The Head Speed One 2025 is the lightweight version of Head’s top Speed racket: a teardrop with a high balance of 270 mm, a 2D carbon face, a Power Foam core and a weight of 345 g. Head labels it tactical with a maneuverability focus, calls the feel hard and aims it at advanced players, and the face has a single hole in place of the usual grid.
It is 20 g lighter than the Head Speed One X, and the US listing showed $299.95 and a single unit at the time of writing. This review covers the build, the specs, how it should play, how it differs from the Speed One X, who should buy it and what to buy if it sells out.
See also our best Head padel rackets guide, or browse all our padel gear reviews.
Head Speed One at a glance
Why it wins: The lightweight Speed One: a 345 g teardrop with a high balance of 270 mm, a 2D carbon face, Power Foam and a single-hole face. (~$300)
- Teardrop shape and a high balance of 270 mm
- 2D carbon face and Power Foam core
- 345 g, which Head classes as lightweight
- Single-hole HEAD ONE face with Auxetic 2.0
Main features of the Head Speed One
The Speed One is built to be quick in the hand and firm on contact:
- Teardrop shape with a high balance of 270 mm, which Head says concentrates weight in the head for more power and inertia on overheads
- 2D carbon face, a carbon woven in two dimensions that Head says is tailored for additional stiffness and strength
- Power Foam core, which Head calls its most reactive and fastest foam
- HEAD ONE single-hole hitting surface with Auxetic 2.0, which the US listing says adds power with touch and feel
- Extreme Spin, a rough 3D decal that Head says maximizes spin and traction on the ball
- Soft Butt Cap 2.0, which the listing says reduces vibration and improves grip comfort
Specification of the Head Speed One
Here are the full specs of the Head Speed One:
- Shape: Teardrop
- Weight: 345 g (12.2 oz), lightweight
- Balance: High, 270 mm
- Core: Power Foam
- Face: 2D carbon
- Surface: Extreme Spin
- Feel: Hard
- Player level: Advanced
- Type of play: Tactical, maneuverability
- Series: Speed One
Our review of the Head Speed One
The Speed One is the quick version of a firm racket. A 270 mm balance and a 2D carbon face over Power Foam are the ingredients of a direct, powerful response, and the 345 g weight keeps the swing fast. Head’s own description of the balance is that it puts weight at the head, generates more inertia on overheads and needs more effort to maneuver, which is the trade-off to weigh against the low weight.
The single-hole HEAD ONE face is the visible difference from a normal padel racket, and the product photo shows one hole in the center of the face. The US listing ties it to a lightweight frame with strength and durability, and Auxetic 2.0 is there for touch and feel, which matters on a hard racket.
We have not played it ourselves, so this is an assessment of Head’s spec sheet and the US listing. On paper it suits an advanced player who wants a stiff, high-balance teardrop without the 365 g of the Speed One X.
Pros
- 345 g keeps a high-balance racket quick
- 2D carbon face and Power Foam for a direct, powerful response
- Distinctive single-hole face
- Advanced spec at a fair US price
Cons
- Hard feel gives little comfort on mishits
- High balance takes effort to maneuver despite the low weight
- Only one unit on the US listing at the time of writing
- Not suited to beginners or sensitive arms
Who is the Head Speed One for?
The Speed One suits advanced players who attack and want a stiff teardrop that is easy to swing, and lighter or smaller players who find 365 g rackets tiring. It also suits players who like Head’s single-hole design.
Who the Head Speed One is not for
Skip it if you are new to padel, if your arm is sensitive or if you want a forgiving feel. Head rates the feel as hard, and our tennis elbow racket guide lists softer options. Intermediates will be more comfortable with the Head Speed Pro.
What to know before you buy the Head Speed One
Weight and balance
Head lists 345 g (12.2 oz), which it calls lightweight, and a high balance of 270 mm. A high balance makes the racket feel heavier in the hand than its weight suggests.
