Ok, I blew it ( Prestige)

[bluegrasser]

I've done this several times with going back to the Prestige & after buying two. I played some doubs yesterday with some pretty good players & I was the pits, the Prestige was just too much stick for me, I was late on everything, couldn't get the zip on my returns like with my PD, plain & simple I sucked.

I have to just eat crow and realize I'm not a young guy anymore or just don't have the skills. Since I sold my PD's I was thinking Aero drive ( Nadals stick) as it's a tad more flexible yet will give me similar pop that the PD had. Would this be a good choice ? thoughts :?

 

[SpinToWin]

APD and PD are absolute no-goes if you treasure your arm and elbow. Try some of the Prince racquets. The Tour Pro 98 seems like a good and similar stick to the Prestige, but in a lighter, more maneuverable and user friendly package

 

[SpinToWin]

I've also heard good things from the Prince Tour Pro 100 (non ESP Version).
Both racquets may need a bit of lead though.

 

[SpinToWin]

But before you go testing again, have you tried making the Prestige a bit more HL to make it wippier? You could add lead tape to the buttcap or just put on a leather grip instead of the normal one. Try that out before you go selling off racquets again

 

[TennisCanada1]

I second the Prince Tour Pro 100.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

I feel for you, bluegrasser. You demo a racket and think it's perfect and the one for you, and then when you finally drop some cash on a pair they end up being exactly the opposite of what you wanted or you just can't use them and end up grabbing your spare racket from the bag. I've been there. Which is why I still haven't bought my new frames.

 

[monomer]

I'm in my mid 40's and had the exact same experience. Tried the YTPP and played amazing with it. Hadn't thought about it, but I was playing people that weren't pushing me. As soon as I started playing people that were slightly better, everything went downhill quickly.

It is not a forgiving racquet and requires good footwork and early prep. Of course this helps with any racquet, but there is a reason that the PD and APD are much more popular with recreational players.

 

[mrc]

Volkl Organix 8 is a great stick and much more comfortable or even V1 Pro. Both would be excellent. Prince raccquets are also excellent arm friendly sticks. Tour Pro 98 or even the Tour 100's offer excellent zip and comfort.

 

[PMChambers]

The Prestige is only 330g, sound like timing issue you should definitely handle 330g. You probably just need to hit with it more, games aren't practicing.

As a strange test, but some lead at 12oC about 12g range and hit for a while. Don't worry about the added power, then take it off after 20 minutes and see if you got your timing up to speed. A ball only stays on the strings 0.005s so bad timing and good is tiny difference. The prestige looks like a good doubles racquet.

 

[monomer]

For me it's not the 330g, but the balance. I use an APD+ at 340g but I have it at about 10 pts HL. The Prestige can be sluggish feeling.

 

[SpinToWin]

For me it's not the 330g, but the balance. I use an APD+ at 340g but I have it at about 10 pts HL. The Prestige can be sluggish feeling.

why didn't you make the Prestige more HL then??

 

[colowhisper]

I've done this several times with going back to the Prestige & after buying two. I played some doubs yesterday with some pretty good players & I was the pits, the Prestige was just too much stick for me, I was late on everything, couldn't get the zip on my returns like with my PD, plain & simple I sucked.

I have to just eat crow and realize I'm not a young guy anymore or just don't have the skills. Since I sold my PD's I was thinking Aero drive ( Nadals stick) as it's a tad more flexible yet will give me similar pop that the PD had. Would this be a good choice ? thoughts :?

Wow, that is too bad. Sometimes you just have a bad day, try try again... Have you weighed your new sticks on a scale and balance board to see if they are out of spec by a large margin? Unlike a lot of other Prestige players here, I find when I make changes to anything over 340g (e.g. adding leather grip or lead tape) my timing goes way off too. When I get it back to stock specs the magic comes back.

 

[Gee]

I've done this several times with going back to the Prestige & after buying two. I played some doubs yesterday with some pretty good players & I was the pits, the Prestige was just too much stick for me, I was late on everything, couldn't get the zip on my returns like with my PD, plain & simple I sucked.

I have to just eat crow and realize I'm not a young guy anymore or just don't have the skills. Since I sold my PD's I was thinking Aero drive ( Nadals stick) as it's a tad more flexible yet will give me similar pop that the PD had. Would this be a good choice ? thoughts :?

Don't give up that early, Keith!

