Head Speed Legend - Djokovic Signature

dr325i said:
Dude stop whining and embarrassing yourself here.

Every company, every consumer business uses the same marketing tactics with players/drivers/hitters etc endorsing the products. There is nothing illegal there and if you really want to play with specific players stick, you should do your own research. Many do not care and assume things.
Do you really think professional golfers, baseball players use same equipment you buy in the store???

Pro specs public??? Why, because you are anywhere close to the professional player level and style of play? Or because the Pros specs will help your game?

Go buy a Camry because NASCAR redneck zooms around the track in it…ah, wait, he should be ashamed of himself and Toyota too!
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Since it appears that engaging in a more nuanced debate with you is not feasible, let me simplify: isn't it still abundantly clear that it would be great to have more professional-grade equipment available for sale?
And yeah, I should be very embarrassed for wanting to have better equipment available for the sport I love! :-D

It tells very much about you taking this to an ad hominem level and moreover giving me an IP ban. And if you are that interested in my tennis, I would say that, yes, it has helped me a lot to try pro player specs on my way to finding my optimal specs.

And do you think I'm so naive that I don't understand the value of marketing? In this case, it is just you who doesn't understand the value of fair marketing. And this race car metaphor used over and over again is just silly. Firstly, they are at least 100 times more expensive and disproportionately different kinds of products. Secondly, they are too dangerous to be sold for road use. Thirdly, this racquet scam is more comparable to some pro driver giving his name for one of those standard cars and insisting on how he has felt that the previous version didn't drive on the NASCAR track so well than this new version.
gino said:
I would say all of these companies have declared themselves as scammers already - in the "endorsed by" language. We know Babolat endured a lawsuit over this dynamic and the industry followed suit with new language that would protect them legally. Im sure we have a lawyer or two (I know of one but wont reference to protect his professional identity) that could explain to us these companies are abiding by law, even if they are dancing around the truth



Man, to say that knowing what a player uses would inpsire better overall tennis is beyond a stretch, that's a borderline fantasy. You think if all pro player specs were published/available, all of the sudden people will care more about gear and tune/fit themselves to a better frame as a result? I think you fail to consider how small/niche our group of forum-going gear nerds really are. There's no chance a UTR 10-11 junior, using a PA98 bc Alcaraz uses, would care to modify their balance point, static, or swing weight based on some published specs. Andy Roddick made 5 major finals and doesnt know a single spec he used during his career - I had to tell him on Twitter and even then he didnt seem to care
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Yeah, there have been lawsuits previously and quite rightly so.

But you are still talking in a very condescending manner about the people who play tennis. I get it that there are players who take the first racquet they see at Walmart, but there are also plenty of competitive players who would benefit from better quality racquets and would be willing to pay more for them if they could get them more easily. And talking about a couple of pro players here who have been given optimal racquets is beyond the scope of this whole matter.

In addition, nowadays, there are numerous internet reviewers with limited athletic abilities who insist that everyone should use specific types of racquets. It's obvious that it translates into playing in a certain way considering the effect of the racquet on the play style, and it really impoverishes the sport.
 
While I do think that it would be nice if we as consumers would be able to more easily get access to all the rackets out there (aka the companies being able to sell to us any and all rackets they produce), I also think that it not necessarily holds that pro stock = better racket. A pro stock is not generally a "better racket" than the sticks you can buy in retail. There are no "magic ingredients" that only get used for pro stock rackets.

Would I like to be able to at least test Novak's real racket? Hell yes! Would I buy it sight unseen just because it is his stick? Hell no!
 
Eilathen said:
While I do think that it would be nice if we as consumers would be able to more easily get access to all the rackets out there (aka the companies being able to sell to us any and all rackets they produce), I also think that it not necessarily holds that pro stock = better racket. A pro stock is not generally a "better racket" than the sticks you can buy in retail. There are no "magic ingredients" that only get used for pro stock rackets.

