TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
In what way is it different? I talked to a Head rep and he told me that with the exception of the aux material in the throat, there was no change to the layup.
Speed Pro 2022 reviews
- Thread starter Hit 'em clean
- Start date
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
Head rep is clueless
Hit 'em clean
Semi-Pro
I'm not surprised at all if it is a different layup. I know from my playing, that despite people wanting to believe the Auxetic is just a marketing ploy and no real changes, it is different. It plays different yet still has a lot of the same playing qualities and characteristics of the 360+ Speed Pro. I've had to completely change my string choice and tension and there is no other way to explain why I would need to do that if it was the same. It's a refinement... not enough IMO that people should just ditch their 360+ versions if they like them as that was and still is a great stick.
This new version to me plays with slightly more power so I've had to up my tension and use a different string than the Hyper G 17ga I always used in the 360+ version at 46-48lbs. Currently I'm playing with Yonex Poly Tour Pro 16L at 50lbs and that seems to be working out pretty well. I might up it to 52lbs.
This new version to me plays with slightly more power so I've had to up my tension and use a different string than the Hyper G 17ga I always used in the 360+ version at 46-48lbs. Currently I'm playing with Yonex Poly Tour Pro 16L at 50lbs and that seems to be working out pretty well. I might up it to 52lbs.
KC!
Hall of Fame
I’ve been hitting with my friends new 2022 Speed Pro last few days & it feels amazing! Definitely plusher than previous version, which I didn’t really care for. It does everything well, probably the best racquet I’ve ever hit two handed backhand with. I’ve been looking for more powerful string setup for my Prestige, I think I inadvertently found a new racquet. It felt that good, with performance to back it up! It was strung with Lynx Tour 50/48.
rv75
Rookie
I finally got a chance to measure my Speed Pro against my Blade v8s. The Speed Pro came very close to specs with a Strung weight of 329g and Swing weight of 324g (slightly under.) My Blade v8 US Open16x19 is 325g strung wt & 316 swing wt (just under) and my Blade v8 regular green 16x19 is 322g strung weight & 311 swing weight (under.)
I still can't believe that the Speed Pro 2022 feels so much more maneuverable and easier to swing than my Blades. The racquet was strung with RPM Blast at 53 lbs. which is not a string or tension I would typically use and it still has a lot more power than my blades at 44 lbs. I will be making the switch to this racquet.
Forgot to add, all 3 are about 7 pts HL
KC!
Hall of Fame
I’ve hit the Gravity Pro, which felt great but was lacking maneuverability. My current raquet is the Prestige Pro, which has all the feeling in the world but lacking power. The new Speed Pro has amazing feel, with easy power & maneuverability. It hits a very heavy ball, bombs on flat serve. It does everything well, amazing on two hand backhand.
KC!
Hall of Fame
RPM Blast is pretty controlled string, but I really don’t care for it. Tour Hex is the most controlled string you have listed, it’s one of my go to strings. Might try at same tension…
DanTheMan1972
Rookie
Review - Tennis Warehouse
www.tennis-warehouse.com
longtimelurker
Professional
Review - Tennis Warehouse
Impressive scores. I like reading reviews by Chris. Tempted to grab one when on sale, hope to see some black cosmetics
DanTheMan1972
Rookie
There doesn't seem to be much interest for the Speed Pro. Is it because Novak is not liked that much? 
I have the Speed Pro and Boom Pro demos on the way from TWE. Hopefully I'll get them on Saturday.
I have the Speed Pro and Boom Pro demos on the way from TWE. Hopefully I'll get them on Saturday.
smithie
Professional
I had my first hit with the new Speed Pro tonight at doubles practice. Really really good initial impressions, particularly on volleys and touch shots (so far the best racket I’ve ever used for net play). I need to play with it a little more to give a proper review but one word seems to sum it up, SOILD.
What are specs of your racquet?Does it feel more maneuvarable than GPro?
smithie
Professional
I don’t know the specs yet as I didn’t get it from my local pro shop but it weighs 336g with a balance of 32 cm (with OG and dampener). I would assume the swing weight would be somewhere between 325-330.
Manoeuvrability is honesty amazing and is why that, plus the high level of stability, is why I think it’s the best ever racket I’ve played with at the net.
In comparison to the GPro, manoeuvrability is like night and day. With the GPro, at times it felt like I was swinging a club and it was sluggish - particularly on defence or after a couple of sets when fatigue set in. Whereas using the Speed Pro felt like I was swinging with a 300g racket but with all the advantages of a 310+g racket. I think the best way to describe playing with the Speed Pro is like using a 300g version of the RF97 yet still maintaining all the benefits of the added weight I.e heavy and penetrating ball.
