Mystery P1 TGK Prestige (Safin?)

[DavaiMarat]

Hi gang,


Here's one for you pro racquet connoisseurs. This is a HEAD TGK237.2 I bought off these very boards over a year ago.

Handle:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49288338@N08/5171766179/

Throat:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49288338@N08/5172367368/

Frame:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49288338@N08/5171763213/

Head:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49288338@N08/5171761645/

I love the frame but I've always wondered it's history. Most of the ones floating about were distributed by **** but this one came from Priority One meaning it was meant for a P1 client.

I know the tgk237.2 line was a experimental run of 16x19 prestige mids painted up like the microgel. This racquet weights (with string) 350'ish with the leather grip. It has lead at the 12 o'clock position and it may have lead at 3 and 9 but as you know the grommets are near impossible to get I've never peeled it down that far. It also has a bit of lead on the grip at the 7 inch mark (from the butt cap). It's balance is 32cms or 8 points head light. The grip is expertly wrapped (as only P1 can do) with a little bit of what looks like electrical or finishing tape at the end. It also has a little yellow sticker with 12 on it near the racquet code.

The gentlemen I bought it for said it was made for Safin to try but he didn't care for it. However from what I read I think his setup for a mid is quite different. So my question is, who was the racquet for? I know usually they stencil the name on the frame, but I doubt they would bother with a 'tryer'. The only other pro player I know (and could afford P1) that used a prestige mid was Acasuso (spelling?). So who was this originally meant for? Hmmmm.

Summary:
350g strung 32cm balance
lead at 12 and on grip (7 inch) possibly 3 and 9 but never checked.

Looking forward to your responses,

Mike

 

[RJYU]

Its one of ours, but from the looks of it, not one ever made for Marat. I'd have to look back at our racquet customizing history to find out who it was made for.

 

[DavaiMarat]

I would love to know.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[Azzurri]

Its one of ours, but from the looks of it, not one ever made for Marat. I'd have to look back at our racquet customizing history to find out who it was made for.

there is a #12 sticker. I presume that would be for a certain player? I had one with a #13 and I know that player.

 

[DavaiMarat]

there is a #12 sticker. I presume that would be for a certain player? I had one with a #13 and I know that player.

Hmmmmm Sebastion Grosjeans used a prestige as well. Hmmmm with a frame so head light I'd say doubles player but what would a doubles player want with a clay courter's pattern. Interesting.

 

[RJYU]

there is a #12 sticker. I presume that would be for a certain player? I had one with a #13 and I know that player.

The numbers aren't specifically reserved for particular player. The pic with the number doesn't help me with any identification.

 

[DavaiMarat]

The numbers aren't specifically reserved for particular player. The pic with the number doesn't help me with any identification.

Excited about going home tomorrow? Then off to London?

Life at P1 is never slow eh?

Oh, I know you don't give out specs but you gotta tell me how Marats setup use to 330 grams? The stocks don't even come that light, do they? He must of had custom tgk237.1 mold with magic fairy dust inside to make it lighter. How could you even add any lead to thAt?

 

[Azzurri]

The numbers aren't specifically reserved for particular player. The pic with the number doesn't help me with any identification.

oh, so what is that # for? just curious

 

[Mdubb23]

oh, so what is that # for? just curious

Most likely it was the twelfth stick customized for said mystery pro.

 

[big bang]

Most likely it was the twelfth stick customized for said mystery pro.

It probably was, the Babolat pro stock frames I had came from Lyon with date and production number like this 12/7-09 nr 1.

 

[purple-n-gold]

very interesting this mystery stick....

 

[ryushen21]

Excited about going home tomorrow? Then off to London?

Life at P1 is never slow eh?

Oh, I know you don't give out specs but you gotta tell me how Marats setup use to 330 grams? The stocks don't even come that light, do they? He must of had custom tgk237.1 mold with magic fairy dust inside to make it lighter. How could you even add any lead to thAt?

I thought Marat's frame was a PT10.....

 

[Cooper_Tecnifibre4]

Yeh and i don't think Marat used that type of Head butt cap, no?

 

[DavaiMarat]

I thought Marat's frame was a PT10.....

That's true...but he switched at some point after his return from injury. He played with the tgk237.1 which I believe has the mold of the iprestige but is a full graphite layup with tungsten. Also the old pt10 s were L7s meanwhile the newer prestige mids are all L6.

I really can't figure out marats setup now. The information on the boards is all scattered. I know he strung with with alu power at60 lbs but other then that you see weight from330 to 370. Also some impossibly low swing weights. I'd like to hear from someone with one of his current frames.

 

[dr325i]

That's true...but he switched at some point after his return from injury. He played with the tgk237.1 which I believe has the mold of the iprestige but is a full graphite layup with tungsten. Also the old pt10 s were L7s meanwhile the newer prestige mids are all L6.

