Head Graphine Prestige S Review

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Played some more with the G Prestige S tonite and it continues to impress. It is very similar to the Graphene Rad MP but with a much nicer feel on impact. Mishits are also not harsh like with the Rad. I strung one up with a multi/copoly hybrid since its a lower powered racquet, but it had plenty of power with that combo. Great for touch and feel shots. It has a low stiffness rating of 61, but the Graphene keeps it from feeling to dampened or flexy. Specs are almost perfect for me and it works great for my all court type of game.

Wasn't expecting to like this one, but Head did a nice job on this update. Looks great too with the red cap grommets. I picked up a demo a couple of weeks ago and immediately felt comfortable with it. Played against a 4.5 player tonite and pushed him to 6-4 in the 2nd set. I was overmatched but I still managed a few service breaks and hit some really nice winners here and there. Serve was clicking too. Not much to complain about with this one.
 

SCRAP IRON

Professional
Jack- I am curious if you have ever played with the PRESTIGE S? I am referring to the previous versions, which would not be the Graphene models. I found the Prestige S to have good specs and very easy to use. The problem is that it was too soft and ultimately did not allow me to dictate pace in order to control points. As a reference, I am an experienced 4.5 player with fast strokes.
 

YesTennis

Semi-Pro
It seems that most people are saying that they like the G Prestige S more than the G Radical MP. The fact that the G Prestige S is somewhat of a lower powered racquet, I was thinking of trying one with Gut/Poly. On a related note, Jack, just wondering how you like the Volkl Psycho hybrid? By using the multi in the mains, just wondering how many hours you'll get out of the set-up? Thanks
 

monomer

Rookie
I love this racquet. I had tried the Youtek and IG Prestige Pros and found them to be just a little too sluggish for me. Actually, the weight would have been OK if they were more HL. I added some weight to the buttcap of the Graphene S and the spec's are perfect for me at 11.6 oz, 8 HL.

I had been alternating between an 18x20 Blade and original APD for some time (yes, I know they are opposites). I love the APD but it lacks control and I hit it a bit too loopy. The Blade had great control but I had no confidence with my serve.

The Graphene Prestige S has excellent control and I am serving great with it. It doesn't have the power of the APD but my ability to hit the corners has greatly improved. I have it strung with BHB7 at 54 lbs. and feel like I can swing out on groundstrokes and have great control. It also gives me the right trajectory without having to concentrate on hitting flatter or with more spin.

I have a second on the way and will try stringing it lower or a gut/poly hybrid. A little more power may be good but not if I give up the control and confidence I have with the current setup.

I try a lot of racquets and typically don't get a honeymoon period. I usually can tell right away how I'm going to do with it. So far there isn't anything I don't like about the Prestige S.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Jack- I am curious if you have ever played with the PRESTIGE S? I am referring to the previous versions, which would not be the Graphene models. I found the Prestige S to have good specs and very easy to use. The problem is that it was too soft and ultimately did not allow me to dictate pace in order to control points. As a reference, I am an experienced 4.5 player with fast strokes.

yes I tried the previous model and found it a little too demanding for me due to its extra weight and soft flex. I find the Graphene model slightly more powerful and firmer feeling. Whether or not its too soft for you it's hard to say softness is kind of a personal thing. I can say for sure it's not as soft as the prior model.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
It seems that most people are saying that they like the G Prestige S more than the G Radical MP. The fact that the G Prestige S is somewhat of a lower powered racquet, I was thinking of trying one with Gut/Poly. On a related note, Jack, just wondering how you like the Volkl Psycho hybrid? By using the multi in the mains, just wondering how many hours you'll get out of the set-up? Thanks

I love the Psycho hybrid in other racquets but havent tried it in the S yet.
I'm sure gut/poly would be great. I am not a string breaker and I dont have issues with muli/poly, but that's me.
 

