are all pt57a rackets the same?

[MonkeyMan123]

Somebody has offered me a paintjob with pt57a written in the throat.
The grip size of these frames is 4 ¼ , unstrung mass is 350 grams, unstrung swingweight 344 kgxcm2, BALANCE IS 32.4 cm./324 mm./6pts.HL

Is this the exact same racket as gilles simon is using or could it be a different pt57a? The seller said it was the same spec racket as gustavo kuerten uses, but i was wondering if it was also the same as the one gilles simon uses?

I got to try one pt57a a while back ago, i remember it playing sort of dead, and it was heavy, but if you timed it right it was amazing. and it was very stable,and for some reason it made playing in the wind much easier. but i didn't find anything too great about it. What do those of you who have used it think about the racket?

 

[johnathan smith]

Unfortunately No.
Take it from a guy who has dozens of the A's/E's over the past 4-5 years...
It seems like they are all different...

Different lengths, weights, grips shapes etc. Remeber, these frames are made for the pros. Unless you get them straight from the HEAD factory, these frames are coming scond had from professional players.

They have been customized with sometimes lead/ silicone/ custom lengths, and custom grip shapes/pallets..

Still, if you can get the frame at a reasonable price (200.00 brand new) or less for used ones.. I say go for it.

 

[MonkeyMan123]

Unfortunately No.
Take it from a guy who has dozens of the A's/E's over the past 4-5 years...
It seems like they are all different...

Different lengths, weights, grips shapes etc. Remeber, these frames are made for the pros. Unless you get them straight from the HEAD factory, these frames are coming scond had from professional players.

They have been customized with sometimes lead/ silicone/ custom lengths, and custom grip shapes/pallets..

Still, if you can get the frame at a reasonable price (200.00 brand new) or less for used ones.. I say go for it.

oh i see, thanks

 

[iowaviking11]

Where can you get these racquets at?

 

[ipitythefool]

Monkey Man, no it is not. I own a Simon frame (fxp pj pt57a) and his racquets are half inch longer, come with i.prestige cap grommets, and i dont recall as its been a while since I weighed it, but it was more like 340gr unstrung, if I remember correctly.

See, EVERY PT57A you will find will be different as they are customized to a given pro's specs. Let me try and explain simply like this. Head company makes these pro racquets at their Kennelbach factory in Austria. Basically, this frame is made from the mold of an older racquet named Pro Tour 630. However, PT630 is a heavy racquet. There is not much room for customization and moreover it may be too heavy for some pros (the one I have is 370gr strung) And, every pro requests a different spec for himself. So what Head did was, to make the same frame at 11oz'ish. (as opposed to heavier stock version) So, this leaves lots of room for the racquet to be customized to a given pro's specs. So, simply put, PT57A is (around an ounce) lighter version of the PT630. Almost all Head pros have silicone injected into handle (for firmer feel) and lead tape at upper head. Basically, in my opinion, the PT57A is a lighter yet similarly stable/solid version of PT630.

 

[Pleepers]

And what are specs of your unmodified frames? Do you know also swingweight?

I think it is about 280 grams with CAP grommet and butt cap only. I don't have my balance, but it is extremely head light and the swing weight is very low. All Head pj frames make these specs extremely low--so that practically any set-up can be obtained.

 

[jorel]

Where can you get these racquets at?

maybe roman if he has one available for sale

i once bought a used Bab PD original nonwoofer from him once with a customized handle shape... it was pretty cool... it was just laying there in the demo pile.

 

[Lefty78]

Another significant variable, and it's one you can't modify, is lay-up.

Exactly, which is why the answer to the question is yes and no.

All PT57A frames should have the same layup, so yes they are all the same.

Many of these frames may have custom molded handles, extended length, silicone in the handle, and other mods that can not be easily undone or changed. In that sense they can be very different, but a Honda Civic with $20K in aftermarket mods is still a Honda Civic.

 

[dr325i]

Exactly, which is why the answer to the question is yes and no.

All PT57A frames should have the same layup, so yes they are all the same.

Many of these frames may have custom molded handles, extended length, silicone in the handle, and other mods that can not be easily undone or changed. In that sense they can be very different, but a Honda Civic with $20K in aftermarket mods is still a Honda Civic.

