WhereIsMacMac
Professional
I'll be trying the IG Prestige MP, what should I expect? Any tips? String setup suggestions?
IG Prestige MP
- Thread starter WhereIsMacMac
- Start date
Gee
Hall of Fame
Since the beginning of this year I am using the IG Prestige MP and I can say it has the following characteristics:
- Solid thick and firm feel
- Very accurate directional control
- Low powered in stock condition. Some lead into the upper hoop 'll fix this. I added 10 grams from 10-2 and about the same weight into the handle to counterbalance.
- String at a lower tension than you used to do. Otherwise it feels very boardy with its tight string pattern and the sweetspot 'll be rather small.
- I always used to play without a dampener but I would recommend you to use one with this IG Prestige MP as it improves the feel a lot. I was really surprised about this.
Hope this helps.
StringingIrvine
Semi-Pro
Tons of control, VERY low powered, lets you put the ball where you want if you know what you are doing. The 18x20 will have a different launch angle compared to your PD but after one session you should be used to it. My favorite shots with the stick are the approach shots and volleys. So much ease putting the ball deep.
I would definately recommend thinner gauge strings to open up the string bed. Personally i love msv hex 18l at 38 lbs. I don't think i will be going lower than 38. At 38lbs it is by no means a rocket launcher. In fact i had someone hit with my racket and first thing they noticed was how low powered the frame + strings were.
I used to use the LM prestige MP (3 yrs) , then YT prestige MP (2 yrs) swiched to the pure storm for 6 months and now i'm back to my trusty prestige MP. Out of all the prestiges I like the IG the best.
All my sticks have a TW leather grip with one super grap over it. My previous prestiges had lead at 9 and 3, but i can't remember how much. I have not added led to my current IG's as I haven't felt that its unstable. I'm not saying that i won't, but after the 2 months with this stick and league play offs (which we won! ) i haven't had any instability issues. I'm playing with a rubber band as a shock absorber and it feels great.
I would definately recommend thinner gauge strings to open up the string bed. Personally i love msv hex 18l at 38 lbs. I don't think i will be going lower than 38. At 38lbs it is by no means a rocket launcher. In fact i had someone hit with my racket and first thing they noticed was how low powered the frame + strings were.
I used to use the LM prestige MP (3 yrs) , then YT prestige MP (2 yrs) swiched to the pure storm for 6 months and now i'm back to my trusty prestige MP. Out of all the prestiges I like the IG the best.
All my sticks have a TW leather grip with one super grap over it. My previous prestiges had lead at 9 and 3, but i can't remember how much. I have not added led to my current IG's as I haven't felt that its unstable. I'm not saying that i won't, but after the 2 months with this stick and league play offs (which we won! ) i haven't had any instability issues. I'm playing with a rubber band as a shock absorber and it feels great.
Last edited:
IG Prestige MP Review -> http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=7452002&postcount=9
WhereIsMacMac
Professional
thanks for the tips! and the review!
WhereIsMacMac
Professional
interesting... I've always been a baseliner and my game revolves mostly on GS's
^^^ my thoughts exactly. I was really surprised to find out that of all the rackets I've been playing with lately, the IG Prestige MP had the most power for serves and ground strokes when I was fully prepared to hit the ball (long stroke).
This is in comparison to a whole bunch of Radicals, most notably the IG Radical Pro, the YT Radical Pro, the MG Radical Pro, and the Prince EXO3 Tour 18x20 (granted that this is not considered to be a power stick...).
But when I was late and not able to do a full swing, the racket just seemed to punish me ;-) And since I'm really a slow guy on court, I'm not using the Prestige for now.
But man, the feeling when you hit 'em right really is without comparison.
Oh, and the string I'm using is Kirschbaum Synthetic Gut Multifilament at 20/22 kilos. Original grip in 4 1/4 + 1 Head Pro grip + 1 Völkl V-Tac. No other modifications (used one racket with clear and one with black grommets, both felt the same to me).
