Head graphene 360+ prestige s vs. Babolat pure drive

Johnen

New User
I’m new to tennis, played it about five times, and played table tennis before. I’ve been looking at the second hand market for a racquet, for casual playing but also to improve my game. I’ve come across two (actual three), and it is Head graphene 360+ prestige s and Babolat pure drive, both relative new and for the same price. I’ve also got a suggestion on a third racquet, Wilson Nitro 103 pro. A little cheaper, but maybe better for a beginner? Thoughts?
 

1stVolley

Professional
I'm not familiar with a Head Prestige S and TW doesn't list one in the Prestige line. There are "S" models in the Gravity and Speed lines, however. As a learner/beginner, I'd recommend a racquet with at least a 100 sq. in. head size, and a light one with a swingweight around 310-315. It should be strung with multifilament or synthetic gut. The Prince Textreme Beast 03 104 at $89 is worth a look.
 

Johnen

New User
I'm not familiar with a Head Prestige S and TW doesn't list one in the Prestige line. There are "S" models in the Gravity and Speed lines, however. As a learner/beginner, I'd recommend a racquet with at least a 100 sq. in. head size, and a light one with a swingweight around 310-315. It should be strung with multifilament or synthetic gut. The Prince Textreme Beast 03 104 at $89 is worth a look.
Thanks! I’ll keep an eye out for the Prince racquet.
There is more information about the Prestige line here: https://www.tennistopia.com/blogs/t...raphene-360-prestige-tennis-racquets-full-re/

Even if the S model seems more beginner friendly I believe it’s better to go for another racquet.
 

Return_Ace

Hall of Fame
I think the Prestige S looks like quite a good racket to start with, it looks like a lighter Prestige Tour in a 16x19 pattern instead.

I think the Prestige will be good as a beginner and then as you get better you can potentially add some weight to it and it will still be competitive.

Not that the others can't be similar, but probably less so with the Nitro 103 Pro (unless you're into Oversize frames). The Pure Drive is definitely an option and it probably doesn't need much modification regardless, but it depends on how you react to "Babolat syndrome" which is that they tend to be stiffer and incorrect technique or just the frame itself can excacerbate a sensitive wrist/elbow/shoulder.

But with all that said, depending on how casual you want to be, you can also buy something more "budget" like the Prince mentioned, or Microgel Radicals (or OS version) until you have a better idea of what sort of racket you prefer playing with.
 
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