Head speed pro from dunlop bio 200 - dramatic improvement

Chris Sharp

New User
So this is my first post sorry re length.. I played college tennis to about 5.5 level 15 years ago probably 5.0 now - I'm now 36 and getting more serrious again playing lots of tournaments. Had been using dunlop bio 200 since it came out 6/7 years ago. I've just tried the speed 360 pro and WOW! After one hitting session with it, I beat a player I've never even won a set against (and played about 15 sets in last 6 months) 61 61. I can't believe the improvement on spin power and how much bigger the sweet spot is - find its much more manouverable so im not late as much. I particularly love the put away on a slow ball which i struggled on with the dunlop due to high weight and very low power. It's strung at 53. I can play an all court game - often serve volley on the 1st serve or look to attack the FH. I hit a lot of top spin on both sides - 1 handed backhand. The dramatic improvement has led me to think is there another racket out there that could provide even more improvement? Or could I add some lead / silicon.. it feels light to me and I feel stability could be improved a little for hard hitting exchanges. Thinking aeropro tour. I also see lots of similar standard players using the blade 98 18x20 and radical mp/pro. Any thoughts or suggestions would be most helpful. I want to find a racket and stick with it for 3-5 years. The dunlop stung was 357 - the head strung with over grip and dampener is 340.
Chris
 

Imago

Hall of Fame
If you want to upgrade go back to Dunlop AG 200 4D... It's a ready players racket.
 

Imago

Hall of Fame
Except that's it's probably not for him.

Then probably more close to the source(erer that is Angell), say, Pure Storm Tour or Pure Control Tour as a last resort. PAT is too much of a leap.

On a second thought, if I was a young 5.0-5.5 player, I would play with Ti.Fire Pro Edition - only change the basic grip with heavy leather one around 25 g., so that the total weight be 360 g. This is the only 360 magic number I understand.
 
Last edited:
So this is my first post sorry re length.. I played college tennis to about 5.5 level 15 years ago probably 5.0 now - I'm now 36 and getting more serrious again playing lots of tournaments. Had been using dunlop bio 200 since it came out 6/7 years ago. I've just tried the speed 360 pro and WOW! After one hitting session with it, I beat a player I've never even won a set against (and played about 15 sets in last 6 months) 61 61. I can't believe the improvement on spin power and how much bigger the sweet spot is - find its much more manouverable so im not late as much. I particularly love the put away on a slow ball which i struggled on with the dunlop due to high weight and very low power. It's strung at 53. I can play an all court game - often serve volley on the 1st serve or look to attack the FH. I hit a lot of top spin on both sides - 1 handed backhand. The dramatic improvement has led me to think is there another racket out there that could provide even more improvement? Or could I add some lead / silicon.. it feels light to me and I feel stability could be improved a little for hard hitting exchanges. Thinking aeropro tour. I also see lots of similar standard players using the blade 98 18x20 and radical mp/pro. Any thoughts or suggestions would be most helpful. I want to find a racket and stick with it for 3-5 years. The dunlop stung was 357 - the head strung with over grip and dampener is 340.
Chris

At your level, you should be able to feel out what your game needs. Sounds like you're able to play your game at a high level with the Speed 360 Pro. With that head size and flexibility -- if it feels right to you, then stick with it. With respect to lead, keep it as-is unless you feel like you need to change something.
 

