Head Graphite Edge & TXE weights

MichaelChang

MichaelChang

Hall of Fame
Over the past few months I have acquired 1 matte Head Graphite Edge, 1 glossy Graphite Edge(with American flag on the side), and 1 TXE. I have put same synthetic grip on all 3 racket, with 1 overgrip.

I put them on my digital scale. Both Graphite Edge come out 12.2 oz strung. And the TXE come out 12.7 oz Strung.

Is there something wrong here? I have always heard (read on the forum), that the original Graphite Edge suppose to weight close to 13 oz strung, and the TXE is supposed to be a "easier, lighter" version of the Edge. Now it seems to be the reverse here based on what I have?? :confused: :)
 
I guess not many people knows about them. I hope some HEAD racket expert to take a look. where is vsbabolat/Duece/Retrowagan/tandayu/... ? :)
 
My last remaining Edge weighs in at 11.8 strung, no overgrip or dampener. I remember many posts also about them coming in close to 13 oz.

I have no experience with the TXE.
 
MichaelChang said:
I guess not many people knows about them. I hope some HEAD racket expert to take a look. where is vsbabolat/Duece/Retrowagan/tandayu/... ? :)
Click to expand...

I don't have my Graphite Edge with me at the moment... But I remember it being around 12.8oz. It is the version with the U.S. Flag on it.
 
Weighted them for you.

Graphite Edge: 375 grams
TXE: 327 grams

I weighted the TXE at 327, but the grommets are all broken, so lets say the grommets are about 10 grams. That'd make the TXE to be actually around 337 grams.

Both are strung.
 
I don't know how relevant it is, but I just checked a never strung Graphite Edge 2 - 320 grams (11.29 oz).

I believe that the Graphite Edge 2 is the same racquet as the Graphite Edge, except for a difference in the string pattern, a plastic bumper on the Edge 2, and the graphics.
 
Thanks every one!! So it seems the weight of the Edge is not quite consistent?

Shell: 11.8 strung (add 1 overgrip, it will be 12.1 strung)
Vsbabolat: about 12.8 strung
anirut: 13.2 strung (wow! my arm hurts... :) )
Duece: 11.3 unstrung (about 11.8 to 12.0 strung depends on the string, add 1 overgrip, will make it 12.0-12.3 strung).
Mine: 12.2 strung
tandayu:

what is going on with these old-school bad-boys? Its strung weight is like either 12.0 or 13.0. lol.

Also for TXE:
anirut: 11.9 strung
mine: 12.7 strung. lol.
 
Last edited:
Head graphite edge matte, grip 4 1/2M, new unstrung: 360 gram or 12.75 ounces

Head graphite edge matte, grip 4 1/2 L, unstrung: 354 gram, or 12.6 ounces

Head Graphite Edge TXE: grip 4 5/8L, new unstrung: 338 gram. or 11.75 ounces
 
Thank you very much tandayu. It seems your GEs when strung will go over 13oz, matches anirut. Your new GE comes with leather grip? I am not sure if it is difference in the grips, but I thought what I have (prince dura synthetic grip+1 overgrip) should weight similar to a leather grip. but yet there is close to 1 oz weight difference here. lol. man, what is going on with HEAD quality control at that time. :)

another thing I noticed is the glossy GE's handle seems very similar to a replaceable pallet. not sure when HEAD started to use pallets.
 
thanks vsbabolat.
Did HEAD release the glossy GE after TXE? I see the TXE handle is not using pallets, it is a 1 piece. However the glossy GE's handle seems just like a 2-piece pallets. Anyway, I am so confused why my GE is lighter than the TXE, lol.
 
MichaelChang said:
thanks vsbabolat.
Did HEAD release the glossy GE after TXE? I see the TXE handle is not using pallets, it is a 1 piece. However the glossy GE's handle seems just like a 2-piece pallets. Anyway, I am so confused why my GE is lighter than the TXE, lol.
Click to expand...

The glossy Graphite Edge came out after the matte ones. I am thinking 1984. The last version of the Glossy Graphite Edge had the collar design with the ski tip logo on it just like the Graphite Pro, Comp Pro, and Prestige Pro with the U.S. Flag on the side.
 
Yes the glossy one I have comes with a nice collar and a nice american flag on the side. Pretty nice looking I have to say.

On the side it says "... Engineered ... FIRM Flex...", then I checked a HEAD Comp Pro that also have an american flag but says "... Engineered ... Medium Flex...". Not sure if this means any difference in their flex.

Interestingly, the TXE has no such sayings on the side and no american flag. However the TXE does feel flexier than the GE.
 
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MichaelChang said:
Yes the glossy one I have comes with a nice collar and a nice american flag on the side. Pretty nice looking I have to say.

