K90 vs microgel prestige mid

[macG3X]

Have been playing for more than a year with my K90 and recently bought a microgel prestige mid. Before the K90 I played with the PSC 6.1 for many years.

I really like the new prestige. It feels very well balanced and while playing you almost forget that you have a raquet in your hand. It's very easy to swing compared to the Wilson. The prestige has even more control and is almost as stable as the K90. The K90 is has more power and more spin potential but feels heavy.

My flat first serves are better too with the prestige but I prefer the K90 for backhand slices and my DH backhand.

However, yesterday I broke the strings on the prestige (going from alu power to full Babolat VS because I want more power) so today I was forced to play with the K90 again.

Before bringing my prestige to the shop this morning I compared the balance point of both raquets and noticed something strange, my prestige was more headlight than my K90, according to the specs on tenniswarehouse website the K90 should be more headlight.
I put some leadtape on the K90 handle under my grip and have now a K90 with exactly the same balance point as the prestige.

This morning I played with my modified K90 and I have never been playing better with it. It feels lighter and is easier to control during fast hitting. After playing I also checked the balance point of my old prostaff classics and they are also more headlight.

My conclusion: the new microgel prestige is a fantastic very well balanced raquet and a K90 can be made much better than stock with some leadtape.

 

[SCSI]

For me, Microgel Prestige Mid is a lot more forgiving racket than K90. K90 feels flexible like an old wood racket. The MG Prestige on the other hand feels crisp and solid. It also feels like the Prestrige has a considerably bigger sweet spot. Just one man's opionion, though.

 

[Murray_Maniac]

For me, Microgel Prestige Mid is a lot more forgiving racket than K90. K90 feels flexible like an old wood racket. The MG Prestige on the other hand feels crisp and solid. It also feels like the Prestrige has a considerably bigger sweet spot. Just one man's opionion, though.

K90 flexible? Those words dont go together from my playtest. Also, I dont think that any1 else has called it flexy.

 

[Mad iX]

Yeah, I find my MG Prestige Mid is really easy to swing, with plenty of control. I also agree the K90 is more solid and stable, and the open string pattern generates spin more easily.
K90 plays well if you prep early and use its weight effectively.

 

[BOZO]

K90 flexible? Those words dont go together from my playtest. Also, I dont think that any1 else has called it flexy.

I thought the guy compares K90 to N90 & Tour90, if yes K90 is flexier. Back to the OP, I think K90 is more offensive stick than prestige. I think the power & spin from prestige doesn't fit to the modern game at all, in the other hand you can get more power, spin, and control from K90.

 

[jasonbourne]

Compared to the K90, can anyone comment on the MG Prestige's effectiveness and/or consistency of the second serve and service returns?

 

[jasonbourne]

Bozo, do you think the MG Prestige Mid MP brethren hold its own better in the modern game?

Do you think the MP provides players sufficient power and spin to be offensive?

 

[BreakPoint]

K90 flexible? Those words dont go together from my playtest. Also, I dont think that any1 else has called it flexy.

I do. I also think the K90 feels as close to a wood racquet as anything on the market today. Yes, I also think it's flexy.

 

[nguyenc_07]

K90 is more solid then the mg prestige mid. i have tried both already before decide on a stick.

k90 does give more pop and spin then the prestige mid, but in return the prestige is alot more forgiving then the k90.

personally, my k90 is the us version, and i have to add lead to 3 and 9 to give it a more forgiving feel. which feel great after.

ok back to point.

up and down comparison:

Microgel Prestige Mid

up
Feel alot like the PC600, more flex, control, overall feel rate 9/10.

down
no power, no spin

Wilson Kfactor 6.1 tour

up almost the same feel as the Prostaff 6.0 85 ST Vincent, people said feel like a wooden racket(i differ), alot of pop, control, spin over feel rate 9/10

down
small sweet spot


i rest my case

 

[Ultra2HolyGrail]

Go with the prestige with luxilion mains @ 49lbs

 

[joeellis]

I do. I also think the K90 feels as close to a wood racquet as anything on the market today. Yes, I also think it's flexy.

