Head Graphene 360 Speed Racquets

Roland G

Hall of Fame
pretty much the same analysis id give a speed MP (ive also demoed the 360). its like a thin(er) beamed pure aero. the lower SW is a blessing and a curse.
Do you add weight to your Speed MP's?

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Roland G

Hall of Fame
Okay, so. Got my 360 Speed MP in today and played two practice sets against a friend. Drew even at 3-6 6-3. First set I was feeling out the racquet, second set I really opened up. Lots of great shotmaking from both players.
Him: a classic, flat stroker with short swings and playing in the court.
Me: a modern baseliner who attacks with placement, angles, and sometimes direct pace.

Thoughts below:

Serve: Took me a set to adjust. Once I adjusted, I was nailing first serves at an 85%+ rate. Probably a fluke. Not many aces, but a few. It's got good pace but not super fast. Spinny but not super spinny. It seems good to very good on serve. I'll give it a 7.5/10. Note: my serve technique is wildly inconsistent and isn't that great. Take this with a grain of salt.

FH: This is where it shined. It was super fast and allowed me to hit flat or with massive spin. I hit some obscene angles and generated some very nice pace. FH was my favorite shot with the 360 SpMP. I could take massive cuts at the ball and keep it in. Control was very good. Inside-in FH was a dream. DTL FH was a dream. The FH is what really caught the glimmer of my eye. Only drawback was a lack of weight of shot if you didn't hit through the ball. I was surprised by the ability to hit either flat or with Aero-like topspin. 9.5/10. Only -.5 because it didn't plow through the ball on its own. But if it did, I'm sure it wouldn't swing fast.

Topspin BH: I have a 1HBH. It was good. Not great, but good. I definitely suffered from the lack of mass. When I was able to get the RHS up, I hit some very nice shots and some obscene angles. I have no complaints here, because when dealing with a heavy shot to my BH, I opt for slice. 7.5/10

Slice BH: Just okay, average. The lack of weight and swingweight shows here. So does the open pattern. The ball comes off at a higher launch angle and floats. It doesn't knife. It is also unstable on chip returns. When I really concentrated, I could hit good slices. But I found myself trying hard to run around my BH to hit FHs. 6/10

Net: I don't get up there much, but when I did, it was okay. It did the job. 7.5/10

ROS: I struggled here. I normally chip returns. My chip returns were having major issues due to the lack of weight and SW. Once I started taking cuts at the ball, things went much better. My takeaway is that you have to swing on your ROS to make this racquet work. Chip return: 4/10. Swinging return: 7/10.

Feel/touch: Feel was pretty muted. Not a ton of feedback. Botched a few drop shots but hit a couple nice ones later on. This isn't a feel racquet but it's okay. Not terrible, not bad. 5/10.

Aesthetics: 10/10. Beautiful racquet. Looks even better in person. It has some very subtle elements that don't come across in pictures. I love the look.

Overall it's a unique racquet. I haven't hit with anything like it before (I've never hit with a Speed). I really enjoyed it though. My ratings might seem harsh, but take it with a grain of salt because of my play style and how much I suck. If you enjoy playing as a creative baseliner striker then this racquet is for you. It gives you a world of options from the baseline and performs adequately at everything else. I am a creative baseliner, so this is right up my alley.

I think this is what the Volkl 8 line should (is supposed?) to be. A fast-swinging racquet that lets baseliners do more than aim for big targets and grind. It is a baseline-striker racquet.

@Backhanded Compliment is right on with his detailed reviews in the other thread.

Edit: I'll be switching to this racquet for now (from my Pro Staff 97. I'm looking for a racquet that is easier to swing and hit targets with).
Glad you found your new frame!

What was the string and tension you used?

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beltsman

G.O.A.T.
Glad you found your new frame!

What was the string and tension you used?

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51 lbs Hyper-G 16 mains
57 Babolat Xcel 16 crosses

I prefer Origin to Xcel but they perform similarly.

