Maroon_Tenniskid
Semi-Pro
I tested the Youtek Rad MP a while ago, and it felt a bit different, and the sweetspot was a bit smaller, but it was a bit lighter and easier to swing, even though the IG Speed is also pretty whippy itself
My Head IG Speed (16x19) Review -w/pic-
- Thread starter Hominator
- Start date
If you shanked the ball less with the Speed and if all else was the same between the two frames, then get the Speed. We can't help you from behind our keyboards. Maybe ask a hitting partner which frame gives you better ball quality. But no one here can help you. We can give you answer if you want, but it won't be based on anything meaningful since we can't see you hit with either of them.
That said, it sounds like you want the Speed, so just buy it, if that's the case. Good luck with your decision.
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I haven't tried the PSL Ltd., but I used to play with the Aero Storm GT, if that helps. Compared to the Aero Strom GT, the Speed as I have it customized, is more solid and heavier.
Update 2/28: Added Volkl black leather grips and strung my frames with Head Sonic Pro 17 at 51, up 4 lbs. from my previous tension. Still have 4" of 1/4" lead on each side at 3/9. Plays really, really well. So much so that I've started unloading all of my other frames except for my Volkl PB10 mids. While the IG Speeds don't have the same level of feel as my Volkls, I appreciate the power and control with which I can hit my shots - these frames are keepers.
Next: racquet matching! Perhaps I'll pay a visit to **** this week...
Next: racquet matching! Perhaps I'll pay a visit to **** this week...
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ManuGinobili
Hall of Fame
Hey Hominator,
this sounds like the stick they wanted the previous Speed to be! Can you make a quick comment about the stiffness of the two? I have been forced to keep the Yt Speed in the closet for a while because it's too stiff for my wrist, and also off center hits did NOT feel nice.
this sounds like the stick they wanted the previous Speed to be! Can you make a quick comment about the stiffness of the two? I have been forced to keep the Yt Speed in the closet for a while because it's too stiff for my wrist, and also off center hits did NOT feel nice.
There is definitely an improvement in feel from the previous version. While the frame is still firm, the sweet spot appears slightly larger and the frame no longer feels jarring on off-center hits. Whatever Head did, it feels better than the previous version.
What kind of string did you use in the previous version and have you considered dropping the tension, especially in the crosses?
JT_2eighty
Hall of Fame
Interesting. How much stiffer do you find the IG Speed to be to the YT Radical?
Does the IG tech seem to help with comfort, even though it is a stiffer spec?
By your description it sounds like I will like this new Speed, as I play more aggressively than defensively. Can't wait to demo them tonight: YT Rad Pro and this IG 16x19. (of course the demos have way diff strings... poly in the IG and Syn in the Rad).
Interesting. How much stiffer do you find the IG Speed to be to the YT Radical?
Does the IG tech seem to help with comfort, even though it is a stiffer spec?
By your description it sounds like I will like this new Speed, as I play more aggressively than defensively. Can't wait to demo them tonight: YT Rad Pro and this IG 16x19. (of course the demos have way diff strings... poly in the IG and Syn in the Rad).
The difference in stiffness between the IG Speed and the YT Radical was noticeable to me. When I flatten out my shots and hit out with the YT Radical, I notice some flutter or wobble upon contact. No such feeling when I hit the same shots with the IG Speed.
Even though the IG Speed is stiffer, I don't feel that it is a harsh frame. For example, I have had tennis elbow and I can still string the IG Speed with a full bed of poly at 51 lbs. with comfort. Whether that's due to the Innegra, D3O, or something else, I'm not sure. All I know is that the frame feels very solid to me and suits my playing style well.
Keep in mind, however, that my IG Speeds with leather grips, lead tape and dampener come in at about 12.5 oz. A stock IG Speed may play differently than mine.
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JackB1
G.O.A.T.
Still using the IG Speed, Hominator?
I just tried a demo and I have to say I was very impressed. How do u compare it to the London? I thought it was a little heavier to swing than the London, but not much. Less power for sure, but very nice indeed!
Yes, I'm still using the IG Speeds. My Speeds are a bit heavier than stock. I have leather grips and lead in the hoop. With overgrip and dampener, mine come in at 12.46 oz.
I may have had a poorly strung London demo, but I didn't really like the London when I demoed it. IIRC, it felt way too light. To be honest, I've heard so many good things about the frame, that I've been tempted to give it another shot. But, I was mainly concerned about it getting pushed around since I mainly hit with either college or former college players who can produce a pretty heavy ball consistently.
