Federerkblade
Hall of Fame
No it’s not it’s just a 18*19 that’s where the similarities end …
Head Speed Legend - Djokovic Signature
- Thread starter MSUspartans777
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wingedeagle
Rookie
lol thats true nothing like novaks
tennistiger
Professional
Noooo, Novak is 100
DanTheMan1972
Rookie
We should split this thread into two threads. One for HEAD and Novak haters and one for those who are looking forward to a nice paintjob for the Speed Pro and MP 2024.
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
obviously NOT the same mold. Some people have no idea what they want. They want something that resembles Novak's frame but not exactly his frame. In that case, there are already options...
Two things for sure, Head will not release the PT346.1 to the public, and Head will not release the TK346 mold (with any layup) to the public (reasons are simple and not so simple and already discussed in other threads), therefore, we will not be getting "the exact thing"
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
What "actual racket" did Babolat release?
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
Even though TW is distributing Head products, they consider HEAD.COM their competitor. That is why they deleted itThe pics I posted were taken down? It came straight from the Head website
HEAD Speed Legend Tennis Racquets – HEAD
Experience the latest chapter in a 15-year journey with HEAD and Djokovic with the new HEAD Speed Legend tennis racquet. Available in two models, this racquet is built for speed and a fast swing, now enhanced with the new Auxetic 2.0 technology for an even softer feel.www.head.com
Also, your link: "
OOPS! WE COULDN’T FIND RESULTS FOR YOUR SEARCH
Federerkblade
Hall of Fame
Good to finally put that to bed
In other threads there was this underlying thoughts after his retired head could do something but you have clarified they will never release the mould nor the 346.1
MrBD
Rookie
So the Rafa Origin is not the same with stick Rafa currently using?
pgh10-4
New User
I'm most interested in the price. If this is a premium price for a just a black PJ then I honestly don't understand the point unless you literally cannot play with anything but the latest Speed AND you hate its hideous PJ. At least the Aero Rafa and Rafa Origin have different specs than the regular Aero. I'm a Novak fan but paying extra $$$ for a black racket that A) I know isn't anything like the one he uses and B) is still a Speed which I don't vibe with is not in the cards for me. Then again, people can spend their money however they want.
galapagos
Hall of Fame
Have you tried the MP? I will try it soon. I wonder how it can play against tfight 305 and Percept 100d. What is the general feedback on this frame especially compared to speed pro.
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
Duh!
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
I have not. I tried the Speed Pro (2.0) and was not for me. I like more raw soft feel frame with a good handle feedback. The Gravity Tour (and Pro that I tried) is exactly that!
wingedeagle
Rookie
how do you rate the 305 iso v 100d ?
lidoazndiabloboi
Hall of Fame
The drill pattern is slightly different, so the old Aeropro grommets will not fit. The mold might be the same, hard to see any differences.
MrBD
Rookie
Yeah at least Babolat say it's the exact stick Rafa is playing with, 90% similar is enough for me. Head don't do that
heavyD
Professional
Yeah and they charge you an extra $100 for a frame that you can't use in competitive sets. Is the goal for some of you to have an expensive frame to put on your wall? I don't understand the obsession with wanting to play with pro specs especially when it's guys like Nadal and Djokovic who have specs that most pros themselves could never use successfully.
pgh10-4
New User
What's wrong with a little novelty? You're allowed to have more than one racket so you can save your "hero" frame for when you're hitting around. Sure there'll be folks that think they need a bagful of RF97's, Rafa Origins, or whatever pro stock but it's their money. I still have some old frames that I have no business playing an actual match with but they're fun to use sometimes.