I agree that the K90 plays as close to a wood racquet as anything I've played, but I don't consider it to be very flexible. Maybe because I mostly play with a K Blade Tour now nad occasionally pull out the K90's. I mainly made the switch because of the lower static weight and forgiveness of the K Blade. I am 48 and not as strong as I once was and don't quite have the same hand/eye coordination.

The K Blade is definatly more flexible than the K90, but not quite as flexible as the Head Microgel Radical Pro's that I used to own.

 

[VikingSamurai]

I do. I also think the K90 feels as close to a wood racquet as anything on the market today. Yes, I also think it's flexy.

Yeah, what ever!

 

[Ultra2HolyGrail]

I do. I also think the K90 feels as close to a wood racquet as anything on the market today. Yes, I also think it's flexy.

Wrong again. A prestige is what you would call flexy.

 

[macG3X]

I find the K90 stiffer than the Microgel prestige. The K90 is not a flexy raquet but it's not harsh and feels quite comfortable at the impact. For example, I found the Prostaff 6.0 95 a lot flexier than the K90. My Prostaff classics are stiffer than anything I played with.

According to tenniswarehous the K90 is 9pts headlight and the microgel prestige is 7pts headlight. However my raquets were just the opposite, my k90 is more headheavy than the prestige. Maybe some who was both raquets can confirm this ? Tanks !

PS: I played again today with my newly balanced K90 and it was wonderfull.
Never been playing better with a K90 since it has the same balance as the microgel prestige.

 

[BOZO]

Bozo, do you think the MG Prestige Mid MP brethren hold its own better in the modern game?

Do you think the MP provides players sufficient power and spin to be offensive?

MP = yes
Mid = no

In my opinion, though.

 

[BreakPoint]

Wrong again. A prestige is what you would call flexy.

Wrong. You want flexy? Try a Donnay Pro One MP.

My K90 is definitely more flexy than my AG100.

It's all relative. I find the K90 to be more flexy than many racquets out there today which mostly are quite stiff - like all Babolats (except maybe the PS Ltd. which I haven't tried yet), some Princes, many Dunlops/Slazengers, etc. I can play with the K90 for many hours everyday with no adverse effects on my elbow, which I cannot say for most other racquets. The flex also makes it very low-powered so I have to give it my all to generate any power with the thing.

BTW, I use the K90 and you don't and you're telling me I'm wrong? :roll:

 

[nickb]

Wrong. You want flexy? Try a Donnay Pro One MP.

My K90 is definitely more flexy than my AG100.

It's all relative. I find the K90 to be more flexy than many racquets out there today which mostly are quite stiff - like all Babolats (except maybe the PS Ltd. which I haven't tried yet), some Princes, many Dunlops/Slazengers, etc. I can play with the K90 for many hours everyday with no adverse effects on my elbow, which I cannot say for most other racquets. The flex also makes it very low-powered so I have to give it my all to generate any power with the thing.

BTW, I use the K90 and you don't and you're telling me I'm wrong? :roll:

K90 has a flex of 67 strung. The AG100 is 63 unstrung. To me the AG100 is more flexy than the K90...A LOT more flexible. The K90 actually feels stiff/harsh to me...it also killed my arm when I used them.

 

[SCSI]

I guess a lot depends on whether you like that traditional Wilson frame feel. Even way back when, I didn't like the feel of Ultra IIs or ProStaff. K90 has a somewhat similar club like feel that I do not appreciate.

For me, MG Prestige Mid is a delight to use. It has the control and feel of the old frame and the right amount of power and spin for the modern attacking game. After all, it is a Prestige. It is good for all styles and surfaces. The only thing the MG Prestige Mid is missing is the the leather grip. Still, I prefer it over PC600 and i.Prestige.

BTW, I do like the shape of the grip and it makes it easy to stick with the right grip. The only other racket that is as forgiving and solid for the size of the head is the Prince Diablo Mid.

 

[BreakPoint]

K90 has a flex of 67 strung. The AG100 is 63 unstrung. To me the AG100 is more flexy than the K90...A LOT more flexible. The K90 actually feels stiff/harsh to me...it also killed my arm when I used them.

The RA numbers don't mean anything. The Slazenger Pro X1 is much stiffer than the rated 64 and the PS 6.0 95 is much more flexy than the rated 67.

