I am curious about this stick as well.
Since TE and MW sports have it listed at 57 and 59 flex, respectively, it sounds like exactly what I've been looking for: a lighter, more powerful version of the old PT280 (flex 58 ).
Although TW has it listed at 65RA, you can tell they haven't actually measured it yet, because they list the balance at even (which it is not), and a few other specs are missing.
Anyone that has hit with this can comment on its flex and/or comfort? I just don't like the feel of anything above 62 flex as my arm is too used to flexy-noodle control sticks.
Thanks
What would you estimate the swingweight to be as I have seen wildly varying estimates?
Hey Dragon would be still interested to hear your thoughts no matter whether you decide it is the stock for you or not.
SW = 308
That's low isn't it? Still a bit more than old Dunlop 300g.
It will no doubt suffer ye olde problem of: poor court penetration, sometimes known as light-ball-itis. A bit of lead will work wonders no doubt.
314 grams all strung up - that's in the ball park, yay.
Isn't the paint jog the same for all the Speed IGs? I mean they have a few decal differences but majorly they're all the same yeah?
Hey Dragon would be still interested to hear your thoughts no matter whether you decide it is the stock for you or not.
SW = 308
That's low isn't it? Still a bit more than old Dunlop 300g.
It will no doubt suffer ye olde problem of: poor court penetration, sometimes known as light-ball-itis. A bit of lead will work wonders no doubt.
314 grams all strung up - that's in the ball park, yay.
Isn't the paint jog the same for all the Speed IGs? I mean they have a few decal differences but majorly they're all the same yeah?
This IG 300 is lighter (~ by 1 ounce) than the PT280, but the power level is much, much lower. If you're looking for a Head racket in the same weight range as the IG Speed 300 but with more power, I would suggest a Microgel or Youtek Instinct instead.
Regarding the Youtek technology, it really does work. When you swing hard, the racket does stiffen up. You might find that sensation a little strange. Also, I found that the Innegra dampening material worked a little too well in this racket and reduced some of the feel.
Hominator,
Since your ordered a 300 by mistake. Perhaps you can give us a brief comparison on the playability of the two. (300 vs 315)Many thanks in advance if you can.
Can anyone compare the 300 to the Elite - any further comparisons?
I know these racquets though are only just out so it's a bit hard to have tested them. They are only just getting into the shops in Australia which is why I ask.
Seems the 300 is more manouverable but may a little giddyup and go - lack power perhaps?
The Elite will have more pop due to thicker beam, higher swingweight, but won't be as whippy.
I picked up the 300 and 315 to demo this week. I also happened to play against the same person in matchplay, so I was able to compare the two under reasonably similar circumstances. However, unfortunately the 300 was strung pretty loose (both the 300 and 315 were strung with sonic pro) whereas the 315 was strung close to my preferred tension 57/58ish.
After hitting with both, I really liked the 315 better. It weighed in at 12oz with an overgrip and Sampras "o" damper, versus 11.3oz for the same setup with the 300. The 315 was more stable, hit a heavier ball, and felt more solid through the hitting zone. I noticed with the 300 on return of serve that off both the forehand and backhand side, there was not only a loss of power outside of the sweet spot, but a lot of twisting as well. Both had nice feel and created tons of spin with the 16x19 pattern.
I was a bit bummed that I didn't like the 300 better, as I want to move to a lighter racquet. Hitting with both of them was great, but the differences came to light under match conditions.
Got to hit with the new Head Youtek IG Speed 300.
This is a fantastic, light racquet player's dream racquet.
Here's why...
This is a new model in the Speed line I believe that sits somewhere between the full-blown heavier MPs and the Speed Elite. Frame came strung with factory Head strings - black, cannot tell what they are - at about 55 tension
Hit for one hour.
Wet courts, artificial grass.
Hitting partner is for four years so I can tell if anything changes my end.
Current racquet is a Dunlop HM 300g. Have mostly played Radicals.
Head Youtek IG Speed 300
Shrink wrap: light but stable and not overly powerful.
Wow factor: factor 9, Scotty.
Serve
The first thing you notice is the hoop shape, never seen anything like it, a mixture of the Head teardrop (Radicals) and the more rounded Babolats. It gives plenty of room up top. This is a server's dream. You get bulk spin and great oomph from the upper part of the hoop on serve. Balls were cutting away 2m or popping up after bounce above shoulder (yes even on flat serve). That's the spin that can be found on hard hit flat serves. The IG300 with a beam of 20mm just scythes the air without being too fast through or being unstable.
Groundstrokes
Very accurate, perfect depth, great dwell time. Very whippy for an even balance frame. Seems that at this weight the manufacturer/designer has to achieve a quite delicate balance of factors to make the racq work. It is light so there's no heft to get penetration, it will be more spin that does it, but the spin this YT IG300 imparted is so grippy and nasty that ball had real zip. Whippiness of frame also enhanced spin generation. I spent most of the night hardly ever going long. That hoop shape just catches everything and puts it back over.
