Review of HEAD IG Prestige Mid and IG Prestige MP

dje31

dje31

Professional
When---if ever---did the Prestige Pro (630), or variants of it, have Twaron? The original?

I can't help but wonder if the Volkl C10 Pro and a Twaron Prestige Pro weren't separated at birth. Microgel PP (sans Twaron) and C10P specs seem pretty close...ditto for the IGPP, though it's a bit stiffer.

And yes, I know there's no CAP on the Volkl, nor is it much of a box beam.

Thinking more in terms of general specs, playing characteristics, target audience, etc.
 
Last edited:
dje31

dje31

Professional
Thanks, as always, for your insights, VSB. Wasn't sure if there was any overlap.

Some design / spec similarities:

Head shapes look similar to my eye, but clearly different beam profiles;

Both have an aramid in the mix with the graphite;

Both tend to have more rectangular grips;

Both are super head light, at least in the older Heads;

Both adopted a 600 / 630 nomenclature for Mids and MPs;

Both are also ski companies...
 
vsbabolat

vsbabolat

G.O.A.T.
dje31 said:
Thanks, as always, for your insights, VSB. Wasn't sure if there was any overlap.

Some design / spec similarities:

Head shapes look similar to my eye, but clearly different beam profiles;

Both have an aramid in the mix with the graphite;

Both tend to have more rectangular grips;

Both are super head light, at least in the older Heads;

Both adopted a 600 / 630 nomenclature for Mids and MPs;

Both are also ski companies...
Click to expand...

The Original Prestige Pro which was a mid came out in the Summer of 1986 long before the C10 Pro. HEAD used the cm2 naming system long before Voelkl.
 
dje31

dje31

Professional
So is it possible that Volkl was just glomming onto the niche of the PP? Kind of like how today, basically every major brand has their own take on the Pure Drive in their lineup?
 
A

anontennis

New User
Has anyone had trouble with the grommet for the Youtek IG Prestige Mid? Mine splintered into several pieces after just a week. It seems quite brittle.
 
movdqa

movdqa

Talk Tennis Guru
I've used mine for several months, one of them not that gently (I had a few falls recently), and I've had no problems with the grommets.
 
A

anontennis

New User
movdqa said:
I've used mine for several months, one of them not that gently (I had a few falls recently), and I've had no problems with the grommets.
Click to expand...

I should clarify. This is from swinging for short balls when my racquet nicks the ground. Generally it would just grind down the grommet a bit, now I hear a sharp plastic noise each time this happens, rather than the usual scrape. The retailer I purchased the racquet from what kind enough to send a replacement grommet, but there is still the same sound and I feel like sooner or later it will split.
 
T

TepidFish

New User
Hey Vs,

Could give your thoughts on the comparison between the IG prestige mp and the LM prestige mp.

I've hit with the LM prestige mp, and really enjoyed the frame. Particularly the dwell time and ball pocketing I was experiencing while hitting with it.

Just wondering if the IG prestige mp is a close enough iteration to try.

Thanks in advance!
 
dadozen

dadozen

Hall of Fame
VS, I have never played with the clear CAP grommets until this past weekend. The reason I did that was because I got new frames and I was trying new lead tape configurations before replacing the clear grommets with the black ones and installing the lead tape under the CAP grommets.

I tested some lead tape setups, found one that satisfied me and then went on installing the black grommets.

To my surprise, the racquet with the same setup used before( lead tape, string, tension - the only difference was the CAP grommets that were also weighed before being istalled, to make sure that both the old clear and the new black ones had the same weight ) felt more sluggish and much more muted.

Have you played with the clear grommets and, if so, have you felt this same difference?

Although I much prefer the black grommets, I'm willing to return to the clear ones to get that nice pocketing ball feeling I had.
 
movdqa

movdqa

Talk Tennis Guru
There might be some variance in individual and in batches of grommets. Especially if they're subject to the same QC variances as frames.
 
G

gnahZ

New User
Vs

How does the IG Prestige MP compare to the I.Prestige MP. Its my current stick but I need a backup

Thanks :)
 
G

gnahZ

New User
movdqa said:
Read the thread from the start.
Click to expand...

I have, I've got bits and pieces of information and know the general (and vs's) consensus is that the i.prestige mp is the better stick, I just wish to know and see a more direct comparison between the two
 
vsbabolat

vsbabolat

G.O.A.T.
dadozen said:
VS, I have never played with the clear CAP grommets until this past weekend. The reason I did that was because I got new frames and I was trying new lead tape configurations before replacing the clear grommets with the black ones and installing the lead tape under the CAP grommets.

