Head Speed MP 2022

Dbrizz

Rookie
Many people recommend Head Lynx Tour. I found it heavy and stiff. I like the Champions Choice (poly mains, natural gut crosses) for its arm friendliness. It feels close to full poly in the spin department. I've had good experience with full Solinco Hyper G and Mayami Hit Pro. I'll be experimenting with Mayami Tour Hex and also Volkl Fuse Hybrid too. Fuse is a very underrated and reasonable string in my opinion. It doesn't have quite as much bite and it feels stiffer than the Champions Choice, but it has a really consistent solid and satisfying feel across then string bed. I was generally stringing to 54/52 for the hybrids and 52/50 for the full poly.
Did you end up switching away from blade to speed mp?
 

Dbrizz

Rookie
Also can someone compare the grip shape / size of the Speed mp to a Wilson v7 size 3? Are they about equivalent or am I safer to go Head size 2 and do two overgrips if needed?
 

om panda

Rookie
Also can someone compare the grip shape / size of the Speed mp to a Wilson v7 size 3? Are they about equivalent or am I safer to go Head size 2 and do two overgrips if needed?

Shape is almost the same between Speed - any Wilson - any Babolat.

Size: on the same size, head will feel a bit smaller than Wilson / Babolat. But it also happen because Head factory grip is thinner than Head replacement grip that sold separately, even if they are the same model. If you change the speed factory grip to any 1.9mm - 2.0mm grip, the size will end up feel similar to Wilson / Babolat.
 

Dbrizz

Rookie
Shape is almost the same between Speed - any Wilson - any Babolat.

Size: on the same size, head will feel a bit smaller than Wilson / Babolat. But it also happen because Head factory grip is thinner than Head replacement grip that sold separately, even if they are the same model. If you change the speed factory grip to any 1.9mm - 2.0mm grip, the size will end up feel similar to Wilson / Babolat.
So the speed hydro absorb grip that comes on the speed is thinner? I ordered a size 2 on the speed. I play size 3 on Wilson but use a thin leather grip and Wilson pro overgrip. I guess I can always put two overgrips on the size 2 head.
 

smithie

Professional
So the speed hydro absorb grip that comes on the speed is thinner? I ordered a size 2 on the speed. I play size 3 on Wilson but use a thin leather grip and Wilson pro overgrip. I guess I can always put two overgrips on the size 2 head.
When I used the Gravity Tour (which have the same pellets as the Speed MP), a size 3 with original base grip and OG felt the same as a Wilson size 3 with Kimony Techni leather grip and OG. I would say (based on my small sample size) the Head grip size is about half a size smaller than Wilson on average.
 

Dbrizz

Rookie
When I used the Gravity Tour (which have the same pellets as the Speed MP), a size 3 with original base grip and OG felt the same as a Wilson size 3 with Kimony Techni leather grip and OG. I would say (based on my small sample size) the Head grip size is about half a size smaller than Wilson on average.
I think I may have ordered the wrong size then ha. Oh well guess I’ll try two overgrips. I’ll probably need to add some weight to the speed anyway so that extra og could work. Thx
 

billsedd

Rookie
The hydrosorb pro feels like it compresses a little after use as well. You could use a thicker replacement grip (like Wilson shock shield)- will add a little weight as well. Hydrosorb comfort is a little thicker than Hydrosorb pro as well
 

smithie

Professional
The hydrosorb pro feels like it compresses a little after use as well. You could use a thicker replacement grip (like Wilson shock shield)- will add a little weight as well. Hydrosorb comfort is a little thicker than Hydrosorb pro as well
Ye this is what I found too. When I bought two additional Speed Pro's, the replacement grip on the new frames was definitely slightly thicker than my used one! It doesn't take long mind you for it to compress down.
 

TennisHound

Legend
Been demoing this one for the last week. Man, it is hard to play with. I had a hard time judging spin and depth. At times I would connect and would hit a laser shot. At other times I would be late and hit off center and it felt like I hit a rock on the frame.

Postives - the string pattern is perfect and the pj is b-tchin
 

Dbrizz

Rookie
So I hit with this bad boy a couple of times. First time stock. Right away found out the grip size too small size 2 oops. So much spin on this thing compared to my blade. Too much for me at the time. Balls falling too short. Came home and decided to mod it up. Added around 6 grams of weight total between 12, 3 and 9. And 3 grams in the handle and then another 5 grams with a second overgrip. Strung weight 332g. About 20grams lighter than my blade. New Speed balance with mods is 33.1cm. Took it back and out ok much better now. Grip size about the same as my Blade grip size 3 now. Oddly I kind of like the rounder double gripped on the Head. This time I really focused on hitting through the ball more and earlier and flatter. With the blade I don't really need to think about hitting through the ball it just goes through the court. Even still I was getting probably about 20% or more spin on this Speed than my Blade. Kick serve seconds were jumping sideways nice. Overall serve was bigger. Strung the speed with Head hawk touch at 56lbs. I feel like I could even go higher but won't.