You meant a Bimmer with $30k mods is still a Bimmer.
Babolats are equal to Civics

 

[Lefty78]

^Ah, my bad. I now see the error of my ways.

 

[RacquetCraft]

Exactly, which is why the answer to the question is yes and no.

All PT57A frames should have the same layup, so yes they are all the same.

Many of these frames may have custom molded handles, extended length, silicone in the handle, and other mods that can not be easily undone or changed. In that sense they can be very different, but a Honda Civic with $20K in aftermarket mods is still a Honda Civic.

Once again, Lefty78 is correct and wins the prize.

The layups of the hairpins (raw racquets) once they leave the factory are exactly the same. The cosmetics are different of course.

Once the tuners build them out to player spec, that ius when they become very different (from player to player), but hopefully remain the same spec for the same player (that is, if the tuner knows what they are doing:wink

RacquetCraft

RacquetCraft

 

[Lefty78]

^ It was my understanding that the mold is "PT57", and the layup is "A", such that PT57A refers to both mold and layup. And yes, I'm aware Head has made various frames from this mold, retail and otherwise. If I'm wrong about this, then I'm wrong, but I have yet to see anyone prove this definitively. Please do so if you can, PC.

 

[Mdubb23]

The 57A mold churned out multiple stock models along with past and current pro-issue frames with various lay-ups. Funny how people here equate the code 57A with a frame or lay-up and not a mold, and then harp on as they are so sure of themselves.

I'm sorry to be blunt, but you are wrong.

As Lefty78 said, "PT57" inside the throat of a Head racquet indicates, the mold of the racquet, and in this case, the mold it represents is the Pro Tour 630. "A" or "E" after "PT57" indicate the layup; how the frame flexes. Most people think the "A" to be somewhat flexier than the "E," but instead, as Lefty78 already pointed out, they just flex differently. Every "PT57A" frame in the world, regardless of its specs, flexes the same way; is the same layup. Every "PT57E" frame in the world, regardless of its specs, flexes the same way; is the same layup.

RacquetCraft is a group of people, not a retail operation, who customize and string pros' frames. They know what they're talking about. With all due respect, you don't.

 

[PED]

I'm sorry, but with all due respect, and sorry to be blunt, but anyone who thinks "57A" and "57E" are not mold codes but lay-up codes, likely has not ordered such frames from Head for sponsored pros. It seems difficult for people here to reorder their schema, which is no wonder with the level of logic shown, so I will stop here.

Could you please expand more on that? I don't profess to be an expert and would love to know more about A vs E.

thx

 

[Pro_Tour_630]

PT57 A is a Pro Tour 630 mold/layup

PT57 E is not a Pro Tour 630 mold/layup

 

[PED]

PT57 A is a Pro Tour 630 mold/layup

PT57 E is not a Pro Tour 630 mold/layup

So, what mold layup is the E?

 

[Eiffel59]

i.prestige...

 

[Lefty78]

^ Really?

I must say I'm surprised, but thanks for clearing that up.

 

[Richie Rich]

i always thought the i.prestige and the pt630 were from the same mould? at least they looked similar

 

[Mdubb23]

I'm sorry, but with all due respect, and sorry to be blunt, but anyone who thinks "57A" and "57E" are not mold codes but lay-up codes, likely has not ordered such frames from Head for sponsored pros. It seems difficult for people here to reorder their schema, which is no wonder with the level of logic shown, so I will stop here.

Wow. I must say I'm surprised by the PT57E supposedly being the iPrestige. I asked G.D. Jones, who uses the PT57E, what racquet he really uses, and he looked me straight in the eyes, and replied,"the old blue one." The iPrestige definitely was not blue.

 

[RacquetCraft]

i.prestige...

Hey Eiffel59, I thought you were a TF guy, not a Head guy

I don't intend on transcending into this rathole too deep. I will simply say that these PT57 are pro frames only available to top ranked players. To equate them to the inline racquet is a bit of a disservice. The engeneering and graphite used in these pro racquets is not the same as what you would find in a inline racquet.

These sticks are special and rare (and getting even rarer). For those of you who have been lucky enough to get your hands on these sticks, enjoy them! You are a privileged few.

cheers,

RacquetCraft

 

[RacquetCraft]

The 57A mold churned out multiple stock models along with past and current pro-issue frames with various lay-ups. Funny how people here equate the code 57A with a frame or lay-up and not a mold, and then harp on as they are so sure of themselves.

