Head Graphene Speed 360+ Racquet series

[Dragy]

I don’t normally customize my racquets. But maybe that’s an idea. Maybe in the handle though? To not make it too head heavy

It's up to you. If you take this one and, string it up, add an overgrip and a dampener, it'll come close to 325g static. 1.5g under the bumperguard is cheapest way to get + 5 SW points (2 more from a 2.5g dampener). Then you check the balance and think if you need anything in the handle. 3-5g would do, and you end up with 330+ g static all-in, which isn't particularly heavy.

While formally buttcap weightening adds to SW, it's not going to improve the plow-thorugh.

If you use thick string and heavier dampener, you may not need any lead under the bumper guard.

 

[Mr_Zorg]

While formally buttcap weightening adds to SW, it's not going to improve the plow-thorugh.

It does? I thought I needs to be a bit more higher up in order to increase the SW.

 

[Dragy]

It does? I thought I needs to be a bit more higher up in order to increase the SW.

SW is measured around 4" mark, so anything away from that point would have effect on the measurement.

 

[Mr_Zorg]

Had a hitting session with the new Speed MP! The first half an hour were a bit awkward as I was late on most balls that were coming in fast. That's namely because this racquet has a considerably higher weight (and SW) than my previous one. Currently playing with a Pure Aero Team that has way too much lead on it. Decided it was time to try a heavier frame.

Once I got used to the higher weight the feeling was nice and the timing of the shots improved. The higher weight is definitely helping on the backhand side, volleys and serve. Both the slice and the 2HB are more consistent.

Forehand is okay-ish. I'm producing less racquet head speed, but that was to be expected. I'm confident things will improve over time as the body gets adjusted to the higher weight of the racquet.

 

[PierreMBK]

Hi everyone, I've just asked the matching service ordering 2 brand new Speed MP 360+ and I got these measurements (cf. screen shot below):

The fact is I already have a Speed 360+ which is 298g and 32,6cm balanced unstrung (the balance is quite off specs). I don't know the swingweight of mine but while the balance is higher I don't find it head heavy or lacking manoeuvrability and I'm used to lighter racquets (previously I had a Pure Drive Team 2015 and a Yonex Ezone 100L 2017/2018 which are 285g unstrung racquets). I've just switched to heavier racquets but still appreciate some manoeuvrability. It's ok for me with my actual Speed MP 360+.

Which one would you advise me please and maybe close to my current Speed? I was thinking of racquet 3 and 5.

I don't know if they take in consideration the sealed plastic and label paper which come with the new racquet to take measurements but probably. I measured it around 2 or 3g in my actual Speed when it was new.

Otherwise I don't know how is it possible that some racquets are lighter and low balanced have a higher swingweight than others. If someone knows if it's due to the precision of the machine or when testing the SW?

Edit : I've finally chosen racquets 3 and 5 instead of 1 and 4 to be closer to my current Speed MP 360+. They confirmed me they measured with the sealed plastic (around 2 grams).

 

[MikhailT]

Hi everyone, I've just asked the matching service ordering 2 brand new Speed MP 360+ and I got these measurements (cf. screen shot below)

I have been told that SW does not strictly depend on the balance, but more on the overall weight distribution.
Thanks for sharing the stats btw. The variation is not as bad. You sure about your own balance measurement though? If yes, #3 and #5 make most sense.
Plastic and the cardboard thing were about 11g for me, so I'm pretty sure they account for that in their measurements, otherwise we would see weights in 310s.

I just ordered two more Speed MP without matching service. With the ongoing sale it's a no-brainer. Very curious about the specs I end up this time around, your screenshot gives me hope though, that it won't be that bad

 

[PierreMBK]

You sure about your own balance measurement though? If yes, #3 and #5 make most sense.
Plastic and the cardboard thing were about 11g for me, so I'm pretty sure they account for that in their measurements, otherwise we would see weights in 310s

Hi, yes I'm sure about my specs on my current Speed MP 360+ balance was 32,6cm unstrung. My grip size is 2 (4 1/4) but it was small for me (I added 2 OG one small and one normal and now it's 32cm, about 8g added) so I ordered 2 other racquets size 3 (4 3/8) with matching service.

If I change the pallet from my size 2 to upgrade size 3 maybe it would change the weight and balance and would be more balanced.

