Head Custom Made

Federerkblade

Federerkblade

Hall of Fame
Head Customer service are adamant that the retail speed is very similar to the custom made speed albeit it one chooses their own specs

but the feel , hair pin and flex is the same as the retail version

However I have read on here users who have bought custom made and there dont seem to be many reported a more pro stock feel ? is this true
 
Federerkblade said:
Head Customer service are adamant that the retail speed is very similar to the custom made speed albeit it one chooses their own specs

but the feel , hair pin and flex is the same as the retail version

However I have read on here users who have bought custom made and there dont seem to be many reported a more pro stock feel ? is this true
Click to expand...

What does it mean "pro stock feel"???
 
you cant really say "pro stock feel" since most pro's uses old rackets from the past that arent in production as of right now. It just a retail racket mold that just according to the specification that you given them from the site that you entered in.
 
dr325i thanks for replying

a user posted this a few weeks back

The Head Select/Custom made frame is not a Graphene Prestige. It is softer, more plush. Same mold yes, but not same composition/lay up. It would be the pro stock variant of that mold. So you are buying the pro stock that are sold for roughly the same price (brand new) from people who manage to get their hands on them. At least this way you are buying directly from Head with some warranty.
 
i guess im referring to the fact are the custom made more softer/ plush as the new speed mp xt is stiff and i do not want that from custom made
 
the custom made is still using the previous technology compared to the XT that head is offering now. You could buy the Head Graphere Speed Pro (non XT) and mod it from there. saves you lots of money while @ it
 
Federerkblade said:
dr325i thanks for replying

a user posted this a few weeks back

The Head Select/Custom made frame is not a Graphene Prestige. It is softer, more plush. Same mold yes, but not same composition/lay up. It would be the pro stock variant of that mold. So you are buying the pro stock that are sold for roughly the same price (brand new) from people who manage to get their hands on them. At least this way you are buying directly from Head with some warranty.
Click to expand...

Remember, the pro stock comes lighter to start with than the retail stick, therefore, it is different. Adding silicone and lead totally alters the feel of making it "softer" when in fact, is just more muted.
It does not necessarily mean different layup and materials.
Example: have had an Original MG Radical MP with some lead in the hoop. Recall I measured the flex at 58. Currently have two of TGK231.1 pro stocks that are identical spec as my leaded Original but have silicone and lead mods and feel different and more plush. Measured flex is still 58.
 
LapsedNoob said:
Custom made is not close to pro stock from what I've read.
Click to expand...

I agree, I think it's just a retail frame that lets you choose a few small aspects that you can customize to your liking. In the end it probably plays just like the retail version.

Although it would be kinda cool to get the Speed Pro in a 16x19 drill pattern, which I think is an option.
 
ill share some messages from custom made


Graphene is definitely in the layup.

3. Novak Djokovic currently plays a Weight, Balance and Length of 330g, 323mm and 685mm respectively. These can be directly ordered via the Custom Made website”.

4. The RA value of Speed is around 63. Please take also into consideration that the RA value is +1 for a leather grip compared to a softer synthetic. Also the RA value is approx. reduced by 1 if the racket is strung.

------------------------------------------------------------------

There is no difference between retail and pro versions of the Graphene XT Speed…. They are both based on the same construction and come from the same factory.
Novak currently plays a Swingweight of 337.

The base Graphene XT Speed swingweight for a standard length (685mm) and un-customized racket is approximately 280kg.cm².

After ordering your racket online, it would be possible for you to send us an email defining your preferred swingweight and lead positioning. We would then do our best to achieve this, however, we cannot guarantee that some lead would not also be required at 12 o’clock to achieve your desired specs. Please also be aware that it is not normal practice for us to place lead at 3 & 9 o’clock as it interferes with the cosmetic of our Custom Made Frames and is therefore not recommended (lead normally placed under bumper and therefore not visible).
 
Last edited:
Interesting. It sounds to me like it's just a personal preference as to how you want your desired specs of a Speed XT.

Initially from perusing the website a few months ago and looking at this option, that is what I gathered anyway.
 
I can't comment on the Speeds but the Prestiges from Custom Made are 100% pro-stock frames.

All of them are based on the pro-stock Graphene Prestige MP mold and that it what you'll get even if you specify a 16x19 pattern. Both string patterns have a 20mm beam, an unstrung 65 RA (though it's possible this may vary), the throat shape of the MP including the flat piece at the base of the throat etc.

Additionally, if you specify the 16x19 racket, it's actually a different 16x19 drill pattern to the retail Prestige Pro, and if you specify a longer racquet length, that is exactly what you'll get in terms of a longer hairpin from factory (there are no parts 'bolted on' to make it longer for instance).
 
racket king said:
I can't comment on the Speeds but the Prestiges from Custom Made are 100% pro-stock frames.

All of them are based on the pro-stock Graphene Prestige MP mold and that it what you'll get even if you specify a 16x19 pattern. Both string patterns have a 20mm beam, an unstrung 65 RA (though it's possible this may vary), the throat shape of the MP including the flat piece at the base of the throat etc.

