Best current IG Prestige?

[maxpotapov]

Originally Posted by audioaffliction

On the other hand, I find the Mid has a very large sweet spot relative to the size of the frame. Even shots hit well towards the edges of the frame are very easy to put in the court. In general, I find it much easier to make spin with the current Mid versus iterations of previous generations, all the way back to the Prestige 600. Adding a leather grip makes it even more head light, which I find helps me make crazy amounts of spin if I want to. YMMV.

This sounds interesting. I have Prestige Tour 600 and struggle with extreme top spin shots as much as with LM Mid (unless I use sharp poly mains). Maybe they fixed something in the hoop with IG iteration, which also explains larger sweet zone.

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Originally Posted by maxpotapov

String pattern of the Mid is so dense, it's almost unplayable by today's standards. I know because I'm using it and thinking of switching to some open pattern racquet.

You must be using it wrong then. It's playable and then some, don't blame the racquet.

[ricki]

I would vote for PRO - i could test it last weekend and it is a GEMSTONE! BTW. I is the same (100% match) frame as Prince Rebel 95, but with 16x19...

I would also support Max Potato as I think that 90 sq. inch with 18x20 must be pain to play today. If I played with eastern grip on both fh and bh then it could be great, but for semi western its too complicated imo.

[maxpotapov]

Originally Posted by Say Chi Sin Lo

You must be using it wrong then. It's playable and then some, don't blame the racquet.

It gets frustrating when I have to play against 12-14 y.o. ball bashers, and I'm 25 years oldER. And it's unfair when they get handicap, playing with light and fast boomsticks, not me.

P.S. The only way to play against those kids is to spin the ball over their heads. Trying to hit through them does not really help, as they return and retreive almost everything as long as the bounce is low.
Maybe that's why Pete Sampras quickly switched to some Babolat after endorsing KPS88 on his comeback.

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Originally Posted by maxpotapov

String pattern of the Mid is so dense, it's almost unplayable by today's standards. I know because I'm using it and thinking of switching to some open pattern racquet.

Originally Posted by maxpotapov

It gets frustrating when I have to play against 12-14 y.o. ball bashers, and I'm 25 years oldER. And it's unfair when they get handicap, playing with light and fast boomsticks, not me.

P.S. The only way to play against those kids is to spin the ball over their heads. Trying to hit through them does not really help, as they return and retreive almost everything as long as the bounce is low.
Maybe that's why Pete Sampras quickly switched to some Babolat after endorsing KPS88 on his comeback.

1) You don't "have to" play anyone. If you agreed to play so and so, then play, and don't complain about their game. You can't agree to play and complain. Do one or the other.

2) True 12-14 y.o "ball bashers", or ball bashers in general, know sh!t about strategy and tactics. Mix it up, this upcoming generation has a condition called "netphobia", and mix up the pace. Majority of this upcoming generation is using the Western grip with its high strike zone, use the slice and make them dig balls up from the ankles.

3) Assuming your proposed age, you may just come back and complain about the "light and fast broomsticks" these youngin's are using and how they're wrecking your arm. Especially if you've grew up using traditionally weighted racquets. If you won't be able to take advantage of them, why curse them if it's of no use to you?

4) A few ounces here and there make marginal difference in overall swing-speed/acceleration of the racquet head. So again, I don't understand why you put any emphasis on these "light and fast broomsticks".

5) The superior can out-pace, out-spin, out-precise the opponent regardless of the equipment, period.

I used the Prestige Mid in one form or another for a decade, with its "so dense, it's unplayability in today's game" and I was able to put significant amount of topspin with my E. Eastern grip. Along with significant bite on my slice too.

Just play man, quit blaming equipments.

[maxpotapov]

My only complaint was I'm physically tired of 18x20 at 89 sq in, not that I can not win with it or put extra action on the ball.
Look at all former champions playing exos, no one is using anything like 18x20 at 89 sq in. No one from current top 20 (or maybe top 100?) uses anything as small and dense. Not because they lack skill, it is just tiresome to the point of being unplayable for modern game.

[ShiroRm]

The Mid grabs the ball "very" well and allows to put a lot of top spin, when used with adequate strength and timing

[sundaypunch]

Originally Posted by maxpotapov

My only complaint was I'm physically tired of 18x20 at 89 sq in, not that I can not win with it or put extra action on the ball.
Look at all former champions playing exos, no one is using anything like 18x20 at 89 sq in. No one from current top 20 (or maybe top 100?) uses anything as small and dense. Not because they lack skill, it is just tiresome to the point of being unplayable for modern game.

