You’d expect world No.1 Novak Djokovic to play with a half-decent racket and you’d be right. Only you’d be underestimating this weapon by some distance. Put bluntly, this is an absolute beauty. The 100-square inch racket face creates heaps of power, while the feeling of control is second to none. Each hit feels rock solid and the frame is beautifully balanced too allowing it to ease into each strike. The stand out feature of the new HEAD Speed is its use of Graphene technology. The material is said to be extremely lightweight but with a breaking strength 200 times greater than steel. Or as HEAD put it, “stronger than diamond, lighter than feather.” The unique material reduces weight in the middle section of the racket by distributing it more evenly throughout the frame, allowing its user to generate more pace with less effort. Novak, we get it! Specs – HEAD YouTek Graphene Speed MP RRP: £184.99 Head size: 100 sq.in Unstrung weight: 300g Length: 27 inches String pattern: 16×19 Balance: 32cm Beam: 22mm To read our advanced racket reviews in full then get your hands on the April 2013 issue of tennishead by subscribing to the print edition or the digital edition via the apple Newsstand. I'm sure that other purchases have gone fine but I ordered this racquet (with a 4-1/4 handle) and received the MP with a 4-5/8 handle (which I've noticed is a completely different item currently being sold by the racquet guys. Additionally, while most of the packaging was fine upon delivery, the placard that comes with every racquet (with djokovic's face) appeared to be from a Speed Pro racquet, thrown into the racquet sleeve as if there wasn't a discernable difference between the racquets. I know the product itself is 5 star-worthy and the MP is also a 5-star racquet for someone who intended to purchase it. The update to the HEAD Graphene 360+ Speed MP is not huge. The specs are pretty close to the predecessor. The colors are inverted, the swing weight is higher and spiral fibers are included in the layup. It might not be a lot, but it is a significant improvement in feel and performance. But before we get into how it plays, let’s look at the specs. HEAD Graphene 360+ Speed MP Strung Specs I measured these specs on my HEAD 3-in-1 machine. The racquet was strung with HEAD Lynx strings at 24 kg / 53 lbs. Head size: 100 sq inches Length: 27 inches Weight: 317.2g Balance: 33 cm / 4 pts head-light Beamwidth: 23 mm Stiffness: Mid 60 RA Swing weight: 327 So my specs were pretty much as the listed ones, which is nice. Regarding the tech, spiral fibers add a more comfortable feel to the layup, which is really noticeable. The predecessor felt a bit harsh on my wrist with a stiffer poly, but I did not sense any discomfort with the update. How does it play?I thought this was a great update. really enjoyed the higher swing weight from the predecessor. It played more stable and with more plow-through. And compared to the Speed Pro, it is whippier, faster through the air and generates more spin thanks to the 16×19 string pattern (compared to the 18×20 of the Pro). I usually prefer the more hefty racquet, but in this case, the MP is much easier to use and I really enjoyed this stick on groundstrokes and serve. The whippier feel really helps my ability to control the ball. Perhaps more advanced players will enjoy the pro more, but most recreational players will find the Speed MP easier to use. The only issue I could find was some instability at the top of the hoop at times, but for a 300g unstrung racquet this is pretty normal and wasn’t a big thing. I actually enjoyed the racquet pretty much everywhere. Yes, there are racquets that produce a nastier slice or offers more plow-through, but if you like a racquet that is easy to use, but still offers more control, feel and comfort than the Pure Drive – check out the Speed MP! What do you think of the HEAD Graphene 360+ Speed MP? Please comment below. 