Overview
Head makes big changes to the Speed S, the lightest and fastest of HeadR019s midplus Speeds! Updated with a thicker and livelier beam, the Speed S now comes with Graphene Touch, the most comfortable version of HeadR019s polarized weight system. The net result is a racket that blends controllable power with impressive shock absorption. Perfectly weighted for intermediates, this version of the Speed S feels decidedly quicker than its predecessor (the Graphene XT version). On groundstrokes the low swingweight (312 RDC) makes for easy acceleration and big spin. Although the feel is slightly muted and dampened, the thicker beam construction gives the stringbed a crisp and even feel outside the sweetspot. According to our playtesters, power is there when needed but it remains very controllable - a fact that should lead to some aggressive stroke production. At net this light racket moves fast and performs great on reaction volleys. The near even balance puts decent mass in the head, which definitely helps when defending against pace. With some added power and comfort, Head has created a very user-friendly racket for a broad range of intermediate players.
Specifications
| Head Size: 100in²/645cm² |
| Length: 27in / 68,5cm |
| Weight: 10.7oz / 303g |
| Unstrung Weight:10.1 / 285g |
| Balance: 33.02cm / 4 pts HL |
| Unstrung Balance: 32cm / 7HL |
| Swingweight: 312 |
| Stiffness: 66 |
| Beam Width:25mm/25mm/25mm |
| Composition: Graphene Touch/Graphite |
| Racket Colours:Black/White/Red |
| Grip Type:Hydrosorb Pro |
| String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses Mains skip: 8T,8H |
| String Tension:48-57 / 22-26 kg |
Previous Feedback
Comments: I tried 4 demos, and this was the clear winner. I am a 3.5+ player. This added 10 mph to my serve. Hitting backhands was effortless, with greater power and control. I tried hitting some forehands as hard as I possibly could, and was surprised that I lost no control whatsoever. I found that the lighter racquet moved with greater ease, and I was making shots or getting around on shots that I would never have made before.
From:Jeff, 1/17/18
Comments: I was looking for a lighter, more powerful racquet, but not as stiff as most of the current crop of tweeners, and the Speed S fits the bill. I have added some lead at (2g) 12 o'clock and (2g) at 10 & 2 o'clock. The racquet swings fast and is plenty stable for play against big hitters. The combination of spin and power offer enough control when paired with a soft co-poly (Volkl V-Star). I recommend this racquet to players looking for an easier playing, lighter racquet that do not have the racquet head speed required for the heavier "players racquets."
From:Todd, 8/18/17
Comments: Update from my previous post. Added 1.8 grams at 12, 1.8 grams at 3 and 9 o'clock, 3.8 grams and added a Luxilon overgrip, and 10 grams of tungsten putty in the butt cap. The racquet is now 325 grams static weight, 325 SW, and 8+ HL. These simple changes have effectively transformed this racquet into a serious weapon. Stability, power and plow through have increased dramatically and the nicest thing is that the racquet whips around quickly with excellent maneuverability no doubt due to the balance making the racquet more head lite. I will certainly be purchasing two more racquets from TW and thanks to the expert staff for recommending this racquet for me. It's versatility and performance has over exceeded my expectations. Strings that I have found to work well with this racquet are Cyclone, Cyclone Tour, and my favorite, Luxilon ALU power at 55 pounds. Hybrids also work well. I can see why this racquet is listed on TW as a best seller.
From:Frank, 7/29/17
Comments: A very comfortable and maneuverable stick with ample power and spin. In the stock form, the racquet is too light for heavy flat serves and crushing overheads. You will need a full follow through for depth in groundstrokes. Should perform well with customization.
From:Dr. B, 6/11/17
Comments: I just picked up two of these. This is a superb racquet and certainly one of the best racquets I've ever played with. Power, comfort and control are all there. At my age, I prefer racquets on the lighter side and this one at 285g (303g strung) still holds its ground against heavy hits. It maneuvers easily and serves are spot on. I've added a little weight to it to bump it up a bit. I added: 3g at 7", 2.8g at 14" (dampener), 2g at 12 o'clock. It's not a heck of a lot, but it really does help make this already fine racquet and even finer one. This brings the static weight to around 310 and the swing weight to around 320, while keeping the balance almost the same. The poster below is correct -- this racquet has unbelievable control and touch. I have mine strung with Volkl Cyclone Tour 18g (1.20mm) at 50 lbs in the mains, and Tecnifibre X-One Biphase 16g (1.30mm) 52 lbs. in the crosses. The 18guage is more like a 17L. This combination works very well for me, control, spin, lot's of power, and consistency. If you are considering purchasing this racquet, Go for it! You will not be disappointed.
From:Frank, 5/11/17
Comments: I just switched to this racquet and this is it! Great weight and swing speed. It has a damped feel (Graphene), which I love, great touch at the net or when returning serve, especially with a higher string tension. I no longer use polys and now use head multis (Velocity) which work well in this stick, no arm or shoulder issues at all. I'm a 4.5 senior teaching pro, mostly play serve and volley doubles. Also looking forward to playing singles with the Speed S, can generate high swing speeds for topspin forehands.and backhands with good plow through Might add a little weight to the handle. A great racquet for any level from 3.0-5.0.
From:Bob, 10/16
Comments: I think it is unfortunate that Head has a tendency to suggest that their lighter high-end racquets are primarily for "intermediate" players. I have been in the game as a teacher/player and/or coach for 50 years and play at the 4.5-5.0 level. This racquet has unbelievable control and touch! Given that control, it is possible to use large swings and to use reduced margin of error and still produce excellent consistency. It is a great teaching racquet as it is very comfortable for repeated use. In short, this is a wonderful racquet for players of all levels who have big swings and who are looking for a reasonably light and forgiving racquet that has great potential for touch, control, and consistency.
From:Bob, 9/16