New Graphene Radicals/Prestiges for 2014

[burn1986]

Well, there would not be as many long replies, speculations, and explanations if the rackets were any good. Head had some stupid idea about some weird material. They put it in all their racquets and it sucks. The stiffness with Graphene is totally different than the stiffness in the Babolats. Head's stiffness sucks and feels like a board, even metallic on the speed and radicals IMO.

 

[burn1986]

All in all, I'm probably making too big of a deal about these stupid racquets. Who cares, I'll just pick up several more IG MPs or Pros off **** or at my tennis shops demos and I'm good for another year. No sweat.

 

[jchl97]

Really disappointed with Head killing off the Prestige Mid, and even changing the molds and making the MP/Pro lighter. I wish they could at least reissue the classics with this move. Wilson and now Prince manage to continue with some traditional offerings. Very unwise of Head from the classic players and long time Prestige users standpoint.

 

[J-Wildcard]

The Instinct certainly had the same build quality as the youtek radical which were both below the standard of the youtek prestige. It was way below the price of the others but as you movqda states it didn't have the big star endorsement at launch in fact Berdych is not really a serial winner that can boost frame sales like a Rafa, Fed, Djok and Murray. That racket gave a lot of power but could not be controlled and after playing 18/20 all the time felt wild to be honest.
Does anyone know how limited the run of Prestige 25th anniversary Youtek IG frames are? The black one as I really want one of those having a set of 3 Youtek Prestige MPs as my main rackets. As I am in the UK, I am having trouble finding anywhere with any left?

 

[Tyler91]

Thought I would pre-order the new Prestige S but TW has no 3/8 grip sizes. I guess they sold out early or never had any...weird.

I had to order it from the Ohio connection...

 

[Crozzer95]

Picking up my new Prestiges this coming week, will post some pictures as soon as they come in!

Thank god for being a coach

 

[Seth]

The Prestige mid, as we know it, is dead. Time to stock up on YouTek mids.

 

[Overdrive]

The Prestige mid, as we know it, is dead. Time to stock up on YouTek mids.

Might as well. They aren't coming back anytime soon unless TW pays for a re-release (which is implausible).

 

[Murray_fan1]

Picking up my new Prestiges this coming week, will post some pictures as soon as they come in!

Thank god for being a coach

I am actually excited to try the new model Prestige Pro. Specs are very similar to my Tfight save the additional RA points. It seems Michelle was the only negative review and she complained about the flexy feel so it may be better then everyone is expecting. Different from previous generations but not necessarily a bad racquet.

 

[Crozzer95]

I am actually excited to try the new model Prestige Pro. Specs are very similar to my Tfight save the additional RA points. It seems Michelle was the only negative review and she complained about the flexy feel so it may be better then everyone is expecting. Different from previous generations but not necessarily a bad racquet.

I need to watch the reviews, I've been using the Prestige for a good 5 years now, had a short break for about 2 months too the Pure Drive, but I changed back to my Prestige's.

Having also had a 2 month break from tennis, and the new season coming in I thought I'd get up to date with my frames, I actually hit with a Prostock version of them a couple weeks back, same racket, weighted up to the same specs as the 57A and it hit pretty darn well! Just need to get them for myself, and possibly add some weight!

Let me know what you think of the Pro, I've never been a fan of that 16x19 SP

 

[parasailing]

I am actually excited to try the new model Prestige Pro. Specs are very similar to my Tfight save the additional RA points. It seems Michelle was the only negative review and she complained about the flexy feel so it may be better then everyone is expecting. Different from previous generations but not necessarily a bad racquet.

Let me know what you think of it compared to the Graphene Speed and Radical line as well as the Pure Strike or Pure Storm Tour GT. I think the Prestige Pro would be a middle of the ground between the Speed and Radical line.

 

[Minion]

I bought a G-Radical Pro last week. I played with it for the last 4 days, singles and doubles. I like it a lot.

