Graphene Speed MP v IG Speed (315) MP

Ross K

Legend
Had the Graphene MP for a while now but haven't played loads with it and was so-so initially (something in the balance). Must say though, it is growing on me. Surprisingly APD-ish with it's high trajectory and slightly polarised sensation. Loads of spin here. Hits a deep heavy ball consistently. There's a certain crispness I appreciate. Ticks a fair few boxes for me.

The earlier slightly longer version - the IG Speed, I've played even less but I'm really liking it in a couple of respects... 2hbh stands out, and with this frame I find I'm wanting to go to my bh side the whole time. It feels a just a tad more solid and *traditional* to me than the Graphene, a little lower powered (sweet spot is def smaller), a bit more precise perhaps.

So, just curious to hear how other, more experienced Speed users, view these frames individually or in comparison.
 
I tried both and actually prefer the Graphene line over the IG line. I actually felt the Graphene line was more stable and solid currently using both the MP and Pro versions.

I was able to generate more racquet speed with the Graphene than the IG version.
 

Oz_Rocket

Professional
After a long lay off from tennis (13 years) I tried the IG MP 315 (16x19) and now have a Graphene Speed Pro.

IG definitely had the more traditional, solid and comfortable feel, but a much smaller sweet spot. Have an off day and the IG became my enemy very quickly. The Graphene has been more forgiving and I can have a bad day but still play well.

The Graphene definitely plays slightly stiffer and can feel a bit hollow but does everything I want well or very well.

The IG seemed very string and tension sensitive whereas the Graphene is more forgiving.

The difference in string pattern is a factor as I'm finding that 18x20 suits my playing style (long, hard, fast strokes) a lot better.
 

Ross K

Legend
Interesting Oz and parasailing^...

I need to play more with both. Maybe an off day with the IG will see it become, as Oz describes it, become "my enemy." At this stage I'm slightly preferring the IG - for the reasons Oz states, but, yes, can see the Graphene suits me too.
 

alpinenut

New User
I play with the Graphene MP. When I demoed it I was sold by it's damp crisp feel. Had to add some weight to 3 and 9. Once you do that it really improves the stability. Doing so really improved my overall satisfaction. Never hit the IG so I can't comment there.
 
MP definitely needs more lead. I put two strips of lead at 3 and 9 and two more strips at 12 position. This makes the racquet a bit more solid especially against heavy hitters.
 

Ross K

Legend
I play with the Graphene MP. When I demoed it I was sold by it's damp crisp feel. Had to add some weight to 3 and 9. Once you do that it really improves the stability. Doing so really improved my overall satisfaction. Never hit the IG so I can't comment there.

Nice way of putting it... damp crisp feel, yep. I've presently got a small amount of lead @ 12. Not always a fan of lead at the sides but may try it.

Another session for me yesterday and IG Speed 315 still edging it, maybe down to slightly more 'traditional' feel/performance and that slight addition in length, which helps to mark it out as a bit special imo. What will be key is to play more testing opposition - think that will help reveal if the 315 is more of a stretch (no pun intended) than the Graph MP, which I know I can play pretty naturally with right away, not least as I find it similarish to past frames I've used (APD, J100, 99s, etc).
 
After a long lay off from tennis (13 years) I tried the IG MP 315 (16x19) and now have a Graphene Speed Pro.

IG definitely had the more traditional, solid and comfortable feel, but a much smaller sweet spot. Have an off day and the IG became my enemy very quickly. The Graphene has been more forgiving and I can have a bad day but still play well.

The Graphene definitely plays slightly stiffer and can feel a bit hollow but does everything I want well or very well.

The IG seemed very string and tension sensitive whereas the Graphene is more forgiving.

The difference in string pattern is a factor as I'm finding that 18x20 suits my playing style (long, hard, fast strokes) a lot better.

I have to agree with this! I played with the IG Speed MP for 2 years then I got a Graphene MP when it came out, and I loved the way it felt, and after 6 months I got a good deal on some Graphene Speed Pros and I like them even better! The sweetspot is much bigger and the racket overall is so much more solid compared to the MP 315. I tried to switch back after one of my Graphene Pros broke (on a forehand at the infamous shared hole spot) and I couldn't hit the same.
 
The Graphene line is great! I can't wait till they upgrade the Prestige Pro with it, it's going to be a great serving racquet.
 

Ross K

Legend
The Graphene line is great! I can't wait till they upgrade the Prestige Pro with it, it's going to be a great serving racquet.

