The Head Speed Pro 2025 is built for advanced attacking players who want to generate pace from high balance and heavy mass. The NOX Equation Soft Advanced 2027 is tailored for intermediate players who prioritize defensive consistency, control, and a broad margin for error. Choosing between them depends on whether your tactical style relies on heavy overheads at the net or patient point construction from the back of the court.
| Feature | Head Speed Pro 2025 | NOX Equation Soft Advanced 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | 2025 | 2027 |
| Shape (Manufacturer) | Not stated | Round |
| Shape (our assessment) | Teardrop | Not stated |
| Weight | 370 g | 355–365 g |
| Balance | High | Not stated |
| Thickness | Not stated | 38 mm |
| Face Material | Hybrid Woven | 3K Fiberglass |
| Frame Material | Not stated | Carbon |
| Core Material | Power Foam | HR3 SOFT EVA |
| Recommended Level (Manufacturer) | Not stated | Intermediate |
| Recommended Level (our assessment) | Advanced | Not stated |
| Core Hardness (our assessment) | Soft | Soft |
| Power vs Control (our assessment) | 4 (Power-focused) | 1 (Control-focused) |
| Sweet Spot (our assessment) | Medium | Large |
| Player Profile (our assessment) | Attacker | Builder, Counter |
Which one has more power?
When transitioning from defense to offense, the Head Speed Pro 2025 delivers significantly more raw power. Weighing 370 g with a high balance, this frame provides maximum momentum behind your smashes, kick smashes, and aggressive offensive bandejas. In our assessment, we rate its power versus control at a 4 out of 5, marking it as a power-focused weapon suited for physical players who can handle its top-heavy feel.
Conversely, the NOX Equation Soft Advanced 2027 is built around precision. In our assessment, we rate its power versus control at a 1 out of 5, putting it squarely at the control end of the spectrum. Weighing 355–365 g, it does not rely on heavy top-end mass. While it provides a pleasant ball exit thanks to its HR3 SOFT EVA core, it will not deliver the explosive overhead power of the Head model on high-impact finish shots.
Which is easier to play and defend with?
Defending deep in the court requires maneuverability and forgiveness, especially when returning difficult wall bounces or absorbing hard opponent drives. The NOX Equation Soft Advanced 2027 shines in these back-of-the-court scenarios. The manufacturer specifies a round shape, carbon frame, 38 mm thickness, and 3K Fiberglass face. In our assessment, it features a large sweet spot and a soft core hardness, making it exceptionally forgiving on off-center hits. Defensive lobs, chiquitas, and wall resets are easier to execute consistently without fear of mis-hitting.
The Head Speed Pro 2025 requires significantly more technical discipline. In our assessment, we classify its shape as teardrop with a medium sweet spot and soft core hardness. Because of its 370 g weight and high balance, moving the racket quickly in tight defensive situations off the glass demands good preparation and wrist stability. However, players who possess solid footwork will appreciate the stability it offers when blocking heavy shots at the net.
How do their materials compare?
The two manufacturers take different structural approaches to their builds. Head equips the Speed Pro 2025 with a Hybrid Woven face and a Power Foam core. Other physical dimensions, such as frame material, profile thickness, and official head shape, are not stated by the manufacturer. In our assessment, the combination of a soft core hardness and heavy weight creates a punchy response with plenty of soft feel at impact.
NOX constructs the Equation Soft Advanced 2027 with a 3K Fiberglass face paired with a Carbon frame and an HR3 SOFT EVA core at a standard 38 mm thickness. Fiberglass faces generally offer more flexibility and elastic feel compared to carbon faces, aligning with NOX's intermediate classification and emphasis on comfortable touch.
Who should buy which?
Head Speed Pro 2025 is ideal for:
- Advanced players who have the physical strength to manage a 370 g racket with high balance.
- Attacking player types who want to put points away with heavy smashes and aggressive net play.
- Left-side court players seeking a power-oriented frame (rated 4/5 in our assessment) with a soft core feel.
NOX Equation Soft Advanced 2027 is ideal for:
- Intermediate players looking for an easy-to-handle control racket.
- Game builders and counter-attackers who prioritize high consistency, deep lobs, and low error rates.
- Players seeking a lighter frame (355–365 g) with a round shape and a large sweet spot (in our assessment) for forgiveness and arm comfort.
Frequently asked questions
What player levels are these rackets suitable for?
NOX officially states that the Equation Soft Advanced 2027 is designed for intermediate players. Head does not state an official target level for the Speed Pro 2025; however, in our assessment, its high weight and balance make it best suited for advanced players.
Are both racket cores soft?
Yes. In our assessment, both rackets have a soft core hardness. Head utilizes Power Foam while NOX incorporates HR3 SOFT EVA, offering a comfortable feel on impact across both models.
Which racket offers a larger sweet spot?
In our assessment, the NOX Equation Soft Advanced 2027 has a large sweet spot due to its round geometry, whereas the Head Speed Pro 2025 has a medium sweet spot.