History and Evolution of Head Pro Tour 280
- Thread starter spksz
- Start date
P
PrestigeClassic
Guest
Well, the Head advertising I saw at the time of the Pro Tour's marketing said that Muster worked with Head to design the frame, presumably from scratch. Same with Agassi and the 260. As for replacing the Pro Tour, the Ti Pro Tour, or something like that, at least had a similar name. Before that, Guga went from his Pro Tour with Pro Tour cosmetic to a Pro Tour with Premier Tour cosmetic, so perhaps at one time Head tried replacing the Pro Tour with the Premier Tour.
Deuce
Banned
The Pro Tour was launched in 1993/94 as part of the Trisys line. In Trisys numbers, the Prestige Tour was 300, Pro Tour was 280, Radical Tour was 260, Lite Tour was 240... The Pro Tour seems to be the only one which retained its Trisys number over the years - although there were still some Prestige Tour 300s kicking around. The Pro Tour was offered in both MidPlus and Oversize - but the OS was never even remotely popular. The Radical OS was the popular OS, because of Agassi's endorsement, of course.
One of the Sanchez brothers (Emilio?) is said to have worked with Muster in developing the Pro Tour.
The Trisys line originated prior to the introduction of the Pro Tour, though. Other racquets with only numerical names (Trisys 270, etc.) were part of the original Trisys line-up.
In 1997/98, Head had the terrible idea of replacing the 630 sq. cm. Pro Tour with the 600 sq. cm. Premier Tour. This move failed miserably. Speaking personally, the Premier Tour was one of the absolute worst racquets I have ever had the tremendous misfortune of hitting with. Another terrible racquet, in my view, was the Ti Pro Tour. The Ti Pro Tour played absolutely nothing like the original Pro Tour - giving it the Pro Tour name was essentially fraudulent on Head's part, the two frames were so totally different.
I agree that the 630 sq. cm. iPrestiges are about the closest thing you'll find to the Pro Tour today. Or the MW 200G, if you can find them.
One of the Sanchez brothers (Emilio?) is said to have worked with Muster in developing the Pro Tour.
The Trisys line originated prior to the introduction of the Pro Tour, though. Other racquets with only numerical names (Trisys 270, etc.) were part of the original Trisys line-up.
In 1997/98, Head had the terrible idea of replacing the 630 sq. cm. Pro Tour with the 600 sq. cm. Premier Tour. This move failed miserably. Speaking personally, the Premier Tour was one of the absolute worst racquets I have ever had the tremendous misfortune of hitting with. Another terrible racquet, in my view, was the Ti Pro Tour. The Ti Pro Tour played absolutely nothing like the original Pro Tour - giving it the Pro Tour name was essentially fraudulent on Head's part, the two frames were so totally different.
I agree that the 630 sq. cm. iPrestiges are about the closest thing you'll find to the Pro Tour today. Or the MW 200G, if you can find them.
Deuce:
Very interesting stuff. In the original launch of TriSys racquets was the higher number the less powerful? It is my impression that the PT280 sits between the Prestige and Radical for power. I have had all three (LM Pres MP and LM Rad MP) and with my game, that is how it played out -- the PT 280 had the best features of both -- the weight and flex of the Pres, with the even responding racquet face and pop of the Rad.
Do you also know the dates the production of the 280 was moved to China? It seems like they moved, then shut it shut down, then restarted, at least once. I have 2 different cosmetics in my Chinese 280s (not a lot different, but the "deisigned in Austria" moved from outside the throat to inside.
And where is Brad Smith when we are talking about 280s?
Very interesting stuff. In the original launch of TriSys racquets was the higher number the less powerful? It is my impression that the PT280 sits between the Prestige and Radical for power. I have had all three (LM Pres MP and LM Rad MP) and with my game, that is how it played out -- the PT 280 had the best features of both -- the weight and flex of the Pres, with the even responding racquet face and pop of the Rad.
Do you also know the dates the production of the 280 was moved to China? It seems like they moved, then shut it shut down, then restarted, at least once. I have 2 different cosmetics in my Chinese 280s (not a lot different, but the "deisigned in Austria" moved from outside the throat to inside.
And where is Brad Smith when we are talking about 280s?
The "Designed in Austria" moved from outside, to "outside & inside", to inside.
Here is what is written on the cover:
300 trisys system: For especially versatile players who are masters of both powerful serves & volleys anf forceful base-line play, loke Goran
280: Excellent control racket. A new aerodynamic shape & stiffer shaft adds to the ability to create spin & generate power. I is designed for dynamic base-line players.
