Executive Summary
The Head Speed PWR is the power variant of the Speed family — the lightest, most forgiving, and most power-assisted frame in the lineup. At 265g unstrung with a Head Heavy balance and a 102 sq in head, it is designed from the ground up for players who need the racket to do as much of the work as possible.
Key Characteristic: The Head Heavy balance is the single most distinctive attribute of this frame versus every other racket reviewed in this guide. Unlike the Head Light or even balance found on nearly all other models, the PWR's mass is concentrated toward the head — this creates a pendulum-like momentum during the swing that drives the ball deep without requiring significant physical effort or swing speed from the player.
Key Positioning: This is not a competitive performance frame in the traditional sense. It is a recreational and developmental tool. Beginners benefit from its extraordinary forgiveness — off-centre hits still produce serviceable results. Seniors with reduced mobility find the lightweight build and Head Heavy momentum effect gives them the depth they can no longer generate with muscle alone. Players returning from upper-body injuries use it as a recovery frame while rebuilding strength.
Performance Profile
The PWR dominates on power, spin, and maneuverability — the Speed MP responds with superior control, stability, and touch. These frames serve entirely different audiences, and the radar reflects that clearly.
Performance Comparison: Speed PWR vs Speed MP
Speed PWR leads in power, spin, and maneuverability · Speed MP leads in control, stability, and touch
On-Court Playtest
We took the Head Speed PWR through a full hitting session strung with a comfortable string in the low 50s. Here's how the most accessible frame in the Speed family plays, shot by shot.
Groundstrokes
Off the ground the Speed PWR is built for effortless power: a light frame and lively, powerful platform give big, easy depth from short, slow swings, which is exactly what its target player wants. It is forgiving and easy to use, helping beginners, recreational players and those returning to the game hit a deep ball without much effort. The trade-off is control and stability — it is not a frame for hitting with full pace and pinpoint accuracy.
Serve
On serve the light, powerful frame is very easy to swing and gives free pop with little effort, making first serves feel easy for the developing player.
Volleys & Net
At net the large, forgiving sweet spot makes volleys easy and reassuring, though the light frame is less stable against real pace.
Return & Defence
On the return the easy power lets you block the ball back deep with a short swing, and on defence the light frame is quick into position, though it gets pushed around by stronger hitters.
Comfort & Feel
Comfort is good, helped by the light, easy platform and a sensible string setup. A soft string at a lower tension keeps it very comfortable for players developing their game or managing fatigue.
Pros & Cons
The quick scannable summary of what we liked — and what to be aware of.
Pros
- Maximum easy power and effortless depth
- Very light and easy to swing
- Large, forgiving sweet spot
- Ideal for beginners, recreational and returning players
- Comfortable with a sensible string setup
Cons
- Limited control and stability
- Light frame gets pushed around by pace
- Not suited to advanced players or full swings
- Power can launch long without controlled strokes
Model Context
The Speed family spans the full spectrum from recreational access to tour-level demands. The PWR sits at one end; the Speed Pro occupies the opposite extreme. Each step up the lineup adds weight, control, and technical demand.
Speed PWR
Maximum forgiveness, minimum effort required. The Head Heavy balance, oversized head, and lightweight build make this the most accessible frame in the Speed family by a wide margin. Not suitable for competitive club play at 4.0+ level.
Speed MP
The balanced Speed. 30g heavier than the PWR with a Head Light balance — the transition to a more conventional feel begins here. Appropriate for club players who have developed consistent technique and want a frame that rewards better strokes.
Speed Pro
The demanding Speed. A 310g frame with a dense 18x20 pattern — used by professional players including Novak Djokovic. Requires high swing speed, consistent technique, and physical conditioning. Offers maximum control and precision in the family.
Technical Must-Knows
Who Plays With This?
The Speed PWR is not a pro-level frame and carries no professional endorsements. Its audience is defined by specific recreational and developmental needs rather than competitive level.