I won't call it my new frame yet until I've played with it more, but I like it. Well I see how it goes after the honeymoon period
 

Djokovicfan

Professional
Demo’d the new graphene 360 speed s today.
In so many words, it didnt impress me as much as my graphene touch speed s. The consistency i had with my touch speed s disappeared when i tried the new 360 speed s. Weight balance was also less comfy.
Its weird that racquet companies dont simply continue to sell the best racquets they made in the past. Just let people play with djokovics real baseball bat. If they buy it who knows, maybe they will become great players.
 
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bertrevert

Legend
OK for a week or two now have been switched to the Head Graphene 360 Speed MP

Just the other day swapped for a moment with friend's kBlade 98 and was reminded how soft and heavy those Blades are/were and now how different is the racq I have gravitated towards.

From get-go felt the Speed 360 MP might be right for me.

I have a live wire arm, play with a lot of spin, not drive, and hit a light-ish ball if not aided by the racquet.

So have been looking for a bigger stringbed, sweeter sweetspot, wider beam, added power, but still manouverable.

Most recent 6-month flip-flop has been between Graphene XT Rad and 2015 Bab PD. Neither worked. Not enough weight behind ball with the thin beam Rad, serve pin-sharp but lacked plow. Flip. The Bab PD is a serve monster, but I lagged on groundies so often - and shot late, shot long. No touch. Volleys not hot. Flop.

So the Speed 360 MP fills that gap between having control and some power to tap.

It is a light and stiff racquet that doesn't feel like that, and start middling the ball for decent crunch.

It's bigger teardrop hoop provide lotsa get-out-of-jail flicks and bunts and glances crucial in face-to-face doubles. It swings fast (5g under buttcap).

In singles, swingout on RoS and land the ball just inside the lines.

Definitely comfortable, as I have had TE, and am fine so far. Not butter like the Blade, but not jarring which is the usual problem in this category.

Real surprise packet this racquet so far...
 

bertrevert

Legend
I think this is what the Volkl 8 line should (is supposed?) to be. A fast-swinging racquet that lets baseliners do more than aim for big targets and grind. It is a baseline-striker racquet.

@Backhanded Compliment is right on with his detailed reviews in the other thread.

Think you might be right about this. And agree ref to review by BHC in other thread, link:
BHC in the Tennis Warehouse: Head Graphene 360 Speed (Pro, MP, S) Playtest

A friend with the Volkl 8 a few years back was wiry and fast baseliner. He, like me, needed some added power, a bit of boost. It's a bit hard to explain this category of racquet. Some players stand still, hit Eastern, and deliver flat low blows. Some players hit more athletically open with a Western grip. I know that's a bald comparison (sorry, like drawing a mud map with words). Then there are some players who run a lot but when they get to the ball they hit light, they are more like mosquitos buzzing and stinging. Like a player like from a decade back - Davydenko?

Ok not great comparisons but I think the Speed 360 MP if for that fast baseliner buzzing game. It swings fast, you can make mcuh better defence and while it might lack a bit of putaway clobber nevertheless it delivers death by a thousand cuts, er, a bit quicker than that. It has some point and shoot capabilities. Yes perhaps best way to describe it is for attacking baseline play...
 
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beltsman

G.O.A.T.
Think you might be right about this. And agree ref to review by BHC in other thread, link:
BHC in the Tennis Warehouse: Head Graphene 360 Speed (Pro, MP, S) Playtest

A friend with the Volkl 8 a few years back was wiry and fast baseliner. He, like me, needed some added power, a bit of boost. It's a bit hard to explain this category of racquet. Some players stand still, hit Eastern, and deliver flat low blows. Some players hit more athletically open with a Western grip. I know that's a bald comparison (sorry, like drawing a mud map with words). Then there are some players who run a lot but when they get to the ball they hit light, they are more like mosquitos buzzing and stinging. Like a player like from a decade back - Davydenko?