260: For a new generation of players who play aggresively & powerfully without any compromise
Here is what is written on the cover:
300 trisys system: For especially versatile players who are masters of both powerful serves & volleys anf forceful base-line play, loke Goran
280: Excellent control racket. A new aerodynamic shape & stiffer shaft adds to the ability to create spin & generate power. I is designed for dynamic base-line players.
260: For a new generation of players who play aggresively & powerfully without any compromise
Deuce
Banned
As far as I know, the higher numbers in the Trisys system were always the least powerful. I know of no racquet with a Trisys number above 300 (Prestige).
as for the 'inside/outside' and when they stopped making them in Austria, I don't know.
I do know that the Premier Tour was a terrible racquet, though...
I've never hit with any 'LiquidMetal' racquet. I'm too afraid that it might melt in my hands on a hot day.
as for the 'inside/outside' and when they stopped making them in Austria, I don't know.
I do know that the Premier Tour was a terrible racquet, though...
I've never hit with any 'LiquidMetal' racquet. I'm too afraid that it might melt in my hands on a hot day.
Deuce I think that is right about the higher the TriSys #, the lower powered the frame with the TriSys300 being the Prestige and the lowest powered of the series. i thought that was the best identifier system that Head ever had..i also think that since those days, Head really hasnt made much very good. seems like after that, they became strictly a marketing company and started to make thin walled cheesy frames. while i have you, i used to really enjoy playing with a aqua coloured Head frame with some white and red on it...Wheaton used it and I think it was called the Elite Pro??..rememember that one? i remember liking that frame better than the TriSys300/PrestigePro..it had more power but was very controllable for me.
I don't mean to butt in. But the racquet you are talking about "NoBadMojo" that is aqua colored with white and red on it, that Wheaton used is the Graphite Pro. The origanal Elite Pro was a dark hunter green with a white CAP grommet only at the tip of the hoop. I have both of these racquets plus : TXP, Prestige Pro's, Elektra Pro, Prestige 600's, Prestige Tour 600's, Prestige Classic 600's, and Pro Tour 280's Made in Austria.
Hope I was some help.
Hope I was some help.
Deuce that is what i thought..the graphite pro as black and the elite pro as aqua, but Head could have just screwed around with colour schemes from year to year and that's why sometimes these conversations are hard to nail down..it certainly isnt a big deal..i was just waxing nostalgic.
Deuce, In 1986 for the U.S. market the Graphite Pro was black, then in 1987 they changed it to Aqua for U.S. only. While in Europe it remained black with silver and red stripes. Then in 1989 Head came out with a new black Graphite Pro 600 TF with Twaron Fibre. All new mold with white cap grommets at the top. To see the 1987-88 racquet you have you go to gettyimages.com, go to sport on thet page type in David Wheaton in the seach, go to the 3rd page of the results and look at the pictures from 1991 at Stella Artois tournament.
playintraficinmyunderwear
Banned
Could you recommend a comparible to my old head graphite master that I had lead taped in the throat, and 3 and 9 o'clock to even balance? I'm using a prince nxg tour midplus stock and it's lighter swingweight is good for my arm.
Rick
Black graphite pro is much heavier than the turquoise graphite pro.. Black graphite pro is for European market and the turquoise is for US market..
PimpMyGame
Hall of Fame
I have 3 (95 sq in) and they play beautifully although are quite demanding.
JT_2eighty
Hall of Fame
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=167959
Link to the "Official" PT 280 club. I still have a few of these frames and even though I just recently started using the KBT, the PT280 still plays unbelievably compared to all the "new" technologies of today. Actually, the materials used in the PT280s "Twaron" is no longer used in racquets and probably has something to do with the unique feel of this great frame.
so, to answer your question, see the above thread for tons of links, pics, and great info about this legendary racquet.
Link to the "Official" PT 280 club. I still have a few of these frames and even though I just recently started using the KBT, the PT280 still plays unbelievably compared to all the "new" technologies of today. Actually, the materials used in the PT280s "Twaron" is no longer used in racquets and probably has something to do with the unique feel of this great frame.
so, to answer your question, see the above thread for tons of links, pics, and great info about this legendary racquet.
FedererForehand
Banned
Head also produced a frame that looked like the PT280 but it was green & black instead of blue & black or the yellow & black Radical. Can anyone recall or remember that frame... seems like it fit right into this family.
you're thinking of the frame that was the 28" version of the PT280.... it was very heavy and had a high swingweight..... I don't remember it being around very long..... unfortunately I don't recall the name of it either..... duh
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
Tour eXtraLong
Deuce
Banned
Yeah - the Tour Xtra Long was the green & black one with the same paint scheme as the Pro Tour. Similar feel to the Pro Tour / Radical Tour.