Compared to my Blade 18x20 v7 my blade is 351g 31.9cm balance natural gut mains / poly crosses. Speed wayyy more head heavy than I'm used to but I kind of liked it for serves.

Pros of the Speed 16x19 mp: Bigger serves on everything, Easier to find angles, easier to defend, makes a satisfying pop noise when struck clean. Kinda feels like a towned down Pure Drive which I like. Oddly enough Speed felt more muted than the blade? How's that possible? Probably a con here. I wanted a more crisp feel ha. How can it be more muted than a blade with natural gut?? Not a bad feeling just couldn't feel the ball with full poly? Crazy. Not bad just weird. I think it would be nearly impossible to get arm / wrist pain with this racquet.

Pros of the Blade 18x20: Flatter possibly more penetrating ball on groundstrokes. Better slice when defending (which I don't go to much) I would love to know what my speeds were on this session. Which one was I hitting faster with? 100% more RPM on the Speed no question. Guessing the ball speed from Blade was faster on ground strokes. Probably a faster flatter shot when getting short balls with Blade. The kill shot the blade seemed to have the advantage. Maybe alittle easier to scoop the ball when taking shots early if someone is hitting heavy top on you.

Will I switch? likely not but I would say I've tested a lot of racquets and this one I could probably play a match with comfortably. I could only really say that about the Pure Strike 18x20.
Why am I testing then? Mostly because I like tinkering ha. And I'm curious if there is an easier option from the Blade. When I'm in the zone I can destroy the ball with the blade. However, if you aren't 100% dialed in you might have a bad day haha. Blade just does everything all around really good.

I haven't tried the Speed Pro yet but I would probably like that one as well.

What racquet would I put a 16 year old competitive junior in? Tough question. Honestly, I'd probably let them pick both solid options. Maybe.... Speed MP has the higher ceiling but I'm not sure yet. Tough call.
 
Last edited:

mraverage

New User
I had my first head with the Speed MP today as a demo, had factory strings looked like Lynx, probably been in for sometime so tried not to let that ruin my judgement of this frame, it has nice power, good spin but I found it very unstable and due to that was easy to not middle the ball and hit long, good sweet spot but anything off the sweet spot wasn't much good. I like the balance of it holding it in my hand but for me it need some more weight as its to light.

Would be great to try it with fresh restring with some Lynx Tour and some lead at 12 o'clock at very least.

I have also demo'd the boom pro and that didn't as unstable.
 

TennisHound

Legend
I had my first head with the Speed MP today as a demo, had factory strings looked like Lynx, probably been in for sometime so tried not to let that ruin my judgement of this frame, it has nice power, good spin but I found it very unstable and due to that was easy to not middle the ball and hit long, good sweet spot but anything off the sweet spot wasn't much good. I like the balance of it holding it in my hand but for me it need some more weight as its to light.

Would be great to try it with fresh restring with some Lynx Tour and some lead at 12 o'clock at very least.

I have also demo'd the boom pro and that didn't as unstable.
Head has a way of creating a heavy unstable feel in its racquets. Everything is good until the racquet connects to the ball. And then your left staring at the racquet wondering “What was that?”
 
D

Deleted member 793514

Guest
I recently ordered a Speed MP 2022 where I requested an unstrung swingweight of 292-294, and they provided 4 options that ranged from 295 to 297. Not sure if this means they didn't have any lower ones, or if they just didn't have any that low which also matched my other parameters (balance and weight).
Do you (or anyone else here) know the range for the swing weight of this racket? If the official specs are 323 for strung swing weight, what is the maximum any racket will deviate from that number?

(I know that strung swing weight will be higher than unstrung swing weight, but for this racket, I don't know the official unstrung swing weight)
 

CVT

Rookie
I have. I didn't add much, though. I only added about 5G, at 10 and 2. I really liked the change. I'll experiment with now adding some weight to the handle, but I'm happy with the change so far. I'm not currently planning on adding more to the rim. It seemed to be just enough to help with the level of stability and plow I was looking for.
 

beepee1972

Semi-Pro
Been playtesting quite a lot, and finally it came down to a Yonex Ezone 300 or 285 (100 head) and the Speed 2022 Auxetic, in MP or Team version. I went for the Speed Team, very nice racquet, and if needed, can still up the weight a bit. But during playtesting, this was by far my favorite. (50 years old, Dutch level 5 player, mostly doubles). I am coming from a ProKennex Q Tour 300 (98 head). Anxious for them to arrive.
 

