2023 Head Prestige Pro - any owners change their mind and move onto something else?

[setfan]

Have had a demo of the 2023 Prestige Pro but cant make my mind up! Wonderful feel on groundstrokes when you get the timing right, but not so successful for me when serving or volleying, or if I hit the ball a micro-fraction late with it.
My Prince ATS 98 is far more forgiveable and better on serves/volleys and defense (even when a fraction late), but I dont have the same pin point accuracy with the Prince that I do with the Prestige Pro Auxetic 2.0
I am tempted to buy the Prestige Pro, but am bit worried it might not work out longer term...the Head is not exactly cheap either.
I also tried the Prestige Tour, and while better on serves/volleys, I found I would overhit more than with the Prestige Pro.
Appreciate any experiences from other Prestige Pro 2023 users...I wonder if a Gravity Pro should be demo'd, or is that too much of a different feel/style again?

 

[socallefty]

Demoing a demo with one stringjob doesn’t tell you much about the full performance range possible with a racquet. If you buy the racquet and put different strings, gauges and tensions, you can completely change its power/control/comfort/feel characteristics. Things like stability, maneuverability, sweet spot size are what you should look for when you demo racquets as you can’t change those so easily (if at all) by changing stringjobs.

It is common to serve best with one racquet and like another one better from the baseline/net - usually you pick the best compromise racquet that allows you to do well in both areas.

 

[setfan]

Demoing a demo with one stringjob doesn’t tell you much about the full performance range possible with a racquet. If you buy the racquet and put different strings, gauges and tensions, you can completely change its power/control/comfort/feel characteristics. Things like stability, maneuverability, sweet spot size are what you should look for when you demo racquets as you can’t change those so easily (if at all) by changing stringjobs.

It is common to serve best with one racquet and like another one better from the baseline/net - usually you pick the best compromise racquet that allows you to do well in both areas.

Yes that's very true...I need to work out whether the Prestige Pro is simply less maneuverable and may have a smaller sweet spot size - that might be the reason why my serves and volleys arent quite as fluid/effective as with the Prince 98. Oh, plus the Prince is 16x19, compared to 18x20 of the Head. That may be a big factor also.

And I completely agree about finding the best compromise in order to suit your whole game - I wonder if I might be able to find a middle-ground compromise racquet in between the Prestige Pro and the Prince ATS 98? But somehow I think - that is likely not possible due to so many variables already!

 

[tele]

Yes that's very true...I need to work out whether the Prestige Pro is simply less maneuverable and may have a smaller sweet spot size - that might be the reason why my serves and volleys arent quite as fluid/effective as with the Prince 98. Oh, plus the Prince is 16x19, compared to 18x20 of the Head. That may be a big factor also.

And I completely agree about finding the best compromise in order to suit your whole game - I wonder if I might be able to find a middle-ground compromise racquet in between the Prestige Pro and the Prince ATS 98? But somehow I think - that is likely not possible due to so many variables already!

have you tried the ats 95？

 

[setfan]

No, havent tried that one, but saw a review that suggested it wasnt quite as good as the 98...have you experience with it and possibly the latest Prestige Pro?

 

[tele]

No, havent tried that one, but saw a review that suggested it wasnt quite as good as the 98...have you experience with it and possibly the latest Prestige Pro?

I have experience with the ats 95 but not the prestige pro. "good" is, of course, subjective.

I have had other 18x20 racquets including the vcore pro 97 hd. The ats 95 has less precision than the 97hd but more than most 16x19 racquets. If you love the feel of a 20mm beam, you should look elsewhere, but if the prestige tour was worth a demo, I think the ats 95 also could be. Up to you, of course!

 

[Chairman3]

ATS 95 is a terrific racquet. I did a long-term demo with it.
First, anything that is not an 18x20 will not have the same level of precision as an 18x20, so that's that.