Would I like to be able to at least test Novak's real racket? Hell yes! Would I buy it sight unseen just because it is his stick? Hell no!
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You are right; the quality of being bad or good is always a bit controversial, but what I'm hoping for is more actual pro player racquets to be available and also overall more versatility in the retail market. Pro stock racquets are obviously more expensive to manufacture because of the lower volume produced. However, there's more to it. If you have wondered why some racquets are so inherently unstable and powerless even if their weight attributes are matched, take a look at this;


The backbone of the racquet is made out of carbon fibers or, more closely, prepregs. While they have desired different qualities, some differences contribute to manufacturing quality (and price), which affects the playability even if the layup is also as important. You can feel this phenomenon by hitting some 30-year-old graphite stick which has totally lost its pop.

From my experience, unfortunately, retail racquets nowadays (it hasn't always been so) from Head have not the best quality even if their design is otherwise neat. And this new legendary Djoko racquet is a total letdown, and we can say without any hesitation that it is a racquet of different quality and capability compared to the one Djokovic is actually wielding.
 
I'm a self-confessed racquetaholic but I still find it utterly bizarre how some people are obsessed with pro-spec frames that are unplayable for even high level players. It's just so weird as I get it if you want it as something you can hang up on your wall but to play with is just silly and the reality is that it's never happening for a Novak frame and no amount of complaining is going to change that.
 
Hulger said:
Since it appears that engaging in a more nuanced debate with you is not feasible, let me simplify: isn't it still abundantly clear that it would be great to have more professional-grade equipment available for sale?
And yeah, I should be very embarrassed for wanting to have better equipment available for the sport I love! :-D

It tells very much about you taking this to an ad hominem level and moreover giving me an IP ban. And if you are that interested in my tennis, I would say that, yes, it has helped me a lot to try pro player specs on my way to finding my optimal specs.

And do you think I'm so naive that I don't understand the value of marketing? In this case, it is just you who doesn't understand the value of fair marketing. And this race car metaphor used over and over again is just silly. Firstly, they are at least 100 times more expensive and disproportionately different kinds of products. Secondly, they are too dangerous to be sold for road use. Thirdly, this racquet scam is more comparable to some pro driver giving his name for one of those standard cars and insisting on how he has felt that the previous version didn't drive on the NASCAR track so well than this new version.
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Professional grade equipment is fully available from Head. The TGT frames (that Zverev, Rublev, Sinner, and 90% of Head pros use) are exactly the same grade and mold/layup that were once or currently available in the stores. But no, the TT Pro crew wants the PTs... There is NOTHING better about the PT frames vs retail/TGT frames. I have the access to all of them and have tried to use the PT346.1 and 346.2 for months and switching to the Gravity Tour a year ago totally improved my game and confidence (a few on this board can confirm).
Obviously not all pros are using the PT frames, not because Head values one over the other but because the PT57A or PT339.2 or PT346.1 simply do not fir their game and they resorted to the retail frames, just like you and I can get.
I also started at 355-360 SW because pros swing that (back in early 2000's) and for 15 years my game did not improve... At 332SW, I am playing the best tennis of my life (at 53).

Yes, I do believe you totally do NOT understand what marketing is about if you use the words like "lawsuit" or whatever else you did on the previous page to characterize the "endorsement" value and approach that all consumer companies use. The more you talk about it, the more it becomes obvious that you have no idea how it works and why it is completely legal and ethical.
 
Hulger said:
From my experience, unfortunately, retail racquets nowadays (it hasn't always been so) from Head have not the best quality even if their design is otherwise neat. And this new legendary Djoko racquet is a total letdown, and we can say without any hesitation that it is a racquet of different quality and capability compared to the one Djokovic is actually wielding.
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How much time have you spent with the PT346.1 to claim this??
Do you believe that 90% of Head sponsored players use "let down" frames that do not fit your agenda??
 
dr325i said:
How much time have you spent with the PT346.1 to claim this??
Do you believe that 90% of Head sponsored players use "let down" frames that do not fit your agenda??
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Interesting you are using gravity pro auxetic 18*20

What do you string it with

Nice sw 332 is a solid sw

What’s your balance and weight ?
 
Hulger said:
You are right; the quality of being bad or good is always a bit controversial, but what I'm hoping for is more actual pro player racquets to be available and also overall more versatility in the retail market. Pro stock racquets are obviously more expensive to manufacture because of the lower volume produced. However, there's more to it. If you have wondered why some racquets are so inherently unstable and powerless even if their weight attributes are matched, take a look at this;


The backbone of the racquet is made out of carbon fibers or, more closely, prepregs. While they have desired different qualities, some differences contribute to manufacturing quality (and price), which affects the playability even if the layup is also as important. You can feel this phenomenon by hitting some 30-year-old graphite stick which has totally lost its pop.