YesTennis

Semi-Pro
I'm not a big string breaker either. That's why I was thinking about the gut/poly to get a little extra pop. I've heard good things about the Psycho, and was thinking about giving it a try. The price is right. Jack, when you used the Psycho, do you go multi/poly or poly/multi? Finally, just trying to decide on string tension. Was thinking about 53 for the gut or multi, and about 51 for the poly-any thoughts?
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
I'm not a big string breaker either. That's why I was thinking about the gut/poly to get a little extra pop. I've heard good things about the Psycho, and was thinking about giving it a try. The price is right. Jack, when you used the Psycho, do you go multi/poly or poly/multi? Finally, just trying to decide on string tension. Was thinking about 53 for the gut or multi, and about 51 for the poly-any thoughts?

For the S I would do multi mains at 54, crosses at 50.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
I love this racquet. I had tried the Youtek and IG Prestige Pros and found them to be just a little too sluggish for me. Actually, the weight would have been OK if they were more HL. I added some weight to the buttcap of the Graphene S and the spec's are perfect for me at 11.6 oz, 8 HL.

I had been alternating between an 18x20 Blade and original APD for some time (yes, I know they are opposites). I love the APD but it lacks control and I hit it a bit too loopy. The Blade had great control but I had no confidence with my serve.

The Graphene Prestige S has excellent control and I am serving great with it. It doesn't have the power of the APD but my ability to hit the corners has greatly improved. I have it strung with BHB7 at 54 lbs. and feel like I can swing out on groundstrokes and have great control. It also gives me the right trajectory without having to concentrate on hitting flatter or with more spin.

I have a second on the way and will try stringing it lower or a gut/poly hybrid. A little more power may be good but not if I give up the control and confidence I have with the current setup.

I try a lot of racquets and typically don't get a honeymoon period. I usually can tell right away how I'm going to do with it. So far there isn't anything I don't like about the Prestige S.

I agree its a great racquet. Too bad not many have tried it yet. Question for you...do you notice a big dropoff in power from the APD?
 

Vasuri

New User
Is the G Prestige S a true 98 size? The IG versions were smaller than 98.

How is the sweetspot/forgiveness and power level? Any comparison to other racquets welcome, especially IG prestige pro or the new Yonex exoze Ai 98. I am also considering the Ai 98, but a little concerned that it might be too powerful. Like lower powered racquets but would welcome decent size sweetspot and some degree of forgiveness.
 

YesTennis

Semi-Pro
Is the G Prestige S a true 98 size? The IG versions were smaller than 98.

How is the sweetspot/forgiveness and power level? Any comparison to other racquets welcome, especially IG prestige pro or the new Yonex exoze Ai 98. I am also considering the Ai 98, but a little concerned that it might be too powerful. Like lower powered racquets but would welcome decent size sweetspot and some degree of forgiveness.

I asked the same question on the "Ask TW thread." In the past, the Head 98's were closer to 95.

I'd also like to hear any comparisons between the AI98 and G Prestige S. Based on the specs, and the talk on the Ai98 thread, it seem that the power levels are somewhat similar. The talk seems to be that the power of the Ai100, but not the Ai98.

Jason reported that the G Prestige S was very similar to the G Radical MP(power level, etc....).
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Is the G Prestige S a true 98 size? The IG versions were smaller than 98.

How is the sweetspot/forgiveness and power level? Any comparison to other racquets welcome, especially IG prestige pro or the new Yonex exoze Ai 98. I am also considering the Ai 98, but a little concerned that it might be too powerful. Like lower powered racquets but would welcome decent size sweetspot and some degree of forgiveness.

About the size, it looks and feels the same as the AI 98.

The sweetspot/forgiveness is about the same as the AI 98. Power level is about the same too. I couldnt imagine either racquet being too powerful with full poly. Neither one is very powerful IMO. Biggest difference for me is how easily the S swings compared to the heavier AI 98. I think it would give you what you are looking for.
 

monomer

Rookie
I agree its a great racquet. Too bad not many have tried it yet. Question for you...do you notice a big dropoff in power from the APD?

Yes, it definitely has less power than the APD. I have had a love/hate relationship with the APD and have been back and forth with it for several years. It just has more power and less control than I need.

I would think that gut/poly would be great in the Prestige S for anyone that wants more power.
 

monomer

Rookie
Is the G Prestige S a true 98 size? The IG versions were smaller than 98.

How is the sweetspot/forgiveness and power level? Any comparison to other racquets welcome, especially IG prestige pro or the new Yonex exoze Ai 98. I am also considering the Ai 98, but a little concerned that it might be too powerful. Like lower powered racquets but would welcome decent size sweetspot and some degree of forgiveness.

