Official Head Graphene Speed Pro Club

[yangster007]

Cheap poly is your answer, strings are very important on how rkt feels and plays. Try the hybrid I'm a big fan used both champions choice and the bab hybrid vs gut with RPM blast slight edge to the latter. No problems with arm feels fine string 55 on gut in mains and 53 with RPM IN crosses. FYI. I prefer stiffer frames I see no down side if use correct string and tension

No, cheap polys aren't always are bad. And expensive polys aren't always good. I use Pro's Pro Blackout and Red Devil with other racquets and they feel fantastic, doesn't work on Head Speed because the racquet is so stiff, I have to put multifilament or natural gut in this racquet I guess.
BTW RPM Blast is overpriced string that doesn't perform too well IMO, Solinco TB and Yonex PTP are better go to poly strings.

 

[Team10]

I am really sorry to hear that mate. How did they get stolen? I personally never keep my bag out of my sight to lower the chances of them being stolen, and I don't bring my whole inventory with me, just 2-6 racquets I like to hit with.

Yeah, it really sucks. I haven't even touched my tennis bag for a couple of days until earlier today so it would have had to have been at a tournament I was playing at on Tuesday. I lost my match in the QF, and right after went to the bathroom for maybe 3-5 min, came back, got my stuff, and immediately left. It was a long 3 setter that I should have won so I just wanted to get out of there. I checked my bag earlier as said and they were gone, no sign of them in my place.

My opponent hadn't left yet, but he was using the old black and gold blades, and he had at least 3 of them, so I doubt it was him. There were some older people (35-45) playing on the court next to us, but I don't think it was them. I was playing indoors, idk it could've been.

What I think happened was that someone came in on their way to play or was watching my match and saw me leave and snuck in like the thief that they are. Ridiculous. Weird part is, they only stole my two GSP and left my other 3 older backup racquets.

Lesson learned, although this isn't the first time I've had racquets stolen from me and I was barely gone I didn't even consider they'd get stolen. Next time I go anywhere, I'm bringing my bag.

 

[Team10]

Yes what a shame some dishonorable people, we're you at a club or public courts obviously can happen at both. Try the used section at TW I have purchased rkts through this system and if B+ They look like never been used purchased one GPS B+ other A and really no difference
Hopefully you can get a deal and NEVER let your rkts out of sight

Yeah some people just don't care.

Thanks for the tip, I'll maybe try through there or have to buy new ones. Shame, as they were really starting to feel like my own, feeling slightly more flexible/comfortable. Oh well.

 

[Team10]

It's been awhile since I've liked a racquet right from the very first ball, but the GSP really has been solid in all areas for me the last two weeks and thus I've made the switch. I prefer the LTD paintjob while it's around, and plan on picking up the black Head bag as well just to complete the look

Amazing picture, thanks for sharing. The blue OG looks sick on the LTD, I will have to try that when and if I get another LTD

The all black Head bag looks great, this one, right? http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Head_Original_Series_Tennis_Bags/descpageBGHEAD-HOS6.html

 

[yangster007]

Yeah, it really sucks. I haven't even touched my tennis bag for a couple of days until earlier today so it would have had to have been at a tournament I was playing at on Tuesday. I lost my match in the QF, and right after went to the bathroom for maybe 3-5 min, came back, got my stuff, and immediately left. It was a long 3 setter that I should have won so I just wanted to get out of there. I checked my bag earlier as said and they were gone, no sign of them in my place.

My opponent hadn't left yet, but he was using the old black and gold blades, and he had at least 3 of them, so I doubt it was him. There were some older people (35-45) playing on the court next to us, but I don't think it was them. I was playing indoors, idk it could've been.

What I think happened was that someone came in on their way to play or was watching my match and saw me leave and snuck in like the thief that they are. Ridiculous. Weird part is, they only stole my two GSP and left my other 3 older backup racquets.

