IG Speed 300?

etd

Rookie
I didn't like it all, and this is coming from a guy who really likes Head rackets. It was underpowered and felt numb. The swingweight was too low for my taste and the stability wasn't very good. Perhaps this racket would play better with some lead tape.

I also demoed the Head IG Speed Elite (1/2 ounce lighter than the 300). I thought this was a really good racket in this weight class. They seemed to have fixed the flaws of the last generation of this racket from 2009. There is definitely a boost in power in this new version.
 

NicoHK

New User
I enjoy it much and I have never been a fan of Head racquet.

I used to play with all the Dunlop 300's from the best ever in this serie, the Hotmelt 300g until the 4D 300G (always with 6g of lead at 3&9 plus 10g at the top of the handle). I was on the way to change from the 4D to the Biomimetic 300 when, just by curiosity, I have tried the Head IG 300. This racquet has just arrived at the tennis shop and I decided to demo it for fun.

I was surprised that this stick appeal to me a lot! I thought a 645cm² was to powerfull and lack of control, but this is not the case and the sweetspot is larger enough to help you get the ball inside when short on the ball.

The IG 300 is stable enough to get plough through and the 16x19 pattern works very well for spin (even if I am more flat righthand and slice backhand). However, it misses a little mass on the hoop, especially for the slice backhand. At serve, it reacts impressively for the kick and falt serve as well but maybe lacks also a little bit of lead.

In conclusion, I do think this racquet is great for players looking for a more oriented control stick without sacrifying power and being confortable as well. A little bit of lead in the hoop would help get it more stable (this what I am going to do on the one I just bought yesterday night!). Will tell you more once I have hitted with the new setup.
 

bertrevert

Legend
Ah what would we do without the TT noticeboard!

Thank you for this feedback so far all. There must be a few of us interested in this rack.

I have played Dunlop 300s and Radical MPs a lot, and in many of their versions.

However I need a change.

It's not out in Australia yet, or if it has been then it must have been in small numbers (Head Aus didn't oder enough apparently) and with Mr Novak doing well at the Wells (Indian) they, being the lighter version somewhat, will eb in demand.

Keep the feedback coming

NicoHK I have a flat forehand and a serve that is still a weapon. I hear you about the hoop needing lead.

What would you estimate the swingweight to be as I have seen wildly varying estimates?
 

A_Instead

Legend
I was able to hit with it briefly this weekend. It swung very, very easy. Whippy is a good word to describe it. Didnt seem any unstable as others in the weight catagory, The upper hoop did have a flexy feel that some may view as unstable compared to a stiffer racquet. I plan to give it an additional look as well as the 11.6 version.
 

NicoHK

New User
I guess I reach my limits here, sorry. I can measure the balance, the weight, explain how it feels according to where is the lead, feel the stiffness of the racquet, the control, etc... but unfortunately, but I do not know how to express the SW. :confused:
If we consider the SW to be the subjective feeling of racquet's speed in the air, I would say, the IG 300 (naked) feels about the same as the Dunlop 4D 300 (according to what I remember before adding lead to my Dunlop). IMO, this stick will please many of big servers, at least it helps me serve better and faster.

I have been playing yesterday with my IG300 leaded (5g at 3&9 and 5g too at the top of the handle) and it was definitely better for flat righthands (more pace), and also, of course, a softer feeling. I am still struggling a little on slice backhands, I wonder of adding 2 more grammes on the hoop.

A last word, except maybe in terms of stability (or maybe flexy hoop as you say A_Instead), this stick reminds me the Head Radical LM 630 I use to test a lot, when I was younger, with a little more pop.

If I make some other changes, I will let you know and I will try to volley more to know how it reacts at net.
 

McEnborg

Semi-Pro
It's a pretty nice racket. However, like the Babolat Pure Storm GT, it is very evenly balanced--which for me, I don't like.

Perhaps some lead tape in the handle to bring the weight to about 11.3 or so and make it more head light-that would help it.

It does play a little easier then the Speed MP, but not by much.
 