On the side it says "... Engineered ... FIRM Flex...", then I checked a HEAD Comp Pro that also have an american flag but says "... Engineered ... Medium Flex...". Not sure if this means any difference in their flex.

Interestingly, the TXE has no such sayings on the side and no american flag. However the TXE does feel flexier than the GE.
Click to expand...

They are two different series. The Pro Series and the Edge Series. The Comp racquets would be softer than racquet with Graphite in the name like Graphite Pro.
 
vsbabolat said:
They are two different series. The Pro Series and the Edge Series. The Comp racquets would be softer than racquet with Graphite in the name like Graphite Pro.
Click to expand...
Yes, because in the '80s, the word 'Comp' (or Composite) in a racquet's name usually meant a higher percentage of fibreglass than the frames with Graphite in the name.

... and the more fibreglass in a frame, generally, the more flexible the frame will be.
 
Indeed.

Back to the Graphite Edge and TXE: When it was introduced for 1984, the TXE was meant to be Head's stiffest frame in the "Edge" size, stiffer than the Graphite Edge. The same year saw the introduction of the Composite Edge, which was more flexible than the Graphite Edge, covering the other end of the flexibility spectrum. The Composite Egde's composition was something like 60% graphite/40% fiberglass (going by my sketchy memory) whilst the Graphite Edge was an 80%/20% comp (IIRC).

The TXE was set apart from the other two Edges by virtue of it being from a completely different mold, with a thinner beam, and by being the first Head racket with an external plastic bumper guard that was part of the grommet system (the Graphite and Composite Edge and Directors had a thin laminate of hard plastic under the paint where modern bumperguards would otherwise be found).

I'm sorry that I don't have an example of either of these to weigh for more data points, but I wouldn't be surprised if the TXE were a bit heavier. Being a new, waifishly thin structural design at the time, I'd imagine they used a bit more material (with less air space inside) to make sure it was strong, and it was meant to be the highest performance racket they made, so it needed to be stiff as well. It was not light, nor tailored for club players (although ironically, the only touring pro I can remember using thsis frame was Gretchen Rush). The Graphite Edge was a proven design by the time the TXE was introduced.
 
MichaelChang said:
Over the past few months I have acquired 1 matte Head Graphite Edge, 1 glossy Graphite Edge(with American flag on the side), and 1 TXE. I have put same synthetic grip on all 3 racket, with 1 overgrip.

I put them on my digital scale. Both Graphite Edge come out 12.2 oz strung. And the TXE come out 12.7 oz Strung.

Is there something wrong here? I have always heard (read on the forum), that the original Graphite Edge suppose to weight close to 13 oz strung, and the TXE is supposed to be a "easier, lighter" version of the Edge. Now it seems to be the reverse here based on what I have?? :confused: :)
Click to expand...

Yeah, sounds pretty light for the GE. I just picked one up (matte) at a yard sale in great condition and it's 12.8 oz. strung and 5 points HL. However, it's completely stock with the original leather grip.

What is the balance on the two you have? Is the grip size small on the GE?
 
TXP, TXD and TXE

vsbabolat said:
The glossy Graphite Edge came out after the matte ones. I am thinking 1984. The last version of the Glossy Graphite Edge had the collar design with the ski tip logo on it just like the Graphite Pro, Comp Pro, and Prestige Pro with the U.S. Flag on the side.
Click to expand...

retrowagen said:
Indeed.

Back to the Graphite Edge and TXE: When it was introduced for 1984, the TXE was meant to be Head's stiffest frame in the "Edge" size, stiffer than the Graphite Edge. The same year saw the introduction of the Composite Edge, which was more flexible than the Graphite Edge, covering the other end of the flexibility spectrum. The Composite Egde's composition was something like 60% graphite/40% fiberglass (going by my sketchy memory) whilst the Graphite Edge was an 80%/20% comp (IIRC).

The TXE was set apart from the other two Edges by virtue of it being from a completely different mold, with a thinner beam, and by being the first Head racket with an external plastic bumper guard that was part of the grommet system (the Graphite and Composite Edge and Directors had a thin laminate of hard plastic under the paint where modern bumperguards would otherwise be found).

I'm sorry that I don't have an example of either of these to weigh for more data points, but I wouldn't be surprised if the TXE were a bit heavier. Being a new, waifishly thin structural design at the time, I'd imagine they used a bit more material (with less air space inside) to make sure it was strong, and it was meant to be the highest performance racket they made, so it needed to be stiff as well. It was not light, nor tailored for club players (although ironically, the only touring pro I can remember using thsis frame was Gretchen Rush). The Graphite Edge was a proven design by the time the TXE was introduced.
Click to expand...

What did the 'TX' in the names of the 3 TX racquets signify?

