HEAD Speed MP Review

Introduction

The Speed line is HEAD’s most popular racquet series, and there’s a good reason for it. This review delves into the details of the HEAD Speed MP, a racquet that balances power, spin, control, and comfort, making it a favorite among many players.

Professional Endorsements

Professional endorsements significantly boost a racquet’s popularity. Novak Djokovic, the main ambassador for the HEAD Speed line, brings considerable attention to the brand, even though he doesn’t use the exact retail model. Other notable ambassadors include Jannik Sinner and Emil Ruusuvuori, both of whom use customized versions of the Speed Graphene Touch series. This widespread professional use speaks to the racquet’s versatility and appeal.

The Latest Version: HEAD Speed MP Auxetic

This review focuses on the latest iteration, the HEAD Speed MP Auxetic. “MP” stands for midplus, indicating it is the most popular and mainstream version of the racquet.

Purchasing Options

You can purchase the HEAD Speed MP Auxetic from Tennis Warehouse, Tennis Warehouse Europe, and Tennis Only. While we receive a small commission from purchases made through these links, our primary goal is to help you find the right racquet for your game.

Design and Construction

The photos in this review showcase the recent black edition of the HEAD Speed MP, released for the US Open 2023. This version is identical to the original white edition but features a predominantly black frame, offering a sleek and understated aesthetic. Whether this color change is worth a higher price is subjective.

Technology and Innovation

While racquet technology often seems like marketing jargon, the Auxetic technology in the Speed MP stands out. It provides a softer feel and more stable response compared to the Graphene 360+ models. Auxetic is a dynamic structure for carbon fibers that expands upon impact and contracts during recovery, aiming to enhance energy return, power, and shot depth. The true impact of this technology, however, requires practical evaluation.

Specifications

Here are the average specifications for the HEAD Speed MP, noting that individual racquets may vary slightly:

Head Size: 100 in² / 645 cm²
Length: 27 in / 68.5 cm
Strung Weight: 315 g / 11.1 oz
Unstrung Weight: 300 g / 10.6 oz
Balance: 33.02 cm / 4 pts HL
Unstrung Balance: 32 cm / 7 pts HL
Swingweight: 323
Stiffness: 62
Beam Width: 23 mm / 23 mm / 23 mm
Composition: Graphene 360+ / Graphite
Racquet Colors: Black
Grip Type: Head Hydrosorb Pro
String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses (Mains skip: 7T, 9T, 7H, 9H)
Tension: 21-25 kg / 48-57 lb

Performance

The Speed MP features a 16×19 string pattern and is slightly lighter than the Speed Pro. While the Speed Pro offers more plow-through and control for aggressive flat hitters, the Speed MP excels from the baseline. Tested with HEAD Lynx 1.25 at 53 lbs and HEAD Lynx Tour 1.25 at 51 lbs, the latter string setup was more predictable. Despite its stiffness, Lynx Tour felt comfortable on impact.

This racquet is ideal for baseline players who enjoy trading powerful shots. For those looking for more control, similar to the Radical MP, the Speed MP might be less suitable. It delivers good power on serves and sufficient spin to keep opponents on the defensive, handling a variety of shots effectively. Topspin players will benefit most from the Speed MP, offering a balanced alternative to power or spin-specific racquets.

Playing Level

Though slightly tougher to swing due to its higher swing weight, the Speed MP offers better comfort than stiffer power racquets. It’s versatile enough for players rated NTRP 4.0 and above. For more information on NTRP and UTR levels, refer to our tennis ratings guide.

Conclusion

The HEAD Speed MP is a versatile and well-rounded racquet perfect for aggressive baseliners who rely on spin and precision. Its balanced response makes it popular among WTA players and advanced juniors. Positioned in the middle of HEAD’s racquet lineup, it might just be the best offering from the brand. Players seeking more control should consider the Speed Pro.