JT_2eighty

Hall of Fame
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
 

burosky

Professional
For those who like a comfortable racket this is not a bad choice. The flex of the racket is quite easy on the arm. The weight makes it easy to swing as well. Since the swing weight is low it allows you to generate more racket head speed which compensate for the lower power the racket generates. It has a lot of control for groundies and serve. On volleys though, you really need to have good mechanics to be able to generate pace. I think the power can be adjusted though by using the appropriate string setup. I slightly favor the MP 16x19 version though because it has a little bit more weight. Overall, IMO, the speed 300 is a nice racket.
 

etd

Rookie
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


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.
 
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VeryVolkl

New User
What would you estimate the swingweight to be as I have seen wildly varying estimates?

I'm stumped on this as well. The racquet shows 320 unstrung, yet TE shows 313 and MW shows 308. I'm new to these metrics, but I would assume the SW would be slightly more than 320 once strung.
 

etd

Rookie
This is just my opinion, but a strung swingweight of ~310 sounds about right for the IG Speed 300.

I also demoed the IG Speed Elite and the IG Extreme MP, and both of them felt like they had a higher swingweight than the IG Speed 300.
 

etd

Rookie
TW Specs are up now

11.1 ounces strung, 3 points headlight

Swingweight - 308

Stiffness rating - 60
 

[d]ragon

Hall of Fame
I've got a demo right now. It's strung with HEAD SG PPS 17 at unknown tension but I'm gonna guess its strung in at 57 (middle tension)

Haven't hit with it yet (darn rain) but the paintjob of the racquet is rather impressive. I don't particularly like the design but the quality and finish of the paint seems really good. I just hope it's not like the YT Prestige paintjobs where the clear coating tends to chip/bubble up easily

Swinging it around, it doesn't feel too light but I can't say for sure without a hit. Bouncing a ball around this house, the flex seems nice and comfy without being too flexy but again we won't know until later
I'm not looking at this racquet as a serious candidate for a new stick so no high expectations or hype going into this demo; I kinda took it out because the demo I was really looking for wasn't in
 
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bertrevert

Legend
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?
 

Hominator

Hall of Fame
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?


Yes, the paint job is the same. I play with the 315 and I accidentally ordered the 300 as my third, and the paint is the same, except for the number (300). Unfortunately, I can't return the 300, so I'm stuck!
 

A_Instead

Legend
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. :)
 

[d]ragon

Hall of Fame
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?

Oh I don't doubt it's going to play very light, I was just saying swinging through the air it doesn't feel that bad but there's a big difference between swinging and hitting

I'm gonna go grab some lead tape today as well but I should note, if there is a more interesting demo in store, then I'll swap
 

JT_2eighty

Hall of Fame
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.

Yea, I agree about the Youtek. I've been using the YTRMP for a few weeks now, and do like this effect. The IG300 has a more headlight stock balance than YTRMP which piques my interest. I'm not looking for a power stick per se, just a lighter control oriented stick, with room to customize (in same vein as YTRMP), so that end result is head light and under 12 oz. Just 1 oz lighter goes a long way, especially coming from a 12.5+ oz setup. If the IG300 really is lower powered than PT280, then all the better so I can slap full gut in there!
 

Hominator

Hall of Fame
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. :)

Sorry, I can't - I contacted the seller and he happens to have the 315 for which I can swap. I got really lucky!
 

VeryVolkl

New User
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.
 

bertrevert

Legend
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.
 

etd

Rookie
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.


You got it exactly!
 

bertrevert

Legend
Played with the outgoing Elite (non IG) yesterday and did well with it. Really liked it. Smallish sweetspot for a 100, but just very good racquet.

There is at least one positive review of the IG update of this racquet making me think I want to try it.

Now i have a dilemma - the 300 or the Elite?

Am thinking of newer versions of both. Have the demo of the 300 waiting - looking fwd to that.

My 300g Dunlop is 325grams with lead and the IG300 is ony meant to be 315 so weight, so often a factor for me, won't be the issue.