Ok not great comparisons but I think the Speed 360 MP if for that fast baseliner buzzing game. It swings fast, you can make mcuh better defence and while it might lack a bit of putaway clobber nevertheless it delivers death by a thousand cuts, er, a bit quicker than that. It has some point and shoot capabilities. Yes perhaps best way to describe it is for attacking baseline play...

Yes definitely. I would classify it as a baseline striker's racquet. It allows creative offense from the baseline. As @Backhanded Compliment said, it allows you to play and shape with spin. But it has great control even with the access to the spin, and can hit flat.
 
Think you might be right about this. And agree ref to review by BHC in other thread, link:
BHC in the Tennis Warehouse: Head Graphene 360 Speed (Pro, MP, S) Playtest

A friend with the Volkl 8 a few years back was wiry and fast baseliner. He, like me, needed some added power, a bit of boost. It's a bit hard to explain this category of racquet. Some players stand still, hit Eastern, and deliver flat low blows. Some players hit more athletically open with a Western grip. I know that's a bald comparison (sorry, like drawing a mud map with words). Then there are some players who run a lot but when they get to the ball they hit light, they are more like mosquitos buzzing and stinging. Like a player like from a decade back - Davydenko?

Ok not great comparisons but I think the Speed 360 MP if for that fast baseliner buzzing game. It swings fast, you can make mcuh better defence and while it might lack a bit of putaway clobber nevertheless it delivers death by a thousand cuts, er, a bit quicker than that. It has some point and shoot capabilities. Yes perhaps best way to describe it is for attacking baseline play...
thanks... after putting a tiny amount of lead at 12 and a lot more right underneath the butt cap I found that I could really hit huge winners with that stick...so its got clobbering potential... I play with the TC 95 at 12.63 oz... and this stick is a lot more about whipping the ball up the angell kind of clobbers the ball in a more traditionally solid way... it requires a more relaxed swing.... whereas this new speed MP really is all about amping up the racquet head speed
 

bertrevert

Legend
clobbering potential...

It has got that hasn't it. Surprising in such light racq.

Makes good kaboom on impact too.

What is that some people look for in a car, the exhaust note?

Maybe the closest tennis players get to that is ... impact note!

Decent thwack-boom.

For a lighter stiffer racquet this has to have about the best shielding, dampener-proofing I've ever come across. Usually heavy and soft reduces vibration. However I have no idea what is achieving the feat in this one.

Btw, any comparisons?

The closest I can compare it to is the BLX Pro Open from a bit back.

I went well with that racq and still have it in my bag for eventualities.
 
It has got that hasn't it. Surprising in such light racq.

Makes good kaboom on impact too.

What is that some people look for in a car, the exhaust note?

Maybe the closest tennis players get to that is ... impact note!

Decent thwack-boom.

For a lighter stiffer racquet this has to have about the best shielding, dampener-proofing I've ever come across. Usually heavy and soft reduces vibration. However I have no idea what is achieving the feat in this one.

Btw, any comparisons?

The closest I can compare it to is the BLX Pro Open from a bit back.

I went well with that racq and still have it in my bag for eventualities.
slightly like the dunlop biomimetic 300 tour with more headsize, faster, spinnier, lighter and more comfort... less precision but only a little less. Doesnt compare with anything much, cept a better pure strike and even then? i think its a nice stick for a Shapavolov, theim or zverev kind of player. young and gutzy baseliners.... great for punishing and eliciting short balls
 
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beltsman

G.O.A.T.
slightly like the dunlop biomimetic 300 tour with more headsize, faster, spinnier, lighter and more comfort... less precision but only a little less. Doesnt compare with anything much, cept a better pure strike and even then? i think its a nice stick for a Shapavolov, theim or zverev kind of player. young and gutzy baseliners.... great for punishing and eliciting short balls

I think gutsy/creative baseline racquet is the perfect description. It doesn't blast balls up and off the court like the PD/Aero/Extreme/Burn/Ultra/etc., but it allows for more creativity and control. But, it's not a finesse racquet or an all-court racquet (although it's fine at the net). It's sort of a unique place.