Sorry Prestige Classic, were your comments being directed at me ?

RacquetCraft

 

[AJK1]

Monkey Man, sorry, you are not good enough to use a demanding racquet like that, try something else that suits your ability.

 

[Eiffel59]

Hey Eiffel59, I thought you were a TF guy, not a Head guy

I don't intend on transcending into this rathole too deep. I will simply say that these PT57 are pro frames only available to top ranked players. To equate them to the inline racquet is a bit of a disservice. The engeneering and graphite used in these pro racquets is not the same as what you would find in a inline racquet.

These sticks are special and rare (and getting even rarer). For those of you who have been lucky enough to get your hands on these sticks, enjoy them! You are a privileged few.

cheers,

RacquetCraft

Hi, RC

Obviously string-wise i'm a TF guy...but after almost 30yrs. of Head racquet contracts, some grand slam/ATP stringing, a lot of in-shop stringing (both for pros <and obviously pro-specs sticks> and not) and last but not least, a couple of PT57A -and formerly also PT57E- personally owned, i think to realize "what is" the thing....obviously, i fully understand that these are completely DIFFERENT sticks, but since the question was what racquet PT57E was based on, i simply gave my opinion based on personal experience and knowledge...

Cheers,

Mario

 

[RacquetCraft]

Hi, RC

Obviously string-wise i'm a TF guy...but after almost 30yrs. of Head racquet contracts, some grand slam/ATP stringing, a lot of in-shop stringing (both for pros <and obviously pro-specs sticks> and not) and last but not least, a couple of PT57A -and formerly also PT57E- personally owned, i think to realize "what is" the thing....obviously, i fully understand that these are completely DIFFERENT sticks, but since the question was what racquet PT57E was based on, i simply gave my opinion based on personal experience and knowledge...

Cheers,

Mario

Thanks for the reply my friend. I know your a knowledgeable and experiences industry insider.:wink: I was responding to the fact that posters on this board will immediately jump to the conclusion that the PT57E is an inline i.Prestige under the cosmetic. That couldn't be further than the truth. Thanks for clearing that up.

I know a number of people that have strung at tournaments for the TF string team over the years. BUT I'll leave that dicussion for an offline talk with you one day.

cheers,

RacquetCraft

 

[Eiffel59]

Yep...i'd like it too.. I've missed a couple of years at RG due to my mom's health problems and my divorce..but as another famous austrian said (err..no, it's not Head owner, obviously ) "I'll be back" .

BTW i presume that some belgian from Verrebroek and some german from Handorf will be in the party...

 

[MichaelChang]

I was responding to the fact that posters on this board will immediately jump to the conclusion that the PT57E is an inline i.Prestige under the cosmetic.

RC, no offense, but I think no one said the 57E is I.Prestige with a paint job. They simply said the 57E is from the I.Prestige Mold. At least that is how I understand it after reading all the posts here. Thanks.

 

[RacquetCraft]

Yep...i'd like it too.. I've missed a couple of years at RG due to my mom's health problems and my divorce..but as another famous austrian said (err..no, it's not Head owner, obviously ) "I'll be back" .

BTW i presume that some belgian from Verrebroek and some german from Handorf will be in the party...

Yes Eiffel59, that would be a good guest list. We should find a way to make it happen some day.

RacquetCraft

 

[ae1222]

Well to jump in on this and that RacquetCraft is in on this hopefully I can get an answer. The claim made here is that all PT57A frames are the same other than the PJ, but I know a guy who has 4 of these frames and two of them have RDA's of 58 and two have RDA's of 60. RC, do you know anything about this?

And I hit with an i.prestige and my PT57E last week and in my opinion they play very different. They may be out of the same mold, but there sure feel really different to me.

Thanks for the help RacquetCraft, if you can provide any insight!

 

[RacquetCraft]

Well to jump in on this and that RacquetCraft is in on this hopefully I can get an answer. The claim made here is that all PT57A frames are the same other than the PJ, but I know a guy who has 4 of these frames and two of them have RDA's of 58 and two have RDA's of 60. RC, do you know anything about this?

And I hit with an i.prestige and my PT57E last week and in my opinion they play very different. They may be out of the same mold, but there sure feel really different to me.