But the slightly smaller head does make the 95 very fast and maneuverable. I loved volleying with the 95. Plus the layup is a little stiffer than the Prestige. Not to say it is stiff at all but provides a little more "frame" power. The beam adds some stability as well as it is slightly thicker.
To me it sounds more like the weight could be too much for you if you say you play better with the ats 98.
Ats 95 and prestige pro are both 320g unstrung

 

[vsbabolat]

Still enjoying my 2023 Prestige Pro

 

[Trip]

@setfan - I haven't played with Auxetic 1.0 or 2.0 Prestige Pro, but I do own the previous all-red G360+ MP (same mold/pattern, before the name change) and while I haven't hit with the ATS 98, I currently mainline the 2019 TT100P, and have played plenty of 98" 16x19's that are close. Your observations fall in-line with the main differences: the Head will have noticeably more fine-grained control, more raw/direct feel, a more stoic string bed, much less free power and a lower launch angle. It also won't be as thuddy/clubby and will pocket deeper/longer, which is nice for purposeful control, especially on attack, but won't provide as much counterpunching defensive bailout force, nor stroke cradling/guidance in general.

On the one hand, all of the above could be a good thing, provided do truly want that much of a power and control contrast. That said, if you don't want to give up as much free power and stability, I would highly recommend looking into a bit thicker-beamed 18x20, like the Wilson Blade v8 18x20 (21mm) or Tecnifibre TF40 305 18x20 (22mm), optionally with 10g+ of butt cap weight, or a leather grip, to move the balance more towards what you're used to. The Blade, and especially TF40, will provide more torsional rigidity and frame-based bludgeoning power than the Prestige, more like what you're used to with the ATS Tour 98, but will also give you that extra fine-grained control you enjoy from the 18x20. I'd give either one or both and get a demo of one if you can.

Hope that helps. Any questions, feel free.

 

[lefty100]

I am still using the Prestige Pro 2023 and have no plans to change. I put 1g of lead at 3, 9 and 12 and this made the racquet even smoother and gave me improved power and launch angle. Initally, I used a full bed of Head Lynx at 44 and have enjoyed that and have kept one of my frames like that for when conditions are damp. In the other I have moved to Babolat VS gut in the mains at 54 and Head Lynx in the crosses at 44 and wow this racquet is amazing - the gut gives it both a power lift and seems to make missing the sweet spot more forgiving and finally is so soft on your shoulder, elbow and wrist. I think gut/poly has unlocked the full potential of this supremely controlled and flexible frame for me.

 

[setfan]

I have experience with the ats 95 but not the prestige pro. "good" is, of course, subjective.

I have had other 18x20 racquets including the vcore pro 97 hd. The ats 95 has less precision than the 97hd but more than most 16x19 racquets. If you love the feel of a 20mm beam, you should look elsewhere, but if the prestige tour was worth a demo, I think the ats 95 also could be. Up to you, of course!

ATS 95 is a terrific racquet. I did a long-term demo with it.
First, anything that is not an 18x20 will not have the same level of precision as an 18x20, so that's that.

But the slightly smaller head does make the 95 very fast and maneuverable. I loved volleying with the 95. Plus the layup is a little stiffer than the Prestige. Not to say it is stiff at all but provides a little more "frame" power. The beam adds some stability as well as it is slightly thicker.
To me it sounds more like the weight could be too much for you if you say you play better with the ats 98.
Ats 95 and prestige pro are both 320g unstrung

Thanks Guys, sounds like a demo of the ATS 95 might be worth a try - who knows, it might just provide the middle ground I am seeking between the Prestige Pro and ATS 98.

 

[setfan]

@setfan - I haven't played with Auxetic 1.0 or 2.0 Prestige Pro, but I do own the previous all-red G360+ MP (same mold/pattern, before the name change) and while I haven't hit with the ATS 98, I currently mainline the 2019 TT100P, and have played plenty of 98" 16x19's that are close. Your observations fall in-line with the main differences: the Head will have noticeably more fine-grained control, more raw/direct feel, a more stoic string bed, much less free power and a lower launch angle. It also won't be as thuddy/clubby and will pocket deeper/longer, which is nice for purposeful control, especially on attack, but won't provide as much counterpunching defensive bailout force, nor stroke cradling/guidance in general.

On the one hand, all of the above could be a good thing, provided do truly want that much of a power and control contrast. That said, if you don't want to give up as much free power and stability, I would highly recommend looking into a bit thicker-beamed 18x20, like the Wilson Blade v8 18x20 (21mm) or Tecnifibre TF40 305 18x20 (22mm), optionally with 10g+ of butt cap weight, or a leather grip, to move the balance more towards what you're used to. The Blade, and especially TF40, will provide more torsional rigidity and frame-based bludgeoning power than the Prestige, more like what you're used to with the ATS Tour 98, but will also give you that extra fine-grained control you enjoy from the 18x20. I'd give either one or both and get a demo of one if you can.

