my PT57A experience

Matt H. · 08-08-2012, 05:57 AM

I got a pair of them last week and finally was able to try it out last night.

I get the feel part. Yeah, the ball pockets a little bit. Slice backhand and volleys feel decent due to this characterisitc. Other than that, i felt like I lost a solid 10mph on my serve and ground strokes. Good technique and putting my entire body into the shot still netted me with a lower powered shot compared to my usual retail prestige pro.

specs on the frame were 365g, 31.5cm balance, and strung with lux alu power at 44lbs (20kilos for the metric folks)

movdqa · 08-08-2012, 08:08 AM

Yup. Not surprising given the differences in stiffness between the PT57A and the Prestige Pro. This is why I haven't tried the PT57A - I've heard that it is a must-try racquet and maybe I will someday but for regular matches and play, I prefer the stiffer, but not too stiff frames.

Pro Stock frames aren't magic.

Fuji · 08-08-2012, 08:08 AM

I've played with the PT57A before and I though it was great.

Here's the thing though, do you normally play with a frame at those specs? If you normally don't play with a 365g frame then you're going to lose a lot of power on serve due to slower racket head speed.

Also, the PT57A is a very low flex rating frame. They are normally in the 50's compared to the PP which is in the mid/high 60s.

I definitely don't disagree with you though, I had very similar experiences with the PT57A.

-Fuji

Matt H. · 08-08-2012, 10:18 AM

My normal frames are 360g.

Chalk it up to hype machine of these forums. Greatly over exaggerated.

As for pro stock frames in general, I do have a pair of XL 238.5's and those are quite nice. Then again, if they made an extended version for retail I bet those would feel the same.

Oh well, it's only money... Lol

Power Player · 08-08-2012, 10:27 AM

Dude you have hit with it once. Keep at it. You need to adjust to the timing of the frame and the fact that it flexes differently.

Yes it is a more challenging frame, but it IS a great frame for many people for a reason. You can't judge it after one night of play.

SlapShot · 08-08-2012, 10:31 AM

I used to play with a group of guys on Sunday mornings in the winter, and one of the guys is a total gear head. He bought a PT57A as well as a PT630, and I had a chance to compare them to my Pure Storm LTD that I was using at the time. They were nice feeling frames, but the difference in ball that I hit from the LTD to the PT57A wasn't equal to the difference in price. I think the benefit comes from the flex/comfort and the arm health from what I felt and saw.

Fearsome Forehand · 08-08-2012, 10:36 AM

I think PT57A's are the old Head Pro Tour (280 630) series. And the E's have a slightly stiffer flex. (The E's almost seem like the old Radical Tour 630's to me.) Head stopped making the Pro Tour for the masses around 2000 but the pros still use them. Before, pros just used the Pro Tour as it was still in production.

The real question is why Head ever stopped making the Tour Series Pro Tour and Prestige Mid (red one) since they were such great rackets.

Flex is good and bad. If you normally play with a lighter, stiffer frame, a flexible, heavier frame is going to feel strange; heavy and lacking power. I happen to like heavy, flexible frames and when I play with a light, stiff frame I can't stand it. I can't keep the ball in play unless I hit Full Western with a sick amount of topspin. Too much power. They are good for flat serves but my spin serves suffer.

It all boils down to what you like and what works for you. A great racket is in the eye of the beholder.

The good news for Matt is that he can probably sell the PT57 for what he paid for it (hopefully).

Ross K · 08-08-2012, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt H.

I got a pair of them last week and finally was able to try it out last night.

I get the feel part. Yeah, the ball pockets a little bit. Slice backhand and volleys feel decent due to this characterisitc. Other than that, i felt like I lost a solid 10mph on my serve and ground strokes. Good technique and putting my entire body into the shot still netted me with a lower powered shot compared to my usual retail prestige pro.

specs on the frame were 365g, 31.5cm balance, and strung with lux alu power at 44lbs (20kilos for the metric folks)

I've played quite a lot of times over the years with the PT630 and TBRH my experiences are similar to yours. It's not actually appropriate for the less advanced likes of myself, but for all the racketaholic connoisseurs out there, it's still such a unique frame with such outstanding qualities - and as such, it has to be checked out, if only to remind you of what a truly great racket feels like.

ollinteco · 11-29-2012, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt H.

I got a pair of them last week and finally was able to try it out last night.

I get the feel part. Yeah, the ball pockets a little bit. Slice backhand and volleys feel decent due to this characterisitc. Other than that, i felt like I lost a solid 10mph on my serve and ground strokes. Good technique and putting my entire body into the shot still netted me with a lower powered shot compared to my usual retail prestige pro.

specs on the frame were 365g, 31.5cm balance, and strung with lux alu power at 44lbs (20kilos for the metric folks)

I have some prestige pro, pure storm ltd, pt280, and classic 600, and one pt57A, at first the pt57a felt just like you comment , but when you get use to it, there is a huge difference in the heaviness and control on your shots between the pt57a and the others (the only one that gets surpass it in control is the pc600, but not in pace and spin capabilities), by far is my favorite racquet, at first my serve with it was too slow and without spin , now the best serves i hit are with it. if i just could get another at a good price i wouldn't doub it. i am 47 years old and not a muscle one, but when you let the racquet go the pace is there. just my two cents

courtking · 11-29-2012, 06:15 PM

that's why it's called PRO STOCK racket.. it's for the PRO who has the ability, power to hit thru the ball.. I have seen many hackers in the park talk about PT57A, PT57E.. lead tape and etc and gosh they are not even a 3.0 player.. of course they are under power b/c the pros need control and the power comes from the good strokes, techniques.. and etc..

movdqa · 11-29-2012, 06:18 PM

There are high-powered Pro Stock racquets too. The PT57A just happens to be on the low end of the power curve.