The IG Prestige Pro is nothing like the Graphene S. The IG is much heavier feeling and stiffer. The S is probably a little light for most people that would use a Prestige. For me that's perfect because there is room to weight it exactly how you like.
 

floydcouncil

Professional
Played some more with the G Prestige S tonite and it continues to impress. It is very similar to the Graphene Rad MP but with a much nicer feel on impact. Mishits are also not harsh like with the Rad. I strung one up with a multi/copoly hybrid since its a lower powered racquet, but it had plenty of power with that combo. Great for touch and feel shots. It has a low stiffness rating of 61, but the Graphene keeps it from feeling to dampened or flexy. Specs are almost perfect for me and it works great for my all court type of game.

Wow!!! you were able to isolate the feel of the Graphene in the racquet. Head should hire you to test their next secret recipe called "Whatchamacallit".
 

zapvor

G.O.A.T.
Wow!!! you were able to isolate the feel of the Graphene in the racquet. Head should hire you to test their next secret recipe called "Whatchamacallit".

hahahahaha exactly. i actually felt the graphene in the butt cap. gave me 21% more spin, but only .6mph on serves
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Wow!!! you were able to isolate the feel of the Graphene in the racquet. Head should hire you to test their next secret recipe called "Whatchamacallit".

When I say "Graphene" I am referring to the Graphene model as compared to the Youtek IG. All the Graphene models have a stiffer than flex rating feel about them. So while it's rated at 61, it feels quite firm and not mushy. Of course I cannot feel the actual Graphene itself. You guys are too much. :)

My point was that it doesn't feel like a 61. More like a 65.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Played with my S some more last night and continue to really like this stick. Even though I have my AI 100 in my #1 slot, there is just something so nice about the control of the Prestige S. You can just swing away all night and really dial in that back basline on groundies. Like I said before, the weight and balance of the racquet is just perfect. Really going to be hard letting this one go :)
 

themitchmann

Hall of Fame
I can't say that I'm in love with the distribution of mass, but the Graphene S does player very well. You're right about the flex: it's soft without being too mushy/flexy. I found it to be very comfortable.

The S and the Rev Pro are my favorites in the Graphene Prestige Series.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
I can't say that I'm in love with the distribution of mass, but the Graphene S does player very well. You're right about the flex: it's soft without being too mushy/flexy. I found it to be very comfortable.

The S and the Rev Pro are my favorites in the Graphene Prestige Series.

You mean u don't like the polarized weight?
 

YesTennis

Semi-Pro
Does anyone have a recommendation for a preferred string setup in the G Prestige S. It seems that most feel that the power is better than the YT/IG, but still somewhat of a lower powered racquet. Do you think gut/poly would be an optimal setup? Or do you think it lends itself better to a poly/multi hybrid? I don't want to go full poly. Thanks is advance for your suggestions and help.
 

dje31

Professional
Does anyone have a recommendation for a preferred string setup in the G Prestige S. It seems that most feel that the power is better than the YT/IG, but still somewhat of a lower powered racquet. Do you think gut/poly would be an optimal setup? Or do you think it lends itself better to a poly/multi hybrid? I don't want to go full poly. Thanks is advance for your suggestions and help.

I've got two of the IG Prestige S, so it's close, but probably not that far off. Use this if you think it might help, or don't.

Both have Cyclone 17 mains, and I use either OGSM or Forten Sweet crosses. Haven't felt much difference on the crosses.

One has 53M, 47C...the other is 47M, 43C. I like having them noticeably different depending on how I'm playing on different days.
 

YesTennis

Semi-Pro
I've got two of the IG Prestige S, so it's close, but probably not that far off. Use this if you think it might help, or don't.

Both have Cyclone 17 mains, and I use either OGSM or Forten Sweet crosses. Haven't felt much difference on the crosses.

One has 53M, 47C...the other is 47M, 43C. I like having them noticeably different depending on how I'm playing on different days.

Thanks. Do you know about how much playing time your getting before needing to restring?
 

dje31

Professional
Thanks. Do you know about how much playing time your getting before needing to restring?