Oh no, another temptation (I used to play the Prestige Pro)!... :) I have an inkling 2014 will see some very nice Head upgrades appear.
 
Oh no, another temptation (I used to play the Prestige Pro)!... :) I have an inkling 2014 will see some very nice Head upgrades appear.

I never was a fan of 18x20 string pattern but when I got the Graphene Speed Pro it felt right. Maybe my groundstrokes got better but before I never could use the 18x20 racquets such as the Youtek Prestige Pro due to balls landing very short but remember how well the Prestige Pro was more serving.

I can only imagine what Graphene is going to do for the Prestige Pro and look forward to adding it to my collection.

I am a tennis addict and right now taking the time to sell of a few racquets in preparation for the Wilson 98S and Graphene Prestige Pro and updated Pure Storm Tour early 2014.
 

Ross K

Legend
I never was a fan of 18x20 string pattern but when I got the Graphene Speed Pro it felt right. Maybe my groundstrokes got better but before I never could use the 18x20 racquets such as the Youtek Prestige Pro due to balls landing very short but remember how well the Prestige Pro was more serving.

I can only imagine what Graphene is going to do for the Prestige Pro and look forward to adding it to my collection.

I am a tennis addict and right now taking the time to sell of a few racquets in preparation for the Wilson 98S and Graphene Prestige Pro and updated Pure Storm Tour early 2014.

Should get yourself posting on the racketaholic diary thread then... have a feeling you'd find some like minds! :)
 
Ross, here's my low down, so bear with me.

I first started playing tennis when i was 7yo. played pretty consistently during the summer seasons (played badminton and football during winter) up until age 14-15. Living in New Zealand, the weather is pretty unforgiving for tennis during the winter time. I was pretty good as a kid compared to my peers, even if i say so myself (won a few regional and high school tournaments during 1999-2004).

i got back into tennis in 2010 when i was 20yo and picked up the original white youtek speed mp as my racquet of choice. i knew nothing about racquets in terms of SW and balance etc and didnt know what poly strings were. i chose the racquet because i thought it wouldsuit me, it looked good and i grew up playing head/idolized agassi lol. i also saw that rpm blast strings were what nadal played with so i got my speeds strung up with that.

I discovered this forum shortly after and although I'm not as much of a racquetholic as some, i have been through an rdis200mp, rdis100mp, and the gold blx blade as my playing racquets of choice, the blade being my current racquet.


i originally got a bit of a sore elbow after a while and looking back it was definitely a combination of not knowing anything (stringing rpm blast at 57 pounds), playing and leaving the strings in for MONTHS and not knowing why the feel when hitting a ball was becoming more and more dead, therefore trying to swing harder/losing form and playing too often without knowing what stress i was causing on my body due to equipment. which is why i looked into the yonex rdis 200 originally.

bottom line, the white youtek speed mp was too stiff/harsh for me especially in combination with my lack of tennis equipment knowledge at the time re strings/stringing. the anecdotal comments on the improvements in key areas of the IG version compared to the original re feel/stability/solidity/FLEX/DAMPENING/SOFTNESS has me deciding to save up to purchase a couple and call it a day. its a struggle to demo here and racquet prices locally are twice as expensive as the US or UK. Yes TWICE.

i have no qualms about my current blade. the only negatives i have found with any of my playing racquets of choice were stiffness/harshness from OG speed and rdis100. in terms of playing you will adapt to the racquet you like/choose.

My playing and the type of player ive always geared towards is strong groundstrokes from the baseline. combination of flat and various spins, opening up the court from the back of the court, taking the ball early, crushing forehand and a solid 2hbh that opponents know is not a weakness, and good serve power/placement/kick. i want a stick that brings out the best parts of my game that i want to bring forward in games/matches. the speed was the best in this and that is why i am going for the new IG speeds when i have enough funds. i like the looks, i like the head shape/size, i like the length, i like the grip. stuff demoing, go for what you like. doesnt mean you cant try/purchase what you want (ie the OG trysis260 OS, austrian leaded/siliconed pt630 that ive splashed out on). ofcourse this is a highly subjective and biased view but hey, most things are on the internet, this forum especially haha

edit: not really whats normally replied on this forum re firsthand experiences/recommendations with a racquet, hope you get what im trying to say in terms of choosing a racquet that highlights your strong points and what kinda game you want to bring and a racquet that you just like/want as your main playing racquet. then feel guilt free enjoying being a holic on the side FOREVER AND EVERRRRR! best of both worlds
 
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Ross K

Legend
RE IG Speed 315...

