Head Pro Tour 280/630 versus Head I Prestige mp.
- Thread starter djones
- Start date
kreative
Hall of Fame
the i.prestige mp was much more muted than the pt630/280, and stiffer/crisper. they didn't have that flex that is so highly praised of the pt's. pt's are awesome for baseline, just felt a little sluggish on serves and at the net. i.prestige mp felt slightly more manueverable in these respects.
Pro_Tour_630
Legend
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/playtests/MCHAHO01.html
read the bottom section and read below:
Specs:
1- iprestige MidPlus 3/8 gamma high tech strung with Hammertech 18g at 55lbs with Wilson dampener weighed in at 349 grams and balanced at 32.5cmm.
2- LiquidMetal Prestige Midplus with exact set up weighed in at 339 grams and balanced at 31.5cmm.
3- Pro Tour 630 with exact set up weighed in at 345 grams and balanced at 32cm.
Note:
I did not include the Head Pro Tour 280 in this review because I did not have one around and more important, it would have weighed in more than 350 grams and balanced at 33cm+ without CAPS. I will not go into detail in every category but will highlight significant characteristics of all three after few hours of playtime. I will update the review after playing few full sets with the LM prestige MidPlus along with other types of strings.
TW states 63 RDC for the flex on both the LM Prestige Midplus and iprestige Midplus. The LM prestige MidPlus is more flexible than the iprestige MidPlus, even though both have intellifibers The iprestige MidPlus has a crisp clean response while the LM Prestige has a bit mushier feel. Giving the LM prestige Midplus a 63 might be on the high side IMO. It felt more like 60 during playtest.
Mis-hit balls were jarring on the LM prestige Midplus On the other hand, the iprestige Midplus was tight and more stable, so much for TSC Even though the Head Pro Tour 630 flex’s (around 56) more than the LM prestige Midplus, it did not have that jarring feeling on mis-hits, it was just as solid as the iprestige Midplus with the added feel I believe Head tried very hard to bring back the PT630, replacing the ¾ CAP on the iprestige MidPlus with a full CAP found on the PT630 (does that mean the caps on the iprestige are inferior now : ) Head also replaced the iprestige butt cap with one similar in shape to the PT630. Surprisingly, they went even further with flattening out the shoulders at the throat ala prestige mids giving it a retro look, and brought back the twin tube technology supposedly for added feel. Which brings me to Technologies. Head missed the boat with the LiquidMetal Prestige MidPlus, they went overboard They introduced LiquidMetal and Total SweetSpot Construction. Two unproven technologies, which I feel are just as questionable as intellifibers, found on both iprestige Midplus and LM Prestige MidPlus; and the discontinued triple threat stickers found on Prince brooms. Just a side note TW forgot to add the TSC description in the technology section of the LM Prestige. The LM prestiges do not show the ridges/bulges on the outer frame like the LM radicals but they are noticeable around the inner hoop. I did not feel an increase in sweetspot nor added torsional stability, I think lead at 3/9 does the trick just fine. Anyway, in short, what Head really should do is reintroduce TWARON, a proven material found on the Pro Tour 630 and Prestige classic 600, along with High Modulus Graphite
I agree that the feel from the baseline was that stock LM prestige MidPlus played very light. But, I liked hitting my slice backhands with this racquet much better than the Iprestige midplus, and I agree with TW’s playtesters and was very impressed with the amount of spin I can generate on slice and topspin serves. I liked first serves with the iprestige Midplus (more consistent bombs) and seconds with the LM prestige Midplus (more kick). I agree with Uk_skippy:“In comparison with the iPres MP, the LM MP is too light, not powerful enough, not as stiff. Initially the weight of the LM is too light and needed about 10g of lead. It also seems to have less pop than the iPres, although it did seem to 'cup' and control the ball better. But this could be down to the lower ball speed. I feel the iPres is more of a solid hit than the LM, and def has what I would call 'instant power' To try and get any real power off the LM I really had to muscle the ball” When I tried to muscle the ball I ended up hitting out supposedly the LiquidMetal was kicking in, making my shots go long. I also added 10 grams of lead at 3/9 to the LM Prestige MidPlus, which bumped up the weight to 349g and balanced at 32cm. It was a big improvement over stock specs but it still felt a little hollow, tweener like, ala LM Instinct or LM radical MidPlus at the handle. I might consider filling the handle with foam
In conclusion, to achieve “CONTROL” some fancy a mushy/flexible stick while others like a more clean response, one is not necessarily better than the other, they are just different. But then again, there is that happy medium, the Head Pro Tour 630, it does everything right…
read the bottom section and read below:
Specs:
1- iprestige MidPlus 3/8 gamma high tech strung with Hammertech 18g at 55lbs with Wilson dampener weighed in at 349 grams and balanced at 32.5cmm.
