This racquet gave me the ability to generate fast swing speeds and control and a lot of mobility. I found consistent responsiveness and was able to get a lot of spin without much effort. The Speed Elite felt solid and did add some pop off groundstrokes but it was easy to control and had excellent access to spin with good mobility at net. Head claims the d3o material is "smart" and softens the feel when touch is needed and stiffens up when more power is needed like groundstrokes. I did find that the fame stiffened up on long fast swings and did get “softer” on touch shots.

 

 

Groundstrokes
On groundies, the racquet is responsive and I found a crisp feeling when I had time to set up for the shot. However, it was not very forgiving on miss-hits. The racquet has a very soft touch and excellent feel. On touch shots (drop shots, drop volleys, lobs) I found excellent control. Both the Forehand and Backhand felt somewhat under powered – the spin generated is excellent due to the open 16 x 19 string pattern. But I had to generate the power myself and long, fast swings are rewarded. Also I could tell the difference as the racquet stiffened dramatically on harder hit groundies with the YOUTEK / 3DOtechnology – on this frame you can really feel the difference.

 

Volleys
On volleys, the racquet feels great. Overall the touch is excellent and the thin (22mm) beam helped me move the frame around at net and on overheads. Good power (that I had to generate) but the touch and response is a big plus here.

 

Serves
The lack of power is really noticed here – it really requires a bit of effort to execute powerful serves. Slices and getting good racket head speed for kick serves was not an issue; again the open string pattern helps. Going for big serves was not the strong point on this frame – overall good control and feel but not much pop.

 

Overall
It has great control and great feel - for more power I would add a bit of weight and look to string at a lower tension. It feels great in your hand, feels nice and stable on volleys and groundstrokes, and has great maneuverability all over the court It also has the new square (Wilson/Prince style) grip instead of the rectangular grip found on most Head racquets so for regular Head users this is an adjustment. I would recommend this racquet for any player who is looking for a lighter player’s frame such as young juniors, or any adult at a 3.5 level or higher.