RadicalP

New User
The swingweight on my new speed mp feels great. Not hard to move through the air at all and I’m sensitive to that. Not sure why everybody feels it’s to high ‍♂️
 

Psi7

Rookie
Unless something bad happens tomorrow on my final test during competitive match i am switching Aero to Speed Mp after tests with Vcore 97, Vcore97d, ezone 98 and 100 and vcore 98.

Just ordered 3. Never thought i will come back to Head to be honest. My last and only racquet was ti radical or sth when Agassi was my fav player and i was like 14 so more or less 2000 year :)
 

Dbrizz

Rookie
First time in a long time I’m considering leaving my blade. Head speed MP head hawk touch 17 48lbs. Just a much easier racquet to play with. It’s like a pure drive blade hybrid.

Anyway I’m about at the 6hour mark on these strings. Starting to move a bit but fine if I move them back into place. Should I just keep them until they break? I’ll probably break them at around the 15 hour mark. But haven’t played in full poly in years.

Edit just feel like with this pattern I’m going to have to string 2x a month with this. Anyone else feel this way how open it is? You need super loose hands to tame it
 
Last edited:

RadicalP

New User
I would suggest the Speed MP rewards a more compact swing, attacking tennis, with, yes, has a side-serve of control.

By comparison if I use my Rad MPs I have to flail away confidently on every shot, footwork be on point, employ deft assured touch at the net, and simply never backoff a serve.

The Speed MP is easier on all counts.

It has way more power, more dampening, more defensive forgiveness, and hits a magnificently hefty ball.

With the Rad I can get overpowered by an opponent more easily, with the Speed I return fire.

(But the Rad shines if it's your day, it is an absolute laser if that's what you are up to looking for? Plus it is a serving NLAW.)

The Speed MP is not as manouverable as the Rad MP. That can be a positive in that its swing path is more predictable and bankable. This is the MP 360+ with the higher SW.

Coming from a Rad user, you pretty much nailed this comparison here. Well done
 

RadicalP

New User
Quality control.

I must’ve gotten lucky then, cause mine is pretty much right on spec. It’s sad quality control still til this day has to be so poor from everything I’ve read. With the amount of money people put into the game shouldn’t we demand more from these manufacturers and companies? It’s 2022, is technology still that bad? Yonex seems to do a good job, why can’t others ‍♂️
 

Psi7

Rookie
I wont even check that on the 3 that i ordered as i wont have issues with that small % difference and dont want to know :)
 

Dbrizz

Rookie
Busted the head hawk touch 17 48lbs at 10 hours. Faster than I thought but was fun. Do I go to the 1.30 gauge but maybe have to string tension lower?
 

tegg96

Semi-Pro
Busted the head hawk touch 17 48lbs at 10 hours. Faster than I thought but was fun. Do I go to the 1.30 gauge but maybe have to string tension lower?
For maximum durability in a 17G, try Hawk 17G white at 46lbs. Better spin, control and tension maintenance over Hawk Touch, with extra firmness offset by going slightly lower in tension. 16G 1.30mm starts to add extra unwanted weight to the Speed, making it somewhat sluggish. 17G 1.25mm seems to be the sweet spot for this frame.
 

Dbrizz

Rookie
For maximum durability in a 17G, try Hawk 17G white at 46lbs. Better spin, control and tension maintenance over Hawk Touch, with extra firmness offset by going slightly lower in tension. 16G 1.30mm starts to add extra unwanted weight to the Speed, making it somewhat sluggish. 17G 1.25mm seems to be the sweet spot for this frame.

Ok thanks. I’m assuming if I’m breaking full poly in this I’ll break a hybrid just as fast right or faster? Natural gut / poly cross or swapped
 

tegg96

Semi-Pro
Gut/poly adds extra complications. Swing weight alteration, uneven tension maintenance of gut to poly causing frame shortening. No wet weather playability. Less spin if guts in cross. Extra cost of very expensive gut.
Simpler to use straight poly at a lowish tension 45 to50 and be done with it.
 

