CosmosMpower
Hall of Fame
Curious if they brought the launch angle up a bit. I love low launch angles but the red one is too low.
NEW Prestige MP 360
- Thread starter BAF333
- Start date
Addxyz
Hall of Fame
Seems similar porky in swing weight and in price.
SumYungGai
Semi-Pro
Saw Koepfer with the new painjob. Looks amazing (especially the shiny pro stock model).
TennisHound
Legend
Sounds like they were all in a honeymoon period with it. Of course they all loved it, and coincidentally they were on a fast hardcourt. It would be nice to see a clay court court review, or a really slow/gritty hardcourt
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
No Mid, as far as I know
Seth
Legend
Maybe they aren’t releasing a mid because they’re going to retro the original Prestige mid like they did with the PT2.0. Or at least bring back the IG Mid dressed as an older Prestige.
I can dream.
Addxyz
Hall of Fame
Probably because... no one buys and plays with mids anymore? Just look at the price reductions on the 360+ models... the mid and the tour probably were not the best sellers.
Seth
Legend
As I said…I can dream.
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
Tennisnerd is wrong. I’ve hit with it and the Prestige Pro feels softer, more powerful, more connected, and with more feedback than the 360+ Prestige MP
HitMoreBHs
Professional
The 360+ Prestige Tour is a nice stick but I don’t think it sold too well, going by how my local pro shop could barely move their stock. Most of the customers would pick a Speed Pro/MP, Gravity Tour or Radical MP over the Prestige Tour.
Hope the Auxetic Prestige MP fares much better.
StefanosWillSaveTheWorld
Rookie
i agree that tennis nerd was not accurate. The new version has noticeably more pop with a bigger sweetspot. I think i preferred the feel of the 360+ when i struck a good shot but i play way better with the new version. Serving is way easier too.
celito
Professional
So you're saying it's easier to play with ?
This is not doing my wallet any good ...
Songs For A Dead Pilot
Semi-Pro
I didn't like G360+ Prestige MP (not that it was very bad, but rather not good enough to replace Microgel or IG Prestige MP) and find new Radical having rather awful feel/touch (at the same time good ball-pocketing I must admit), so I am worried new Prestige Pro. Also, 340SW for Prestige Pro (Tour right now) isn't a good idea at all.
But I love paint job and respect @vsbabolat opinion – so I might buy one tomorrow even without demoing.
BDAZ
Hall of Fame
I’m sure this is the case, but I thought somewhere in this thread it was said that there would be no mid for the U.S. market, but there would be for Europe.
Kal-El 34
Hall of Fame
I have really enjoyed the radical MP in the new line aside from the cosmetic lol. The prestige doesn’t get beetle the marketing hype it used to but they are always solid frames
Raizu
Semi-Pro
Not in the US
Raizu
Semi-Pro
He’s correct. It’s softer and more forgiving than the last 2 generations. It feels absolutely fantastic. Feel is closer to a classic pro staff/head frame.So you're saying it's easier to play with ?
This is not doing my wallet any good ...
BDAZ
Hall of Fame
Yes, but is there one being released in Europe? Or other parts of the world?
Raizu
Semi-Pro
Yep. Only in the US will the mid not be available
Addxyz
Hall of Fame
Where would they be? For example, TWE doesn't list a mid.
Raizu
Semi-Pro
Really!? Interesting. I was told it was only available in Europe.
Bartelby
Bionic Poster
Tennisnerd did say all this, more or less, he just didn't think it was enough of a change to justify an immediate upgrade. Maybe he's just more frugal?
Raizu
Semi-Pro
It’s not an immediate upgrade. They simply went from Graphene Touch to 360+ and not added a new type of construction to how they make the racquet. They simply improved through the use of this old concept.
Rock-solid
Rookie
Played with the new 2021 Prestige Pro today for the first time. Like it a lot! This could be the one. Besides good power, control and feel, the best thing for me was that it did not hurt my extremely sensitive elbow. I have been playing with the new Yonex Vcore Pro 310 and the Prestige was easier on my arm, possibly because it weighs more and I did not have to hit the ball as hard to generate the same amount of pace if not more. I have not played with Prestiges for a long time so I can't do a critique, but the closest rackets that I have played with that I can compare it to in terms of playability are the Prince Phantoms, both the 93P and the 100P. However, the Prestige Pro has more power and control than either of those Phantoms. I had it strung with Dunlop Iconic All 16g on the mains and Ghost Wire 1.17 on the cross, 50/46#.