I'm still preferring it over the Graphene MP but a few different stringjobs in and I think I'm definitely finding it somewhat strings/tension sensitive...

Therefore, please do pass on ppls fav set ups n this frame (btw, usually full poly user but I think I need to rethink things here).

THX
 

cork_screw

Hall of Fame
I've played with both and have went back to the IG MP after an initial test period. Initially I kinda liked the feel of the graphene. I thought it had a nice cushioned, dampened feel that pocketed the ball. But the more I hit with it, the more it felt a little loose in keeping the ball in a tight path. I thought the graphene did not feel as solid and felt like it was insubstantial in putting some weight on my shot like I enjoy with the IG. I was getting way more power the IG and a lot more thicker spin that I did not need to whip as much as the graphene. I felt like the graphene forced me to whip more at the ball. I really did not like it at the net. I thought it didn't have any control and the ball sprung off the strings without any intent, which is different than the control dig that I got from the IG. I also felt the IG's serves had a lot of bite and I did not get that from the graphene. I do think you get more directional control with the graphene, but you don't get that ball grab with biting spin like you do the IG.
 

Ross K

Legend
I've played with both and have went back to the IG MP after an initial test period. Initially I kinda liked the feel of the graphene. I thought it had a nice cushioned, dampened feel that pocketed the ball. But the more I hit with it, the more it felt a little loose in keeping the ball in a tight path. I thought the graphene did not feel as solid and felt like it was insubstantial in putting some weight on my shot like I enjoy with the IG. I was getting way more power the IG and a lot more thicker spin that I did not need to whip as much as the graphene. I felt like the graphene forced me to whip more at the ball. I really did not like it at the net. I thought it didn't have any control and the ball sprung off the strings without any intent, which is different than the control dig that I got from the IG. I also felt the IG's serves had a lot of bite and I did not get that from the graphene. I do think you get more directional control with the graphene, but you don't get that ball grab with biting spin like you do the IG.

Think I agree with most of your comparison. Find initially the Graphene has nice backcourt authority and feel, but once you're in the heat of battle things get a bit ragged. I find the 315 more nuanced. I also think that slight addition in length on the 16x19 315 gives it a special characteristic as well.

My qsn for you though is what's your fav set up/s? :)
 

Ross K

Legend
Proline evo 52/50 or 51/49

arrow - Hmm, an interesting one tip ^, will read up more on this this...

BTW, thanks too for your other earlier post. And I do so agree with/like this:

hope you get what im trying to say in terms of choosing a racquet that highlights your strong points and what kinda game you want to bring and a racquet that you just like/want as your main playing racquet. then feel guilt free enjoying being a holic on the side FOREVER AND EVERRRRR! best of both worlds

And this at the very end of your post made me chuckle. :)

Last edited by arrowtowntennisclub : 08-06-2013 at 10:54 AM. Reason: more helpful and makes my ranting more sense
 

alpinenut

New User
MP definitely needs more lead. I put two strips of lead at 3 and 9 and two more strips at 12 position. This makes the racquet a bit more solid especially against heavy hitters.

Agreed. I actually put 2 3" strips at 12 too. But the strips I initially put at 3 and 9 made the biggest difference.
 

Ross K

Legend
RE IG Speed 315...

I'm still preferring it over the Graphene MP but a few different stringjobs in and I think I'm definitely finding it somewhat strings/tension sensitive...

Okay, think I got off on the wrong foot with the 315 re strings, being perhaps unduly influenced by reading other people's string experiences with the 315, as well as well as being thrown somewhat by playing first full multi and then full Firestorm....

Dispatched already to the stringer I've got a poly/gut stringjob to explore first (another mistake?), but after that I'll definitely look at the obvious choice for me, Tour Bite... I actually think it plays awesome in the Graphene MP and besides, it's been my on/off go to string for a few years now.

Second choice would be Tour Bite Soft. Still never played it.

QSN. How low tension-wise are ppl going with their polys in either the Graphene Speed MP or IG Speed 315?
 
Agreed. I actually put 2 3" strips at 12 too. But the strips I initially put at 3 and 9 made the biggest difference.

Yes, 3 and 9 made a significant difference to prevent the racquet fro twisting out of your hands against heavy hitters. Lead at 12 helps with the serve as the racquet in stock is a tad too unstable mainly due to lack of weight but it definitely easy to generate racquet speed with it.