I've been playing with the K90 and AG100 for almost a year so I am intimately familiar with them. The AG100 is stiffer and more powerful than the K90. Craig Clark also agrees. The stiffness of the AG100 allows me to hit my serves and forehands much harder than with the K90 but it can also be somewhat harsher at times.

 

[nickb]

The RA numbers don't mean anything. The Slazenger Pro X1 is much stiffer than the rated 64 and the PS 6.0 95 is much more flexy than the rated 67.

I've been playing with the K90 and AG100 for almost a year so I am intimately familiar with them. The AG100 is stiffer and more powerful than the K90. Craig Clark also agrees. The stiffness of the AG100 allows me to hit my serves and forehands much harder than with the K90 but it can also be somewhat harsher at times.

Oh well...I disagree...I also used both frames for a long time....different strokes for different folks.

 

[tarkowski]

Compared to the K90, can anyone comment on the MG Prestige's effectiveness and/or consistency of the second serve and service returns?

Hey Jason,

It's been a while! Glad to see you're still around...

I've been playing exclusively with the K90 for the past 14 months and love it. Finally went with 16guage GUT @60 as I ultimately found the 17 a little too jumpy - as you had indicated as well the last time we exchanged posts.

In the past few months, I've extensively demoed all 3 prestiges and actually purchased a KBlade Tour and a couple of Prestige MP's that my wife and I share. Its the tinkerer in me... match time it's always the K90 - at least for now.

Based on your history of sticks\posts, I can't help but feel that you would be a little let down by the latest Prestiges.

A few comments on flex. The K90 is no doubt a less flexible stick than the Prestige Mid - however, as you are probably aware, this in no means make it a harsh stick. In fact, for most of my hitting, I find it just as comfortable as the Prestige. 2 things work in it's favor for extreme comfort: weight, and the open string pattern. The frame itself is solid, and what I especially like up at net.

Up at net, in comparison, the Prestige mid feels more like tuning fork - more wobble, less stable, but still comfortable. Like all things in life, this can be described positively (touch, feel) or negatively (less stable) - and I guess my choice of words (tuning fork) make my bias obvious.

The Prestige Mid is easier to swing - it is both statically and dynamically lighter, and you feel it. This may be great for those who find the K90 too heavy - but not so great for those who don't.

The Prestige MP is an entirely different beast - more like a lighter Wilson 6.1 series that's a little lighter and a bit more flexible. I think with some weight in both the handle and the head, I could learn to like this one even more than my old n61 95 18x20 - and am actually thinking of experimenting with it. I loathe the Head grip shape - even with an overgrip, it's just not comfortable for me. I'd also add leather to this as well - with a Wilson pro overgrip, just like the K90.

For 2nd serve and service returns, IMO, nothing beats the K90. Nothing. It's got a synergy of traits that, to me, are pretty much ideal.

For my game, here's my preference of sticks:

K90 > KBlade Tour > n61 95 18x20 || modified Prestige MP > Prestige Mid

I think I'd rank the Prestige Mid higher if I were strictly a baseliner - but up at net, I like something more firm.

 

[jasonbourne]

tarkowski, I and many others are glad you continue to contribute insightfully on this message board.

It is discouraging to read your lack of favor towards the MGP Mid because I think we have similar game styles and if you don't like it, then it's likely I won't either.

I enjoy the K90 the most out of what I own. It is the most versatile racket I have. I am able to hit consistently and produce a high variety of shots and spins with it. I'm like you, in face of a strong competition, I can count on the K90 to play well.

The reason I'm considering the MGP is I'm looking for a better balanced and more flexible frame compared to the K90. I suspect it would provide better feel and placement at net and improved baseline consistency, but can still hold its own in other areas (like serve and return of serve) of the court like a K90 with comfort and stability. I do realize what I gain in one area like net control, I lose in another area(s). From what I have read, I think I would lose on stability (my concern in service returns). I also expect spin won't be a problem in comparison to K90 since MGP cuts the air quicker.

Thank you for addressing my questions in comparing the two rackets. I wondered why no one answered it yet. I'm glad you did.

