Shocked, either got lucky or QC improved. Let us know how it plays!
Head Prestige 2023
- Thread starter aus89
- Start date
Care to elaborate?
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
Put the videos up while elaborating. Would be good to see what’s holding you back
Ryanblessed
Semi-Pro
curtstead
Professional
naturalexponent
Legend
Is it average or is the worst? Pick a lane
After playing testing both rackets for about 1 week . It is Average
J-Wildcard
Semi-Pro
How did you rate the previous gen auxetic prestige pro and 360+ mp for reference on things with those sticks.
You don't recognize a Wilsonbro post yet? He says everything is terrible.
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
I love the Prestige Pro and feel very connect to the ball and my shots are all very consistent.
I agree, it is quite an improvement feel-wise over the previous model which was also a good racquet but occasionally played too firm despite its RA rating. I also served much better with the 360+ Prestige MP compared to the Auxetic 1.0 PP, but with the new PP serving is a dream, I think the super soft and plush feel of the frame encourages you to belt it.
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
Hence, i asked him to post the video. Prestige is not for everyone, although those rating it as “average” are usually the “average 4.5” on TW!
Aestheticsaboveallelse
Legend
I'm just your average 9.0 ntrp dawg
J-Wildcard
Semi-Pro
Sounds a nice update in that regard then. I am guessing power and generally playability is very similar to the previous two generations you mention? I tried a MP-L frame throughout the week though unfortunately in the UK the courts are currently flooded, indoor courts too so no more play this weekend. I found the MP-L played ok, I wasn't blown away by the feel infact it felt a bit similar to the graphene touch prestige mid I used a few times which was supposed to be very similar to the prestige mid 360+
I am wondering whether to try and put a little weight on my 360+ mp, the swingweight is pretty much where I want it but maybe looking for a touch more power. It's a very easy racket to use though and I don't think i would want this 20mm Beam size with 98 head and layup in a 16/19 pattern having hit with the MP-L I think I definitely prefer the 18/20 all day long. Just tempted to try an auxetic pro as hearing it offers a bit more putaway power but no doubt at the expense of a touch of comfort compared to the 360+ MP
360+ Mid has loads of spin so I'd imagine the slightly bigger head and slightly more open 16x19 of the Tour would be fine.
Tour (for the previous iteration). The launch angle on Tour has a very good range. Penetrating and low on attack/closed stance but high launch in open stance.
I don't really know what forgiveness means, but the tour has a large power range. Can be very low powered and very high but handles off center shots well.
I found the Auxetic 1.0 MP-L too firm for me. It is very low powered in stock form but still has good control. The 2.0 MP-L may be a better option given it is significantly softer. I think on this thread someone asked about the 1.0 MP-L v the Gravity MP. I think the new Auxetic GMP is a great racquet and a big improvement on the original GMP - in fact I have two and use them a lot.
On the 360+ Prestige MP I always put 1g at 3, 9 and 12 and I found it made the racquet smoother and gave it a touch more power. I have not played enough yet with the 2.0 PP to know enough about its full potential, but in my opinion in terms of plush feel and comfort it is a significant improvement over the 360+ and Auxetic 1.0 versions.
RacquetCraft
Rookie
I have played with the 1.0 MP-L since 2021 (modified to my personal specifications of 327-307-31) and think this mold and layup is an amazing frame and well suited to any club player player (including those playing senior ITF’s). In other words, all players from 3.5 to to 5.0 rating should be able to generate great shots and power playing with this amazing frame.
That said, if you are a current or former academy, college or pro player, your personal preference may skew your opinion and reaction to a frame like the MP-L
Cheers
Racquetcraft
I agree with you that the MP-L 2021 is a good frame and has typical Prestige-like control which I liked a lot. I have an elbow joint issue so any racquet with around an RA of 65 is typically too much for me, so that is where my reservations about the frame are based, and while the frame was comfortable I did not find it plush and soft say like the new PP. The MP-L 2023 model has been reported to play much softer and that is consistent with its much lower RA so that might be a frame more consistent with my preferences.
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
Hey bud, try 2.0. Definitely plusher layup, keeping the rest the same. A perfect tweak to an (already) excellent racket!
RF_PRO_STAFF
Hall of Fame
I agree, I think I'm switching to it.
mattimag
Rookie
finally received my 16x19 Pro 2023. It looks gorgeous 
I am so tempted to play it today at a tournament
I am so tempted to play it today at a tournament
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
finally received my 16x19 Pro 2023. It looks gorgeous
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dr325i
G.O.A.T.
Make sure you stock up on the grommets (if available) as I can see those will be a headache later with a limited release.finally received my 16x19 Pro 2023. It looks gorgeous
Beautiful stick. However, I feel like 18x20 gives us a perfect launch angle, good power and spin. I am curious to hear about 16x19 but fee like it would be too erratic for me
jklos
Professional
Damn... So wish I could get that in Canada... Or the US.finally received my 16x19 Pro 2023. It looks gorgeous
Falsehoods!finally received my 16x19 Pro 2023. It looks gorgeous
A known Head insider said this doesn't exist, will never exist, isn't real, we are all morons, we can't read, the websites were lying, and generally we should all take a flying leap.....
