The HEAD Speed gets updated with spiral fibers into the layup for improved feel. Here is my HEAD Graphene 360+ Speed Pro Racquet Review.
The Speed line is probably HEAD’s most popular line of racquets. It is endorsed by players like Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff and walks a fine line between power and control. It lands in the middle of the power level range of HEAD racquets. Possibly the best balanced of the bunch for the modern player, and that is why I was excited about this HEAD Graphene 360+ Speed Pro racquet review.
Truly liked the HEAD Graphene 360 Speed Pro (click for my review) and played some of my best tennis with it. I was almost about to make the switch, but I was scared away by some wrist niggles. The racquet wasn’t harsh, but it is definitely firm at the top of the hoop and I strung it with Solinco Hyper-G which made it worse. In retrospect, I could have gone with a softer setup, but I do not want to risk running into arm issues later on.
Specs and tech
So I really only had one issue with Graphene 360 Speed Pro, and that was the slightly firm feel. That is why I was excited to try the new Graphene 360+ Speed Pro with spiral fibers. Spiralfibers has worked great to create a plusher and more comfortable feel in the Gravity and new Prestige racquets, so this is definitely a positive shift in HEAD tech, and the first time I am really confident in playing with Graphene racquets.
I tested the Pro for this review, but this makes me quite confident to comment on how the MP would differ since I did play the Graphene 360 Speed MP.
There have not been any changes to the mold or the drill pattern of the new Speed line. As I said, the lay-up comes with spiral fibers for improved comfort and a plusher response in the string bed. If you like the crispness of the previous version, this has a softer and a slightly more muted response, but I still felt connected to the ball.
How does it play?
I added an overgrip to mine and strung it up with HEAD Lynx and (later) HEAD Lynx Tour (24 kg / 53 lbs) and took it for a spin. I just want to point out that the specs of my racquet were a bit in the higher range. Specs are strung with overgrip: 335g, 32,5 cm balance and SW 335.5.
I did not need a long time to enjoy the response from this frame. It reminded me a bit of my old customised Soft Drives, which is high praise indeed. A plush yet not noodle-like response from the string bed. You can then choose your string to get the feel and response you want.
The swing weight of my Speed Pro is quite high, but I am pretty comfortable up to 340 so it was not a dealbreaker. My guess is that the listed swing weight will be around 330, which I think should make most advanced players happy.
Pros and Cons
Needless to say, this racquet was like a rock from the back of the court. As long as you get the frame moving, you are rewarded with good control, decent spin, and excellent stability.
The racquet was comfortable despite using it with a crisper poly and it gave a really consistent response from the string bed. The string spacing of the 18×20 allows you to hit flatter balls with more confidence, but the 100 sq inch head size will help improve spin generation over most 18×20 patterns, not dissimilar to how the HEAD Gravity Tour or Pro plays.
Pros
+ Good-sized sweet spot
+ Nice mix of power and spin without sacrificing comfort
+ Very stable
Cons
– Tricky to manoeuvre at times in its current spec
Summary
Definitely a positive update to the Speed line. I have really enjoyed the Graphene + technology when it comes to the Gravity, Prestige and Speed line and in a way it is like HEAD is finally finding their way home to a comfortable yet connected response. This is what they were famous for back in the days, but when they introduced Graphene in 2013 they lost some of that. Now with spiral fibers in the lay-up, the plusher feel is back without dialling down too much on the power level.
I really enjoyed this Speed Pro and I hope I can test the MP when it is released in March.
Keen to hear what you think of the HEAD Graphene 360+ Speed line of racquets.
If you buy a racquet from our friends at All Things Tennis, you will get 5% off and a free string upgrade if you use the code: TENNISNERD at checkout.
Video review:
24 comments
Hey ??
Love your Reviews !
How does this this one compare to the Wilson Clash 98 ?
Hi,
Thanks.
360+ Speed Pro: More stable, offers better plow-through and a bit crisper.
Clash 98: A bit softer on the arm, easier to swing, slightly lower power level.
Cheers / J
Please make a review of mp version. Many player use mp thanks
Yes, that is the plan to do later on.
Wow, big difference in sw from last version, or maybe a step towards older speed pros? I liked the last version bit it felt a bit ”plastic” and numb. Has the spiral fibres changed that?
Yes, the feel is better and more responsive with this update. The plastic feel is gone.
Hi, im looking at the yonex vcore pro 97 310, vs the head speed x (anniversary racket), I know they are very different rackets, so I just want to know how they stack up against each other and which you prefer. Thanks!
when are they planning on releasing this model?
It will be for sale in March, but you should be able to demo already this month.
How will you compare this version to the Head Youtek IG Speed MP!
Hi thanks for all the reviews, super interesting. I’ve been playing with the Head YOUTEK Graphene Speed Pro since it came out and wondering if it’s time for an upgrade. How would the new speed pro compare?
Is it just feel or does the access to spin, power, control vary?
Thanks very much!!
Cómo se comparan esta raqueta con la Extreme pro 360 ?????
Do you think any lead tape is needed for this?
Not at all!
Late to the party….How would you compare this one to the Yonex VCore 97 HD? Currently in between these two. Which would you recommend? Love your reviews!
They are very different. The VCORE Pro 97 HD is a player frame with a small sweet spot and focus on control, the Speed Pro is a more powerful racquet, with a bigger sweet spot and spin potential. Both are good racquets, but it depends on the player. Thanks!
Hello! How would you compare this one to the Radical Pro?
Hey, TN! Loved the review. I have tried the Speed Pro and loved it. With a lot of racquets out on the market are there any others you would recommend to test as reference on a demo day. (ie similar).
Hi there,
Thanks for the review. Similarly to someone else in this thread I have the Wilson Blade 98 18×20 v7 and I find it quite hard to manoeuvre at times if I don’t have enough time to get in position. This racket has a lower swing weight than the Blade, can you tell the difference? I’m finding it hard to get a 18×20 racket that doesn’t feel like holding a hammer! I have the strength for a heavy racket but my wrists are quite weak, so I’m looking for a more head light balanced racket! Thanks.
Hi Ross,
Yes, the reason it is called the Blade is the weight in the head that makes it cut through the air. I would try adding a little bit of weight to the handle – 4-5 grams with either lead tape or silicone and it will change the balance. More HL 18x20s are: Angell K7 Lime, Heysil Tour 98, HEAD Prestige MP. Cheers / J
I know it is super late. Did you ever play with the Graphene Youtek Speed pro? I loved that racket, but it gave me some arm pain. This seems very similar but less stiff. Thoughts? Btw, thanks for all your awesome content.
Yes, I did. Nice frame, but a bit stiff, I agree. The new 360+ racquets are softer and more comfortable for sure.
I’m trying to choose between the speed pro and the blade 98 16×19. I’m coming from a prestige mp (microgel version) I can get wrist pain so need a comfortable racket but also want control and just a little power.
Hey thanks so much for the awesome review! I was wondering, so you consider this racquet arm friendly compared to the Wilson Blade v7? I had some wrist issues while using the Babolat Pure Aero, switched to the blade and I feel better, but wanting a bit more power in a racquet. Considering the 360 + Speed Pro but am concerned it could bring my wrist pain back. What do you think? Thank you!