I didn't talk about cardboard (for my first racquet I measured 15g such as a normal string) but just the sealed plastic and small label paper (cf. picture), it's about 3g I measured but TW confirmed me they measured just with the sealed plastic. So it's about 2g.

Thanks for your answer, I chose racquets 3 and 5 . Nice specs, SW is ok, not huge as they advertised it. I guess it depends on the different specs (quality control), that's why I asked matching service to see [emoji14]

 

[PierreMBK]

You sure about your own balance measurement though?

Sorry in fact I was wrong with my first balance measurement.

I received today my matched Speed and wanted to compare with my current one. On fact it was 32,4cm balanced unstrung. When I'll go up one size pallet maybe it would decrease the balance.

 

[MikhailT]

Sorry in fact I was wrong with my first balance measurement.

I received today my matched Speed and wanted to compare with my current one. On fact it was 32,4cm balanced unstrung. When I'll go up one size pallet maybe it would decrease the balance.

wait, so it was 32,4 and not 32,6? That's not so bad.
My two new Speed MPs just came in and I think I got #1 and #2 from your list. Could not measure SW yet, but the weight is 5 gr apart and balance 2mm. And the heavier one is less head-light as well.
Pretty much lost the QC lottery...
Got it now measured on a RDC machine
Strung with Solinco Hyper G 1.25 and with an MSV Cyber Wet overgrip the specs are:
1. 319.4 g, 32.7mm, SW 319
2. 325.5 g, 33.0mm, SW 327
It's even worse than I though. These 10 points of SW make a world of difference of how the frame plays. Regardless, I added 3g under the trapdoor and 3g to 12 o'clock and now they have same specs, except for probably twist weight, no idea how to measure that.

 

[PierreMBK]

@MikhailT thanks for your feedback. I'm actually using the MSV Cyber Wet on my paddle racket whick I love for its feel and tackiness. For my Speed MP 360+ racquets I actually prefer some classic overgrips such as Wilson Pro Overgrip and Yonex Supergrap.


My first Speed is L2, 299g unstrung and 32,4cm balance unstrung without overgrip and without the sealed plastic (about 2g).

My 2 new Speeds are L3.

For the first one I got : 297g unstrung, 32,3cm (32,2cm with sealed plastic instead of 32cm unstrung, TW were wrong measuring balance for this one) and 298g , 32cm balance for the other one.

I've started swinging and they doesn't feel exactly the same. It is close for sure but not matched. The second one has more handle weight for sure. For the first one I feel the overall weight more distributed which is nice. I will see after playing more hours.

Note : it is important to keep in mind TW measures racquets with sealed plastic around the handle such as every brand-new racquet and this is adding about 2g for L2 or L3 and reduce the balance by 1 or 2 millimeters. So for final specs you have to take 2 grams away and add 0,1 or 0,2cm for the balance. I will know for next time.

 

[gazz1]

Does anyone know how the 360+ Speed MP compares to the Beast 98?

 

[fox]

I thought Head ditched this Cool Earth thing long ago but I see its still there

 

[MikhailT]

Any suggestions what to do with a slightly overspec'ed Speed MP to make it easier to play and more maneuvrable?
Strung specs with an overgrip and 1.25mm string are:
326 g, 33.0cm, SW 329
I can play a set or two, but after that I am pretty much done. I have two Speeds that are more head-light and have lower swingweight and they play much easier, it seems to me.
What do you guys say? Try to grow into the heavier stick? Or perhaps sell it and buy another one which is more head-light? Or find a thinner string setup that will work for me - maybe a 1.18mm string in crosses

 

[Villain]

Any suggestions what to do with a slightly overspec'ed Speed MP to make it easier to play and more maneuvrable?
Strung specs with an overgrip and 1.25mm string are:
326 g, 33.0cm, SW 329
I can play a set or two, but after that I am pretty much done. I have two Speeds that are more head-light and have lower swingweight and they play much easier, it seems to me.
What do you guys say? Try to grow into the heavier stick? Or perhaps sell it and buy another one which is more head-light? Or find a thinner string setup that will work for me - maybe a 1.18mm string in crosses

It looks like you got an almost spot on Speed MP. TW average strung specs are 328 SW and 318 g. Your OG probably added 5-6 g and if you use a dampener that is probably right on spec and if not, that’s only about 2 grams heavy. The balance is slightly off and should be 33 cm prior to OG, but one point isn’t really that bad. Thinner strings is about all you can do to get it playing lighter unless you want to start shaving the bumper guard.