Various control frames<-----Pure Strike-----Pro Staff 97-----360 Speed MP----------Pure Drive-----Pure Aero----->various OS frames

My sliding scale from "player" frame to "tweener" drame. But frankly those terms are outdated.
 

ccmtennis

Semi-Pro
Think you might be right about this. And agree ref to review by BHC in other thread, link:
BHC in the Tennis Warehouse: Head Graphene 360 Speed (Pro, MP, S) Playtest

A friend with the Volkl 8 a few years back was wiry and fast baseliner. He, like me, needed some added power, a bit of boost. It's a bit hard to explain this category of racquet. Some players stand still, hit Eastern, and deliver flat low blows. Some players hit more athletically open with a Western grip. I know that's a bald comparison (sorry, like drawing a mud map with words). Then there are some players who run a lot but when they get to the ball they hit light, they are more like mosquitos buzzing and stinging. Like a player like from a decade back - Davydenko?

Ok not great comparisons but I think the Speed 360 MP if for that fast baseliner buzzing game. It swings fast, you can make mcuh better defence and while it might lack a bit of putaway clobber nevertheless it delivers death by a thousand cuts, er, a bit quicker than that. It has some point and shoot capabilities. Yes perhaps best way to describe it is for attacking baseline play...

I agree with this comparison but actually on their heavier line. I have used extensively the Volkl super G 315 and now have switched to the 360 speed pro. Very similar racket in some sense except for net clearance and volleys. The Super g 315 is a baseliner's dream... awesome all around racket and gives you a good mix of power and control and the ability to simply go from offense to defense in 1 shot. Major issues for me was the lack of touch volleys for me as I play a lot of 4.5 doubles now and less singles. The net clearance is also a lot higher. The 360 pro drives the ball with less net clearance and pop but rewards with superb touch at the net. I just wish the volkl super g line had a 16x19 instead of a 16x18 and I think it would have helped with touch shots better. I also tried the new line with v feel and its super stiff, hated it
 

beltsman

G.O.A.T.
Had another practice match with the Speed MP. Hit my best forehands in years. This thing is a FH machine. Winners left and right. The spin and control is magnificent. I could hit out on balls inside the court with full confidence.

This racquet encourages slashing and striking play.
 
51 lbs Hyper-G 16 mains
57 Babolat Xcel 16 crosses

I prefer Origin to Xcel but they perform similarly.

I won't call it my new frame yet until I've played with it more, but I like it. Well I see how it goes after the honeymoon period

How does Xcel do with Hyper G? Does the Hyper G eat right through it? I have always wanted to try this combo but been hesitate because I thought the Hyper G would eat right through the Xcel given it is a fairly soft strong.
 

beltsman

G.O.A.T.
How does Xcel do with Hyper G? Does the Hyper G eat right through it? I have always wanted to try this combo but been hesitate because I thought the Hyper G would eat right through the Xcel given it is a fairly soft strong.

I only have a few hours on kt. I can see the Hyper-G eating through. The Hyper-G gets stuck out of position. It feels and plays well though. Not sure if I like it better than Origin.
 

rjp1977

Rookie
My demo has arrived today and I'm looking forward to comparing it to my XT Speed MP's. I didn't really care for the Touch version so hoping for a good run out.
 
Do you add weight to your Speed MP's?

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a little at 12:00 and more in the handle for the MP really opened things up for advanced risk takers...

Had another practice match with the Speed MP. Hit my best forehands in years. This thing is a FH machine. Winners left and right. The spin and control is magnificent. I could hit out on balls inside the court with full confidence.

This racquet encourages slashing and striking play.

aye aye Beltsman and shiver me timbers... it is fun to swing out with aint it?
 