 

[jasonbourne]

For me, MG Prestige Mid is a delight to use. It has the control and feel of the old frame and the right amount of power and spin for the modern attacking game. After all, it is a Prestige. It is good for all styles and surfaces. The only thing the MG Prestige Mid is missing is the the leather grip. Still, I prefer it over PC600 and i.Prestige.

BTW, I do like the shape of the grip and it makes it easy to stick with the right grip. The only other racket that is as forgiving and solid for the size of the head is the Prince Diablo Mid.

Thanks SCSI for your input. It is great to read MGP feedback from a Prestige user. Also, it's encouraging to note the rackets versatility.

Also, I appreciate your comparison with the Diablo Mid. That provides additional perspective of the MGP. I also enjoyed hitting with the Diablo long time back and felt it was a forgiving mid size racket.

 

[naylor]

I switched to a k90 after playing n90s for 2 years, but never really settled with it. I'm now using MGP Mids. I find them fractionally lighter than the k, fractionally more powerful (I've noticed this particularly on serves), a bit faster through the air (I was often late on forehand groundies with the k, now a lot less so). Similar balance to the k, so just as good at the net.

 

[tarkowski]

tarkowski, I and many others are glad you continue to contribute insightfully on this message board.

It is discouraging to read your lack of favor towards the MGP Mid because I think we have similar game styles and if you don't like it, then it's likely I won't either.

I enjoy the K90 the most out of what I own. It is the most versatile racket I have. I am able to hit consistently and produce a high variety of shots and spins with it. I'm like you, in face of a strong competition, I can count on the K90 to play well.

The reason I'm considering the MGP is I'm looking for a better balanced and more flexible frame compared to the K90. I suspect it would provide better feel and placement at net and improved baseline consistency, but can still hold its own in other areas (like serve and return of serve) of the court like a K90 with comfort and stability. I do realize what I gain in one area like net control, I lose in another area(s). From what I have read, I think I would lose on stability (my concern in service returns). I also expect spin won't be a problem in comparison to K90 since MGP cuts the air quicker.

Thank you for addressing my questions in comparing the two rackets. I wondered why no one answered it yet. I'm glad you did.

Hi Jason,

Thanks much for the kind words - the feeling is mutual.

I re-read my post and thought perhaps my language was a little strong, so I wanted to clarify a few items.

First, the weight and balance of the Prestige Mid is excellent - I really enjoyed how it swung through the air. On these dimensions, I like it more than the Kblade Tour or the Prestige Mid-plus. It had good substance and weight of shot, and swung very nice.

The only issue I really had with it was the response of the frame - just a little too flexy for my tastes at net. On this dimension, I liked the mid-plus better, and thought that through customization, I could get it to swing more like it's smaller brother. This is essentially what I like about the KBlade Tour as well - not too stiff, but firm enough to provide what I like at net.

I think if you're looking for a smooth swinging bat, the Mid is definitely worth a try. I think you may enjoy it for second serves, because yes, batspeed can certainly provide the kick on 2nds that you'd be looking for. The issue may be with the return - just not quite up to snuff with the K90. As a K90 owner you know - I feel like I could return a bowling ball with this thing! Just so solid...

StormHollaway (sp?) is another poster who has had some really good write-ups on many topics and great contributions to this board. I think he had a K90, bought and lived with a MG Prestige Mid, then sold it and went back to a K90 - though I'm not sure why. You may try looking at some of his posts - or perhaps he is reading this thread and could chime in!

Thanks again!

 

[barry]

5 years ago, Head was dominating the racket industry. It was Head, Wilson, and Prince. Funny how things have changed. Today Wilson, Babolat, and Prince dominate. We see fewer Head rackets in for stinging these days. Most of the ones we get are from female players taking lessons, and the frame was recommended usually by the teaching pro got a high commission. Maybe Head is trying to appeal to the female player, who knows. Penn Balls are breaking more often are not up to their old quality. I think Head is becoming a second tier company.

For me I used Head for about 7 years. The Tri-sys 260 and the Head Ti.Radical mid, both were excellent frames. Demoed an FXP radical, hit 10 balls with it, and got a good laugh. Who is designing rackets for Head? Definitely not tennis players! I also tried the Microgel Prestige, it swung nice in the store, but when you hit the ball, it went no where. Lacked feel and I said no more Head products for me. Also should you crack a Head product, CS sucks, Wilson and Prince are the best.