Okay, think I got off on the wrong foot with the 315 re strings, being perhaps unduly influenced by reading other people's string experiences with the 315, as well as well as being thrown somewhat by playing first full multi and then full Firestorm....

Dispatched already to the stringer I've got a poly/gut stringjob to explore first (another mistake?), but after that I'll definitely look at the obvious choice for me, Tour Bite... I actually think it plays awesome in the Graphene MP and besides, it's been my on/off go to string for a few years now.

Second choice would be Tour Bite Soft. Still never played it.

QSN. How low tension-wise are ppl going with their polys in either the Graphene Speed MP or IG Speed 315?

Poly main gut cross is a bad combo mainly because it's a waste of gut considering how expensive it is, the poly will go dead before the gut.

As far as string, I use L-tec 4S and strung it at 56lbs and it offers a good blend of power, control, and comfort. I wouldn't go too lower on the MP given the open 16x19 string pattern otherwise you will definitely have control issues.
 

Ross K

Legend
Yes, 3 and 9 made a significant difference to prevent the racquet fro twisting out of your hands against heavy hitters. Lead at 12 helps with the serve as the racquet in stock is a tad too unstable mainly due to lack of weight but it definitely easy to generate racquet speed with it.



Poly main gut cross is a bad combo mainly because it's a waste of gut considering how expensive it is, the poly will go dead before the gut.

As far as string, I use L-tec 4S and strung it at 56lbs and it offers a good blend of power, control, and comfort. I wouldn't go too lower on the MP given the open 16x19 string pattern otherwise you will definitely have control issues.

Sorry I didn't make it clear - I've gone for gut (main)/poly (crosses) @ 56/52...

RE the L-tec, I'll read up on it. Another new one for me.
 
Sorry I didn't make it clear - I've gone for gut (main)/poly (crosses) @ 56/52...

RE the L-tec, I'll read up on it. Another new one for me.

That should be a good tension for this racquet. I mostly use gut mains and L-tec 4S on my Graphene Pro and find it to be the best combo out there.

L-tec 4S isn't very popular because it's expensive and others have found better value such as Tour Bite but nothing beats the poly in terms of power, tension maintenance, and comfort.
 

Oz_Rocket

Professional
I'm certainly no expert, but my experience with the MP 315 16x19 was that anything above 54lbs with poly would amplify the dead zone on off centre hits. But for someone like me with a very fast and strong swing, anything below 50lbs would turn it into a rocket launcher on well centred shots.

In the end I found a soft poly like Sonic Pro 17 or SPPP 17 at 53-54lbs worked best for my style of play.
 

cork_screw

Hall of Fame
Think I agree with most of your comparison. Find initially the Graphene has nice backcourt authority and feel, but once you're in the heat of battle things get a bit ragged. I find the 315 more nuanced. I also think that slight addition in length on the 16x19 315 gives it a special characteristic as well.

My qsn for you though is what's your fav set up/s? :)

Yeah, I mean I really wanted to like the graphene. In fact, I bought it thinking it wouldn't be too much different than the IG and if anything it would be an improvement, especially considering all the positive attention it received upon launch. But after a few sessions I found that I really like the IG more in certain categories that just outweighed anything else that I really wanted in a racquet.
The IG really does a good one on you for backhands. I could hit backhands all day and it's pretty effortless. The IG just smothers the ball and not only does it perform well with outputting spin, but what doesn't get talked about much is its amazing ability to take on opponents who hit with heavy spin. It eats it for breakfast and just returns that energy in directional output.

Again with Graphene I really did not like it at net. I thought it felt a bit lacking in directional intent and it was a little loose. It didn't really feel that solid up there either. It just felt a bit insubstantial and popped things up. It didn't have that knife or that dig that the IG has, that I feel I can hit without effort.

I also noticed that when I was stretched out wide to my backhand, if I tried to knife a slice, it would feel like the racquet didn't have the mass, and it landed in the net a few times. You really needed to over exaggerate and put more english on the ball and it is a bit hard to do that if you don't have the time to do it while running for shots.

I will say I do like the feel. But I also liked the feel of the IG and felt the IG just felt more solid and like the other poster said, more "traditional"

Needless to say I sold my Graphene and rebought a IG after giving it a lot of time to see if I would change my mind. I hit really well and play with 4.5-5.5 btw, so to put somethings in perspective to how I like to hit and the types of players I hit with.

My setup is Gosen Sheep crosses at mid to high 50's (always experimenting with tension) and I'm not too picky about polys with this stick as long as I have a good cross multi that gives me some type of feel.
 