Learning the game and prioritising fun over precision. Needs a frame that keeps the ball in play, generates enough pace to make rallies viable, and forgives the off-centre contact that defines early-stage play. The Speed PWR delivers exactly this — its 102 sq in head and free power mean beginners can focus on learning footwork and technique rather than fighting the equipment.
Physical capacity has changed — swing speed and upper body strength are not what they were. The Head Heavy balance and free power generation allow seniors to maintain depth and pace without demanding explosive physical effort on every stroke. Joint-friendly weight reduces session fatigue and injury risk considerably.
Rebuilding after a shoulder, elbow, or wrist injury. Needs to play without aggravating the affected joint — the 265g weight and soft string options reduce impact stress dramatically. The Head Heavy balance provides playing effectiveness without requiring the player to generate pace from compromised muscles or tendons.
Plays once or twice a week for social and fitness reasons rather than competitive development. Wants an equipment experience that is consistent, enjoyable, and low-maintenance. The Speed PWR's forgiveness makes social doubles more reliably fun — fewer shanked returns, more balls in play, and an enjoyable session regardless of how the technique holds up under pressure.
String Setup Guide
The Speed PWR's RA 70 stiffness and recreational audience make string choice more important for comfort and playability than for performance tuning. Soft, arm-friendly strings are the priority. Reference range: 50–60 lbs (22.7–27.2 kg).
Quick Start (Most Players)
- Start point (multifilament or soft poly, full bed): 52–56 lbs (23.5–25.4 kg) — the 102 sq in head and free power mean you do not need low tension to generate pace; set tension for control comfort rather than launch assistance.
- For maximum comfort and arm protection: Use a quality multifilament (NXT, Head Velocity MLT) at 52–55 lbs. The RA 70 stiffness is the only real arm concern — a soft string bed mitigates it effectively.
- If balls are going long: Add 2–3 lbs or try the factory-recommended synthetic gut at a slightly higher tension. The 16x19 pattern and stiff frame launch balls freely — control comes from tension, not string type, at this level.
- Avoid firm polys at high tension: A stiff poly at 57+ lbs in a 70 RA frame is hard on joints, particularly for older players or those in recovery. If using poly, keep to soft versions (Babolat SynGut Aero, Luxilon Soft) and string at the lower end of the range.
- Factory string is acceptable for recreational use: If the Speed PWR arrived pre-strung with a synthetic gut, it will play adequately for social and beginner-level play. Upgrade when you restring, not before you need to.
Recommended Setups by Goal
| Goal | Recommended Setup | Starting Tension | What You'll Feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum comfort | Premium multifilament (NXT, Velocity MLT), full bed | 52–55 lbs (23.5–25 kg) | Soft, lively feel — excellent for arm-sensitive players |
| Balanced / beginner | Synthetic gut or soft multifilament, full bed | 53–56 lbs (24–25.4 kg) | Predictable, consistent response — ideal for developing technique |
| More control | Soft poly (Babolat SynGut Aero or similar), full bed | 54–58 lbs (24.5–26.3 kg) | Reduced launch, better directional control — for players developing consistency |
| Recreational durability | Synthetic gut (thicker gauge, 1.30mm) | 53–57 lbs (24–26 kg) | Long-lasting, cost-effective option — plays consistently for recreational use |
Maintenance Rule
- For recreational players: Restring at least once per season or every 30–40 hours of play, whichever comes first. Dead strings in a stiff frame feel noticeably harsh and hollow — losing the string bed's responsiveness removes the main comfort benefit of choosing a soft string in the first place.
Top 3 Recommended Strings
The Speed PWR's RA 70 stiffness and recreational audience benefit most from soft, comfortable strings. These three choices prioritise arm protection, lively feel, and accessible playability over raw performance metrics.
Best for: Players prioritising arm comfort and lively feel — particularly seniors, returning-injury players, and those sensitive to vibration.
