NEW Prestige MP 360

[Groovemaster85]

He is using a pro stock version of the speed which is in every way superior to retail trash and believe me it is, because I have tried it. That’s just what I said earlier. You have a choice , pro stock models are always, at least in my experience, superior in every way to their retail counterparts . Then it’s just a matter of taste and customization, when the layup is good...


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[terg]

As a matter of fact yes, they are selling garbage with low quality materials for the public while pro stock racquets are of high quality plus highly customizable. And I actually prefer tgt 293.2 over PT57A , it suits my game better , and in the pro stock palette you actually have a choice of the model while at the same time materials are actually top notch. And I am not discussing the mold at the first place, I have owned bunch of pro stocks, long list before settling on the tgt 293.2 finally and every singe one of them was high quality material , so the choice was a matter of taste and preference. But to me, all head pro stocks aren’t comparable to retail in terms of material quality. And thanks to guys like @vsbabolat I was able to learn about the pro stock world and the truth - that they are selling garbage to the public.


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If you would read the comment from vsbabolat, and you learned so much from him, then you’d know there is no difference in material. It’s just difference in layup. And layup is subjected to feel, not quality.

 

[Groovemaster85]

I think that the pro stock version of ig prestige mp feels better than the retail. At least It’s my experience and I play with that racquet and tried them side by side. They are making thinner racquets but of better quality and lighter so you can customize and add weight to your preference . Like I said, you can choose between many different and high quality pro stocks , and some of them are not that expensive , customize them and play. In my experience , and I underline that because I feel it but someone might not, pro stocks are superior to retail in terms of material quality, no matter the layup . And on the other hand , in the past that was not the case. Pro tour 630, at least in my experience plays exactly like PT57a ... but that’s just me... someone could always argue otherwise ... In the nineties you were able to buy pro stock quality racquet from the shelf...


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[terg]

Cuz the marketplace versions have been working out so well for them...

How do you know how it’s working out for them? tt is not a reflection of the world. It’s just people that like tennis a lot but are also subject to group thinking. If you don’t think pro stocks are magic you’re not part of the elite “knowledgeable” group of insiders.

 

[terg]

I think that the pro stock version of ig prestige mp feels better than the retail. At least It’s my experience and I play with that racquet and tried them side by side. They are making thinner racquets but of better quality and lighter so you can customize and add weight to your preference . Like I said, you can choose between many different and high quality pro stocks , and some of them are not that expensive , customize them and play. In my experience , and I underline that because I feel it but someone might not, pro stocks are superior to retail in terms of material quality, no matter the layup . And on the other hand , in the past that was not the case. Pro tour 630, at least in my experience plays exactly like PT57a ... but that’s just me... someone could always argue otherwise ... In the nineties you were able to buy pro stock quality racquet from the shelf...


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Pro stocks are lighter counterparts of the retail version. But this has nothing to do with the quality of the material. If you ad lead on the right spots to light racquets you get that solid feeling you’re talking about. I’m curious did you ever play a pro stock in stock form?

 

[Groovemaster85]

Even if it was the case, and yes, the customization plays a huge role and I know it since I took me a lot of time and practice to find what is the best for me , I must assure you that from the graphene series downward the material is of better quality. I am sure of it. I had a tgt 307.2 and it’s a pro stock graphene radical mp and it plays nothing like the retail, and I mean nothing, although it didn’t suit my strokes I must admit it’s a good racquet in pro stock form. I have also played youtek radical and TGK 260.1 (pro stock counterpart ) side by side in the same setup and in this case the feel was very close. Not the same but very close. So they lowered the quality that’s for sure....


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[vsbabolat]

So you’re saying that the same materials are used but in a different way. Why would HEAD choose to make inferior product while with the same effort can make great feeling products. That makes no sense. They just innovate and try to make better products for the current playing styles. Why doesn’t Jannik Sinner use a PT57A2? I think he likes the new stuff better. Just like a lot of other players.

You don’t know what a layup is. There is over 10,000 ways to put together a racquet using the same mold. Layup is the orientation of the graphite fibers in the mold, how much carbon fiber is used, and the modulus of the carbon fiber.