Interesting…I thought the current PMP360+ was generally thought to have less power than th Yonex you mention? Can anyone who’s tried current PMP vs that Yonex weigh in?
Rock-solid
Rookie
I am using the new Prestige Pro not PMP. Anyway, the new Prestige Pro is supposed to have more pop than previous PMP that it replaces according to TW testers, slightly higher sw. 2021 Vcore Pro 310 is very muted and not that powerful even though it has a slightly wider beam than previous versions. It is arm friendly though, which was my main reason for getting it.
New Prestige Pro is more powerful than VCP 97 310, correct? More static weight and weight in the hoop (6 pts hl on the Prestige) should give it more plow.
TennisHound
Legend
edited
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pico
Hall of Fame
any lead tape?
n80aoag
Professional
No lead tape. Ended up selling it due to the hefty SW. Gravity Pro is easier to swing than the modded Prestige
J-Wildcard
Semi-Pro
I've just revisited this thread and have seen the majority of people were all saying what I have been feeling during my belated testing of this prestige frame (360+ MP) during the summer.
Its across the board feedback of no power and mediocrity. Nothing like the previous prestige mp frames. I still cannot believe that newer prestige (auxetic pro) is suddenly a whole new racket and a level up from the 360+ many say they are very similar but swingweight and slight stiffness increase in the newer auxetic but at cost of slight comfort level.
I enjoy watching some of the tennis nerd reviews but I also find it difficult to see how it was his favourite racket for the last couple of years. Although as it is an easier to use prestige maybe that's what is giving it so much popularity and positive reviews in more recent times. When it was initially released it was overlooked and reading the initial reviews I can see why. The Italian review is pretty much how I saw it.
I ran the lower tension. Is it now a case of putting some lead on it and going back to 50-52lbs to try and get some power from it? I am reluctant to buy a new prestige pro but will have to demo one just to see how close or far they are from each other. I am even looking at the speed pro now as the hit from the prestige is disappointing regardless of string choice I have tried.
Obviously personal hitting style/technique is a big factor. I am reluctant to try a Wilson blade v8 as they are usually too head heavy so am looking at the ultra tour/Pro. I did have a pure strike vs but did not try it for long so may revisit one of them again too. Funnily enough I have just got hold of a babolat control 95 GT frame to try as I heard they are soft but the balance seems very head light.
Its across the board feedback of no power and mediocrity. Nothing like the previous prestige mp frames. I still cannot believe that newer prestige (auxetic pro) is suddenly a whole new racket and a level up from the 360+ many say they are very similar but swingweight and slight stiffness increase in the newer auxetic but at cost of slight comfort level.
I enjoy watching some of the tennis nerd reviews but I also find it difficult to see how it was his favourite racket for the last couple of years. Although as it is an easier to use prestige maybe that's what is giving it so much popularity and positive reviews in more recent times. When it was initially released it was overlooked and reading the initial reviews I can see why. The Italian review is pretty much how I saw it.
I ran the lower tension. Is it now a case of putting some lead on it and going back to 50-52lbs to try and get some power from it? I am reluctant to buy a new prestige pro but will have to demo one just to see how close or far they are from each other. I am even looking at the speed pro now as the hit from the prestige is disappointing regardless of string choice I have tried.
Obviously personal hitting style/technique is a big factor. I am reluctant to try a Wilson blade v8 as they are usually too head heavy so am looking at the ultra tour/Pro. I did have a pure strike vs but did not try it for long so may revisit one of them again too. Funnily enough I have just got hold of a babolat control 95 GT frame to try as I heard they are soft but the balance seems very head light.
Gee
Hall of Fame
Lately I bought an used Prince Phantom 100x 18x20. Very similar to the Prestige 360+ MP but with a bigger headsize (98 vs 100).