2- LiquidMetal Prestige Midplus with exact set up weighed in at 339 grams and balanced at 31.5cmm.
3- Pro Tour 630 with exact set up weighed in at 345 grams and balanced at 32cm.
Note:
I did not include the Head Pro Tour 280 in this review because I did not have one around and more important, it would have weighed in more than 350 grams and balanced at 33cm+ without CAPS. I will not go into detail in every category but will highlight significant characteristics of all three after few hours of playtime. I will update the review after playing few full sets with the LM prestige MidPlus along with other types of strings.
TW states 63 RDC for the flex on both the LM Prestige Midplus and iprestige Midplus. The LM prestige MidPlus is more flexible than the iprestige MidPlus, even though both have intellifibers The iprestige MidPlus has a crisp clean response while the LM Prestige has a bit mushier feel. Giving the LM prestige Midplus a 63 might be on the high side IMO. It felt more like 60 during playtest.
Mis-hit balls were jarring on the LM prestige Midplus On the other hand, the iprestige Midplus was tight and more stable, so much for TSC Even though the Head Pro Tour 630 flex’s (around 56) more than the LM prestige Midplus, it did not have that jarring feeling on mis-hits, it was just as solid as the iprestige Midplus with the added feel I believe Head tried very hard to bring back the PT630, replacing the ¾ CAP on the iprestige MidPlus with a full CAP found on the PT630 (does that mean the caps on the iprestige are inferior now : ) Head also replaced the iprestige butt cap with one similar in shape to the PT630. Surprisingly, they went even further with flattening out the shoulders at the throat ala prestige mids giving it a retro look, and brought back the twin tube technology supposedly for added feel. Which brings me to Technologies. Head missed the boat with the LiquidMetal Prestige MidPlus, they went overboard They introduced LiquidMetal and Total SweetSpot Construction. Two unproven technologies, which I feel are just as questionable as intellifibers, found on both iprestige Midplus and LM Prestige MidPlus; and the discontinued triple threat stickers found on Prince brooms. Just a side note TW forgot to add the TSC description in the technology section of the LM Prestige. The LM prestiges do not show the ridges/bulges on the outer frame like the LM radicals but they are noticeable around the inner hoop. I did not feel an increase in sweetspot nor added torsional stability, I think lead at 3/9 does the trick just fine. Anyway, in short, what Head really should do is reintroduce TWARON, a proven material found on the Pro Tour 630 and Prestige classic 600, along with High Modulus Graphite
I agree that the feel from the baseline was that stock LM prestige MidPlus played very light. But, I liked hitting my slice backhands with this racquet much better than the Iprestige midplus, and I agree with TW’s playtesters and was very impressed with the amount of spin I can generate on slice and topspin serves. I liked first serves with the iprestige Midplus (more consistent bombs) and seconds with the LM prestige Midplus (more kick). I agree with Uk_skippy:“In comparison with the iPres MP, the LM MP is too light, not powerful enough, not as stiff. Initially the weight of the LM is too light and needed about 10g of lead. It also seems to have less pop than the iPres, although it did seem to 'cup' and control the ball better. But this could be down to the lower ball speed. I feel the iPres is more of a solid hit than the LM, and def has what I would call 'instant power' To try and get any real power off the LM I really had to muscle the ball” When I tried to muscle the ball I ended up hitting out supposedly the LiquidMetal was kicking in, making my shots go long. I also added 10 grams of lead at 3/9 to the LM Prestige MidPlus, which bumped up the weight to 349g and balanced at 32cm. It was a big improvement over stock specs but it still felt a little hollow, tweener like, ala LM Instinct or LM radical MidPlus at the handle. I might consider filling the handle with foam