TennisHound

Legend
So this is my first post sorry re length.. I played college tennis to about 5.5 level 15 years ago probably 5.0 now - I'm now 36 and getting more serrious again playing lots of tournaments. Had been using dunlop bio 200 since it came out 6/7 years ago. I've just tried the speed 360 pro and WOW! After one hitting session with it, I beat a player I've never even won a set against (and played about 15 sets in last 6 months) 61 61. I can't believe the improvement on spin power and how much bigger the sweet spot is - find its much more manouverable so im not late as much. I particularly love the put away on a slow ball which i struggled on with the dunlop due to high weight and very low power. It's strung at 53. I can play an all court game - often serve volley on the 1st serve or look to attack the FH. I hit a lot of top spin on both sides - 1 handed backhand. The dramatic improvement has led me to think is there another racket out there that could provide even more improvement? Or could I add some lead / silicon.. it feels light to me and I feel stability could be improved a little for hard hitting exchanges. Thinking aeropro tour. I also see lots of similar standard players using the blade 98 18x20 and radical mp/pro. Any thoughts or suggestions would be most helpful. I want to find a racket and stick with it for 3-5 years. The dunlop stung was 357 - the head strung with over grip and dampener is 340.
Chris
X2 on ROCKinCourier’s comments. You could search out a 16x19 string patterned racquet similar, but you may not find the same control or feel as the 360 Speed Pro.

You’re other option would be to search out a Wilson H22 18x20. There are many threads and you can visit prostocktennis dot com.
 

Djokovicfan

Professional
So this is my first post sorry re length.. I played college tennis to about 5.5 level 15 years ago probably 5.0 now - I'm now 36 and getting more serrious again playing lots of tournaments. Had been using dunlop bio 200 since it came out 6/7 years ago. I've just tried the speed 360 pro and WOW! After one hitting session with it, I beat a player I've never even won a set against (and played about 15 sets in last 6 months) 61 61. I can't believe the improvement on spin power and how much bigger the sweet spot is - find its much more manouverable so im not late as much. I particularly love the put away on a slow ball which i struggled on with the dunlop due to high weight and very low power. It's strung at 53. I can play an all court game - often serve volley on the 1st serve or look to attack the FH. I hit a lot of top spin on both sides - 1 handed backhand. The dramatic improvement has led me to think is there another racket out there that could provide even more improvement? Or could I add some lead / silicon.. it feels light to me and I feel stability could be improved a little for hard hitting exchanges. Thinking aeropro tour. I also see lots of similar standard players using the blade 98 18x20 and radical mp/pro. Any thoughts or suggestions would be most helpful. I want to find a racket and stick with it for 3-5 years. The dunlop stung was 357 - the head strung with over grip and dampener is 340.
Chris

If you like the 360 pro you should try last years speed touch pro. Ive played with the 360 speeds and last years touch speeds and the touch speeds have lower power and more control- very much a players racquet even though its only 11.2-11.3 oz strung.
 

Chris Sharp

New User
If you like the 360 pro you should try last years speed touch pro. Ive played with the 360 speeds and last years touch speeds and the touch speeds have lower power and more control- very much a players racquet even though its only 11.2-11.3 oz strung.
Actually I used a mates - that's why I got the new one. Agreed it is softer feeling-I was thinking that was due to the strings - he used luxilon 4G 54lb and Gosen sheep micro at 51. My current set up is a full bed of Luxilon adrenalin 54 51 -its a little hard.

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
 

Chris Sharp

New User
At your level, you should be able to feel out what your game needs. Sounds like you're able to play your game at a high level with the Speed 360 Pro. With that head size and flexibility -- if it feels right to you, then stick with it. With respect to lead, keep it as-is unless you feel like you need to change something.
I know what I like.... it just takes time to try out lots of rackets and different string patterns. I've got with it for 2 weeks almost every day - arms is a little sore - got a tournament next weekend, should be a good test. Will then think about lead. Think I need to drop tension or use a hybrid. Currently a full bed of luxilon adrenalin 51x54... if anything I'm hitting too short.

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
 

Chris Sharp

New User
Thanks for the advice all - some amazing knowledge here. By the way... I hit with my bros 200g hotmelt... the racket I used in college.... sooo much better than the 200 bio. Much better feel / a little springy which i liked- definately more manouverable- feels.more head light... tho specs look similar. Might see if Mr angell can knock something similar up... no !!! Sticking with the speed pro-less frames more sweet spots and heaps of spin!