I think it's sillier to fork over extra for literally only a different PJ which I hope isn't the case here. The night editions were the same price as the normal PJ's so fingers crossed that this is the case for Novak's version.
galapagos
Hall of Fame
305 is more demanding and suits the description of a „players” racquet. 100d is easier to use and has a wider min/max power response that many can describe as „inconsistent”
it is closer to a tweener but 18x19 tames it a bit towards players racquet. Weight distribution of 100d is better than 305 iso that is very specific. 305 more predictable response but you have to work for it. iso 305 is still easier to play with than prestige pro but weight distribution is totally different therefore swing style imo is totally different as well which can be a red card for many. It is closer to a blade and 100d is closer to hmm actually hard to find anything similar from all the racquets i tried. Maybe Diadem Elevate tour. By that I mean the stiffer 66ra response is often boosting the launch while with other „control” frames the response usually is very limited so the player can adjust the lenght with technique. With 100d you can push the opponent further much easier but i think you have to aim for bigger targets because sometimes it decides to push the ball with a bit more juice. Maybe adjusting string, tension and weight could push it more towards „consistent power” or „consistent control”. In stock form it often swaps between those two but its never really reaching the levels of a „powerful” frame.
heavyD
Professional
If you want to spend $$$ for a racquet to hang up on your wall or bring out for special occasions, there's nothing wrong with that at all. The issue is that there's just not enough of people like you out there to warrant Head investing in bringing that frame to market. Good on Babolat doing that but it's reflected in the steep price because they don't sell a lot of them.
Federerkblade
Hall of Fame
If you are able to play or have the ability to play with the iso 305 would you agree it beats the 100d
It’s precise and can penetrate the court
Saying that the 100d is a great frame too but the iso 305 although not a pro stock is one hell of a frame
It’s hard to hit the ball out with the 305 but also it hits winners through the court
galapagos
Hall of Fame
Iso 305 feels like a more „special” frame but 100d Maybe is more effective. Whatever works. I had the feeling that 100d would be even better with slightly lower stiffness… i also tried iso against iPrestige and they felt quite comparable on contact. However different strings were used and i didnt know the tension in the iPrestige so not really a 100 % comparison
I respect the fact that iso is foam filled
also 100d will be even more popular if speed pro comes out to be too muted for the target players. 100d is on the opposite end while still being comfy. Percepts are kinda stiff/stable on contact.
Federerkblade
Hall of Fame
Would agree the iso 305 is a special frame
Tan Tennis
Rookie
I agree with you 100% as someone who plays with these two rackets. For higher level, definitely Tfight 305. It’s super consistent and hit heavy balls. It’s just not for everybody (not for my level as well). Percept 100D is one of the best releases recently and it’s really good for wider range of intermediate players, but I don’t think it beats the Tfight 305.
DropvolleysRhard
Rookie
Federerkblade
Hall of Fame
Agree Tan
Would be great to see more comparisons on your channel of the iso and other frames
including versus the 100s
Federerkblade
Hall of Fame
Thanks for this you describe the racquets so well
I perhaps would have liked the iso to be a tad less stiffer whilst having all the same qualities that’s the only thing I would change
galapagos
Hall of Fame
Because it is so control oriented i would advice to string it max 22 kg. Otherwise it might feel a bit boardy, i have similar experience with prestige pro and all the coaches around string it very low Otherwise they have a stiff, dead board. Depends on strings as well. So far my favourite was Tecnifibre razor code white but i can see tour bite soft working well too. It is a really tricky frame to set right.
Federerkblade
Hall of Fame
Im using ptp which makes tension and it’s played better and better over 2 weeks so I agree I think it’s 50lbs jobs next time knowing ptp
Drops tension fast
Drops tension fast
Federerkblade
Hall of Fame
Great live but poor video
Novak gave some gems away but could hardly hear him
The new racquet for him was hard to see but in gloss looks good
Novak gave some gems away but could hardly hear him
The new racquet for him was hard to see but in gloss looks good
oldmanyellingatcloud
Semi-Pro
managed to catch a bits and pieces of the clips posted on Head's IG. he was probably Djoking, but Novak shouted out the "orange one...Liquid Radical" and 3 years of beautiful results with the "other brand"
MSUspartans777
Rookie
HEAD Speed Legend – HEAD
www.head.com
Official photos
lidoazndiabloboi
Hall of Fame
L’ultima racchetta di Djokovic è Leggenda
Alla vigilia del suo debutto 2024 sulla terra battuta a Monte-Carlo il n.1 del mondo è stato protagonista allo Yacht Club del Principato di un evento organizzato dalla Head per presentare il nuovo attrezzo al lui dedicato, la Speed Legend. A presentarlo c’era il suo ex rivale Ivan Ljubicic
www.supertennis.tv
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Federerkblade
Hall of Fame
Nice paintjob for novak
Picture shows also true size of the head
On tv it can look bigger, crazy how he plays or has matched Nadal at times on clay with a 95 head with that crazy spin Nadal has
Picture shows also true size of the head
On tv it can look bigger, crazy how he plays or has matched Nadal at times on clay with a 95 head with that crazy spin Nadal has
Can someone help direct me to these threads?
