The Head Speed One X is the heavy, hard version of Head’s Speed line: a teardrop with a 2D carbon face, a Power Foam core and a high balance of 270 mm, made for advanced and tournament players who want to accelerate the game. Head labels it as tactical with dynamic power, and calls the feel hard.
It costs $319.95 at Head’s US store and on the US listing, which is an unusually fair match for a padel racket in the US. This review covers the build, the specs, how it should play, how it differs from the Head Speed Pro and who should buy it.
See also our best Head padel rackets guide, or browse all our padel gear reviews.
Head Speed One X at a glance
Why it wins: Head’s hard, heavy teardrop for advanced and tournament players: 365 g, a 270 mm balance, a 2D carbon face and Power Foam. (~$320)
- Teardrop shape and a high balance of 270 mm
- 2D carbon face and Power Foam core
- 365 g, which Head classes as heavy-weight
- Extreme Spin surface
Main features of the Head Speed One X
The Speed One X is built to be stable and firm:
- Teardrop shape with a high balance of 270 mm, which keeps the weight up in the head for smashes and volleys
- 2D carbon face, a two-dimensional woven carbon fiber that Head says adds stiffness and strength for control and explosive power
- Power Foam core, Head’s most reactive and fastest foam, for energy transfer on smashes and x3 shots
- Extreme Spin rough 3D decal for spin and traction on the ball
- 365 g weight, which Head classes as heavy-weight for extra stability and momentum
- Hard feel rating from Head, for a firm and direct response
Specification of the Head Speed One X
Here are the full specs of the Head Speed One X:
- Shape: Teardrop
- Weight: 365 g (12.9 oz), heavy-weight
- Balance: High, 270 mm
- Head size: 465 cm²
- Beam thickness: 38 mm
- Core: Power Foam
- Face: 2D carbon
- Surface: Extreme Spin
- Feel: Hard
- Player level: Advanced to tournament
- Type of play: Tactical, dynamic power
Our review of the Head Speed One X
The Speed One X is a firm racket with a clear character. A teardrop with a 270 mm balance sits between a round racket and a diamond, and a 2D carbon face over Power Foam is built for a direct response and strong ball exit. Head’s own label for the feel is hard, and it calls the 365 g weight heavy-weight, meaning extra stability and momentum.
Head is candid about the demands: the weight and balance need solid technique and strength to handle effectively. The reward is stability on attacking shots and the extra momentum that a heavier frame gives. The teardrop shape keeps the sweet spot more forgiving than a diamond of the same weight would be.
We have not played it ourselves, so this is an assessment of Head’s spec sheet and descriptions. On paper it is a tactical, power-leaning teardrop for strong advanced players who found the Speed Pro too soft.
Pros
- Stable, heavy and firm for attacking play
- Teardrop sweet spot is easier than a diamond’s
- 2D carbon face and Power Foam for a direct response
- US price matches Head’s own store
Cons
- Hard feel and 365 g weight load the arm
- High balance takes effort to maneuver
- Head says it needs solid technique and strength
- Not suited to intermediates
Who is the Head Speed One X for?
The Speed One X suits strong advanced players who want a heavy, firm teardrop for tactical, powerful play, and who find the softer Speed rackets too light on feedback. It also suits tournament players who need stability on hard balls.
Who the Head Speed One X is not for
Skip it if you are new to padel, if you have arm trouble or if you want a light, quick racket. A hard, heavy, high-balance racket is tiring, and our tennis elbow racket guide and intermediate picks list softer options.
What to know before you buy the Head Speed One X
Weight and balance
Head lists 365 g (12.9 oz), calls it heavy-weight and gives the balance as 270 mm, which it calls high. The US listing adds a 465 cm² head size and a 38 mm beam. Head’s own advice is that the combination needs solid technique and strength.
Speed One X versus the Speed Pro
Both are Head teardrops with a 270 mm balance and Power Foam. The Speed One X has a 2D carbon face and a hard feel and targets advanced and tournament players, while the Speed Pro uses a hybrid woven face and a softer feel. Our Head Speed Pro review covers that racket.
The lighter Speed One
Head also sells a lighter Speed One at about 345 g with a single-hole hitting surface, according to the US listing. It is a separate racket, and it is a better starting point if the Speed One X sounds too heavy.
How the Head Speed One X plays
Smashes and volleys: The high balance, the heavy weight and the Power Foam core are built for stability and momentum on attacking shots. Our guides to the kick smash and the vibora cover the technique.
Defense: The firm frame sends the ball back with little help, so it rewards clean contact and a strong arm.
Net play: Stable on blocks and punched volleys, slower to reposition than a lighter racket.
Spin: The Extreme Spin finish adds traction for the bandeja and brushed shots.
Head Speed One X vs the alternatives
Inside Head, the Speed Pro is the softer teardrop, the Extreme Motion is the lighter attacking diamond and the Extreme Pro is the heavier diamond. Outside Head, the Nox EA10 Ventus Hybrid and the Wilson Blade V4 are comparable advanced teardrops. Our best rackets for advanced players guide compares the wider field.
For the 345 g version of this racket, see the Head Speed One.
Is the Head Speed One X worth it?
At $319.95, the same price as Head’s own US store, the Speed One X is fair value for an advanced player who wants a heavy, firm teardrop. There is no import premium, which is rare, but it is expensive for anyone who would be just as happy with the softer Speed Pro.
Conclusion
The Head Speed One X is a heavy, firm, high-balance teardrop with a 2D carbon face and Power Foam. Its strengths are stability, momentum and a fair US price. Its weaknesses are the hard feel, the weight and the technique it demands.
Choose it if you are a strong advanced player who likes a firm racket. If you want something softer, see the Speed Pro, and browse our best padel rackets roundup for every level.
Frequently asked questions about the Head Speed One X
How heavy is the Head Speed One X and where is the balance?
Head lists 365 g (12.9 oz), which it classes as heavy-weight, and a high balance of 270 mm. The US listing adds a 465 cm² head size and a 38 mm beam.
Is the Head Speed One X good for intermediate players?
Usually not. Head says the weight and balance need solid technique and strength, and it targets advanced and tournament players. Intermediates will be more comfortable on the softer Speed Pro or a racket from our intermediate racket guide.
What is the difference between the Head Speed One X and the Speed Pro?
The Speed One X has a 2D carbon face and a hard feel, while the Speed Pro has a hybrid woven face and a softer feel. Both are teardrops with a 270 mm balance and Power Foam. Our Speed Pro review covers the other racket.
What is 2D carbon on a Head racket?
2D carbon is a two-dimensional woven carbon fiber. Head says it is tailor-made for additional stiffness and strength and adds control and explosive power to your game.
Is the Head Speed One X a power racket?
It leans toward power. Head labels it as tactical with dynamic power, and the heavy weight, the high balance and the Power Foam core are all built for momentum on attacking shots.
Is the Head Speed One X hard on the arm?
It can be. Head rates the feel as hard and the weight as heavy, so players with elbow or shoulder problems should look at our tennis elbow racket guide first.
What does the Power Foam core do in the Speed One X?
Power Foam is Head’s most reactive and fastest core foam. Head says it is designed for maximum power and energy transfer, which helps attacking shots such as the smash and the x3.
Is the Head Speed One X worth about $320?
Yes for a strong advanced player who wants a heavy, firm teardrop, because the price matches Head’s own US store. It is poor value for players who would be just as happy with a softer racket.
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.