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
 

Chris Sharp

New User
Everyone's different and the new speed pro is quite good but I prefer the Dunlop Biomimetic 200 as a proper racquet with decent feel.
I hear you... Im very tied between feedback and honesty of players stick and instant game improvement of more "modern raxket" Try the hotmelt 200g or muscle weave - lots more feel and more whipy IMHO

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
 
I know what I like.... it just takes time to try out lots of rackets and different string patterns. I've got with it for 2 weeks almost every day - arms is a little sore - got a tournament next weekend, should be a good test. Will then think about lead. Think I need to drop tension or use a hybrid. Currently a full bed of luxilon adrenalin 51x54... if anything I'm hitting too short.

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

Drop that tension 7-10 pounds. At your game level -- it'll be no issue. Just my 2 cents.
 

Chris Sharp

New User
I would stick with it.

Bio 200 is difficult racquet to play with in these days with ocean of 100+ head frames out there.

There will be a lot of other player's frames that are dramatic improvement from bio 200.
And the more you demo, the more you will get confused. :D
Yes, that's my conclusion too. Any rackets in particular you'd suggest are worth a try. What's the best player's stick to compete with the fit 20 year old hitting massive spin with a 100 inch babalot? I keep seeing the blade 98 in the later rounds of tournaments...

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
 
7-10 seems alot... would it not become a roxket launcher? Ill drop it a lb or 2 per restring until I find the sweet spot.

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

I wouldn't be too nervous about playing around with the tensions. I thought it would become a rocket launcher as well, but I was surprised when it didn't. It did give the ball a little higher launch angle, but it was actually something I needed anyway -- a little more margin over the net. Since I have decent form on both sides, I naturally create enough spin to keep the balls in. The poly strings act different from synthetic and multi strings in this way.

You may be pleasantly surprised. Or not, lol :)
 

Chris Sharp

New User
I wouldn't be too nervous about playing around with the tensions. I thought it would become a rocket launcher as well, but I was surprised when it didn't. It did give the ball a little higher launch angle, but it was actually something I needed anyway -- a little more margin over the net. Since I have decent form on both sides, I naturally create enough spin to keep the balls in. The poly strings act different from synthetic and multi strings in this way.

You may be pleasantly surprised. Or not, lol :)
48lb?

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
 

plasm0r

New User
I'm loving the new Head Speed Pro 360. Controllable power, incredible spin and amazing touch and feel. Strung at 53lbs I'm getting a lovely soft feeling/ball pocketing response. It sounds great as well. My defense and return game improved immediately with this frame. I'm winning points I wouldn't have before.

Head have a winner with this frame IMO.

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk
 

Chris Sharp

New User
I'm loving the new Head Speed Pro 360. Controllable power, incredible spin and amazing touch and feel. Strung at 53lbs I'm getting a lovely soft feeling/ball pocketing response. It sounds great as well. My defense and return game improved immediately with this frame. I'm winning points I wouldn't have before.

Head have a winner with this frame IMO.

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk
Having come from a dunlop 200 - I'm not raving about touch or feel... though it's much better than a pure drive. Spin and power are awesome and addictive - lov3 how whippy it is.... Got to focus on not wristing it too much as it's easy to get bad habits. What did you use previously? What strings do you have in?

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
 

plasm0r

New User
I was using the Pure Strike 16x19 2014 model which felt boardy and vibratey in comparison when I switched to it after half an hour hitting with the 360 Pro. Although that may have something to do with the strings being old. I was also using a Pro Staff 95 2014 which I won a tournament with recently. That frame has great touch and feel when you find the sweet spot....maybe I'm finding the sweet spot more frequently with the Head although the RA of 62 should mean it is more flexible and comfy than the Pro staff and that's what my experience has been so far. The Pro staff is also customized to a static weight of 12.2oz with 330 swing weight. I was worried about the stability of the Head Speed Pro being that the swingweight is quite a bit lower but I'm not having any problems so far. I'm not planning on adding weight just yet because I'm afraid of taking away from the 'speediness' of this frame which has been great for defense and my return game. I play against younger opponents exclusively on clay who love to rip big topspin forehands with their pure drives so I deal a lot with higher balls with lots of pace. I believed a bigger headsize would help me and the Speed Pro 360 has been perfect. I'm 41 now so I need all the help I can get against these youngsters!

