Head: Speed Pro 2022 vs Speed MP 2022

[Eilathen]

So I bought a Speed Pro 2022 recently and I quite liked the stick in play. Now I am wondering if I should get an Speed MP 2022 as well (or maybe even instead of the Pro). Why? I do like the balance of the Pro better than in the MP (Pro is more headlight) but I'd probably like the slightly lower static weight of the MP better*.

As far as string pattern goes: I do not have a real opinion about 18x20 vs. 16x19. I'm a flat hitter so i could probably use some help from the racket as far as spin goes. But apparently the 18x20 is better for spin (as per Tennis Lab) eventhough most of you around here still hold to the old "more open string pattern is better for spin" believe...so yeah, I don't know.

I heard several times on different platforms that the MP is erratic as to the response of the string bed? Is that a thing? I mean as said, the Pro with the denser pattern has better control for sure, but is the MP really somehow especially erratic?! More so than "normal"/other 16x19 sticks?

If some of you played with both, what are your experiences if you compare those two? Power, control, spin, maneuvarability, plowthrough, overall playability?

Thanks for any and all opinions and thoughts about this racket comparison.

* how easy is it to make the MP more headlight?

 

[heavyD]

I have owned both and they are both solid frames. I preferred the MP because power and spin came easier for me. The MP is a good all around racquet and I never really got the erratic feeling from it that some say. It's more lively and spin friendly compared to the Pro so I'm not sure it will suit your game as well being a flat hitter as you are probably going to see balls that would land in with the Pro, sail long with the MP.

 

[Rentege]

Would agree with above, if you’re a flat player, the Pro is probably better suited for you. The MP is definitely not erratic. Is it control-oriented if you’re coming from an old school frame? No. But it’s definitely a more well-rounded and versatile racket than the power and spin lines.

 

[CVT]

+1 on these two responses. I loved the feel and precision of the Pro, and the ability to hit out on flat shots. That said, as I've added spin to my game, the MP is just easier on me and I eventually made the switch. I do think using strings with good control is very important on the MP.

 

[TheBoom]

It just depends on what you like. I didn’t find the MP to be erratic, but I didn’t like the balance and preferred the precision of the 18x20 in the pro so I went with that. I can generate my own power and spin just fine.

It shouldn’t take much to fix the MP to make it more headlight. Silicon, tungsten putty, or a leather grip will work, you just have to pick what’ll work best for you

 

[Eilathen]

Thank you all for your help, I really appreciate it!

Seems like I already have the "better" version for my game-style.
As i said, I only ever questioned my decision because of the spin help a 16x19 could theoretically provide and because I think the slightly lower static weight might be to my liking (but am not really sure about that). I am certain that I prefer the balance of the Pro. But balance would be adjustable with the MP. So yeah...decisions decisions...right?!

 

[Tennisfan2024]

In terms of what you can do more with(hit flat, hit short angle shots, volley) what would be the consensus on superiority looking outside of the player themselves? And would the 2024 versions be better or is there no difference outside of more muted feel?

 

[BallsOfFire]

Thank you all for your help, I really appreciate it!

Seems like I already have the "better" version for my game-style.
As i said, I only ever questioned my decision because of the spin help a 16x19 could theoretically provide and because I think the slightly lower static weight might be to my liking (but am not really sure about that). I am certain that I prefer the balance of the Pro. But balance would be adjustable with the MP. So yeah...decisions decisions...right?!

18 x 20 vs 16 x 19 is also about if you hit hard/make power yourself or need a little help...and whether you are a counterpuncher or an attacker..whether you are tall...whether you are agile..whether you like low or a little higher ball trajectory...
You can hit spin with both as this is majorly about technique and string choice (tension, gauge, snapback, round/shaped)
Regarding MP/Pro in Speed line, the sweetspot squares are very close and not very different. So it really do not matter much regarding the Speeds whether you have the MP or Pro regarding strngbed.... Here its more about balance and swingweight. With string choice and tension you can dial them to be very close.
As a fun to know info the Instinct MP has a tighter close to Speed Pro sweetspot pattern. even if it a 16 x 19.
So when choosing rackets you really need to see the sweetspot pattern more than the overall. You can get a 18 x 20 that has bigger squares in the sweetspot than a 16 x 19.

 

[Stujames]

I have both those sticks. Considering they look identical they play quite different. MP can generate spin more easily but I find it not as stable as Pro. For me the Pro hits a heavier ball and is more stable. The big difference I notice is the launch angle. When I first started hitting with the Pro ( had MP first) some of my shots were hitting the bottom of the net! Easier to launch balls out the back with MP....

 

[johnmccabe]

How can I still buy a speed mp 2022 that's not terribly over spec? Got a new one feeling like gravity pro 330 swing weight.

 

[BallsOfFire]

I have both those sticks. Considering they look identical they play quite different. MP can generate spin more easily but I find it not as stable as Pro. For me the Pro hits a heavier ball and is more stable. The big difference I notice is the launch angle. When I first started hitting with the Pro ( had MP first) some of my shots were hitting the bottom of the net! Easier to launch balls out the back with MP....