I am determined to go lighter. The Elite might be the best in static weight but its swingweight is heavier (Swingweight: 315) while the 300 has a lighter SW of 308.

Surely it is this second measurement that determines how you'll be swinging this thing late in a third set.

These two are so close in specs I can only think, confirmed by etd that it is the manouverability issue alone that separates these two at birth...?
 

bertrevert

Legend
Ooh er got my hands on demo of latest YT Head IG Speed 300.

Seems an interesting hoop shape - Head teardrop + Babolat roundedness. With the 16x19 stringbed inside a 100 sq. in. it seems like great spin potential.

Thin beam seems nice and thin - wonder if it will lack power because of that or the hollowed bridge, or indeed if it will allow a fast swing speed?

Seems incredibly solid to swing despite low weight and low SW.

Is strung with Head factory black strings, unsure what they are...?
 

Hominator

Hall of Fame
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.

I have lead at 3/9 in my 315s, and it increased the stability of the hoop tenfold. IMO, this is a great stick to customize. Mine come in at 12.46 oz. With lead, leather grip, over grip and dampener.
 

bertrevert

Legend
Also, us Australians are experiencing the "cheapness" of racquets those in the USA and perhaps elsewhere have enjoyed.

A new racquet USD $200 can here can cost AUD $215 - with our Aust strong dollar and the warehousers here waking up to online competition - tennis racquets are now relatively cheaper than I can ever recall. For comparison just a few years ago a racq easily could cost $300+

An average-ish wage here (city) can be $1000AUD so the racq is a fifth of a week's wage.
 

bertrevert

Legend
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.
 

River

New User
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?:)
 

bertrevert

Legend
Nice feedback! Got one for the Elite?:)

Well I'm not as intelligent about racquets as some other reviewers :oops: here but if you can get the flavour of the racquet from my ideas then great!

I want to get my hands on the latest Elite too. I'm borrowing the outgoing one and liking it. I've not seen the new one to demo yet in Aus but I want to. Ideally I'd like to own both because i am absolutely sold on the Speed line - I am immensely enjoying the freedom and power of a 100 sq. inch head but it's coupled with some great inherent accuracy.

It's not like the 100 sq in you find in a Bab PD say. It's far more accurate.

Where does this come from, how do they make it happen?

I cannot seem to pinpoint whether it is the shape of the hoop or the strings. The Head teardrop is given some room to breathe in the Speed line and I get great spin on groundies (compared to Rad) or it then also imparts great accuracy on serves - anyway seems a good combination to me.
 

NicoHK

New User
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.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
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 :)
 

bertrevert

Legend
Nico!

[Aha copy-paste good work!]

Had a solid two hour drills and hitting session yesterday in perfect weather, so nice. Of course hit mainly the IG300, but also interchanged my HM300g.

So much more spin and putaway power with IG300!

The hoop seems to stiffen on hard hit shots yet the yoke remains a little supple and gives so much feel. I am now much better at scooping and getting on the tip so much more with the IG! That teardrop shape can really save you in critical stretches and on the run.

I love the way I can launch a shot and what happens the other side of the court is unexpected power and spin.

For instance we drilled down the line FH to BH and it being a short high shot I was able to get the ball down and up and then sometimes ever-so subtly flatten it out. So I was able to shape what I could do in a very narrow shot window.

I used to use the LM Rad (still got my Austrian-Czech one) the whole time, great racq, a true controller - but it gave nothing in touch/tough situations!

My LM rad was 325 grams, my IG is 318. I am at the ceiling of what I can handle for 2 hours at this weight. My swing slowed a little but I got additional power where there was none before.

I agree what you say about slices and volleys. But during the session I was at last able to dial in my volley. I'm not getting anything piercing but they are becoming solid. I think it's a little harder to find the centre on a 100 sq in. frame?

What setup have you got in this great frame???

ps. like the thin beam?