I assume the 'P' was Prestige (TXP), 'D' was Director (TXD) and 'E' was Edge (TXE).
 
psp2 said:
"P" stood for Professional in the TXP frame.
Click to expand...

I thought so too... however, wasn't it the American version of the Prestige Pro? The early Graphite Professional didn't have Twaron in it like the TXP.
 
Thanks Retrowagan and Bud!

Bud: the GEs I got are L3 grip, do not have original grip, so I put on prince dura synthetic grips and tournagrip(overgrip). They weight at 6pt HL, at 12.1 to 12.2 oz. I actually think that is a pretty good weight for me, I will add another 0.2oz on top of the grip to make it 7 or 8pt HL and it will be all set for me to use.

"X" means "+"
"T" means "Twaron"
TXE = Twaron + Edge series.
TXP = Twaron + Pro series.

The TXE and TXP are not that frequently seen on the auction site. Especially the TXP. If you can lay your hands on one of those, you lucky.
 
I have a Head Club Pro, it is red with the American flag on it also. Does anyone have any idea what % graphite mixture it has? Thanks
 
MichaelChang said:
Thank you very much tandayu. It seems your GEs when strung will go over 13oz, matches anirut. Your new GE comes with leather grip? I am not sure if it is difference in the grips, but I thought what I have (prince dura synthetic grip+1 overgrip) should weight similar to a leather grip. but yet there is close to 1 oz weight difference here. lol. man, what is going on with HEAD quality control at that time. :)

another thing I noticed is the glossy GE's handle seems very similar to a replaceable pallet. not sure when HEAD started to use pallets.
Click to expand...

Yes, my new GE matte has the original leather grip. The leather grip in the 80s was thicker and heavier than the "HEad calfskin" on the latest batch of PC600

I do not have the unstrung GE glossy with original leather grip, but I found a new GE2 last night with original white leather grip, will weight it later and post pictures
 
okok.. i thought i would keep the secret to myself and prevent crazy price increases on these racquets around town... but i just tried the GE again yesterday and was very impressed....at first, i did not like it too much because it felt too much like a club but then i removed the leather and replaced it with just an overgrip... and the racquet turned from a club into sweet scalpel.. the weight decrease really helped with the manueverability and it is o so plush,.. i have some arm problems/pain... and tried using the Fischer VT98 (a very plush frame too) but still had twinges in my elbow... but then I tried the GE and it was noticeably more comfortable... i am sold.
 
Well, I guess by replacing the original head leather with a synthetic grip it reduced the weight by a large margin. Now the GE is slightly lighter than a PC600. It plays very solid, and with a unique 'thud' sound upon contact which you can not find in modern rackets.
 
MichaelChang said:
Well, I guess by replacing the original head leather with a synthetic grip it reduced the weight by a large margin. Now the GE is slightly lighter than a PC600. It plays very solid, and with a unique 'thud' sound upon contact which you can not find in modern rackets.
Click to expand...
not synthetic grip...

OVERGRIP

weight decreased by a good 20-25 grams
 
jorel said:
not synthetic grip...

OVERGRIP

weight decreased by a good 20-25 grams
Click to expand...

I was talking about my setup. I understand yours is 1 single overgrip, which probably made the racket less head-light. I am guessing a 3pt HL balance now with yours?
 
MichaelChang said:
Thanks Retrowagan and Bud!

Bud: the GEs I got are L3 grip, do not have original grip, so I put on prince dura synthetic grips and tournagrip(overgrip). They weight at 6pt HL, at 12.1 to 12.2 oz. I actually think that is a pretty good weight for me, I will add another 0.2oz on top of the grip to make it 7 or 8pt HL and it will be all set for me to use.

"X" means "+"
"T" means "Twaron"
TXE = Twaron + Edge series.
TXP = Twaron + Pro series.

The TXE and TXP are not that frequently seen on the auction site. Especially the TXP. If you can lay your hands on one of those, you lucky.
Click to expand...

Ah, OK... if true this makes sense... Isn't a Prestige Pro just a Graphite Professional with Twaron instead of Fiberglass? This would make the TXP identical to the Prestige as far as materials... then they just slapped on CAP grommets :)
 
Bud said:
Ah, OK... if true this makes sense... Isn't a Prestige Pro just a Graphite Professional with Twaron instead of Fiberglass? This would make the TXP identical to the Prestige as far as materials... then they just slapped on CAP grommets :)
Click to expand...

The Prestige Pro/TXP and Graphite Pro are two different molds.
 
Hi Bud, I think vsbabolat is right. While HEAD releases the Prestige Pro in europe, they released the same racket in america as TXP, same racket, with different paint job. So my statement of TXP=Twaron+Pro need to be corrected. And it was said that TXP is the first HEAD rackets that comes with CAP grommets.
 