45 commentsBrian G March 6, 2020 - 19:57 How does it compare to the Clash 100 Tour? Tennisnerd May 18, 2020 - 14:19 The Speed is more crisp/stiff. It is not as muted so if you like to really “feel” the ball, the Speed is preferred. The Clash offers superb arm comfort though. Spin and power potential are not far apart. Daniel May 18, 2020 - 01:58 How does it compare to the blade V7 16*19 ? Tennisnerd May 18, 2020 - 14:19 The Blade is much more control-oriented and with a lower launch angle/spin potential. The Speed has a bigger sweet spot and is lighter to swing. Artek July 17, 2020 - 00:22 How about compering it with Yonex VCore 98? Which of them is simply a better racquet? Tennisnerd July 17, 2020 - 10:36 The Speed, in my opinion, I wasn’t a huge fan of the VCORE 98. Kevin Le July 22, 2020 - 14:53 Hey Tennis Nerd, how does the new MP compare against a Pure Drive or the new Prince 100X 305? Tennisnerd July 22, 2020 - 16:06 Hi Kevin, The MP is in the middle of those two racquets when it comes to power and spin levels. The Pure Drive has the most spin/power and is rather stiff, the MP medium level of both and better comfort and the Prince is very comfortable and plush but a bit lower on the power and spin. Cheers / J Kevin Le July 23, 2020 - 01:37 How does this compare to the Pure Drive or new Prince 100X? Kevin Le July 23, 2020 - 01:37 Sorry! Duplicate post leo July 23, 2020 - 07:33 How does it compare with your customized Gravity MP? cheers! Tennisnerd July 29, 2020 - 15:09 A bit more spin and power, I do feel like the Gravity is a bit more stable, especially with a tiny addition of lead at 12. Justin July 27, 2020 - 06:54 Hi there I’m currently considering a Speed Pro. I use a 360+ Extreme MP which has the same weight as the Speed MP. However I’m looking for a slightly heavier weight which is what the Pro brings. The only thing that I’m not sure about is the 18-20 pattern. I’m not really sure how that would affect me – does it mean I lose some power…? I’m not sure I’d want to swap to a Speed MP if it’s the same weight as my current one. I am an average player – intermediate i’d say. Thanks! Tennisnerd July 27, 2020 - 10:26 Hi Justin, You don’t lose power, but some spin potential and you get a lower launch angle. If you play with a flatter swing, this could benefit you since you get extra control. If you want more control and feel, the Speed Pro is a good option, but it will be heavier to swing. Cheers / Jonas Justin Amler July 27, 2020 - 11:04 Thanks for your reply. I am not the biggest top spinner, so i don’t think theloss of spin potential would worry me too much. In general though I figure whatever racket you use you still have to play your shots properly to hit good balls Brian September 8, 2020 - 01:53 Hello I’m currently using the Radical Pro which has been good but got a chance to hit some serves with the Speed MP and was surprised that it felt as stable as it did at 300g… what are you thoughts between this and the Radical Pro? Thanks Tennisnerd September 8, 2020 - 06:18 Hi, I prefer the Speed. A bit better feel and bigger sweet spot. Cheers / J Tij September 18, 2020 - 13:10 Hi ! I’m wondering which racquet to buy for tournament : Ezone 100 or this Speed MP +… How would you compare them in term of power, confort, spin, precision, easy playability, feel etc… Thx Tennisnerd September 18, 2020 - 16:01 Hi, I prefer the Speed MP. Better control and comfort. The Ezone 100 is better if you want lots of power though. Cheers / J Mitja September 22, 2020 - 13:25 Hi, witch on do you prefer Graphene 360+ Speed MP Tour Racket or Graphene 360+ Gravity Tour Racket. I am playing from 1 – 4 hours per week so I say that I am a average player. Thanks for your answer Tennisnerd September 23, 2020 - 09:21 Hi, I like the Gravity Tour personally for more control, but if you like to get some extra spin and power – the Speed is the way to go. Both are very good racquets. Cheers / J Sam Burrell September 25, 2020 - 15:34 Hi how does this compare with the 2013 speed mp? Thanks Tennisnerd September 27, 2020 - 06:32 Hi Sam, softer, improved feel and bigger sweet spot Enrique October 2, 2020 - 13:35 Hello. Which racquet would you give the n’est confort note between this speed mp ans the new ezone 100 ? For the less arm soreness… Gracias Farrokh October 6, 2020 - 14:07 Hi, What is your suggestion for customizing the Speed mp? I play with graphene touch prestige mp and i am looking for bigger sweet spot and more spin. Nico October 6, 2020 - 19:33 Hi, i love my pure aero (the power, spin and feel) but are having some wrist pain recently, tried wilson clash but it felt too muted, but liked the comfort. Is speed MP an alternative, or would you recommend something else that plays like an aero but are a little less stiff? Thanks! Sarah October 11, 2020 - 19:45 Hi. How does it compare to the vcore pro 100 (feel spin control power confort)? Thank you 4 the answer Joel October 12, 2020 - 06:22 Hi Jonas, thanks for your great review. How does this compare with the Prince textreme 100 310 which you rated highly as well? Would you pick this over the prince? Thanks! Ran October 12, 2020 - 15:14 Hi, What about adding 10-20g of lead tape to give