 

[Villain]

.

 

[MikhailT]

It looks like you got an almost spot on Speed MP. TW average strung specs are 328 SW and 318 g. Your OG probably added 5-6 g and if you use a dampener that is probably right on spec and if not, that’s only about 2 grams heavy. The balance is slightly off and should be 33 cm prior to OG, but one point isn’t really that bad.

Yeah the SW and weight are spot on, you are right. The Balance is a bit off though. My overgrip weighs 7 grams. IIRC the balance was 33.5 prior to installing thee overgrip. The question is whether I should tailweight it to bring the balance down to what I am comfortable with would be (around 32.3) or stick to 33cm.

 

[Villain]

Yeah the SW and weight are spot on, you are right. The Balance is a bit off though. My overgrip weighs 7 grams. IIRC the balance was 33.5 prior to installing thee overgrip. The question is whether I should tailweight it to bring the balance down to what I am comfortable with would be (around 32.3) or stick to 33cm.

Tail weighting wouldn’t be a bad idea. A leather grip or one of the heavier synthetic grips like Tourna Pro Gel or Wilson Shock Shield will adjust the balance about 0.6-0.7 cm. If you want just a slightly heavier replacement grip you’ll have to find one the right weight. According to the package, the Head Hydrosorb Tour weighs 5 grams heavier than the stock grip. That should do the trick and move the balance about 0.3 cm or so.

 

[bertrevert]

Have shaved hoop bumper before... be prepared to say goodbye to hoop paint!

I have the prev version and it has lower SW. Sad to hear new version bit less manoeuvrable?

Tail weighting feels like it brings the axis down closer to your hand and arm, the lever swinging the racquet. I always think that doesn't necessarily translate as the racquet moving faster through the air. But holding your racq more perpendicular combined with tailweight allows it to drop into the slot quicker / more easily. That's the feeling I think tailweighting gives.

However you are perhaps asking for more overall maneuverability, and that means losing some overall weight, you have to find that therefore somewhere...

Overgrip is 7g, really? Swap out the pallets and go with a thinner grip (no overgrip)?

 

[Dragy]

Yeah the SW and weight are spot on, you are right. The Balance is a bit off though. My overgrip weighs 7 grams. IIRC the balance was 33.5 prior to installing thee overgrip. The question is whether I should tailweight it to bring the balance down to what I am comfortable with would be (around 32.3) or stick to 33cm.

I’m not sure if tailweighting will solve your problem (playing 1-2 hours and getting done) - actually, it might make it faster, as generally getting tired of swinging has to do with static weight than anything else. Balance is more about timing the swings successfully.
However, everything is related. If you feel like you work too hard because of improper balance, that may help. You can also try to liven up your stringbed to get easier access to power, depth - so that you don’t put that much effort into your swings.
328 is a decent level for SW. What have you been using before? Older Speeds were all lighter in this spec.

 

[MikhailT]

I’m not sure if tailweighting will solve your problem (playing 1-2 hours and getting done) - actually, it might make it faster, as generally getting tired of swinging has to do with static weight than anything else. Balance is more about timing the swings successfully.
However, everything is related. If you feel like you work too hard because of improper balance, that may help. You can also try to liven up your stringbed to get easier access to power, depth - so that you don’t put that much effort into your swings.
328 is a decent level for SW. What have you been using before? Older Speeds were all lighter in this spec.

I was using racquets that TW Chris was using honestly Started with the TF T-Flash 300 (around 310 SW, 32.0 balance), then tried the TF40, realized it's too demanding for me and settled with the Speed.
But the way you put, I will probably give these specs a shot. After all, before the exhaustion kicks in, I play much much better than before with the more HL stick.
I tried tailweighting and you are right - it does not help with fatigue at all and probably makes it even worse

 

[Lorenn]

Does anyone know how the 360+ Speed MP compares to the Beast 98?

Speed is slightly more well rounded, but they both have a nice feel. Both often need a little tweaking.

 

[MikhailT]

I have been now switching between two 360+ Speed MPs - one is under-spec (more HL, less SW) and one is on-spec (maybe slighly less HL, then advertized). And after hitting with the higher SW frame it is really difficult to go back to the lighter one. Especially the serves suffer with lower SW and more HL balance. Will now match my two lighter frames to the specs of the heavier one.

