The HEAD Speed MP 2026 is the standard 300 g option discussed in this guide. The wider Speed range contains other weights and head sizes, so checking the MP name and generation is essential. The information below combines official specifications with a structured way to assess a demo.
Official specifications
| Head size | 100 in² / 645 cm² |
|---|---|
| Nominal unstrung weight | 300 g |
| Unstrung balance | 320 mm |
| String pattern | 16 mains × 19 crosses |
| Beam | 23 mm |
| Standard length | 27 in |
Specifications checked against the manufacturer on 11 November 2026. Nominal unstrung figures; individual frames and installed setups can differ.
Identify the 2026 MP
Look for the full model name and the 2026 generation. The pearl-white and dark metallic finish is visible in the official product photograph. The MP should not be confused with the Pro, Tour, MP L or MP UL simply because they share the Speed name.
HEAD introduces Hy-Bor in this generation and describes its intended contribution to perceived stability and response. Those are manufacturer design claims. This article does not claim an independent laboratory comparison or a personal on-court test.
Why 300 g is only a starting point
Unstrung weight is useful when narrowing a shortlist, but it is not the finished weight in your hand. Strings, grip choices and accessories add mass. Balance and the way mass is distributed also influence how quickly a racket feels ready.
The official balance figure is 320 mm unstrung. Use the raw specification when comparing models and keep strung and unstrung measurements separate. Mixing those two conditions can make an otherwise straightforward comparison misleading.
Test a complete all-court sequence
Start with deep cross-court rallies, then alternate a normal rally ball with a defensive stretch. Note whether the racket is ready when you are under time pressure. Evaluate the quality of your average ball rather than your most impressive clean hit.
At net, try simple reaction volleys and a few low volleys. On return, include blocked first-serve replies and a controlled second-serve attack. These situations reveal different demands from cooperative baseline hitting.
Compare it with your current equipment
Write down the demo string and tension before drawing conclusions about feel. If the shop cannot identify the setup or its age, treat the impression with appropriate caution. A fresh frame with old strings is not a clean comparison with your normal racket.
Use the same grip size if practical. A grip that feels unfamiliar can alter how you hold the racket and cloud your judgement about preparation and contact. Include a short set or point drill before making a purchase decision.
Endorsements and the retail racket
HEAD associates the Speed range with leading professionals, while noting that professionals may use different racquets from the models shown. Do not assume the retail MP reproduces a player’s competition setup.
A useful purchase decision rests on whether this particular racket supports your routine shots and remains manageable late in a session. The 2026 MP belongs on a shortlist when its specifications fit your needs, but its value is established by a fair comparison in your own game.