I also needed to learn how to play with the Prestige during matches. I learned that I need to stay relaxed and hit the ball clean with a fully swung stroke. Then I am rewarded with a penetrated shot.

Did the string already break in? In the beginning the strings might feel boardy so give it some more time.

By the way it might take a year to get used to a particular racquet to me. So don't switch every month to another frame and be patient.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

For me it's not the 330g, but the balance. I use an APD+ at 340g but I have it at about 10 pts HL. The Prestige can be sluggish feeling.

The Prestige is sluggish?! :evil:

 

[bluegrasser]

Thanks for the tips, advise, but many of you are 4.5 - 5.0, I'm a 3.5 - 4.0 player and hopefully this summer going to get back to a solid 4.0. I never had elbow or arm problems with the PD as long as i kept the poly out. It was the lack of feedback that bugged me & I played ok with it. That's why I thought with just a small increase of flex, the Aero pro drive might be the trick.

The Prestige never felt sluggish, it was my footwork issues and missing the sweetspot especially on the return, also I couldn't hit my forehand( best shot) good unless my positioning was spot on, where with the PD I could be slightly late and still pull off a good rip.

 

[vsbabolat]

Volkl V1 Pro.

 

[burn1986]

I don't think the Pure Drive would be that bad. Just use a soft cross string, like synthetic gut or Wilson NXT. You could always trim the head guard on the Prestige to make it more head light. I use a Prestige and am in the same predicament. I try to hit on the ball machine once a week though, and swing a little early on shots.

Of course, you could just always go back to the Pure Drive.

 

[A_Instead]

Graphene Prestige S...
Most of the Prestige attributes but in a usable format for guys like us..

 

[pmata814]

I've done this several times with going back to the Prestige & after buying two. I played some doubs yesterday with some pretty good players & I was the pits, the Prestige was just too much stick for me, I was late on everything, couldn't get the zip on my returns like with my PD, plain & simple I sucked.

I have to just eat crow and realize I'm not a young guy anymore or just don't have the skills. Since I sold my PD's I was thinking Aero drive ( Nadals stick) as it's a tad more flexible yet will give me similar pop that the PD had. Would this be a good choice ? thoughts :?

If you would like something similar to the APD with a more plush/flexible feel, you should consider the EXO3 Warrior 100. It plays very similar, but not as hard on the arm, and with more plough through IMO. I recently switched to it and I'm really enjoying the huge sweetspot and awesome spin. I also found it doesn't have such a pronounced 'dampened' feel like some of the other oport racquets from prince (I've played with exo3 tour 100, Rebel 98 & 95) Maybe it's because of the higher stiffness.

 

[SpinToWin]

If you would like something similar to the APD with a more plush/flexible feel, you should consider the EXO3 Warrior 100. It plays very similar, but not as hard on the arm, and with more plough through IMO. I recently switched to it and I'm really enjoying the huge sweetspot and awesome spin. I also found it doesn't have such a pronounced 'dampened' feel like some of the other oport racquets from prince (I've played with exo3 tour 100, Rebel 98 & 95) Maybe it's because of the higher stiffness.

Let me add another recommendation if APD performance is what you're looking for. The Yonex Ai 98 (and Ai 100) is a similar racquet, but with a much lower and more comfortable flex. Also, unlike the Warrior, there will be more feel as the EXO3 technology reduces the sensation of the ball on the strings, whereas the Ai uses regular grommets.

 

[colowhisper]

Don't give up that early, Keith!

I also needed to learn how to play with the Prestige during matches. I learned that I need to stay relaxed and hit the ball clean with a fully swung stroke. Then I am rewarded with a penetrated shot.

^^I think this is a really good point. Too often we back off during match play as opposed to hitting out during practice. Learning to swing out during matches is key. The Prestige will likely make you a better player in the long run if you stick with it.

 

[monomer]

why didn't you make the Prestige more HL then??

I did. Adding weight to the grip made it heavier than I like. I ended up trimming the CAP grommet but never could get it to feel right.

Graphene Prestige S...
Most of the Prestige attributes but in a usable format for guys like us..

Exactly.

I posted in another thread that I'm using this now and loving it. Added weight to the grip and it is perfect for me. A bit over 11.6 oz. and 8 pts HL.