This is in comparison to a whole bunch of Radicals, most notably the IG Radical Pro, the YT Radical Pro, the MG Radical Pro, and the Prince EXO3 Tour 18x20 (granted that this is not considered to be a power stick...).
But when I was late and not able to do a full swing, the racket just seemed to punish me ;-) And since I'm really a slow guy on court, I'm not using the Prestige for now.
But man, the feeling when you hit 'em right really is without comparison.
Oh, and the string I'm using is Kirschbaum Synthetic Gut Multifilament at 20/22 kilos. Original grip in 4 1/4 + 1 Head Pro grip + 1 Völkl V-Tac. No other modifications (used one racket with clear and one with black grommets, both felt the same to me).
Minion
Hall of Fame
The Prestige MP is quite string sensitive, definitely go for a thin gauge, 17 or 18. I find it a very comfortable frame, even with stiff poly's. Very low powered, but super accurate. Very easy on the arm, all in all a great racquet. However, if your strokes are not consistent, it will be the most frustrating racquet ever. Tis why i switched to the Dunlop Bio F2 Tour - very similar, but just a tad better in all areas.
I replaced the pallets on both my Youtek Prestige MP and my IG Prestige MP a while ago, and right there on the handle, it said, barely legible "sweet spot not included"
I replaced the pallets on both my Youtek Prestige MP and my IG Prestige MP a while ago, and right there on the handle, it said, barely legible "sweet spot not included"
WhereIsMacMac
Professional
Thanks for your comments!
Bartelby
Bionic Poster
hrstrat57
Hall of Fame
This is a great Prestige MP thread, I have experienced nearly all the comments in this thread with the YT MP Prestige.....
My pair were matched by TW when purchased together and I added leather(Babolat) and lead to offset the addl weight of the leather.....can't comment on the IG haven't hit it but the comment re the surprising power on groundies is spot on, still seeking the right string set up to tame the power.....may need to experiment with shaped thin gauge poly at low tension
My pair were matched by TW when purchased together and I added leather(Babolat) and lead to offset the addl weight of the leather.....can't comment on the IG haven't hit it but the comment re the surprising power on groundies is spot on, still seeking the right string set up to tame the power.....may need to experiment with shaped thin gauge poly at low tension
DonDiego
Hall of Fame
I just hit with my new IG this morning, and I find it to have more power than the Youtek. I think it's because of the somewhat lower flex. It has this slight trampoline effect you find on certain flexy frame. It has to do with the IG vs Youtek technology. I'm not sure I like it so far. Yes, it's more comfortable, but I get more control with the Youtek. I'll give it another try, but if someone wants to trade its Youtek for an IG, watch the FS/FT board, there might be a brand new IG available soon.
yangster007
Professional
I wonder how does the IG MP version compare to the Youtek MP version ? I tried my friend's Youtek MP and like it a lot lol.
iceman_dl6
Professional
Youtek has a stiffer feeling than the IG version.
DonDiego
Hall of Fame
Which can be a blessing or a curse, depending on what you like. I play with a soft multi string, so the stifness of the Youtek is perfect. With the IG, it becomes too muted and powerful.
Both frames are YouTek. The difference is that in the IG (Innegra) version HEAD has added this new material. The YouTek technology is within both frames.
Regards.
D.
5point5
Hall of Fame
I actually wrote a 'light hearted' review that many people took the wrong way.. I'm not sure how somebody's opinion could offend someone, especially since it's in regards to a tennis racket... Some people just take things too seriously...
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=499833
Essentially, I like the racket because Head finally decided to do something different with the racket. I always believed every 'new' version of the Prestige was just a paintjob with some weight shifted around so they could call it a new racket.
With the new Graphene you can feel that the Head designers tried to make a classic frame more modern. It took me a few hitting sessions to get used to the extra 'pop', but once I did, my groundstrokes were landing deeper and heavier than ever before, my volleys were deep and skidding low. This racket helped my serve immensely with the extra pop, and it still being a Prestige, you still have that precision the Prestige has been known for the last 27 years.
zapvor
G.O.A.T.
yea i browsed that thread. you can tone it down a bit lol
i totally agree. head decided to go super modern this time around and made rackets for the modern game. this is esp true with teh radical line.
but back to the prestige. i only got to hit with the mp for about an hour and cant remember much but i liked it. it being the best ever though? remains to be seen. i am glad you decided though. good for you. i say you get 18 of them. (i got 18 of my favorite prestige
I agree...