I didn't play with the Prestige 360+ MP but I read that it seems to be a little easier to generate power and spin with the PP100x 18x20 vs the Prestige 360+ MP. The PP100x 18x20 has a bit more comfortable feel as well. The Prestige MP give a bit more precision, though both frames have a lot of control.
J-Wildcard
Semi-Pro
Yes, i have not tried a Prince phantom but hear they are a very nice feeling frame. Yes the prestige 360+ mp is still a good control frame compared to most out there but compared to say the Iprestige MP or the IGMP it's not in the same ball park. The drill pattern and head set up is a bit of a mess now from what it was. Yes it may be easier and less demanding to hit with but it's just a lot less of precision tool now and amazingly the power level is not as controlled. It felt one dimensional to me whereas the older gen sticks let you go through the gears depending how much power you put in. Maybe this gives more free power but its not power you can tame well. Overall a massive fail for any serious prestige fan. I think many are using it though and enjoying it but I am not sure they still have say loads of IGMP frames like I have as their main stick still to see how much it has fallen since that line. The pro tour 2.0 was a decent effort from the newer releases though if wanting a feel of what the head frames used to be like before they were dumbed down unless you can afford pro stocks.
TennisHound
Legend
You just have to try it for yourself and see. I prefer the 360+ to the 95” Prestiges.
J-Wildcard
Semi-Pro
Definitely, it is how it feels when you personally are using it and how it fits in with your game.
I think making the head size a true 98 was not the main problem with the transition, it just seemed to lose something in the layup. The 360+ pro version which had a 95 had a bit more but was not a nice feeling racket, it was a solid racket which for me the MP didn't live upto. I guess they have tried to put it right with the newer auxetic layup which I will have to try. Once again though many say it is very similar and some prefer the red version feel and comfort wise.
TennisHound
Legend
Youre right. Everything after 2014 was “off”. And imo Head has never really gotten it right. That’s why most of the Head users, especially on this board only play pro stock.
J-Wildcard
Semi-Pro
I have resorted to other brands, I have got hold of a Wilson ultra tour and a babolat control 95 just to check out some of the rivals efforts. I did have some pure strike vs frames too but a bit undecided on babolats layup on the newer frames. For me personally heads current whole line up no longer offers a pro stock style retail frame in any of its lines. The radical used to be very solid back in the IG series also and were touted as being pro stock quality frames in the layups. Now that's a distant memory I'm afraid, granted they work like the current radicals but are miles off the iradical mp I still have as my first head frame when it was first released. It was expensive but a really high quality racket that I would say beats any of the offerings currently in the head retail selection by a long chalk as a players frame and would be considered pro stock if released on this era I am sure.
Gee
Hall of Fame
In the past I also played with the IGMP that I liked a lot, though I preferred the feel of the TC95 18x20 at that time. Besides I also had the TC97 18x20 that seems to be very similar to PT630 according some TT members though I preferred the softer flex of my TC95s. A few years later I played with the Wilson Ultra Tour that has the best feel I ever hit with. Many posters also said this is the Head Pro Tour made by Wilson. So I would go that direction if I were you.
A few years late to the convo....what is it that takes the vcore above the UT2 ? I've found the UT and now nothing comes close. Interesting to hear what you think of the vcore that you opt for it.Overall I preferred the response and feel of the Prestige MP and Gravity Pro to the Ultra Tour.
I think the Prestige MP and Gravity Pro have a little more give to them/more pocketing than the Ultra Tour, it's been a while since I have hit the Ultra Tour so I am going of memory. Also, I really like the stock specs of the Prestige MP, and mine came with a swing weight of 330 strung, which is right where I like it.
The Gravity Pro seems to have a lot of weight through the throat/4 & 8 region, I found it a little cumbersome to get through the contact zone. However the feel is really nice, a nice combination of feeling crisp and uniform with the some nice pocketing.
Overall I would still choose the MP of the three for my game. I think it is probably the most versatile unless you customize the Ultra Tour to your preferred specs. I now have a swing-weight machine, so I will likely get the Ultra Pro v3 and customize to my preferred specs in the future. When I had the UT I was kind of guesstimating with the mods I tried. I am hoping the feel of the UT has been updated, I did manage to acquire a H19 after I had the UT, and the H19 has a much nicer feel and response. So I am hoping the new V3 might be closer to the H19 feel/response than the v2.