I really can't figure out marats setup now. The information on the boards is all scattered. I know he strung with with alu power at60 lbs but other then that you see weight from330 to 370. Also some impossibly low swing weights. I'd like to hear from someone with one of his current frames.

wait a minute -- different materials than the Microgel Mid??
No way...

 

[DavaiMarat]

wait a minute -- different materials than the Microgel Mid??
No way...

Haha. All of us know that but considerate of the people that don't have our disease.

 

[Pioneer]

Marat Safin's balance is 32cm and his weight is 350-355g but he uses synthetic replacement grip now and has ever since like 2005 or something

Hmmmmm Sebastion Grosjeans used a prestige as well. Hmmmm with a frame so head light I'd say doubles player but what would a doubles player want with a clay courter's pattern. Interesting.

 

[Pioneer]

Lol L7? Safin's grip is L4. Greg Raven's website says 353g, 32cm, 347 SW which is pretty realistic. Nate Ferguson said he strings BBO 16 in the high 20s

That's true...but he switched at some point after his return from injury. He played with the tgk237.1 which I believe has the mold of the iprestige but is a full graphite layup with tungsten. Also the old pt10 s were L7s meanwhile the newer prestige mids are all L6.

I really can't figure out marats setup now. The information on the boards is all scattered. I know he strung with with alu power at60 lbs but other then that you see weight from330 to 370. Also some impossibly low swing weights. I'd like to hear from someone with one of his current frames.

 

[tennisguy7482]

Lol L7? Safin's grip is L4. Greg Raven's website says 353g, 32cm, 347 SW which is pretty realistic. Nate Ferguson said he strings BBO 16 in the high 20s

i think he means the numbers that head puts on their frames as a "swing style rating." L6 is printed on all the newer mids

 

[Azzurri]

wait a minute -- different materials than the Microgel Mid??
No way...

stop it doc...this disease of yours has spread!:twisted:

 

[RJYU]

Just tracked down who this racquet was made for. It was for a person who is an assistant coach at a university here in the States. He played college tennis, and also some lower tier professional events (satellites). I don't think he's playing professionally any more.

 

[Azzurri]

Just tracked down who this racquet was made for. It was for a person who is an assistant coach at a university here in the States. He played college tennis, and also some lower tier professional events (satellites). I don't think he's playing professionally any more.

I know who he is.

 

[ryushen21]

That's true...but he switched at some point after his return from injury. He played with the tgk237.1 which I believe has the mold of the iprestige but is a full graphite layup with tungsten. Also the old pt10 s were L7s meanwhile the newer prestige mids are all L6.

I really can't figure out marats setup now. The information on the boards is all scattered. I know he strung with with alu power at60 lbs but other then that you see weight from330 to 370. Also some impossibly low swing weights. I'd like to hear from someone with one of his current frames.

Good to know. I didn't realize that he ever switched from the PT10.

As far as his string, I thought he used BBO at 60. With his setups, I would imagine that he has different ones to use as his mood changes on court :twisted:

 

[vsbabolat]

That's true...but he switched at some point after his return from injury. He played with the tgk237.1 which I believe has the mold of the iprestige but is a full graphite layup with tungsten. Also the old pt10 s were L7s meanwhile the newer prestige mids are all L6.

I really can't figure out marats setup now. The information on the boards is all scattered. I know he strung with with alu power at60 lbs but other then that you see weight from330 to 370. Also some impossibly low swing weights. I'd like to hear from someone with one of his current frames.

No, that is not entirely correct. TGK237.1 is the MG Prestige Mid. TGK237.1 has nothing to do with the i.Prestige Mid.

 

[DavaiMarat]

VS Babolat, I agree with you that the tgk237.1 is not the i.prestige nor feels like it or plays like it. However, you track the history of prestiges, Trysis 260 or PC600 were the last of the PT10 mold. When the i.prestige was release (over a decade ago?) the prestige mid mold was considerably beefed up and has been ever since. Thus the decrease in swing weight from L7 to L6.

Still pick up my old PC600 and the thinner beam still feels great. Problem is I have to lead it up considerable to get the same pop (very heavy).

So yes tgk237.1 is not the i.prestige mid but they use the same hairpin mold/shape.

 

[DavaiMarat]

Just tracked down who this racquet was made for. It was for a person who is an assistant coach at a university here in the States. He played college tennis, and also some lower tier professional events (satellites). I don't think he's playing professionally any more.

Thanks Ron,

I respect the fact you don't want to release his name. However thanks for the info it's nice to know where it's pedigree. Thanks for your help!

Have fun in London.

