eb_tennis_247
Semi-Pro
I saw two days ago the new 2024 Head Speed Pro in my local pro shop and now the first video review is out:
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The first Head Speed Pro 2024 video is out
- Thread starter eb_tennis_247
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- 2024 head speed pro
DropvolleysRhard
Rookie
They’re pretty cool. Feels good, little more damp than current model but not a fan of the velvet paint.
ThisHockeyTalk
Rookie
Totally absurd how racket companies don’t keep reviews under embargo until a specific date and time ala every big golf club release. If you’re not going to keep strict embargo, at least let Tennis Nerd and Karue or someone else in the tennis community get the first crack at launching a review.
Boxbeams4ever
Rookie
Don't like it, all the PJs are too similar and the first 360 black white version is the best for me, previous one was better, all black should more than suffice as well, why this one?
Would like it to play more plush but don't like more dampening, I do still like velvet rubberised paint though
Would like it to play more plush but don't like more dampening, I do still like velvet rubberised paint though
heavyD
Professional
For me the outgoing PJ is superior based on the simple fact it has gloss paint at least on the black and as said above looked pretty classy and not overdone. While the Percept PJ looks way too try hard, Head has gone the far opposite direction with very minor tweaks and those tweaks they made (removing gloss) paint, makes it worse than the outgoing racquet. When is this velvet paint nonsense going to end?
Boxbeams4ever
Rookie
I'm just gonna call it since no one's said it but I think we're all thinking it.
This is the Oreo Speed
And I don't know why they went with this
This is the Oreo Speed
And I don't know why they went with this
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
"soft, tactile feel" = Diadem Elevate V3 paint-finish style I guess. This is a JOKE! Head was the only Big 4 brand I really digged, but with this decision, I have to reconsider.
I suspect a poorer paint-finish than the Boom series, maybe the exact same paint-finish with the Diadem V3 Elevate that I hated during the Summer. At least, not as poor as the yellow part of Pro Kennex Black Aces and red part of Black Aces Pro.
I suspect a poorer paint-finish than the Boom series, maybe the exact same paint-finish with the Diadem V3 Elevate that I hated during the Summer. At least, not as poor as the yellow part of Pro Kennex Black Aces and red part of Black Aces Pro.
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
If the Prince Tour 100P (2015) is 80% as good as the Tour 95 (2015) I've played with for a few hours these past 2 weeks, I wanna try that.
Can't play enough hours with the Tour 95 these days, but first impressions show a full-switch.
The 100P I'd like to try as I'm seeking for a Pro Kennex Ki5 295 control-oriented 100 sq inch with less dampening/more direct feel.
eb_tennis_247
Semi-Pro
We had a Stormtrooper Speed, now we have an Oreo Speed. Credit @Boxbeams4ever.
DropvolleysRhard
Rookie
In person the white areas look almost like ceramic with the velvet paint. I will say the paint job one I’ve been messing with for two months has held up good. Definitely better than Wilson velvet.
Boxbeams4ever
Rookie
Haha, thanks but I honestly thought most people when they see that they would think the same in the back of their head
It's not super bad, but too many of the smaller touches I don't dig. Is the whole thing in velvet paint? I thought it was just the white part, and now the video has been removed by mods. I think they could have made it work if they added a few more details here and there, especially between the change from black to white. I hate how so many brands and companies are going so far to a minimalist approach. It's keeping in trend with social media and saves them money, but when it's not done right it just looks boring and uninspired.
I think they should have added small dark charcoal banding between the white and black, I have it in my head but it looks similar to the woven carbon fibre look you sometimes see. It would look better if they also brought back the exposed glossy carbon fibre look from the 360 version, this looks like a bad second draft that they still went with
2015 100p is too soft n flexible for me but 2019 100p is always in my bag along with new gravity pro n 2022 ezone n DR98... I sold off all other rackets ...but I just bought the aero98 and will see if it can replace a racket..I have limit of 4 in my bag that I have to be strong about or I end up carrying around 9 rackets
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Even Tennis Spin Solinco Leadout Harry doesn't like the paint finish. Interistingly some of the reviews almost out since yesterday neglect to refer to this issue.
Good think is Harry has shown us the way forwards:
Couldn't Head go at least Matte? I like the design better than the previous one by the way.
Good think is Harry has shown us the way forwards:
Couldn't Head go at least Matte? I like the design better than the previous one by the way.