One frame that doesn't get enough love I think is the Gravity Tour, I think I actually like it more than the Gravity Pro and the Prestige MP. The 22mm beam just makes it an easier frame to use without sacrificing too much with maneuverability and it isn't over powered. I would recommend giving it a demo if you can. If there was a 100sq inch frame I would switch to, this would likely be the one. The Gravity Pro has received a lot of positive feedback, the Tour for me just amplifies those positives and is an easier to use frame, there is also some room to modify as the base weight is 305 grams. The Gravity Pro doesn't leave a lot of room for mods.
If you haven't tried it yet, have to also throw in the Blade 98 v7. It's a bit hit and miss with Wilson QC, but i f you can use the matching service and get one with a unstrung swing-weight of 295, it will come in with a swing weight of around 330 strung. I have one tail weighted with a leather grip and blue tack in the butt cap basically to the specs of your UT and it's just a super frame. It has more pop than the UT and the feel is also much nicer IMO. However you can get some that have a higher swing weight and at that point for me they just become a bit too clubby.
In saying of all that, my go to frame is still the VCore Pro 97. Have mostly played with the 330, however recently have modified a 310 with a leather grip and lead at 10 & 2, which gets me to a strung swing-weight of 335, 31.5 cm balance and 348 grams with over-grip and rubber band dampener. The modified 310 is about 7-8 grams lighter than my 330s which helps, and it's been a joy to use without sacrificing too much with stability. For my game this is still my favorite frame and nothing has been able to displace it from top spot for my game. For me its the most well rounded frame and the 16 x 19 pattern with the 20mm beam gives me great control and great access to spin also.
As you can tell I am bit of a racquetholic haha. Hope the long winded response helps in some way
Also great advice on the blade mods. I hadn't thought of that... I played a blade v7 from a friend and liked it. Friends all say I hit better with it, but I felt it was a bit toy-ish... Now I wonder if a blade modded to UT spec is the best of both worlds... Or indeed if you are seeing something on the vcore that beats that conclusion.
Cheers
tomkowy
Rookie
I played with UT for almost a year and I’ve tried VCore Pro 97 310 for a couple of days. Both were customized to around 335 grams and 330 SW, balance was different.
I’d get VCore Pro without hesitation.
1. UT has a sweetspot that feels wonderful but it’s tiny. I’d hit it 1 in 5 shots. VCore Pro is more forgiving and easier to play.
2. UT is very low powered so you need to swing hard every time. Combined with small sweetspot that is a challenge. VCore Pro has a bit more power so it’s easier to play again.
3. I actually preferred the feel of VCore, felt softer than UT, especially in upper hoop.
4. It’s easier to generate spin with VCore, balls have a nice, curved trajectory. It’s easier to play angles or defend with it.
5. The only areas where I slightly like UT more is directional control and slices. But overall I think this racquet is too demanding for a recreational player.
Thans for this. I'm laughing because you hit all my key thoughts about the UT, good and bad.
I think we play it with the same lead and swing weight.
I agree with the thoughts about upper hoop feel. I had to add lead at 11 and 1 to open it, plus lead at 2-3 and 9-10.
Is the sweet spot of VC as cushioning as the UT? I found I went to poly multi hybrid @sub 50 to get a softer bed.
Can you hit flat?
Finally, and key, the accuracy /directional control, how much difference do you feel?
I tried the babolat PAVS and found little accuracy, whereas with the UT going down the line is truly down the line, the same with picking corners. Also it looped all hits, and was quite difficult to hit flat.
I welcome anyone else's comments on the UT vs VC97.
Thanks again for the fast reply.. You've given me much unneeded cause (to my wallet) to consider if I should be demoing the VC .
Separately, I just strung Tour Bite @47 mains with Vanquish @49. It has good pocket and also spin, whilst retaining accuracy... Perhaps your VC would like that bed...
Cheers.
tomkowy
Rookie
1. VCore Pro overall feels softer. UT feels a bit dead outside the sweetspot and wonderful in the sweetspot. VCore Pro feels very good in the sweetspot that is bigger.
