Head Prestige 2021

coolvinny

Rookie
Have you hit with Auxetic Prestige Pro maybe? Just wondering what people that like G360+ Prestige MP think about the new layup.
See my earlier posts, although strings were not the same between Red and Auxetic. I now have both strung identically and will post some thoughts this weekend after I hit tomorrow and Thursday.

but basically my impressions so far are that Auxetic is slightly stiffer and has a bit more pop but does not “feel” worse or stiffer. And just a touch less head light too.
 

taylor15

Hall of Fame
Playing with the MP-L with mods. Weight/balance same as UP, SW is close (331 UP vs 334 MP-L) regular hitting partner said my balls are harder to get back with this frame. Serves are now on point. Could be all I need to know, but I am now interested in also the 18x19. New layup is fantastic
 

ls206

Hall of Fame
Playing with the MP-L with mods. Weight/balance same as UP, SW is close (331 UP vs 334 MP-L) regular hitting partner said my balls are harder to get back with this frame. Serves are now on point. Could be all I need to know, but I am now interested in also the 18x19. New layup is fantastic
Well that's annoying... I have been thinking of trying the MP-L and weighting it up just as you have. You've just cost me £200 :D

UP = Ultra Pro??
 

taylor15

Hall of Fame
Yes, sorry UP is Ultra Pro 16x19. I also have the Ultra Tour that is weighted similarly - 335gm, 32cm, 330ish swingweight.

I have cost myself as well, I am in the US and I am seriously considering the switch. Fortunately TWE will ship this one to the US, but I think after exchange rate when buying in multiples it's still about $220USD each. I may just grab one for now to have as a long term demo (the one I have is a loaner). I made this decision after my post last night, we were texting during the Nadal match and I asked him what made them harder to get back. He said I had enough extra pace and spin that his racquet was twisting in his hand, especially on FH and serves. That was enough to seal the long term demo at least.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
Yes, sorry UP is Ultra Pro 16x19. I also have the Ultra Tour that is weighted similarly - 335gm, 32cm, 330ish swingweight.

I have cost myself as well, I am in the US and I am seriously considering the switch. Fortunately TWE will ship this one to the US, but I think after exchange rate when buying in multiples it's still about $220USD each. I may just grab one for now to have as a long term demo (the one I have is a loaner). I made this decision after my post last night, we were texting during the Nadal match and I asked him what made them harder to get back. He said I had enough extra pace and spin that his racquet was twisting in his hand, especially on FH and serves. That was enough to seal the long term demo at least.

This mold has something in it, for sure. The 18x19 is also apparently a great frame. I would suggest peering the different big retailers in Europe, as they very often have attractive sales - 10-30 percent - site wide. Often coincides with holidays, of course, but also slams. So keep an eye out. May get lucky.
 

taylor15

Hall of Fame
This mold has something in it, for sure. The 18x19 is also apparently a great frame. I would suggest peering the different big retailers in Europe, as they very often have attractive sales - 10-30 percent - site wide. Often coincides with holidays, of course, but also slams. So keep an eye out. May get lucky.
Thank you for this tip! I’m in no big hurry also, still happy with the UP
 

Addxyz

Hall of Fame
Yes, sorry UP is Ultra Pro 16x19. I also have the Ultra Tour that is weighted similarly - 335gm, 32cm, 330ish swingweight.

I have cost myself as well, I am in the US and I am seriously considering the switch. Fortunately TWE will ship this one to the US, but I think after exchange rate when buying in multiples it's still about $220USD each. I may just grab one for now to have as a long term demo (the one I have is a loaner). I made this decision after my post last night, we were texting during the Nadal match and I asked him what made them harder to get back. He said I had enough extra pace and spin that his racquet was twisting in his hand, especially on FH and serves. That was enough to seal the long term demo at least.

Must... resist...
 
