Microgel Prestige Mid Review. (Photos included)

I just found that bad suspicious because is was missing the TM symbol after "Microgel" like another bag I saw.

If I want to replace the synthetic grip with a leather, how should I do this? Is there a thread for how to put on new grips-or is it just like putting on an overgrip? Lol.
 

TnTBigman

Professional
Had my 3rd session with the mid this evening. No games yet, just rallying- and its just so comfortable to hit with. It was easy to get a rhythm and perpetuate it. 1HBh were very nice. Flat, mild spin, top spin, slice, chop...every shot I could do, I did with the mid. Forehands were crushing when I wanted it to be. I'm having to use a fairly longer back swing than I'm accustomed to. But once I let go and swing, the ball had lots of pace. When balls were short, I went in for some volleys and compared to the MP, it was like night and day. Solid contact with the mid stringbed center. All went where I wanted to. It's safe to say it was the most confident I've ever felt with volleys. Better than my Ti. Rad OS prime tournie doubles days. The added heft again.
But after about 50 minutes of straight rallying, I just ran out of energy to take another swing. Yep, that heft again. None the less, I was very impressed and pleased. My wrist is 90% adjusted to the racquet now. No pain, just a little fatigue sensation/feelings.
 
What string setups are you all using with the Mids? I just bought one and I'm not sure what to string it with. Should I go full poly in this if I go full poly in my Prestige Pros?
 
OMG this thread is still on the first 2 pages... Geezus.... The racquet's been out for so long....

Like this is my 1 year update....
Right now I really love the Polyfibre TCS Yellow with Gosen 17 Cross. This racquet pops like no other at 54lbs all around on my **** mid. I can't say enough good things about these strings.....

I've hit very very little with my **** pro, to be its kinda blah.... Doesn't have as good feel as the pro and just feels to me, but I have always been a mid player.

K90 to my MG Mid, its completely different. I love the K90 against players that hit harder and I need a lot more spin and deflection, but with my MG Mid, I love playing people who don't hit as heavy and I have to create a lot of my own pace... So its really different style of playing to me.

Love both K90 and MG Mid, both in the bag really gives me a great time!!

Drakulie?
 

Anton

Legend
I've been spending time hitting with Prince Rebel Exo 95 and it really reminded me of Prestige Mid - but it was like Prestige Mid on steroids - more stable, more power, more plow, more forgiving. Back when I was playing with prestige I felt like I had to play "all-in", I either hit winners or dumped the ball into the net or sailed it - Rebel let me get away with more while still letting me play play that aggressive blasting game - the slightly more open pattern and larger sweetspot on Rebel really helps with those topspin short angle put-aways and low balls.

The Rebel demo I have right now is actually 12.6 oz (about 9 points hl) with just the rubber band and no og, but it is distributed very well. The couple of matches I played I didn't feel like its causing me to be late on my strokes - just wall like stability and ball blasting.

Prestige fans here should try out the Rebel - I'm switching.
 

Kuang155

New User
For those with **** Prestige mids, do you know how much they weighed stock? Are they like sub 11 ounces like the PT10s and then **** just added lead tape and customized it to head specs? If so, is most of the lead spread out or just concentrated at the 12 oclock and handle? Any silicone in the handle? Thanks
 

SlapShot

Hall of Fame
String-wise, I'm still working at finding "the" setup. I love the gut main with either Big Banger Alu or Isospeed Pro in the cross, both main and cross at 63, but lately, I've been having really good luck with Kirschbaum Proline I in the main and Duraflex in the cross. I string the Kirschbaum at 57 and the Duraflex in the cross at 62.

Needless to say, I love a firm stringbed.
 

PED

Legend
but lately, I've been having really good luck with Kirschbaum Proline I in the main and Duraflex in the cross. I string the Kirschbaum at 57 and the Duraflex in the cross at 62.Needless to say, I love a firm stringbed.


I would think the PL1 would be great in that tight stringbed. I liked the overall feel of PL1 in my Pres Pro, but it felt thin at 1.24mm(and played even thinner) than the 1.25 of the Pl2. Picky I know but I could really tell a difference. :) If I was using the mid or MP instead of the Pro, PL1 would be my choice as well.
 

SlapShot

Hall of Fame
I would think the PL1 would be great in that tight stringbed. I liked the overall feel of PL1 in my Pres Pro, but it felt thin at 1.24mm(and played even thinner) than the 1.25 of the Pl2. Picky I know but I could really tell a difference. :) If I was using the mid or MP instead of the Pro, PL1 would be my choice as well.