IMG_0021.jpg

IMG_0022.jpg

IMG_0024.jpg

IMG_0028.jpg
 
Thanks vsbabolat!! Haven't seen a picture of TXP that clear.
It is clear that for the part between handle and the "U", Graphite Pro is bigger than the Prestige molds.
 
MichaelChang said:
Thanks vsbabolat!! Haven't seen a picture of TXP that clear.
It is clear that for the part between handle and the "U", Graphite Pro is bigger than the Prestige molds.
Click to expand...

Also the throat bridge is wider on the Graphite Pro. Overall the Graphite Pro is a chunkier frame where the Prestige Pro/TXP/Prestige Classic is more streamline in comparison all though beam width is the same.
 
Last edited:
Still a bit confused

Bud said:
Ah, OK... if true this makes sense... Isn't a Prestige Pro just a Graphite Professional with Twaron instead of Fiberglass? This would make the TXP identical to the Prestige as far as materials... then they just slapped on CAP grommets :)
Click to expand...

vsbabolat said:
The Prestige Pro/TXP and Graphite Pro are two different molds.
Click to expand...

MichaelChang said:
Hi Bud, I think vsbabolat is right. While HEAD releases the Prestige Pro in europe, they released the same racket in america as TXP, same racket, with different paint job. So my statement of TXP=Twaron+Pro need to be corrected. And it was said that TXP is the first HEAD rackets that comes with CAP grommets.
Click to expand...

So... since the TXP is called the TXP Pro (labeled on the racquet)... does the TXP stand for Twaron + Prestige (and then Pro)... i.e. Prestige Pro? :confused:
 
Bud said:
So... since the TXP is called the TXP Pro (labeled on the racquet)... does the TXP stand for Twaron + Prestige (and then Pro)... i.e. Prestige Pro? :confused:
Click to expand...

On The TXP is written TX Professional. In the second half of 1986 HEAD released the TXP in the U.S. At the same time HEAD released the original brown Made in Austria Prestige Pro in Europe. The TXP was the U.S. Prestige Pro. At the end of 1987 HEAD changed the name and cosmetic of the TXP in the U.S. to the Prestige Pro.
IMG_0022.jpg

The white one is the TXP and the red and brown is the Prestige Pro. Both racquets are the same mold and layup. The only difference is the name on the racquets and the colors.
 
vsbabolat said:
On The TXP is written TX Professional. In the second half of 1986 HEAD released the TXP in the U.S. At the same time HEAD released the original brown Made in Austria Prestige Pro in Europe. The TXP was the U.S. Prestige Pro. At the end of 1987 HEAD changed the name and cosmetic of the TXP in the U.S. to the Prestige Pro.
IMG_0022.jpg

The white one is the TXP and the red and brown is the Prestige Pro. Both racquets are the same mold and layup. The only difference is the name on the racquets and the colors.
Click to expand...

It looks to me like it states TXP Pro directly on the frame... as if the 'P' in TXP stands for something other than 'Professional'. If it meant Twaron + Prestige Professional... that would make more sense... seeing how the Prestige Pro was released at the same time using the same mold and layup.

Is it written somewhere else as 'TX Professional' (on the original cover, perhaps)?

The naming scheme wouldn't follow the same rules as the TXD and TXE if it is in fact the TX Professional rather than the TXP Professional.
 
I just located a pic where it's clearly stated on the side of the throat - TX Professional.

So, I guess the naming convention was just a bit inconsistent :-o

Oh... and the cover just states 'TX Series'.
 
Yeah I think at this point it seems the TXP naming didn't quite follow the TXE and TXD. Anyway the TXP is so rare that I didn't even remember when was the last time I ever see one on the auction site. Probably it wasn't sold very well in the US back in the 80s? Ah, I got it, after 1 year HEAD released the same brown-red paint job PrestigePro so the TXP discontinued.
 
Bud said:
It looks to me like it states TXP Pro directly on the frame... as if the 'P' in TXP stands for something other than 'Professional'. If it meant Twaron + Prestige Professional... that would make more sense... seeing how the Prestige Pro was released at the same time using the same mold and layup.

Is it written somewhere else as 'TX Professional' (on the original cover, perhaps)?

The naming scheme wouldn't follow the same rules as the TXD and TXE if it is in fact the TX Professional rather than the TXP Professional.
Click to expand...

TX Professional is written on the side of the throat.
 
The cap on TXP seems to be made of different material and finish in comparison with the brown cap...maybe because the color is black
 
tandayu said:
The cap on TXP seems to be made of different material and finish in comparison with the brown cap...maybe because the color is black
Click to expand...
CAPs have gone through several variations through the years - different colours, different density (and weights), different hardness, different durability...
 
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