Rhcp128

New User
Anybody tried both the MP and the Pro? I had some experience with the previous touch Pro and that was a very buttery racquet. I wanted to try the new line but with a slightly lighter package, so went for the MP. After two games my arm is super sore, it really doesn’t play like a flex 63, but much stiffer. I was wondering whether the 360 Pro plays as stiff as well?
 

bertrevert

Legend
Let's recap/regroup - what's your month or so of impressions amount to?

I feel I am starting to get a hook on it's how/why.

As you know it's light, fast, responsive.

But also, somewhat unusually, it's comfortable, gets some/enough plow-thru, and has characteristic whip.

It's very different using this compared to softer HL racquets that have heavy buttery feel. Say a Blade, or a Rog-Staff!

(Those racquets tire me out.)

I can really throw this racquet at forehands, get some spun angles, hit out 1HBH.

But really - it has no heft.

Yet is fine for volleys. Where it does break down though is bunts, or defensive times when caught without a swing.

I recall thinking either the Wilson Blade 98S (18x16) and the PS97LS being hopefuls however they just lacked put away power. This Speed MP 360 still has that. I put that down to the bigger beam. I would look at them continuing that - continuing to thicken the beam...

I have full bed Velocity in it. What other strings to try?
 

beltsman

G.O.A.T.
Let's recap/regroup - what's your month or so of impressions amount to?

I feel I am starting to get a hook on it's how/why.

As you know it's light, fast, responsive.

But also, somewhat unusually, it's comfortable, gets some/enough plow-thru, and has characteristic whip.

It's very different using this compared to softer HL racquets that have heavy buttery feel. Say a Blade, or a Rog-Staff!

(Those racquets tire me out.)

I can really throw this racquet at forehands, get some spun angles, hit out 1HBH.

But really - it has no heft.

Yet is fine for volleys. Where it does break down though is bunts, or defensive times when caught without a swing.

I recall thinking either the Wilson Blade 98S (18x16) and the PS97LS being hopefuls however they just lacked put away power. This Speed MP 360 still has that. I put that down to the bigger beam. I would look at them continuing that - continuing to thicken the beam...

I have full bed Velocity in it. What other strings to try?

I completely agree with your assessment. It's swings so easily. Sometimes I swing TOO fast. I'm still dialing it in. But it still has great plowthrough and retains excellent maneuverability. It does not tire me out (unlike the Pro Staff 97 and others, like you mentioned). You are completely right about "throwing" the racquet into shots, especially the FH. You are rewarded if you throw the racquet into the ball. It rewards you with insane angles, immense spin, and great pace. 1HBH is a breeze. Groundstrokes are SO much fun with this. Not just fun, but effective and versatile.

I agree with you re its defense. Volleys are good. It holds up at the net and responds quickly. But, it does suffer in bunting the ball back. It just doesn't have the mass to do it, so it seems. I like to chip service returns, but this racquet makes it more difficult. Instead, I find myself taking far more aggressive swings on ROS, which is probably a good thing overall. It does get me in trouble on defense though, when I bunt a ball instead of giving it a good slice swing. This necessitates some more thought on slices.

I also think the slice is good, not amazing. It doesn't float the ball too badly and you can really knife it. It is, however, lacking in touch for dropshots for me.

Serves are good. Not amazing, but good. Nice mix of pace and spin. Easy to hit second serves. Not as much pace or action as the Pro Staff 97, but it does okay.

Use this racquet if:
- You like to play offensive but creative tennis from the baseline - not ballbashing or grinding.
- You are comfortable hitting shots from all over the court.
- You look to be aggressive on return.
- You get to the net to finish points, but don't live there.
- You hit with a loose wrist/arm.

Don't use this racquet if:
- You want to grind out points from the baseline.
- You want to rely on chipping/blocking the ball back.
- You want extreme power from your racquet.
- You like to swing slowly.
- You arm the ball.

