The Head Speed MP and Babolat Pure Drive are great options for recreational players looking for a racket that provides easy power without sacrificing too much control.
In this article, I will be looking at the racket specs of the Speed MP and the Pure Drive to see how these two rackets compare to each other.
Head Speed MP vs Babolat Pure Drive Comparison
In the comparison below I have used the 2022 version of the Speed MP (or “MP”) and the 2021 version of the Pure Drive (or “PD”).
Racket Specs
Main Differences: The Speed MP has a slightly lower strung weight (11.11oz vs 11.22oz), a slightly higher swing weight (323 vs 320), a much lower frame stiffness rating (62 vs 71), and a thinner beam width (23mm vs 23mm/26mm/23mm).
Similarities: Both rackets have the same head size (100in), racket length (27in), head light balance (4pts HL), and a 16 x 19 string pattern.
| Specs: | Speed MP | Pure Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Version: | 2022 | 2021 |
| Design: |  |  |
| Head Size: | 100in | 100in |
| Length: | 27in | 27in |
| Strung Weight: | 315g (11.11oz) | 318g (11.22oz) |
| Unstrung Weight: | 300g (10.58oz) | 300g (10.58oz) |
| Swing weight: | 323 | 320 |
| Balance: | 4pts HL | 4pts HL |
| TW Stiffness Rating: | 62 | 71 |
| Power: | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| Player Level: | Intermediate to Advanced | Intermediate to Advanced |
| Beam Width: | 23mm/23mm/23mm | 23mm/26mm/23mm |
| Colors: | Black and White | Blue and Black |
| String Pattern: | 16 x19 | 16 x 19 |
| Main Skips: | 7T,9T,7H,9H | 7T,9T,7H,9H |
| Grip Type: | Head Hydrosorb Pro | Babolat Syntec Pro |
Head Size
Both the MP and the PD tennis rackets have a 100in Midplus head size.
Length
The MP and PD have a standard racket length of 27 inches long.
Strung Weight
The strung weight of the Speed MP (315g/11.11oz) is 3g lighter than the strung weight of the Pure Drive (318g/11.22oz), so the SMP will feel slightly lighter in your hand but the difference in strung weight is relatively small.
Both the MP and the PD are relatively heavy rackets so they will not be very beginner friendly.
Unstrung Weight
Both tennis rackets have an unstrung weight of 300g (10.58oz).
Swing Weight
The MP has a swing weight of 323g (11.39oz), which is only 3g heavier than the PD (320g/11.29oz), so you will notice very little difference when swinging both of these rackets.
Balance
Both tennis rackets have a 4pts HL balance, which will suit players who have a full swing and good technique on their groundstrokes.
Stiffness Rating
The MP (62) has a much lower stiffness rating when compared with the PD (71).
Having played with both rackets, I didn’t feel any arm or elbow issues but the MP definitely felt more comfortable to play with.
Power and Control
The MP and PD are both Low to Medium powered tennis rackets so you will get some help in terms of power generation, with the PD being the slightly more powerful of the two rackets.
In terms of control, I felt the MP offered a little more but the difference wasn’t huge.
Recommended Player Level
Both rackets will suit players in the intermediate to the advanced range but some more advanced players may find the control you get with these rackets isn’t enough and may prefer to go with a Head Speed Pro or a Babolat Pure Strike.
Beam Width
The MP (23mm) has a slightly thinner beam width when compared with the PD (23mm/26mm/23mm), so you should find it easier to get more power from the PD and more control from the MP.
String Pattern
Both rackets have a 16 x 19 string pattern, which is good for adding more spin to your serve and groundstrokes.
Grip Type
The MP has a Head Hydrosorb Pro grip, while the PD has a Babolat Syntec Pro Grip.