Sinner is using a Speed Mold but you don’t know what Layup he is using. There are many more layups offered to the pro’s.

 

[Bartelby]

Your remark is beside the point as there are clear differences between the practices of the two companies.

I’m sorry you’re wrong about Babolat too. They have Pro Stock and paint jobs.

 

[Bartelby]

Where is your evidence that it is not, besides anecdote upon anecdote ...

Cuz the marketplace versions have been working out so well for them...

 

[Bartelby]

The mythical nature of these pro stock versions has now reached Greco-Roman proportions!

As a matter of fact yes, they are selling garbage with low quality materials for the public while pro stock racquets are of high quality plus highly customizable. And I actually prefer tgt 293.2 over PT57A , it suits my game better , and in the pro stock palette you actually have a choice of the model while at the same time materials are actually top notch. And I am not discussing the mold at the first place, I have owned bunch of pro stocks, long list before settling on the tgt 293.2 finally and every singe one of them was high quality material , so the choice was a matter of taste and preference. But to me, all head pro stocks aren’t comparable to retail in terms of material quality. And thanks to guys like @vsbabolat I was able to learn about the pro stock world and the truth - that they are selling garbage to the public.


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[vsbabolat]

Your remark is beside the point as there are clear differences between the practices of the two companies.

Their business practices are the same. Both do paint jobs and both have racquets you can’t buy.

 

[vsbabolat]

The mythical nature of these pro stock versions has now reached Greco-Roman proportions!

Your opinion is purely anecdotal as you have NEVER played with any Pro Stock and have zero experience.

 

[ProRadTour]

The mythical nature of these pro stock versions has now reached Greco-Roman proportions!

It's not that mythical, I have a H19 and it feels much nicer than the Ultra Tour retail offering. Same mold, totally different in feel and response. The H19 is vastly superior.

Most people that have players the pro stock alternative to the retail offering notice a difference. I am sure there are some frames that are the same in retail and pro stock, but there would also be a lot that aren't.

 

[Bartelby]

Their mythical nature is due to the fact that they are reserved for players, and not sold to the public.

People value more what they are told they can't have.

Feel, nicer, responsiveness ... are just all subjective preferences .. so it's a pity for you can't buy them.

 

[vsbabolat]

Their mythical nature is due to the fact that they are reserved for players, and not sold to the public.

People value more what they are told they can't have.

Feel, nicer, responsiveness ... are just all subjective preferences .. so it's a pity for you can't buy them.

You can buy them if you know where

 

[J-Wildcard]

Well this thread has took a turn questioning the pro stock offerings, interesting and a few interesting opinions. Going back to this new prestige 360, myself and many others I think had a bad feeling coming into this launch that they weren't giving the prestige quality to this release. I am so disappointed by the last few releases of the prestige that in all honesty it is pretty much dead as a current product line. As also discussed a lot the nu skool, junior player is about power and not much else. I am thinking the worst here but my opinion on the whole head line is that is average at best. The quality of many of the frames is currently laughable if I'm being honest, my friend who is also a coach had pretty much the whole head line in his bag as demos and they all looked and felt cheap, the instinct and extreme ridiculously so and I know in the sales they are going super cheap. With the speed and the radical they are slightly better and I know many who like the radical. If you look at the current radical that has declined in respect of what it was as pro style racket, with the horrible mold and a 16/19 string pattern. For me the MP came in as an 18/20. The balance has stayed the same and the head size is pretty much the same it seems. I have also had most versions of the radical since the late 90s and have seen a decline in that big time however the difference for me was the radical was always the frame to give power with its 325 balance and light static weight. The prestige on the other hand weighs in at a pretty heft weight and requires the player to add the power. I can see Head is aware of this fact still with the chart on the retail version based on swing length which makes sense to a degree. They have then released a "Gravity" which I see has been pretty well received it seems but as with many frames and lines there are far too many options now making the whole thing a bit of a joke. Finally touching back on to the pro stock conversation it is giving a pure version of a stick with a very soft frame generally. Retail sticks all horribly stiff and I believe cheaply manufactured on the whole, the dream scenario surely is to make a racket that sells enough units but with a high profit as it is a business after all. Interesting that wilson did the ultra tour which many were enjoying playing with, while still not H19 level felt good if a little underpowered. The problem with the prestige is they have not felt good and have been underpowered so they aren't going to be a hit are they. The Blade V7 is sounding a hit like the previous blades seem to have been though I did find the 2015 blade average personally speaking and much prefer the head Youtek MP and IGMP.