Speaking of matching. Assuming I am missing 10-12 points SW in one stick - where would you put the lead - concentrate on 12 or distribute over 9-12-3 or distribute over the whole hoop ? I get that the latter 2 options would increase the twist weight as well, but I also want the sticks to have matching twist weight and without having a way to measure it, I am just going to assume that the under-spec racquet misses weight in whole head, not just at 12, right?

 

[VaMoose98]

How polarized are these racquets?

 

[musicsoul]

How polarized are these racquets?

I think they are quite polarized, which works for my game

 

[musicsoul]

So just to check that i’m not crazy: Racquet weight unstrung as advertised by Head is measured WITH grip right? I have a Speed MP that’s way over spec but now the racquetshop says it’s measured without grip..

 

[Dragy]

So just to check that i’m not crazy: Racquet weight unstrung as advertised by Head is measured WITH grip right? I have a Speed MP that’s way over spec but now the racquetshop says it’s measured without grip..

The spec should match it when you bring it from shop and unpack. No cardboard, no plastic, no stickers. No strings, no overgrip, no dampener.

 

[jdx2112]

So just to check that i’m not crazy: Racquet weight unstrung as advertised by Head is measured WITH grip right? I have a Speed MP that’s way over spec but now the racquetshop says it’s measured without grip..

never heard of that before.

 

[jdx2112]

never heard of that before.

If it's too heavy, take it back and order from a big distributor who you can pay to find one that's on spec.

 

[musicsoul]

I brought it back. They are going to see if they can get another one that’s is on spec. This is one of the reasons I almost exclusively looked at Yonex for a while. But I really like the feel of the 360+ lines from Head. Especially the Speed MP and the Extreme Tour.

 

[VaMoose98]

I was just in a local tennis store and the owner confirmed to me they were going to have the black edition of the 360+ Speeds but she didn’t know of it was just the pro or also the mp

 

[Bronc10is]

I think they are quite polarized, which works for my game

what do you mean by polarized?

 

[VaMoose98]

what do you mean by polarized?

Meaning the weight in the frame is located at opposite poles...as opposed to being evenly distributed through the frame

 

[fed1]

I was just in a local tennis store and the owner confirmed to me they were going to have the black edition of the 360+ Speeds but she didn’t know of it was just the pro or also the mp

It’s the Pro and MP, I received the MP last week.

 

[jdx2112]

It’s the Pro and MP, I received the MP last week.

Think that might be the Djokovic paint job model. Same as existing white ones, but giving Djokovic a signature retail stock.

 

[VaMoose98]

It’s the Pro and MP, I received the MP last week.

So both models will come in black, that’s great

 

[Bronc10is]

So both models will come in black, that’s great

if only the newer pros had the lower swingweight like the 360 model..

 

[VaMoose98]

if only the newer pros had the lower swingweight like the 360 model..

I’ve been demoing the new pro actually and I thought it was really fast even with the 329 sw. I almost thought there was some room for lead as well because it is so much lighter than what I normally play

 

[fed1]

Think that might be the Djokovic paint job model. Same as existing white ones, but giving Djokovic a signature retail stock.

Djokovic didn’t want to leave the black cosmetic of the Limited Edition frame he has been using, that’s the main reason for these releases.

 

[Bronc10is]

I’ve been demoing the new pro actually and I thought it was really fast even with the 329 sw. I almost thought there was some room for lead as well because it is so much lighter than what I normally play

what’s your normal racket?

 

[mimo]

It’s the Pro and MP, I received the MP last week.

Are you able to post a pic of the new paint job?

If not can you describe the new cosmetic and any changes to the current model.

Thanks!

 

[VaMoose98]

what’s your normal racket?

Vcore pro 97 330

 

[Bronc10is]

Vcore pro 97 330

interesting - I’ve thought about trying the 310 version. I have hit with rackets that are in 12 ounce range and also same stiffness but I’ve never noticed the racket feeling sluggish until the 360+.

