4sound
Semi-Pro
I luckily picked up a TGK 237.2 (5/8 grip) from another TT member. For those not familiar, the 237.2 is a pro stock Prestige Mid in a 16x19 string pattern with Microgel paint. TW got these pro stock rackets in once a few months ago and they all sold out in less than a day. I believe the frame material is also different but the mold is the same as the Prestige Mids (except string pattern). I’ve read some other impressions and wanted to share my experience.
I’ve been a teaching pro for 20+ years, 5.0 level (formerly an Open player before I got old & started breaking down physically). I’ve always loved the Prestige Mids and own a variety of them. I strayed for a few years playing with the Midplus but came back to the Mid because of the control and maneuverability. My primary racket has been the regular Microgel Mid, prior to that the PC600 Mid.
Before going to a new racket, I hit with an old wood Kramer Pro Staff for 20 minutes. This resets the feel for me so there is less reference to the racket I usually play with.
The 237.2 is a different animal than the other Prestige Mids I’ve used. First off, it has the thick feeling similar to the PC600 but with more power and stiffness than the MG (stiff in a good way, not ridged). I believe the 16x19 pattern makes it a little easier to impart spin and also changes the trampoline affect on the ball.
Ground stokes - Heavy and deep. It’s like throwing boulders to an area on the court. The MG feels more precise (with the 18x20) but you have to work a little more to get the depth versus the 237.2. On return of big serves or against hard-hitting players, I like the 237.2 the best. It’s a little more stable & I feel I can throw the thick/stiffness out there onto the ball with confidence.
Serve – This is where I think the 16x19 helps. It’s a little easier to impart spin & give a little extra kick, to get the ball up & out of the hitting zone. The thick feel is also great for laying down the heat. I like the 237.2 the best for serves versus the other Prestige Mids.
Volleys - Solid and thick, more like the PC600 than the MG. I personally like the MG better for the volleys than the 237.2 but I can definitely hit the spots after adjusting. Again the MG feels a bit more precise with the 18x20.
On the run or reaching for shots I like the 237.2 the best. It has that little extra length on the ball when you’re at the end of rope just getting to it.
Overall, the 237.2 is great. It will be my go to racket when I hit against the typical hard-hitting juniors I work with. For doubles I’ll probably use the stock MG.
The only hesitation I have with the 237.2 is getting replacements for the 16X19 CAP grommets. The code on the CAP is TK 237A. There is another thread; TW is finding out from Head in Austria where/if we can get replacements, but no word back yet. I’m crossing my fingers on that one. It would really suck if… well, I’m not going there.
In another thread someone asked, “What is the meaning of the code TGK?” I think it means, “The Good Kind” for pros. I totally see why these are made for the pros. It fits the type of ball you see in pro matches.
I hope that one day Head will release a consumer available 16x19 Mid size. They have the mold and there is a market for a Prestige Mid Pro versus the Mojo and other rackets that didn’t get any love.
HEAD, are you listening?
I’ve been a teaching pro for 20+ years, 5.0 level (formerly an Open player before I got old & started breaking down physically). I’ve always loved the Prestige Mids and own a variety of them. I strayed for a few years playing with the Midplus but came back to the Mid because of the control and maneuverability. My primary racket has been the regular Microgel Mid, prior to that the PC600 Mid.
Before going to a new racket, I hit with an old wood Kramer Pro Staff for 20 minutes. This resets the feel for me so there is less reference to the racket I usually play with.
The 237.2 is a different animal than the other Prestige Mids I’ve used. First off, it has the thick feeling similar to the PC600 but with more power and stiffness than the MG (stiff in a good way, not ridged). I believe the 16x19 pattern makes it a little easier to impart spin and also changes the trampoline affect on the ball.
Ground stokes - Heavy and deep. It’s like throwing boulders to an area on the court. The MG feels more precise (with the 18x20) but you have to work a little more to get the depth versus the 237.2. On return of big serves or against hard-hitting players, I like the 237.2 the best. It’s a little more stable & I feel I can throw the thick/stiffness out there onto the ball with confidence.
Serve – This is where I think the 16x19 helps. It’s a little easier to impart spin & give a little extra kick, to get the ball up & out of the hitting zone. The thick feel is also great for laying down the heat. I like the 237.2 the best for serves versus the other Prestige Mids.
Volleys - Solid and thick, more like the PC600 than the MG. I personally like the MG better for the volleys than the 237.2 but I can definitely hit the spots after adjusting. Again the MG feels a bit more precise with the 18x20.
On the run or reaching for shots I like the 237.2 the best. It has that little extra length on the ball when you’re at the end of rope just getting to it.
Overall, the 237.2 is great. It will be my go to racket when I hit against the typical hard-hitting juniors I work with. For doubles I’ll probably use the stock MG.
The only hesitation I have with the 237.2 is getting replacements for the 16X19 CAP grommets. The code on the CAP is TK 237A. There is another thread; TW is finding out from Head in Austria where/if we can get replacements, but no word back yet. I’m crossing my fingers on that one. It would really suck if… well, I’m not going there.
In another thread someone asked, “What is the meaning of the code TGK?” I think it means, “The Good Kind” for pros. I totally see why these are made for the pros. It fits the type of ball you see in pro matches.
I hope that one day Head will release a consumer available 16x19 Mid size. They have the mold and there is a market for a Prestige Mid Pro versus the Mojo and other rackets that didn’t get any love.
HEAD, are you listening?