How do you explain such sorcery and dark arts that allowed you these pictures?
mattimag
Rookie
Falsehoods!
A known Head insider said this doesn't exist, will never exist, isn't real, we are all morons, we can't read, the websites were lying, and generally we should all take a flying leap.....
How do you explain such sorcery and dark arts that allowed you these pictures?
no, no, he corrected himself and he got confirmation about the existence of this racket too. mistery solved
mattimag
Rookie
oldmanyellingatcloud
Semi-Pro
beautiful frame. can't wait to hear how it plays given how in-demand its pro stock counterpart is. TGT345.2finally received my 16x19 Pro 2023. It looks gorgeous
Mr. Head if you're listening, I've seen what you've done for other people. please release a retail classic feeling 18x20 Radical
Never saw that, ok.no, no, he corrected himself and he got confirmation about the existence of this racket too. mistery solved
Which retailer did you end up getting it from (maybe PM, if you don't mind)
We will be keen to hear how it plays please!finally received my 16x19 Pro 2023. It looks gorgeous
mattimag
Rookie
I was finally able to hit with my 16x19 Pro!
A little background: I play at high level and I have been playing with various iterations of Prestige (including pt57a and other Pro stock frames) for about 20 years. The most recent Prestiges I used are the TGT 293.1 pro stock and the Graphene 360+ Prestige MP (retail).
In the last year I tested different frames including the Vcore 95, the Blade Pro 16x19 and 18x20 and lately the Gravity Pro 2023 (which I really liked and I have been using in the latest weeks and tournaments).
I am addicted to control oriented frames, I can't really play with other types of rackets
I tested this 16x19 in 2 training session. first time I used it with Luxilon Eco Rough (new string which I had never tried before), the second time with Head Hawk touch.
The cosmetics of the racket are really good even if I would have preferred the racket to me a bit more red and the red to be a little less dark.
When playing, I could immediately feel at home.
Trademark precision and control, from the baseline I was able to be very consistent and hit (and counter) really heavy balls without missing many.
The impact was solid, no vibrations.
I loved the low stiffness of the racket. Very similar to the Pt57a.
OHBH was great and I slightly preferred it compared to the Gravity Pro.
Same for serve (which is my main problem while using the Gravity Pro).
Volleys were good but not better then the Gravity Pro (which, I don't know why, I really LOVE at net)
I played two consecutive days with it and I didn't feel any sore with the shoulder (which is the reason I had to quit using heavier frames like the Pt57a I used when I was younger).
Overall I am very pleased with this racket and I will be using it in the next few days to test it more and probably switch to it.
EDIT
The specs of my Prestige Pro 16x19 (with Eco rough strings, no overgrip and no dampener) are:
-weight 331g
-balance 31.9
-swingweight 321
A little background: I play at high level and I have been playing with various iterations of Prestige (including pt57a and other Pro stock frames) for about 20 years. The most recent Prestiges I used are the TGT 293.1 pro stock and the Graphene 360+ Prestige MP (retail).
In the last year I tested different frames including the Vcore 95, the Blade Pro 16x19 and 18x20 and lately the Gravity Pro 2023 (which I really liked and I have been using in the latest weeks and tournaments).
I am addicted to control oriented frames, I can't really play with other types of rackets
I tested this 16x19 in 2 training session. first time I used it with Luxilon Eco Rough (new string which I had never tried before), the second time with Head Hawk touch.
The cosmetics of the racket are really good even if I would have preferred the racket to me a bit more red and the red to be a little less dark.
When playing, I could immediately feel at home.
Trademark precision and control, from the baseline I was able to be very consistent and hit (and counter) really heavy balls without missing many.
The impact was solid, no vibrations.
I loved the low stiffness of the racket. Very similar to the Pt57a.
OHBH was great and I slightly preferred it compared to the Gravity Pro.
Same for serve (which is my main problem while using the Gravity Pro).
Volleys were good but not better then the Gravity Pro (which, I don't know why, I really LOVE at net)
I played two consecutive days with it and I didn't feel any sore with the shoulder (which is the reason I had to quit using heavier frames like the Pt57a I used when I was younger).
Overall I am very pleased with this racket and I will be using it in the next few days to test it more and probably switch to it.
EDIT
The specs of my Prestige Pro 16x19 (with Eco rough strings, no overgrip and no dampener) are:
-weight 331g
-balance 31.9
-swingweight 321
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Break To Win
Semi-Pro
If a Prestige Pro 16 x 19 version exists, why is the Tour still being offered?
In fact, why did this mold, which was Prestige IG S, replace the old Prestige IG Pro?