Lesson learned, although this isn't the first time I've had racquets stolen from me and I was barely gone I didn't even consider they'd get stolen. Next time I go anywhere, I'm bringing my bag.

Wow 3-5 mins, and they are gone. Crazy people...

 

[RoosterDJC45]

Guys, guess what. As I was about to play tennis today, I opened my racquet pocket to find nothing. Yep, both of my graphene speed pros, including the sweet Ltd. Version, were stolen. I honestly can't believe some of the ***** people in this world. So p!ssed off right now.

$400 gone in a second.

Oh, my heart sank. I don't know you but I know you enjoyed those sticks. I hope you can get replacements. Sorry to hear the bad news bud.

 

[Crozzer95]

I know this thread is related to the Speed Pro, but today I witnessed a Rev Pro crack off a forehand down the line, one of the kids on my coaching session was hitting forehands, he shanked it and it snapped right at the bottom cross (first shared hole)

 

[yangster007]

I know this thread is related to the Speed Pro, but today I witnessed a Rev Pro crack off a forehand down the line, one of the kids on my coaching session was hitting forehands, he shanked it and it snapped right at the bottom cross (first shared hole)

Head certainly has taken quality control to the next level with the new generation of racquets.

 

[RoosterDJC45]

That stinks, if you look back through the pages of this thread there was another guy who had a rattle in his frame. He contacted Head and received another frame if my memory serves me correctly.

Might be worth the young lads time to see if the can do the same.

 

[Crozzer95]

Yeah, luckily the club I play at (and myself) are sponsored by Head, already called them y'day morning and they've arranged a replacement after I told them I'd seen many other rackets do it and they agreed.

 

[Team10]

Oh, my heart sank. I don't know you but I know you enjoyed those sticks. I hope you can get replacements. Sorry to hear the bad news bud.

Thanks, yeah I really did love those racquets. Nothing I can really do about it but move on from here. I already talked to the guys who own the place I was playing at and they told me they'd let me know if they found them or if they see anything. Those frames are long gone though, I suspect.

Good news though, I went ahead and bought a new regular GSP from a shop that one of my friend's work at. I was using one of my old pure drives to play with yesterday and really didn't like it after becoming so used to the GSP. The PD has A LOT more easy power so I really couldn't swing all out without them going long. The launch angle is crazy too, only thing I liked was being able to hit heavy spin with almost no effort, after using an 18x20 for a while now, the 16x19 felt pretty good, but a lot less control.

Glad I have a GSP back, will hit with it later today

 

[yangster007]

Follow up from previous comment about this racquet being too stiff. I cut out the Red Devil full bed, and restrung the racquet with Global Gut/Red Devil @ 51 LB. I also added total of 6 grams of lead at 1 o'clock, 12 o'clock, and 11 o'clock; 3 grams under the grip, and I replaced the original grip with a leather. As a result, the strung weight now is 351 grams (12.4 oz).
I had a chance to hit with it today after work, the result is absolute beautiful ! The sweetspot is now opened up, power is a lot better. I guess this racquet plays better with soft/powerful strings.

 

[ultradr]

I had another 2 hour hitting sessions of doubles matches with GSP.
It was strung with poly/synthetic hybrid.
It felt much more flexy than other frames with 68 stiffness.
Not a deep flex. But always a bit of bounce at every hit.

 

[KDizzy]

Well i finally invested in the GSP i loved my demo racquet so i brought 2 last night lol. also got the new speed pro bag as it looks amazing. will post pics soon. cant wait to have a hit with it.

got rpm blasts and wilson synthetic gut as a hybrid at the moment. if you have any recommendations for strings do let me know.

 

[Team10]

Follow up from previous comment about this racquet being too stiff. I cut out the Red Devil full bed, and restrung the racquet with Global Gut/Red Devil @ 51 LB. I also added total of 6 grams of lead at 1 o'clock, 12 o'clock, and 11 o'clock; 3 grams under the grip, and I replaced the original grip with a leather. As a result, the strung weight now is 351 grams (12.4 oz).
I had a chance to hit with it today after work, the result is absolute beautiful ! The sweetspot is now opened up, power is a lot better. I guess this racquet plays better with soft/powerful strings.