Thanks for the help RacquetCraft, if you can provide any insight!

ae1222, my comments were in reference to the hairpin (the raw racquet). The RA could be affected after the hairpin is cut, built and customized. I assume the 4 racquets were fully built. Were the 4 racquets matched in all respects?

RacquetCraft

 

[Lefty78]

ae1222,
Do you know if your friends' frames are all the same vintage, so to speak? It seems to me that if two of them are older, and particularly if they've been strung many more times than the others, they might be more 'broken in". Just a thought.

 

[ae1222]

They are the same vintage, all 4 are the flexpoint PJ but I do think he got them at different times because he made a comment once about how both his "sets" of frames were matched. I haven't personally hit with them, but just by picking them up they are fairly close in weight/balance. But I would think that a different weight/balance set up would affect the way the frame flexes, thanks for the thought RC.

 

[Lefty78]

Weight/balance/swingweight has absolutely no bearing on RA. You may think a frame feels more/less stiff on court with different specs, but RA's deal with science (no thinking, no feeling, no assumptions) and will provide the same reading all things considered. Anybody who wonders why the RA is giving any "wrong" reading and points to things like lead tape doesn't get it.

I can't say I saw anyone suggest that an RA reading was "wrong".

What does affect RA is type of handle (pallets or molded), lack of handle thus far, grip or no grip, injected matter, etc. Another thing to consider is the particular RA Test that was used, if different machines were used and/or at different times. Not all have timely and correct calibration.

The same racquet will also register differently strung vs. unstrung.

Most importantly, some people here think the same mold can't produce frames of a variety of lay-ups at a variety of RA's

No one suggested that in this thread.

 

[PED]

We have a winner. Not many others here deal with true information, so don't expect anybody to draw upon your post. And not to nit-pick, but it's the 57E mold that produced the stock i.prestige 630.

PC, you have an obvious wealth of information and your post earlier was full of great stuff on the PT57 that I didn't know.

Any chance of presenting those facts in a less confrontational manner? I for one love having access to your knowledge and am sure others do too. It's a not a war

One quick question, so the 57E mold is used for the basis of the production I prestige but with a different layup? Sorry to be dense on the matter and how does the stock Iprestige play in regards to stiffness with the PT57E? Thanks

 

[ae1222]

PED,

Here are the tests I did on a bunch of head frames last week (posted in the PT57E vs. TGK vs. Stock thread):

PT57E - 63
TGK 238.1 - 62
PT630 - 56
i.prestige MP - 62
stock microgel prestige MP - 64
flexpoint prestige MP - 58

And I agree with PED on his comments to PC. We are all just looking for information bud, and I do appreciate your input. But no reason to get mad about things. Just correct us if we make a mistake, that is all we want anyway. We are all fans of the game, all on the same team. And at least most of us on here seem to be reasonable, and at least in this thread I haven't seen any ridiculous comments like you may see from guys like Fedace.

 

[PED]

I made a copy of those flex figures last week and stuck them in my spreadsheet for reference. I guess I must like mid 60's on RA like on my Pro. I never could get on with the FXP Prestiges and I guess that 58 RA might have something to do with it.

BTW, AE1222, I see that you use ALU. Were you aware that TW has it on sale right now for 12.50 a pack and 219 a reel. That's a nice price-I used to use it but couldn't justify the cost in the long run. Still, it's the best performing string out there hands down.

 

[MichaelChang]

One quick question, so the 57E mold is used for the basis of the production I prestige but with a different layup? Thanks

Just to avoid any confusion due to my bad English:

the I.prestige MP was made in 2000 or 2001(?) and its mold is now being used to produce PT57E. Not the other way around.
And a mold is only a mold, it only defines the physical contour(outside) of the racket, but not the material/composition/layup inside.

 

[Lefty78]

Prestige Classic,

I still have no understanding why you got so bent out of shape with my first post in this thread. It wasn't even directed at you, or anyone in particular. In fact, you're the one who insulted me with your response.

Don't pretend like I started this argument.

 

[ae1222]

I made a copy of those flex figures last week and stuck them in my spreadsheet for reference. I guess I must like mid 60's on RA like on my Pro. I never could get on with the FXP Prestiges and I guess that 58 RA might have something to do with it.