I'm using a relatively thin string called Gioco XP 1.20, which is common where I am in Brazil. It's the softest copoly I've used. http://www.gioco.com.br/xp.html

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk
 
I would stick with it.

Bio 200 is difficult racquet to play with in these days with ocean of 100+ head frames out there.

There will be a lot of other player's frames that are dramatic improvement from bio 200.
And the more you demo, the more you will get confused. :D
Yeah, I switched from the Head IG Prestige MP to 16x19 frames as I switched my forehand grip to semi western to be modern (it was eastern). Whatever stick helps you utilize the modern spin game with more margin is just gonna make a huge difference. I like the TC95: https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...95-16x19-flexy-shakedown.553138/#post-9954079 but if you found something you like keep with it
 

Chris Sharp

New User
Yeah, I switched from the Head IG Prestige MP to 16x19 frames as I switched my forehand grip to semi western to be modern (it was eastern). Whatever stick helps you utilize the modern spin game with more margin is just gonna make a huge difference. I like the TC95: https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...95-16x19-flexy-shakedown.553138/#post-9954079 but if you found something you like keep with it
I am tempted by 16×19.... I used the RF97 for 3 months- fine for dubs and addictive - though it was too heavy and stiff.. started to hurt my back and I was losing to players I'd never lost against in singles. I found the tension sensitivity far too high - literally only got it playing well for 2 hours at 52lb before it would slacken and launch rockets - amazing for serve volley tho. Never tried 16x19 on flexi players stick tho- aka Murray's set up.... I just got a Head pro tour 630 cheap to play about with (used a prestige mid 600 back in my formative years) will see what my results are like with the 630 - if they are good - I may try the angell which i think is as close as you can get these days. I'd like to find my Excalibur by December and dial it in so I have a great summer season so hope to not jump about too much longer. I could happily stick with speed 360 pro - though it's not got the feel or weight I really like and hurts my arm a bit (might just be I'm 36 and playing too much singles - 10/12 hours a week). My results with it are great however on account of large forgiving sweet spot, lots of spin and lots of manoverability meaning I'm consistently hitting a big spin laden ball and almost never late.

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
 
I am tempted by 16×19.... I used the RF97 for 3 months- fine for dubs and addictive - though it was too heavy and stiff.. started to hurt my back and I was losing to players I'd never lost against in singles. I found the tension sensitivity far too high - literally only got it playing well for 2 hours at 52lb before it would slacken and launch rockets - amazing for serve volley tho. Never tried 16x19 on flexi players stick tho- aka Murray's set up.... I just got a Head pro tour 630 cheap to play about with (used a prestige mid 600 back in my formative years) will see what my results are like with the 630 - if they are good - I may try the angell which i think is as close as you can get these days. I'd like to find my Excalibur by December and dial it in so I have a great summer season so hope to not jump about too much longer. I could happily stick with speed 360 pro - though it's not got the feel or weight I really like and hurts my arm a bit (might just be I'm 36 and playing too much singles - 10/12 hours a week). My results with it are great however on account of large forgiving sweet spot, lots of spin and lots of manoverability meaning I'm consistently hitting a big spin laden ball and almost never late.

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
angell is great and paul was dunlops lead engineer for years but if you are having great results with the speed just try lower tension but stiffer full poly... way better on arm and better spin. Try max power by kirschbaum at 45lbs perhaps?
 

Doaner

New User
I am tempted by 16×19.... I used the RF97 for 3 months- fine for dubs and addictive - though it was too heavy and stiff.. started to hurt my back and I was losing to players I'd never lost against in singles. I found the tension sensitivity far too high - literally only got it playing well for 2 hours at 52lb before it would slacken and launch rockets - amazing for serve volley tho. Never tried 16x19 on flexi players stick tho- aka Murray's set up.... I just got a Head pro tour 630 cheap to play about with (used a prestige mid 600 back in my formative years) will see what my results are like with the 630 - if they are good - I may try the angell which i think is as close as you can get these days. I'd like to find my Excalibur by December and dial it in so I have a great summer season so hope to not jump about too much longer. I could happily stick with speed 360 pro - though it's not got the feel or weight I really like and hurts my arm a bit (might just be I'm 36 and playing too much singles - 10/12 hours a week). My results with it are great however on account of large forgiving sweet spot, lots of spin and lots of manoverability meaning I'm consistently hitting a big spin laden ball and almost never late.