I wrote "Head Speeds have a nice thin beam (+ scooped out, thinner, bridge). THere was some discussion whether this means faster swinging but the jury is still out. It does mean a lot of feel when slicing. I think it does also mean touch shots etc work well. The thin beam stiffens up with the d3o so I think it remains stiff when taking on returns and when putting away balls"
 
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bertrevert

Legend
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 :)

Well this will be interesting, as I have followed what was said about the London (great thread!) and was wanting to pull the trigger on that one because it seemed to fit the bill in so many respects - however, what stayed my index finger on keyboard was the fact that there was perhaps a little more power n the IG300. I have used plenty of semi low-powered frames. What I need now is just a little power bump (due to advancing years etc!) The IG mixes a crisp thin-beam stringbed and yet has some oomph.

I find return-of-serve a real separator amongst racqs. LMRad, 300G, KTour I'm leaving the ball too short on return-serve. After that I'm not even in the point. The IG300 puts the ball on the service T or deeper all the time even when blocking or chipping. It imparts some afterburner spin that I admit my technique did not put in.

I feel like doing a diagram of the IG300 Speed hoop - and putting in red arrows pointing at the top of the hoop where all this action is put on the ball, it seems almost like cheating the way the ball gets grabbed up there and sent seemingly normally back and then lands and grips and rips. I think it is not a case of hot spots inn the hoop, rather a very uniform and even deep spin put on things. It is not just a spin frame - playing flat, steering, or going into corners can be done with accuracy and confidence.

I think you'll find it admirably stable for such a lighter frame. I got the wobbles once maybe twice in 2 hours. It has a steely presence in bigger hitting yet a lot of touch with the smaller angles. Look fwd indeed to your feedback be it pos or neg, cheers
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
I just ot one of these and was wondering if someone can give some stringing advice? Is this a powerful stick? Should I go high end of tension range?
 

Toshi

New User
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.

Are you switching from Dunlop 300 to IG 300? bertrevert and your reviews made me really think about IG 300.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
OK, got in a little 15 min hit today with the IG Speed 300 and am pretty impressed. Feels very smooth on contact...very comfortable yet firm, but not stiff. Tried it stock and it whips through the air VERY quickly.
Definitely needs some weight for me. I measured the swingweight and it came in at 310. I will try adding 4 grams at 3/9 and 5g's in the handle and have another hit tonite. I strung it up at mid tension (58/56) with a multi/copoly hybrid. Good power level but not too much. I had a little trouble getting enough pace on my serves, but that should improve with more mass in the hoop. Very nice "tweener" type racquet that's just a step down from the IG Speed 315. Seems like a great racquet for 3.5-4.0 level players. Only downside was how light it felt through the air. Was too easy to jerk the racquet around and swing without using your body. This was helpful on stretched out shots, but I definitely need a little more swingweight. Static weight stock was 321 grams. VERY easy racquet to play with and should satisfy anyone looking for a lighter tweener type racquet that offers a lot of comfort and manueverabilty.

I will report back tonite after trying it with the lead tape mod.
 
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NicoHK

New User
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.
 

Toshi

New User
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.
 

NicoHK

New User
Have you tried Bio 300 too? Was it an easy transition? I'm a bit worried about Head handle shape.

Ah ah!!! The Head handle shape was probably the most difficult thing to get used to when switching, really!! It took me about 2 weeks, playing about 4 to 6h/week. If you have liked the Dunlop 300, I work out you will get used to IG 300 quickly.

I have tried the Bio 300 and I found it quite closed to my old 300g Hotmelt and better than the 4d in the way that the one I have demoed was a bit heavier and more stable even without lead. For flat shot and slice, the Bio 300 is a real upgrade compare to the 4D 300. It was by curiosity I have tried the IG 300 and I am not disappointed but I would have gone from 4D to Bio without doubt if not switching to this stick.

I do not remember who told about the volleys that 300IG was not easy to play (except me), but with lead, it is now much better to get depth in the shot, definitely.

I am now playing with a Size 3 handle with surgrip (Babolat Pro Tour), Head Intellitour string at 25kg, about 5gr at 3&9 and 7gr at the top of the handle. I like it much like this, even if I lost a little speed in the hoop as a consequence, I lost a little pop on spin, but that does not bother me.
 
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