Head Graphene XT Speed Pro 2016 ?
- Thread starter 3fees
- Start date
TennisHound
Legend
The next rotation for the speed is 2017, since they had a new one in 2015.
TennisHound
Legend
If they could ease up a little on the polarization with the Speed, then it would be an awesome racquet. Of course if they did this, shrunk the head slightly to a true 98" (Like the Radical), and made it a tight 16x19 (Like the APD and Pure Strike), this racquet would sell as much or more than the APD (or maybe a close second to the APD). We can only dream.
mpournaras
Hall of Fame
They have that. Its called the YouTek IG Speed
TennisHound
Legend
Yep, that's what Zverev plays with, I believe. I think its still 100", though right? Either way, its a good racquet.
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
Yes, no shared holes. A few of his sticks in old and new PJ on e bay.
TennisHound
Legend
Really, I'm going over there now to check it out. Sweet
parasailing
Legend
Graphene XT was a bomb. They made it more hollow and stiffer. Here's hoping the 2017 version of Speed Pro leads to a softer version of the Graphene Speed Pro. Make it a little more plush than the Graphene Speed Pro and I might switch back from the Blade 98.
And definitely get rid of the share holes which is a pain to string 16g strings.
And definitely get rid of the share holes which is a pain to string 16g strings.
n8dawg6
Legend
dear god I cant imagine putting larger than 17 g strings in it. solid 2x4 comes to mind.
theyve been going stiffer/lighter on the speeds to compete with the babs. not saying it doesnt work from a performance standpoint, but the comfort isn't there.
TennisHound
Legend
In my opinion the balance is what makes it uncomfortable not necessarily stiffness .
TennisHound
Legend
I like the idea of an 18x20 pattern on an APD-like frame, and I actually like the XT better than the others. But I would prefer a balance like the IG rather than Graphene. I think Head could also widen this pattern just slightly. It would give it a little more spin and pop, but still allow control.
parasailing
Legend
The GSP already was a stiff racquet that you had to lower your string tension and use 17g or thinner polys to prevent arm or shoulder issues. During the time I played with it, I had a few issues due to shock transmitted to my hand and shoulder. Both these issues went away went I switched over to the 2015 Blade 18x20 which is a lot more plush and forgiving and doesn't transmit as much shock.
Head is trying to mimic Babolat and I wonder if they are successful or if they are hurting the customers that use to love the Radical/Prestige/Speed lines by making all of them feel more like Babolats. The Extreme Pro is already a competitor to the Babolat line but I guess nobody likes it for whatever reason.
Head is trying to mimic Babolat and I wonder if they are successful or if they are hurting the customers that use to love the Radical/Prestige/Speed lines by making all of them feel more like Babolats. The Extreme Pro is already a competitor to the Babolat line but I guess nobody likes it for whatever reason.
TennisHound
Legend
Because it has the Graphene broken-glass-metallic feel to it along with complete polarization (which results in a majority of arm and shoulder problems).
blackpearl2007
Semi-Pro
I agree. These racquets played very stiff when I tried them and hurt my wrist. I have tried other Head racquets in the Graphene line up and the Speeds were the least comfortable in my opinion and oddly enough for me the XT Extreme Pro was pretty comfortable.
parasailing
Legend
I always thought the Extreme line was their stiff line so that's kinda surprising that the XT version is not as stiff as the Speed line. Too bad nobody is even talking about the Extreme series probably due to past experience with the older models.
blackpearl2007
Semi-Pro
I can't comment on the other Extreme racquets but the Pro is surprisingly comfortable. The Speed for whatever reason was really stiff and it felt uncomfortable with a full 17g multi. Just my experience though.
TennisHound
Legend
Yep, I would consider the XT Extreme Pro Head's best racquet right now.
parasailing
Legend
That's quite sad given how great Prestige and Radical series have been in the past.
blackpearl2007
Semi-Pro
I agree but that Extreme Pro is a really nice frame.
3fees
G.O.A.T.
