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Well, I did It!
Did what?
Hit with the new Head Graphene Touch Speed racquets…all three (3) of them! So, what did you think?
I think the marketing tagline, “Less shock…More Wow!” is true. I think the “feel” of each of the models is now rivaling one of the all-time great “feeling” racquets! (contact me if you want to know what racquet that is)
In addition to Graphene XT Head has added Kraibon material that effectively stops high-frequency vibration before it gets to your hand! While these high-frequency vibrations don’t do any harm, they do contribute to the “hollow” feeling that some players object to. This new composite is called Graphene Touch, and it is solid!
Graphene Touch Speed MP
All of these models are 100 sq. in (645 sq. cm ). The Pro and MP are both 22mm beam with the “S” having a reasonable 25mm beam. The Pro, as you would expect, has an 18×20 string pattern, the MP has a 16×19 pattern as does the “S” model.
The “Pro” weighs in at 328g (11.57 oz), the “MP” at 315g (11.11 oz), and the “S” is a comfortable 298g (10.51 oz). Both the “Pro” and “MP” have a stiffness index of 48, and the “S” is an easy 41 as tested on the FlexFour device. The RDC stiffness numbers are “Pro” 64, “MP” 61, and the “S” 64.
I did not measure the grip pallets, but the “S” does feel slightly more “round” than the other two. This shape, if confirmed, may appeal to more players than the “flatter” Head grip style.
Hitting with the “Pro” confirms that it is the “performance” model. However, it feels easy to use on all strokes especially the serve! The “MP” is easier to use, overall, with a slightly more “supple” string bed that evens out my mis-hits. The “S” is probably the most user-friendly of all the models but with enough “stick” to satisfy any player style.
Graphene Touch Speed Family
The white and black graphic is more pleasing to me than the previous Speed graphics. A little red adds a contemporary note. Does anyone know what the splash of red on the shaft represents? If you do and are the first to let me know, there is a special offer for you.
These models will be shipping the last week of September.
For Sale!
We have, from time to time, a few new racquets of the last years model (cosmetic) that need to be in the hands of players, not hanging on the wall!
Head Graphene Radical Pro LTD Edition w/Cap System $145.00 plus stringing. Very Special! Grip 4
Head Graphene Prestige S. $145.00 plus stringing. Grip 4
Head Graphene XT Speed Pro
The brand new Head Graphene XT Speed Pro is here! Before we get into the specifications you need to see the graphics on this new model. There is a subtle increase in the “hipness” of the look. It is hard to pinpoint any one thing but this racquet really looks good!
This new model uses the latest Graphene material which increases the “polarization” of weight by removing weight from the throat area. This is a noticeable technology.
The string pattern of 18 x 20 is a perfected pattern that will increase string life significantly compared to the popular “open” patterns being promoted by every manufacturer, including Head and their different approach with the ASP series.
Head Graphene XT Speed Pro
Head Graphene XT Speed Pro 18×20
The best way to understand the Graphene technology is to hit with the racquet. So, stop by and pick up the demo, which, by the way, has a new string technology installed! You can try two (2) new things at one time!
For Sale…Very Special!
I have two (2) Head YT Prestige MP 25th Anniversary Edition racquets for sale. These are my personal racquets and both are 41/2 grip size.
These racquets are, of course, new, complete with header card, tags, and grip protection.
I continue to use this racquet but I no longer need so many. If you want a truly unique racquet, or two, this is the one.
$150.00 each plus shipping.
Head Prestige MP 25th Anniversary Edition
Head Prestige MP 25th Anniversary Edition Grip 4
Choosing your Favorite Player
With all the great tennis players in the mix now how do you pick your favorite?
Is your selection based on racquet brand, apparel brand, shoe brand, string brand? Or is your selection based more on performance history? What about personal appearance? I think this is sort of a fun exercise right after the Australian Open because we were treated to almost every possible criteria for choosing a favorite.
If, for example, you had to choose between Djokovic and Murray you would have to look at the similarities. Whether you liked them or not the outfits were very similar. Basically black with yellow color “pops”…both of them. I personally preferred Djokovic’s shoes over the black worn by Murray. By the way, I think Murray’s look would have been better if his ankle supports had been optic yellow instead of black.
Both players in this final were using Head racquets so there is no brand loyalty getting in the way. Both in adidas shoes, but Djokovic in UniGlo and Murray in adidas apparel.
How about personal demeanor? If that were at the top of the list Roger Federer would be everyones favorite, almost. Who would it be on the women’s side?
So what is left? Performance history? Some like to cheer for the underdog while others like the “winner”. The winner has a chance to set records which is important to some. Records, I would say, are certainly important for the players even though they claim, in some case, not to know they are even “close” to a record.
So where does that leave us? I would be very interested in knowing how you choose your favorite player. Please let me know.
Racquet Quest, LLC