Additionally, if you specify the 16x19 racket, it's actually a different 16x19 drill pattern to the retail Prestige Pro, and if you specify a longer racquet length, that is exactly what you'll get in terms of a longer hairpin from factory (there are no parts 'bolted on' to make it longer for instance).
Click to expand...

Head says it's a 21mm beam and I doubt that they're lying in this regard.
 
Federerkblade said:
ill share some messages from custom made


Graphene is definitely in the layup.

3. Novak Djokovic currently plays a Weight, Balance and Length of 330g, 323mm and 685mm respectively. These can be directly ordered via the Custom Made website”.

4. The RA value of Speed is around 63. Please take also into consideration that the RA value is +1 for a leather grip compared to a softer synthetic. Also the RA value is approx. reduced by 1 if the racket is strung.

------------------------------------------------------------------

There is no difference between retail and pro versions of the Graphene XT Speed…. They are both based on the same construction and come from the same factory.
Novak currently plays a Swingweight of 337.

The base Graphene XT Speed swingweight for a standard length (685mm) and un-customized racket is approximately 280kg.cm².

After ordering your racket online, it would be possible for you to send us an email defining your preferred swingweight and lead positioning. We would then do our best to achieve this, however, we cannot guarantee that some lead would not also be required at 12 o’clock to achieve your desired specs. Please also be aware that it is not normal practice for us to place lead at 3 & 9 o’clock as it interferes with the cosmetic of our Custom Made Frames and is therefore not recommended (lead normally placed under bumper and therefore not visible).
Click to expand...

Its interesting that you can call them up to get customizable lead positioning and swingweight which aren't available on the website. If I was going to buy one of these racquets, even when getting one purposely light, it might not be possible to modify them to your desired specs. So, it would be nice if they had this capability on the website (with built in calculation) so you could really customize the racquet.

Also I find it interesting that the Head representative says you can get a custom Speed to match Djokovic's specs when Djokovic doesn't even play with a Speed. He never says he does, but it is kind of implied that you can order Novak's racquet.
 
dr325i said:
What does it mean "pro stock feel"???
Click to expand...

Much like with the WristAssist, you can really feel what the pros feel in every hit. I overheard one of the local Head reps at my LPS talking to his cohorts from Zagreb and placing a personal order for a batch of Austrian pro stocks for himself. Even a legit rising 3.5 can feel the difference. I'm going to see what all this ballyhoo is about for myself and will report back.
 
racket king said:
I can't comment on the Speeds but the Prestiges from Custom Made are 100% pro-stock frames.

All of them are based on the pro-stock Graphene Prestige MP mold and that it what you'll get even if you specify a 16x19 pattern. Both string patterns have a 20mm beam, an unstrung 65 RA (though it's possible this may vary), the throat shape of the MP including the flat piece at the base of the throat etc.

Additionally, if you specify the 16x19 racket, it's actually a different 16x19 drill pattern to the retail Prestige Pro, and if you specify a longer racquet length, that is exactly what you'll get in terms of a longer hairpin from factory (there are no parts 'bolted on' to make it longer for instance).
Click to expand...

The retail and pro-stock Graphene Prestige MP both use the same mold. The only difference is the weight distribution that makes the retail heavier. You can also get a 16x19 Prestige MP pro-stock.

One thing I wasn't sure of is whether the custom racquets were manufactured to the specs ordered or if they added lead and silicone to a hairpin in order to get the specs. Not sure why since it would be cheaper and easier to add customization afterward.

I would totally get a few 16x19 Prestige Mids from the custom shop if they were available.
 
15Love said:
Its interesting that you can call them up to get customizable lead positioning and swingweight which aren't available on the website. If I was going to buy one of these racquets, even when getting one purposely light, it might not be possible to modify them to your desired specs. So, it would be nice if they had this capability on the website (with built in calculation) so you could really customize the racquet.

Also I find it interesting that the Head representative says you can get a custom Speed to match Djokovic's specs when Djokovic doesn't even play with a Speed. He never says he does, but it is kind of implied that you can order Novak's racquet.
Click to expand...

It's implied that if you don't know any better you can get a Speed set up close to Djokovic's "Radical" pro stock.
 
The optimum setup would be the Speed, but in a 98" head size, and then get the specs you want from there. This is obviously not offered.
 
Last edited:
Hi Dr 325

I emailed head custom made to ask if the racquets custom made were producing were any different to the retail models

They told me they were the same identical..in terms of molds

They also told me according to them Novak's specs on his frame ...
 
Dr325i

You mentioned previously the positioning of the lead under novaks bumper ...

Can you confirm that for me pls... Did you suggest he doesn't have it exactly at 12 .... I can't remember but around 12 and hidden under the bumper and if so exactly where under bumper
 
Federerkblade said:
Dr325i

You mentioned previously the positioning of the lead under novaks bumper ...

Can you confirm that for me pls... Did you suggest he doesn't have it exactly at 12 .... I can't remember but around 12 and hidden under the bumper and if so exactly where under bumper
Click to expand...