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taylor15

Hall of Fame
Must... resist...
I’m going to do a guy/poly hybrid and see if that makes a difference. In reality it could, I can’t figure out how the ball would be heavier as the frames are so identical except for flex. The OGSM mains are pretty dead in winter. Still with the UP
 

Addxyz

Hall of Fame
I’m going to do a guy/poly hybrid and see if that makes a difference. In reality it could, I can’t figure out how the ball would be heavier as the frames are so identical except for flex. The OGSM mains are pretty dead in winter. Still with the UP

I love gut/poly in the UP!
 

coolvinny

Rookie
After a few hits with the Auxetic 98 prestige’s and cycling in my red 98 with same strings, my thoughts are that the Auxetic is a bit less head light which gives it a bit more stability and makes it a bit harder to swing. But the racquets are really similar. I do feel that my serve returns are noticeably better with the Auxetic model, but it’s a bit of trade off between slightly more pop with Auxetic vs me getting a bit more racquet speed with the older red ones. But serve returns are pretty important so maybe it’s enough to give edge to Auxetic?
 

Tmano

Hall of Fame
How would you guys compare the Prestige Auxtetic MP 18x19 to the Mcrogel Prestige MP although it is a 18x20 string pattern?
 

Spoonerie

New User
Has anyone tried the Head Prestige MP (18x19) yet? My concern is the increased swingweight.
Also quite interested in the Head Prestige MPL - specs look up my alley with the manageable swing weight but may need some lead.
 
You could always buy from TWE - oh that's right, yet again, despite not making the actual item available at local Australian retail, you are yet again restricted by Head themselves from buying it overseas. And this anomaly is in spite of the fact that the L would be a great racquet for the ever ageing, ever shrinking group of Prestige users! (Oh but that's okay 'cause everybody's doing it!) :-D
 

808

Professional
Has anyone tried the Head Prestige MP (18x19) yet? My concern is the increased swingweight.
Also quite interested in the Head Prestige MPL - specs look up my alley with the manageable swing weight but may need some lead.
My unscientific survey of 24 Prestige MPs, thanks to the TWE matching service, showed an average unstrung swing weight of –294 (ranging from 288 to 310). I don't think this necessarily translates to the 334 strung SW that TW/TWE lists in the specs, but who knows. Chances are you can find a manageable one.
 

coolvinny

Rookie
Has anyone tried the Head Prestige MP (18x19) yet? My concern is the increased swingweight.
Also quite interested in the Head Prestige MPL - specs look up my alley with the manageable swing weight but may need some lead.
I have one (Auxetic). It’s ok but I haven’t used it in months.I’m sticking to my 18x20 98 head size Pro (or red MP name). Better slice, serving, volleys and overall feel with the plusher but harder to play 98’s. Forces me to play with disciplined technique.
 

ls206

Hall of Fame
Have you hit with Auxetic Prestige Pro maybe? Just wondering what people that like G360+ Prestige MP think about the new layup.
No I’ve not hit with the new Pro yet. Tempted to get a couple just for the paint.
Tennisnerd says they’re almost indistinguishable, I’ve seen others say the Pro is a little firmer. (That could just be down to old vs new though).
 

Roquestil

Semi-Pro
No I’ve not hit with the new Pro yet. Tempted to get a couple just for the paint.
Tennisnerd says they’re almost indistinguishable, I’ve seen others say the Pro is a little firmer. (That could just be down to old vs new though).
It’s just ever so slightly firmer but it’s still one of the plushest racquets at the moment . From a scale of 1 to 10 being the plushest (let’s say Vcore Pro HD is a 10) MP 360+ would be a 9 and prestige pro 2021 would be an 8.8.
I would trade that for what it improves on: more plow, a bit more stable, Paintjob. No need to customize really if you are playing heavy hitters.
 

taylor15

Hall of Fame
I was able to smuggle 4 MP-L into the US and I am loving them. I have lead at 12 and putty in the buttcap to bring them to about 313g unstrung, 310mm balance and 297 SW. strung with OG/Damp they are ~320mm, 337g and 328/329 SW. i have played in the past the prestige pros, MP and tried the TGT345.2
16x19. This MP-L is by far the best frame for me at this point in my playing days. Better power than the 95 inch frames, larger sweet spot and 21.5 mm box beam doesn’t feel clunky. Stringing with Wilson gut/hawk rough at 56/52
 

Chisel

New User
Anyone have any thoughts on the changes between the G360+ S and the new MP-L? I have an opportunity to try the S and would like to know if it will be an accurate reflection of how the new stick plays.