BTW, AE1222, I see that you use ALU. Were you aware that TW has it on sale right now for 12.50 a pack and 219 a reel. That's a nice price-I used to use it but couldn't justify the cost in the long run. Still, it's the best performing string out there hands down.

Yeah I did notice that! I actually grabbed a few reels off of the bay from some guy in China (was worried that they were fake) but when they showed up they are the real deal (bad pun, sorry). But got several reels all for around $135 total after shipping which is fantastic. I just love ALU, to me there is nothing better, I am just so tired of how expensive it is. But if I were Luxilon and I could get away with charging that much, I am sure I would do it.

 

[ae1222]

To clarify I meant $135 per reel on the ALU, ended up buying 3 of them so I should be set on string for a long while now...

 

[Lefty78]

^^

Thanks for your opinion...

Yes, that's some seriously factual information.

I appreciate your opinion.

 

[Lefty78]

Yeah I did notice that! I actually grabbed a few reels off of the bay from some guy in China (was worried that they were fake) but when they showed up they are the real deal (bad pun, sorry). But got several reels all for around $135 total after shipping which is fantastic. I just love ALU, to me there is nothing better, I am just so tired of how expensive it is. But if I were Luxilon and I could get away with charging that much, I am sure I would do it.

Hey ae,

Please don't take this the wrong way, but are you sure they're authentic? Some of the fake racquets are hard to tell from the real ones, so it seems to me that the only way to really tell with strings is by playability. You've had a chance to test them out, no? I'm not trying to be critical, but it just seems too good to be true.

 

[dr325i]

I am sorry if the facts I presented insulted you.

Facts?
Facts in your head or you have something to back it up?

 

[Mdubb23]

Facts?
Facts in your head or you have something to back it up?

Amen. Thank you.

 

[ae1222]

Hey ae,

Please don't take this the wrong way, but are you sure they're authentic? Some of the fake racquets are hard to tell from the real ones, so it seems to me that the only way to really tell with strings is by playability. You've had a chance to test them out, no? I'm not trying to be critical, but it just seems too good to be true.

Lefty,

Trust me, I was extremely skeptical especially since the pictures of the item have a different label on the reel than what you see in the US. I emailed the guy and had him send the certificate from Wilson/Luxilon to prove it before I bid on it.

Once I got the reel I gave it a look over to compare it to the one I have from the US, and it is the same color, texture and has the markings/lettering on the string. I strung one up in my usual frame and I can't tell the difference in playability, so I am happy. It may be fake, I don't know but it plays good enough for me and I didn't have to pay $200+ for a reel so who am I to complain. But you are right, you can never tell and I am always reluctant to buy anything off the bay that comes from Asia.

I just wish I could find a better deal on Pacific string. I love that stuff as well but it too is a bit pricey.

 

[ae1222]

Facts?
Facts in your head or you have something to back it up?

That is why I took all my frames to the shop to get the RA figures instead of just stating my opinion of how they all feel. Plus it is always hard to explain that in words and I am sure my feel is different than everyone elses.

 

[Lefty78]

Lefty,

Trust me, I was extremely skeptical especially since the pictures of the item have a different label on the reel than what you see in the US. I emailed the guy and had him send the certificate from Wilson/Luxilon to prove it before I bid on it.

Once I got the reel I gave it a look over to compare it to the one I have from the US, and it is the same color, texture and has the markings/lettering on the string. I strung one up in my usual frame and I can't tell the difference in playability, so I am happy. It may be fake, I don't know but it plays good enough for me and I didn't have to pay $200+ for a reel so who am I to complain. But you are right, you can never tell and I am always reluctant to buy anything off the bay that comes from Asia.

I just wish I could find a better deal on Pacific string. I love that stuff as well but it too is a bit pricey.

Thanks for the info.
Sounds pretty legit to me. Besides, if you're 5.0 and can't tell the difference... who cares?
I occasionally hear good stuff about Pacific's polys, but have never tried them. Have to do that some time.

 

[kumat63]

ae1222, my comments were in reference to the hairpin (the raw racquet). The RA could be affected after the hairpin is cut, built and customized. I assume the 4 racquets were fully built. Were the 4 racquets matched in all respects?

RacquetCraft

RacquetCraft:

How does the unmodified TGK 238.1 compare to an unmodified PT57a? Is there really any "microgel" in a TGK238.1 and how does it's layup compare to a PT57a or e?