After a month of hitting the local courts three times a week, I’ve put this lightweight, spin-friendly racket through its paces. Designed for intermediate players, the Speed S boasts a blend of power, agility, and control, with HEAD’s signature Graphene technology.
My sessions, mostly doubles with friends and some solo drills, gave me a solid feel for what this racket can do. In my opinion, it’s a fantastic option for players looking to elevate their game without wrestling a heavy frame, though it’s not flawless. Here’s my take after sweating it out on the court.
Key Features of the HEAD Speed S
- Strung Weight: 303.3 g / 10.7 oz, lightweight for easy swings.
- Head Size: 100 square inches, balancing forgiveness and precision.
- Grip Size: 4.375 inches, comfortable for most hands.
- Length: 27 inches, standard for adult rackets.
- String Pattern: 16×19, open pattern for enhanced spin.
- Balance: 1 pt head-light, offering versatility across the court.
- Technology: Graphene Touch for a crisp, responsive feel.
My Pros and Cons of the HEAD Speed S
Pros ( What I Liked)
Light and Agile: From the first swing, I was struck by how light this racket felt. At 10.7 ounces, it’s a breeze to maneuver, whether I was serving or scrambling for a drop shot. My arms never felt strained, even after long rallies, which was a relief compared to heavier rackets I’ve tried.
Spin-Friendly Performance: The 16×19 string pattern is a topspin lover’s dream. I found myself generating some serious spin on groundstrokes, which gave my shots extra bite. It made me feel like a pro, even if my footwork didn’t always match.
Balanced and Versatile: The 1 pt head-light balance is spot-on for all-court play. I could hit deep baseline shots and still feel confident at the net. In my experience, this versatility makes it a great fit for intermediate players like me who want to mix up their game.
Crisp, Responsive Feel: The Graphene Touch tech delivers a clean, controlled response. Every hit felt precise, with minimal vibrations, which kept my wrist happy during extended play.
Cons ( What I Didn’t Liked)
Stock Strings Disappoint: The factory strings felt cheap and lacked the pop I wanted. After a couple of weeks, I restrung the racket with a higher-quality option, which made a world of difference. It’s an extra expense I hadn’t planned for.
Price Feels Steep: While the quality is undeniable, I noticed similar rackets priced lower elsewhere (around $129 at some retailers). For the cost, I expected a bit more polish, like better stock strings or a carry bag.
Not for Advanced Players Without Mods: In stock form, this racket is perfect for intermediates but might feel underpowered for advanced players. I didn’t add lead tape, but I can see why some might to beef up the swing weight.
Final Verdict
After a month of testing, I’m sold on the HEAD Speed S for intermediate players like me. Its lightweight agility, spin-friendly design, and crisp feel made every session a joy, even if my serves still need work. The stock strings and price tag were minor letdowns, but a quick restring fixed the former. If you’re a mid-level player looking for a versatile, arm-friendly racket — especially after using one of the affordable tennis rackets for beginners — I’d say this one’s a solid bet.