Hi...Have you tried the XT Prestige MP? How would you compared to IG?
mischiefalex
Rookie
I actually tried the XT Prestige MP, it plays somewhat similar to the IG Prestige MP. Like more reviewers, I believe it's true that Head has lost its way with the Prestige series. It's not a low power racquet anymore, it's more of a medium power racquet now. Fortunately, it's not as hollow as the recent Graphene series. I actually like the racquet, but it's not enough for me to make the switch. I'm still using the IG Prestige MP. In fact, I love the IG series so much, I stock up on my arsenals.
movdqa
Talk Tennis Guru
I have mine set up with lead from 10-2 and silicone in the handle and it plays with a lot of power and probably less feel and touch than it would in the normal setup. So the racquet is quite flexible in what you can do with it.
I use ALU Power 16l but I did a recent experience with ALU Power 15 and 4G S 15 and I'm thinking of cutting it out and putting 16l back in it. Basically don't put 15 gauge string in it. One of the main things that I like about it is that it's twistweight is high enough to provide me with a fair amount of comfort. The previous model, the YT Prestige MP, had a much lower twistweight though it had a lot of feedback. The IG is more muted in terms of feedback.
I've been using it since 2012 so I'm quite a fan of the model.
I use ALU Power 16l but I did a recent experience with ALU Power 15 and 4G S 15 and I'm thinking of cutting it out and putting 16l back in it. Basically don't put 15 gauge string in it. One of the main things that I like about it is that it's twistweight is high enough to provide me with a fair amount of comfort. The previous model, the YT Prestige MP, had a much lower twistweight though it had a lot of feedback. The IG is more muted in terms of feedback.
I've been using it since 2012 so I'm quite a fan of the model.
Tangi
Rookie
Not sure how it would go in the MP, but in my TGT293.1 (IG Prestige Pro), I use hybrid gut VS/ALU, and trust me it's the bomb! So much control from the racquet and the strings give it unbelievable feel and power. So hard to go back to full poly after such a setup, but my wallet gives me no choice
I actually tried the XT Prestige MP, it plays somewhat similar to the IG Prestige MP. Like more reviewers, I believe it's true that Head has lost its way with the Prestige series. It's not a low power racquet anymore, it's more of a medium power racquet now. Fortunately, it's not as hollow as the recent Graphene series. I actually like the racquet, but it's not enough for me to make the switch. I'm still using the IG Prestige MP. In fact, I love the IG series so much, I stock up on my arsenals.
Thanks, useful comments. I want to give the Prestige MP a serious try, and I am between the IG and the XT.
I have been using the IG Prestige Pro for last 5 years and the feel is great, so I will go for the IG MP.
Have you done any lead tape to the IG MP? I read that SwingW is low and maybe some lead tape helps?
Thanks.
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
I agree that HEAD completely lost their way with the Prestige. The Rev Pro was a stupid replacement for the Mid and changing the mold to the Pro to the S was dumb. I found the XT Prestige MP to have less power than the IG Prestige MP. That's what I didn't like about it. HEAD improved the feel but took the guts out of the racquet.I actually tried the XT Prestige MP, it plays somewhat similar to the IG Prestige MP. Like more reviewers, I believe it's true that Head has lost its way with the Prestige series. It's not a low power racquet anymore, it's more of a medium power racquet now. Fortunately, it's not as hollow as the recent Graphene series. I actually like the racquet, but it's not enough for me to make the switch. I'm still using the IG Prestige MP. In fact, I love the IG series so much, I stock up on my arsenals.
mischiefalex
Rookie
Interesting!