Thanks for the Info. What I like about XT Speed Pro is a number of things, 100 Sq in, 18x20,, better control and depth from both sides and it takes customization's well, weight is nice and of course its pedigree, ect
Cheers
3Fees
n8dawg6
Legend
despite how much i want to dislike it, ive been playing with it this week and everything is going nicely. have both the xt and the old graphene in the bag, both strung with 17 g poly at 48 lbs. weight is right, forgiving 100 sq in head. i would prefer more comfort and a slightly more open string bed (NOT as open as the MP, but more like the radical or extreme). maybe they can get that done with the next one ... THE SPEED PRO DOUBLE-KRUNKThanks for the Info. What I like about XT Speed Pro is a number of things, 100 Sq in, 18x20,, better control and depth from both sides and it takes customization's well, weight is nice and of course its pedigree, ect
Cheers
3Fees
3fees
G.O.A.T.
Well, there is a few a more likes I could mention, the feel is way up there for hitting drop shots and back hand slice kicks, a properly executed drop shot, hitting the ball on the bottom, thinking and hitting close to the felt, the ball stops nearly dead , back hand slices, side chop the ball hits the court and kicks to the left an extreme amount, making both the drop shot and slice chop wicked to defend against.
a Little on pedigree
From what Fuzzy Yellow Balls said Circa 2011, Speed Pro with Youtek ,,
The Youtek technology causes the racket to get stiffer the harder the collision with the tennis ball. Stiffer frames allow you to hit harder. So the faster you swing — the greater the collision at impact — the harder the racket lets you hit.
On the other hand, when you slow your swing down the frame will bend more at impact, increasing feel and touch.
Tennis Warehouse on Graphene XT:
New to this version is the next generation of graphene, called Graphene XT, which allows for an even more optimal redistribution of weight to the handle and tip. The result is a racquet that swings very smoothly and offers slightly easier access to power than the prior version.
Nice sales pitches for sure.
Cheers
3Fees
Racquet of Choice 2015 Graphene XT Speed Pro, 53/51 Yonex Poly Tour Spin 1.25
a Little on pedigree
From what Fuzzy Yellow Balls said Circa 2011, Speed Pro with Youtek ,,
The Youtek technology causes the racket to get stiffer the harder the collision with the tennis ball. Stiffer frames allow you to hit harder. So the faster you swing — the greater the collision at impact — the harder the racket lets you hit.
On the other hand, when you slow your swing down the frame will bend more at impact, increasing feel and touch.
Tennis Warehouse on Graphene XT:
New to this version is the next generation of graphene, called Graphene XT, which allows for an even more optimal redistribution of weight to the handle and tip. The result is a racquet that swings very smoothly and offers slightly easier access to power than the prior version.
Nice sales pitches for sure.
Cheers
3Fees
Racquet of Choice 2015 Graphene XT Speed Pro, 53/51 Yonex Poly Tour Spin 1.25
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TennisHound
Legend
Its all theory - the Graphene theory. No practical exercises or tests with genuine feedback.Well, there is a few a more likes I could mention, the feel is way up there for hitting drop shots and back hand slice kicks, a properly executed drop shot, hitting the ball on the bottom, thinking and hitting close to the felt, the ball stops nearly dead , back hand slices, side chop the ball hits the court and kicks to the left an extreme amount, making both the drop shot and slice chop wicked to defend against.
a Little on pedigree
From what Fuzzy Yellow Balls said Circa 2011, Speed Pro with Youtek ,,
The Youtek technology causes the racket to get stiffer the harder the collision with the tennis ball. Stiffer frames allow you to hit harder. So the faster you swing — the greater the collision at impact — the harder the racket lets you hit.
On the other hand, when you slow your swing down the frame will bend more at impact, increasing feel and touch.
Tennis Warehouse on Graphene XT:
New to this version is the next generation of graphene, called Graphene XT, which allows for an even more optimal redistribution of weight to the handle and tip. The result is a racquet that swings very smoothly and offers slightly easier access to power than the prior version.
