Head Pro Tour 690

[khw72004]

Is this racket worth getting for 100? I have a chance to get in a excellent condition, but I am afraid I won't like it, I am not too into the bumblebee OS. Or are they completely different rackets.

But I love the Pro Tour 630.

 

[Don't Let It Bounce]

I've read that they're similar to Bumblebees but even more flexible. Unless what you dislike about Bumblebees is that they're too stiff, which is unlikely, my best guess (and that's all it is, of course) is that you won't like a PT690 either.

 

[spaceman_spiff]

I've got a PT690 and a Bumblebee. They're basically two versions of the same frame as far as I can tell. The only difference is the flex.

The Pro Tour flexes more and seems to grip the ball even better, giving a touch more spin. Otherwise, they feel very similar in terms of power, stability, maneuverability, etc.

 

[goldenyama]

My PT690 seems to swing a bit lighter and have less power than the Rad. It also feels slightly stiffer, not more flexy. It is definately a different racquet.

 

[spaceman_spiff]

My PT690 seems to swing a bit lighter and have less power than the Rad. It also feels slightly stiffer, not more flexy. It is definately a different racquet.

That's really surprizing. I can definitely feel more flex with my Pro Tour over my Radical (which isn't terribly stiff itself), especially on serve returns caught higher up in the hoop. But, I never really saw a noticeable drop in power.

Both have about 30 g of lead on them, so perhaps they compare differently in stock form.

 

[Deleted member 21996]

My PT690 seems to swing a bit lighter and have less power than the Rad. It also feels slightly stiffer, not more flexy. It is definately a different racquet.

that is how i feel...but my setup's are quite different from one to the other...

(my pt690 is loaded with leather grip and black code unlike the trysis, who is loaded with hybrid and synth grip...)

 

[ace0001a]

I have a PT690 with a hybrid of Luxilon Big Banger ALU and Forten Nylon and I love the way it feels and plays. I've been looking for a second one, but the PT690 doesn't seem as common as the PT630. I remember seeing PT690s going for around $60-$80 shipped in the past, but I haven't come across any lately.

 

[protourOS]

My PT690 seems to swing a bit lighter and have less power than the Rad. It also feels slightly stiffer, not more flexy. It is definately a different racquet.

I still have and sometimes use a PT 280 oversize (the USA version of the 690) - love it!
I find it a very flexible frame, much more so than the Radical (yellow and black) oversize.

When i first got one back 1994 i tested the radical at the same time - in my opion the radical was a much stiffer racquet (and lighter swinging?) - I liked both, but preferred the flexier, heavier feeling of the pro tour...

 

[mr. G]

Hi guys!

It was a damn good offer so I have bought a PT690 yesterday.

Do you think a Yonex poly tour Spin 1.25mm is a good choice here? (~63/62 lbs?)

Also I have never played so heavy frame before and used to 310g maximum. Do you have any good advises for me what should I focus on to get used to PT690 faster?

Thanks a lot in advance

 

[spaceman_spiff]

I'm not familiar with those strings, so I can't comment on that.

In terms of getting used to the heavier weight, I'd suggest that you start of with slow, smooth swings. When you start your first practice rally, swing like you're just trying to feed the ball to your practice partner. The 690 is quite stable and powerful, so you should be able to hit decent practice shots with just a smooth swing.

Don't try to start with fast, whippy swings. It will only cause timing problems that frustrate you.

 

[mr. G]

Thanks! And what kind of strings do You set to this frame?

 

[spaceman_spiff]

I was using ALU Power at about 60 lbs if I remember correctly. If I had a 690 now, then I would probably use Head Lynx 1.25 at about 60 or 62.

 

[lucieisland]

I still have and sometimes use a PT 280 oversize (the USA version of the 690) - love it!
I find it a very flexible frame, much more so than the Radical (yellow and black) oversize.

When i first got one back 1994 i tested the radical at the same time - in my opion the radical was a much stiffer racquet (and lighter swinging?) - I liked both, but preferred the flexier, heavier feeling of the pro tour...

anybody know the PT690 flex?..