Nice setup! What do you think the swing weight on that beast is?

 

[Team10]

Well i finally invested in the GSP i loved my demo racquet so i brought 2 last night lol. also got the new speed pro bag as it looks amazing. will post pics soon. cant wait to have a hit with it.

got rpm blasts and wilson synthetic gut as a hybrid at the moment. if you have any recommendations for strings do let me know.

Awesome, a new GSP convert! I'd love to see those pics, I think the new bags head just came out recently look pretty great.

The GSP is pretty forgiving when it comes to strings imo. If you like full poly give black widow or Alu power rough a try.

 

[KDizzy]

Awesome, a new GSP convert! I'd love to see those pics, I think the new bags head just came out recently look pretty great.

The GSP is pretty forgiving when it comes to strings imo. If you like full poly give black widow or Alu power rough a try.

to be fair it was just an awesome racket, yeah the bag looks quality il take some pics when i get back from work.

 

[Tennisguy3000]

Just bought some leather grips from TW and was wondering if I should remove the original synthetic grip or add it on top of the synthetic grip? I definitely don't want a larger grip size. This will be my first time using/installing leather.. any tips?

Thanks for your input ;-)

 

[KDizzy]

sorry here are some pictures not the best

 

[Team10]

to be fair it was just an awesome racket, yeah the bag looks quality il take some pics when i get back from work.

It is awesome racquet, best racquet I've ever used.

Just bought some leather grips from TW and was wondering if I should remove the original synthetic grip or add it on top of the synthetic grip? I definitely don't want a larger grip size. This will be my first time using/installing leather.. any tips?

Thanks for your input ;-)

If you don't want a larger grip size, then definitely remove the original Head Hydrosorb Pro synthetic grip. If you put a leather grip on top of the original synthetic grip it would be HUGE, plus I've never heard of anyone putting a leather on top of a synthetic before. :-|

Search for some videos on YouTube, I'm sure there's a few that will help you out. Basically, just install the leather grip like any other grip, but remember to pull with a good amount of force to get it how you like it. Also, cut it on an angle at the end if it's too long for you.

 

[Team10]

sorry here are some pictures not the best

Could be a little bigger, but cool pictures! That bag looks really nice, I have the old Head Tour Team Series bag, I kind of want to get a new one, that one looks great.

I'm also looking at this one: http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Head_Original_Series_Tennis_Bags/descpageBGHEAD-HOS6.html

Or this one: http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Head_Elite_Series_Bags_BlackRed/descpageBGHEAD-HESB149.html

 

[yangster007]

Had this racquet for about two weeks. It's pretty solid overall, very stiff, and very low powered compare to my usual racquet. Maybe I should use some gut or multi on the racquet.

 

[Zouph]

Had this racquet for about two weeks. It's pretty solid overall, very stiff, and very low powered compare to my usual racquet. Maybe I should use some gut or multi on the racquet.

The GSP low powered? With what kind of racket did you used to play?

 

[yangster007]

The GSP low powered? With what kind of racket did you used to play?

I normally play with BLX90 Tour. By low powered I mean when I don't swing hard there is no power coming from the GSP, whereas with the BLX90 I can swing slow and the shot will still land deep.

 

[Zouph]

I normally play with BLX90 Tour. By low powered I mean when I don't swing hard there is no power coming from the GSP, whereas with the BLX90 I can swing slow and the shot will still land deep.

That is weird, i think i played with the BLX 95 and found the opposite to be true. Like in general that in all shots the blx was lower powered than the GSP. But allot could be depending on the tension and string choice ofcourse.

 

[Tennisguy3000]

It is awesome racquet, best racquet I've ever used.