In conclusion, to achieve “CONTROL” some fancy a mushy/flexible stick while others like a more clean response, one is not necessarily better than the other, they are just different. But then again, there is that happy medium, the Head Pro Tour 630, it does everything right…
mmazzinin1
Semi-Pro
I own both and play them with reverse hybrid Klip legend gut / PT Air @ 50/47 (gut w/10% PS). Both amazing, but, if I have to chose one, I prefer the PT 630. it is slightly less powerful, but that plush-but-solid feel is what complement best my game. The stability and control of the PT 630 is just unreachable for any other racquet that I have tried. I also find the gut hybrid to be the best possible string combo. It makes these racquet still suitable for the modern game.
mmazzinin1
Semi-Pro
For clarity, my PT 630 is the capped version Made in Austria
AndrewUtz
Semi-Pro
how would you describe the i.prestige?
mmazzinin1
Semi-Pro
The iPrestige is stable, very solid and direct, definitely crispier then the PT630 and extremely rewarding in terms of power and control when your feet work in harmony with it. None of them is a spin machine, but I get better spin with the PT630 and i find it slightly more forgiving. I find the iPrestige a bit more difficult to move around the ball, while on flat shots is simply amazing.. As said, the feel is more solid and direct, less plush and flexy. DRA is similar (<58), but the way they flex probably contributes to make the iPrestige feel a bit stiffer, with less ball pocketing. If you play old school, flat shots, often at the net, it is just amazing. For an aggressive baseliner that mix his shots and varies the pace from the back of the court, PT630 wins IMO.
Just for clasrity, I have used the PT630 as my main stick for 20+ years, so I know it very well. I have much less experience with the iPrestige, so pls consider it as I have used it 20+ times only.
Just for clasrity, I have used the PT630 as my main stick for 20+ years, so I know it very well. I have much less experience with the iPrestige, so pls consider it as I have used it 20+ times only.
mmazzinin1
Semi-Pro
Hi fellow Members
does your stringer(s) ever complain when you show up holding a PT630 and/or an iPrestige MP to restring? Just curious to understand overall reactions when we ask them to work on our older jewels
@AndrewUtz today and tomorrow I will have a good hit with my iPrestige MP strung with Prince Premier Power 17 @49 lbs and will report more in details. I need to refresh my memory on how the real the beloved iPrestige really feels
Cheers
does your stringer(s) ever complain when you show up holding a PT630 and/or an iPrestige MP to restring? Just curious to understand overall reactions when we ask them to work on our older jewels
@AndrewUtz today and tomorrow I will have a good hit with my iPrestige MP strung with Prince Premier Power 17 @49 lbs and will report more in details. I need to refresh my memory on how the real the beloved iPrestige really feels
Cheers
mmazzinin1
Semi-Pro
So...between yesterday and today I did 3 hours of singles with the iPrestige MP strung Prince Premier Power 17 @49. Against a "moonballer" first, and then against a heavy-hitter. Guys, what a racquet...
I put leather + overgrip and 3g @3 & 9 o'clock (1.5g each side) to widen the sweet spot a bit. I like that way quite a lot. I find it powerful enough, very very stable and surreally precise. Here you can go full out and hitting long is difficult. But, above all, that feeling when you hit the sweet spot is worth the whole match. I don't know how to explain it, but it has that sense of fullness/richness of impact, solidity and precision that have no equal in modern rackets. it is also exceptional at the net and on the backhand slice. Super plush and comfortable.
