Head Pro Tour 2.0 - Ask Us All Your Questions! (podcast now here!)

uk_skippy

Hall of Fame
Sorry for the double post. I've seen some flush and with a gap also. Is it possible that the gap will decrease and compress after some usage over time?

In theory, it could. But I can't see it compacting so much as to close that gap in a reasonable time otherwise the pallet material would be too soft.

And then again it's something that someone shouldn't have to factor into from a brand new racquet.
 

Zoolander

Hall of Fame
At least the problem surely wont lie with the hairpin, but must be the tape or pallets? Which should mean an easy fix, you would hope.

Head have offered this racquet at a much cheaper price point.... maybe they had monkeys fitting your pallets to save costs.
 

uk_skippy

Hall of Fame
At least the problem surely wont lie with the hairpin, but must be the tape or pallets? Which should mean an easy fix, you would hope.

Head have offered this racquet at a much cheaper price point.... maybe they had monkeys fitting your pallets to save costs.

Agreed that its more likely to be a pallet thing, or maybe is double stuffed tape since the gap is constant along the handle. It could be an easy fix; just simply remove the pallet and see what is revealed. But as I've said, it's not done to me to address this issue, certainly without hearing from TWE 1st.

Price point clearly affects quality of product no matter what product we talk about; but fitting the pallet to the hairpin should be an issue as long as all parts ahve been made correctly
 
It is already on the heavy side. Since I gave up on Head frames years ago, I really hoped that when this came out that it will be a "good" and more forgiving replacement to the Prestige Mid! It is not. I did change the grip to a heavy leather (Volkl) to make it a bit more headlight but that did not work. I will not waste time & effort since the TC 97 (320g/315mm) works well. It is not as soft as the PT 2.0 but I have been playing with it since it came out and had no arm issues with it at all (always Gut mains/Poly cross). I may try the new Prestige Mid though.

It appears that you know how great a classic HEAD can feel like, and you haven't given up yet since you are still willing to give a new HEAD a try.

It is THE Pro Tour 2.0 and that is something to aspire to, it being on the heavy side. To compensate, HEAD has increased the stiffness slightly to make it more accessible and modernize the frame for today's game while being true to the classic feel at a lower price.

I tink you should explore the mid and also look to the new radicals because HEAD is back on track and following the right path now, true to their roots. The real HEAD player will really get what they give.
 

esm

Legend
Agreed that its more likely to be a pallet thing, or maybe is double stuffed tape since the gap is constant along the handle. It could be an easy fix; just simply remove the pallet and see what is revealed. But as I've said, it's not done to me to address this issue, certainly without hearing from TWE 1st.

Price point clearly affects quality of product no matter what product we talk about; but fitting the pallet to the hairpin should be an issue as long as all parts ahve been made correctly

just thinking out loud - what would be the weight of the 2mm gap across both side of the pallets vs. completed closed up pallets? Was Head trying to get closer to their QC tolerance with this? Would they go into this level? Maybe they have 'different" pallets for this purpose? (genuine questions)
 

Adam Dixon

New User
Review: Leather Grip, Tourna Overgrip, Luxilon 4G rough (m)/ Wilson Sensation (c). Static weight 354grams

Having played with the racquet for over 10 hours, here is my feedback.

I think first and foremost a leather grip is essential. This stick has reminded me that I will never not use a leather grip again.
Its a difficult frame to use for sure. Coming in off 8 weeks of lockdown where i'm unfit and a little overweight meant I was struggling to get the benefitss of this frame. Being fit, strong and technically sound is essential.
Nice stability and spin potential was fine. Low trajectory of the string bed but you get used to it and accommodate for it. This racquet is a good shoulder workout.
A full stroke is required otherwise you're shot will put your opponent on the offense. When i'm playing with confidence this stick is great, when I'm a bit tense or tight, I struggle a bit.

Not for everyone but when you're playing well - its a sweet sweet stick. Makes a lovely sweet pop sound of the sweetspot!
 

Tommy Haas

Hall of Fame
In theory, it could. But I can't see it compacting so much as to close that gap in a reasonable time otherwise the pallet material would be too soft.

And then again it's something that someone shouldn't have to factor into from a brand new racquet.

I doubt any "subsidence" would occur on a hard foam grip.
 

Cup8489

G.O.A.T.
I had to try the Guga setup first.
ALU Power 125 at 48 lbs.

Pay no attention to the Banana bread paraphernalia in the background.

99013573_10163692861785595_6640592684606029824_o.jpg
 

moon shot

Hall of Fame
I had to try the Guga setup first.
ALU Power 125 at 48 lbs.

Pay no attention to the Banana bread paraphernalia in the background.

99013573_10163692861785595_6640592684606029824_o.jpg
Looks great, not sure if you meant tension too but if I remember right Guga strung 55/59 with the crosses higher. Dunno if he changed over time.

I think he used a molded foam grip instead of pallets, no base grip, and two layers of tourna.
 

Tommy Haas

Hall of Fame
Guga and Baghdatis remind me of each other. They enjoyed playing so much that they couldn't stop smiling on court. Anyone smiling with delight playing with the 2.0?
 