If you don't want a larger grip size, then definitely remove the original Head Hydrosorb Pro synthetic grip. If you put a leather grip on top of the original synthetic grip it would be HUGE, plus I've never heard of anyone putting a leather on top of a synthetic before. :-|

Search for some videos on YouTube, I'm sure there's a few that will help you out. Basically, just install the leather grip like any other grip, but remember to pull with a good amount of force to get it how you like it. Also, cut it on an angle at the end if it's too long for you.

Thanks, just put on the Head Comfort leather grips... so nice to feel the bevels again. Now to try it out tonight!

 

[John Z.]

Any competitive players with 1hbh who plays with GSP? If so i'd love to have your opinion on this stick; i'm normally playing with a blade 93, love it, but have been trying the GSP a few times for fun. Great stick, makes my forehand very powerful and spinny... but it literally kills my 1hbh, especially my slice.

 

[yangster007]

Any competitive players with 1hbh who plays with GSP? If so i'd love to have your opinion on this stick; i'm normally playing with a blade 93, love it, but have been trying the GSP a few times for fun. Great stick, makes my forehand very powerful and spinny... but it literally kills my 1hbh, especially my slice.

I normally play with Wilson BLX 90 Tour with 1hbh, it's a great stick for 1hbh. I recently purchased a GSP, and GSP ISN'T good for 1hbh because how stiff it is and how unstable it is compared to a smaller racquet. I think anything above 95 sq inch isn't good for 1hbh. However GSP hits some amazing serves and forehands, very good control. Downside is I have to try to hit harder with the GSP than with the BLX 90.

 

[John Z.]

Yep... 1hbh are much harder to hit with it than with smaller and heavier racquets; especially those high topspin... I'm trying some modifs, making it heavier or simply more head heavy, without much luck so far.

With 2hbh and a power loop game GSP must be an absolute gem, similar in spirit to a babolat pure drive roddick.

 

[yangster007]

Yep... 1hbh are much harder to hit with it than with smaller and heavier racquets; especially those high topspin... I'm trying some modifs, making it heavier or simply more head heavy, without much luck so far.

With 2hbh and a power loop game GSP must be an absolute gem, similar in spirit to a babolat pure drive roddick.

GSP has wayyy more control than Pure Drive Roddick though lol. But GSP is probably top 3 best serving stick I've tried, it's just amazing.

 

[RoosterDJC45]

Any competitive players with 1hbh who plays with GSP? If so i'd love to have your opinion on this stick; i'm normally playing with a blade 93, love it, but have been trying the GSP a few times for fun. Great stick, makes my forehand very powerful and spinny... but it literally kills my 1hbh, especially my slice.

I use a 1hbh with my GSP. Its been the general consensus in this thread that lead at 3 and 9 will greatly improve stability on the backhand side and on volleys. I am in agreement with that. I think its that 100 sq inch head just needs that extra something.

On a side note, we have discussed string setups in here. I had my friend put Lux 4GL in the mains and Wilson Ripspin 17 in the crosses. WOW, I am amazed. I like a dead feel to my strings which 4G does well, but this combo made the 4G still really controllable with a clean crisp feel. If you like controlled spin, give this a try you wont be disappointed.

Have fun!

 

[liam1]

I normally play with Wilson BLX 90 Tour with 1hbh, it's a great stick for 1hbh. I recently purchased a GSP, and GSP ISN'T good for 1hbh because how stiff it is and how unstable it is compared to a smaller racquet. I think anything above 95 sq inch isn't good for 1hbh. However GSP hits some amazing serves and forehands, very good control. Downside is I have to try to hit harder with the GSP than with the BLX 90.

Don't agree at all. I use a GSP and have a 1hbh and have never hit it better. Try it for yourself, make your own mind up and don't be too influenced by what people here tell you. Different folks, different strokes, excuse the pun!

 

[Pleb123]

Thanks, exactly what I wanted to hear. I got good results with YPTP (which counts as comfortable rather than not stiff) and Spiky Shark (low powered and comfortable, too). Will continue to experiment with strings such as Cyclone Tour and TB soft - somehow I do not feel like putting something too stiff or too dead on the GSP, but I am fine with low power.