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TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
Does anyone feel like this racket is clunky and swings slow through the air? After having played with this racket twice now. It seems so sluggish on both groundstrokes and serves compared to my 2015 Pro Staffs with lead modifications.
rv75
Rookie
Not my experience but mine is under specs. 305g and swing weight of 320
smithie
Professional
No, actually quite the opposite. It would be worth getting your specs measured to see if they are off.
Vicious49
Legend
Just picked one up today. Mine is actually way under specs at 300g, 31.25 bp, and 282 SW. I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing but at least it should be easy to swing.
EDIT:
Shadow swinging it, it seems to be super easy to swing. Although at these specs it should be. Strung with dampener and OG it's:
322 g
32.0 balance
312 SW
I'm sure I'll need to add a bit of weight but it should be fun to try in stock form.
EDIT:
Shadow swinging it, it seems to be super easy to swing. Although at these specs it should be. Strung with dampener and OG it's:
322 g
32.0 balance
312 SW
I'm sure I'll need to add a bit of weight but it should be fun to try in stock form.
Thats way under spec... How is it even possible?Its Pro racquet?
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
It's actually slightly under spec.
Unstrung Specs.
Static weight: 308
Balance: 8.5 HL
Swing weight: 293
KC!
Hall of Fame
No, I ordered a pair matched close to specs.
unstrung-10.89oz, 8.5 HL, 297 SW
Strung-11.71oz, 6 HL, 327 SW(includes Wilson pro over grip). Coming from Prestige Pro & before that a Blade v7 18x20, I find the Speed Pro very forgiving. I’m hitting bombs on serve, it hits a very heavy ball on forehands & best raquet I’ve ever hit a two hand backhand with. Best all around racquet I’ve ever hit, it does everything well. I would agree that the 2015 Pro Staff is more maneuverable, it is a very whippy racquet.
DanTheMan1972
Rookie
I just got the Speed Pro to test from Tennis Warehouse Europe. I don't know the swing weight, but the weight fits the specs. A Vcore 95 or Ezone 98 is easier to swing, but the Speed Pro is by no means bulky (I find an Ezone Tour bulky). I like the Speed Pro. I have a lot of confidence in my shots. The racquet is very predictable, feel and comfort are good. You get what you put in. Good technique and timing is required, but for a player's racquet it's easy to use and forgiving. Maybe I'll switch to the Speed Pro.
JOSHL
Hall of Fame
If you decide to move it let me know! SW is perfect for me.
smithie
Professional
I'm repeating my comment from another thread here for @nov's benefit and its overall relevance:
I've hit a bit more with the Speed Pro over the weekend and I thought I would add some other observations. If you are coming to the Speed Pro from the Gravity series, the Speed (at least to me) appeared to look/play like a 98-inch racket in comparison, something I assume is due to the tear drop shape in the Gravity. The reason I bring this up is that the location of the sweet spot between the two rackets are noticeably different with it being higher in the hoop in the Gravity and more central/traditional in the Speed, which I assume this is something to do with the head shapes. This could be a deal breaker for certain players if they prefer to strike the ball in a certain position on the racket face.
I've summarised my comparisons between the Speed & GPro below but as ever, YMMV:
Groundstrokes - Speed Pro
Volleys - Speed Pro
Serves - Speed Pro
Returns - Speed Pro
Power - Speed Pro
Control - GPro
Manoeuvrability - Speed Pro
Stability - About equal
Comfort - GPro
Touch - Speed Pro
Feel - GPro
Topspin - GPro
Slice - GPro
For me, I prefer the Speed Pro over the GPro primarily due to its better manoeuvrability, rock solid response and ease of play. Whether I switch from my Gravity Tour's to the Speed Pro is still up for debate - ideally I need them both strung (and potentially weighted) the same as currently I am unsure if the additional string thickness/weight from Head Lynx Tour in my Speed Pro is impacting its spin potential.
I've hit a bit more with the Speed Pro over the weekend and I thought I would add some other observations. If you are coming to the Speed Pro from the Gravity series, the Speed (at least to me) appeared to look/play like a 98-inch racket in comparison, something I assume is due to the tear drop shape in the Gravity. The reason I bring this up is that the location of the sweet spot between the two rackets are noticeably different with it being higher in the hoop in the Gravity and more central/traditional in the Speed, which I assume this is something to do with the head shapes. This could be a deal breaker for certain players if they prefer to strike the ball in a certain position on the racket face.