Psi7

Rookie
A little bit more info from me about speed mp


string yonex poly tour pro 1.25 at 23kg on both mains/crosses. 35y old, 5.5+

So Speed Mp for me is very similar to Aero. A little bit less power but insanely better touch and feel. My forehand as mentioned is really good one, think like pro player one. Ididint need it maybe yet on full mode as i won my two games quite easily, but felt speed gave me way more control than aero. I played with similar spin, still heavy shots but i really love touch. I feel like i dont have to use that much power anyway as it gives me more than enough with the way better control.
Not sure why, maybe its nothing but my backhand is really like +1 level after switch. Cant remember having that control from my weakest side. Slice as well, but slice its clearly because of the touch.

volley is better, but havent tested it enough to say more at this point. Serve def better control as well and wouldnt say less power, but also was using mainly faster 2nd slice and kick instead of full power flat 1st serves. Just mixed it not to push my arm unnecessary and didint feel less power.

Returns are probably the best for me, maybe on par with backhand. Not sure whats behind it but played with really good serving player and i cant remember hitting that strong and good returns from both sides.

so far its really good and i also use poly tour pro. If things go better as planned with that shoulder i have a lot of space to increase power if needed with blast kind of string.As i have reel still i might put hybrid of blast mains/ptp crosses on one of the racquets just to check it out

tomorrow will be interesting as with practice with jr’s i will have to play in defence a lot too
 

Trip

Legend
@Psi7 - Congrats on your switch to the Speed MP '22. Curious, how have you found lateral stability? Strung twist weight lists at 14.3, which seems reasonable, yet several accounts say it's a bit unstable in stock form. What do you think? Have you felt you've wanted to add lead at 9 & 3 or 10 & 2? Thanks.
 

Psi7

Rookie
@Psi7 - Congrats on your switch to the Speed MP '22. Curious, how have you found lateral stability? Strung twist weight lists at 14.3, which seems reasonable, yet several accounts say it's a bit unstable in stock form. What do you think? Have you felt you've wanted to add lead at 9 & 3 or 10 & 2? Thanks.

so far no issues, at volleys i find itmore stable than aero.

tomorrow i will be playing with players that play on jr itf so will say more about that as they willbe hitting hard. My games so far with speed mp were with opponents that i dominated. Had one practice with a strong one when i had demo and didint notice issues there.

From the start with speed mp i also use wilson sensation without overlapping(0.4 tickness) as first overgrip and yonex super grap 0.6 put normal as the main one.

That additional grip adds few g’s.
 

Trip

Legend
Nice. Will be interested to hear any update you might have after hitting with the ITF juniors... not like most of us are hitting against that caliper of ground stroke, so if you think it's still good stock after that level of hitting, then that says a lot about the stock stability for the rest of us.
 

Marcel92

New User
so far no issues, at volleys i find itmore stable than aero.

tomorrow i will be playing with players that play on jr itf so will say more about that as they willbe hitting hard. My games so far with speed mp were with opponents that i dominated. Had one practice with a strong one when i had demo and didint notice issues there.

From the start with speed mp i also use wilson sensation without overlapping(0.4 tickness) as first overgrip and yonex super grap 0.6 put normal as the main one.

That additional grip adds few g’s.
Any Update? Im interested too.
My speed mp 2022 is at 338g - solinco confidential 23/22kg - with leather basic grip + overgrip. I am thinking of adding some lead (maybe 8g) at 10 & 2
 

Psi7

Rookie
Any Update? Im interested too.
My speed mp 2022 is at 338g - solinco confidential 23/22kg - with leather basic grip + overgrip. I am thinking of adding some lead (maybe 8g) at 10 & 2

Unfortunately my practice was cancelled and i played with top 50 national level but 16 years old player, so i was still more dominating with power. I dont find it unstable at all, but maybe for power purpose and more stability if you need it, that lead tape might be good.

i feel fine with it right now and because i focus on sorting out my shoulder blade first i dont want to mess with adding any g’s. Didint have to with aero and so far i have no issues here at all.

this kids serve well, quite fast and as mentioned i find racquet awesome at returns so far, where i can easily block fast serve and send fast bomb other way. With any stability issues i wouldnt be able to do itso comfortably

i also think that a little bit ticker grip helps a lot comparing to aero in that matter, or maybe its just more stable as it is but volleys are way better for me as well

The only thing that is worse for me is power. I have better control, playing better for sure and if i want to and put extra effort i can really hit top level forehand but with aero it was easier. Not as precise but surely aero is more powerful.

Havent broke my string in 3.5 hours now so it will surely go off early next session and i will put hybrid of blast on mains and ptp on crosses and will check it out. Will see if i get more easy power with same/similar comfort.
 