Seems a slight bump in weight but a shift in the balance to keep similar SW. Wonder if the layup is essentially the same?
 

taylor15

Hall of Fame
Anyone have any thoughts on the changes between the G360+ S and the new MP-L? I have an opportunity to try the S and would like to know if it will be an accurate reflection of how the new stick plays.

Seems a slight bump in weight but a shift in the balance to keep similar SW. Wonder if the layup is essentially the same?
I have both of these sticks, though modded to the same specs. The S is a bit more muted in feel, but the overall story is the same. Very consistent string bed, nice power and I can't really tell a difference in the flex. The MP-L has a bit of feel baked back into it as most of the auxetic I have tried to as compared to the more muted 360+ line.
 

Chisel

New User
I have both of these sticks, though modded to the same specs. The S is a bit more muted in feel, but the overall story is the same. Very consistent string bed, nice power and I can't really tell a difference in the flex. The MP-L has a bit of feel baked back into it as most of the auxetic I have tried to as compared to the more muted 360+ line.

Thanks very much for this. Exactly the advice I was looking for. I'll give the S a go and see how it fairs. Cheers
 

Curtennis

Hall of Fame
I can't stop holic'ing. Just picked up a pair of Tours on the bay. I really enjoyed last gens Pro (same style, different name).
I feel like these will be good racquets to contrast with my Ezones. I said i wanted to make a clean switch but needing to hit with so much spin on Ezone to keep ball in, really seems to impinge something in my shoulder. I'm hoping that with these Tours i'll be able to lay off a little of the whippiness and drive a bit more.
 
I can't stop holic'ing. Just picked up a pair of Tours on the bay. I really enjoyed last gens Pro (same style, different name).
I feel like these will be good racquets to contrast with my Ezones. I said i wanted to make a clean switch but needing to hit with so much spin on Ezone to keep ball in, really seems to impinge something in my shoulder. I'm hoping that with these Tours i'll be able to lay off a little of the whippiness and drive a bit more.

Could you comment on the feel of both incarnation of the last one standing 95" Prestiges (Pro/Tour)?
I really loved Graphene Prestige Pro and S, quite liked Graphene XT – but I didn't like Graphene XT and Touch Prestige Pro.
Thought they started to becoming stiffer and stiffer.

Tried both G360+ Prestige Pro and Auxetic Prestige Tour during one session – I liked both – but couldn't decide which one I prefer.
Slightly preferred touch/feel of G360+, but Auxetic was more stable (but also had higher SW).
 

janelgreo

Professional
I'm looking to move to an attacking frame, heavier, higher SW. So far my list has been down to: RF97 v13, VCore Pro 97D/HD/330, and Pure Strike Tour.

I've heard the Prestige is Heads "attacking" frame, which one would be the best attacking frame between the Pro and Tour? I know the Tour is heavier than the Pro but smaller head and significantly higher SW.

Weight does not bother me as I am very athletic and have been lifting for most of my life and actually prefer heavier frames.
 

bnjkn

Professional
I'm looking to move to an attacking frame, heavier, higher SW. So far my list has been down to: RF97 v13, VCore Pro 97D/HD/330, and Pure Strike Tour.

I've heard the Prestige is Heads "attacking" frame, which one would be the best attacking frame between the Pro and Tour? I know the Tour is heavier than the Pro but smaller head and significantly higher SW.