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
I addded some lead from 11-2 and added about 20grams of silicone in the handle. Weighs 12.5 ounces and 6 points headlight for me. Feels great on the arm and the weight Is what I’m used to.
 

Zoolander

Hall of Fame
I used the kpro tour which was very similar to the Bio 200, very flexy with low twistweight and low power.

Loved hitting with it but its just too hard to compete with more modern racquets like the APD's and speeds, unless you lead the crap out of them like the pros do, and i dont do THAT heavy!

Haven’t had a look at the Wilson ultra tour have you?
 

Chris Sharp

New User
I used the kpro tour which was very similar to the Bio 200, very flexy with low twistweight and low power.

Loved hitting with it but its just too hard to compete with more modern racquets like the APD's and speeds, unless you lead the crap out of them like the pros do, and i dont do THAT heavy!

Haven’t had a look at the Wilson ultra tour have you?
Wilson ultra tour is soft like butter - hit with it for 30 mins ... I found it was very very low powered- even lower than the bio. I did hit with an old blade 98 and found that fairly fantastic. I might hit with it again.

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
 

Chris Sharp

New User
I addded some lead from 11-2 and added about 20grams of silicone in the handle. Weighs 12.5 ounces and 6 points headlight for me. Feels great on the arm and the weight Is what I’m used to.
Do you mean you did this to the speed pro? Would be great to have a hit with that - sounds solid and powerful. Is it hard to get the racket moving? Is the racket still "speed". What tension?

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
 

Doaner

New User
Do you mean you did this to the speed pro? Would be great to have a hit with that - sounds solid and powerful. Is it hard to get the racket moving? Is the racket still "speed". What tension?

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
Yeah I did that to the speed pro cause I just couldn’t get comfortable with the weight. It was not hard moving the racquet at all with the counter weighting in the handle. I actually felt more head speed because i was comfortable. I have two setups. One 50/45 gut/poly and the second is full poly at 48. The guy poly I will do 52/48 next time.
 

redmini

Semi-Pro
Yes, that's my conclusion too. Any rackets in particular you'd suggest are worth a try. What's the best player's stick to compete with the fit 20 year old hitting massive spin with a 100 inch babalot? I keep seeing the blade 98 in the later rounds of tournaments...

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

Just read this thread from start to finish - left me thinking that the Angell TC100 could fit the bill. 100 inch players racket - plenty spin and power , great touch and feel , stable and great directional control. Arm friendly too. Choose weight and balance and grip shape and swing weight to suit you. Because of the way it's constructed these can be altered later on too if you don't get it quite right at the start. Two RAs to choose from too! one quite flexible , one more like blade stiffness.

If I recall Paul Angell was the man behind the max 200g / hotmelt etc before he struck out on his own.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 

mhkeuns

Hall of Fame
Speed Pro is a fantastic frame that does everything well. It really helped my game when I was looking for more power but still wanted comtrol. Though it’s a dense pattern, I never felt it lacked spin. I think it doesn’t get the love iit deserves because of its 100” headsize, not 97 or 98, but to me, it was one of the most well rounded sticks I’ve hit with. It is the Head’s best offering, imo.
 

hurworld

Hall of Fame
Speed Pro is a fantastic frame that does everything well. It really helped my game when I was looking for more power but still wanted comtrol. Though it’s a dense pattern, I never felt it lacked spin. I think it doesn’t get the love iit deserves because of its 100” headsize, not 97 or 98, but to me, it was one of the most well rounded sticks I’ve hit with. It is the Head’s best offering, imo.
Were you referring only to the latest 360 Speed Pro, or the entire line?
 

mhkeuns

Hall of Fame
Were you referring only to the latest 360 Speed Pro, or the entire line?