I used to be quite the string breaker, but the Cyclone has gone dead before breaking. I want to say 15-20 hours? [ EDIT: I probably should have cut it out and restrung prior, as it was getting dead and board-y, but hey, I'm cheap ] I'm not playing as much or as often as I'd like, but that's probably a reasonable guess. I'm obviously not as sensitive as some others here who cut their poly out after a set or two.

I haven't spent a ton of time with poly in general---with the YTIGPS, as well as my previous C10Pro and Tour 10 Mids---but got a deal on a pile of Cyclone that was too good to pass up, and wanted to see what the hype was about.

I also am more of a classic all-courter, traditional pressuring stroke as opposed to the modern, brushing baseline basher. I've been playing 40+ years, and am comfortable saying I'm a solid 4.5.

All that said, I've been tempted to try a full bed of OGSM, Forten, or even the TNT Pro Plus I used to use not that long ago.

My wish list is to pick up a stringing machine and a reel of gut, but I haven't strung since a summer job in the tennis & golf dept of Sports Unlimited in Orlando, 1984. Too many other irons in the fire right now.
 
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dje31

Professional
Actually, for yucks I might just swap the Cyclone to the crosses, and Forten / OGSM to the mains...but the current strings are still pretty fresh.
 

Blade0324

Hall of Fame
I have only hit with the G Prestige S a couple of times as a demo but like it pretty well. I personnally don't feel much difference between it and the IG Prestige S. If anything I like the IG version a bit better as I feel is swings just a little bit lighter. I added leather grips by my IG versions, a bit of silicone in the handle and then a bit of lead under the caps to counter balance. In all I added about 30 grams of weight which really added some pop to the frame and a bit more stability. I previously used the Microgel Prestige Pro and then the prostock version TGK238.2 but the IG Prestige S just seems better for my game.
 

dje31

Professional
The only downside to the YTIGPS that I've found is that the grommet strip is pretty much a one-off, so you can only get the opaque, and it's not compatible with any others before or since, AFAIK. ( EDIT: TW staff or other HEAD experts, please feel free to comment / refute that )

So, you might want to grab some extras while you can...
 
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SteveI

Legend
thats a great deal! i may be interested in demoing now

Man oh Man.. that is a great deal. I just can't bring more frames into my place until I move a few. I have some Head IG Instinct MPs and a Wilson BLX Steam 100 that have to go.. I will be moving to the garage to live if I buy anything else... :)
 

7zero

Semi-Pro
by specifications it seems to me G Prestige S should be similar to IG Radical MP. If anyone demoed/played both of these could you compare it please? Difference, pros/cons and if there should be any reason to switch from IG Rad MP to G Prestige S?
 

John Kawasaki

Professional
I have had a chance to hit with all the new Graphene Radicals and Prestiges......I have not been drawn to any of them because they do feel harsher (to me) except for the Prestige S....this racquet does feel "crisp" but at the same time you can feel the moderate flex (62 RA). This stick is totally different from the past IG iteration: completely different drill pattern (no shared holes). I just hit with one strung with plain ole Head PPS strung at 55 lbs on a constant pull and it had terrific pop off the string bed....in fact I will have it re strung at 57 (cp) with Duraflex 16g to reign it in a bit. This stick may swing too light for some of you but a little lead could do it for you: mine weights 11.2 oz strung at 5 pts HL and hits a bigger ball for me than the Juice 100, and PD (on paper this shouldn't be but that's what I'm feel'n). I have been hitting with just about everything that comes out.....just recently both of the Yonex Ai's (nice sticks btw), Pure Control Tours (also very nice), Graphite 100 (latest...great feel). I did not care for the past iteration (IG Prestige S) as it felt too unsubstantial (lower swing weight perceived), This one may be with a test drive for you....it ain't the same as the last one. In played with the IG Prestige Pro for a few months and I feel this is more user friendly sibling with more pop. See what you think.
 