I am not impressed with the new Wilson Ksix.one 95 rocket launcher, the Nsix.one 95 had a lot more feel. The Ksix is very stiff and harsh. I found a racket similar to the old Ti.radical, the Kblade 98; it weighs strung at 11.7 ounces 8 point head light, and plays very nice. For me it is between the Nsix.one 95’s and the Kblade 98.

Customers who ask for racket suggestions I tell them Wilson, Babolat, and Prince. Prince 3rd only because I hate having to string with the boomerang.

 

[0d1n]

5 years ago, Head was dominating the racket industry. It was Head, Wilson, and Prince. Funny how things have changed. Today Wilson, Babolat, and Prince dominate. We see fewer Head rackets in for stinging these days. Most of the ones we get are from female players taking lessons, and the frame was recommended usually by the teaching pro got a high commission. Maybe Head is trying to appeal to the female player, who knows. Penn Balls are breaking more often are not up to their old quality. I think Head is becoming a second tier company.

For me I used Head for about 7 years. The Tri-sys 260 and the Head Ti.Radical mid, both were excellent frames. Demoed an FXP radical, hit 10 balls with it, and got a good laugh. Who is designing rackets for Head? Definitely not tennis players! I also tried the Microgel Prestige, it swung nice in the store, but when you hit the ball, it went no where. Lacked feel and I said no more Head products for me. Also should you crack a Head product, CS sucks, Wilson and Prince are the best.

I am not impressed with the new Wilson Ksix.one 95 rocket launcher, the Nsix.one 95 had a lot more feel. The Ksix is very stiff and harsh. I found a racket similar to the old Ti.radical, the Kblade 98; it weighs strung at 11.7 ounces 8 point head light, and plays very nice. For me it is between the Nsix.one 95’s and the Kblade 98.

Customers who ask for racket suggestions I tell them Wilson, Babolat, and Prince. Prince 3rd only because I hate having to string with the boomerang.

Sorry but your experience doesn't match mine at all which makes me think it's extremely "area dependent".
Around here, Head is BY FAR the most popular racket company. Prestiges, Radicals and Instincts are probably half of what people are playing with in my "neck of the woods".
The other half is split between Babolat (most of them) and Wilson/Fischer (about the same "market share").
I rarely see Volkl/Prince, I never see Pro Kennex, and I'm probably the only guy in the city that has a Tecnifibre (I just bought one a couple of weeks ago )

 

[rockbox]

Sorry but your experience doesn't match mine at all which makes me think it's extremely "area dependent".
Around here, Head is BY FAR the most popular racket company. Prestiges, Radicals and Instincts are probably half of what people are playing with in my "neck of the woods".
The other half is split between Babolat (most of them) and Wilson/Fischer (about the same "market share").
I rarely see Volkl/Prince, I never see Pro Kennex, and I'm probably the only guy in the city that has a Tecnifibre (I just bought one a couple of weeks ago )

The Radical is still the most common "serious" racquet I see. The second most popular is the babolat pure drive. Prince racquets do very well with the female domographic.

 

[jasonbourne]

tarkowski, I appreciate your clarification on the Mid. This helps me understand your experience with the frame better. Also, thanks for pointing out StormHolloway's experiences between the two frames. I will search for his inputs. I was not aware he switched back.

I'm glad to know my second serve may still be effective and consistent with the MGP due to its balance and quick swinging nature. I think flexy response (plus a consistent stringbed due to the dense pattern) at net would be an advantage for me at net. It would be close to my volleying experience with the old Max 200G. However, your experience with lack of stability in service returns may be my new bane. I agree with you that K90 is excellent on returns. I know it has allowed me to prevent my opponent from earning many free points.

Thanks for your help!

 

[Tennis Man]

Have been playing for more than a year with my K90 and recently bought a microgel prestige mid. Before the K90 I played with the PSC 6.1 for many years.

I really like the new prestige. It feels very well balanced and while playing you almost forget that you have a raquet in your hand. It's very easy to swing compared to the Wilson. The prestige has even more control and is almost as stable as the K90. The K90 is has more power and more spin potential but feels heavy.