I’ve played the Speed Pro since the Graphene Speed Pro and feel that the last two (*360 & Touch) were much better in feel and overall play compared to the Graphene and XT. The Touch version, to me, was closer in being a player’s racket, though. Lovely frames for sure.
 

Anton

Legend
So this is my first post sorry re length.. I played college tennis to about 5.5 level 15 years ago probably 5.0 now - I'm now 36 and getting more serrious again playing lots of tournaments. Had been using dunlop bio 200 since it came out 6/7 years ago. I've just tried the speed 360 pro and WOW! After one hitting session with it, I beat a player I've never even won a set against (and played about 15 sets in last 6 months) 61 61. I can't believe the improvement on spin power and how much bigger the sweet spot is - find its much more manouverable so im not late as much. I particularly love the put away on a slow ball which i struggled on with the dunlop due to high weight and very low power. It's strung at 53. I can play an all court game - often serve volley on the 1st serve or look to attack the FH. I hit a lot of top spin on both sides - 1 handed backhand. The dramatic improvement has led me to think is there another racket out there that could provide even more improvement? Or could I add some lead / silicon.. it feels light to me and I feel stability could be improved a little for hard hitting exchanges. Thinking aeropro tour. I also see lots of similar standard players using the blade 98 18x20 and radical mp/pro. Any thoughts or suggestions would be most helpful. I want to find a racket and stick with it for 3-5 years. The dunlop stung was 357 - the head strung with over grip and dampener is 340.
Chris

Really does seem that you are already on the outter edge of how much difference a racket can make.

Still, if you want to mess around I'd recommend you try adding some lead on V throat and 3+9 to increase stability. As far as some demos, you could try Wilson RF97 and Yonex VCORE PRO 97 (310 or 330 gram version) I guess you can throw in the Babolat PD Tour in there too, but will probably find it too wild to tame.

For a great blend of classic control and modern spin there is the super popular Yonex DR98, which unfortunately is out of production cycle right now. If you are comfortable with adding lead you can get the 285g version and really set it up just the way you want. IMO you'll get better feel, more spin and more dependable stringbed compared to Speed Pro. I've tried A LOT of rackets over the years and I doubt I'll ever switch away from mine.
 
Last edited:

hurworld

Hall of Fame
I’ve played the Speed Pro since the Graphene Speed Pro and feel that the last two (*360 & Touch) were much better in feel and overall play compared to the Graphene and XT. The Touch version, to me, was closer in being a player’s racket, though. Lovely frames for sure.
Thanks. That's surprising to hear. Majority feedback on this forum is that the 360 is better than the Touch.
 

mhkeuns

Hall of Fame
Thanks. That's surprising to hear. Majority feedback on this forum is that the 360 is better than the Touch.

I think the Touch version wasn’t well received because of its tight string spacing, whereas the 360 is slightly more open. I like to hit flat shots, so the Touch version worked out perfectly. Honestly, there isn’t a whole lot of difference. They are both solid and stable.
 

Chris Sharp

New User
Yeah I did that to the speed pro cause I just couldn’t get comfortable with the weight. It was not hard moving the racquet at all with the counter weighting in the handle. I actually felt more head speed because i was comfortable. I have two setups. One 50/45 gut/poly and the second is full poly at 48. The guy poly I will do 52/48 next time.
I'm down to 48 full poly with the speed pro and playing some great tennis ! Large sweet spot, tons of spin and enough power at the lower tension. Maybe not the best for a finese based game, but for big serves and groundies it's great.

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
 

Doaner

New User
I'm down to 48 full poly with the speed pro and playing some great tennis ! Large sweet spot, tons of spin and enough power at the lower tension. Maybe not the best for a finese based game, but for big serves and groundies it's great.

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
That's great. yeah that 48 full poly is just magic. i'm glad your switch over has been pretty good.
 
Top