Hope that helps. Any questions, feel free.

Thanks Trip, the TF40 sounds interesting so might get a hold of one to try.
How do you find the feel and control of the G360+ MP compared to the TT100P?
I previously owned a TT 100 (310) but eventually moved it on as I used to overhit too much for my liking...there is just something a bit addictive about the solid feel and pinpoint accuracy of the Prestige Pro on groundstrokes when you get your timing right. I expect you would notice the same thing with your G360+ MP?

 

[setfan]

I am still using the Prestige Pro 2023 and have no plans to change. I put 1g of lead at 3, 9 and 12 and this made the racquet even smoother and gave me improved power and launch angle. Initally, I used a full bed of Head Lynx at 44 and have enjoyed that and have kept one of my frames like that for when conditions are damp. In the other I have moved to Babolat VS gut in the mains at 54 and Head Lynx in the crosses at 44 and wow this racquet is amazing - the gut gives it both a power lift and seems to make missing the sweet spot more forgiving and finally is so soft on your shoulder, elbow and wrist. I think gut/poly has unlocked the full potential of this supremely controlled and flexible frame for me.

Glad to hear you still enjoy the Pro! Do you volley much with it? That is one area that I find is not a strong point for me at net with it, but with my slightly lighter Prince ATS98 my volleying is much better and takes less effort to hit well.

 

[lefty100]

Glad to hear you still enjoy the Pro! Do you volley much with it? That is one area that I find is not a strong point for me at net with it, but with my slightly lighter Prince ATS98 my volleying is much better and takes less effort to hit well.

I have typically found all the last 3 iterations of the Prestige Pro (noting that the 360+ was the MP) rock solid at the net. FWIW one area where the gut/poly has really helped is with power on serve.

 

[tophersuwita]

On two similar level players, will Prestige give more advantage than stiffer "modern power" racket like PA/PD/Ezones? I mean, the feel is superb, and Prestige can be an easier Blade Pro, but aren't we making tennis harder with this racket?

 

[socallefty]

On two similar level players, will Prestige give more advantage than stiffer "modern power" racket like PA/PD/Ezones? I mean, the feel is superb, and Prestige can be an easier Blade Pro, but aren't we making tennis harder with this racket?

It depends on what you are used to when you developed your game. The level and how much power you can generate with your swing speed also matters a lot. Can’t make one rule for everyone.

 

[Grafil Injection]

On two similar level players, will Prestige give more advantage than stiffer "modern power" racket like PA/PD/Ezones? I mean, the feel is superb, and Prestige can be an easier Blade Pro, but aren't we making tennis harder with this racket?

Are we saying all that matters in modern tennis is power and spin? Does control/feel/accuracy bring no benefit these days?

 

[Gee]

On two similar level players, will Prestige give more advantage than stiffer "modern power" racket like PA/PD/Ezones? I mean, the feel is superb, and Prestige can be an easier Blade Pro, but aren't we making tennis harder with this racket?

Consider the following facts:

• Djokovic plays with 95sq inch frame 18x20 and he already won 24 slams
• Federer used to play a long period with a 90sq inch frame while holding the nr 1 position
• Sampras did even with a 85sq inch frame

whereas nearly all their opponents played with a bigger headsize.

Like @socallefty said it's what kind of racquet you've developed your game with. I also believe if you keep playing with a certain racket long enough, you will learn to play your best game with it.

 

[socallefty]

I also believe if you keep playing with a certain racket long enough, you will learn to play your best game with it.

I also feel like players who got to an advanced 4.5+ level in their youth are happy playing with similar specs to what they grew up with for the rest of their lives or at least until they get to a physically weaker and relatively immobile 65+ age. It is the players who learn tennis as adults and haven’t reached a high level yet who try widely varying specs hoping for some ‘magic bullet’ to improve their game even though the fact that they are self-taught with limited practice hours leads to their low ceiling and it is not racquet spec related.

The first category wants only consistency from their equipment so that they can forget about it during play while the second category keeps thinking that the racquet and/or strings are the reason for their good days and bad days while forgetting that their opponent (and lack of fundamentals) might have a lot to do with it. Also if you are experienced with knowing how much different strings, gauges and tension can affect the power/control/spin/comfort/feel of a racquet, you would not talk about each racquet as if it has one immutable performance point and instead know that you can tune its performance over a wide range.