From my experience, unfortunately, retail racquets nowadays (it hasn't always been so) from Head have not the best quality even if their design is otherwise neat. And this new legendary Djoko racquet is a total letdown, and we can say without any hesitation that it is a racquet of different quality and capability compared to the one Djokovic is actually wielding.
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I'm staying away from most of this as I don't think pro player specs or frames will really make any of us better players.

The highlighted part however I do agree with and is the only reason I would be interested in pro stock. I know people that buy used pro stocks say the stability and feel is totally different than the retail counterparts of the same exact frame. I know this isn't a prostock but I will use the Regna as an example. The stability of that frame at it's specs doesn't make sense except for the fact they had to use higher quality CF and prepregs on those frames. Everyone gets shocked at the $400 price and that drives most away from it or make jokes about the price. And I'm sure the same would be true if Head or anyone else started asking $400 for 'higher quality' frames, but there is definitely something there with the Regnas that doesn't make sense besides them using better materials and manufacturing on them.
 
dr325i said:
Professional grade equipment is fully available from Head. The TGT frames (that Zverev, Rublev, Sinner, and 90% of Head pros use) are exactly the same grade and mold/layup that were once or currently available in the stores.
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Not true. They don’t get their racquets from Chinese factory.
 
Hulger said:
Not true. They don’t get their racquets from Chinese factory.
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Haha, you are clueless and as i already said, with every post you expose and embarrass yourself even more.
Let me teach you a few things:
1) all TGK (retail) and equivalent TGT (pro stock) frames use same mold, same layup and are built in exactly same factories in south China. Same production lines. Same paint lines, sometimes different (matte vs gloss vs combo) finish.
Sinner, Zverev, Rublev…and many others get the frames made of the same materials and same factories as the 2.5 weekend warrior.
2) the PT frames are manufactured in Austria then sent to the same China factory for painting and dressing

Better ask in the future and not look like a fool
 
dr325i said:
Haha, you are clueless and as i already said, with every post you expose and embarrass yourself even more.
Let me teach you a few things:
1) all TGK (retail) and equivalent TGT (pro stock) frames use same mold, same layup and are built in exactly same factories in south China. Same production lines. Same paint lines, sometimes different (matte vs gloss vs combo) finish.
Sinner, Zverev, Rublev…and many others get the frames made of the same materials and same factories as the 2.5 weekend warrior.
2) the PT frames are manufactured in Austria then sent to the same China factory for painting and dressing

Better ask in the future and not look like a fool
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I have no problem being sometimes wrong in some specific detail and appreciate being corrected. But you know what? Being wrong isn’t unfamiliar to you either, referring to the previous thread concerning the manufacturing places. There, you state things that are presumably wrong as obvious facts and harass others.

HEAD TGK AND TGT 231.3

Hi everybody, I saw the picture of tgk231.3 and tgt231.3. I think those are same frame form (in my opinion). anybody know about TGT231.3. What about the stiffness (flex) of the TGT231.3 (how nany RA) please leave or share the information. Thanks with regards.
tt.tennis-warehouse.com tt.tennis-warehouse.com

As little as I know from reading about the potential cost and quality differences of prepregs, I don’t believe you unless you can refer to some kind of official statement revealing that those aforementioned pros use the same prepregs that are put into retail racquets.
 
Hulger said:
I have no problem being sometimes wrong in some specific detail and appreciate being corrected. But you know what? Being wrong isn’t unfamiliar to you either, referring to the previous thread concerning the manufacturing places. There, you state things that are wrong as obvious facts and harass others.