TennisHound

Legend
I guess the real question is, Which is better, 360+Prestige MP or PT 2.0? (I’m sure this has already been debated at length in another thread)
 
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stephenclown

Professional
I guess the real question is, Which is better, 360+Prestige MP or PT 2.0? (I’m sure this has already been debated at length in another thread)

I guess even if they truly are very similar than the PT2.0 wins for me based on looks. I haven't hit with the 360+ but I've just ordered a 3rd 2.0. Extremely solid frame with excellent feel. From reading @vsbabolat opinions it may come down to which mold you prefer in the end. The 2.0 has the perfect flex and I love playing with smaller heads so it has everything ticked for me.

The second major selling point is that retail 360+ in Australia is $399. The $250 for the PT is just a great buy.
 

esm

Legend
@TW Staff did I miss a second round of grommets? Any chance of selling more of these?
Looks like the TWE 2nd batch is in stock and ready to be shipped... mine should be delivered next week.
Looks like the PT2.0 smaller grip sizes are back ordered too.... wondering how much longer it will be on sale/available.
 
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stephenclown

Professional
Looks like the TWE 2nd batch is in stock and ready to be shipped... mine should be delivered next week.
Looks like the PT2.0 smaller grip sizes are back ordered too.... wondering how much longer it will be on sale/available.

Yeah I purchased one more from TWE but looking for grommets, TK238 to be precise as I want backups of the exact same type.

On another note I never realised how average head lynx is, lacking solidity, weird ping, less than average feel. Glad I never bothered grabbing sets, HEAD strings come with an unreasonable markup. Maybe hawk is better but it's in the same price bracket as Luxilon.

@Howard H any idea why HEAD put a tier 2 string in these when the actual cost of the string is negligible to the company? Surely it's worth trying to get customers hooked on the good stuff rather than this string that retails twice as high as strings 4x as good.
 

esm

Legend
Yeah I purchased one more from TWE but looking for grommets, TK238 to be precise as I want backups of the exact same type.

On another note I never realised how average head lynx is, lacking solidity, weird ping, less than average feel. Glad I never bothered grabbing sets, HEAD strings come with an unreasonable markup. Maybe hawk is better but it's in the same price bracket as Luxilon.

@Howard H any idea why HEAD put a tier 2 string in these when the actual cost of the string is negligible to the company? Surely it's worth trying to get customers hooked on the good stuff rather than this string that retails twice as high as strings 4x as good.
the one from TWE listed for the PT2.0 is TK293 black.
if i recalled correctly, at the beginning, there were two choices for the PT2.0... and now is only the TK293.
re: string - maybe they should sell the PT2.0 unstrung instead. to save some costs for Head and the customers.... imo
 

stephenclown

Professional
the one from TWE listed for the PT2.0 is TK293 black.
if i recalled correctly, at the beginning, there were two choices for the PT2.0... and now is only the TK293.
re: string - maybe they should sell the PT2.0 unstrung instead. to save some costs for Head and the customers.... imo

Yeah I thought it was.. damn.

I am kind of lucky it is strung though as my string delivery from the UK is delayed. Seeing as labour in China is so cheap and strings are inexpensive to manufacture I expected a better string. I am yet to try hawk touch but it looks like an interesting string. A softer less spinny Alu Power with good feel sounds similar to signum pro firestorm.
 

Cup8489

G.O.A.T.
Looks great, not sure if you meant tension too but if I remember right Guga strung 55/59 with the crosses higher. Dunno if he changed over time.

I think he used a molded foam grip instead of pallets, no base grip, and two layers of tourna.

I definitely thought about it, but I am coming from the Head Youtek Speed 16x19 that I strung with a hybrid so I didn't think it would benefit me to go beyond 50 lbs on the tension. Plus I have heard ALU Power is sweet in this frame in the 40s so I thought I'd experiment.
 

PT630Wannabe

Professional
They may have come prestrung because of the pandemic? If you don’t have access to a stringer, how can you go hit against the wall?
 

moon shot

Hall of Fame
my favorite thing about the caps on these is the tiny cutouts to aid stringing. I have a gamma drop weight with six point mounting system and I regularly have to get eye level with the grommets to thread some of the tougher areas.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
It is already on the heavy side. Since I gave up on Head frames years ago, I really hoped that when this came out that it will be a "good" and more forgiving replacement to the Prestige Mid! It is not. I did change the grip to a heavy leather (Volkl) to make it a bit more headlight but that did not work. I will not waste time & effort since the TC 97 (320g/315mm) works well. It is not as soft as the PT 2.0 but I have been playing with it since it came out and had no arm issues with it at all (always Gut mains/Poly cross). I may try the new Prestige Mid though.

If you want a more forgiving Prestige Mid, definitely try this new one. It’s a beast and much easier to use.
 

kevo82

Rookie
How much do you like the Radical MP Bumblebees (aka original PT57a)? I have one in decent condition and feel that it plays too stiff for my taste; have it on a leather grip and CAP grommets, but used it only a few times. I also have a couple of IG Prestige Mids, and IMO they play much softer with better feedback than the Bumblebees even though the headsize is significantly smaller.