Maybe use this racquet if:
- You like to S&V. It will work, but there are probably better options.
 

Pneumated1

Hall of Fame
Still LOVING this racquet.

Surprisingly, I can see why. I picked up a 360 mp on a second wave of demos for my son. He likes the touch radical the most, but I could hardly put the speed 360 mp down myself. There's something very addictive about the control of this frame. It builds confidence when you can come out of your shoes on every shot, and there's no way the ball is going long. It truly felt like an extension, BUT, I really don't know if I feel like putting that much rip on every shot. With my TC95 16x19, I can hit as heavy a ball on autopilot. I like to choose when I inject pace and play a more crafty, all-court game, so the Angell is a better fit for me, but the 360 mp and the Tecnifibre ATP 305 XTC are stellar frames, imo. Makes me want to try the Speed Pro now.

And I just can't emphasize how balanced the 360 mp feels in hand. I'm gonna think on this one awhile.
 

Pneumated1

Hall of Fame
... Use this racquet if:
- You like to play offensive but creative tennis from the baseline - not ballbashing or grinding.
- You are comfortable hitting shots from all over the court.
- You look to be aggressive on return.
- You get to the net to finish points, but don't live there.
- You hit with a loose wrist/arm.

Check, check, check, check, and check. There's no way I'm getting rid of my TC95s, and it's not something I'd normally do, but I might have to pick one of these up just to have. You never know what could develop. I like it that much.
 

beltsman

G.O.A.T.
Surprisingly, I can see why. I picked up a 360 mp on a second wave of demos for my son. He likes the touch radical the most, but I could hardly put the speed 360 mp down myself. There's something very addictive about the control of this frame. It builds confidence when you can come out of your shoes on every shot, and there's no way the ball is going long. It truly felt like an extension, BUT, I really don't know if I feel like putting that much rip on every shot. With my TC95 16x19, I can hit as heavy a ball on autopilot. I like to choose when I inject pace and play a more crafty, all-court game, so the Angell is a better fit for me, but the 360 mp and the Tecnifibre ATP 305 XTC are stellar frames, imo. Makes me want to try the Speed Pro now.

And I just can't emphasize how balanced the 360 mp feels in hand. I'm gonna think on this one awhile.

I still have my TC95 and TC100 as well. I love them. But they are more demanding to get the most out of them (for me). The MP gives me more foregiveness AND better control. The TC100 takes more effort to swing for me, even though my SW is only 323 and it's only 300g. The Speed MP feels perfectly balanced and swings so, so easily.

I LOVE playing angles from my FH and BH (it's how I construct most of my points), and the Speed MP is unrivaled in my experience.

*Keep in mind our TCs could be specced differently.
 

Pneumated1

Hall of Fame
I still have my TC95 and TC100 as well. I love them. But they are more demanding to get the most out of them (for me). The MP gives me more foregiveness AND better control. The TC100 takes more effort to swing for me, even though my SW is only 323 and it's only 300g. The Speed MP feels perfectly balanced and swings so, so easily.

I LOVE playing angles from my FH and BH (it's how I construct most of my points), and the Speed MP is unrivaled in my experience.

*Keep in mind our TCs could be specced differently.

I would say that the TC95 16x19 rewards my strokes and overall game better than the 360 mp, but I've had limited time with the latter. And there's no doubt that the speed gets the nod for forgiveness, control, and linear precision. Even though I'm a singles player, I do play quite a bit of doubles, and I probably felt more comfortable at net with the speed than anywhere else on the court. The forgiveness and maneuverability of the frame combine to create a stick-volley machine. If I had to hit a modern frame, the speed 360 mp would be tops on a very short list.
 

musicsoul

Rookie
Is anyone playing with the Speed 360 pro for a while now? How is the arm friendliness? I’m demoing it now and I love how it plays, it feels like a larger version of my prestige mid (gt). It does feel stiff sometimes and my arm is sensitive.
 