I tested some lead tape setups, found one that satisfied me and then went on installing the black grommets.

To my surprise, the racquet with the same setup used before( lead tape, string, tension - the only difference was the CAP grommets that were also weighed before being istalled, to make sure that both the old clear and the new black ones had the same weight ) felt more sluggish and much more muted.

Have you played with the clear grommets and, if so, have you felt this same difference?

Although I much prefer the black grommets, I'm willing to return to the clear ones to get that nice pocketing ball feeling I had.
Click to expand...

I have not noticed a difference. What I did was use the clear until they wore out or shattered. When I did put the black CAP Grommets in I did not notice my frames feeling sluggish. I'm now 100% switched over to black CAP Grommets.
 
Last edited:
4sound

4sound

Semi-Pro
I have both i.Prestige MP and the IG Prestige MP. I play primarily with the IG now. In stock form, the weight distribution is a little different.

IG Prestige MP feels a little bit more head light, a little softer/flexible & sweet spot feels bigger to me. I added a little weight (2 grams) at 10/2 & its perfect for me but its different than the i.Prestige. The IG feels more comfortable for long matches.

i.Prestige feels more precise and crisp. I get slightly more power on my serve and groundies. Volleys feel more solid and stable.

I still prefer the IG for the comfort factor.
 
Doubles

Doubles

Legend
vsbabolat said:
I have not noticed a difference. What I did was use the clear until they wore out or shattered. When I did put the black CAP Grommets in I did not notice my frames feeling sluggish. I'm now 100% switched over to black CAP Grommets.
Click to expand...

I'm going to have to agree with you on this one. My demo Prestige Pro had clear CAP's, when I bought them, I had black ones put on. To me there was no difference.
 
vsbabolat

vsbabolat

G.O.A.T.
Kamke has also swicthed over to the Black CAP Grommets too on his IG Prestige Mid.:) He had a big win today at Key Biscayne.
Kamke_2013_Key_Biscayne_3_zpsbf7e0f1f.jpg

Kamke_2013_Key_Biscayne_2_zpse9f0d73e.jpg
 
diadorakuerten

diadorakuerten

Rookie
vsbabolat said:
Its the same exact HEAD grip shape that they have had for over 40 years. TK82 pallets if you need to know.
Click to expand...

That is incorrect. The Prestige Youtek line had a completely different grip (which I hate) than the older prestiges like let's say the Prestige Classic. This is one of the reasons why I do not want to buy the Youtek IG. Replacing the pallets is such a hastle and I don't want to pay that guy in NY to do it for $100/racquet...
 
vsbabolat

vsbabolat

G.O.A.T.
diadorakuerten said:
That is incorrect. The Prestige Youtek line had a completely different grip (which I hate) than the older prestiges like let's say the Prestige Classic. This is one of the reasons why I do not want to buy the Youtek IG. Replacing the pallets is such a hastle and I don't want to pay that guy in NY to do it for $100/racquet...
Click to expand...


I disagree! I have at least one example of all the Prestige dating back to 1986. They all have the same rectangular grip shape. In fact the MG Prestige and FXP Prestige uses the same exact pallet TK82 as the YouTek and Innegra.
 
maxpotapov

maxpotapov

Hall of Fame
vsbabolat said:
I disagree! I have at least one example of all the Prestige dating back to 1986. They all have the same rectangular grip shape. In fact the MG Prestige and FXP Prestige uses the same exact pallet TK82 as the YouTek and Innegra.
Click to expand...

Why is that my Prestige Tour 600 has more square shaped grip?
Or you mean only those models with pallet system?
 
Doubles

Doubles

Legend
Bartelby said:
I couldn't detect any grip differences between the youtek and ig line of prestiges.
Click to expand...

I have one YouTek and 2 Innegra, Prestige Pro's. The only difference in the grip is that the YouTek has a shorter handle. Other than that, the shape is identical.
 
P

PKfan1

Semi-Pro
Now that you mentioned this, how do I make sure that I get the proper length pallets? I took the 4 1/2 pallets off of a broken LM and put it on and IG mid and the pallets like a 1/2" or more short. Is there a different code to look for?
 
vsbabolat

vsbabolat

G.O.A.T.
PKfan1 said:
Now that you mentioned this, how do I make sure that I get the proper length pallets? I took the 4 1/2 pallets off of a broken LM and put it on and IG mid and the pallets like a 1/2" or more short. Is there a different code to look for?
Click to expand...