Propably just add some weight to the MP and it will feel just as stable. the stability comes from the swingweight and hitting weight and twistweight and recoilweight.
Regarding hitting balls out the court with MP. just use different tension/strings. 50 % of the rackets play is in the choice of strings and tension. There is very little difference between the two in my opinion.
Add an overgrip to the MP and 2 gram of lead on each side at 3 and 9. that should take care of the difference in stability and plowthrough etc.

 

[jlouie]

How can I still buy a speed mp 2022 that's not terribly over spec? Got a new one feeling like gravity pro 330 swing weight.

Ya, I noticed the ones they re-released are all pretty heavy. I got ahold of 2 from each of TW and 2 other retailers and all fell between 298-305 swing weight without the placard. Will probably end up just buying the Speed MP Legend like I originally intended to do.

 

[Stujames]

Propably just add some weight to the MP and it will feel just as stable. the stability comes from the swingweight and hitting weight and twistweight and recoilweight.
Regarding hitting balls out the court with MP. just use different tension/strings. 50 % of the rackets play is in the choice of strings and tension. There is very little difference between the two in my opinion.
Add an overgrip to the MP and 2 gram of lead on each side at 3 and 9. that should take care of the difference in stability and plowthrough etc.

I actually have already done this. Weight at 3 and 9 and in handle and it has made a good difference. They still feel quite different to me. I will up the tension on the MP next time

 

[BallsOfFire]

Ya, I noticed the ones they re-released are all pretty heavy. I got ahold of 2 from each of TW and 2 other retailers and all fell between 298-305 swing weight without the placard. Will probably end up just buying the Speed MP Legend like I originally intended to do.

Bought 4 Speed Mp L 2022 to a ridiculous low sale price. (95 D a piece) all 2 grams within eachother.
Will add some weight. Can costumize them to exactly what I want

 

[BallsOfFire]

Remember the power-Pads like Jannick S.
His strung racket without the Leadtape... is around 325 static weight, 32 balance and 318-320 Swingweight.

 

[freshmic]

I currently use 2 speed pro 22, and 1 speed mp 22. For context, I am a 4.0 USTA, baseline player (trying to become more all-court), aggressive, and plays with relatively high amount of top spin.

I previously used Pro Staff 97 v10, also a 16x19, with luxilon alu power rough, and found my shots to be floaty. That racket also has a bit of an erratic feeling & launch and I became super inconsistent during matches.

Speed Pro 22 (used with PPC 16 string)
pros
- the keyword is consistency: instantly after demoing the racket it opened up a new world for me, my shots are precise, consistent, and I almost make no unforced errors from using it.
- stability: I was able to return heavy serves consistently from 4.5 players that I was never able to do before
- launch angle: as many noted, launch angle is lower, which gives a very nice shape to the trajectory, and less floaty shots
- execellent control
- good SW: 292 SW, 322 strung, is quite perfect, not too heavy not too light
cons
- spin: def feels like the spin is much reduced compared to the MP. You need to work harder for it. On higher shots, if I do my normal forehand swing the shots just goes down and dangerously close to the net, or lands short. The trick to using this racket is to use a bity, shaped poly (I later tried tour bite soft 18, which works out great), or gut poly hybrid, and remember to always generate top spin and pay attention to the shape you are creating for the ball trajectory, or if you are a flat hitter, hitting more through the ball.
- power: less power than MP. I'd strung the poly a bit lower like around 46 lbs. But because of the lack of power, you can also swing hard without worrying the ball going out.
customization: ended up with about 330 SW and 340g strung

Speed MP 22 (used with PPC 16 string)
pros
- same level of consistency, not as precise as the pro
- more powerful, shots can easily go deep
- good control
- spin: easy to generate, and don't need to think about it too much. A bit floatier shots, but far from intolerable
cons
- a bit too light: feels less stable against hard hitters, kinda need to spin up all the heavy balls, but adding some tungsten putty in the handle fixes that
- tiny bit less comfort, the speed pro is an extremely comfortable racket
customization: ended up 327 SW and 336g strung


Overall, I lean towards using the speed mp as they give more margin for error for my current level, and are a bit lighter to swing for a longer period. I do plan to progress toward 4.5 rapidly where I feel that people hit harder, hence need more control and stability. I also need more stamina, better spin generation via my strokes - the speed pro would come in handy, as it gives spin when you needed it, flatten shots when you can, and is more precise to hit winners.

Tennis mentor on youtube also compared the new 24 speed pro vs speed mp, and the speed mp generates around 10% more if I remember correctly rpm on shots. But a shaped poy vs multi can also make up for that lack of spin

 

[AgTennis]

I currently use 2 speed pro 22, and 1 speed mp 22. For context, I am a 4.0 USTA, baseline player (trying to become more all-court), aggressive, and plays with relatively high amount of top spin.