 

[Bartelby]

Once again this is besides the point.

You can buy them if you know where

 

[Bartelby]

If we leave out your preferences, I find it easy to believe that new racquets might be of lesser quality as upping prices and downing quality are two well-known strategies.

But I have never found Head racquets to be of any lesser quality than Wilson or Yonex. Only Babolat feels oddly toy-like, as some put it, and that stops me from considering it.

Well this thread has took a turn questioning the pro stock offerings, interesting and a few interesting opinions. Going back to this new prestige 360, myself and many others I think had a bad feeling coming into this launch that they weren't giving the prestige quality to this release. I am so disappointed by the last few releases of the prestige that in all honesty it is pretty much dead as a current product line. As also discussed a lot the nu skool, junior player is about power and not much else. I am thinking the worst here but my opinion on the whole head line is that is average at best. The quality of many of the frames is currently laughable if I'm being honest, my friend who is also a coach had pretty much the whole head line in his bag as demos and they all looked and felt cheap, the instinct and extreme ridiculously so and I know in the sales they are going super cheap. With the speed and the radical they are slightly better and I know many who like the radical. If you look at the current radical that has declined in respect of what it was as pro style racket, with the horrible mold and a 16/19 string pattern. For me the MP came in as an 18/20. The balance has stayed the same and the head size is pretty much the same it seems. I have also had most versions of the radical since the late 90s and have seen a decline in that big time however the difference for me was the radical was always the frame to give power with its 325 balance and light static weight. The prestige on the other hand weighs in at a pretty heft weight and requires the player to add the power. I can see Head is aware of this fact still with the chart on the retail version based on swing length which makes sense to a degree. They have then released a "Gravity" which I see has been pretty well received it seems but as with many frames and lines there are far too many options now making the whole thing a bit of a joke. Finally touching back on to the pro stock conversation it is giving a pure version of a stick with a very soft frame generally. Retail sticks all horribly stiff and I believe cheaply manufactured on the whole, the dream scenario surely is to make a racket that sells enough units but with a high profit as it is a business after all. Interesting that wilson did the ultra tour which many were enjoying playing with, while still not H19 level felt good if a little underpowered. The problem with the prestige is they have not felt good and have been underpowered so they aren't going to be a hit are they. The Blade V7 is sounding a hit like the previous blades seem to have been though I did find the 2015 blade average personally speaking and much prefer the head Youtek MP and IGMP.

 

[DJ-]

No point arguing with communists... unfortunately the prestige line is not doing well (feedback from shops and rec players downunder and in Europe)

 

[fjcamry]

You don’t know what a layup is. There is over 10,000 ways to put together a racquet using the same mold. Layup is the orientation of the graphite fibers in the mold, how much carbon fiber is used, and the modulus of the carbon fiber.

Sinner is using a Speed Mold but you don’t know what Layup he is using. There are many more layups offered to the pro’s.

Code is tgt 301.x speed touch mp
For speed touch pro 18x20 it’s 301.5
I’m using the graphene speed pro and only way to see the code is to take off pallet.

Point is I know my specs with lead tape it’s 339gm static and 336 sw , 6HL. and it’s going to be the same when I look for specs for any pro frames or retail.

most college players you’ll only find retail frames , and also my friend who is a tennis coach itf and pta certified in stx usvi. and he gets the newest model frame he is using .




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[J-Wildcard]

If we leave out your preferences, I find it easy to believe that new racquets might be of lesser quality as upping prices and downing quality are two well-known strategies.