 

[VaMoose98]

Yeah for me it depends on where the weight is. My 330 seems to be very evenly weighted and swings kind of uniformly - good for blocking and bunting. I also have a 310 that is weighted up to a 332 swingweight with a leather grip. That one has a higher sw but swings faster because it’s so polarized and is better for topspin and head speed. I want to try the mp speed and see if it works as good as the speed - I prefer 16x19 patterns

 

[VaMoose98]

I am looking to get a little more free power compared to the vcp’s

 

[The Seeker]

Anyone hehe using the 360+ speed pro? I bought a pair on sale without demoing, still waiting for them to arrive, would like to hear some more opinions on them.
Whats strings are you using?
Also any comparisons with the vcore 98 or blade 2015 (18x20) would be great.

I felt that there's little talk about them, maybe because launch was during the pandemic

 

[Hit 'em clean]

I've been testing the SP 360+ for a couple weeks now. Mainly play with the Gravity Pro and EZ98 and previously tried the Speed Pro 360. The original Speed Pro 360 was too light and the swing weight was way too low... felt like a toy. Yes you could swing it fast, but I felt like I had to swing for the fences to get any pace on the ball and the serve was pretty anemic. I've always felt the Gravity Pro hit with more power and spin than the Speed Pro series which was curious to me since Head rates Speed Pro as more powerful.

I've finally started unlocking the power of the Speed Pro 360+ this week... even on serve. The Gravity Pro and EZ98 are easier to play with and access power and spin... but the Speed Pro 360+ definitely has more power. Sweetspot isn't as big and is a little lower in the hoop so it took a bit for me to adjust to that. Also, you really have to have excellent technique to access the heavy spin the Speed Pro 360+ can generate... I have to exaggerate my swing a bit and really go low to high. Because of the 18x20 pattern you can really swing out... while going really low to high... without fear of the ball launching. With the right contact it can produce an exceptionally heavy ball. Also, on serve I'm hitting some of the best second serves... heavy with pace. You have to take a cut at the ball, but when you get it right it's nasty.

Bottom line to me the Speed Pro 360+ is much improved over the 360 version due to the slight increase in static weight and much needed swing weight. Spiral fibers have also improved the feel and kept it more comfortable. I'm hitting with HyperG 17ga at 45lbs stock racquet with overripe and dampener. My frame was right on spec. It's not as forgiving as the Gravity Pro or EZone 98, but forgiving enough. It's a players frame and really rewards correct technique and solid ball striking... surprising that a 100sq in frame can demand this much precision. Reminds a little of the Agassi Bumble Bee Head Radical 107... somewhat forgiving, but definitely requiring technical precision that reaps huge rewards. This might be the slightly lighter weight Gravity Pro I've been looking for now that I'm getting the power and spin that I look for. The fact that it's really helping me improve my stroke is nice as I feel I've been getting lazy with racquets that are too forgiving.

This Speed Pro line has always intrigued me, but I've never had much of a good experience. I like the Speed Pro 360 initially, but not the lack of power and plow. I could play great with it at times, but just had to swing out of my mind because any power had to come from swing speed. The 360+ fixes that issue and I can generate power as needed as well as spin... you just have to be pretty deliberate about your stroke and contact.

 

[fed1]

Are you able to post a pic of the new paint job?

If not can you describe the new cosmetic and any changes to the current model.

Thanks!

It is all black, no white at all. Specs are the same as the white/black model.

 

[VaMoose98]

So anybody else measured the swingweight of their 360+ Speed MP or even perhaps ordered one with the matching service and got specs of several racquets? Wondering if the 328 SW in the review of Speed MP is over-spec, or my 310 under spec or both
There is another website that lists the swingweight as 315 in their review - looks more realistic for how the Speed MP is positioned/marketed

What exactly is the target swing weight of the 360+ Mp? Did you ever find out? Seems all over the place

 

[jdx2112]

What exactly is the target swing weight of the 360+ Mp? Did you ever find out? Seems all over the place

TW metrics are based on a random sampling of 6 racquets they have in stock. Best to go to Head to find the official specs but they never include RA and rarely share SW

 

[MikhailT]

What exactly is the target swing weight of the 360+ Mp? Did you ever find out? Seems all over the place

Nope, but the lower outlier with the 310 pts was to due to the thin strings I was using (1.10mm). With 1.25 strings all my 3 frames settled between 320 and 328. I got the numbers from my stringer who has a RDC machine. Btw with SwingTool app I consistently get higher numbers - 325-333, which are very consistent with the TW measurements - allegedly they measure multiple frames and publish the average value.