John Kawasaki

Professional
The static weight of the Pure control Tour is higher but it's very headlight (mine at 11.8 oz strung at 8 pts hl). For me it had a little less power (although adequate for me) but exceptional control and decent spin capabilities......a volleying machine. The lighter Graphene Prestige S swings a little easier and has a livelier feel in general; I felt more flex in this one that the other Graphene Prestiges or Radicals. They are both different and nice in their own way....while the GPS felt fairly lively, the PCT was very "solid". Whatever floats your boat.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
I have had a chance to hit with all the new Graphene Radicals and Prestiges......I have not been drawn to any of them because they do feel harsher (to me) except for the Prestige S....this racquet does feel "crisp" but at the same time you can feel the moderate flex (62 RA). This stick is totally different from the past IG iteration: completely different drill pattern (no shared holes). I just hit with one strung with plain ole Head PPS strung at 55 lbs on a constant pull and it had terrific pop off the string bed....in fact I will have it re strung at 57 (cp) with Duraflex 16g to reign it in a bit. This stick may swing too light for some of you but a little lead could do it for you: mine weights 11.2 oz strung at 5 pts HL and hits a bigger ball for me than the Juice 100, and PD (on paper this shouldn't be but that's what I'm feel'n). I have been hitting with just about everything that comes out.....just recently both of the Yonex Ai's (nice sticks btw), Pure Control Tours (also very nice), Graphite 100 (latest...great feel). I did not care for the past iteration (IG Prestige S) as it felt too unsubstantial (lower swing weight perceived), This one may be with a test drive for you....it ain't the same as the last one. In played with the IG Prestige Pro for a few months and I feel this is more user friendly sibling with more pop. See what you think.

totally agree that the Graphene S feels completely different from the previous version.
 

Artanis

Semi-Pro
The static weight of the Pure control Tour is higher but it's very headlight (mine at 11.8 oz strung at 8 pts hl). For me it had a little less power (although adequate for me) but exceptional control and decent spin capabilities......a volleying machine. The lighter Graphene Prestige S swings a little easier and has a livelier feel in general; I felt more flex in this one that the other Graphene Prestiges or Radicals. They are both different and nice in their own way....while the GPS felt fairly lively, the PCT was very "solid". Whatever floats your boat.
Thank you for the feedback! Which one do you think is more arm friendly: PCT or GPS?
 

YesTennis

Semi-Pro
Anyone have any thoughts about a preferred string set-up. Since this new G version seems to have a little more power, what do you think about a poly/multi hybrid? I used a gut/poly setup in the previous YT/IG Prestige S to bump up the power a bit. Thanks
 

YesTennis

Semi-Pro
I have had a chance to hit with all the new Graphene Radicals and Prestiges......I have not been drawn to any of them because they do feel harsher (to me) except for the Prestige S....this racquet does feel "crisp" but at the same time you can feel the moderate flex (62 RA). This stick is totally different from the past IG iteration: completely different drill pattern (no shared holes). I just hit with one strung with plain ole Head PPS strung at 55 lbs on a constant pull and it had terrific pop off the string bed....in fact I will have it re strung at 57 (cp) with Duraflex 16g to reign it in a bit. This stick may swing too light for some of you but a little lead could do it for you: mine weights 11.2 oz strung at 5 pts HL and hits a bigger ball for me than the Juice 100, and PD (on paper this shouldn't be but that's what I'm feel'n). I have been hitting with just about everything that comes out.....just recently both of the Yonex Ai's (nice sticks btw), Pure Control Tours (also very nice), Graphite 100 (latest...great feel). I did not care for the past iteration (IG Prestige S) as it felt too unsubstantial (lower swing weight perceived), This one may be with a test drive for you....it ain't the same as the last one. In played with the IG Prestige Pro for a few months and I feel this is more user friendly sibling with more pop. See what you think.

Just wondering if you, Jack, or anyone else could compare the Yonex Ai98 to the G Prestige S. Thanks in advance.
 

John Kawasaki

Professional
They both seem to be arm friendly, although I have not hit either one with any poly set up.....that's next up for me. In my opinion, I would string the GPS at 56 or higher (on a constant pull) if using a mono syn gut or multi. I am eventually going to try around 53 (cp) with a full poly set up. The Ai 98 swings a skosh heavier than the GPS; I find that I can get the GPS through contact a bit quicker. The Ai's (both 98 and 100) are very comfortable hits being being a bit more muted (not a bad thing) and yet having really nice feel (great for the arm/wrist)....I just find that for me, I can spank the ball a bit more with the GPS; others that can swing the Ai 98 faster than me may say the opposite. All nice sticks to me......GPS, Ai's, and the Pure Control Tour.....have fun finding out which one suits you.
 