Last edited:

Psi7

Rookie
http://www.racquetresearch.com/sevencri.htm#weighting%20system%20at%209%20and%203%20o'clock

found this one today, interesting read so maybe i will try it out in future with some lead at 10 and 2, as i will move to really good players in like 2 month, especially wheni fix my arm.

its also very individual thing i believe. Customization to either increase stability or power. Maybe i will get a little bit more stability with 10 and 2 but my main purpose will be getting similar power that i had with aero but with way better comfort. Maybe will go even with 12 but dont want to mess with grip now to counterbalance it so will see.

Will play as it is for a month and then will know more
 

Psi7

Rookie
Watching Sinner now and he clearly got lead tapes at 10 and 2 position. Maybe will test it on one racquet and add 2g per position for 4g total. Got two overgrips so maybe wont have to counter balance it
 

Marcel92

New User
Watching Sinner now and he clearly got lead tapes at 10 and 2 position. Maybe will test it on one racquet and add 2g per position for 4g total. Got two overgrips so maybe wont have to counter balance it
Yeah i have added +8g with the leather grip and +7,5g dampener. I tried with 4g at 10&2 (336g total) but wasn't happy. Serve was bombing in but i had the Feeling its to heavy / or to much swingweight for me. (had Arm / Tennis elbow issues in the past). I got more Power and stability but i was quite often to slow on the ball and kinda missed the sweet spot to often so my arm go f*cked.
 

Tmano

Hall of Fame
I tried to like the Speed 360 + but i could not get over the too much oval head shape. Does the Speed 360 and the touch have the same head shape as the Speed 360+?
 

MrAvocado232

New User
Unless something bad happens tomorrow on my final test during competitive match i am switching Aero to Speed Mp after tests with Vcore 97, Vcore97d, ezone 98 and 100 and vcore 98.
Can you detail the differences you noticed between the ezone 100 and the speed?
 

bertrevert

Legend
I tried to like the Speed 360 + but i could not get over the too much oval head shape. Does the Speed 360 and the touch have the same head shape as the Speed 360+?
U may like the latest Extreme MP, very ncie shape (ok beauty in the eye of the... holder)
 

Psi7

Rookie
Can you detail the differences you noticed between the ezone 100 and the speed?

ezone was really different racquet to me. On the final day of testing when i was switching between speed mp and ezone it just felt like touch was very similar, maybe speed with more comfort but for my style speed was jus better. It has to be a launch angle as both are 16x19. I am quite decent player with a very good spin(thats why vcore felt good as well) and speed was clicking for me from the start. Good control with heavy and power shots. When i was picking ezone i was hitting middle of the net on few occasions during early balls.

and i had practice session with a very good player so we kept hitting hard. I was able to control speed power from the start but i was using aero earlier so that wasnt an issue. I can say i miss a little bit of power from aero on speed, got way better touch and comfort but might try a hybrid of a stiff spin oriented strings with poly tour pro, so far using full ptp and really loving racquet. Playing my best tennis so far.


I dont need power myself as i can generate it and have really power itf level forehand but there is significant difference between this racquets, at least for me and my style of play.

if you cant control power from speed mp or racquets like aero and you are hitting shots more flat then it wont be good for you and i am sure ezone will be better. But if you use that spin, can control more power then its more like my style and i would go with speed. For me its like a little bit lowered powered but way better comfort and touch than aero. Vcore is more like that from yonex but more stiff and i wanted comfort at the moment as priority.

With ezone i like that plush yonex touch as well but when it comes to power difference was too big. Was lower than speed which is lower than aero.

That hits in the middle of the net were also so weird, it only happened with ezone and on multiple occasions so it felt its just not a racquet for me. Both 98 and 100. Didnt have it with vcore pro, 97d with 18x20 and 320g was just wrong and heavy for me me while i liked 97, it was fine but just not it. As mentioned vcore would be one for me from yonex but speed was better with comfort and it felt like it clicked right away.

The best moment was when i picked speed, had it for competitive game on final day of having demo and after full 2 hours my opponent wanted to check it out and i picked my old aero. Then i noticed difference in stiffness right away. Didint feel it when i was using it only but here i just wanted to switch back right away. Was playing similar, but touch and comfort is different level really. And thats what i def needed with my arm issues.

to he perfecly honest, it even helped my game now as i gained way more control than i had with aero with just slighlty less power thst i can easily adjust with string as well

really loving it so far to be honest and very happy from the switch
 

Tmano

Hall of Fame
U may like the latest Extreme MP, very ncie shape (ok beauty in the eye of the... holder)
You might be right as i got it suggested it a while ago, but i like frames with some power and if i recall it right the extreme should be a low power racquet.....right?
 
Top