But I have never found Head racquets to be of any lesser quality than Wilson or Yonex. Only Babolat feels oddly toy-like, as some put it, and that stops me from considering it.

In recent years the finish on the yonex frames is far superior to me, I'm not a user of them but they look better built, what is one to watch is what theses rackets close out for when they are on clearance, the yonex hold their price far stronger, the head you can get sometimes for say £60 whereas the equivalent yonex would be £90. Babolat who I don't like the feel of frame wise are hit and miss but say their flagship retail product, the aero pure tour does feel easily on par with the other manufacturers. The point I am leading too is the prestige was the pinnacle of the Head range when I started using them back in 2001, when it was the intelligence series. You could see a clear difference in the quality of the range and massively so if you move forward to the youtek release which made the equivlant youtek radical look like a toy even though it hit well and was a soft frame.

 

[Christoforos Giatzakis]

In my racquets I do gut mains and poly crosses.

Thank you very much. May I also ask which poly and what tension (for pt57a)?

 

[Bartelby]

It was a smaller and simpler market back then. The Gravity, Speed, Radical and Extreme lines all have pinnacle iterations and are used on tour in one form or another.

Endless product differentiation means you choose the peak in whatever line is on offer. There is no simple stage climb from beginner to Radical and onto Mount Prestige.

The point I am leading too is the prestige was the pinnacle of the Head range when I started using them back in 2001, when it was the intelligence series. You could see a clear difference in the quality of the range and massively so if you move forward to the youtek release which made the equivlant youtek radical look like a toy even though it hit well and was a soft frame.

 

[vsbabolat]

Thank you very much. May I also ask which poly and what tension (for pt57a)?

Hawk touch at 25kg when in hybrid with gut. Right now for fun I have Isospeed cream in the frame I’m using and it’s too powerful.

 

[dr325i]

In another PGA store in the Dallas area (this one is “elite”, whatever that means): “Last two generations of Prestiges did not sell at all so we will not be stocking the 360”.

Head ruined the legendary line!

 

[Bartelby]

Everything is in ruin these days, but there is love among the ruins.

 

[Dgdavid]

Hi all. I went to a well known tennis shop in Southfields UK (very close to Wimbledon) to grab a demo of either a MP or Pro of the 360 Prestige but was surprised to find they have chosen not to stock the Prestige for the first time ever. However, the reason is not actually due to the Prestige quality as a racket. The owner's take was that his traditional customer base for the Prestige has simply gotten older and as that has happened, he has seen most of them move on to other rackets with more forgiveness or power especially those that now only play doubles. It was always a pretty small group anyway and as they have moved to other rackets, the Prestige sales have really declined to the point he will only order them in on request. Historically most of the Prestige group just routinely moved to the new version every two years for better or worse. It is not the type of racket to attract the new generation of players that can control the power of tweeners etc.

Ironically, the final nail in the coffin was actually Head's own Gravity Pro which gained a lot of customers including many from his Prestige group and has been well received so he is stocking the Pro, Tour and MP. Incidentally, he also commented that "players sticks" in general seem in decline in terms of his sales including very nice rackets like Wilson Ultra Tour. There is renewed interest for Yonex frames and he will be stocking the new Prince ranges this year.

 

[vsbabolat]

I’ve continued to hit with the 360 Prestige MP. The Velocity MLT at 57lbs does the racquet no favors. The racquet shouldn’t be strung that tight with such a string. I’m adjusting to the low power and able to hit with depth now. Took me a couple of days to adjust to it. The feel isn’t bad. I’m going to try and get it to feel more lively and cut out the Velocity.

 

[ProRadTour]

I’ve continued to hit with the 360 Prestige MP. The Velocity MLT at 57lbs does the racquet no favors. The racquet shouldn’t be strung that tight with such a string. I’m adjusting to the low power and able to hit with depth now. Took me a couple of days to adjust to it. The feel isn’t bad. I’m going to try and get it to feel more lively and cut out the Velocity.

At that tension it would play like a board. Be keen to hear how you fare with it strung at more suitable tension ranges. Will be you be modding it to your preferred specs?