I also think it’s stiffer than my PT57E iPrestiges, but also has more power.

IG Mid is the last decent mid Prestige. @vsbabolat would confirm that (I remember he made a stock), but I doubt they are softer than the Bumblebee.

If you strung the Bumblebee lower with a poly, it will have a lot of power with decent ball pocketing.

I’ll soon try with Solinco Tour Bite Diamond Rough, and Luxilon BBO
 

kevo82

Rookie
So anyone switch out to TK82S pallets yet? Switching out to a leather grip and wondering if i should just restring before i even try it.

I can play with Head racquets ONLY after I put TK82S pallets.

The rectangular TK82 makes it impossible to spin the ball.
 

stephenclown

Professional
I can play with Head racquets ONLY after I put TK82S pallets.

The rectangular TK82 makes it impossible to spin the ball.

For you I guess, Thiem has his Pure Strike with TK82 shaped pallets and he seems to spin the ball pretty well. I haven't used the TK82 before but I particularly enjoy the shape for my one handed backhand and spin on both wings. Kind of surprised given it's reputation on this board.
 

kevo82

Rookie
For you I guess, Thiem has his Pure Strike with TK82 shaped pallets and he seems to spin the ball pretty well. I haven't used the TK82 before but I particularly enjoy the shape for my one handed backhand and spin on both wings. Kind of surprised given it's reputation on this board.

I can spin the ball too with a more rectangular grip shape, but I feel the ball a lot better with the rounder pallets.
 
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McGradey

Hall of Fame
Also hitting my nastiest 1st serves in a long time with the 2.0. As predicted, the only shot that’s causing ongoing issues is the second serve. And that’s only when I get tight or sloppy with my technique.
 
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kevo82

Rookie
How would you compare the pro tour 2.0 to the youtek Prestige mp? The old youtek Prestige mp version with black grommets.
I had the Youtek Pro, which is 16x19, so more open pattern, and what I can tell you is that’s a stiff racquet.

I remember comparing it with PT57E iPrestige, and the sweet spot was so tiny and the racquet so stiff and even if iPrestige has a denser string pattern, had a lot more power and especially more ball pocketing, while the Youtek was acting like a modern stiff racquet.
Review: Leather Grip, Tourna Overgrip, Luxilon 4G rough (m)/ Wilson Sensation (c). Static weight 354grams

Having played with the racquet for over 10 hours, here is my feedback.

I think first and foremost a leather grip is essential. This stick has reminded me that I will never not use a leather grip again.
Its a difficult frame to use for sure. Coming in off 8 weeks of lockdown where i'm unfit and a little overweight meant I was struggling to get the benefitss of this frame. Being fit, strong and technically sound is essential.
Nice stability and spin potential was fine. Low trajectory of the string bed but you get used to it and accommodate for it. This racquet is a good shoulder workout.
A full stroke is required otherwise you're shot will put your opponent on the offense. When i'm playing with confidence this stick is great, when I'm a bit tense or tight, I struggle a bit.

Not for everyone but when you're playing well - its a sweet sweet stick. Makes a lovely sweet pop sound of the sweetspot!

I understand that a leather grip should increase the feel, but everytime I played with a leather grip, was awful.
The handle was SO rough and firm that I was feeling every shot in my wrist and not in a good way.

Why would you add a lot more weight to a racquet that already is on the heavy side, and also has plenty of SW already?
 

vonkresse

New User
The flex on the old youtek Prestige mp is 63. Just curious, I am a 4.5-5.0 who plays aggressive and charges the net, redirects pace well. Would the pro tour 2.0 be an upgrade from the old youtek Prestige mp? My current strings are biphase 18 with luxilon alu 18 strung at 48 lbs.
 
Bit demanding, but really really solid racquet! Glad, I got two of these closely matched bad boys from Tennis Warehouse. I see people complaining about stiffness. But, for me, that's the best part about it.

Over time, following this forum, especially @vsbabolat, I have collected many classic Austria made Head Racquets. All these sticks are very nice, but PT2.0 takes the cake for me. Hits better than all these racquets. Hits closer to i.Prestige MP, but in a lighter, more manageable weight.

Silver/Green Prestige Classic 600 Mid
TXP Professional
Head Edge
Trisys 660
IG Prestige Mid
LM Prestige MP
FXP Prestige MP
i.Prestige MP
FXP Radical Tour
LM Radical
Ti Radical
Bumblebee Radical

Guys do yourself a favor. Get one (preferably two, closely matched for $10 extra) before TW runs out of these sticks. They are not crazy expensive like Ultra Tours ($250) when they came out.
 
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McGradey

Hall of Fame
The flex on the old youtek Prestige mp is 63. Just curious, I am a 4.5-5.0 who plays aggressive and charges the net, redirects pace well. Would the pro tour 2.0 be an upgrade from the old youtek Prestige mp? My current strings are biphase 18 with luxilon alu 18 strung at 48 lbs.

I haven't used the YT Prestige, but by the sounds of your post, you will absolutely love the PT2.0
It dismisses incoming pace with ease, and it's solid as a rock at net. And it's a weapon on serve.
 
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