HEAD TGK AND TGT 231.3

Hi everybody, I saw the picture of tgk231.3 and tgt231.3. I think those are same frame form (in my opinion). anybody know about TGT231.3. What about the stiffness (flex) of the TGT231.3 (how nany RA) please leave or share the information. Thanks with regards.
tt.tennis-warehouse.com tt.tennis-warehouse.com

As little as I know from reading about the potential cost and quality differences of prepregs, I don’t believe you unless you can refer to some kind of official statement revealing that those aforementioned pros use the same prepregs that are put into retail racquets.
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That is when i learned about it and when i became a part of Head.
What else you want to learn about Head (i love passing info i learned to others)
 
Hulger said:
Not true. They don’t get their racquets from the Chinese factory.
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it's true. I think at some point, for a little while, even PTs were made in China. Dan's right that the majority of pro stocks are made in China and constructed with the same materials as racquets we can find at the store

I'm more interested on the marketing, R&D, etc. decisions that racquet companies make that are based off of let's be real here, demeaning ideas about consumers, the obstacles of their own creation that they face, and the viability of potential offerings in the market
 
Hulger said:
I have no problem being sometimes wrong in some specific detail and appreciate being corrected. But you know what? Being wrong isn’t unfamiliar to you either, referring to the previous thread concerning the manufacturing places. There, you state things that are presumably wrong as obvious facts and harass others.

HEAD TGK AND TGT 231.3

Hi everybody, I saw the picture of tgk231.3 and tgt231.3. I think those are same frame form (in my opinion). anybody know about TGT231.3. What about the stiffness (flex) of the TGT231.3 (how nany RA) please leave or share the information. Thanks with regards.
tt.tennis-warehouse.com tt.tennis-warehouse.com

As little as I know from reading about the potential cost and quality differences of prepregs, I don’t believe you unless you can refer to some kind of official statement revealing that those aforementioned pros use the same prepregs that are put into retail racquets.
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Bro just drop the match footage, let’s see what level we’re working with
 
Babolat and Wilson could release some models purporting to be similar to those used by Fedal because at least the players were using the models (AeroPro Drive or Pure Aero and ProStaff) they were shown to be endorsing for most of their careers. The problem for Head is that they have him endorsing the Speed throughout his career while the racquet he uses has nothing to do with a Speed. A little harder for Head to confess at this point to the average consumer who doesn’t know this that he has never used a Speed. The bad PR and risk of reduced Speed sales in the future is not worth the reward of selling a limited number of genuine Djokovic pro stock racquets to the very few who will buy them.
 
socallefty said:
Babolat and Wilson could release some models purporting to be similar to those used by Fedal because at least the players were using the models (AeroPro Drive or Pure Aero and ProStaff) they were shown to be endorsing for most of their careers. The problem for Head is that they have him endorsing the Speed throughout his career while the racquet he uses has nothing to do with a Speed. A little harder for Head to confess at this point to the average consumer who doesn’t know this that he has never used a Speed. The bad PR and risk of reduced Speed sales in the future is not worth the reward of selling a limited number of genuine Djokovic pro stock racquets to the very few who will buy them.
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unless they're that bad over in the Speed threads, this is a poor estimation of the average customer. I get that TK339 is one of Head's most successful molds by whatever metric but it's not because Djokovic uses it
 
oldmanyellingatcloud said:
unless they're that bad over in the Speed threads, this is a poor estimation of the average customer. I get that TK339 is one of Head's most successful molds by whatever metric but it's not because Djokovic uses it
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And you have the proof for bolded to share with us??
I bet you it is heavily influenced by his endorsement since Head offers MANY other user friendly sticks (Radical MP, Gravity MP, Extreme MP...for example) that are selling nowhere close to the Speed Pro/MP quantities
 
Hulger said:
I have no problem being sometimes wrong in some specific detail and appreciate being corrected. But you know what? Being wrong isn’t unfamiliar to you either, referring to the previous thread concerning the manufacturing places. There, you state things that are presumably wrong as obvious facts and harass others.