Any cons? The sweet spot is small. The head is small (95). It's tiring- after 2 hours you definitely feel it, even though I found it slightly more maneuverable (and a little more powerful?) than my PT360, despite the light custom.
Great stick, pure pleasure Made in Austria.
I put leather + overgrip and 3g @3 & 9 o'clock (1.5g each side) to widen the sweet spot a bit. I like that way quite a lot. I find it powerful enough, very very stable and surreally precise. Here you can go full out and hitting long is difficult. But, above all, that feeling when you hit the sweet spot is worth the whole match. I don't know how to explain it, but it has that sense of fullness/richness of impact, solidity and precision that have no equal in modern rackets. it is also exceptional at the net and on the backhand slice. Super plush and comfortable.
Any cons? The sweet spot is small. The head is small (95). It's tiring- after 2 hours you definitely feel it, even though I found it slightly more maneuverable (and a little more powerful?) than my PT360, despite the light custom.
Great stick, pure pleasure Made in Austria.
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
I string my own sticks and I have no problems. Some stringers have a psychological problem with CAP grommets but they are no more difficult than traditional open grommets. They just have hangup about them or their technique is bad.Hi fellow Members
does your stringer(s) ever complain when you show up holding a PT630 and/or an iPrestige MP to restring? Just curious to understand overall reactions when we ask them to work on our older jewels
@AndrewUtz today and tomorrow I will have a good hit with my iPrestige MP strung with Prince Premier Power 17 @49 lbs and will report more in details. I need to refresh my memory on how the real the beloved iPrestige really feels
Cheers
fritzhimself
Professional
I grew up with the CAP grommets - I understand the problem if you don't string these frames very often - I have no problem stringing them myself.
mmazzinin1
Semi-Pro
Thanks guys I see, it is the capped grommets. They also complain that the holes are narrow...
I see, it is the capped grommets. They also complain that the holes are narrow...mmazzinin1
Semi-Pro
More on the comparison. I have been hitting quite a lot with the iPrestige MP. Honestly, iPrestige MP vs PT630 is a really tough one...
iPrestige is a bit easier to use, ++ to generate power and i find it also slightly less tiring. I also disagree on the stiffer comments. It just flexes differently, but it has that plush sweet spot so familiar with these older Head sticks.
Probably the PT630 has more of that amusing, tasty feeling while the iPrestige is a tad less rich, but overall i could blindly pick either of them on any day and i won't go wrong
iPrestige is a bit easier to use, ++ to generate power and i find it also slightly less tiring. I also disagree on the stiffer comments. It just flexes differently, but it has that plush sweet spot so familiar with these older Head sticks.
Probably the PT630 has more of that amusing, tasty feeling while the iPrestige is a tad less rich, but overall i could blindly pick either of them on any day and i won't go wrong
fritzhimself
Professional
Actually, I can't understand the hype surrounding the PT 630.
Thomas Muster, for example, never played it in the original version (RA 59 - 60). It was far too flimsy for him - his frames had 67 - 68 RA.
I have an original frame that he played (Prestige 600) with unstrung RA 67.
I know his tuner and stringer from the 90s who runs a specialist store in Austria.
He also confirmed this to me and showed me on the RDC that Tom's frames were much harder than the ones in the shops.
Thomas Muster, for example, never played it in the original version (RA 59 - 60). It was far too flimsy for him - his frames had 67 - 68 RA.
I have an original frame that he played (Prestige 600) with unstrung RA 67.
I know his tuner and stringer from the 90s who runs a specialist store in Austria.
He also confirmed this to me and showed me on the RDC that Tom's frames were much harder than the ones in the shops.
mmazzinin1
Semi-Pro
I would not call the PT 630 flimsy....
