Boss 100 sq inch frames!?

[slal1984]

Is the Head Graphene XT Speed MP the boss of all 100sq inch frames...????

I have been playing with the blade v9 100 since its release, which i thought was a fantastic frame, but then i went ahead and bought a XT speed MP 100 and daaamn, is this frame good!!!

Comparison (Both are at 325 SW)
------------------------------------
Power - Speed > Blade
Spin - Speed > Blade (most noticeable advantage)
Stability - Speed > Blade (most noticeable advantage)
Launch angle - Speed > Blade
Control - Speed > Blade
Flat Serve - Speed > Blade
Kick Serve - Speed > Blade (most noticeable advantage)
Slice - Speed > Blade
Volleys - Speed >= Blade (Very close, Speed wins as its a little more stable and handles pace better)

I literally cannot say the blade is better than the speed at anything. I am really surprised by this frame.

 

[Trip]

There is no single best frame. Only the best for you and your game.

As for comparing frames, if you haven't already, you want make sure both strung spec and string setup are as identical as possible, so as to isolate as much as you can on just the aspects of the frames themselves.

 

[slal1984]

There is no single best frame. Only the best for you and your game.

As for comparing frames, if you haven't already, you want make sure both strung spec and string setup are as identical as possible, so as to isolate as much as you can on just the aspects of the frames themselves.

hahaha....i agree, there is no best frame. This is what suits my game. It was such a smooth transition.

SW is at 325 for both.
static weight is 328 (Speed) 326 (Blade)
balance is ~32.5 for both.

String setup is wasabi/wasabi X
- Blade (52/50)
- Speed (53/51)

 

[Trip]

Gotcha. That's pretty close. The 2g static difference is probably not enough to account for too much performance variation, but if you wanted to try equalizing that without harming balance or SW too much, you could try adding 2g of lead tape at the top of the handle or bottom of the throat.

As for string setup, sounds like you've accounted for the Speed's more open pattern with a 1-pound increase in tension, so DT's should be fairly close, at least fresh off the stringer.

 

[talynen]

hahaha....i agree, there is no best frame. This is what suits my game. It was such a smooth transition.

SW is at 325 for both.
static weight is 328 (Speed) 326 (Blade)
balance is ~32.5 for both.

String setup is wasabi/wasabi X
- Blade (52/50)
- Speed (53/51)

it sounds like you got lucky on your Speed copies.

Mine had ~33.3cm balance and 319 swing weight. Felt very unstable against hard hitting.

 

[slal1984]

it sounds like you got lucky on your Speed copies.

Mine had ~33.3cm balance and 319 swing weight. Felt very unstable against hard hitting.

I bought 7 speed mp's from TW and kept 3 that were the closest. Strung without lead they were at 319 as well.

 

[Super Tennis Man Yes]

The XT Speed MP is my first foray into 100 square inch frames so I have nothing to compare it with, but I'm loving mine so far. Added a little lead to the hoop and it feels rock solid. Also, can't beat the price...

 

[slal1984]

for some reason this frame does not like/need lead at 12. i have lead at 3 and 9 as well!

 

[longtimelurker]

Been a while since I hit one. Loved it with a little lead at 10/2. Was not a huge fan of the cosmetic. The ltd editions looked great

 

[WNB93]

for some reason this frame does not like/need lead at 12. i have lead at 3 and 9 as well!

It has pretty low twist weight as is. Put it at 12, you won't do it any favours.
By putting lead at 3 and 9 you increase twist weight whic you apparently like (I do like it as well)