 

[Gee]

I also feel like players who got to an advanced 4.5+ level in their youth are happy playing with similar specs to what they grew up with for the rest of their lives or at least until they get to a physically weaker and relatively immobile 65+ age. It is the players who learn tennis as adults and haven’t reached a high level yet who try widely varying specs hoping for some ‘magic bullet’ to improve their game even though the fact that they are self-taught with limited practice hours leads to their low ceiling and it is not racquet spec related.

The first category wants only consistency from their equipment so that they can forget about it during play while the second category keeps thinking that the racquet and/or strings are the reason for their good days and bad days while forgetting that their opponent (and lack of fundamentals) might have a lot to do with it. Also if you are experienced with knowing how much different strings, gauges and tension can affect the power/control/spin/comfort/feel of a racquet, you would t talk about each racquet as if it has one immutable performance point and instead know that you can tune its performance over a wide range.

Very well said.

 

[GAS]

I also feel like players who got to an advanced 4.5+ level in their youth are happy playing with similar specs to what they grew up with for the rest of their lives or at least until they get to a physically weaker and relatively immobile 65+ age. It is the players who learn tennis as adults and haven’t reached a high level yet who try widely varying specs hoping for some ‘magic bullet’ to improve their game even though the fact that they are self-taught with limited practice hours leads to their low ceiling and it is not racquet spec related.

The first category wants only consistency from their equipment so that they can forget about it during play while the second category keeps thinking that the racquet and/or strings are the reason for their good days and bad days while forgetting that their opponent (and lack of fundamentals) might have a lot to do with it. Also if you are experienced with knowing how much different strings, gauges and tension can affect the power/control/spin/comfort/feel of a racquet, you would not talk about each racquet as if it has one immutable performance point and instead know that you can tune its performance over a wide range.

Stop making sense!

 

[socallefty]

Stop making sense!

I was born with this problem!

 

[A-Style]

Have had a demo of the 2023 Prestige Pro but cant make my mind up! Wonderful feel on groundstrokes when you get the timing right, but not so successful for me when serving or volleying, or if I hit the ball a micro-fraction late with it.
My Prince ATS 98 is far more forgiveable and better on serves/volleys and defense (even when a fraction late), but I dont have the same pin point accuracy with the Prince that I do with the Prestige Pro Auxetic 2.0
I am tempted to buy the Prestige Pro, but am bit worried it might not work out longer term...the Head is not exactly cheap either.
I also tried the Prestige Tour, and while better on serves/volleys, I found I would overhit more than with the Prestige Pro.
Appreciate any experiences from other Prestige Pro 2023 users...I wonder if a Gravity Pro should be demo'd, or is that too much of a different feel/style again?

This thread was me about a month or two ago... I purchased x1 HPP (2023) before dumping it for about 6 weeks. I had been a long-term Prince Phantom 100G user but got sick of Prince dragging their feet on updates of this frame so I went back to the Prestige line after being a life-long user effectively (off/on) for the past 20 years or so.

So my experience with the HPP was similar in that I loved it. I really was dialled in and I was just loving the added control. I was lucky enough to use it extensively with factory string during the embargo period late last year. I couldn't believe how well it hit. Once I purchased one I ent through a bit of a form slump. I lost my forehand. Was continually late. It absolutely shot my confidence and dumped the racquet accordingly. I think too the setup played a definite part in it's demises with a full bed of Babolat Xcel which didn't suit my game at all.

I altered my forehand slightly after using 100G whereby now I rip it more than I once did and a full bed of multi just couldn't get enough grip on the ball using the HPP (2023) to get the same result. I have since gone and strung the HPP with 4G Rough and it seems to fit my game style again. It was definitely a setup issue. I think ALU Power Rough might even play a little better given it's slightly softer.

My forehand and slice backhand in particular just feel so predictable. I don't get the free spin that I do with the Phantom but knowing I can hit through the ball and it'll land in is a good feeling along with that flex. My topspin backhand still is off/on due to I think getting used to the new weight etc. It'll come. It's always been my weaker stroke and resort often to hitting more slice backhands as a means not to roll it over.

In terms of feel I honestly think it's the closest incarnation to the PT57As Head has made in sometime especially when compared against the Pro Tour 2.0 which is NOTHING like those frames. I have a little skin it that game you'd say -

https://imgur.com/a/nR4gRH7