It's pretty nice - I don't feel like it bites quite as hard as my gut strung frames, but the power is tamed nicely, and I can truly hit out without fear of sending the ball long, which I can't always do with my gut strung frames, even as tight as they are.

Regardless, the MG Mid is a really impressive frame, and I have no desire to switch frames after the honeymoon since I came back to tennis 2 1/2 years ago.
 

Bama

New User
I can't get away from this racquet.

I've been playing with the mid for a while and can't find anything else close to it. I've tried the prince rebel, prince graphite, and most recently the youtech speed pro. The speedpro felt clunky and was to spinny for me.The ball always took a loopy trajectory not matter what I did. I was fighting the racquet to make the ball due what I wanted it to do.

Evidently the mid in stock form is perfect for my game. The one shot I hit the best with it is my two handed backhand. It's just effortless and goes where I want it to. I especially love hitting short angle topspin returns with it. The weight and balance and the way it swings is just perfect.

Lately I was thinking maybe I should take advantage of a larger head size, but I really don't mishit any more with the mid. None of the others felt so natural to swing and it made me think to much instead of just playing. I've finaly come to the conclusion that the extra head size just doesn't help. When I'm not thinking about the racquet is when I play best and the mid just seems to feel like a natural extension of the body for me.

So it looks like this is going to be my stick for long while.
 
I played with the Prestige Mid the first time this weekend. I really like this racquet. It feels a lot more solid than my Prestige Pros and I feel like I had a lot more control. I felt like I could generate as much spin as I could with my Prestige Pros despite the 18x20 string pattern and power was still there when I wanted it. The only problem I have with this frame is that I am shanking the ball too much. I just can't hit the sweetspot as consistently as I can with the Prestige Pro. I really like this frame but I don't think that it is forgiving enough for me. I will try this frame again the next time I play and hopefully I just needed to get used to it.
 

The Ripper

Semi-Pro
Hey Ihabno, hang in there with the mid, you will be hitting the sweetspot within a week or so. I used to play with 100" rackets and ended up playing with the PS 85's (85"). Once you get used to it you won't have any trouble with the 93" mid. It's one of my favorite rackets too. I am currently experimenting with the heavier KPS88, but the Prestige Mid is a very solid, smooth racket which can drive the ball hard and deep or deliver great touch shots. It's worth the extra couple weeks of adjustment. :)
 
D

Deleted member 25923

Guest
Hey Ihabno, hang in there with the mid, you will be hitting the sweetspot within a week or so. I used to play with 100" rackets and ended up playing with the PS 85's (85"). Once you get used to it you won't have any trouble with the 93" mid. It's one of my favorite rackets too. I am currently experimenting with the heavier KPS88, but the Prestige Mid is a very solid, smooth racket which can drive the ball hard and deep or deliver great touch shots. It's worth the extra couple weeks of adjustment. :)

Sounds great. I fell in love with the AG100, and i'm used to 98/100" heads.
 

ESP#1

Professional
It has to be said, after a year of owning this stick, i still consider it a classic, maybe even better than the i prestige because of its increase in flexability
 

SuperJimmy

Rookie
I am still loving my racquets as well. The wrist pain I got from my brief stint with the KBlade 98 is all gone now. I've also been going through some string testing lately...trying to find some budget hybrid combos that I can settle on. I dont like spending more than $10 on strings as I tend to break them quite fast. Here is the list I have tested/am testing. For crosses, I'm sticking with Forten Sweet 17. I think it is one of those love/hate strings for a lot of people. I've played with it before on this frame and really liked it. It is soft, somewhat mushy, but somehow that kind of feel "fits" on this racquet. Plus it's really cheap! So far two tests down...4 to go! Red strings have an added advantage as it makes it look GOOOD :twisted:

Kirchbaum Hybrix Spin 17 - Pretty decent. I liked the spin, and it seems to play well all the way up to when it breaks. I didnt get as much 'feel' as I would have liked, but it felt better to me than a full string job of Cyber Blue or Pro Hurricane. Not going to settle on this one.

MSV Focus Hex 17 / Forten Sweet 17 - So far so good. I get a lot of feel, which makes me feel more confident about making adustments to my stroke when a shot is not going my way. I might try to up the tension on the crosses for my later tests. This one is still in progress, but I think it could be one I would be willing to settle on.