I've summarised my comparisons between the Speed & GPro below but as ever, YMMV:
Groundstrokes - Speed Pro
Volleys - Speed Pro
Serves - Speed Pro
Returns - Speed Pro
Power - Speed Pro
Control - GPro
Manoeuvrability - Speed Pro
Stability - About equal
Comfort - GPro
Touch - Speed Pro
Feel - GPro
Topspin - GPro
Slice - GPro
For me, I prefer the Speed Pro over the GPro primarily due to its better manoeuvrability, rock solid response and ease of play. Whether I switch from my Gravity Tour's to the Speed Pro is still up for debate - ideally I need them both strung (and potentially weighted) the same as currently I am unsure if the additional string thickness/weight from Head Lynx Tour in my Speed Pro is impacting its spin potential.
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Thanks for summary. Interesting about feel being equal. It makes me even more urge to try new Speed Pro. As for now i never tried racquet with same feel as GPro. Even my Gravity Tour is so different to GPro.
smithie
Professional
The feel/touch is interesting and in hindsight maybe I should have split them, but I just copied the TW categories which in my head made them equal as one is better than the other in each (I have split them below for your benefit and updated the original post). Both rackets are different with the Gravity being plusher with more dwell time, and the Speed being crisper and more direct. However, although the feel at impact is better off the string bed with the GPro (that nice buttery feel), I felt more connected to the ball with the Speed (maybe the ball gets lost in the large Gravity sweet spot?) and touch shots were honestly a standout feature with the Speed Pro as I always felt like I knew where the ball was going to land (whether good and bad). Obviously feel is very subjective so YMMV but it has shown me that I prefer the crisper/direct response and is likely the reason why I always gravitate back to (excuse the pun) stiffer control strings like Tourna S7T and one of the reasons I ultimately chose the Gravity Tour over the Pro.
Touch - Speed Pro
Feel - GPro
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KC!
Hall of Fame
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0418LOUzFVXK-zlR7zeKwiuuw
My two matched Speed Pro's came yesterday, strung with Silver 7 tour 1.25 @ 51lbs(thanks galapagos, string idea from you)
Crisp, controlled, connected, spin friendly are words that come to mind!
My two matched Speed Pro's came yesterday, strung with Silver 7 tour 1.25 @ 51lbs(thanks galapagos, string idea from you)
Crisp, controlled, connected, spin friendly are words that come to mind!
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buttercluck
New User
I currently use the Vcore 95, mainly because of the OHBH benefits. Do you also have a OHBH and if so, how did you find it with the new speed pro?
buttercluck
New User
A lot of positive reviews here for this racket. Has anyone with a OHBH extensively tested this racket? Curious to see if the 100sq inch headsize and thicker beam negatively impact that stroke
smithie
Professional
Ye I have a OHBH and had no issues. I actually thought it suited it that shot well as it had a nice combination of it being very stable through contact and being forgiving/large sweetspot. It never gave me that fluttering/unstable feeling when you don't hit the sweet spot like you get sometimes in small head sizes.
I am intrigued by the Speed Pro. I have been using the Blade Pro 18x20 for over a year and half.
I love the racquet; however, I feel like I am fighting it sometimes. I can struggle serving with it, and at times my volleys are a bit weak. I am a "classic" player with longer strokes, and a flatter ball. I use eastern FH and two hander. Started playing in the 80s. Also, if I run into a 26 year old with heavy top spin I feel like I am late on my strokes at times. My BP is weighted up to 341.
My wife has a Clash Pro and I've messed around with it. Huge sweetspot, free power, but it is easy to spray. I have also dabbled with a pro staff 6.1 100, blade pro 16x19, ultra pro, tf 315, and textreme. Couldn't get the right feel. I previously played with a Volkl PB mid 10 for about 9 years.
I want a little more ease on the court. A little bit more free power. And a little bigger sweetspot. I love flexy racquets, but have never been a fan of head or used head racquets.
I love the racquet; however, I feel like I am fighting it sometimes. I can struggle serving with it, and at times my volleys are a bit weak. I am a "classic" player with longer strokes, and a flatter ball. I use eastern FH and two hander. Started playing in the 80s. Also, if I run into a 26 year old with heavy top spin I feel like I am late on my strokes at times. My BP is weighted up to 341.