My flat first serves are better too with the prestige but I prefer the K90 for backhand slices and my DH backhand.

It's a very good comparison. I've been playing with these 2 lines for years. Starting with PS85 vs PC 600. From modern frames my main picks are K90 and LM Prestige Mid.

I do serve better and have more control with Prestiges but can't slice as well with them. K90 seems to be more versatile although it's a bit too powerful at times (open string pattern?).

Make sure you test them with comparable string and tension. Tighter pattern should be strung at less tension and maybe with a softer string and vice versa.

 

[OnyxZ28]

Hum hum. I've hit with: Kramer Pro Staff, Kramer Autograph Midsize, Borg Pro Midsize, Stan Smith Autograph, Tad Davis Imperial, and the Prince Woodie; none of them play close to each other, let alone the K90. Wood racket's playing characteristics are very diverse and to say that one specific racket plays like a whole category of rackets is a bit of an overgeneralization IMO. In any case, let me compare the Kramer Autograph Midsize, an 85 sq in wood racket with graphite sandwiched between the wood, to the K90. I make this comparison because out of all the woodies above, if any were to play like a K90, the Kramer Auto Midsize would seem to fit the bill, right? I'll point ouf the differences that I felt distinguish the two:

1) The sweetspot on the K90 is much higher than that of of the Kramer Auto Mid, which is noticeably closer to the bridge than the center.

2) As a collorary to 1), the upper hoop of the Kramer is completely dead, in contrast to the K90.

3) There is noticeable flex in the shaft of the Kramer Auto Mid, where the K90 feels like it flexes around the shoulder (to which the Kramer Auto has no equivalent, having no shoulders).

4) When struck in the sweetspot (which is rare for me, especially on the Kramer), the K90 is much more muted than the Kramer Auto. Even so, it is apparent to me at least that the hoop of the Kramer Auto is much more flexible than that of the K90.

That's all I can think of off of the top of my head. In any case I think the K90 is an improvement over the n90, but neither resemble any of the wood rackets I have hit with in the past. Now I would like to have a go at a PK Golden Ace, which is 90 sq inches, 16x19, and wood and graphite. Like I said above, "playing like a wood racket" is too vague -- wood rackets were diverse in playing characteristics and qualities, and I feel that the comparison as worded is too vague to really come to an objective conclusion. On the other hand, if one were to say "the K90 plays like the Kramer Autograph Midsize", or any of the wood rackets I listed above, save the PK Golden Ace, which I haven't tried yet, I would disagree. Even worded as "the K90 plays more like a wood racket than anything out on the market today", I think my point still holds.
Just my .02.

 

[Bud]

K90 has a flex of 67 strung. The AG100 is 63 unstrung. To me the AG100 is more flexy than the K90...A LOT more flexible. The K90 actually feels stiff/harsh to me...it also killed my arm when I used them.

I agree with this. I went from a K90 (because of elbow issues) to the AG100... which I find more comfortable.

 

[Kaptain Karl]

<Mod Mode> Meanwhile ... getting back on-topic and remembering to follow the policies we all agreed to.... </Mod Mode>

- KK

 

[willgonase10]

The comparison to the Prince Diablo Mid was perfect actually.

The MG Prestige Mid definately plays just like the Diablo. You could rip winners with confidence because the racquet feels stable and solid.

By the way, I switched from a Diablo Mid to the MG Prestige Mid. Very similar racquets except the Prestige will give you more feel and touch if you string it right...(Right strings and tension)

In comparison to the K90...

The MG Prestige will serve better and be more consistant off the ground.

The K90 will be a lot better on the volleys if you hit the sweet spot and slicing with this thing is amazing.

 

[anirut]

My 0.02 ...

MGP is crisp and solid. K90 is just solid.

 

[SCSI]

Agreed. Both MGP and K90 are great rackets. It probably all comes down to preference in feel, etc. Still, my contention is that MGP Mid is a more forgiving racket with a bigger sweetspot than K90. Speaking of which, I think Prince Diablo Mid is probably just as special with even bigger sweetspot and forgiveness than MGP Mid. I prefer MGP Mid over the Diablo, as it has more crisp and precision feel to it. I also prefer the grip shape and graphics. At first, I didn't like the dense string patten of the MGP Mid, but I have been able to overcome it by using 18g Luxilon Ti-Mo and I get pretty decent spin both for slice and topspin.