For me, I know that if I really want to improve, or at least get back to a semblance of my former self, I need to just pick a racquet and stick with it. Switching racquets messes up my strokes. That's why I've been with my Speeds. That said, trying different racquets is so much fun...
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
Yes, I'm still using the IG Speeds. My Speeds are a bit heavier than stock. I have leather grips and lead in the hoop. With overgrip and dampener, mine come in at 12.46 oz.
I may have had a poorly strung London demo, but I didn't really like the London when I demoed it. IIRC, it felt way too light. To be honest, I've heard so many good things about the frame, that I've been tempted to give it another shot. But, I was mainly concerned about it getting pushed around since I mainly hit with either college or former college players who can produce a pretty heavy ball consistently.
For me, I know that if I really want to improve, or at least get back to a semblance of my former self, I need to just pick a racquet and stick with it. Switching racquets messes up my strokes. That's why I've been with my Speeds. That said, trying different racquets is so much fun...
I agree. I LOVE trying different racquets, but I rarely switch out my main, competition racquet. I just "playtest on the side"
If you think the London is too light, it may not be worthwhile to re-demo it. It doesn't seem to respond well to a lot of lead.
I just picked up a IG Speed 315 and a 300 and will compare the 2 and post my findings soon. It looks like the 300 will be too light for me stock and the 315 MIGHT be too heavy. We shall see. I tried the 315 in a brief demo and it felt fine, but I really need to see over the course of a 3 set match.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
Homi...
Does the 315 respond well with a smooth slower swing or does it need to be whipped through the contact zone quickly? I tried the IG Speed 300 and it really responded well to a quick whipping swing, but unfortunately that's not my game. I am hoping the 315 works better with a little slower swing. Also, how is the power level?
Does the 315 respond well with a smooth slower swing or does it need to be whipped through the contact zone quickly? I tried the IG Speed 300 and it really responded well to a quick whipping swing, but unfortunately that's not my game. I am hoping the 315 works better with a little slower swing. Also, how is the power level?
Power Player
Bionic Poster
If you have a long swing then the Prestige is not hard to use.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
I agree, but I want to try the IG Speed 315 first. I did demo the YT Prestige Pro and it was a very nice racquet.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I guess I am confused..you asked if it was harder to use then the London, but you have hit with both? lol..Maybe you meant a different stick?
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
Sorry. I hadn't used it at the time I asked that question. I tried a demo the other day of the YTPP.
Hey Jack, is the PP a frame you'd seriously consider using?... pros and cons for you?... just curious. :wink:
R
I consider the 315 a relatively stiff frame, and in my experience, stiffer frames play really well when you hit out. That's been my experience with the 315. I can still have pinpoint control with the Speed on slower swings, but I think the 315 has a pretty quick string response, which, responds better to faster racquet head speed. Compared with the 300, the heavier 315 should have more mass, which might make a slower swing speed still work. I'd have to really swing out on the 300 to get the same kind of ball quality as my leaded 315s.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
Well, I was looking at the Speed 315 and I noticed the specs of the PPro are nearly identical. But, I think I will try the Speed first. I am still very happy with my London and I don't expect either of these to unseat it
From the Organix thread:
Had a chance to hit some more with the x10 tonight. It plays similar to my Speeds. I could switch between the two in a match and probably adjust really quickly. One big difference between the two is feel. The x10 is firm yet cushioned. It's like I have an extra vibration dampener on my racquet. As I've said before, it feels very similar to the Pro Kennex line of Kinetic racquets. The feel is firm, yet cushioned as opposed to soft.
Power is greater than my Speeds and it has better control, in my opinion. Sweetspot is similar I guess, but I'm fortunate in that I don't mis-hit too often. Topspin seems about the same. Definitely a comfortable frame. More comfortable than my Speeds.
Both are great frames. I think it comes down to whether you like the new Organix feel. They play similarly, but they feel very different.
BTW, I played with a stock x10 and TennisMaverick's leaded X10. That thing was a beast. That's why his gets a X10, and mine gets a x10
TennisMaverick
Banned
Can I hit with you if I use my welfare check for tennis lessons and get a little better? My bad....I'm shruming while I finish my taxes....
Hi Hominator!
I liked your reviews and posts about the IG Speed.