mpournaras

Hall of Fame
Demo’d the new graphene 360 speed s today.
In so many words, it didnt impress me as much as my graphene touch speed s. The consistency i had with my touch speed s disappeared when i tried the new 360 speed s. Weight balance was also less comfy.
Its weird that racquet companies dont simply continue to sell the best racquets they made in the past. Just let people play with djokovics real baseball bat. If they buy it who knows, maybe they will become great players.
The Speed S is so far removed from any frame any pro plays with I simply wouldn't worry about it. If you like your Touch Speed S then lucky you... you dont need to spend a dime
 

Jay Winzenz

New User
Is anyone playing with the Speed 360 pro for a while now? How is the arm friendliness? I’m demoing it now and I love how it plays, it feels like a larger version of my prestige mid (gt). It does feel stiff sometimes and my arm is sensitive.
I find it very arm friendly. Mine is strung with a poly/syn. gut hybrid and I have yet to feel any arm pain or soreness.
 

PhxRacket

Hall of Fame
So I have demoed the 360 Speed Pro several times now. It has always had some multi or another. I have just compared grip sizes. The tension has always been 53-57#. I prefer it a little high with multi. This is a comfortable racquet. IME even off center strikes are not jarring. I get all kinds of action on the ball, despite the 18x20 string pattern. I am a little leery of the beam thickness, wish it were 21mm or less, but that is where the extra oomph comes from. I can throw down serves like nobody's business with the 360 Speed Pro. I haven't noticed an appreciable loss in feel or a disconnectedness-its a muted racquet so its not going to be crisp by definition. For an old man who likes the 18x20 string pattern and with a history of elbow problems, this is a perfect racquet.
 

Zoolander

Hall of Fame
Demoed the 360 speed pro with my touch version. Was hoping it was very similar because i was keen on the more open 18*20 pattern compared to the touch version.

Feel is very different though. Really like the weight distribution in the touch version but the 360 feels a little “clubby” in comparison, can really feel the weight at 3,6,12. Does make it play very solid though, actually played similar for me to the P17 pure strike, and almost as stiff feeling. Preferred my touch version for the feel and maneuverability.
 

beltsman

G.O.A.T.
I'm still shocked at the amount of spin and control from the MP. Normally, those two have an inverse relationship. I'm not sure how Head did it.
 

Djokovicfan

Professional
I k
The Speed S is so far removed from any frame any pro plays with I simply wouldn't worry about it. If you like your Touch Speed S then lucky you... you dont need to spend a dime
I know. It would be fun to be able to demo djokers
Stick tho. Just to try it out.
 

Bobble

Semi-Pro
Is anyone playing with the Speed 360 pro for a while now? How is the arm friendliness? I’m demoing it now and I love how it plays, it feels like a larger version of my prestige mid (gt). It does feel stiff sometimes and my arm is sensitive.

Would be interested in more of your thoughts on the comparison to the touch prestige mid. I’m currently grooving the mid and pro from that line, wondering if I need to add a speed pro to the confusion.
 

n8dawg6

Legend
I'm still shocked at the amount of spin and control from the MP. Normally, those two have an inverse relationship. I'm not sure how Head did it.
respectfully, i have not found the relationship to be inverse. swinging out and producing more spin always results in better control. definitely more balls in play. parabola the ball, to the extent possible

and the MP is a great one for making spin without uncontrollable power. it just begs to be swung fast
 

Jouke

Professional
What is the verdict on these Frames? Arm friendly or not so armfriendly after all? Have heard quite a bit of people mention a twinge in their elbow with this stick. A shame, because on paper it sounds like a super stick!
 

TennisHound

Legend
respectfully, i have not found the relationship to be inverse. swinging out and producing more spin always results in better control. definitely more balls in play. parabola the ball, to the extent possible

and the MP is a great one for making spin without uncontrollable power. it just begs to be swung fast
Yep, it’s called 8 mains. Head hit a home run with the MP. They even made some strides with the Pro by widening the string pattern. But, like someone said before, it needs to be 98”.
 