Weight does not bother me as I am very athletic and have been lifting for most of my life and actually prefer heavier frames.
I think the Tour should have more power and be less maneuverable based on the specs. I have the original RF97A, I really enjoy it and I'm interested in the Prestige Tour too. Yes, if you can handle the high SW your aggressive style will be rewarded. Based on the reviews playtester Michelle seems to have really liked the Tour and compared it with the RF97A that I think is still her racquet of choice.
 

janelgreo

Professional
I think the Tour should have more power and be less maneuverable based on the specs. I have the original RF97A, I really enjoy it and I'm interested in the Prestige Tour too. Yes, if you can handle the high SW your aggressive style will be rewarded. Based on the reviews playtester Michelle seems to have really liked the Tour and compared it with the RF97A that I think is still her racquet of choice.

Yeah I think the tour is the way to go even though it has a smaller head size, which I don’t mind at all. I’ve always played with 95’s (six one 95’s in the past and just leaving the vcore 95). I’ll grab one and grab the others as well and see which one I settle on.
 

movdqa

Talk Tennis Guru
I'm looking to move to an attacking frame, heavier, higher SW. So far my list has been down to: RF97 v13, VCore Pro 97D/HD/330, and Pure Strike Tour.

I've heard the Prestige is Heads "attacking" frame, which one would be the best attacking frame between the Pro and Tour? I know the Tour is heavier than the Pro but smaller head and significantly higher SW.

Weight does not bother me as I am very athletic and have been lifting for most of my life and actually prefer heavier frames.

I've never thought of it as an attacking frame - more of a control and precision frame.
 

janelgreo

Professional
I've never thought of it as an attacking frame - more of a control and precision frame.

And there you are correct! That being said, attacking frames technically are and have to be since you’re typically hitting close to the lines for winners, it’s the high static weight/SW that makes it an attacking frame. See the RF97 and VCore Pro choices I have, pro staff and VCore Pro are the control/precision lines of the respective companies. They have the lighter weight frames if you want to be a baseliner but also the heavier/higher SW frames for the attackers.
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Yeah I think the tour is the way to go even though it has a smaller head size, which I don’t mind at all. I’ve always played with 95’s (six one 95’s in the past and just leaving the vcore 95). I’ll grab one and grab the others as well and see which one I settle on.

You might also want to consider the PT 2.0, if you are looking into the Prestige Tour. Just a thought. Ignore the 65RA as it is very smooth and comfortable. Playing them side-by-side would be a very interesting comparison as well.
 

janelgreo

Professional
You might also want to consider the PT 2.0, if you are looking into the Prestige Tour. Just a thought. Ignore the 65RA as it is very smooth and comfortable. Playing them side-by-side would be a very interesting comparison as well.

I’ll look into it!! Thank you!!

Edit: just looked at the PT 2.0 and wow the specs looks amazing!! The price is even great at $160, why so cheap compared to others?
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
I’ll look into it!! Thank you!!

Edit: just looked at the PT 2.0 and wow the specs looks amazing!! The price is even great at $160, why so cheap compared to others?

It's basically a re-worked "modern" version of the legendary PT630 (which is the racquet many Pros use with the PT57A Pro Stock code, under the "Prestige MP" paint-job, including Andy Murray - until recently when he moved onto the Prestige MPL 2021 with a PT57A layup). They made the RA 65 instead of 58, and they removed Twaron from the construction (which was the secret sauce in the original PT630), however, it seems it hasn't done it any harm. The racquet is still very plush, has great feel, ball pocketing, and the same laser-like control, but just seems to have a bit more easy power (compared to the PT630), and a very slightly firmer feel (compared to the PT630 - yet still a plush ride compared to 95% of racquets out there).

I think Head was not sure how the re-release of the re-worked legend will go and whether it will sell well and be accepted, so they put it at a lower price point to try and sell them and make them more attractive.