 

[movdqa]

> It was way below the price of the others but as you movqda
> states it didn't have the big star endorsement at launch in
> fact Berdych is not really a serial winner that can boost frame
> sales like a Rafa, Fed, Djok and Murray.

There are only so many players in the top four and Head is fortunate to have two of them. But they're endorsing other lines.

Berdych had some nice wins the year that he moved over to the Instinct and I think that having Berdych and Sharapova endorsing the frame has contributed greatly to its success.

 

[J-Wildcard]

I would say Murray has given a big boost to the Radical line in recent times with his grand slam wins. When he first took the mantle from the legendary Andre Agassi that is some big shoes to fill. The Speed range seem to be very popular but for me the 100inch head size is a touch big and initially the non graphene version had mixed feedback. If you are serious about tennis it is a commonly known fact that it is the paint job that is changing most of the time not the racket with the pros. I like the weight and feel of the prestige in stock form so am interested in trying these new models out. I am also interested in trying the new Babolat pure strike which looks very similar to the prestige.

 

[Overdrive]

TonLars (Tony) tested the Radical and is considering to switch frames.

 

[J-Wildcard]

Isn't the Radical a 16/19 string only? Not for me that string pattern. I was tempted to try a mid instead of a mid plus prestige? Is there much difference?

 

[West Coast Ace]

Picking up my new Prestiges this coming week, will post some pictures as soon as they come in!

Thank god for being a coach

All or just one?

Please do.

The shop I go to is supposed to get them later in the week; hoping to grab the demos of the Rev Pro and Midplus.

Hopefully the paint doesn't reject lead tape...

 

[Racer41c]

The Prestige mid, as we know it, is dead. Time to stock up on YouTek mids.

I have a mid in new condition 4 1/2. Would be interested in trading for a MP in 9.5+ condition grip size 4 3/8.

 

[mpournaras]

Anyone have pics of the optional CAP grommets? How do we acquire them? They are not included with the Rad Pros at my shop

 

[parasailing]

I am picking up a Prestige Pro this week and excited to see how it compares to the Speed Pro but with a more open string pattern.

I would have purchase the custom Head Speed Pro offered on Head's website but asking for $400 is just insane.

 

[YesTennis]

If anyone gets a chance to play with the Graphene Prestige S I'd appreciate any feedback. In addition, any comparisons between the G Prestige S and the G Radical MP would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Torres]

Anyone know if the black CAP grommets (from the Youtek Prestige Pro) will fit the Graphene Prestige Pro?

 

[bruintennis]

I am picking up a Prestige Pro this week and excited to see how it compares to the Speed Pro but with a more open string pattern.

I would have purchase the custom Head Speed Pro offered on Head's website but asking for $400 is just insane.

When will local tennis shops receive the Graphene Prestige Pros?

 

[zapvor]

If anyone gets a chance to play with the Graphene Prestige S I'd appreciate any feedback. In addition, any comparisons between the G Prestige S and the G Radical MP would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

the new S is completely different then the old ig. i think its better. much more solid, more heft. the ig was too hollow. the balance felt too head heavy for me though. as for the radical mp, dont touch it. its just a babolat clone

 

[YesTennis]

the new S is completely different then the old ig. i think its better. much more solid, more heft. the ig was too hollow. the balance felt too head heavy for me though. as for the radical mp, dont touch it. its just a babolat clone

Thanks. I'm going to demo the Prestige S. A lot of other not so flattering comments about the G Radical MP.

 

[tennis1111]

I bought radical graphene mp one and all comments are true. It plays like Babolat PD but with more control. Serving was disaster but volleys were OK. I managed to change racket for last year Prestige MP 25th but haven't tried it yet.

 

[vsbabolat]

the new S is completely different then the old ig. i think its better. much more solid, more heft. the ig was too hollow. the balance felt too head heavy for me though. as for the radical mp, dont touch it. its just a babolat clone

He should not demo the Radical and make his own decision?

 

[YesTennis]

He should not demo the Radical and make his own decision?