Nice sales pitches for sure.
Cheers
3Fees
Racquet of Choice 2015 Graphene XT Speed Pro, 53/51 Yonex Poly Tour Spin 1.25
Its too late for them to turn back now.
Last edited:
n8dawg6
Legend
i like it primarily for baseline bashing. its got the right weight, headsize, and balance to smack 2HBHs all day long. also surprisingly easy to generate spin with the tight pattern, although it does have a lowwww launch angle that takes some adjustment. i greatly prefer the feel of the prestige, but prefer the extra power and forgiveness of the speed.Well, there is a few a more likes I could mention, the feel is way up there for hitting drop shots and back hand slice kicks, a properly executed drop shot, hitting the ball on the bottom, thinking and hitting close to the felt, the ball stops nearly dead , back hand slices, side chop the ball hits the court and kicks to the left an extreme amount, making both the drop shot and slice chop wicked to defend against.
a Little on pedigree
From what Fuzzy Yellow Balls said Circa 2011, Speed Pro with Youtek ,,
The Youtek technology causes the racket to get stiffer the harder the collision with the tennis ball. Stiffer frames allow you to hit harder. So the faster you swing — the greater the collision at impact — the harder the racket lets you hit.
On the other hand, when you slow your swing down the frame will bend more at impact, increasing feel and touch.
Tennis Warehouse on Graphene XT:
New to this version is the next generation of graphene, called Graphene XT, which allows for an even more optimal redistribution of weight to the handle and tip. The result is a racquet that swings very smoothly and offers slightly easier access to power than the prior version.
Nice sales pitches for sure.
Cheers
3Fees
Racquet of Choice 2015 Graphene XT Speed Pro, 53/51 Yonex Poly Tour Spin 1.25
Aceman11
New User
Has anyone heard about Speed Pro 2016 release date, whatever ? I have
Graphene XT Speed Pro 2015, warranty good thru 1/2016.
The Head Graphene XT Radical Pro Racquet 2016 is released already and a review on utube has been done.
Cheers
3Fees
September/November release date. I've seen the racquets. New paint job as well.
3fees
G.O.A.T.
TennisHound
Legend
Dangit! They look cool,and get you all excited to try them. Then you hit with them and the excitement quickly evaporates and turns into frustration.
Aceman11
New User
Not quite. Frame has a a different feel to it, in my opinion. Paint job feels brand new.
Pro versions are a little on the light side, as well (10.9 unstrung weight).
EDIT: Seems TT is being overly sensitive about photos, so I removed the one from the message.
Anyone who still wishes to see can PM me.
TennisHound
Legend
I like that part, lol.
n8dawg6
Legend
softer feel maybe? hopefully? is 18x20 pattern still as tight? still 100 sq in?
re: the pics ... TT is just doing what they have to do in order to be a Head dealer. dont kill the messenger ...
i would like to know these too. particularly flex.
Aceman11
New User
Yes it in fact is 18x20. Feels solid though, considering it's a stock frame. I use customized Radical Pros, but I can use this alright.
Also 100 inch head size too, yes.
maybe he meant it's glossy finish?
Pleb123
Semi-Pro
Thanks for the PM. PJ looks cool. Is it the same mold as last year? When you say solid, can you compare it to another stock racquet with a solid feel. And when you say it plays different to last years, how different? If you played with the IG iterations of the Radical Pro or MP is it anywhere near as solid and plush feeling as those?
TennisHound
Legend
Obviously he meant that he rubbed it or something, lol. Since a cool pj doesn't affect the way a racquet hits.
Aceman11
New User
The graphene in the frame does add a small bit of weight, so it will give you a bit of a boost in swing speed. And the stock frames no they don't play quite as well with the IG versions of those other racquets, mainly because this version is lighter than both of those. This felt similar to the stock version of the Instinct, the older white/blue model. I have to see if the other versions of this new frame are heavier strung, since the model I used came in barely at 11.4 ounces once we strung it up. I ended up adding lead to bring it up to my normal specs.
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