Pallets are cut to length. You were using a pallet that had been cut for length that was on the LM Prestige.
 
ramos77

ramos77

Semi-Pro
guys, would you say the Prestige MP is a slightly more forgiving racquet in terms of playablility compared to the BLX PS 90?

i want something with the same control and power level, just with a little more forgiveness on those off days...
 
J

Jakesteroni

Semi-Pro
Little help with the prestiges. I've read in here about how great the IG is compared to the reg youtek. I know the youtek is not for me becuase I've played with it and the feeling is ding-ee if that makes sense. I like a crisp response frame a racket. I don't want the pillow like feel, I want the feel of hitting that ball. I enjoy the microgel prestige and the i.prestige MID, but nowadays are looking for the midplus. If I enjoy the microgel feel, for those who have hit with both. What would you say the difference is? I play with full poly at the moment.
 
Backhanded Compliment

Backhanded Compliment

Legend
Jakesteroni said:
Little help with the prestiges. I've read in here about how great the IG is compared to the reg youtek. I know the youtek is not for me becuase I've played with it and the feeling is ding-ee if that makes sense. I like a crisp response frame a racket. I don't want the pillow like feel, I want the feel of hitting that ball. I enjoy the microgel prestige and the i.prestige MID, but nowadays are looking for the midplus. If I enjoy the microgel feel, for those who have hit with both. What would you say the difference is? I play with full poly at the moment.
Click to expand...

The YTPMP is crisper and "ding"-sh compared to the IGPMP. I feel like the IG really comes alive with gut in the mains too. The IG is still very connected to the ball but feels solider than the YT. If you liked the MGPMP I think youll' enjoy the IG.

Ive used the IG with full poly and it is far better than the YT with full poly but Ive found that a hybrid gut poly combo is more comfy, lasts longer and spinnier. Im an all courter, I hit hard, play touch and S&V. Dynamic, not a grinder.
 
Last edited:
Minion

Minion

Hall of Fame
I have 2 things to add:

I've been playing with the Youtek Prestige MP for the last couple of years, and love it to bits - everything about it.

Bought the IG Prestige MP when it came out and instantly hated it. It sounded funny when i hit the ball. A couple of months ago i bought new pallets, and replaced the IGMP pallet, and i could'nt believe how awesome the racquet felt. Only then could i really tell the difference between the Youtek and the IG - and appreciate vsbabolat's accuracy in describing the differences between the two models.:)

ps. i recently bought a Dunlop F2 Tour. After +- 14 hours of hitting with it, i do believe i found the holy grail of racquets:)
 
movdqa

movdqa

Talk Tennis Guru
Sounds like you got a bad pallet or bad installation. I like the YT quite a bit too bit it's rougher on my arm than the IG.
 
Minion

Minion

Hall of Fame
True, it could've been either one of the two:) I agree 100% with you. The IG is definitely a softer, nicer feeling racquet than the YouTek - still love the YouTek though:)
 
J

Jakesteroni

Semi-Pro
This racket is simply amazing for me. I can't believe that it really is in no other words. Smooth. I tried out MSV Focus Hex 1.23 @ 52lbs and just didn't like the string, racket was still awesome just the string wasn't for me. Restrung up with 17g tour bite and that was way better, racket still felt smooth, but there was better pop. Alu power on the 2nd one I bought and it's just crazy. The energy from the alu and the softness of the prestige give a great combo. I have more spin than I do on my pure storm tours. Most likely due to the lower swingweight thus more RHS, but I've leaded the PST to lower the swingweight and it's just nothing like the IG prestige. I bought a used one and the SW felt higher, but bought new ones closest to the stock specs and couldn't be happier. The used one is going back. Be careful as that could make or break your love for this frame. Stock form is perfect for me. Head did great a job with this one.
 
H

Hamburgese

New User
difference in TW test review MP <> Mid

Hi, is there someone who can me explain the TW review? The mid shows significant better results than the MP, even the maneuverability is better. I would expect that in general the mid is more demanding than the MP and therefore the MP would show better test results. But it's the opposite. Is this not a litte bit misleading?
Regards, hamburgese

PS I noticed that the test players are not the same, maybe they also don't use the same strings with same tension. Therefore maybe the test in general provides very subjective results (ok, the test is always subjective..)
 