 

[Return_Ace]

I’ve continued to hit with the 360 Prestige MP. The Velocity MLT at 57lbs does the racquet no favors. The racquet shouldn’t be strung that tight with such a string. I’m adjusting to the low power and able to hit with depth now. Took me a couple of days to adjust to it. The feel isn’t bad. I’m going to try and get it to feel more lively and cut out the Velocity.

I was wondering if you're going to demo the Pro?

On paper it seems like it could be the better choice for you, more pop and a traditional 95sqin head.

Although the higher RA and 16x19 may not appeal. I find the "dynamic" 16x19 to still play fairly closed, especially compared to say an Angell 16x19.

 

[J-Wildcard]

Hi all. I went to a well known tennis shop in Southfields UK (very close to Wimbledon) to grab a demo of either a MP or Pro of the 360 Prestige but was surprised to find they have chosen not to stock the Prestige for the first time ever. However, the reason is not actually due to the Prestige quality as a racket. The owner's take was that his traditional customer base for the Prestige has simply gotten older and as that has happened, he has seen most of them move on to other rackets with more forgiveness or power especially those that now only play doubles. It was always a pretty small group anyway and as they have moved to other rackets, the Prestige sales have really declined to the point he will only order them in on request. Historically most of the Prestige group just routinely moved to the new version every two years for better or worse. It is not the type of racket to attract the new generation of players that can control the power of tweeners etc.

Ironically, the final nail in the coffin was actually Head's own Gravity Pro which gained a lot of customers including many from his Prestige group and has been well received so he is stocking the Pro, Tour and MP. Incidentally, he also commented that "players sticks" in general seem in decline in terms of his sales including very nice rackets like Wilson Ultra Tour. There is renewed interest for Yonex frames and he will be stocking the new Prince ranges this year.

Yes, when easier power is readily available and physically less demanding the stiffer power frames are a more attractive proposition for many. The prestige is a racket I have always felt you need to be in shape to use, you can't hit lazily with it to generate high power like you can many frames. The ultra tour from wilson is a prime example of a frame feeling very nice but requiring a lot of power to get the most out of it. The Blade seems to have it from the off more so. Its often been a pointless exercise moving frame anyway from like for like as they often rarely change significantly. The gravity as you mention is certainly giving the prestige fans a bit more forgiveness with the 100 head and for better or worse it is a different option but with a lower stiffness and an older school look in many ways albeit with a modern edge. The problem is Head aren't giving the equivlant of an ultra tour still and who knows, if sales are as poor as suggested for the ultra tour then maybe wilson will cut that from their line also as I've seen mentioned could he happening.

 

[vsbabolat]

I was wondering if you're going to demo the Pro?

On paper it seems like it could be the better choice for you, more pop and a traditional 95sqin head.

Although the higher RA and 16x19 may not appeal. I find the "dynamic" 16x19 to still play fairly closed, especially compared to say an Angell 16x19.

I will not demo the Pro

 

[terg]

Played with the Pro and MP. Pro has a little higher swing weight than the previous version but plays more stable because of that. The spiral fibers seem to give a more connected feel than the touch graphene version. Played it with Hawk, Hawk Touch, Lynx. I like Hawk the best. All in all a great control frame with good spin and pinpoint precision. Best 95 inch frame on the market at the moment.
MP is a different beast. Great plow and flex. Little less powerful than the Pro. But still easy to play with if you have a full swing. String below 52lbs to get the best feeling and results. Reminds me of the Gravity Pro but more all court (better on serves and volleys) while the Gravity is a true baseline frame. Both great racquets, such a pity people don't try the player frames anymore.

 

[ezhi]

Played with new MP. Played very similar to leaded up Prestige Pro Graphene (2014 model) that I played with for a few years.
Seemed pretty heavy to swing fast after Babolat Pure Strike. Not a lot of power, have to generate your own. Very nice feel and plow though. When everything connects - it`s awesome.
I think it won`t connect often if playing against someone really strong. I have a feeling it could be a great practice racquet to practice anticipation, footwork etc. because with it it was very clear to me when I was late to the ball or to turn the body etc.