 

[vsbabolat]

VS Babolat, I agree with you that the tgk237.1 is not the i.prestige nor feels like it or plays like it. However, you track the history of prestiges, Trysis 260 or PC600 were the last of the PT10 mold. When the i.prestige was release (over a decade ago?) the prestige mid mold was considerably beefed up and has been ever since. Thus the decrease in swing weight from L7 to L6.

Still pick up my old PC600 and the thinner beam still feels great. Problem is I have to lead it up considerable to get the same pop (very heavy).

So yes tgk237.1 is not the i.prestige mid but they use the same hairpin mold/shape.

TGK237.1 is not the same mold as the i.Prestige Mid. The i.Prestige Mid has grooves (indentations) at both ends of the throat bridge. Also the Prestige Mid has never been beefed up. L7 and L6 is just marketing, it is a Swing STYLE rating not a measure of swing weight. Lastly, the Prestige was called the Trisys 300 in 1993 in the USA (Prestige Tour 600 or 660 in E.U. depending on head size) NOT 260. The Radical Trisys 260 is a completely different racquet.

 

[DavaiMarat]

TGK237.1 is not the same mold as the i.Prestige Mid. The i.Prestige Mid has grooves (indentations) at both ends of the throat bridge. Also the Prestige Mid has never been beefed up. L7 and L6 is just marketing, it is a Swing STYLE rating not a measure of swing weight. Lastly, the Prestige was called the Trisys 300 in 1993 in the USA (Prestige Tour 600 or 660 in E.U. depending on head size) NOT 260. The Radical Trisys 260 is a completely different racquet.

Sorry I got the numbers mixed however, I just know what I see. I pick up the old PC600/Trysis 300 and the beam is thinner and it feels underpowered compared to the newer iterations. I noticed the bigger beam when the I prestige came out and it continue to the MG. I don't really know about the Youtek mid, never owned one.

You seem to be quite know quite a lot about the prestige line. Don't you see a difference between the PC600 and rackets that came after it?

Anyway, this really doesn't matter anyway. Ron has given me the info I need. Now I just need the info to make it into a MArat Frame. I have the weight, swingweight and balance, the question now is where to put the lead and how much?

Thanks for clarifying VS,

 

[vsbabolat]

Sorry I got the numbers mixed however, I just know what I see. I pick up the old PC600/Trysis 300 and the beam is thinner and it feels underpowered compared to the newer iterations. I noticed the bigger beam when the I prestige came out and it continue to the MG. I don't really know about the Youtek mid, never owned one.

You seem to be quite know quite a lot about the prestige line. Don't you see a difference between the PC600 and rackets that came after it?

Anyway, this really doesn't matter anyway. Ron has given me the info I need. Now I just need the info to make it into a MArat Frame. I have the weight, swingweight and balance, the question now is where to put the lead and how much?

Thanks for clarifying VS,

The beam width on all of the Prestige Mids has always been and is 19mm. That has never changed. The Prestige MidPlus (630cm2 head size) is however wider. I know what I feel as well. Also I have owned every version of the Prestige Mid produced.

 

[DavaiMarat]

The beam width on all of the Prestige Mids has always been and is 19mm. That has never changed. The Prestige MidPlus (630cm2 head size) is however wider. I know what I feel as well. Also I have owned every version of the Prestige Mid produced.

Odd. I'll have to measure it. Now the tgk line is that a pure graphite frame or is it a micro gel just with pro stock weight?

 

[big bang]

Odd. I'll have to measure it. Now the tgk line is that a pure graphite frame or is it a micro gel just with pro stock weight?

no MG or any other fancy gimmicks!

 

[vsbabolat]

Odd. I'll have to measure it. Now the tgk line is that a pure graphite frame or is it a micro gel just with pro stock weight?

I will say this I could feel no difference between "Pro Stock" and a retail MG Prestige Mid and it is no coincidence that they have the same engineering code.

P.S. There is no such thing as a "Pure Graphite" racquet. At 40% of a racquet's material is Resin.


I will leave you one last thing the quality of materials of retail and "Pro Stock" are Identical.

 

[Azzurri]

Odd. I'll have to measure it. Now the tgk line is that a pure graphite frame or is it a micro gel just with pro stock weight?

not sure about that. The 237.2 MG felt softer like the retail MG and the 237.3 Youtek Prestige mid felt stiffer like the retail Youtek Prestige. however, they are pro room made racquets with better tolerences and lighter weights for customizing.

 

[Azzurri]

I will say this I could feel no difference between "Pro Stock" and a retail MG Prestige Mid and it is no coincidence that they have the same engineering code.

P.S. There is no such thing as a "Pure Graphite" racquet. At 40% of a racquet's material is Resin.