the same stability / plow through as the speed pro, but with the benefit of the 16×19 string pattern? Could that work? Very interested in your thoughts on this! I currently play with youtek graphene speed pro with 4g at 12, 2g at 3 & 9, 5g under the grip in the handle. Thanks! philip October 13, 2020 - 14:30 @Nico: I switched from a pure aero to the speed mp (also tried the clash tour and the gravity mp). clash was way too muted for me. you don’t get any feedback from the ball. gravity mp felt weird (kind of hollow) and has less power than speed/pure aero. so finally I landed with the speed mp. way more comfort, similar power, a little less spin (but not much). did not have any arm issues. last week I tried the pure aero again but I really don’t like the stirr feeling anymore. You could also try the new extreme mp since it is a little bit closer to the pure aero. but to the added top spin, my balls tended to land a little shorter than with the speed. Anthony October 22, 2020 - 00:32 Do you have any recommendations for a racquet that is similar to the speed MP but with a little more power? I recently demoed the 360+ speed MP, ezone 98 and pure strike 16×19. So far I like the speed and ezone but not a fan of the pure strike. I was thinking of maybe trying out the extreme mp or clash 100 but also open to more suggestions. Joe October 25, 2020 - 17:35 Hello Tennisnerd ;), I’m looking for a suitable racquet for a long time now. I’m coning from an Aeropro Drive 2013 GT and have tried a lot of different frames but no one suited lije tge APD. Tge apd just has a to pinging feel, too less stability and no plow on the backhand. I love the way how the Forehand feels and like the additional help in generating spin. The pure aero has a too open strin pattern and the lanch angle is a bit too high. Can you make a comparison between the apd and this speed mp? Especially in terms of spin ubd manoveravility? Or do you know any other racquet that could fit for me? Francesco November 10, 2020 - 20:11 Hello how is compared to babolat pure strike 100 3rd gen? Gek November 17, 2020 - 08:25 Hi, and how does the Mp behave with flatter shots? If I use a little bit of spin and also flatter shots, do I have control? Gek November 17, 2020 - 08:31 And compared with the Pure Aero could I have more control? Robert March 21, 2021 - 17:15 Hello fellow Tennnisnerd, You and I like similar racquets. How would you compare the new updated Radical Pro and HEAD Graphene 360+ Speed MP to the new Yonex EZONE Tour? I’ve demoed the EZONE Tour and liked it very much, excellent plow through. I just added about 7 grams to the handle to make it a bit lighter in the head for some slightly whippier action. TN March 22, 2021 - 08:02 Hi Robert, The Radical Pro is not as solid as the Ezone Tour but feels faster through the air and offers a bit better comfort. The Speed gives you more free power and spin than both Ezone Tour and Radical Pro, but less control and plow-through. Francisco Villar March 30, 2021 - 13:21 Hi! I have a weird question that is bugging me. I have this Speed 360+ MP, and its balance (on the specs) is 320mm. However, on the specs it also says it is 1HL. I cannot understand how can you have 320mm and 1HL, how does this add up?! My Wilson Ultra is 315mm and 9HL, which corresponds to the “normal” correlation between balance and HL. Can you help me here?! I feel that the weight is MUCH more towards the head on the the MP than the Ultra. Thanks! Kris April 20, 2021 - 22:11 @ FRANCISCO VILLAR – It means “1 inch” headlight which is 8 points. It would be more accurate to state 0.9 inches which is 7 points, but HEAD just rounded the figure up for simplicity. Hozaifa May 1, 2021 - 16:40 Hi, I am currently using the Gravity MP 2020. Would you suggest moving to the Speed MP and what are the benifits. I personally like the control and feel of the Gravity MP. i feel the prower is a little muted at times. Also the i feel the racket looses stability against the fast balls that come in. What is your say on this Parmenides August 10, 2021 - 09:05 How does it compare to the Babolat Strike 100? Both seem to be similar racquets so don’t know which one to buy! Jean October 2, 2021 - 14:59 How does it compare to the Extreme Mp? Nick April 19, 2022 - 14:09 how is the Speed MP compared to Wilson Pro Staff six.one v13 (305gr). Cri October 9, 2022 - 21:36 Hi how does this compare with the Dunlop cx 400 tour? Thanks TN October 10, 2022 - 23:21 The Speed is heavier to swing. I think also the Dunlop has a bit more power, but is not quite as solid. |