 

[monomer]

^^I think this is a really good point. Too often we back off during match play as opposed to hitting out during practice. Learning to swing out during matches is key. The Prestige will likely make you a better player in the long run if you stick with it.

Maybe, or maybe not. I'm very familiar with heavy racquets. I started out on wood racquets and played a 13+ oz. POG for a long time. I still have my POG's as well as several 90's that I love to hit. I play great with them when I'm not pushed. At age 47, I find that I play better with something lighter against a good singles player when I am on the defensive.

 

[bluegrasser]

So what will be the difference between the APD & the PD, won't it give me a little more feel being it's a little more flexible. Remember I never had arm issues with the PD, just missed the feel that the Prestige offers, yet my game suffered. Maybe I'll give it another go & use the one with VS gut instead of the loosely strung black sonic I used.thanks for feedback

 

[kimguroo]

So what will be the difference between the APD & the PD, won't it give me a little more feel being it's a little more flexible. Remember I never had arm issues with the PD, just missed the feel that the Prestige offers, yet my game suffered. Maybe I'll give it another go & use the one with VS gut instead of the loosely strung black sonic I used.thanks for feedback

If you play well with PD, Stay with it.
APD will give you more spin (I don't think you will see huge difference on flex).
APD won't give you the feel of prestige.
Prestige is prestige and APD is APD.
Totally different racket. I used play with rebel 95 which is very similar to prestige. Loved the control but my balls were getting short and my opponents kills those balls. If you need power of PD, stay with it.
I changed to APDs (modified to 12.4oz)and love power and spin but missing control of rebel 95 though. I also do not have arm problem with APD.
Tested Yonex AI100 but I don't find any similar characters to APD except shape of racket.

 

[West Coast Ace]

The Prestige is only 330g, sound like timing issue you should definitely handle 330g. You probably just need to hit with it more, games aren't practicing.

Until we get more info, I'm with you. One bad day.... a little early to blame the stick.

Would like to know which Prestige. The new ones are getting ripped for being too light. I love the Rev Pro - with a little lead added at 12.

But OP, if you're adamant on changing, why not staying with Head and try the Djokovic Speed Pro. Plenty of power and a bigger sweet spot if doubles volleying matters.

 

[vsbabolat]

So what will be the difference between the APD & the PD, won't it give me a little more feel being it's a little more flexible. Remember I never had arm issues with the PD, just missed the feel that the Prestige offers, yet my game suffered. Maybe I'll give it another go & use the one with VS gut instead of the loosely strung black sonic I used.thanks for feedback

Demo the Volkl V1 Pro.

 

[burn1986]

Graphene Prestige S...

Most of the Prestige attributes but in a usable format for guys like us..

Any of the Graphene Prestiges are trash, the S included.

 

[ProRadTour]

For me it's not the 330g, but the balance. I use an APD+ at 340g but I have it at about 10 pts HL. The Prestige can be sluggish feeling.

Don't give up yet, add a leather grip with a an overgrip or add some blu tack to the butt cap (8 grams). When I add blu tack i pop the trap door off and put the blu tack on the base of the trap door. Stack it up so it's like a mini mountain and pop the trap door back on. When you do it this way the blu tack fills the base of the two channels at the bottom of the handle just like using silicone.

Going from a 5-6 pts headlight to 7-8 pts makes it much more easier to play with.

 

[bertrevert]

Been there too.

However I see the two frames you're weighing up as somewhat diametrically opposed, and appealing to different ways to play the game.

But I include myself in deliberations like this: I shuttled between PD and Radicals. WHen I went past the Rad to look at the Prestige I felt I was moving further along that diametric line, and going further away from simple playability (for me).

So I see the Prestige as being just too far away from waht you have been using. I do not see it as having one bad day. I think you have to find a zone or set of characteristics in frames and stick with those, or circulate, experiment but stay close to the elements that work. I'd add that as your game has settled you cannot just slot in some (very) different frame and not expect consequences.

 

[jayserinos99]

I felt the same way when I took out my PT630s the other day. Felt great in warmup, get to a 4.5 dubs match and I'm just overpowered, especially on the serves and returns. I think that's where my modded APD comes in; I can just whip the thing on returns. With any player's type frame, it'd take some time to get used to it coming from a tweener frame.

I'll echo VSBab's recommendation of the V1 Pro as I demoed it along with the PD and PDR. Felt great, but one thing that threw me off was the launch angle off the string bed. Very flat as compared to the PD and PDR, which I think was more normal for a 100 16x19 frame (a lot more arch). The PD and V1 had multi in them and they were sort of night and day. I did like the touch though in V1.