Wilson NXT is the benchmark for comfort in the multifilament category. Its woven composite construction creates a soft, elastic response that absorbs impact vibration effectively — pairing it with the Speed PWR's RA 70 stiffness produces a genuinely arm-friendly combination. The lively pocketing feels natural and inviting, making the playing experience enjoyable for recreational players who want to feel the ball rather than fight the equipment.
Best for: Beginners and budget-conscious recreational players who want a step up from factory strings without the cost of premium multifilament.
Babolat's synthetic gut is an excellent value option for the Speed PWR's audience. It provides consistent performance, reasonable comfort, and good durability for recreational use. The 16x19 pattern means it will last longer than in a more spin-oriented open pattern frame. For players playing once or twice a week, SynGut Aero offers the right balance of cost, comfort, and longevity.
Best for: Players who want a premium multifilament at an accessible price point — a natural brand-matched choice for the Speed PWR.
Head's own multifilament offering is an ideal brand pairing for the Speed PWR. The Velocity MLT delivers a comfortable, lively feel with good tension maintenance for a multifilament — it holds up better through sessions than cheaper synthetic gut options. The soft feel complements the frame's stiff RA 70 construction effectively, and the brand consistency makes it a logical, easy choice for Speed PWR owners who want to upgrade from factory strings without overthinking the decision.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Speed PWR | Speed MP | Speed Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head Size | 102 sq in (658 cm²) | 100 sq in (645 cm²) | 100 sq in (645 cm²) |
| Weight (Unstrung) | 265g / 9.4oz | 295g / 10.4oz | 310g / 10.9oz |
| Weight (Strung) | 288g | ~320g | ~335g |
| Length | 27 in | 27 in | 27 in |
| Balance | Head Heavy | Head Light | Head Light |
| String Pattern | 16x19 (open) | 16x19 (open) | 18x20 (dense) |
| Stiffness (RA) | 70 | ~68 | ~67 |
| Swingweight | 290 | ~320 | ~335 |
| Strung Swingweight | 288 | ~325 | ~340 |
| Target Player | Beginner / Recreational | Intermediate 3.0–4.5 | Advanced 4.5+ |
Our Verdict
The Speed PWR is the most accessible frame in the Speed family — maximum easy power and forgiveness in a very light, easy-to-swing package.
It's the frame we'd recommend to beginners, recreational players and those returning to the game who want effortless depth and an easy, forgiving frame with minimal effort. You trade control and stability for that ease, so improving and advanced players should step up to the Speed MP or Speed Pro, but for accessible power and confidence early in the journey the Speed PWR does its job well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Head Speed PWR good for beginners?
Yes — beginners are exactly its target. The Speed PWR is light, very powerful and forgiving, giving easy depth from short swings, which makes it one of the more beginner-friendly frames in the Speed family. String it softly for comfort as you develop.
Who is the Head Speed PWR best for?
It is best for beginners, recreational players and those returning to the game who want maximum easy power, a forgiving sweet spot and a very light, easy-to-swing frame.
Is the Head Speed PWR arm-friendly?
Yes, generally — the light, easy platform and accessible power are gentle to use, and a soft string at a lower tension keeps it comfortable. As with any powerful frame, avoid a stiff poly cranked high if your arm is sensitive.
What string and tension is best for the Head Speed PWR?
A soft multifilament or a soft poly in the low 50s lbs works well, prioritising comfort and feel for its target player. Go a touch tighter for a little more control if the ball flies long.
Is the Head Speed PWR a power or control racquet?
It is firmly a power racquet — the most power-oriented, accessible frame in the Speed line, built for effortless depth and forgiveness rather than control.
Head Speed PWR vs Speed MP — which should I buy?
Choose the Speed PWR if you are a beginner or recreational player who wants maximum easy power and forgiveness. Choose the Speed MP if you are an improving or advanced player who wants more control, stability and a more all-court feel. The PWR is the accessible-power option; the MP is the performance option.