It is a fabulous frame, hits a massive ball, and feels amazing. Plus, you will have an absolute legend in your collection of racquets... at a bargain price. I think in years to come, people will be kicking themselves for not getting many of these at such a great price. The downsides (for some) are that it is a smaller head size, and that you need to have proper strokes to play with it, and the strength and technique to play with it for 3-5 sets. But if you're used to 350g static racquets, it should be no problem.
 

janelgreo

Professional
It's basically a re-worked "modern" version of the legendary PT630 (which is the racquet many Pros use with the PT57A Pro Stock code, under the "Prestige MP" paint-job, including Andy Murray - until recently when he moved onto the Prestige MPL 2021 with a PT57A layup). They made the RA 65 instead of 58, and they removed Twaron from the construction (which was the secret sauce in the original PT630), however, it seems it hasn't done it any harm. The racquet is still very plush, has great feel, ball pocketing, and the same laser-like control, but just seems to have a bit more easy power (compared to the PT630), and a very slightly firmer feel (compared to the PT630 - yet still a plush ride compared to 95% of racquets out there).

I think Head was not sure how the re-release of the re-worked legend will go and whether it will sell well and be accepted, so they put it at a lower price point to try and sell them and make them more attractive.

It is a fabulous frame, hits a massive ball, and feels amazing. Plus, you will have an absolute legend in your collection of racquets... at a bargain price. I think in years to come, people will be kicking themselves for not getting many of these at such a great price. The downsides (for some) are that it is a smaller head size, and that you need to have proper strokes to play with it, and the strength and technique to play with it for 3-5 sets. But if you're used to 350g static racquets, it should be no problem.

Wow, thank you very much for the history lesson and detailed explanation! I have gained much more respect for this frame. Yes I have no problem with 350g frames, my VCore 95 was actually weighted up to 349g. I tried frames in the 330g and less weight range and they’re just too light for my liking, I feel like I actually swing too fast and have more mishits — likely because of being used to swinging heavier frames. I haven’t hit with anything above 350 so I’m not sure how the RF97 will work but I think this PT2.0 may be a golden ticket.

I did just watch some reviews and the lack of forgiveness and tiny sweet spot is a little concerning to me, hence why the VCore Pro’s are in my list, not only for the weight but forgiveness and sweet spot. From what you’re saying though it seems like a great overall frame and a diamond in the rough.
 
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Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Wow, thank you very much for the history lesson and detailed explanation! I have gained much more respect for this frame. Yes I have no problem with 350g frames, my VCore 95 was actually weighted up to 349g. I tried frames in the 330g and less weight range and they’re just too light for my liking, I feel like I actually swing too fast and have more mishits — likely because of being used to swinging heavier frames. I haven’t hit with anything above 350 so I’m not sure how the RF97 will work but I think this PT2.0 may be a golden ticket.

I did just watch some reviews and the lack of forgiveness and tiny sweet spot is a little concerning to me, hence why the VCore Pro’s are in my list, not only for the weight but forgiveness and sweet spot. From what you’re saying though it seems like a great overall frame and a diamond in the rough.

Look at the TW University info on the racquet... might paint a different picture. It's shown as the Head racquet with the largest sweet spot area, one of the highest power potential ratings, and lots of weight-of-shot and court penetration.

Plus, as @JGads has talked about extensively, if you remove the CAP grommets, and then re-apply some lead and a MG Radical MP grommet (which fits perfectly), you will give yourself the room for mods and the creation of a massive sweet-spot at a weight and balance that might be even better than the stock racquet.

I may go and buy some more. ;) :whistle::giggle:
 
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racketer

New User
Wow, thank you very much for the history lesson and detailed explanation! I have gained much more respect for this frame. Yes I have no problem with 350g frames, my VCore 95 was actually weighted up to 349g. I tried frames in the 330g and less weight range and they’re just too light for my liking, I feel like I actually swing too fast and have more mishits — likely because of being used to swinging heavier frames. I haven’t hit with anything above 350 so I’m not sure how the RF97 will work but I think this PT2.0 may be a golden ticket.

