BEST HEAD MP FOR A AVERAGE JOE
ChanterRacquet
Professional
Instinct! Most manageable swingweight at 320, lower flex at 63, normal spin friendly 16x19.
Also on sale for $149.
As expected, the Speed MP is out to an early lead, but with a swingweight in Blade v7 territory (329) and how reviews of the new Blade v8 (sw = 320ish) say it’s that much better because it’s more maneuverable, I don’t really think a 330 sw is for an average Joe player. It wasn’t for this average Joe (me). I passed on the Speed MP and Blade v7.
Now if the Speed MP Lite (also on sale $169) were in the poll…
Also on sale for $149.
As expected, the Speed MP is out to an early lead, but with a swingweight in Blade v7 territory (329) and how reviews of the new Blade v8 (sw = 320ish) say it’s that much better because it’s more maneuverable, I don’t really think a 330 sw is for an average Joe player. It wasn’t for this average Joe (me). I passed on the Speed MP and Blade v7.
Now if the Speed MP Lite (also on sale $169) were in the poll…
beltsman
G.O.A.T.
Speed or Instinct. Instinct if short, undeveloped strokes. Speed if generally proper stroke mechanics.
beltsman
G.O.A.T.
Speed is better IMO but that's subjective. Harder to swing but better control and feel. But not HARD to swing. Less powerful. If you can swing a racquet without short-arming it, get the Speed. It can do everything you want.
Raizu
Semi-Pro
Prestige Tour probably better for the average joe
guilhermefdc
Semi-Pro
That’s a tricky question:
- Absolute beginner average Joe: Instinct
- Truly average Joe, including beginners, weekend warriors, etc: Speed (the most versatile for a baseliner, which I guess is where most of the average Joes like to play). That’s what I voted
- Average Joe with several years/decades of tennis on their back: Gravity
I think both the Radical and the Extreme are more "focused” frames nowadays: the former is better suited for al—court players with a well developed game and the latter for the spin player.
- Absolute beginner average Joe: Instinct
- Truly average Joe, including beginners, weekend warriors, etc: Speed (the most versatile for a baseliner, which I guess is where most of the average Joes like to play). That’s what I voted
- Average Joe with several years/decades of tennis on their back: Gravity
I think both the Radical and the Extreme are more "focused” frames nowadays: the former is better suited for al—court players with a well developed game and the latter for the spin player.
beltsman
G.O.A.T.
Great post
Tbh Prestige MP ain't for a average Joe
It looks like a light racket but we'll see, the other thing is that the question was considering rackets that are already out not the ones for 2022
tegg96
Semi-Pro
The previous generations of Speed MPs were suitable for the average Joe but certainly the current Speed MP 360+ is way different to any other gen. The 330 SW makes it very very difficult to swing consistently for the Joe.
The Instinct MP is extremely maneuverable and a great all-round racquet that could be recommend to any Joe.
The Instinct MP is extremely maneuverable and a great all-round racquet that could be recommend to any Joe.
Thank you for a detailed post. Could I ask why do you think that Gravity is for more "advanced" average Joe? I am deciding now between SpeedMP/GravityMP.
Thanks.
badmice2
Professional
Another check mark for Speed MP; packs bunch of punches and takes the thinking out of your swing. Radical is a great control stick but lacks power; I personally have a hard time generating racket head speed on serves. Personally I play with the Gravity MP as it is the most well balanced frame for my current game.
mnttlrg
Professional
I actually really like the Extreme Tour for an average Joe.
And I think that entire list is surprisingly not great for average joes, for the first time in the history of Head rackets. Even the Speed MP, which is the best racket of that bunch, still swings a little too heavy for most Joes and launches a bit arcy / wild.
Historically, I have liked Radical MP as a safe Joe choice, but the new one is kind of junk. The red Prestige Tour that just rotated out is a very playable racket for people who aren't trying to bomb winners on everyone. Gravity is too underpowered and the rest of those are hollowed out junk, imo.
And I think that entire list is surprisingly not great for average joes, for the first time in the history of Head rackets. Even the Speed MP, which is the best racket of that bunch, still swings a little too heavy for most Joes and launches a bit arcy / wild.
Historically, I have liked Radical MP as a safe Joe choice, but the new one is kind of junk. The red Prestige Tour that just rotated out is a very playable racket for people who aren't trying to bomb winners on everyone. Gravity is too underpowered and the rest of those are hollowed out junk, imo.