I will leave you one last thing the quality of materials of retail and "Pro Stock" are Identical.[/QUOTE]

where were you in the PT57E vs. i.Prestige thread??? Doc wanted to rip me a new one.

another poster informed me that the PT57E they got felt the same as the retail i.prestige. I think more people are realizing these pro stock racquets are just lighter to customize.

 

[dr325i]

I will say this I could feel no difference between "Pro Stock" and a retail MG Prestige Mid and it is no coincidence that they have the same engineering code.


P.S. There is no such thing as a "Pure Graphite" racquet. At 40% of a racquet's material is Resin.


I will leave you one last thing the quality of materials of retail and "Pro Stock" are Identical.[/QUOTE]

where were you in the PT57E vs. i.Prestige thread??? Doc wanted to rip me a new one.

another poster informed me that the PT57E they got felt the same as the retail i.prestige. I think more people are realizing these pro stock racquets are just lighter to customize.

Again, your logic is flawed. If "another" poster feels that way, that does not mean it is correct. ALL PT57E that I had , and I had many did not feel at all like the retail iPrestiges I had. I am not sure how you expect two identical molds, one with less materials in it (or different materials) to feel the same...

The TGK frames are made in different Chinese factories, the same ones that for example Bosworth uses. Do they use better quality materials or just better QC, I am not sure. Quality-wise, I had no issues with the retail Head sticks.

Again, I can bring in to this conversation at least 3 or 4 professional customizers (members here) that will disagree with your and your "another" poster opinions.

I am still waiting to see who's got the info if the TGK frames have any Microgel or D3O in them...

 

[courtking]

I will say this I could feel no difference between "Pro Stock" and a retail MG Prestige Mid and it is no coincidence that they have the same engineering code.

P.S. There is no such thing as a "Pure Graphite" racquet. At 40% of a racquet's material is Resin.


I will leave you one last thing the quality of materials of retail and "Pro Stock" are Identical.[/QUOTE]

where were you in the PT57E vs. i.Prestige thread??? Doc wanted to rip me a new one.

another poster informed me that the PT57E they got felt the same as the retail i.prestige. I think more people are realizing these pro stock racquets are just lighter to customize.

I play with many TGKxxx that belong to the pros.. They feel great and totally difference than the stock racket but I am not sure it's 100% pure graphite as it claims.. in contrast, the PT57A felt soft and nice like a true piece of graphite/twaron PT630..

 

[dr325i]

another poster informed me that the PT57E they got felt the same as the retail i.prestige. I think more people are realizing these pro stock racquets are just lighter to customize.

Another poster informed me that the Pro stock sticks feel TOTALLY different from the retail (see post #36).

 

[DavaiMarat]

Another poster informed me that the Pro stock sticks feel TOTALLY different from the retail (see post #36).

I find the TGK frames crisper and have more flex then the retail. I know that sounds like an paradox but they have a nice feel with the ball. A punctuated flex for a lack of a better term.

Perhaps it's the lead customizing that makes it flex this way. I'm not sure what they use in the retails to make them heavier.

Cheers,

Mike

 

[Azzurri]

Again, your logic is flawed. If "another" poster feels that way, that does not mean it is correct. ALL PT57E that I had , and I had many did not feel at all like the retail iPrestiges I had. I am not sure how you expect two identical molds, one with less materials in it (or different materials) to feel the same...

The TGK frames are made in different Chinese factories, the same ones that for example Bosworth uses. Do they use better quality materials or just better QC, I am not sure. Quality-wise, I had no issues with the retail Head sticks.

Again, I can bring in to this conversation at least 3 or 4 professional customizers (members here) that will disagree with your and your "another" poster opinions.

I am still waiting to see who's got the info if the TGK frames have any Microgel or D3O in them...

he is not the only one. check courtking's post. he notes the PT57a feels like the PT630...with twaron, interesting.

 

[Azzurri]

Another poster informed me that the Pro stock sticks feel TOTALLY different from the retail (see post #36).

but in the same post he notes the PT57 feels just like the PT630. You have claimed thousdands of times they are NOT the same racquet.:wink:

 

[Azzurri]

I find the TGK frames crisper and have more flex then the retail. I know that sounds like an paradox but they have a nice feel with the ball. A punctuated flex for a lack of a better term.

Perhaps it's the lead customizing that makes it flex this way. I'm not sure what they use in the retails to make them heavier.

Cheers,

Mike

crisper with more flex??? never heard that one.

 

[dr325i]

but in the same post he notes the PT57 feels just like the PT630. You have claimed thousdands of times they are NOT the same racquet.:wink:

I thought this thread was about the TGK...

 

[Azzurri]

I thought this thread was about the TGK...

LOL...you won't infect me Doc, I won't allow it.

I know, that you know, that I know, you know I am right.