There is a new kid on the block in the Speed family and here is our HEAD Speed Tour Review. Dealing with this highly anticipated racquet.
The new HEAD Speed racquets are here in a familiar black-ish (more like a midnight blue) and white cosmetic. These racquets feature Hy-bor in the layup and are slightly stiffer than the 2024 Speed racquets. We have reviewed the HEAD Speed Legend racquets, the MP and Pro, which are the same as the 2026 Speed racquets, just in a different cosmetic. But the HEAD Speed Tour is a completely new model.
I have seen players request a smaller head size Speed racquets for a long time and here it is, the HEAD Speed Tour, 97 sq inches.
This is how HEAD describes their new racquet on their website.
As the first SPEED racquet with a smaller head size of 626cm² or 97in², and with its relatively high weight of 305 grams, the SPEED TOUR 2026 delivers excellent control. It has a 16×19 string pattern that allows for more spin than the SPEED PRO 2026. State-of-the-art Hy-Bor, a material mix that is mainly used in the high-tech aerospace industry, has been added to the shaft to enhance the perceived stability and signature solid impact feel. The innovations also include Auxetic 2.0 technology for a more connected feel.
HEAD Speed Tour specifications
- Weight 305 g / 10.8 oz
- String Pattern 16/19
- Head size 626 cm² / 97 in²
- Balance 315 mm / 1 in HL
- Length 685 mm / 27.0 in
- Beam 23 mm
These specs are all unstrung without overgrip.
How does it play?
We have hit this racquet a few times so this can be labelled as first impressions. The racquet definitely has that plush and controlled feel that is synonymous with most HEAD racquets. Don’t expect a high amount of power, but for a 97, it still packs a punch thanks to the stiff and thick beam (23 mm). It is rare to see such as thick beam on a 97 sq inch racquet and it took a while for me to get used to.
I feel like a thinner beam might have helped maneuverability, but then again, it is a Speed racquet and 22 mm might have made it too close to a Gravity Tour, Boom Pro or HEAD Radical, for example. HEAD have many racquets that overlap and makes it difficult to decide what could be best for you.
I think the HEAD racquet compass can be somewhat helpful in understanding the power level of the different HEAD racquets.
The Speed is in the middle of the compass, but the Tour is still not added in this iteration. However, I would say it is in between the MP and the Pro. Not quite as powerful as the MP, but slightly more power and spin than the Pro.
We definitely liked the racquet and thought it had a good balance of power and control. I think if you like the HEAD Gravity Tour 98 but want a little crisper feel and slightly lower launch angle, the Speed Tour can work well for you. It moves relatively fast through the air for the thick beam and the sweet spot is decent for a 97 sq inch racquet.
If you enjoy smaller head size racquets, but want a bit more power than your typical 97, then the HEAD Speed Tour should be on your demo list. It’s an interesting racquet for sure.
Adam and I noted in the video review that we would have enjoyed slightly more power from it, because even with a 328-strung swing weight, it lacked a little putaway pop. Christian liked it, but felt it was too close to the MP to really earn its existence.
It might become a bit of a polarizing frame in terms of player’s interest in it. Judging by the comments, most player seem genuinely excited to try it.
Personally, this could be my new favorite HEAD racquet, alongside the Radical MP…