HEAD TGK AND TGT 231.3

Hi everybody, I saw the picture of tgk231.3 and tgt231.3. I think those are same frame form (in my opinion). anybody know about TGT231.3. What about the stiffness (flex) of the TGT231.3 (how nany RA) please leave or share the information. Thanks with regards.
tt.tennis-warehouse.com tt.tennis-warehouse.com

As little as I know from reading about the potential cost and quality differences of prepregs, I don’t believe you unless you can refer to some kind of official statement revealing that those aforementioned pros use the same prepregs that are put into retail racquets.
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There is only one thing that isnt recommended on these boards. and that is to second guess the Dr when it comes to anything Head related.
 
dr325i said:
And you have the proof for bolded to share with us??
I bet you it is heavily influenced by his endorsement since Head offers MANY other user friendly sticks (Radical MP, Gravity MP, Extreme MP...for example) that are selling nowhere close to the Speed Pro/MP quantities
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I don't. where's @Howard H when you need him?

we're discussing degrees of influence here. I believe the mold's longevity and application across both Pro and MP frames for several generations now, its accessibility and versatility lending itself to appeal to a wide audience various levels of competition and even recreational players all must contribute to its success. maybe I was hyperbolic in saying he has no effect on sales, but let's not undersell the frame itself or underestimate consumers here
 
socallefty said:
Babolat and Wilson could release some models purporting to be similar to those used by Fedal because at least the players were using the models (AeroPro Drive or Pure Aero and ProStaff) they were shown to be endorsing for most of their careers. The problem for Head is that they have him endorsing the Speed throughout his career while the racquet he uses has nothing to do with a Speed. A little harder for Head to confess at this point to the average consumer who doesn’t know this that he has never used a Speed. The bad PR and risk of reduced Speed sales in the future is not worth the reward of selling a limited number of genuine Djokovic pro stock racquets to the very few who will buy them.
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Dude a lot of females on the tour are endorsing Blades while using a frame that has nothing to do with a Blade. Heck even De Minaur is using a Steam painted as a Blade.
 
oldmanyellingatcloud said:
I don't. where's @Howard H when you need him?

we're discussing degrees of influence here. I believe the mold's longevity and application across both Pro and MP frames for several generations now, its accessibility and versatility lending itself to appeal to a wide audience various levels of competition and even recreational players all must contribute to its success. maybe I was hyperbolic in saying he has no effect on sales, but let's not undersell the frame itself or underestimate consumers here
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Howard certainly won’t engage in this stupid and worthless whining some here call “discussion”. It was cleared many many times but some of you repeatedly bring it back in every Head thread. Not sure if dumb, funny or entertaining any more…

I’ll tell Howard hi next week while I’m in KB ;)
 
dr325i said:
Howard certainly won’t engage in this stupid and worthless whining some here call “discussion”. It was cleared many many times but some of you repeatedly bring it back in every Head thread. Not sure if dumb, funny or entertaining any more…

I’ll tell Howard hi next week while I’m in KB ;)
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how is me talking up the TK339, calling for us to decouple its success from its "face," and instead turn our focus on the mold and its users whining? companies aren't people ---though Howard might disagree there ;) ask him when you see him --- so when they say something can't be done, that's why I and others ask why

give Howard my regards and don't leave without getting him to commit to a Radical Tour 2.0. the old orange one
 
heavyD said:
Dude a lot of females on the tour are endorsing Blades while using a frame that has nothing to do with a Blade. Heck even De Minaur is using a Steam painted as a Blade.
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Your reply has zero to do with my comment about the Big 3 and their endorsed racquets. My point is that it is not as easy a business case for Head to release Djokovic’s actual racquet and I understand why they don’t do it unlike the same people constantly whining on here about it. I have no idea why you are bringing who endorses Blades as a reply to my post.
 
MSUspartans777 said:
I was just hoping they would come out with a 98 or 95 18x19 pattern platform stick that would spec nicely for the average player but also leave room for better players to customize up.

I don't have any inside knowledge so is that naive of me to think? If something like this already exists in the last 10 years please point me to it. Racketholic here.
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Yes, absolutely difficult to add another 98 to the already saturated range of 98 "control" racquets... The Babolat Pure Strike VS/97 try to make that and people don't mind how good the racquet could be if they put some lead or work to commit to just one racquet that might bring something good to every player in that range. Thats why blades are selling so good, nice for playing stock or better with some mods for the advanced player.
95 are now a rare breed in racquets and mostly no new faces want to play that might be a disadvantage with big hitters.
I remember tecnifibre release the Tfight 305 a few years ago in 18×19 still used by Medvedev so I hope this helps
 