I did just watch some reviews and the lack of forgiveness and tiny sweet spot is a little concerning to me, hence why the VCore Pro’s are in my list, not only for the weight but forgiveness and sweet spot. From what you’re saying though it seems like a great overall frame and a diamond in the rough.

PT2.0 is lovely to hit with but would definitely recommend going with the Auxetic Prestige Tour if it's an attacking racket you are after. Basing this opinion on having played for several months with both the previous version of this racket (Prestige Pro 360+) and the PT2.0.
 

janelgreo

Professional
PT2.0 is lovely to hit with but would definitely recommend going with the Auxetic Prestige Tour if it's an attacking racket you are after. Basing this opinion on having played for several months with both the previous version of this racket (Prestige Pro 360+) and the PT2.0.

Awesome thank you! I did end up getting a sweet deal on a brand new Prestige Tour 2021, I’ll hit with it in a couple weeks as I’m testing out other racquets.

Edit: Getting it strung with Mayami Tour Hex @ 52/48 today, super excited to hit with this. I think I am going to change the grip to a Head Leather Grip in order to make the racquet a tad bit more HL and increase the static weight just a bit.
 
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Trip

Hall of Fame
@janelgreo - Have you had a chance to hit with the Auxetic Prestige Tour (formerly G360+ Pro)? If so, how has it gone? What do you like/dislike? As much as you can tell (and even better if you can measure), does the swing weight seem to have gone way up, per TW's listed swing weights for the Auxetic Prestiges? That's the one thing that really irks me about them... I mean, why the heck would they do that to such an extent? The swing weights of the G360+'s seemed so ideal... anyways, thanks in advance for any feedback.
 

Lavs

Hall of Fame
To those who tried MP/L - what is your mods that you did on this racket?
How it plays in terms of power/control?
I use G360+ Mid, 334g, 30.8cm, 300SW (unstrung). I want something that is little more forgiving and has a little bit more power, but with similar feel.
And yes, 16x19 string pattern is mandatory.
 
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Trip

Hall of Fame
@Lavs - The Auxetic MP-L is awesome as a platform stick, and the 500 CPI rating is pretty accurate (relative to their other sticks). It has the most easy power of any Prestige, while still be very well controlled. Here are the unstrung specs on the 3 I have:

1. 301g 31.5cm 288SW
2. 300g 31.4cm 285SW
3. 302g 31.5cm 288SW

As for mods, on #1 and 3 I've added 1.5g at 10 & 2 (3g total) and #2 2g at 10 & 2 (4g total), to get the strung SW on all 3 into the upper 320's. Then I added about 5g tungsten putty in a sloping "cone" around the butt cap weight cylinder, for more head light balance (~8-9 pts strung) and more polarity-driven "see-saw" effect (more effortless centripetal acceleration around the balance point, ie. an easier time getting the racquet face to come around).

With those mods, I'm playing some of my most consistent tennis ever, and IMHO the 16x19 is even better in the 99" TK334 mold than it is in the 95" TK291 mold.
 

WYK

Hall of Fame
You could always buy from TWE - oh that's right, yet again, despite not making the actual item available at local Australian retail, you are yet again restricted by Head themselves from buying it overseas. And this anomaly is in spite of the fact that the L would be a great racquet for the ever ageing, ever shrinking group of Prestige users! (Oh but that's okay 'cause everybody's doing it!) :-D

The MP-L is hugely popular here in my club and Ireland. I was actually considering one after I had a hit and I am mainly an 18X20 blade guy. Was also eying the 18X19 - whatever it's called now.

Man, if only HEAD could go and simply name these things the Prestige 95, 97, 99 it would clear everything up. You can still call them tours or pros, just simply put a number after it like Yonex and there's zero confusion.
 
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