I can confirm that Spiky Black Shark is comfortable. When strung low (currently using 16 gauge @ 50 pounds) it gives me plenty of power and grab on topspin shots as well as cut on slices. I originally ordered the racquet strung with Head Hawk @ 55. It was easy on the arm but the feel was way too muted and spin only average.

Used my Graphene Speed Pro LTD in competition for the first time yesterday playing 3 1/2 hours of singles and doubles. No shoulder or elbow pain to report today just the expected muscle fatigue. Happy that my concerns about the specified stiffness have proven groundless.

Since I found the polarisation toward the tip made it feel awkward to swing, before using it in competition I removed the leather grip and added weight closer to the butt cap to bring it back to 11.7 ounces. Seems to have neutralised the awkward polarisation. Serves are consistent. I would call it whippy, yet solid.

 

[yangster007]

Don't agree at all. I use a GSP and have a 1hbh and have never hit it better. Try it for yourself, make your own mind up and don't be too influenced by what people here tell you. Different folks, different strokes, excuse the pun!

After 2 months of racquet testing (Blade 98, GSP, Prestige MP, Pro Staff 95), I have changed to Pro Staff 95. GSP just isn't my kind of racquet, it's very string sensitive, super stiff, and is pretty hard to maneuver around. The GSP is probably my least favorite out of the 4 I've tested. Currently using PS 95 after switching out of Tour 90.

 

[Centryx]

anyone with both regular and LTD version do they play differently?

also was their a big weight difference btn the regular and the ltd because of the leather grip? or was it easily correctable ?

 

[parasailing]

I have both and I prefer the regular over the limited edition. The limited edition which has a very nice paint job and feels more head light. I kinda like some weight around the throat area while still maintaining a good 5 to 6 pts head which the regular one offers. The ltd feels more head light even when I removed the leather grip and put on a cushion grip so this may be due to quality control issues.

 

[jpvsv]

Hey! Just got my new GSP's last week. I have a Pro Line X 17, kirschbaum reel and was wondering if any more experienced players could give me any tips on stringing with this racquet. I currently have them strung at 55 and 56 to test out. But im thinking of doing 54 lbs next time. Any input would be great! Thanks!

 

[parasailing]

Hey! Just got my new GSP's last week. I have a Pro Line X 17, kirschbaum reel and was wondering if any more experienced players could give me any tips on stringing with this racquet. I currently have them strung at 55 and 56 to test out. But im thinking of doing 54 lbs next time. Any input would be great! Thanks!

What racquet were you using before, a 16x19 or 18x20 string pattern? This racquet is very string and tension sensitive. The dense string pattern also suggest one to string in the lower tension range otherwise it's becomes kinda boardy in feel. Some of the full poly strings I have put on this racquet include Volkl Cyclone Tour, Solinco Tour Bite, Head Hawk and Head Lynx strings all strung around 46 to 48lbs range.

 

[Out?]

i agree that its very string sensitive. i demoed one a couple days ago strung with head hawk at an unknown tension and loved it but hit with my friends today with RPM Blast at 60lb and it felt terrible.

 

[Matchball]

i agree that its very string sensitive. i demoed one a couple days ago strung with head hawk at an unknown tension and loved it but hit with my friends today with RPM Blast at 60lb and it felt terrible.

60lb is too high for this frame. I would put medium stiffness poly, 16L gauge, strung not more than 55-56 for the mains and 2 pounds less on the crosses.

 

[Oz_Rocket]

Over the years I've preferred tensions at the higher end of a frame's range but in my GSP I won't go above 54lbs.

Also many people including myself have found that 17 gauge string works best as the middle of the stringbed is very dense, even for an 18x20. With 16 it almost felt like a solid board.

My current set up is Sonic Pro 17 in the mains and Rip Control 17 in the crosses to soften it up for my ageing arm. Just started using this combo, and have both at 53lbs which works pretty well, but I'm going to play around a bit with tensions.