I'd like your suggestion on this. I've been trying to demp the Head Youtek IG Speed 18x20. Today I got to demo the old version, Head Youtek Speed 18x20. I hit with it for about 2 hours and I really liked it. I was getting good pace and depth on all the balls and that's my style of playing...I like to swing hard on the ball. I usually string mine full poly at around 57-59 or so.
So...I'm considering getting the Speed racquet. Do you suggest going for the IG (which is obviously going to be more expensive) or should I just try to save $$ and go for the old Head YT Speed?
I'm trying to see if I should put in the extra $ and go for the IG? Is it going to be that different.
I'm still planning on trying the IG...hopefully in 2-3 weeks time, but was wanting to know if the IG's worth it or the old version is just as good.
Thanks!
I liked your reviews and posts about the IG Speed.
I'd like your suggestion on this. I've been trying to demp the Head Youtek IG Speed 18x20. Today I got to demo the old version, Head Youtek Speed 18x20. I hit with it for about 2 hours and I really liked it. I was getting good pace and depth on all the balls and that's my style of playing...I like to swing hard on the ball. I usually string mine full poly at around 57-59 or so.
So...I'm considering getting the Speed racquet. Do you suggest going for the IG (which is obviously going to be more expensive) or should I just try to save $$ and go for the old Head YT Speed?
I'm trying to see if I should put in the extra $ and go for the IG? Is it going to be that different.
I'm still planning on trying the IG...hopefully in 2-3 weeks time, but was wanting to know if the IG's worth it or the old version is just as good.
Thanks!
I just saw that TW just dropped the price on the Youtek Speeds even further. If you demoed the Youtek version and liked it, I see no reason to buy the IG Speed. I'd buy two of the Youtek Speeds for the price of one IG Speed and be done with it. IMO, newer versions of racquets aren't always better, necessarily, they're just different. Hope that helps!
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
Got my IG Speed 315 yesterday. Will string it up tonite and probably test it out Wed. I did measure the grip and it WAS in fact 1/8" thicker than other racquets of the same gripsize. I knew it felt a little larger when I first held it, but wanted to confirm. So I replaced the thick Hydrosorb grip with a Prince Resipro and that brought it back to where it should be. The Resipro is thinner than most grips.
Just wanted to share that tip with anyone who might find the grip a little big.
Just wanted to share that tip with anyone who might find the grip a little big.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
Got to play 2 sets today with the Speed 16x19 and came away impressed. Very responsive off the stringbed and nice sweet spot. Good power...more than I was expecting. I had mine at 56/54 with multi/copoly.
The racquet seems like a perfect weight and swingweight. No too heavy...not too light. I would play it stock. Takes some getting used to the round headshape, coming from the more oval London, but that will come with time. Seems like a perfect racquet for intermediates thru advanced. Makes a great sound at impact. I liked it enough to keep playtesting....stay tuned!
The racquet seems like a perfect weight and swingweight. No too heavy...not too light. I would play it stock. Takes some getting used to the round headshape, coming from the more oval London, but that will come with time. Seems like a perfect racquet for intermediates thru advanced. Makes a great sound at impact. I liked it enough to keep playtesting....stay tuned!
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
All the Speeds have the "non-traditional" more square shape, as opposed to the Prestige, Radical, etc, that have that Head rectangular shape.
Sorry if this has been answered before but...
1.What frame/s compare to the IG 16x19 in ppl's opinions?
2. Does it hit a ball that's more Prestige-like or more APD-like - if that makes sense?... lower trajectory, flatter missile VS high loopy heavy kaboomer!
3. Just how solid/stable would ppl call it?
4. How powerful and spinny re serve is it exactly?
Thank you,
R.
1.What frame/s compare to the IG 16x19 in ppl's opinions?
2. Does it hit a ball that's more Prestige-like or more APD-like - if that makes sense?... lower trajectory, flatter missile VS high loopy heavy kaboomer!
3. Just how solid/stable would ppl call it?
4. How powerful and spinny re serve is it exactly?
Thank you,
R.
With the new price drop I purchased a pair of the Youtek Speeds. 2 for less than the price of one of the IGs... hardly worth the extra price for essentially is a new PJ
Demoed both not a ton of difference in the two IMO.
With the new price drop I purchased a pair of the Youtek Speeds. 2 for less than the price of one of the IGs... hardly worth the extra price for essentially is a new PJ
Demoed both not a ton of difference in the two IMO.