Speed One versus Speed One X
Both are hard teardrops with a 270 mm balance, a 2D carbon face and a Power Foam core. The Speed One weighs 345 g, and our Speed One X review lists 365 g and a head size of 465 cm² at about $320.
Price and stock
The US listing showed $299.95 and a single unit at the time of writing, so check the current offer and the similar rackets below.
How the Head Speed One plays
Smashes and the vibora: The high balance and stiff face give a direct response. Our guides to the kick smash and the vibora cover the technique.
Volleys and net play: The 345 g weight is the selling point and helps reaction speed.
Defense: A hard, high-balance racket is never the easiest to defend with, although the low weight helps.
Spin: The Extreme Spin surface adds traction for the bandeja and topspin.
Head Speed One vs the alternatives
Inside Head, the Speed One X is the 365 g version, the Extreme One is the 350 g diamond and the Speed Pro is the softer teardrop. Outside Head, the Wilson Blade V4 and the Nox EA10 Ventus Hybrid are comparable teardrops. Our best rackets for advanced players guide compares the wider field.
Similar rackets if the Head Speed One sells out
The US listing was down to a single unit at the time of writing, so here are the closest alternatives:
- Head Speed One X: the 365 g version of the same racket at about $320
- Head Extreme One: a 350 g diamond with a 12K face at about $300
- Head Speed Pro: a 370 g teardrop with a hybrid woven face at about $280
- Head Extreme Motion: a 360 g diamond with a unidirectional carbon face at about $255
Is the Head Speed One worth it?
At about $300, the Speed One is fair value for an advanced player who wants a light, stiff teardrop, and it costs about $20 less than the Speed One X. It is worth it if the weight is the reason you are looking, and the listing is thin enough on stock that it is worth checking the alternatives too.
Conclusion
The Head Speed One is a light, hard, high-balance teardrop with a 2D carbon face and Power Foam. Its strengths are the low weight, the direct response and the single-hole design. Its weaknesses are the hard feel and the single unit left.
Choose it if you attack and want a quick, stiff racket. If it sells out, use the similar rackets above, and browse our best padel rackets roundup for every level.
Frequently asked questions about the Head Speed One
How heavy is the Head Speed One?
Head lists 345 g (12.2 oz), which it calls lightweight, with a high balance of 270 mm.
How does the Head Speed One compare with the heavier Speed One X?
Both are hard teardrops with a 270 mm balance and a 2D carbon face. The Speed One weighs 345 g and our Speed One X review lists 365 g.
Does the Head Speed One favor power or maneuverability?
It leans toward both. Head labels it tactical with a maneuverability focus, and the high balance and stiff face give inertia on overheads, although the 345 g weight keeps it quick.
What does the single-hole face on the Speed One do?
The HEAD ONE face replaces the usual grid of holes with a single hole. The US listing ties it to a strong, durable, lightweight frame, and Auxetic 2.0 adds touch and feel.
Is the Head Speed One suitable for intermediate players?
Usually not. Head targets advanced players, the feel is hard and the balance is high. Intermediates will be more comfortable on a racket from our intermediate racket guide.
What is 2D carbon on a padel racket?
Head describes a carbon fiber woven in two dimensions, tailored for additional stiffness and strength, which adds control and explosive power.
Will the Head Speed One be tough on a sensitive elbow?
It can be, because Head rates the feel as hard. Our tennis elbow racket guide lists rackets chosen for comfort first.
Is the Head Speed One worth about $300?
Yes for an advanced attacker who wants a light, stiff teardrop. It costs about $20 less than the Speed One X.
Kevin Anderson is a Content Writer for SimplePadel. He joined the company during summer 2022. For SimplePadel, he spealizes in testing rackets and writes a lot of our padel racket reviews.
Kevin loves to own the net position and considers himself an attacking-minded player. He often claims that he has the reach of a monkey – thanks to his 6’5″ stature. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking and following the USPA closely.