 

[jpvsv]

What racquet were you using before, a 16x19 or 18x20 string pattern? This racquet is very string and tension sensitive. The dense string pattern also suggest one to string in the lower tension range otherwise it's becomes kinda boardy in feel. Some of the full poly strings I have put on this racquet include Volkl Cyclone Tour, Solinco Tour Bite, Head Hawk and Head Lynx strings all strung around 46 to 48lbs range.

I've played with a head liquid metal radical MP for about 8 years. It was a 18x20. The Pro line X had been working pretty well with it and I usually strung it around 59 or 60 lbs. I'm thinking of trying around 52 lbs next time.

 

[parasailing]

Yes comments so far are pretty accurate. This racquets requires lower tension which I recommend at 52lbs and under, right type of string brand, and 17g string at a minimum.

I find Head Hawk is probably the best string for this racquet strung around 48lbs. You get so much control allowing you to swing out on the ball and tension maintenance is great on this racquet.

Head Lynx plays a bit too springy and has a bit more power if you prefer to go that route.

Volkl Cyclone Tour plays great but has poor tension maintenance.

I have tried as thin as 19g Solinco Tour Bite which plays awesome but breaks in a few hours and I really hate stringing this racquet due to the 18x20 string pattern so I opted for the best combination of durability and playability, the Head Hawk 17g.

 

[jpvsv]

Yes comments so far are pretty accurate. This racquets requires lower tension which I recommend at 52lbs and under, right type of string brand, and 17g string at a minimum.

I find Head Hawk is probably the best string for this racquet strung around 48lbs. You get so much control allowing you to swing out on the ball and tension maintenance is great on this racquet.

Head Lynx plays a bit too springy and has a bit more power if you prefer to go that route.

Volkl Cyclone Tour plays great but has poor tension maintenance.

I have tried as thin as 19g Solinco Tour Bite which plays awesome but breaks in a few hours and I really hate stringing this racquet due to the 18x20 string pattern so I opted for the best combination of durability and playability, the Head Hawk 17g.

Thanks a lot for the info, I will try around with some different tensions and see what happens.

 

[heartattack]

Try stringing it in one piece (full poly) you'll thank me later!

 

[Omedunk]

end of life-discount?

GSP's now with 20% discount at TW

 

[parasailing]

Pretty much given the new Speed Pro is coming out in 2015. Someone else mentioned it on this forum but nobody has confirm playing with it.

 

[Kemosabe]

Ended up pulling the trigger on the last couple of Ltd.s TW had on sale. Was planning on having them strung at 58lbs with Cyclone 17 black...for a guy my size, (strong 6'4 195lbs 5.0) who has never (knock on wood) had arm problems, is this going to be a problem with playability or simply with stiffness? I prefer higher tensions with a thinner gauge generally.

 

[parasailing]

Ended up pulling the trigger on the last couple of Ltd.s TW had on sale. Was planning on having them strung at 58lbs with Cyclone 17 black...for a guy my size, (strong 6'4 195lbs 5.0) who has never (knock on wood) had arm problems, is this going to be a problem with playability or simply with stiffness? I prefer higher tensions with a thinner gauge generally.

58lbs is way too high for this racquet with a dense 18x20 string pattern. I would suggest starting at 52lbs and see how that feels unless you really like a boardy racquet.

 

[Kemosabe]

58lbs is way too high for this racquet with a dense 18x20 string pattern. I would suggest starting at 52lbs and see how that feels unless you really like a boardy racquet.

I usually string around the 60s with more open patterns...I figured using a thinner gauge and counting for the initial tension loss that 58 would be a good starting point considering how much power and racquet head speed I can generate on my own (and with lead added to the hoop and handle).

I'm not sure that I "like" a boardy racquet, but I do know that I "hate" a springy high launch angle mushy racquet.

Per everyone's recommendation maybe I will go down to 55lbs and go from there.