SPPP 17 / Forten Sweet 17
ALU Power 16L / Forten Sweet 17
ALU Power Rough 16L / Forten Sweet 17
Red Code 17 / Forten Sweet 17
 

elyangoo

New User
I am still loving my racquets as well. The wrist pain I got from my brief stint with the KBlade 98 is all gone now. I've also been going through some string testing lately...trying to find some budget hybrid combos that I can settle on. I dont like spending more than $10 on strings as I tend to break them quite fast. Here is the list I have tested/am testing. For crosses, I'm sticking with Forten Sweet 17. I think it is one of those love/hate strings for a lot of people. I've played with it before on this frame and really liked it. It is soft, somewhat mushy, but somehow that kind of feel "fits" on this racquet. Plus it's really cheap! So far two tests down...4 to go! Red strings have an added advantage as it makes it look GOOOD :twisted:

Kirchbaum Hybrix Spin 17 - Pretty decent. I liked the spin, and it seems to play well all the way up to when it breaks. I didnt get as much 'feel' as I would have liked, but it felt better to me than a full string job of Cyber Blue or Pro Hurricane. Not going to settle on this one.

MSV Focus Hex 17 / Forten Sweet 17 - So far so good. I get a lot of feel, which makes me feel more confident about making adustments to my stroke when a shot is not going my way. I might try to up the tension on the crosses for my later tests. This one is still in progress, but I think it could be one I would be willing to settle on.

SPPP 17 / Forten Sweet 17
ALU Power 16L / Forten Sweet 17
ALU Power Rough 16L / Forten Sweet 17
Red Code 17 / Forten Sweet 17

Hi Jimmy,

If that's the case u absolutely must try Big Ace 1.17 on it. Here's the huge plus: it's red too! Haha somehow I think I found someone as vain as me when it comes to the racquet too.....

I just had it strung (full bed, 55 lbs) and had 2 sessions with it so far, previously was a full job of Wilson Sensation 17 guage. Sensation was ok, but strung a little too low for me to be confident when hitting full swings especially backhand DTL.

Now with the Big Ace: It is just fabulous..... Great pop, yet very controlled directionally, added spin so I can hit deep and keep it in, looks great with the racquet and the little red rubber band dampener matches the whole look! Hahah. Only slight gripe is the feel is somewhat worse off then multis but that is to be expected, so maybe your hybrid idea may be better. Anyways, the Prestige is a great feeling racquet already so really you can't go wrong there, even with full poly. I hear that tension maintanence/durability of Big Ace is top notch as well so yea mine's still new I can't comment on that.

Next up for me is to try KGut or NRG2 strung up tight like 60 lbs and see how it compares. For now I'm enjoying my new stringjob very much.
 

aimr75

Hall of Fame
i tried a full bed of cyberflash 1.20mm at 50 mains/48 crosses with my MGPM

felt quite good with good spin and pop.. though still probably felt a bit stiff for my liking.. not excessive, but just enough to be noticeable..

I more so noticed the stiffness on the 1hbh compared to my forehand..
 
hey drak im looking for an all court good serving rackt
is this the one
the only problem about it is the new one is about to come out
and that would suck if i bought it right when the new one comes out
im really intrested in the racket
but can you compare it to the new youteks or anyone
it can be any youtek
 
For those with **** Prestige mids, do you know how much they weighed stock? Are they like sub 11 ounces like the PT10s and then **** just added lead tape and customized it to head specs? If so, is most of the lead spread out or just concentrated at the 12 oclock and handle? Any silicone in the handle? Thanks

I have 2, yes sub 11 ounces, lead tape at top but not concetrated its spread over 11 - 1. No Silicon that I know of.
 
hey drak im looking for an all court good serving rackt
is this the one
the only problem about it is the new one is about to come out
and that would suck if i bought it right when the new one comes out
im really intrested in the racket
but can you compare it to the new youteks or anyone
it can be any youtek

I would compare both myself. The 16x19 Youtek and the 18x20 MGPM. I definitely like a more open string pattern and the Youteks seem to be less demanding. Personally I think the MGPM is more demading than the K90. Thats just me.... Too scared to try the youtek as I would probably love it too much.
 
Should be getting my MGPM in 5-10 days. =]
I'm looking to replace the grip with TW leather when I get a chance and I hope my first time buying a used racket is a good experience. lol.
 

Ad-Out

New User
Hey guys. Since it seems this is the place to talk about anything and everything Microgel Prestige, I think this is an appropriate place to ask my question.

When I demoed a MGPP about a month ago, I noted that it had a pretty unique feel about it. I can't really describe at the moment as it has been a few weeks, but I do remember it just didn't feel like any other frame I've hit with before. I was wondering if the other Microgel Prestiges feel the same as that MGPP does.
 

h7hugo

Rookie
I'm going to bue new racquets in this summer and I've some doubts..