I have always prefered crisp Prince feel over Wilson's, so it is no wonder I appreciate Prince Diablo and MGP Mid over Wilson. Regardless, I am just blown away by how forgiving these mid size frames are. Any decent ball striker should give them a try! These are awesome rackets...

 

[willgonase10]

The K90 gave me major problems when I tried hitting the sweetspot consistantly.

I've been playing since I was 12 and now I am 25. I am still having problems with the K90. The Prestige is just great.

My switch from the Diablo Mid to the MG Prestige was perfecto.

 

[BounceHitBounceHit]

Have been playing for more than a year with my K90 and recently bought a microgel prestige mid. Before the K90 I played with the PSC 6.1 for many years.

I really like the new prestige. It feels very well balanced and while playing you almost forget that you have a raquet in your hand. It's very easy to swing compared to the Wilson. The prestige has even more control and is almost as stable as the K90. The K90 is has more power and more spin potential but feels heavy.

My flat first serves are better too with the prestige but I prefer the K90 for backhand slices and my DH backhand.

However, yesterday I broke the strings on the prestige (going from alu power to full Babolat VS because I want more power) so today I was forced to play with the K90 again.

Before bringing my prestige to the shop this morning I compared the balance point of both raquets and noticed something strange, my prestige was more headlight than my K90, according to the specs on tenniswarehouse website the K90 should be more headlight.
I put some leadtape on the K90 handle under my grip and have now a K90 with exactly the same balance point as the prestige.

This morning I played with my modified K90 and I have never been playing better with it. It feels lighter and is easier to control during fast hitting. After playing I also checked the balance point of my old prostaff classics and they are also more headlight.

My conclusion: the new microgel prestige is a fantastic very well balanced raquet and a K90 can be made much better than stock with some leadtape.

You might want to check out my review of the MG Prestige Mid, embedded in Drakulie's MG Prestige Mid thread. I too have a bit of experience with the AK90 and try to offer some insights on the matter of a comparison of the two. Best, CC

 

[harryz]

I like both

the MG Mid is better for me. More comfortable, almost as stable and hits as heavy a ball. I prefer the Wilson grip shape but the kBlade (more of a direct competitor to the MG Mid) is a toy and lead doesn't help-- Lord knows, I've tried. MG Mid is great. I used PS 85 and PC 600 off and on for 15 years. MG Mid and K90 are in the same league. AND I'm stoked to be getting the AG 100 demo tomorrow or Thursday to add to the mix. Just want to settle on one and let go of my kBlades, K90s, RDS 001s, FXP mids....

BTW, I recommend softer string for the K90 and a hybrid (love Pro Supex) on the MG Mid with poly on the crosses-- and I really don't care much for polys, to say the least. But great spin potential, weight and feel in the MG Mid for some strange reason. Go figure.

 

[hoodjem]

Is the 18 X 20 stringbed of the MG Mid a problem for creating spin?

Has anyone tried the MG Prestige Pro (16 X 19)?

 

[chicubs]

I actually had no problems generating spin with the mid which surprised me...

Ive played with the Pro version and I like it a bunch. A little more power and room for error. Not quite as crisp and solid however. Feels better with the mid.

 

[BounceHitBounceHit]

My 0.02 ...

MGP is crisp and solid. K90 is just solid.

Very interesting b/c I would swith those descriptions:

K90 solid AND crisp.
MGPM solid and comfortable/flexible.

CC

 

[BounceHitBounceHit]

I am just blown away by how forgiving these mid size frames are. Any decent ball striker should give them a try! These are awesome rackets...

It is amazing how good these mids are, and how playable. I'd also include the NXG Graphite Mid and BB 11 Mid in this discussion. CC

 

[BounceHitBounceHit]

Is the 18 X 20 stringbed of the MG Mid a problem for creating spin?

Has anyone tried the MG Prestige Pro (16 X 19)?

I really don't find any more trouble generating spin with 18x20 frames. I agree with Drak that it's (primarily, for the most part) about the angle of attack and technique. CC