Gee

Gee

Hall of Fame
Hamburgese said:
Hi, is there someone who can me explain the TW review? The mid shows significant better results than the MP, even the maneuverability is better. I would expect that in general the mid is more demanding than the MP and therefore the MP would show better test results. But it's the opposite. Is this not a litte bit misleading?
Regards, hamburgese

PS I noticed that the test players are not the same, maybe they also don't use the same strings with same tension. Therefore maybe the test in general provides very subjective results (ok, the test is always subjective..)
Click to expand...

This is the main reason. Some test players used to give high scores that bumps up the overall test result.

The test players of the Mid are 5.0 or higher level. They are able to hit clean with a more demanding frame like the Prestige Mid.

It happened to be the lower level test players who gave lower scores during the MP review. Only Chris was really impressed with the MP.

I also agree the MP is more close to the Mid with the IG serie like Chris confirmed during the review.
 
C

CapsLock

New User
Been demoing the IG Prestige Midplus for about a week now, and first impressions are looking very good. This is the first time I've played with a Prestige, and immediately I know what they mean when others rave about the "smoothness" and "buttery" feel. The plush feel of pummeling the ball was absolutely amazing. There was incredible directional control, as well as good power. As long as I don't arm the ball too much and adopt a smoother swing, shots rarely went long. Serves felt very natural, and had good power and depth as well. I had Head Sonic Pro strung at an unknown tension in the demo.

My usual racquet is the latest POG mid, and I actually preferred the Prestige's smooth and pocketing feel over the raw, sometimes jarring, feel of the POG. The Prestige is also very very stable against hard and fast incoming groundstrokes, much unlike the POG.
 
andrehanderson

andrehanderson

Professional
I just picked up two IG mids and had them strung with Luxillon 17 at 52lbs. I'm not crazy about the strings but don't know what I should be putting in there. I'm a 3.5 all-court player. Any advice?
 
movdqa

movdqa

Talk Tennis Guru
What kind of feel are you looking for? I have BB ALU (16) and I think that it's a little soft though it plays fine. I tend to like a string that feels a bit more crisp and was thinking of bumping it up a few pounds (it's at 54 right now). 17 at 52 is probably moderately software than what I'm used to. It's probably great for spin production but maybe you feel a little disconnected. The IG is definitely more muted than the IG and you might like that or you might not.
 
andrehanderson

andrehanderson

Professional
movdqa said:
What kind of feel are you looking for? I have BB ALU (16) and I think that it's a little soft though it plays fine. I tend to like a string that feels a bit more crisp and was thinking of bumping it up a few pounds (it's at 54 right now). 17 at 52 is probably moderately software than what I'm used to. It's probably great for spin production but maybe you feel a little disconnected. The IG is definitely more muted than the IG and you might like that or you might not.
Click to expand...

Hey! I like a crisp feel as well, though I tend to string my racquets at just under the midpoint of the rec range. Thanks!
 
movdqa

movdqa

Talk Tennis Guru
I've tried co-polys and thinner gauges but I keep coming back to full-poly as I like the crisp feel. Too crisp and my arm complains. The IG vs YT means that I can have my crisp without the arm issues.
 
Bartelby

Bartelby

Bionic Poster
I think someone reported a one gram difference with the black weightier, which could be manufacturing variance.

The black ones seem more durable and give the racquet a slimmer and better appearance, so if the original needs replacing i'd go with the black. Otherwise, no.
 
Gee

Gee

Hall of Fame
Jakesteroni said:
Anyone with the midplus that switched to the black grommets find a heavier swing weight? Or more solid feel?
Click to expand...

I also concluded a difference of 1 gram between the transparent and black grommets.

The black grommets give a little bit stiffer and a more solid feel. I also think they look much better than the transparent ones.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

D
Do you think Head IG prestige mid and mp is similar feel?
Replies
3
Views
1K
thecrusher956
thecrusher956
D
Power of Head Prestige IG Mid ?
Replies
12
Views
2K
DNA2002
D
K
Help with CAP'ing IG Radical MP
Replies
5
Views
1K
KYHacker
K
F
what is the feel of ig prestige mid ???
Replies
0
Views
484
fish
F
R
Difference between Head Youtek IG Prestige Mid and Head Youtek Prestige Mid?
Replies
1
Views
2K
jman32
J
Top