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Dragy
Legend
So far it sounds like new Speed Pro is nothing special, possibly worse overall than previous iteration. They don’t say it straight, but you can feel it.
Not that it’s something shameful, as 2022 Speed Pro was very good. It’s hard to make it better overall.
My biggest issue with Speed Pro was too low launch angle. Didn’t work for me. And now Chris says it’s a bit lower in the new one… so change - yes. Improvement? Maybe for some. Skip for me.
Not that it’s something shameful, as 2022 Speed Pro was very good. It’s hard to make it better overall.
My biggest issue with Speed Pro was too low launch angle. Didn’t work for me. And now Chris says it’s a bit lower in the new one… so change - yes. Improvement? Maybe for some. Skip for me.
Boxbeams4ever
Rookie
You have to wonder when that happens, if they are not singing any new praises about it, what went wrong?
It can't be that bad, but I can't recall lots of people shouting out for a more muted feeling Speed. Not even for a more comfortable one that I can remember.
It can't be that bad, but I can't recall lots of people shouting out for a more muted feeling Speed. Not even for a more comfortable one that I can remember.
This makes no sense to me, why remove the first video if these are also exist now? Unless they will also be removed by mods later. And the new cosmetic Speed has already been seen being used by pros, in matches. At least Samsonova comes to mind. It's be like if they still wanted to limit images of the new Ezone a couple weeks ago
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
I have only played the Speed MP Auxentic 1.0. I'm not at all qualified to judge anything about the 2.0 playability/make comparisons.
I'm just angry about the paint-finish. Obvioulsy, several YouTube Reviewers, took notice and they don't like it too. One can like or dislike the paint design, but I don't see many liking the paint-finish that is obviously "rubbery-ish".
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
I am all about glossy paint, however, this velvet paint looks and feels fine. I would sill prefer Glossy over it, however, the company that made the paint has shown excellent durability of it too.
As for the frame, a nit too muted for me -- I love the old school rackets that communicate to your arm on every stroke. On the other hand, the Head team loves the new 2.0, therefore, I assume I am stuck in the past and the market will love it. I also prefer thinner frames, and the TK339 mold has been one of the most successful molds for Head so, again -- my "issue" vs. what market wants.
I assume that if you liked the Auxetic 1.0 version, you will like the 2.0 too.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with it
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
It doesn't have to be glossy or pro-stock glossy. A decent matte finish would do the job.
This new Speed-paint texture seems to be something between a Wilson Clash - Diadem Elevate V3 - Pro Kennex Blace Ace (yellow part) / Ace Pro (red part).
This means, in best case scenario "rubery", worst case scenario "sticky" sensation when touching the frame with the off-hand. I don't want that.
Head corporate is ALWAYS CORRECT ...fix yourself n like it cause MARKET likes it...quicker you learn the easier it will be on you
heavyD
Professional
He also mentioned that he's the minority and the current frames suit the masses. Just as Yonex is doing with the EZONE (not even changing it this year) and Head with the Blade (sounds like V9 is very similar to V8) are seeing manufacturers simply making minor tweaks to successful layups. I can't fault them really as you don't want to mess with success and there's really only so much tweaks you can make from a successful design before you stray too far from what made is so good in the first place.Even tennis nerd mentioned that he prefers the older speeds with 22beam mold. So it seems it’s not only me bragging about it
I emailed about that someone at head and his response was: why to do that ?
Blade_X
Professional
I don’t see any reason going from 22mm to 23mm. Graphenes had more free power than auxetic for sure….. as for feel youteks were the best and also the most solid. The only thing they gained with the thicker mold is the stability was missing but that thing is not a speed through the air anymore. They also increased the SW with auxetic….. 360 and 360 plus were easier to manoeuvre.
DropvolleysRhard
Rookie
My YT and Graphene speeds are 22.5mm on the calipers and my 2022 speeds are 23mm. Tiny difference
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
The new paint is awesome (if you like matte) and is durable. I have been banging the new speed for 4 months now and not a single chip
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
So, this is the best selling mold in history of Head. Really…why to do what you suggested?Even tennis nerd mentioned that he prefers the older speeds with 22beam mold. So it seems it’s not only me bragging about it
I emailed about that someone at head and his response was: why to do that ?
Also, you have Gravity thinner beam MP/Tour
bobeeto
Hall of Fame
Will this paint be a universal update beyond the prestige?
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
You mean beyond Speed?