RNBABOLAT said:
Yes, absolutely difficult to add another 98 to the already saturated range of 98 "control" racquets... The Babolat Pure Strike VS/97 try to make that and people don't mind how good the racquet could be if they put some lead or work to commit to just one racquet that might bring something good to every player in that range. Thats why blades are selling so good, nice for playing stock or better with some mods for the advanced player.
95 are now a rare breed in racquets and mostly no new faces want to play that might be a disadvantage with big hitters.
I remember tecnifibre release the Tfight 305 a few years ago in 18×19 still used by Medvedev so I hope this helps
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I agree with this sentiment. I own both the Pure Strike VS and 97. With some slight customization, they play amazing. The 305 is about as close as we can get? It's a fantastic racquet but sometimes the swing weight can feel sluggish. I love the Prestige Tour 21' too. I guess that gets pretty close.
 
RNBABOLAT said:
Yes, absolutely difficult to add another 98 to the already saturated range of 98 "control" racquets... The Babolat Pure Strike VS/97 try to make that and people don't mind how good the racquet could be if they put some lead or work to commit to just one racquet that might bring something good to every player in that range. Thats why blades are selling so good, nice for playing stock or better with some mods for the advanced player.
95 are now a rare breed in racquets and mostly no new faces want to play that might be a disadvantage with big hitters.
I remember tecnifibre release the Tfight 305 a few years ago in 18×19 still used by Medvedev so I hope this helps
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Doesn’t med use a 95 inch and TF launched an iso 305 98 inch glad they did 95 inch would have. Even impossible to use
 
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I think it would be doable for them to release the Flexpoint Radical Mp without the holes in 18×19 and make it black. Is it worth it though? Probably not, it's about what most people want and the fact is the majority of sales come from people who buy every generation of speed because it's the Djokovic racquet, they don't know he doesn't use a speed.
 
Nadal15thslam said:
I think it would be doable for them to release the Flexpoint Radical Mp without the holes in 18×19 and make it black. Is it worth it though? Probably not, it's about what most people want and the fact is the majority of sales come from people who buy every generation of speed because it's the Djokovic racquet, they don't know he doesn't use a speed.
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Why not release the next speed pro like that ?
 
I sense we're getting close to getting something similar to what Novak uses. The Speed Legend line might just be paintjobs as I'm seeing the MP version with the DJ insignia. But I feel an actual Novak frame might follow or be down the road. Head clearly separated the Speeds into a Sinner and DJ editions. Can't blame them. Having the #1 and #2 players. I'm sure they're aware of the numbers Babolat sold of Rafa Origin and if it's worthwile they might pull the trigger. Also taking into account they probably wouldn't sell as many units as Rafa's.
 
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Bartobolas said:
I sense we're getting close to getting something similar to what Novak uses. The Speed Legend line might just be paintjobs as I'm seeing the MP version with the DJ insignia. But I feel an actual Novak frame might follow or be down the road. Head clearly separated the Speeds into a Sinner and DJ editions. Can't blame them. Having the #1 and #2 players. I'm sure they're aware of the numbers Babolat sold of Rafa Origin and if it's worthwile they might could the trigger. Also taking into account they probably wouldn't sell as many units as Rafa's.
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And don’t forget the #3 woman Coco Gauff plays with the PT339.2. I’m still hopeful they come out with a 98 square inch Speed.
 
Bartobolas said:
I sense we're getting close to getting something similar to what Novak uses. The Speed Legend line might just be paintjobs as I'm seeing the MP version with the DJ insignia. But I feel an actual Novak frame might follow or be down the road. Head clearly separated the Speeds into a Sinner and DJ editions. Can't blame them. Having the #1 and #2 players. I'm sure they're aware of the numbers Babolat sold of Rafa Origin and if it's worthwile they might pull the trigger. Also taking into account they probably wouldn't sell as many units as Rafa's.
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As has been previously reported Novak does not want to keep switching paint jobs and always likes the black paint jobs better he said. It was said this will be his paint job till retirement. The origin sold a bit but we’ve had the same 4 from our shipment last May sitting at the shop unsold. Sold 6 in the first month then two more in fall then zero.
 
