This NEEDS to be the Gold standard of racket reviews from now on. This has been the approach for ages with new golf clubs release and tech permitted should be welcomed when new tennis racket releases. Great review.
trackman just raking in the profit - but honestly, good for them. I think trackman offers the sporting world an objective measurement tool which is very much needed in gear comparison. Tennis racket fitting is totally a service I would pay for including frame selection, tension/stringing options, and finished off with customization (lead etc.).
If only all reviews could be like this. Makes way more sense when explained and displayed this way. This makes me rethink all of the ways I perceive all tennis lines.
Possibly the most informative and in-depth review of the Speed line your likely to see, well done and looked like an awesome process to have the privilege to go through. Personally I loved the previous cosmetic - the new grey text looks fairly dull. A few questions - What string and tensions did HEAD use for each racquet ? - Do you feel the Auxetic 2.0 technology improves the control you get out of the PRO and MP compared to the previous versions - as those are the two frames you normally play with ?
Thanks for your comments Jamie. All frames were strung with Head Lynx Tour at 52lbs. Normally you’d adjust the tension for different head sizes/string patterns but for fair testing, all rackets had the same setup. Hard to say if I ‘actually’ had more control, but the plush and dampened feeling definitely made me ‘feel’ that I had more control. If I had more time there, I would’ve loved to test the old v new speeds on the trackman (not sure my body could’ve taken any more hitting though!😅)
This is by far the best gear-related review I've seen. Much more factual and objective. The performance of lighter rackets that are sometimes placed a little to the side is interesting. I assume that the strings, tension and grips/overgrips were the same in order to control variables. Well done! really enjoy it!👏👏👏
Thanks Fernando. Yes, they were all strung with my current setup of Head Lynx Tour at 52lbs and had a grip 3. I thoroughly enjoyed the testing experience and hope to do it again with other new rackets in the future!
As amazing as this was (and thank you as well as Head for inviting you), it's a shame no other major manufacturer would go through the effort with such a product launch. For that, I'll definitely give Head a try during my next racquet purchase journey. Thank you Head for this amazing opportunity and glimpse into the 'science' behind racquets.
This is awesome. I also love how different your forehand is from your backhand when looking at the rings. Nice compact circles on the forehand…whopping ovals on the backhand lol. Great vid!
This is such a great review, with great data visuals. Nice work! Would love to see this kind of comparison with other racket manufacturers such as Yonex, Wilson, Babolat, etc.
Thanks for the great review! What do you think about the increased swingweight especially in the MP version? A lot of people don't like it. Would you recommend the MPL for intermediate players? Isn't the MPL unstable on service returns? Thank you very much!
super helpful video. the MPL experience you had is logical and interesting. I play w the old MPL and given your review, will stick with that! can't wait for the boom comparisons. Great information!
Thanks for the content, found this different approach to reviewing a racquet range very interesting. I’m glad you called out how the playtest data needs to be viewed through the lens of a controlled environment and does not consider opponent quality nor for that matter match pressure. Look forward to similar Boom review.
Excellent job, this was an amazing review! Thanks for sharing it with us! Would be awesome if you had the same measurements comparing your Auxetic Speed Pro vs Auxetic 2.0 Speed Pro 😄
I agree, I said to someone else in the comments that this test alone took a couple of hours of intense hitting and we simply didn’t have enough time! (I’m not sure that my body would’ve held up doing another test! 😅
I play comp with Head Speed Pro 22 for all of the same reasons you stated. Its the best configuration for my swing and def always represents me the right way on court. End of the day if u can learn how to swing with this profile its def a deadly stick and a threat to the opponent providing u can consistently hit with if deep into a match.
Good info well presented. I'd love to see all racquets reviewed like this. It would separate reality from marketing and cliche jargon we hear so often in racquet reviews. Ashley, please invest in the all kit to get these stats and start reviewing all the racquets on the market. Easy right?
@@TheTennisMentor sounds good. I'd like to see a proper comparison of 'spin' racquets like the Extreme Tour or Pure Aero with 'control' racquets like a Prestige 18x20 or a Blade 98 18x20. How much difference in spin is there really? Will it be much more than the range of Speed frames in your test? Adding lead tape for more swingweight would be interesting to test too.
At 4:48 that’s a legit backhand…! 😊 Edit and on 2nd thoughts: your forehand looks awesome as well lol! Love the takeback and love the way you follow through. My 15yr old hits similar as, based on certain attributes we decided to copy this (Dimitrov ??) as opposed to the short, whippie stroke. “Different strokes for different folks” literally applies here lol! Btw, I just added the Speed MP into my TW shopping cart (test) Thanks for sharing
Hi Ashley, I'm trying to decide between a Gravity MP and a Speed MP. I'm coming from a Pro Staff 97L (I like a lighter racket) but am looking for more forgiveness. What are your thoughts? I'm yet to try the Speed, was it more powerful / spinny /forgiving than the Gravity? Thanks! Ben
Thank you for this detailed analysis. I purchased both an MP and a Pro to try them out and see which frame I will try to compete with later this year. I have noticed a much lower launch angle on the Pro in my few hits with it. Once I adjusted for the angle, it has been the most consistent frame so far. I strung them both with Head Hawk Power 52lbs but may switch that up - back to my RPM rough. I found the Head Hawk Power muted in these frames, but perhaps it is the frames themselves. Felt very different from my Pure Drive and Pure Strike. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I have held both the new speed and pro staff and the fonts are elegent . Cosmetics is 50 % of one purchase . This must follow through with performance . The problem of a cream white is that it looks discolored . The texture , while helping against cracks and chipping , it will ultimately become unmanageable when you play on clay . Do not use it for clay . Pure white and gloss looks better than Matt, because of light reflection vs absorption. Perhaps this is a catch 22 , but durability is key .
