pure Strike. Will be hitting the MP later this week and have a feeling that one will be a bit better suited for me -- a little more power and height over the net, with similar swing weight and feel. But the Pro is a keeper.
Hit with mine for the first time today for an hour. Added some weight in the handle, none in hoop, strung with 17g Black Code @51. Very solid feeling, comfortable without being mushy or flexy feeling like a Blade or Clash. Good connection to the ball. Amazing volley racquet with a solid feel and amazing control, especially knifing backhand volleys. The 18X20 didn't feel too tight and does offer spin if you generate it correctly. For a bit I found myself hitting the net tape too often -- important to drive through the ball and give yourself a little more margin over the net. Flattening it out is easy and the Pro has ample power and I could hit higher percentage shots with more confidence than say a Pure Strike. Will be hitting the MP later this week and have a feeling that one will be a bit better suited for me -- a little more power and height over the net, with similar swing weight and feel. But the Pro is a keeper.
The 360+ Pro is .2 ounces heavier, not an obvious difference. Surprised that you didn’t enjoy volleying with the racket because I thought it was as solid as can be with plenty of touch at the net also. One of my favorite parts of the racket is actually volleying. Regarding serve, one of the things I’ve noticed is while it doesn’t feel like I’m dialing it up, my opponent says that I do, not sure what to attribute that to.wow I got my demo today too. I could have written this post!
my normal stick is Aero VS gen3/2020 model, the best Babolat racquet on the current list!
element rough and prince control hybrid 53/51.
67 stiffness
serve is strong.
Strokes good, but I need to be fully committed or I sail one.
volleys poor.
the 360 speed pro....
demo had crap multi. possibly old string job.
62 stiffness
serve weak
Strokes better. easy to pick up and love, best first date evrrrr. plush, amazing control. easy on my elbow!
volleys still poor.
but I think I like it a lot! Took her home!
still, I am so confused. Miss my serve. What would you do with the strings, for me? 52/50?
I wish the answer was the updated version.
the 360+ speed pro got so much heavier! I wish it didn’t eat so many candy corns.
playing against a strong 4.0
I swing hard and through the ball mostly, with some spin/cutting.
and I prefer 318/320 swingweight, HL control sticks. So the 360 speed pro was made for me...
and it’s such a dream to hit with, like a lightning fast pillow, but still allows me to generate all the power that I need and want.
its light but somehow doesn’t take points off and has decent plow. I don’t know how it does it.
but I can’t get any free points on my serve like the VS.
The 360+ Pro is .2 ounces heavier, not an obvious difference. Surprised that you didn’t enjoy volleying with the racket because I thought it was as solid as can be with plenty of touch at the net also. One of my favorite parts of the racket is actually volleying. Regarding serve, one of the things I’ve noticed is while it doesn’t feel like I’m dialing it up, my opponent says that I do, not sure what to attribute that to.
317/330 swing weights
Really? Why im seeing it for 157 €In case anyone is interested, TW Europe has this racquet for 132,32 €, which is about $80 cheaper than TW US. It's about $20 for shipping to the US.
Really? Why im seeing it for 157 €
Would be instant purchase for 132.