DropvolleysRhard said:
As has been previously reported Novak does not want to keep switching paint jobs and always likes the black paint jobs better he said. It was said this will be his paint job till retirement. The origin sold a bit but we’ve had the same 4 from our shipment last May sitting at the shop unsold. Sold 6 in the first month then two more in fall then zero.
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I feeling the poor sales on the Origin are more due to the pricing than the racket itself?
$329 usd is ridiculous price when the competition was around $220-$250 usd
 
DropvolleysRhard said:
As has been previously reported Novak does not want to keep switching paint jobs and always likes the black paint jobs better he said. It was said this will be his paint job till retirement. The origin sold a bit but we’ve had the same 4 from our shipment last May sitting at the shop unsold. Sold 6 in the first month then two more in fall then zero.
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If the Rafa Origin was a failure, maybe the decision by Head to keep selling Speeds as his endorsed racquet and not release some kind of authentic racquet based on his specs is not a bad one.
 
MSUspartans777 said:
I agree with this sentiment. I own both the Pure Strike VS and 97. With some slight customization, they play amazing. The 305 is about as close as we can get? It's a fantastic racquet but sometimes the swing weight can feel sluggish. I love the Prestige Tour 21' too. I guess that gets pretty close.
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how do you customize it? I own the VS as well
 
MSUspartans777 said:
I agree with this sentiment. I own both the Pure Strike VS and 97. With some slight customization, they play amazing. The 305 is about as close as we can get? It's a fantastic racquet but sometimes the swing weight can feel sluggish. I love the Prestige Tour 21' too. I guess that gets pretty close.
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There is nothing close to an old radical on the market, maybe the only thing is a Blade Pro (modelled after these frames)
And it is a good thing that there isn't - because the original LM Radical won't fare well in the modern game without the modifications that Novak did

If you do those modifications on the other hand, the racket gets super hard to use and there virtually is no selling public
And you see from the Rafa Origin that players won't buy an exhibition piece at 329 USD in masses
 
MrBD said:
how do you customize it? I own the VS as well
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Leather grip swap and some lead at 12. I've experimented with lead at 3 and 9 as well. Both seem to work, but I do believe the VS needs a bit of weight in the hoop. I've found the biggest difference between the VS and the new 97 is that the 97 moves so much slower through the air. Great sticks though.
 
Arjuntino said:
I feeling the poor sales on the Origin are more due to the pricing than the racket itself?
$329 usd is ridiculous price when the competition was around $220-$250 usd
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They probably had no choice but to price it high to justify the expense of bringing a low volume selling racquet to market.
 
Bartobolas said:
I sense we're getting close to getting something similar to what Novak uses. The Speed Legend line might just be paintjobs as I'm seeing the MP version with the DJ insignia. But I feel an actual Novak frame might follow or be down the road. Head clearly separated the Speeds into a Sinner and DJ editions. Can't blame them. Having the #1 and #2 players. I'm sure they're aware of the numbers Babolat sold of Rafa Origin and if it's worthwile they might pull the trigger. Also taking into account they probably wouldn't sell as many units as Rafa's.
Click to expand...
been thinking about this since the success and failures of the Origin are often used to as grounds to ruminate on the potential success and failures of bringing a Novak-spec 95" Radical to market as a Speed

others have already mentioned the price of the Origin, but are we forgetting that there is a whole Rafa line that Babolat offers? Pure Aero Rafa, the more accessible version of the Origin, is sold out in 4 1/4 grip on TW. how do these sell at y'all's stores?

the Pure Aero Rafa's specs more closely resemble the stock Aero Pro Drive. I think we forget that the Radical MP, after the change in molds, was a modification-friendly, low barrier to entry, player's racquet. I realize Novak used the Liquidmetal Radical Tour, though

it's possible the Speed MP occupies that niche in Head's lineup now. and that's credit to the engineering, mold, and a dedicated base of players at various levels of competition and skill levels

that being said, it's easy to think that a Speed Legend lineup could include a Speed Legend Tour (Novak spec), Speed Legend MP (Main Performance, yeah?), and a Speed Legend 26" or w/e

I for one can't wait for @dr325i to regale us with tales of him sharing our feedback with @Howard H. he is such an advocate. more importantly, I would love to hear confirmation he and @Howard H were spotted in the same room :)
 
heavyD said:
They probably had no choice but to price it high to justify the expense of bringing a low volume selling racquet to market.
Click to expand...
You might be right, I guess it depends on how automated there racket making process is/ if it's actually that different than the other rackets
 
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