I certainly don't recall it being very heavy, though. In fact, I recall it being lighter than the Pro Tour and Radical Tour.
But the Xtra Long was noticeably more head heavy, as I remember.
I certainly don't recall it being very heavy, though. In fact, I recall it being lighter than the Pro Tour and Radical Tour.
But the Xtra Long was noticeably more head heavy, as I remember.
playintraficinmyunderwear
Banned
Thanks, I've not read the whole thread - yet - but there is no mention of the graphite master. My question is ... of the aforementioned head frames, which one(s) play like the graphite master and which do not? And, how do the PT 630 and the prestige classic fit into all this?
Still hitting with my prince nxg tour
Rick
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
The Graphite Master was 660cm2 or 102 sq.in. There is nothing made today that will play or feel like it.
Yo might want to try if it is sold in your country the MG Prestige Team.
http://www.tenniswarehouse-europe.com/descpageRCHEADH-HMGPT.html
It is 660sq cm head size, that has a Unstrung weight of 295g , and with a String pattern of 18/19. I think that will be closest available.
Also look into the MG Radical Team: http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpageRCHEAD-HGRADT.html
And the new Speed Lite:
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpageRCHEAD-HYTSL.html
Those are the only 660cm2 racquets still available.
Oh and look on the bay for the Classic Midplus.
http://cgi.*********/HEAD-CLASSIC-T...5|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:1|293:1|294:50
JT_2eighty
Hall of Fame
Yep, it sure is (more head heavy), but the overall weight feels about the same as the PT280, and even a tad lighter in my opinion. I actually used my XL the other day for a few games and aside from the strings badly needing a refresh, it still felt good, but it's amazing how that extra inch changes the overall feel of the racquet, as compared to the standard PT280. It was not as forgiving on the arm, that's for sure. I'll try to take some pics this weekend and post them if I have the time. Maybe I'll weigh them too if I'm feeling extra motivated. :-?
Deuce
Banned
I cut the extra inch off my Xtra Long pretty much as soon as I bought it (used). I never liked the idea of extra long frames.
After I cut the extra inch off it, and adjusted the weight and balance to more or less match the Pro Tour, I used the Xtra Long side-by-side with Pro Tours for a few years without any problem switching from one to the other. The Xtra Long was slightly stiffer than the Pro Tour, but gave a very similar feel upon impact nonetheless.
Is your graphite master has aqua color? I have several new and mint in my colelction. Better start a new thread if you want to discuss this frame
can you post your HEAD collection..? I know you have most of the great ones in great condition and completion.. That would be awesome to see yours.. come one.. show them to the world..
Nothing I have will surprise you because you also have it or have seen it. I will take pictures starting from XRC...maybe this weekend
playintraficinmyunderwear
Banned
It's black. I will start a new thread on the graphite master under classic tennis racquets.
Rick
playintraficinmyunderwear
Banned
I wish there was some consistent power rating for all the racquet manufacturers and a way to find out the stiffness rating for these here racquets. The prestige classic actually interests me more than the pt630/280 but the head shape of the graphite master along with it's 102.5 square inch (660cm) head size might be more why it offered the degree of control and spin that it did. Without trying these most popular vintage racquets, one never knows..do one?
Rick
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
The Classic Tour Midplus was the 660cm2 (102.5 sq.in) version of the Prestige Classic 600. Look for the Classic midplus on the e bay they are still being sold new.
Specs for the Classic Tour Mid Plus
Headsize: 102 sq. in. / 660 sq. cm.
Weight (strung): 12.1oz / 343g strung
Balance (strung): 5 points head light
Length: 27 inches
Cross section: 21 mm
String Pattern: 18 * 19
stiffness rating of 59RA
Last edited:
Mr. Protour280
New User
Does anyone heard about pro tours 280 with the wrong string information written on the throat? My friend picked up one and his says 16x19 and the tension range is higher than normal. However his string pattern is 18 x20. Has anyone heard about some errors made in Austria? Oh by the way his is made in Austria.
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
Yes, quite a few like that. I have a Prestige like that
Mr. Protour280
New User
Interesting thats a huge mistake Head would make.
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
That someone put the wrong decal inside throat. There's worse mistakes I can think of.
winchestervatennis
Hall of Fame
The frame is obviously flawed. You should sell it ... To me. Just kidding.
You know some Austrian dude came in all hung over after Herman Mayer blew out his knee and wasn't paying attention in the factory.
Mr. Protour280
New User
Hahaha! Its possible. So can we say Verdasco is now using a pro tour? It looks like it. Its just as thin as the pro tour.
Mr. Protour280
New User
Can someone tell me about the Lite Tour 630. I am looking to pick one up.