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bertrevert

Legend
Unsure that there is a verdict, there are opinions...

For me, this is a racquet that has upped my game.

Ok so I am a racquetaholic-ish, and will endlessly tweak strings, lead positions, grip tapes etc

But I think we all know that it is best to tweak within a narrow range. Change too many variables at once and I get lost.

For me I would say I ping-pong between a 98 thin-beam players frame (Radical), and a 100 sq in (Pro Open, Pure Drive) bazooka.

And there's been enough variety between those two to keep me active over the years!

Anyway, this frame combines qualities from both ends of this spectrum: it provides enough horsepower when I need it and enough control to keep a lot more balls in (incl mishits!).

I do have a sensitive elbow and I am able to go NOT full poly in it, but hybrid ok (multi mains, poly cross).

I did Bab RPM rough in it and survived only to about the 10 hour mark, less than a week of play, before I started to feel the twinges as the strings died and lost that elasticity. If I could afford to keep new poly in it then this frame is fine. But not at that rate.

Next tryout it poly mains with a multi (Velocity) cross.... tweaking!
 

beltsman

G.O.A.T.
respectfully, i have not found the relationship to be inverse. swinging out and producing more spin always results in better control. definitely more balls in play. parabola the ball, to the extent possible

and the MP is a great one for making spin without uncontrollable power. it just begs to be swung fast

I don't think that spin and control are the same thing. They *can* be, but not always. I don't consider spin frames to have great control. Control, for me, is more than just topspin shots. It is placing my serve, slice, drop, and touch shots. It is the placement of every shot, low RHS or high RHS. I also think that the faster you have to swing to make a racquet work, the more skill it takes to be precise. For example, I think it's easier to be accurate hitting a flat ball with an 18x20 versus ripping a topspin shot with a Pure Aero. That doesn't mean you can't be accurate with a Pure Aero, just that it takes more skill when you are swinging that fast.

I think it's a compromise. Spin certainly helps with vertical control on topspin shots. Not as much horizontally.
 

beltsman

G.O.A.T.
What is the verdict on these Frames? Arm friendly or not so armfriendly after all? Have heard quite a bit of people mention a twinge in their elbow with this stick. A shame, because on paper it sounds like a super stick!

So I've only ever had arm trouble (serous arm trouble) when using dead, stiff poly. I've felt twinges with some racquets. I use a 1HBH. I now play with Hyper-G/Origin. I haven't felt any twinges or pain with the Speed. I did with the Pure Strike. Take that for what it's worth to you. Not definitive, but that's my experience.
 

beltsman

G.O.A.T.
Unsure that there is a verdict, there are opinions...

For me, this is a racquet that has upped my game.

Ok so I am a racquetaholic-ish, and will endlessly tweak strings, lead positions, grip tapes etc

But I think we all know that it is best to tweak within a narrow range. Change too many variables at once and I get lost.

For me I would say I ping-pong between a 98 thin-beam players frame (Radical), and a 100 sq in (Pro Open, Pure Drive) bazooka.

And there's been enough variety between those two to keep me active over the years!

Anyway, this frame combines qualities from both ends of this spectrum: it provides enough horsepower when I need it and enough control to keep a lot more balls in (incl mishits!).

I do have a sensitive elbow and I am able to go NOT full poly in it, but hybrid ok (multi mains, poly cross).

I did Bab RPM rough in it and survived only to about the 10 hour mark, less than a week of play, before I started to feel the twinges as the strings died and lost that elasticity. If I could afford to keep new poly in it then this frame is fine. But not at that rate.

Next tryout it poly mains with a multi (Velocity) cross.... tweaking!

Maybe try Hyper-G/Origin? I know I'm always taking about it, but it's a really nice balance between everything and is my go-to setup.
 
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