Yes, it is curious that almost none of the top-100 use 90's yet there are so many people here that hit great with them. I played a 90 for many years and still occasionally hit with one. I love them when I'm not being pushed.

That is exactly my problem with a Prestige. Perfect for rallying, the ball machine or playing people worse than me. A bit too demanding vs. a tough opponent.

[tennis_balla]

I use the IG Mid and wouldn't say it gives more or less spin then previous versions. I've played with the iPrestige, LM, MG and now IG all Mid's.

For today's game I think you gotta string it low 50's/high 40's and nothing higher, for full poly of course but even hybrid. It's a really quick racket, though I understand why most pros opt for the midplus version. Fresh restrings and new balls every time you go out and hit certainly does help.

[Top Jimmy]

Thanks for the good conversation.

I like the idea of TW getting me a couple "light" and "HL" Pro's.

Basically a lighter 4d200Tour sounds lovely.

[4sound]

The Mid is a different animal than the MP.
I switch back and fourth.

Mid is great for controlled volleys. Better for flat hitting accuracy. When I have time to set up, the Mid is pin point accurate. Slice cuts easier on the Mid.

MP is more forgiving for off center but doesn't swing as smooth as the Mid. I find the MP easier on running shots where I get stretched out and have to use arm/wrist. MP is easier for returns on big first serve. Easier to access spin.

[nyc]

if the Mid is too demanding, both MP and Pro are great. Just a question if you prefer more control or more pop.

The S is a tinny little thing that allows people who really shouldn't to play a "prestige".

[tennis_balla]

It really is a badge of honour for you guys isn't it?

[4sound]

Prestige Mid always keeps me honest.

In some ways the MP is more demanding since I have to dial things down or add more top to keep the balls in. It really comes down to stroke style.

I'd rather play with a racket that doesn't let me get away with bad form, but thats another discussion.

[pshulam]

Originally Posted by maxpotapov

String pattern of the Mid is so dense, it's almost unplayable by today's standards.

What are today's standards?

[pvaudio]

Originally Posted by maxpotapov

I said "by today's standards", meaning players are spoiled by racquets that really help to arc the ball over the net. If they try something like Prestige Mid, it feels like skating rink. It takes ridiculous amount of effort to get more rpms with 18x20 89 sq in, compared to "modern racquets". The only way to make it easier is to use some sharp poly in the mains, like PolyStar Turbo or Dunlop Black Widow.

It is perfectly fine for oldskool flat hitters (no offence), as long as you don't try to Nadal the ball with it. My shoulder still hurts from such experiments and I need a stringbed that will launch the ball much higher, given natural gut / poly setup.

All respect intended, but speak for yourself. My shots were dipping just as much with the mid as they were with my Dunlops. Just that my shots were dipping more with the Pro, and I was looking for that.

[pvaudio]

Originally Posted by nyc

if the Mid is too demanding, both MP and Pro are great. Just a question if you prefer more control or more pop.

The S is a tinny little thing that allows people who really shouldn't to play a "prestige".

Man, there are some really, REALLY ridiculous comments in this thread. The S is an outstanding frame, better IMO than any other similarly weighted Head frames.

[NLBwell]

Prestige Pro headsize is essentially the same as the 200T. It is not a 98, it is between 95 and 96 sq in.

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Originally Posted by pvaudio

Man, there are some really, REALLY ridiculous comments in this thread. The S is an outstanding frame, better IMO than any other similarly weighted Head frames.

[maxpotapov]

Originally Posted by pvaudio

All respect intended, but speak for yourself. My shots were dipping just as much with the mid as they were with my Dunlops. Just that my shots were dipping more with the Pro, and I was looking for that.

Same with me, as I often switch to Dunlop MW 200G. But I was talking about how high it clears the net, not how fast it dips into the court. My point was, more open string patterns tend to launch the ball higher, which makes it possible to use more "slippery" strings in the mains (not necessarily the sharpest polys). If my Prestige Mid is freshly strung with PolyStar Turbo mains, I can get any running forehand over the net with extreme top spin (my favorite shot). Especially with new set of balls. But when the mains lose their bite, it becomes increasingly difficult to clear the net in such situations. Less so with Dunlop MW 200G, even less so with Wilson BLX90 and no problem whatsoever with Prince EXO3 Tour 16x18 with any smooth poly.