Ross K

Legend
Yeah, I mean I really wanted to like the graphene. In fact, I bought it thinking it wouldn't be too much different than the IG and if anything it would be an improvement, especially considering all the positive attention it received upon launch. But after a few sessions I found that I really like the IG more in certain categories that just outweighed anything else that I really wanted in a racquet.
The IG really does a good one on you for backhands. I could hit backhands all day and it's pretty effortless. The IG just smothers the ball and not only does it perform well with outputting spin, but what doesn't get talked about much is its amazing ability to take on opponents who hit with heavy spin. It eats it for breakfast and just returns that energy in directional output.

Again with Graphene I really did not like it at net. I thought it felt a bit lacking in directional intent and it was a little loose. It didn't really feel that solid up there either. It just felt a bit insubstantial and popped things up. It didn't have that knife or that dig that the IG has, that I feel I can hit without effort.

I also noticed that when I was stretched out wide to my backhand, if I tried to knife a slice, it would feel like the racquet didn't have the mass, and it landed in the net a few times. You really needed to over exaggerate and put more english on the ball and it is a bit hard to do that if you don't have the time to do it while running for shots.

I will say I do like the feel. But I also liked the feel of the IG and felt the IG just felt more solid and like the other poster said, more "traditional"

Needless to say I sold my Graphene and rebought a IG after giving it a lot of time to see if I would change my mind. I hit really well and play with 4.5-5.5 btw, so to put somethings in perspective to how I like to hit and the types of players I hit with.

My setup is Gosen Sheep crosses at mid to high 50's (always experimenting with tension) and I'm not too picky about polys with this stick as long as I have a good cross multi that gives me some type of feel.

Although I haven't played quite enough with the Graphene MP to form a fully rounded opinion here, I do have some very similar thoughts, and on the IG 315 I totally concur with just about everything you said.
 

Ross K

Legend
MP definitely needs more lead. I put two strips of lead at 3 and 9 and two more strips at 12 position. This makes the racquet a bit more solid especially against heavy hitters.

Agreed. I actually put 2 3" strips at 12 too. But the strips I initially put at 3 and 9 made the biggest difference.

alpine and parasailing

Just curious as I'm finally starting to get in the groove with the Graphene MP somewhat, exactly how much lead did you put @ 3 and 9 and @ 12? Also, what about grips/modding on handle?

I'm suspecting a bit of lead @ 12 is certainly one mod I want to look at, and I also have long-held thought it could do with being a bit more head-light (timing on 2hbh and slighly on serve not quite as it should be.)

Anyhow, yes, starting to slightly favour the Graph over the IG 315.
 
alpine and parasailing

Just curious as I'm finally starting to get in the groove with the Graphene MP somewhat, exactly how much lead did you put @ 3 and 9 and @ 12? Also, what about grips/modding on handle?

I'm suspecting a bit of lead @ 12 is certainly one mod I want to look at, and I also have long-held thought it could do with being a bit more head-light (timing on 2hbh and slighly on serve not quite as it should be.)

Anyhow, yes, starting to slightly favour the Graph over the IG 315.

I put about 2 pieces of 1/4 lead tape two inches long on each ach side of head and at 3 and 9 o'clock positions as well. The tape in the head allows for more plow when serving and the tape on the side is for stability when returning serve bombs.

I would also suggest adding a bit of weight inside the handle to stabilize it a bit more. I actually prefer the TK 82 grip over the TK 82S which is more round similar to Wilson and Babolat racquets.
 

Ross K

Legend
QSN. What h/light balance points number are people finding their Graphene MPs are at? I know what TT etc has it down as but just curious to hear peoples observations.
 

sovertennis

Professional
^^^^^
I have two Speed IG MPs and 1 Graphene Speed MP and use them all. I've added lead at 3&9 and to the top of the handle so that they're about 350g (strung). Sometimes I prefer the IG and other times the Graphene, though if I was forced to pick, I'd probably go with the IG because I seem to play more consistently with it. The Graphene though has a really cool feeling when you hit the sweet spot, but I tend to mishit with it more often than with the IG. I use TB Soft at 46/48.
 

Chewtoy

New User
I tried both and actually prefer the Graphene line over the IG line. I actually felt the Graphene line was more stable and solid currently using both the MP and Pro versions.

I was able to generate more racquet speed with the Graphene than the IG version.

I've got the MP and like it a lot, but curious about the 18x20 pro - please compare the MP and Pro.
 
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