Have you had a chance to play with the G Prestige S? Would appreciate your thoughts if you have. Thanks in advance.

 

[Minion]

I've been testing the G-Radical Pro over the last few weeks. Stock, added a leather grip, strung with Head Sonic Pro Edge @ 54lbs. In my opinion it's a much better feeling and playing racquet than the IG model. It reminds me alot of the YouTek version. I might even switch to it....will see.

 

[Tyler91]

If anyone gets a chance to play with the Graphene Prestige S I'd appreciate any feedback. In addition, any comparisons between the G Prestige S and the G Radical MP would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I'm a 46 y/o 3.5 who has been playing with the Prestige S for about 18 months. I picked up one of the new Graphene Prestige S yesterday and will get a chance to hit with it tonight and this weekend. I'll report back...

Seeing the racquet in person, I can say it looks fantastic to my eye (especially compared to the old version...meh). The new string pattern is much more dense (still 16x19 but concentrated toward the middle). Almost looks like an 18x20 pattern. I may need to have it restrung lower to get a good feel for it compared to my current sticks.

 

[Torres]

What surprises about the new Rads and Prestiges is how relatively tinny they feel compared to the Speeds.

 

[Nastase]

did TW just modify the SW of the P Pro...increased to 335?

 

[movdqa]

> What surprises about the new Rads and Prestiges is how
> relatively tinny they feel compared to the Speeds.

It's the concept of the platform racquet. You get a base frame and add lead to get to your desired specs.

 

[Torres]

Platform racquet? You would need a lot of lead to change that feel...

 

[maxpotapov]

> What surprises about the new Rads and Prestiges is how
> relatively tinny they feel compared to the Speeds.

It's the concept of the platform racquet. You get a base frame and add lead to get to your desired specs.

No, it's the concept of cheap engineering. Unless you consider 11.2-11.7 oz 315-335 SW racquets a platform frame.

Or wait, looking at your spec maybe they are

 

[corners]

did TW just modify the SW of the P Pro...increased to 335?

The frame TW University tested was 339. Another online retailer has it at 338. We might be looking at 6.1-like swingweight QC.

 

[Torres]

^ It doesn't feel like a 338/339 SW type stick. There's enough weight in the head to get you out of trouble when you're defending or hitting through the court, but it doesn't feel anywhere near as 'boomy' as say the Pure Storm Tour (which has a noticeably bigger, more powerful sweetspot). Doesn't feel sluggish to swing either. I would have guessed this would have been around 330SW. Maybe that weight distribution is deceiving because it definitely feels lighter and less hefty in the throat area.

 

[Nastase]

not splittting hairs but the initial posted specs said SW was 328...the written review still lists 328...posted specs now say 335. not a modest difference.

 

[Tyler91]

I'm a 46 y/o 3.5 who has been playing with the Prestige S for about 18 months. I picked up one of the new Graphene Prestige S yesterday and will get a chance to hit with it tonight and this weekend. I'll report back...

Seeing the racquet in person, I can say it looks fantastic to my eye (especially compared to the old version...meh). The new string pattern is much more dense (still 16x19 but concentrated toward the middle). Almost looks like an 18x20 pattern. I may need to have it restrung lower to get a good feel for it compared to my current sticks.

Played a singles match tonight with the new Prestige S. I like it. I'm not a good racquet evaluator, by any stretch...but here are my random thoughts on it:

1) The paint job and color scheme is just sexy. That's very subjective, but I think it looks fantastic.
2) I think the slightly lighter weight is a positive for my game.
3) I'm pretty sure I noticed better accuracy AND spin than the old version. I guess the increased accuracy is a result of the tighter string pattern.
4) I'm using the same string and tension as in my old sticks (Babolat Xcel 17g strung at 55lbs)
5) TW lists the swingweight for the new model as slightly heaver than the outgoing model. I didn't notice that on the court.
6) I think I'm going to pick up another one...