i Bought MPL last model! I weighted it up to 310g couldn't gel with it since i hit with little spin! At 63 I wanted something lighter! Interestingly i haven't hit with it in its stock form! I currently play with Prokennex Ki5 295 which is weighted with string to 316g its pretty much control with just enough power to put away! it has a really dense 16x20 string pattern which gives it that control
Love the feel of the MP. When I switched from the Prostaff....not good enough yet, the MP felt beautiful on well struck serves, but a little more fudge room for my still developing game. Playing the Vcore 98 now. So much more spin. Looking at the Shift and MP in the fall.
Excellent review. Totally agree with you, I tested the mpL because the mp was not available and it was a nice surprise. Easy to use, really confortable, quite easy power, decent spin, nothing to say... I am sure that If you give this frame to a advanced player hiding the weight he would be really surprised when you shall reveal it is a 280 g. I assume it is a nice platform to put easily some lead if you feel that you need more stability ou increase the weight to have an heavier ball, what do you think? I will test now the mp to have a comparaison
Ashley, superb video……thank you..🎾🎾🎾I am a 75 year old singles player: 3.5-4.0… one-handed backhand;can generate some spin with my SW forehand, lots of touch and slice ( great drop shots), tend to hit flat more; need racquet help for more power on my serve . And, I don’t produce fast racquet head speed, more moderate. I do have the Speed Pro auxetic ( your racquet) in my bag.However, I am now on the search for a lighter racquet that may fit me. The MPL sounds very interesting…. Any thoughts? Also, do head grip sizes run big… ? I’ve been ordering a 4 1/4 and placing a wrap to build up. Best, John
Hey John, great to hear from you and about your game! I would honestly say that the MP may be an easier step down in weight, and I think you’ll enjoy it. You still get a decent swing weight which you’re used to but easier power with the 16x19 pattern. As much as I enjoyed the MPL, if you’re used to a Pro, it may feel too far from what you’re used to (could be a shock to your arm). I haven’t found the grips running big, I use a G3 (4 3/8) with an overgrip.
I tested the upcoming Booms and the others were all of Heads current lines. I’ll be making a similar video for the Boom, and who knows… maybe Head will invite me back for the Extreme and Radical!😉
@@TheTennisMentor oh okay. I thought maybe you were speaking from your own data or experience that the gravity was more powerful 😅 thanks for the clarification
Best format racket review I've seen. Every manufacturer should mimic this. Maybe add volleys and returns to the tests and then average the results among multiple players rather than one. But overall phenomenal video my friend. Thank you
Great stuff Ash, definitely helps with my consideration of dropping to the speed mp from the pro! Like the fact you can still get the power of the pro but add the additional spin! Do you find it an easy transition to switch between the two when going from coaching to competition?
Amazing review! What are your thoughts about your head speed xt vs rhe new ones? I use a similar racquet, youtek speed mp, and the specs im papers are so different.
I’ve always liked the heavier weight and swing weights. I’m almost 72 now. Been playing great with my prince tt tour 310. Thought about the mp or pro but the mp L sounds interesting on paper. Lighter racquets just don’t have the pop. I can only swing so fast. So confusing!
@@TheTennisMentorhi thanks for the review.. Is 2024 speed MP L arm friendly for tennis elbow compared to Head Gravity MP 100L 2023 considering new Speed is with Auxetic 2.0 where Gravity is Auxetic 1.0? Does that make a difference Aux 1.0 vs 2.0? Considering comfort and control as a main reason..pl suggest
Hi, TM, I have wilson rf pro staff 97, and I hit a lot of flat shots. I want a racket with which I can go a bit fast on the swing. I am considering a head speed pro because of 18x20. I really want to know if you think there is much difference between the 2022 and 2024 speed pro version. Also what strings do you suggest. I feel I lack power on serve and accuracy. I've tried speed pro twice and felt good. If you compare it rf97 v13, do you think it would be good for me. My shots are very similar to novak in terms of spin.
I saw a reviewer who plays on clay courts and he said the dust got stuck on the matt finish, was hard to get off and it made the experience bad. Interesting take.
