Stéphane Penso unveils the new range Head Speed 2025

Head unveils its new range Speed for 2025, continuing its innovation strategy in the world of padel. Faithful to the format in water drop – similar to the Radical series – this range is positioned as an ideal compromise between the round and easy-to-handle shapes of the Gravity series and the ultra-powerful diamond shapes of the Extreme series.

Historical spearhead of Head, The Speed range embodies versatility par excellence, available in several versions to meet the needs of a wide range of players. For this new year, the Austrian manufacturer is innovating by presenting two new Speed models called One (for 1 hole) which will complete the existing range alongside the Pro and Motion references (the Elite becoming Team).
This approach is part of a logic of continuous progression, following the launch of the Extreme One the previous year, capitalizing on feedback and lessons learned, the objective being to constantly optimize performance and improve overall player satisfaction.

Speed One X, the flagship

The Speed One X takes all the codes of the Extreme One, while improving them. It is more manageable thanks to its shape and its lowered balance., which nevertheless remains quite present at the head of the racket. The hitting surface is slightly stiffer, as well as the additional weight of 20 grams. The handle length is in the upper average, while the wrist strap retains a classic design.

The racket adopts a minimalist and refined design, dominated by a deep black with a mainly lacquered finish, with some matte areas creating a subtle contrast. The logo is distinguished by a silver gray that reinforces its visual appeal, while the exposed 2D carbon provides the finishing touch to this composition. Head still finds the art of combining sobriety and elegance, with a simple and refined chromatic play that oscillates between chic and modernity.

Two notable new features

The striking surface in 2D Carbon HS (High Strength – High Resistance) represents a major technological innovation. Although recently deployed on the world's lightest racket, It is a two-dimensional layered carbon Designed to deliver explosive power and exceptional precision. Carbon fibers have high tensile strength and can absorb a significant amount of energy before yielding. This material is an ideal compromise between stiffness and strength.

Technology Damp Plus, strategically positioned in the bridge area, helps isolate impact vibrations between the striking surface and the handle, ensuring optimum comfort during each stroke.

Proven technologies

The foam Power foam was developed specifically for players looking for maximum power. Highly responsive, it provides explosive energy transfer to the ball. This core is ideal for aggressive players who favor powerful shots, especially finishing smashes.

Graphene Inside

Graphene, strategically positioned in the frame, provides several key benefits. This material strengthens the structure, improves stability and optimizes energy transfer to the ball. Its characteristics are remarkable: composed of hexagonal carbon lattice, it measures only one atom thick and remains the strongest and lightest known material.

Auxetic 2.0

Construction technology Auxetic 2.0, in its advanced version, optimizes the transmission of kinetic information mainly at the frame level (and here the handle). It allows the player to perceive with remarkable clarity the subtleties of each strike, amplifying sensations on impact and providing precise tactile feedback on the behavior of the racket. This innovation allows the player to adjust his shots with additional precision and increased confidence, transforming each interaction with the ball into an intuitive and efficient communication.

Soft Butt Cap 2.0

Ergonomic two-component tip located in the handle, which improves vibration absorption and increases comfort.

Smart bridge

Unique construction technology adapting the bridge area to the specific characteristics of each racket, optimizing its individual performance.

Extreme Spin

3D decal that maximizes grip and spin accuracy during strikes.

Tailored Frame

Custom design of the snowshoe frame, with tubeless options to increase the hitting surface and improve forgiveness and playability.

Anti Shock Skin

Protective polymer sheet that reinforces the durability of the racket, minimizing damage and making it easier to maintain.

Focus on longevity and resistance

Holeless rackets represent a significant advance in durability. Unlike traditional models, This design eliminates the weak points associated with drilling, which create potentially harmful microcracks.
The absence of perforations provides a more resistant surface, reducing deformation during strikes. Tests show that the strike zone is twice as robust as conventional models, preserving the structural integrity of the carbon and internal foam.
This technology addresses players' concerns about the longevity and cost-sustainability of padel equipment.

Stake

The One X stands out for its exceptional tolerance, thanks to a sweet spot that forgives off-center shots without sacrificing power or precision. Exceptional on the volley and smash, this racket offers remarkable playing sensations.
Although shaped like a drop of water, I found this pala with a fairly pronounced balance (but still behind the Extreme series), and all finishing phases are carried out with consistency.
The racket reveals all its defensive versatility thanks to an acceptable handling that allows you to thwart the most delicate situations without having to force too much. Its Power Foam core, combined with Carbon 2D, guarantees a bluffing explosiveness and a very satisfactory ball release, accompanied by a particularly satisfying sound resonance on impact.

Alternatives

La Speed One Hole presents itself as a lightweight alternative, distinguished by some significant nuances. Amputated by more than 20 grams, it gains in handling and comfort, to the detriment of power and stability. Also deprived of Damp Plus technology, it lets more vibrations through, without however significantly affecting playing comfort.

This reference is particularly pleasant to handle, both at the net and in defense. Its equally remarkable sweet spot allows access to a higher level of play, combining confidence and ease. Less powerful than the Speed One X, it remains formidable in the hands of players capable of exploiting the subtleties of a light and technical racket.

Conclusion

Although not belonging to the same family, these two rackets (which look as alike as two peas in a pod) are in line with the Extreme One, correcting its weaknesses and enhancing its strengths. Despite their teardrop-shaped configuration with a fairly high balance, they offer significantly better handling than the previous model (which, let's remember, was designed in diamond format).
These models are distinguished by slightly increased rigidity. – probably obtained through the use of Carbon 2D – which is a real asset during offensive phases, but retains astonishing tolerance, miraculously erasing striking imperfections, and offering a punto dulce which pushes the traditional limits of the frame.

The Speed One presents itself as a particularly accessible racket, allowing for rapid and confident adaptation. It will particularly appeal to players in the learning phase, female players and young players. Its design favors progress without risk, with intuitive handling and remarkable defensive performance that allows you to play without excessive tension.

The One with the X terminology, who relates at Head a greater weight, is designed for players who have developed a more assertive technique, capable of maintaining sustained game dynamics thanks to precise and devastating strikes. Flashed with 20 grams more than its little sister, this additional mass brings significant advantages:

Increased stability, particularly noticeable during counterattack phases
A significantly better ability to generate kick effects compared to lighter rackets.

This excess weight is not insignificant: It allows to increase the power and precision of the blows, offering technical players a tool perfectly adapted to their level of play. This reference will delight bombers looking for a powerful racket while remaining extremely solid and easy to handle.
Be careful though, in terms of rigidity and pure power, it remains below the Extreme Pro, the ultimate reference among Head.

Once again, Head demonstrates its desire for innovation, constantly refining its references to offer ever more efficient equipment. After the Extreme One, the UltraLight and these two Speed One, we can legitimately anticipate future variations, perhaps within the Gravity and Radical ranges.

This new Speed 2025 range is also enriched with three more conventional models – Pro, Motion and Team – a comprehensive test of which will be published soon in Padel Magazine.

Many thanks to Evan Grand, responsible for marketing at Head, for its professionalism and the always very rapid provision of these new products!

Stéphane Penso

Padel fan, Stéphane has become the official tester of the padel planet in Europe. Everything goes through his expert hands. Thanks to his extensive experience in the world of rackets, he is able to scan your equipment from head to toe!