How do you compare the Prestige mid, MP and Pro?? Which is more confortable, spin friendly, swingweight, .... ???
 

Bottle Rocket

Hall of Fame
I'm going to bue new racquets in this summer and I've some doubts..

How do you compare the Prestige mid, MP and Pro?? Which is more confortable, spin friendly, swingweight, .... ???

I haven't hit with the Pro, but I've become a huge fan of the mid. I also owned a MP for a while, but that didn't work out.

The MP is one of the worst rackets I have ever used, while I find the Mid just about perfect. The MP is too light and feels to have no weight (substance) in the head. Almost feels flimsy - maybe mushy is a better word.

As far as playing characteristics, the MP doesn't have much going for itself. Feels like a lightweight oversize frame. If I had to play with the MP, I'm thinking upping the tension near 60 might be the way to go.

The Mid, well, that is what this thread is about. It's just solid, feels great, and plays great.

I wanted to try the Pro, but after trying the Midplus, I can't imagine the Pro being any better and I generally don't like open string patterns.
 

TnTBigman

Professional
I've been using MP Prestige versions for about 3 years, from the LM (my first Prestige love), i.Prestige, FXP, and MG. The MG MP Prestige is very comfortable from the get go. I'll say the best mp verson since the LM. Nice feel when striking the ball. Not as much feel as the LM, but better feedback. I've moved to the Mid version for 3 weeks now and I'm really liking it. Nice heft, stability, pop on flat shots, eastern grip 1bh and flat are really nice). Serves are flat bombs with a sound to match, good spin (under, slice and top spin). Whats even more surprising is that i'm hitting the ball more center bed now than with any mp version i used. Especally on volleys. I had a run with the pc 600 2 yrs back and after about 7 rallys, i'd frame the ball. Not so with this MG PRestige mid. Initially the weight took a while to get used to, but for the past 2+ weeks, I've been playing everyday for 4+ hrs and I no longer notice the heft or tire out. All thats left to do now is find some good durable and long lasting playable string combinations. The Prince syn gut 16L w duraflex don't last long on these babies anymore. Balls too. Crushing.
 

h7hugo

Rookie
^^ I play a lot on clay, and I need a frame that can give some extra power and spin when I am 3 meters behind the baseline (I string my racquets in high 40s)..the only mid that I play with was the N 90, and I like it a lot besides serving with it..

In the past weeks I focus all my views to the Pro because the open string bed. WHat u think about the spin that we can generate with the Mid? (I've an OHBH).
 

Yoon

New User
hey drak, incredible review, i have a few questions.

I am on the verge of buying a prestige mid, i was wondering what works best on these rackets, hybrid or full stringbed of poly?

Also, how well does ALU power work with prestige mids?
 

PED

Legend
^^ I play a lot on clay, and I need a frame that can give some extra power and spin when I am 3 meters behind the baseline (I string my racquets in high 40s)..the only mid that I play with was the N 90, and I like it a lot besides serving with it..

In the past weeks I focus all my views to the Pro because the open string bed. WHat u think about the spin that we can generate with the Mid? (I've an OHBH).

I've got both and love them both but if you're 3 meters behind the baseline and wanting power than stick with the Pro. It's got that extra bit of oomph that the mid doesn't produce as easily.

The mid is a killer stick but it's not as forgiving as the Pro imo. There are some properties that I like in each one. I've found that adding lead at 3 and 9 to bring the SW of the Pro up to the same SW as the mid around 330 works quite well. Solid increase in stability and power and the slice BH really bites hard :twisted:
 

sensei

New User
hey i have a Q. do head prestige's keep the same specs from one generation to the next? i understand that they may feel different but i'm talking about in general (headsize, weight, balance, etc.). the reason i'm asking this is b/c i hit with the microgel prestige mp today and really like it but i'd like to demo/try the youtek prestige if it ever comes out. has the transition from lm prestige to flexpoint prestige to microgel prestige been smooth?
 

elyangoo

New User
I've got both and love them both but if you're 3 meters behind the baseline and wanting power than stick with the Pro. It's got that extra bit of oomph that the mid doesn't produce as easily.

The mid is a killer stick but it's not as forgiving as the Pro imo. There are some properties that I like in each one. I've found that adding lead at 3 and 9 to bring the SW of the Pro up to the same SW as the mid around 330 works quite well. Solid increase in stability and power and the slice BH really bites hard :twisted:

Hey PED I got a question for you.... The SW specs on TW says the MGPP is around 316 stock. Is that correct? I mean, the MP is lighter with the same balance but a heavier SW (320) so how can it be I wonder.