2. Yes, you can hit flat with VCore Pro, however ball flies a bit different than with UT - trajectory is more curvy and I needed to get used to it.
3. I’m a ~5.0 player and directional control was not an issue for me with the VCore Pro, it’s very good in my opinion. Of course, UT is better but I’m not good enough to make use of it.
4. Ultimately I’ve ended with Head Extreme Tour which I liked a bit more than VCore Pro. I liked a bit more power and spin from Head, despite having a little less control overall.
One thing to consider is that VCore Pro has a low balance - I loved to play forehand but on backhand I like more head-heavy racquets. This was a main issue for me, I struggled to generate power from 2hbh.
ProRadTour
Semi-Pro
@Sughaclef I agree with tomkowy's comments. Overall I find the VCore Pro to be a more versatile frame. I aslo agree one weakenss with the VCore Pro is on the backhand drive, it is awesome on the slice though.
I played predominantly with the VCore Pro 2018 model. The new model with the thicker beam addresses the issue on the backhand drive for me. It's a super nice feeling frame. I have modded the 290 gram model to my preferred specs and it's a really nice frame.
On a side note, I have been hitting with the new Prince ATS Tour 98 and am really suprised buy how well it plays. If you like softer feeling players frames it's a great stick and am considering switching to it. It's like a softer feeling Head Extreme Tour. I played with the Extreme Tour for a while, but its firmness got to me after a while.
Basically considering either playing with new VCore Pro 290 (modded) or the Prince ATS. Leaning toward the Prince.
Been on a quest to to find a lighter frame than the VCore Pro 330, so far I think the Prince is the front runner.
I played predominantly with the VCore Pro 2018 model. The new model with the thicker beam addresses the issue on the backhand drive for me. It's a super nice feeling frame. I have modded the 290 gram model to my preferred specs and it's a really nice frame.
On a side note, I have been hitting with the new Prince ATS Tour 98 and am really suprised buy how well it plays. If you like softer feeling players frames it's a great stick and am considering switching to it. It's like a softer feeling Head Extreme Tour. I played with the Extreme Tour for a while, but its firmness got to me after a while.
Basically considering either playing with new VCore Pro 290 (modded) or the Prince ATS. Leaning toward the Prince.
Been on a quest to to find a lighter frame than the VCore Pro 330, so far I think the Prince is the front runner.
Thanks Tomkowy, this was very informative. I'll be trying a demo with scrutiny on the BH as I have come to embrace 2HBH as my game evolves.
@ ProRadTour, funny that you mention the ATS98. We don't have retail frames here but I have been very tempted to order as the reviews have been outstanding. I was formerly using the TwistPower Tour 97, it was awesome but wrong grip size for me (retail only had a 2, I'm a 4), before that the Phantom G and loved it the feel (gave it up because it was unsteady outside the sweetspot when returning serves).
Your negative for the Extreme Tour is the firmness and Tomkowy's was the reduced control. I take it the ATS excels in both categories?
Also, was there a reason you took the VCP 290 and not the 310, given you modified it?
Cheers, friends. Thanks for the insight.
@ ProRadTour, funny that you mention the ATS98. We don't have retail frames here but I have been very tempted to order as the reviews have been outstanding. I was formerly using the TwistPower Tour 97, it was awesome but wrong grip size for me (retail only had a 2, I'm a 4), before that the Phantom G and loved it the feel (gave it up because it was unsteady outside the sweetspot when returning serves).
Your negative for the Extreme Tour is the firmness and Tomkowy's was the reduced control. I take it the ATS excels in both categories?
Also, was there a reason you took the VCP 290 and not the 310, given you modified it?
Cheers, friends. Thanks for the insight.
J-Wildcard
Semi-Pro
Was the prestige 360 + mp sold in some countries strung also. I have recently got one that is pre strung? Do they sometimes factory string it for some retailers? Generally most online I have seen are sold unstrung?
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
Yes, some in the EU come strung. What string is in it?
J-Wildcard
Semi-Pro
I am not sure, looks dark grey/black colour string with silver paint. I would guess the same string as is in the pro tour 2.0 as it looks the same, 2 piece string job, I think I read they use head lynx or head hawk. I cannot find a name on the string so maybe the cheaper of those, the lynx?