I used the search feature, but I could not find the explanation for why it is not possible for Head to release the TK346 or PT346 to the public...ever..?
Are they contractually prevented by Novak?
Federerkblade
Hall of Fame
Novak mentions his speed x paintjob is his fav and he wished head never changed it
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
What Babolat gave you is not what Rafa is using. So…why would you expect Head to give you what Novak is using?
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
Simplest explanation would be:
1) The mold. Head produces a very limited number of TK346 rackets and only has a limited number of molds used in Austria to make these. In order to expand the production and make mass market product, they would need to invest into multiple molds which is an expensive investment considering an unknown territory.
2) The Layup. The PT346.1, like other "PT" layups, is only made in Austria due to IP protection, therefore, Head would need to develop another layup which is resources demanding and again unknown ROI.
3) The capacity. As we all know, Head has (too) many silos and adding another one would require the capacity expansion in their China factories that again is an expensive and R&D demanding (trainings, etc.) initiative with questionable ROI.
4) Other reasons...
The bottom line is -- making a demanding (small sweet spot, no free power, very high starting SW (even with zero customization), etc.), very niche new retail line requires a lot of investment and a very tricky ROI in an industry when every % of margin is important (consumer).
Hulger
Semi-Pro
I get it that your job is to support Head by any means, but c'mon mate, are you telling us that something closer to Novak's actual frame wouldn't be more interesting for players and raise more hype than this silly paintjob bluff? And what you told about the small sweetspot and free power is not even true considering his frame.
And what you got against Babolat? Their Rafa Origin is very interesting frame and even if it's not 100 % the same, it is very close. It also seems like nobody has even proofed that he uses RDC 64 stick as claimed here. That Tennisspin guy measured Nadal's match used racquet with the highest quality wilson machine and the stiffness was the same as in RF97. I guess you could also say the RF97 was an error from Wilson because it is so hard to play for average player?
I praise for quality and versatility to choose from, not average consumer ********.
Thank you for your time and effort in answering my questions. Much appreciated!
Federerkblade
Hall of Fame
I understand to some degree where dr is coming from and he knows much more with his links to head
I think novaks frame would be hard to play with for recreational players
It would need a gut set up for sure . I can see it is a powerful frame when struck in the middle and also the balance is amazing , without being in the right position all the time in match play it would be difficult to play with . That’s not to say it would not be an amazing frame to have and get out and have massive highs with
Where I slightly disagree with dr is this investment .. racquet manufactures invest every 2 years and change lay ups molds and colour jobs …
If creating a new line it would be a cost but they should replace a line in their set up
This whole auxetic 2.0 accross the line is boring
I think novaks frame would be hard to play with for recreational players
It would need a gut set up for sure . I can see it is a powerful frame when struck in the middle and also the balance is amazing , without being in the right position all the time in match play it would be difficult to play with . That’s not to say it would not be an amazing frame to have and get out and have massive highs with
Where I slightly disagree with dr is this investment .. racquet manufactures invest every 2 years and change lay ups molds and colour jobs …
If creating a new line it would be a cost but they should replace a line in their set up
This whole auxetic 2.0 accross the line is boring
heavyD
Professional
Do you own a Rafa Origin frame? Do you know anyone that does? This reminds me of car forums where people always complain in North America that we don't get wagons that Europe does or we need more 2 door coupe sports cars, or upset at automatic only. I've seen so many threads in numerous car forums over the years where people say "if you bring it I will buy it" or "no manual, no care" then when they actually do bring a wagon, or build a nice sporty 2-door coupe, or add a manual transmission option, nobody buys it including those people that said they would.