I won my match so that may be 90% of the reason I'm digging the new stick. For now, i'm undefeated with the new S!

 

[mpournaras]

So can we get the optonal CAP grommets on the Rad pro like the HEAD site says it comes with?

 

[parasailing]

^ It doesn't feel like a 338/339 SW type stick. There's enough weight in the head to get you out of trouble when you're defending or hitting through the court, but it doesn't feel anywhere near as 'boomy' as say the Pure Storm Tour (which has a noticeably bigger, more powerful sweetspot). Doesn't feel sluggish to swing either. I would have guessed this would have been around 330SW. Maybe that weight distribution is deceiving because it definitely feels lighter and less hefty in the throat area.

Does the Prestige Pro feel less tinny than the Radical Pro? I still waiting for my racquet to arrive but I definitely didn't like how tinny the Radical Pro felt and at the moment sticking with the Speed Pro.

 

[Alex78]

Just a personal observation watching Murray on TV right now: The new Radical paint job would look awesome with black CAPs. Not that orange is terrible, but black would be way cooler.

 

[Torres]

Look at these two, and look at the specs. Both racquets are stock.



G-Speed MP (100/16x19)
W: 331g
B: 322mm

G-Prestige Pro (98/16x19)
W: 333g
B: 321mm

You'd think they might be simillar playing racquets but they're really quite different. Hoop is like a frying pan on the MP compared to PP. Drill spacing on the MP is also wide and doesn't really close up. Big difference in hoop weight as well.

 

[Power Player]

6 throat mains verses 8 in the prestige. Thats the big difference there. The trajectory and spin of the speed is higher.

 

[parasailing]

I think the comparison will be more fair if you compare the Speed Pro vs Prestige Pro instead.

 

[maxpotapov]

You'd think they might be simillar playing racquets but they're really quite different. Hoop is like a frying pan on the MP compared to PP. Drill spacing on the MP is also wide and doesn't really close up. Big difference in hoop weight as well.

Frying pan, huh?

 

[JackB1]

6 throat mains verses 8 in the prestige. Thats the big difference there. The trajectory and spin of the speed is higher.

All the Graphene Rad's have that new "dynamic" pattern, which makes a
16x19 behave more like a 18x20 IMO.

 

[Torres]

Frying pan, huh?

Fries dem eggs better.

All the Graphene Rad's have that new "dynamic" pattern, which makes a
16x19 behave more like a 18x20 IMO.

Have you swallowed a marketing pamphlet? The drill pattern results in nothing like a 18x20 stick.

 

[Hollywood401k]

I've only hit with the new G Rad Pro, but it almost does feel like a tighter string pattern. Launch angle is low, but still extremely spin friendly. And the racquet is ridiculously stable while being so light and easy to swing.

I really don't know why there are so many haters, although it seems most opinions are about the MP? The Pro is very impressive.

 

[reds17]

I've only hit with the new G Rad Pro, but it almost does feel like a tighter string pattern. Launch angle is low, but still extremely spin friendly. And the racquet is ridiculously stable while being so light and easy to swing.

I really don't know why there are so many haters, although it seems most opinions are about the MP? The Pro is very impressive.

I have the G Rad Pro too, if it feels like a tighter string pattern, I have evidence that it is. Now I'm no big racquet aficionado that most are on here (and I've gained a ton of knowledge from reading their posts). But I do have my Wilson six one 95s (16 x 18 ). Out of curiousity I measured the span of mains going left to right. On the Radical the mains span 7 3/8 inches (18.73 cm), while the Wilson is 7 3/4 inches (19.685 cm). On the cross span the Rad is 9 3/8 in (23.81 cm), while the Wilson is 10 1/4 in (26.035 cm). That adds up to a tighter string pattern in the middle of the racquet, also with the 8 mains in the throat. I know it's only comparing to one of the many, many racquets out there, but it's my point of reference. What's remarkable is it's a greater concentration in a bigger head (Rad is 98 while my Wilson is 95).