 

[sargeinaz]

I saw the new prestiges in person today. I have nothing to say about them except the paint job is extremely ugly in person. I’m shocked they chose that matte bright red with orange lettering for a prestige. Hideous.

 

[4sound]

Getting back on topic:
Can anyone give their opinion on the new MP vs the YT IG MP or iPrestige MP?
I assume its much different given the new mold, material etc...

 

[avocadoz]

I saw the new prestiges in person today. I have nothing to say about them except the paint job is extremely ugly in person. I’m shocked they chose that matte bright red with orange lettering for a prestige. Hideous.

Like I previously mentioned, red and orange just don't go together. On top of that, they don't even bother with any design effort. Regardless, medicore pj for a medicore racquet.

 

[megamind]

Popyrin's allegedly using one of the new Prestiges, anyone know if it's a paintjob? Was he previously using a Prestige?

 

[ProRadTour]

He uses the PT57A

 

[McGradey]

Just watching Simon v Cuevas and I gotta say the new Prestige PJ looks decent in the gloss on TV. Both players using it.

What frame does Cuevas use under the PJ?

 

[Groovemaster85]

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PT57E (pro stock iPrestige MP)

 

[McGradey]

Thanks. Battle of the PT57 pushers!

 

[Travis.s]

Got the new MP today, direct from China.. changing the pallets to match my grip size..


Images food for thought..

1. Pallet removed.. I forgot to weight the whole thing


2. TGK 345.1 printed on the handle..


3. Specs..


4. Weight with original parts, grips, pellets.. 12g off specs!!??


5. Weight of the racquet without pallets and grip.


After changed the pallets to size L4 and added the leather grip, it ended up 322g with balance around 29.7cm(unstrung). I have to add lead tape at 12, 6 and 9 at 2g each, to have it playable.

 

[One Handed Dynasty]

Got the new MP today, direct from China.. changing the pallets to match my grip size..


Images food for thought..

1. Pallet removed.. I forgot to weight the whole thing


2. TGK 345.1 printed on the handle..


3. Specs..


4. Weight with original parts, grips, pellets.. 12g off specs!!??


5. Weight of the racquet without pallets and grip.


After changed the pallets to size L4 and added the leather grip, it ended up 322g with balance around 29.7cm(unstrung). I have to add lead tape at 12, 6 and 9 at 2g each, to have it playable.

Nice! Where did you get it if you don’t mind me asking?


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[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

2. TGK 345.1 printed on the handle..

Interesting that it has this code on the pallet...

 

[TennisHound]

Got the new MP today, direct from China.. changing the pallets to match my grip size..


Images food for thought..

1. Pallet removed.. I forgot to weight the whole thing


2. TGK 345.1 printed on the handle..


3. Specs..


4. Weight with original parts, grips, pellets.. 12g off specs!!??


5. Weight of the racquet without pallets and grip.


After changed the pallets to size L4 and added the leather grip, it ended up 322g with balance around 29.7cm(unstrung). I have to add lead tape at 12, 6 and 9 at 2g each, to have it playable.

What stapler are you using to get that butt cap back on?

 

[terg]

Interesting that it has this code on the pallet...

Why would that be interesting? That it’s tgk in stead of tgt?

 

[ProRadTour]

Interesting that it has this code on the pallet...

In my experience all Head frames have a code on the hairpin both retail and pro stocks.

 

[Travis.s]

Nice! Where did you get it if you don’t mind me asking?

Sorry, I also did not know the exact source, I have preorder with an online store here in Thailand. However, what I think is it is from a store in HK, China

What stapler are you using to get that butt cap back on?

We use a stapler gun that shoots heavy duty nails

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

In my experience all Head frames have a code on the hairpin both retail and pro stocks.

Wasn't aware of that as I have never bothered to take the pallets off retail frames. So, when people are selling Pro Stock frames on the bay and showing you the code on the pallet there is no guarantee that it is not just a standard retail frame with the same code as the Pro Stock?

What's the difference between a retail IG Prestige MP and a tgt 293.2, if they both have the code on the pin?