My wife has a Clash Pro and I've messed around with it. Huge sweetspot, free power, but it is easy to spray. I have also dabbled with a pro staff 6.1 100, blade pro 16x19, ultra pro, tf 315, and textreme. Couldn't get the right feel. I previously played with a Volkl PB mid 10 for about 9 years.
I want a little more ease on the court. A little bit more free power. And a little bigger sweetspot. I love flexy racquets, but have never been a fan of head or used head racquets.
DanTheMan1972
Rookie
I have a OHBH. If you like the fast, maneuverable, more direct feeling of the Vcore 95, you might be disappointed. The acceleration und timing is easier with the Vcore 95. That said, I always felt that I had to accelerate fully with it. With the Speed Pro you can sometimes just “let the racquet do the work” and redirect the pace from your opponent. The Speed pro feels softer/plusher. It´s not what really happens, but it feels like the ball stays longer on the strings, you load it up with power and spin and then shot it out. I think that I can hit a heavier ball with the Speed Pro.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
As said above, the VC95 is a laser. It's basically a mini 6.1 95 with lesser feel. You will have to ask yourself if you benefit from that direct ball off the stringbed or like to feel the ball on the strings longer. I think thats more important than head size in this case.
I have a guy on my team who uses the speed pro and has a 1 hander, no problems.
Wheelz
Hall of Fame
I've got a left wrist injury/pain last couple of weeks so I have to use a one hander and the speed pro is really nice for it. I know I'm not a reference but it's helping me through that injury. Good power control, low twist weight, seems like great elements for a one hander. It's a nice string pattern for redirecting or if you want to drive or if you want to swing hard with spin.
ne1410is
New User
I am demo-ing the Speed Pro currently. I can definitely see why people would like it. Very nice feel on impact, feels plush and solid. For me, it almost has too much power at times, but its definitely helpful when pulled out of position: allowing me to hit an offensive shot from a defensive position. It has good control and spin. I know it's head light, but it feels kinda head heavy to me somehow -- perhaps its because I typically play with more headlight rackets. To me it feels a little bit like you have to hit along this line extending up the middle of the racket, with shots more towards the lateral sides of the racket not feeling as good, or having a more pronounced drop off in power (so it was a little less predictable). I liked serving with the extra power and spin because it felt easier. It would probably take me a bit of time to get used to it, since I have played mostly yonex-es lately, but back in high school I had a Head as my backup racket, and I find I can almost always pick up a Head and feel somewhat comfortable with certain shots almost immediately (I also demo-ed a Head radical and felt swinging volleys were super easy for me without even thinking about it). Volleys were really nice and easy with the plush and solid feel giving me nice feedback and the power combined with the 18x20 made me understand a bit more what people mean when they say "point and shoot".
It sure is
Which one you would choose?Im thinking about 4, but not sure if strung 60 stiffness wouldnt be too low and affect stability?
Weight SW Balance Stiffness
1. 310.1 296 31.5 65
2. 310 288 31.1 64
3. 308.1 295 31.6 66
4. 306.5 290 31.1 63
5. 307.6 291 31.5 64
6. 308.9 288 31.2 64
Weight SW Balance Stiffness
1. 310.1 296 31.5 65
2. 310 288 31.1 64
3. 308.1 295 31.6 66
4. 306.5 290 31.1 63
5. 307.6 291 31.5 64
6. 308.9 288 31.2 64
KC!
Hall of Fame
1 or 3 closes to spec.
I thought only 2gr plastic on handle?
smithie
Professional
If you are just getting one racket I would got for number 1 as this is pretty much bang on the advertised specs. If you are looking at getting a matched pair, I would go for either 1 & 3 or 4 & 5 and let your RA ratings guide your choice. However, I wouldn't get held up on RA as the racket is plenty stable enough.
1 racquet gonna be about 328 SW strung and if you add additional weight (dampener, OG) it will be even more, around 330. I analyzed 2022 Speed Pros matching results (18 racquets) and seems to have average 308.7 weight, 292 swingweight, 31.2 balance and 64 RA. If you say RA doesnt matter, i would like to go as low as possible for better comfort and i like HL balance around 32cm strung. But im not planing to do any customization and going to play stock + OG 5gr and Djokovic dampener 3.5gr.
Just playtested this racquet for fun , since I am a holic I guess its never for fun , and wow! This racquet has to be one of the best in 2021 along with Pavs and Extreme tour. So much controllable power , you can really swing out and the ball will land in no matter what. Amazing serves for me , PAVs is somewhat inconsistent in flat serves. Tried it with Tour Hex 1,23 24kg.
