Wilson K Blade 98 vs Head Youtek Speed 98 (18x20)

[mrmo1115]

Very intrigued by the Head YTK Speed 98 18x20. Before the K blade 98 , I used the Head FXP Prestige MP . I've only used the Blade for about 2 months.. and want to move onto something else because it just got discontinued for the BLX Blade..

Is the YTK Speed by any means soft? Because I tried the YTK Prestige MP and did not like the soft plush response I was getting from the stick and thought it was just the YTK technology in general.

Anyone?

 

[shaysrebelII]

The Speed would probably be in between the stiffness of the YT Prestige MP and the KB 98. I haven't used the 18x20, but the 16x19 felt stiffer than the Prestige but not as stiff as the K Blade.

 

[mrmo1115]

Thanks for the response. So the Speed wouldn't be in any way be described as plush? I am more familiar and like a stiff response and not soft. Nice solid feel.

 

[mrmo1115]

Anymore Speed 98 (18x20) users out there?

 

[TheBoom]

Speed 98 18x20? I didn't know there was one....

 

[mrmo1115]

Sorry ! I mean the 100 ! Totally forgot the Speed is 100 Sq Inch !!!! Total fail thread. But hoping someone can still help me .

 

[TheBoom]

The speed is a very nice racket. If you do not mis hit outside the sweetspot much then you will love it. Its an amazing groundie machine with more heft than the k blade but it feels lighter than you may think. It gets great spin and is good for flat shots. I had to get used to serve but it was great once i got it down. You should try it for sure!! Good luck mine was a hybrid btw

 

[mrmo1115]

Thanks ! Even though the Speed feels lighter probably due to its low SW , did you still feel the Speed would outweigh the KB98 due to its 11.8 oz to 11.1 oz differential in strung weight? How would you compare the stiffness between the 2. I've heard the KB98 is stiffer than the Speed, which is probably true.

However, I do not like soft/plush feeling type racquets and that's why I did not like the YTK Prestige (being a former FXP Prestige user).

Also, do you suggest me waiting on the new Speed or me maybe stocking on this 1 or 2 and then going for the new Speed. I'm a tournament player and will have 1-2 tournaments before the Innegras come out.

 

[TheBoom]

It is less stiff but not plush so don't worry about that at all

 

[mrmo1115]

That's good to hear. Do you suggest that I wait on the new Innegras or go for these discounted Speeds now.

I'm in sort of a rush to find a replacement because of my busy tennis schedule since I am a full-time junior tennis player that plays tournaments.

TheBoom, do you know whether the IG Speed 18x20's play drastically differently than the current Speeds? And if its okay to get the Speed 18x20 get 1, 2 max for a month and wait on the IG's?

 

[shaysrebelII]

Sorry ! I mean the 100 ! Totally forgot the Speed is 100 Sq Inch !!!! Total fail thread. But hoping someone can still help me .

Haha no worries, I didn't even notice, if that makes you feel better.

About stocking up now vs. waiting for the Innegras: I'd wait and demo, so you can see the differences for yourself. If your tournament schedule demands it, then go ahead and buy them, but when it comes to something as expensive as racquet buying, I always make sure all the options are on the table before taking the plunge.

 

[mrmo1115]

Anyone else with any experience with both frames ?

 

[TheBoom]

That's good to hear. Do you suggest that I wait on the new Innegras or go for these discounted Speeds now.

I'm in sort of a rush to find a replacement because of my busy tennis schedule since I am a full-time junior tennis player that plays tournaments.

TheBoom, do you know whether the IG Speed 18x20's play drastically differently than the current Speeds? And if its okay to get the Speed 18x20 get 1, 2 max for a month and wait on the IG's?

I havent tried the new one but use search there is Innegra thread. My advice is to get the speed thats out right now because of the cheap price you could get more of them. And HEAD technologys do not drastically change each generation

 

[mrmo1115]

Yeah , I am getting 1 Speed now and then waiting on the IG's. I emailed my HEAD Rep and she said I can't get them from them until February because they stock up all the retailers first before going to their juniors... However, I called a local pro shop and he said he has all the other IG frames to demo except the 315 18x20.. He said he should get them within the next week or two. Hopefully the racquets aren't that much different because it'll make the switch possibly more confusing.

I looked over the current specs and the new specs. Weight is changing slightly. SW is increasing slightly and the Balance is changing slightly. I like the higher SW in the IG version. Just don't know how much it will change the overall playability and whether how much different it is from the 18x20.

 

[mrmo1115]

Anyone else who has played the KB 98 and the Head Speed 18x20 and can give me a good analysis of them against each other?