I previously used Pro Staff 97 v10, also a 16x19, with luxilon alu power rough, and found my shots to be floaty. That racket also has a bit of an erratic feeling & launch and I became super inconsistent during matches.

Speed Pro 22 (used with PPC 16 string)
pros
- the keyword is consistency: instantly after demoing the racket it opened up a new world for me, my shots are precise, consistent, and I almost make no unforced errors from using it.
- stability: I was able to return heavy serves consistently from 4.5 players that I was never able to do before
- launch angle: as many noted, launch angle is lower, which gives a very nice shape to the trajectory, and less floaty shots
- execellent control
- good SW: 292 SW, 322 strung, is quite perfect, not too heavy not too light
cons
- spin: def feels like the spin is much reduced compared to the MP. You need to work harder for it. On higher shots, if I do my normal forehand swing the shots just goes down and dangerously close to the net, or lands short. The trick to using this racket is to use a bity, shaped poly (I later tried tour bite soft 18, which works out great), or gut poly hybrid, and remember to always generate top spin and pay attention to the shape you are creating for the ball trajectory, or if you are a flat hitter, hitting more through the ball.
- power: less power than MP. I'd strung the poly a bit lower like around 46 lbs. But because of the lack of power, you can also swing hard without worrying the ball going out.
customization: ended up with about 330 SW and 340g strung

Speed MP 22 (used with PPC 16 string)
pros
- same level of consistency, not as precise as the pro
- more powerful, shots can easily go deep
- good control
- spin: easy to generate, and don't need to think about it too much. A bit floatier shots, but far from intolerable
cons
- a bit too light: feels less stable against hard hitters, kinda need to spin up all the heavy balls, but adding some tungsten putty in the handle fixes that
- tiny bit less comfort, the speed pro is an extremely comfortable racket
customization: ended up 327 SW and 336g strung


Overall, I lean towards using the speed mp as they give more margin for error for my current level, and are a bit lighter to swing for a longer period. I do plan to progress toward 4.5 rapidly where I feel that people hit harder, hence need more control and stability. I also need more stamina, better spin generation via my strokes - the speed pro would come in handy, as it gives spin when you needed it, flatten shots when you can, and is more precise to hit winners.

Tennis mentor on youtube also compared the new 24 speed pro vs speed mp, and the speed mp generates around 10% more if I remember correctly rpm on shots. But a shaped poy vs multi can also make up for that lack of spin

Thanks for the thorough review. I also have both racquets in my bag, Speed MP & Pro 2022 both around 320 sw (which I prefer at my level). I’m at the intermediate level and still developing my strokes and game (been playing around 1.5ish years). I’ve been using the Pro because the ball fly less to the fence and instead fall short sometimes which is better, but I wonder if that might be bad for my learning technique development in the long run. I’ve read in this forum that we shouldn’t try to switch racquets just because our balls are flying long but instead develop our topspin technique etc. do you guys think the Pro is not a good racquet for someone like me and I should stick to the mp? Thanks.

 

[naturalexponent]

Thanks for the thorough review. I also have both racquets in my bag, Speed MP & Pro 2022 both around 320 sw (which I prefer at my level). I’m at the intermediate level and still developing my strokes and game (been playing around 1.5ish years). I’ve been using the Pro because the ball fly less to the fence and instead fall short sometimes which is better, but I wonder if that might be bad for my learning technique development in the long run. I’ve read in this forum that we shouldn’t try to switch racquets just because our balls are flying long but instead develop our topspin technique etc. do you guys think the Pro is not a good racquet for someone like me and I should stick to the mp? Thanks.

What's more important for your technique is that you stick with a racquet, for consistency. You'll be fine with whichever you choose (my personal preference is the Speed Pro), but it's probably a good idea not to switch back and forth on a regular basis if you're still learning.

 

[freshmic]

Thanks for the thorough review. I also have both racquets in my bag, Speed MP & Pro 2022 both around 320 sw (which I prefer at my level). I’m at the intermediate level and still developing my strokes and game (been playing around 1.5ish years). I’ve been using the Pro because the ball fly less to the fence and instead fall short sometimes which is better, but I wonder if that might be bad for my learning technique development in the long run. I’ve read in this forum that we shouldn’t try to switch racquets just because our balls are flying long but instead develop our topspin technique etc. do you guys think the Pro is not a good racquet for someone like me and I should stick to the mp? Thanks.

I agree with the above. I would experiment and stick with the stick that works best for you. Theoretically, pro is for higher-level players who have decent spin and power generation, but it would be a good learning racket too, as it requires higher effort to play a quality ball with the pro, but when you do generate a quality ball, it feels satisfying. Try to use the pro but hit more spin and more through the ball to push it deeper, and stick to your favorite string as well.

For me, I am a bit different in that I found hardly any adjustment periods playing between the MP and Pro, and another POG 4 stripes, and play them interchangeably just for fun. I simply adjust spin / power in my strokes to compensate each racket's characteristics. If I am in a serious match I'd use my speed pro with a solinco branded shaped poly string. But everyone's different.