Reason is cos I love my Mid. But on days when form is **** poor (last Sat for instance lol) I always fall back to my more forgiving racquets like my m-fil 200 plus or leaded up KSurge. Both are in the region of 315 SW which I find is good so if the TW specs are right I really might give the MGPP a go. Considering this stick as well as the AG100 on sale now (similiar SW). Yup I'm feeling spendthrift these days haha.

Side question is how much lead and where did you put them on the MGPP to make it like the MGPM?
 

TnTBigman

Professional
ugh. had my mid strung with Gosen OG micro syn gut 16 for the past 3 days. On advise from my stringer, I decided to try dropping the tension on the crosses to 53lbs than the mains 58. not liking it at all. seems out of control and bouncy. Wish I could find a reel of Prince syn gut w DF 16 in this country.
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
^^I still have one left. >>> sold the rest. Yes, I switched to the kps88, although I still hit with the pretige from time to time.
 

julianoz

Semi-Pro
I am a 4.5, hit with the mid yesterday and was killing it all over the court....

Hit huge flat serves where it has always been easier for me to kick/slice it. Fh and Backhands i could go down the line at will. I could sit in the middle and rip into a corner and control the point. People say slice is not good with this racket, atleast compared to k90 but I found it very nice. You just have to lean into it and give it a good thwack.

Hit a couple touch shots at the net that I never could do with a MP.

The biggest thing for me is I have very fast swing speed and this is the only racket ive hit with where i can swing away without any worries..i think i found a new racket
 

geesechops

Semi-Pro
All the above!!! Fast swing speed, huge flat serves, gotta lean into that slice, corner to corner accuracy and pace, and unrivaled touch shots (well maybe tied with the ps85). But that really does a good job of summing up this racquet.
 

sliceboy33

Rookie
Great news!

After a brief stint with the Microgel Prestige Pros - changing grips and leading them up to make them similar to my old Classic Mids I finally ordered a pair of Microgel Prestige Mids.

Paul Reed from TW chose a matched pair for me with the following (strung) specs: 12.2oz / 8HL balance / 322 SW.

I had them strung with Kirschbaun Pro Line II 18 gauge at 47lbs.

I just got my hands on them today and hopefully if it stops raining I may be able to test them today.

The only thing I could do so far is "dry swinging" them around the house and they feel amazing! Lighter and faster compared to my stock MPPro and Classic Mids. :)

I´ll write a thorough review after I have the chance to take them to the court!

Thanks once again PED, Steve and Drakulie for all the information and suggestions.
 

PED

Legend
Sliceboy, let me know how it goes with the 18g PL2. I tried 17g in PL2(my fav for my Prestige Pro) but found that I liked Head FXP more in the mid. The 18g should be just right for that tight stringbed.

I think head size has to do with it as I usually hate full multi but the FXP gave great control and comfort.
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
Thanks for the update, sliceboy, and congrats!! Let us know how it goes.

As for me,,,,,, I'm hitting with the 88, however, always have the Prestige Mid in my bag, for when the 88 strings pop.

This weekend, just for fun, went to a local tennis shop and demoed a few frames:

Head Youtek Speed MP (18 X 20)
Head Microgel Radical Pro MP (16 x 19)

and another frame that sucked bad and deserves no mention.

I have played with the head radical pro before, and remember really liking it (crazy spin). I brought it home, cut out the strings, and strung it up with Lux Mains, synthetic crosses. All I could say is>>> WOWZER! Still love this frame.

As for the Youtek, I was really, REALLY impressed with the overall comfort, power, and blasting power it has, especially on flat shots. The control was also excellent.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Drak, you have to try the Youtek Radical Pro. It sold me at least. I bought a new frame yesterday and getting more. Not sure if it is your thing or not, I personally did not like the Prestige Pro at all. Something about the Radical Pro just made it feel like it was perfect for me as soon as I started to hit with it.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
It's so good I made it my current frame..lol. Just began the stock up, buying a new one last night.

My last frame was the apdc, which I liked, but in the end I like the high swing weight of the Radical. I also never felt 100% confident with the wider beam and insane power of the apdc.

I demod every racquet out there for 6 months and the Radical Pro is the one that was undeniable for me. I just played like myself with it (but with better consistency) , which is a baseline game with some drop shots and volleys sprinkled in.
 
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