JDMasFCK · 11-29-2012, 06:20 PM

hmmm I was planning on getting one... but if I do I'll probably have it around 12.2 oz instead of 12.8. The reason why you're feeling the drop off of power could be of the hefty 12.8oz.

Fuji · 11-29-2012, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by movdqa

There are high-powered Pro Stock racquets too. The PT57A just happens to be on the low end of the power curve.

Definitely. My Prostock Prestige Mids hit absolute bombs. That being said I'm not Safin, so I really can't hit the same shots he does!

-Fuji

JGads · 11-29-2012, 09:23 PM

I have an extended tgk 231.2 that hits huge and feels as if it might have been born in a manger. Just sensationally buttery smooth, perfect flex. I think the TGK Radicals are supposedly more powerful than PT57s, but mine is also WAY lighter. No way I could get a 12.8 stick moving fast enough.

cork_screw · 11-29-2012, 09:26 PM

Matt H.

I felt the same way. Try it during humid weather, you get some really flexible twists. Also, it feels very jarring at times too. I sold mine and will probably never buy anything like that again. I'll stick to my speed mp's. To me they are a much more stable stick and predictable.

Xonemains · 11-30-2012, 04:27 PM

the only good thing about the pt57a is the fine tuning you can do with it to suit your game.

once you get the desired balance and string set up. man, its the bomb.

so so so comfy as well, but it is underpowered abit.

did i mention its very very easy to sell?

the only thing you will lose is the shipping cost.

Xonemains · 11-30-2012, 04:29 PM

hate the part where everybody wants to have a go with your pt.

and then it comes back with scratches, thank god its capped

movdqa · 11-30-2012, 06:43 PM

Keep a Redondo in your bag and just give them that when they want a hit with a noodle.

08-08-2012, 05:57 AM	#1
Matt H. Professional Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 1,224	my PT57A experience I got a pair of them last week and finally was able to try it out last night. I get the feel part. Yeah, the ball pockets a little bit. Slice backhand and volleys feel decent due to this characterisitc. Other than that, i felt like I lost a solid 10mph on my serve and ground strokes. Good technique and putting my entire body into the shot still netted me with a lower powered shot compared to my usual retail prestige pro. specs on the frame were 365g, 31.5cm balance, and strung with lux alu power at 44lbs (20kilos for the metric folks)

08-08-2012, 08:08 AM	#2
movdqa Hall Of Fame Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 4,138	Yup. Not surprising given the differences in stiffness between the PT57A and the Prestige Pro. This is why I haven't tried the PT57A - I've heard that it is a must-try racquet and maybe I will someday but for regular matches and play, I prefer the stiffer, but not too stiff frames. Pro Stock frames aren't magic. __________________ 4 x IG Prestige MP, 70 cm, 376 grams, 386 SW, ALU Power @54

08-08-2012, 10:27 AM	#5
Power Player G.O.A.T. Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: On my iPhone Posts: 13,548	Dude you have hit with it once. Keep at it. You need to adjust to the timing of the frame and the fact that it flexes differently. Yes it is a more challenging frame, but it IS a great frame for many people for a reason. You can't judge it after one night of play. __________________ 🐐ing

08-08-2012, 10:31 AM	#6
SlapShot Hall Of Fame Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 2,420	I used to play with a group of guys on Sunday mornings in the winter, and one of the guys is a total gear head. He bought a PT57A as well as a PT630, and I had a chance to compare them to my Pure Storm LTD that I was using at the time. They were nice feeling frames, but the difference in ball that I hit from the LTD to the PT57A wasn't equal to the difference in price. I think the benefit comes from the flex/comfort and the arm health from what I felt and saw. __________________ Back to the Prestige MP. Should have never deviated.

08-08-2012, 10:36 AM	#7
Fearsome Forehand Professional Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: USA Posts: 1,022	I think PT57A's are the old Head Pro Tour (280 630) series. And the E's have a slightly stiffer flex. (The E's almost seem like the old Radical Tour 630's to me.) Head stopped making the Pro Tour for the masses around 2000 but the pros still use them. Before, pros just used the Pro Tour as it was still in production. The real question is why Head ever stopped making the Tour Series Pro Tour and Prestige Mid (red one) since they were such great rackets. Flex is good and bad. If you normally play with a lighter, stiffer frame, a flexible, heavier frame is going to feel strange; heavy and lacking power. I happen to like heavy, flexible frames and when I play with a light, stiff frame I can't stand it. I can't keep the ball in play unless I hit Full Western with a sick amount of topspin. Too much power. They are good for flat serves but my spin serves suffer. It all boils down to what you like and what works for you. A great racket is in the eye of the beholder. The good news for Matt is that he can probably sell the PT57 for what he paid for it (hopefully). Last edited by Fearsome Forehand : 08-08-2012 at 10:48 AM.