I'm guessing QC hasn't gotten better either. My friend also tried it and he had the same feedback as you. It was too low power, so he had to strung it low (in the 40s, which he was against). Now that I tried the Graphene and the Graphene XT, I'm not gonna bother with the newer models.
I like the new cosmetic, but I believe that is about it.
mischiefalex
Rookie
Like most people on the forum. They all agree that the feel of this racquet is quite solid and crisp. The stability is amazing, however with that being said, the swing weight is quite low for most people. You are rewarded greatly if you swung big and keep the ball in. I would recommend adding lead at 12:00 area. I added about 6 grams in 2 long strips. I was steer away from lead at 3 and 9. The lead at 12 will help with power, spin potential and increase maneuverability. I might considering add more weight in the future to increase the swing weight. I recommend adding lead tape at 12 in small increments, like 2 grams at a time.
They are the best model. Those TGT 293.2 are flexible for modding.
I tried using 1.19, 1.20, 1.25, and 1.30 string gauge. I prefer using like a 1.20 gauge. I felt any thinner would lose swing weight, any thicker would be too heavy to swing. 1.30 gauge, I had to use more effort to swing the ball because I felt like I was pushing the ball, not swinging through. I even strung it in the low 46 lbs.
mischiefalex
Rookie
@Imago
To be honest, I haven't really given the liquidmetal series a solid go. I initially tried it, but it just didn't "sing" to me. I have tried the Flexpoint and Microgel series, and I have to say those are solid racquets. The plow through of the flexpoint is just amazing. My mixed doubles partner is currently using it, and she could not let go of it. I think she would be better off using a different iteration of the prestige mp, considering the fact that newer model are lighter. The microgel series are solid as well, and crisper. Hopefully, someone on the forum can give you a better response than me.
To be honest, I haven't really given the liquidmetal series a solid go. I initially tried it, but it just didn't "sing" to me. I have tried the Flexpoint and Microgel series, and I have to say those are solid racquets. The plow through of the flexpoint is just amazing. My mixed doubles partner is currently using it, and she could not let go of it. I think she would be better off using a different iteration of the prestige mp, considering the fact that newer model are lighter. The microgel series are solid as well, and crisper. Hopefully, someone on the forum can give you a better response than me.
Was thinking about trying the prestige graphenext pro as a possible "modern" upgrade from my youtek ig prestige mids.
I have never in the past been able to move from a traditional players frame but I am returning from a long layoff and was thinking now might be the perfect time but from what I'm reading here it seems this newer graphenext line is quite lacking. In another thread it was suggested I try a speed pro touch a as it might give me a little more of the modern but still retain a softer feel.
I purchased my last sticks (youtek ig) based off of vsbabolat saying they were the most similar to the old pc600. And I agree and I do like them.
So vsbabolat, mischiefalex and anyone else, you guys seem to have a good feel for the way these all feel. from the currently available head sticks. Is there an offering that will give me a bigger sweet spot, more spin potential but still offer that softer pc600 feel? I also don't want to go to light as I need that weight on serve.
Thanks for the help
Daniel
movdqa
Talk Tennis Guru
My guess is Angell TC97 18x20.
Also recommended a bunch and I may decide to give them a try sometime but was more interested in the current head lineup.
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
I suggest you look into the Angell TC97 18x20. It has that classic HEAD feel from HEAD's golden age of great Austrian racquets.
Racquet Daddy
Rookie
This is the second thread that I've come across recently where the Angell TC97 has been mentioned. I'm a longtime Prestige user. Every now and then I'll try a Blade or something, but I always come back to IG. I'm going to have to pick up an Angell this summer. Way too curious at this point.
FearlessAnimal
Rookie
Hmmm, from mid's 89,5 to 97? I'm thinking about TC90 for myself; what do you think? Isn't it closer? How do you compare these (TC90, TC97, PC600) three?
SpinToWin
Talk Tennis Guru
From what I've heard it sounds like the TC 90 is more comparable to Pro Staffs in terms of feel.
FearlessAnimal
Rookie
I think so looking at RA but maybe someone (vsb?) can compare basing on real-world tests not only on specs...