In fact, why did this mold, which was Prestige IG S, replace the old Prestige IG Pro?
Tour is 95, Pro is 98
Break To Win
Semi-Pro
Yes, that's it, however, I just don't see any point in offering a racket with a 22 mm beam.
It would be better if they offered the Prestige IG Pro mold with the 21 mm beam
RF_PRO_STAFF
Hall of Fame
I ordered 6 Prestige MP-L frames to pick out 4. Specs including plastic wrapper:
I will be replacing the base grip on all with Head Ultimate (usually +1g or +2g) and I will be aiming for unstrung specs around 312g | 30.9 cm | 290 SW for now.
Which 4 frames would you choose?
| #1 | 300.43g | 31.15 cm | 278.5 SW |
| #2 | 302.16g | 31.20 cm | 281.5 SW |
| #3 | 303.67g | 31.45 cm | 276.0 SW |
| #4 | 304.60g | 31.50 cm | 278.5 SW |
| #5 | 301.38g | 31.40 cm | 277.5 SW |
| #6 | 306.52g | 31.60 cm | 282.5 SW |
I will be replacing the base grip on all with Head Ultimate (usually +1g or +2g) and I will be aiming for unstrung specs around 312g | 30.9 cm | 290 SW for now.
Which 4 frames would you choose?
mattimag
Rookie
the 16x19 Pro is 20mm wide, 98" head size, 320g and 31cm unstrung balance. like the 18x20 Pro. Very different from the Tour
Break To Win
Semi-Pro
Yes it is true. So I think it makes more sense to offer the Tour version, relaunching the old Head IG Prestige mold, which was a 95 head size and string pattern 16 x 19, 21 mm beam wide
Break To Win
Semi-Pro
What I want to say is that to this day I still don't understand why Head no longer sells the old mold that was the Prestige IG Pro (95 16 x 19), 21 mm beam. In the Graphene era, Head used the mold that was the Prestige IG S in Prestige Pro, which today is the Tour version (95 16 x 19, 22 mm beam). I didn't see any sense in that.
Eravauttennis
New User
Originally it was to distinguish the Pro from the MP and make them different styles of frames, they kept with the mold through the generations and now here we are.
The tour (old S mold) is more accessible than the IG pro mold imo. Easier power, more stable out of the box etc.
The high specs of the last 2 generations kinda took that away though.
The IG pro mold is also very similar to the current pro mold.
The 16x19 feels more like an 16x18 imo, the crosses are more spaced out besides the weird top cross.
To compare, the top cross of the Prestige tour is on the same height as the 18th cross of the Prestige Pro.
As the mains are tight enough in the center, control is still decent imo with thicker strings it plays well.
oldmanyellingatcloud
Semi-Pro
Head made it a point to distinguish the IG Prestige S from the IG Prestige Pro mold. this is evinced by the internal codes they used: TK291 and TK293. the similarities are that they're true 95" and 16x19 string pattern frames, but I'm sure if they were put side by side and nits were picked we would find their differences. the IG Prestige S is a far cry from today's Tour in terms of layup though. I think the IG Prestige S code was TGK291.2 whereas we are --- or were --- on TGK291.7 with the Prestige Tour.
the original IG Prestige S was accessible while still feeling like a Prestige. in introducing the TK334 Head made Prestige accessible with a 99" headsize and 18x19 string pattern.
folks have remarked today's Prestige Tour plays a lot like a 6.1 95. it's easy to feel like up is down when even Radicals are said to feel like Blades when Blades were designed to compete with Radicals in the first place.
I would be curious about Head's decision to make a brand new racquet for Lorenzo Musetti who used the IG Prestige S. he famously uses an Extreme Tour painted as a Boom. given his age and exciting game he would have been an awesome face for the present and future of the Prestige silo
the original IG Prestige S was accessible while still feeling like a Prestige. in introducing the TK334 Head made Prestige accessible with a 99" headsize and 18x19 string pattern.
folks have remarked today's Prestige Tour plays a lot like a 6.1 95. it's easy to feel like up is down when even Radicals are said to feel like Blades when Blades were designed to compete with Radicals in the first place.
I would be curious about Head's decision to make a brand new racquet for Lorenzo Musetti who used the IG Prestige S. he famously uses an Extreme Tour painted as a Boom. given his age and exciting game he would have been an awesome face for the present and future of the Prestige silo
Break To Win
Semi-Pro
oldmanyellingatcloud
Semi-Pro
that ship has sailed I think.
I'm curious too. I wonder how IG Prestige S and Extreme Tour are, but there are massive differences across the board in measurable qualities at least. I've unfortunately settled into my classic 95" 18x20 Radicals so haven't had a chance to try any Extreme in a while.
I'm curious too. I wonder how IG Prestige S and Extreme Tour are, but there are massive differences across the board in measurable qualities at least. I've unfortunately settled into my classic 95" 18x20 Radicals so haven't had a chance to try any Extreme in a while.