Congrats on the new racquets - I think that's the smart play. I own the old Speed and I agree that they play similarly. They're a little different in feel, but not by much. Had they dropped the price immediately when the IG Speeds came out, I might have just picked up a couple more and stayed with the old Speeds. Very nice frames.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
With the new price drop I purchased a pair of the Youtek Speeds. 2 for less than the price of one of the IGs... hardly worth the extra price for essentially is a new PJ
Demoed both not a ton of difference in the two IMO.
The IG supposidly have better vibration dampening.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
I'll give my views and maybe Hominator can chime in as well?
Comparison's to the IG Speed would be YT Radical, Pure Storm, PB9, RDiS 100. The specs are nearly identical to the RDiS 100. Slightly heavier than my current London, but swings just as easily.
Tough to find a really close comparison, but it's a racquet designed for 4.0-5.5 level....kind of a "player's tweener" for an "all court" type player, maybe leaning more towards baseline play. But I feel like it's one of those sticks that can play any style well. I find it hits a more loopy topspin ball, so more APD like than Prestige like. Feels plenty stable to me...no more or less than my Becker London. It swings very light and whippy for it's 11.6 oz and the swingweight feels about the same as my London...maybe even a touch lighter?
Regarding serve...this is where the stick shines for me. I can get more juice on my serves and my double faults have gone down. Kicks, slices or flats all work well. I am still getting used to it on groundstrokes though. The round headshape takes some adjustment, coming from the oval London. This is a really nice "player's tweener" than should get a lot of love from the intermediate crowd. I would say it's meant for the same type of audience as
the Radical's are. About the same power level as the Radical MP, but not as flexy feeling. Impact is comfortable, but more firm and not overly cushy. I have to wait and see if it gives my youchy elbow any problems, but so far so good.
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I agree that the racquet plays very much like a player's tweener. I think it's worth a demo if you're considering going from a wider-beamed tweener to a player's frame. It really does have the power and spin potential as a player's frame, IMO. The racquet is incredibly stable, especially after placing lead at 3/9. Besides the new Volkl Organix racquets, it's the most stable racquet I've used. Regarding spin and serves, the thin beam is really condusive to hitting very nice kick serves. I hope this helps!
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It was a little better but not enough to justify the difference in price. Also the YT Speeds seemed to have a bit more pop than the IG Speeds had. (Could have been the strings though).
Thanks, I agree they are great frames. Very unique in comparison to what else is out right now.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
Not according to TW's power mapping:
http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/cgi-bin/storepower2.cgi?racquetA=HYTS16|100|Head|YOUTEK:Speed:16x19|RCHEAD|x&racquetB=HS16|100|Head|YOUTEK:IG:Speed:16x19|RCHEAD|x&racquetC=none&racquetD=none
although the difference is probably minimal. Also the IG version has a little lower swingweight.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
The beam is 21mm, which really isn't so thin compared to a lot of player's racquets with 19 or 20mm beams. For example the London and Organix 10 have 20 mm beams.
Homi...do u think the IG Speed hits a more "loopy-topspin heavy shot" or a more "lower trajectory laser beam" type shot? I think it's more loopy. Also, do u notice
the extra .2 length at all, cause I don't. Maybe it gives me a little extra pop on serves? All in all, it's a great racquet in that elusive 11.5-11.8 oz. size that can be
used by a wide variety of intermediate players. Not sure why it hasn't caught on around here yet? When was it released?
Actually, if you look at the sticker in the throat of the racquet, it claims the beam width as 20mm, even though TW lists it as 21mm. Not sure which is correct, though to be honest, it appears to be slightly wider than my old Speed. Could be color scheme that is throwing me off.
Regarding the trajectory, I don't think that has much to do with the racquet. I can hit both with this frame, depending on my technique. Maybe the balance of the frame can encourage a player to hit a certain way, but I probably drive the ball more than I loop the ball, say, with the Volkl X8.
eidolonshinobi
Professional
Yeah differences in spec seemed a bit more on paper but on the courts the only thing different was feel ( just felt a bit more dampened and better) and even then it wasn't by much.
I tried both 16x19 and 18x20 YT and IG versions and there seemed to have been a bit more noticeable difference in the 18x20 than the 16x19
You're welcome. Anytime.
Poly at 51 with a constant pull machine. I'd go 53/55 on a lockout for a similar tension.