I believe he has it all around the hoop, including at 12. He used to have a gap at 12 in 2011, but I believe he changed that.
 
Federerkblade said:
Hi Dr 325

I emailed head custom made to ask if the racquets custom made were producing were any different to the retail models

They told me they were the same identical..in terms of molds

They also told me according to them Novak's specs on his frame ...
Click to expand...

They have no idea what Novak's spec is. Customizers (P1) do.
 
What would be cool is if they offer other older molds as well tgk231 in open and closed pattern etc...
 
he Custom Made Graphene XT Speed 16/19 is based on the same construction (eg layup, string pattern, grommets) as the retail Graphene XT Speed MP. This is also the same construction we offer our pro players. However, please keep in mind that any racket customization process (addition of weight, e.g. lead tape or silicone) does have a minor impact on the natural frequencies of the racket and this could interpreted as a different “feel”. However, we would expect this difference to be very minor.

. Yes, the flex rating of Graphene XT Speed is around 63. The standard delivery time is 6 weeks however we always do our best to reduce this time frame, depending on the quantity of orders. Usually we manage to get the racquet shipped within 3 weeks.

The new Speed Graphene XT is not only a new paintjob, it’s an updated layup including Graphene XT technology.. If you order the current Graphene Speed, we will customize this one for you. If you want the new Graphene XT Speed, please wait till it’s launched to place your order

All rackets are customized with silicone and lead tape.

The strung specs you have specified below would generate a solid playing frame with good spin via the open 16/19 pattern. The resultant racket would swing a little heavier than our retail Graphene XT Speed MP, however this will provide you extra support against hard hitters. Additionally, we would do our best to meet your customization requirements including the use of silicone and lead tape away from 12 o’clock.

replies above are all from head

-
 
Federerkblade said:
he Custom Made Graphene XT Speed 16/19 is based on the same construction (eg layup, string pattern, grommets) as the retail Graphene XT Speed MP. This is also the same construction we offer our pro players. However, please keep in mind that any racket customization process (addition of weight, e.g. lead tape or silicone) does have a minor impact on the natural frequencies of the racket and this could interpreted as a different “feel”. However, we would expect this difference to be very minor.

. Yes, the flex rating of Graphene XT Speed is around 63. The standard delivery time is 6 weeks however we always do our best to reduce this time frame, depending on the quantity of orders. Usually we manage to get the racquet shipped within 3 weeks.

The new Speed Graphene XT is not only a new paintjob, it’s an updated layup including Graphene XT technology.. If you order the current Graphene Speed, we will customize this one for you. If you want the new Graphene XT Speed, please wait till it’s launched to place your order

All rackets are customized with silicone and lead tape.

The strung specs you have specified below would generate a solid playing frame with good spin via the open 16/19 pattern. The resultant racket would swing a little heavier than our retail Graphene XT Speed MP, however this will provide you extra support against hard hitters. Additionally, we would do our best to meet your customization requirements including the use of silicone and lead tape away from 12 o’clock.

replies above are all from head

-
Click to expand...

What specs did you give them for your custom?
 
The specs I discussed with them were

Strung specs and these were based on a leather grip and silicone too 16*19 pattern

325g with silicone and leather grip included .

I also said in don't want lead exactly at 12 and dont mind lead at 3 and 9

I said I wanted an easy swinging but solid frame.

Won't be ordering until the xt custom made comes out

325 SW strung

6pts HL strung
 
Last edited:
Federerkblade said:
The specs I discussed with them were

Strung specs and these were based on a leather grip and silicone too

325g with silicone and leather grip included .

I also said in don't want lead exactly at 12 and dont mind lead at 3 and 9

I said I wanted an easy swinging but solid frame.

Won't be ordering until the xt custom made comes out

325 SW strung

6pts HL strung
Click to expand...

Any thoughts on the specs ?
 
Federerkblade said:
The specs I discussed with them were

Strung specs and these were based on a leather grip and silicone too 16*19 pattern

325g with silicone and leather grip included .

I also said in don't want lead exactly at 12 and dont mind lead at 3 and 9

I said I wanted an easy swinging but solid frame.

Won't be ordering until the xt custom made comes out

325 SW strung

6pts HL strung
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. Sounds like a pretty sweet racquet. It seems as if it will be more along the lines of a "players racquet" at 6hl. But nice sw at 325. The other nice thing is that you should have some nice power without a 25-26mm thick head.
 
I may adjust it to 5.5 pts hl or 5 pts

I am going to tell them not to put lead at 12 but either side of 12 as I find it hard to control lead at 12 and lead at 3 and 9 although they dont like putting lead at 3 and 9

Alternatively I may ask them for a sw of 322 and put lead at 3 and 9 myself ?
 
Federerkblade said:
Is head custom worth it then based on their responses ?
Click to expand...

Based on their responses, no.

I would spend the extra $ on the WristAssist. This way, I know I'll be really feeling what the pros feel.

408324_10150545812818886_1560699981_n.jpg
 
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