Flat - it's the closest to put away power I've ever had in a light racquet. Middling the ball in the upper part of the hoop, in a very crisp and defined sweetspot was just a joy, and sent the ball very accurately into corners. Still of course had to work for points, sending opponent left-right in 6 or 8 shot rallies (all I can sustain), but that is to be expected.
Slice
Got some weird results. Wasn't really piercing the court, but that's light racq for you, not a Prestige is it. Sat a few slices up or left them short. Still got some great bite, putting the ball in BH corner and NOT going long, so getting the required up-down on a mid-court ball and putting it where it should go was easier.
Return of Serve
Not my best shot anyway and very variable results. Got some unexpected results from the d3o I think - eg. returns of serve could launch because the hit increased the stiffness.
Mid court
Scooping up balls and touch shots weren't great. Maybe the racq was a little less than stable. But certainly did NOT go long. The whippiness, grip of the poly strings, and resultant spin meant approaches or putaways were there to be had.
BH
Bit slow on my weaker BH side. I know the 300 is not heavy but it has some inertia. In fact quite good stabilising inertia for such a mighty lighty. It's doesn't flip flop around during BH shots and doesn't collapse over the ball, in fact it feels very measured and very accurate.
Paintjob etc
The Speed line is generic in its paintjobs, but there are some nice copper decals for the 300, and graphical linework up close detailed in the paintjob. The enamel appears super tough, with the gloss white head wear-guard adding to the enamel effect. Grip is one of those plasticy typical grips. Head grip sizes run small.
Hope this helps someone considering a purchase. I am getting it to own. It's a keeper and represents a high point for light racquets to me.
Nice feedback! Got one for the Elite?
Well I just picked up a 300 & 315 to playtest, so I will be able to compare both soon. The 300, like any lighter stick, will have some difficulties vollying because you aren't "swinging" away like at the baseline and need some mass from the racquet to get the ball moving. You just have to apply a little more "oomph" to it
I'm debating whether to get IG 300 or Bio 200 Lite. Has anyone tried both?
The 200 Lite is much lower powered
The 200 Lite is much lower powered
I used to play with almost all the Dunlop 300 series since the Hotmelt 300G. I was on the go for the Bio 300 when I gave a try to the IG 300 (for curiosity as I am not a big fan of Head racquets, except the Radical LM).
After some trials and errors, a bit of lead here, a little less there, here is a more complete review of the IG 300 compare to my previous ones.
The IG 300, yet quite lightweight stick is very stable (even without lead) and this is the main difference compare to Dunlop 300s. Even stable on hard returns.
You can feel the racquet softness from the first hits (I bought it before knowing the RA Index) which brings more speed to the ball in the way that it makes just like a "trampoline". Must admit, I am playing with Intellitour string 25kg, which helps. But was doing the same on my Dunlop. The thin beam allows the racquet to get very nice control without loosing to much power, I just enjoy it.
The 100 sq inch with the 16x19 pattern works greatly for spin, much more than the Dunlop but on slice shots, it has tendency to fly away a bit. Slice shots are the ones I am struggling with the IG 300 (I mean before adding some lead at 3&9). But if you are looking for a racquet that procures good topspin, with better control thant a babolat, go for it.
On serve, I don't know exactly why, maybe a more headlight than indicated, gives this stick a wonderfull sensation. My Brother who is playing Babolat PDGT (Roddick version) feels the same. You can hit flat serve or kick serves amazingly.
On volley, that is maybe the weakness compartment of the IG300. Compare to my Dunlop 300, this is the most difficult to get pace and I feel the 100 sq inch does not help. I lack control and I am difficulties for short angle shot. I think you have to be a good volley player not being disadvantaged by its lack of manoeuvrability.
Overall, IG 300 is just great for spin and serve, I also loved this for my one hand BH but it is a little less performing with volley and also flat forehand when ball fly away too quick from the hoop going long.
Last detail, I found out the headcap to be shorter than what we are used to on others racquets. Hope this post can help.
What is Speed IG 315? I don't see it on TW site.
it is standard IG Speed, 16x19 and 18x20.
Toshi, yes, indeed, I have switched from Dunlop 300 (4D version) to Head IG 300, just 2 weeks ago and I get more and more accustomed to it and perform well. Just a little word on the paintjob, it seems to make very little blisters on the frame but that is ok. I do think the quality control and finishing of Dunlop is better anyway.
Have you tried Bio 300 too? Was it an easy transition? I'm a bit worried about Head handle shape.
Have you tried Bio 300 too? Was it an easy transition? I'm a bit worried about Head handle shape.
The handle shape on the Speeds is normal, like Wilson or Dunlop.