I cannot speculate on that at this point but would assume not across all Head lines
tennisislife4622
Rookie
Lower Launch than the Gravity??
puppybutts
Hall of Fame
it reminds me of some tuxedo wilson pro staff pj from a while back. tuxedo, oreo, whatever it is, i guess it can be cute to some; to me it feels generic.
as far as the specs, why does the speed pro now have a lower RA than the gravity pro? i always liked that the speed had a bit of power to it
as far as the specs, why does the speed pro now have a lower RA than the gravity pro? i always liked that the speed had a bit of power to it
Dragy
Legend
To me, Speed Pro launch angle felt lower than Gravity Pro. GPro lifts and shapes the ball easier for me. However, it’s not lab test, just personal experience.
Tranqville
Professional
Auxetic 2.0 is reported to be more muted and thus less liked than Auxetic 1.0. That is reported for the Prestige and now for the Speed. To be honest, I'm disappointed. How difficult is it for Head, with all its R&D money and testing facillities, to roll out a product that is an improvement, however incremental?
Anton
Legend
? TW review of the new Speed Pro talks about even better feel/touch than prior Pro, which was already good.
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
For some, it is an improvement, for some...not. Apparently, the majority of American market prefers more muted. Some of us prefer softer. Some prefer more control and lower launch angle. All of those "improvements" are incorporated in the 2.0.
Some, on the other hand, prefer the opposite.
Too bad, you cannot make a frame that will please everyone...ah wait...
Head has done an amazing job LISTENING what the market wants and bringing those pieces together
dyslexical-scope
Rookie
Sinner on the placard!
Dragy
Legend
Well that is solved actually, like you have pros receiving the exact frame they prefer. So if you let rec players get 2022 Speed Pro for several more years as long as they prefer it… or 360 for those who like it… Kinda solves it.
Tranqville
Professional
It's not how the racquet marketing works. They sell us a new paradigm-bending, liquid metal "innovation" every two years.
2024 Speeds up on Tennis Only Aus.
Speed Pro
"For 2024, in addition to giving this racquet a slightly softer feel and moving the target unstrung balance from 9 to 10HL"
Speed Pro
"For 2024, in addition to giving this racquet a slightly softer feel and moving the target unstrung balance from 9 to 10HL"
| Head Size: 100 in² / 645.16 cm² | |||||||||||||||||||
| Length: 27in / 68.58cm | |||||||||||||||||||
| Strung Weight:11.6oz / 329g | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance: 12.8in / 32.51cm / 6 pts HL | |||||||||||||||||||
| Swingweight: 333 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Stiffness: 60 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Beam Width: 23mm / 23mm / 23mm | |||||||||||||||||||
| Composition: Auxetic 2/Graphene Inside/Graphite | |||||||||||||||||||
| Power Level: Low | |||||||||||||||||||
| Stroke Style: Full | |||||||||||||||||||
| Swing Speed: Fast | |||||||||||||||||||
| Racquet Colors: White/Black | |||||||||||||||||||
| Grip Type: Head Hydrosorb Pro | |||||||||||||||||||
String Pattern:
| |||||||||||||||||||
String Tension: 48-57 pounds
Speed MP 
|
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
Consumer market 1:1…
We all cried about EPS in all cars and how we miss hydraulic steering.
The racket companies are all about the volume selling at lowest cost maximizing (already low) margins.
You are asking to increase production cost.
Dragy
Legend
I believe there’re layers to it. Would Head mind selling some volume of 2022 Speeds to people who want exactly them, ready to pay $200 for each and maybe even wait for a month to get it? So partially settling the expenses/production/logistics cycle?
Well, likely this works poor for business, however, some might want to experiment, no? I guess it doesn’t hurt selling better newer stuff with all the marketing power.
I’m not radical against companies’ policies, that would be stupid. Just expanding the vision on possibilities.
Based on my experience, as a rec player, although passionate, I can go to the Bay analogue in my country and get myself couple of very good playing sticks cheap and be done with racquet shopping for several years. And it doesn’t matter much what exactly I pick, but for arm health maybe.
But my consumer behavior in any other niche (like tennis shoes, for example, or coffee) is try > settle > buy again and again for years. Maybe I’m in minority among those who buy professional level sports equipment.
Dragy
Legend
Aren’t their margins low because of huge marketing budgets? Need to look into financial reports.
Dragy
Legend
I’m ok with innovation. There are modern frames which are overall better in playability, user friendliness and arm safety. Which would never arrive if companies listened solely to the “heavy flexible pure graphite 95 sqin” crowd.