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YesTennis

Semi-Pro
They both seem to be arm friendly, although I have not hit either one with any poly set up.....that's next up for me. In my opinion, I would string the GPS at 56 or higher (on a constant pull) if using a mono syn gut or multi. I am eventually going to try around 53 (cp) with a full poly set up. The Ai 98 swings a skosh heavier than the GPS; I find that I can get the GPS through contact a bit quicker. The Ai's (both 98 and 100) are very comfortable hits being being a bit more muted (not a bad thing) and yet having really nice feel (great for the arm/wrist)....I just find that for me, I can spank the ball a bit more with the GPS; others that can swing the Ai 98 faster than me may say the opposite. All nice sticks to me......GPS, Ai's, and the Pure Control Tour.....have fun finding out which one suits you.

Thanks John for your detailed response. Much appreciated.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
They both seem to be arm friendly, although I have not hit either one with any poly set up.....that's next up for me. In my opinion, I would string the GPS at 56 or higher (on a constant pull) if using a mono syn gut or multi. I am eventually going to try around 53 (cp) with a full poly set up. The Ai 98 swings a skosh heavier than the GPS; I find that I can get the GPS through contact a bit quicker. The Ai's (both 98 and 100) are very comfortable hits being being a bit more muted (not a bad thing) and yet having really nice feel (great for the arm/wrist)....I just find that for me, I can spank the ball a bit more with the GPS; others that can swing the Ai 98 faster than me may say the opposite. All nice sticks to me......GPS, Ai's, and the Pure Control Tour.....have fun finding out which one suits you.

I agree. Main difference is the GPS is quicker through the air. It's also about 1/2 oz. lighter in static weight, which makes a difference as well. Both have a similar "tight" 16x19 pattern so they both aren't overly spinny racquets. The GPS has a lower flex rating than the AI98, but the 98 feels flexier to me on contact.
 

jamesmajin

New User
I have had a chance to hit with all the new Graphene Radicals and Prestiges......I have not been drawn to any of them because they do feel harsher (to me) except for the Prestige S....this racquet does feel "crisp" but at the same time you can feel the moderate flex (62 RA). This stick is totally different from the past IG iteration: completely different drill pattern (no shared holes). I just hit with one strung with plain ole Head PPS strung at 55 lbs on a constant pull and it had terrific pop off the string bed....in fact I will have it re strung at 57 (cp) with Duraflex 16g to reign it in a bit. This stick may swing too light for some of you but a little lead could do it for you: mine weights 11.2 oz strung at 5 pts HL and hits a bigger ball for me than the Juice 100, and PD (on paper this shouldn't be but that's what I'm feel'n). I have been hitting with just about everything that comes out.....just recently both of the Yonex Ai's (nice sticks btw), Pure Control Tours (also very nice), Graphite 100 (latest...great feel). I did not care for the past iteration (IG Prestige S) as it felt too unsubstantial (lower swing weight perceived), This one may be with a test drive for you....it ain't the same as the last one. In played with the IG Prestige Pro for a few months and I feel this is more user friendly sibling with more pop. See what you think.

how did the graphene prestige s compare the the graphene radical mp..similar specs so im trying to decide between the two!
 

John Kawasaki

Professional
As I recall, the Graphene Prestige S felt a little more "substantial" compared to the Graphene Radical MP.....felt softer and less "hollow". But that's just my take. However, seems like a few pros have actually really switched to this (modded to their liking ??).
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
how did the graphene prestige s compare the the graphene radical mp..similar specs so im trying to decide between the two!

They are VERY similar. Biggest difference is that the Rad MP has a bit more power. The Pres S is very control oriented. The Pres is also a bit softer on impact.
 

jamesmajin

New User
They are VERY similar. Biggest difference is that the Rad MP has a bit more power. The Pres S is very control oriented. The Pres is also a bit softer on impact.

cheers. Both equally maneuverable then? and also with it being control orientated does this mean its difficult to get good depth of is it just low powered not too little power as such? thanks
 
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