Thanks a lot for the nice and interesting videos you post...really good I'm an old school player and I learnt to play tennis with the Prestige Pro. I'm honestly happy to play with the version Pro graphene 360, (not sure probably the 2016 version) but I'm lacking on power, especially when I'm tired. I'm switching to the new Radical Pro auxetic (315 g ). I moved to 23 kg string tension, +2 kg compare to Prestige. I'm really happy about this choice. I see you like Head rackets as me, but seems to me that your favourite is the Gravity Pro. I tested only the Gravity MP version ( 305 g ) which is not bad but not at the same level of the Radical Pro for me. I didn't get the chance to test the Gravity Pro yet. I guess you got the chance to try the Radical Pro Auxetic as well. Can you, please, give me your feedback and explain me the differences between this 2 rackets? Do you reckon it might worths for me to try the gravity PRO as well ? Many thanks in advance. Cheers
First congrats for review very good, then i need to say u were feeded with easy balls so in this equation stability dissapear,but when receive paced balls it influence control a lot.The best date from this reviews are absolutely from serves and it really demonstrate what racquets are good at serving.But if i take a conclusion the diference in control in favor of speed pro are much bigger than the diference in spin and power between racquets so speed pro kind of wins this.
Boom comsetics have been leaked more than 2 months now. Think of Head Speed Auxentic 2.0 design and put teal/green where black is. That will be the MP version endorsed by Gauff. The Boom Pro 2.0 will have teal/green - white - white and black.
So lighter (280-290 strung) racket might be more suited to regular players, tho Ego might drive to heavier (315-325 strung) rackets? Easier to swing thus more spin potential thus more margin of error plus easier on arm shoulder.
love the videos! i have 1 question, did you get any information on the extreme? I am terribly debating to wait or get current model or shift. i understand you cant give specifics, but aslittle as yes or no would be great, anything else aloud to be given is much welcomed tho!
Hello Darek from Poland - a 49-year-old amateur with 12 years of experience playing tennis. A lot of amateur tournaments and one important question for you and a request for help. I have been playing Prestige MP L for a year - currently version 2.0. A nice, controlled racket, what I'm missing is a bit more spin and maybe I'm looking for more power - but not too much - and given my participation in tournaments, a racket with more power causes my forehand to stiffen and I have trouble with control. I tested the new Speed MP 2024, but the relatively large SW caused me to be very late. I was thinking about the 2022 version, but I accidentally got the Speed MP L 2024 tester. It's great on the forehand - I definitely accelerated, but I lose a lot on 2bh - which is my best shot. You can feel the low weight here and hence the question for you - where would you place the lead tape? I'm not looking for more power - rather stability on 2BH... should I add it under the cap? At 3 and 9 o'clock or maybe at the throat of the racket? I'm asking for your help... and one last question, isn't it better to look for the MP 2022 version?
I’m looking to hear more people’s thoughts… it’s pretty 50/50 at the moment. I haven’t tried a thin poly in it, usually Lynx Tour or Touch but I’ve heard that Hawk strings work well with it
@@TheTennisMentor the target swing weight of 295g is 7pts higher than my current PA98 (btw - very cool that Head are providing target swing weights for their frames!) So I'm curious whether 295g with a 1.10mm string and no damp will be close to my PA98 with 1.23mm string and a dampener, and also how much power and spin 1.10mm string will add to the SP and if there's a significant trade off with control (I'm not a string breaker so not factoring that in).
Hey quick question do you think there’s much difference on performance, between head speed (2022)mp l 275 to head speed team 285gr. I noticed the balance is less in the speed team, but the speed range doesn’t have 285gr for MP l :(
To be honest, the new (2024) MPL is the first one I’ve played with so can’t give you a direct comparison, but… for a lighter frame, it felt great. Still good control and stability. I recommend it to those that feel the MP is too heavy.
Very interesting, but it seems there were only around ten balls played for each exercise judging by the graphics. For spin it probably wouldnt change much but judging accuracy on such a small sample size seems off scientifically speaking. E.g. for the flat forehand the mp had one ball flying and because of that the ellipsis seems gigantic, without that one ball it would be smaller than the pros. There obviously is a time constraint but this should be done with a lot more balls to get an expressive result, especially since you are used to one of those rackets so you wont have to acclimate to that one contrary to the other three. Still very cool video and insight. :)
The L racquet kind of get a bad rep. They're looked down upon as beginner racquets. But they open up so many possibilities for club level players. Going for short angle high spin shot winners is so much easier with these racquets, as well as if your primary server is a spin-oriented serve. I have given some L racquets a try and actually made the switch when I'm playing doubles, as they're easier to maneuver and they're a lot less tiring if you're playing a tournament.
Same question 1.25 or 1.3 lynx tour? I got my Pro with the 1.3 and am wondering if they are adding too much weight to the head as it feels much heavier than my Radical Pro?
I used to have golfers elbow in my later teen years, I’ve used the speed pro for many years since and have had no problems. Multi is a good idea. There’s more to tennis elbow than just your equipment, but getting that right is a good start!
I am coming from the Instinct MP and looking for a new racket. I do like the racket but am looking for a little more control. Out of these what would you suggest? Also is the pro or MP hard on the elbow?