As for the APD v. PD, I didn't like the APD in stock form, but the ones I bought from TW had tungsten putty in them, so my view of them are skewed as they felt a little more muted than normal as I've used other's APDs and they felt harsh and tinny. My current APDs are 335g, 6-8pt HL, around 315sw. Strung with TB16L at 53 lb.

 

[bluegrasser]

Been there too.

However I see the two frames you're weighing up as somewhat diametrically opposed, and appealing to different ways to play the game.

But I include myself in deliberations like this: I shuttled between PD and Radicals. WHen I went past the Rad to look at the Prestige I felt I was moving further along that diametric line, and going further away from simple playability (for me).

So I see the Prestige as being just too far away from waht you have been using. I do not see it as having one bad day. I think you have to find a zone or set of characteristics in frames and stick with those, or circulate, experiment but stay close to the elements that work. I'd add that as your game has settled you cannot just slot in some (very) different frame and not expect consequences.

Right, maybe I was living in the past thinking I was 25 again. If I was say a solid 4.5 - 5.0 like Gee" maybe it would of worked. Think I'll try it one more time & take out an Aero drive for a demo & compare.

 

[Gee]

Right, maybe I was living in the past thinking I was 25 again. If I was say a solid 4.5 - 5.0 like Gee" maybe it would of worked. Think I'll try it one more time & take out an Aero drive for a demo & compare.

Yes,... You feel the best what is good for yourself, Keith.

I also added some blue tack at the bottom of the handle. After that I noticed a better touch especially with my slice backhand. It seemed like the center of percussion was shifted too high due to the 10 grams of lead at 11-2 location.
It feels more maneuverable due to the lower balance point as well.

Maybe the IG Prestige S is an alternative for you:
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Head_YOUTEK_IG_Prestige_S/descpageRCHEAD-HYIPS.html

 

[hrstrat57]

Obviously without seeing you hit it is hard to recommend. I haven't hit a Volkl V1 Pro but you are sounding liked a great match for the V1 classic. It needs a leather grip to bump up the plow and make it a little quicker but in my experience lead tape in the hoop may not be necessary. We took the lead off of my daughter's frames, played great with just the leather grip swop out. Plays good with multi strung at 60# and really can do it all. It is so good I believe I could seamlessly switch to it from Head 18x20 with little adjustment. As my swing speed slows this might be my next stick in future years.

Regarding the Prestige MP with leather, a touch of lead at 3/9 and MSV Focus Hex 18 at 40# it is magical.

If you can afford to dump a $400 investment after 1 doubles match good for you. I would suggest you give my suggested set up a whirl before taking the loss.

Good luck with whatever you do.

 

[bluegrasser]

hrstrat57 - Q: You don't own a 57" Strat do you ? I've owned about 10 in the past, now zero, just a Tele and an Eastman 175. It wasn't a $200 investment, two almost new frames for $185, still some bucks.

There was two guys in my doubles group that switched to an Aero Drive ( Nadal's stick) & I swear both of these guys level went up a notch, maybe that why I can't get the APD out of my head.

 

[hrstrat57]

hrstrat57 - Q: You don't own a 57" Strat do you ? I've owned about 10 in the past, now zero, just a Tele and an Eastman 175. It wasn't a $200 investment, two almost new frames for $185, still some bucks.

Ha ha yep I have a 57 hot rodded with sperzel tuners, a Lindy Fralin tweaked rewound super hot bridge pup w the poles cut flat like a tele and a graphite nut for smooth dive bombing. I have owned as many as 20 strats but the herd is culled now to just the 57 and a Fullerton 62 reissue ( which gets out the most now ) got a couple Gibby's and 1 tele that's it at present.

I like pure drive swirlys btw I have a PDR + which hits nice but the Head frames set up like I describe are too good. I can swing out huge and balls just drop and all the other shots are there too. Soft and cushy too no pain whatsoever. Currently running a bag w 2 iRadical mp l4 and 2 Austrian l5 sticky paints. Set up works just as well in prestige mp just a bit less pop. Getting a little older and slower so the extra pop is nice for me.

I could however switch to a bag of swirlys and be pretty happy.

No racquet quest neede at the moment, got it figured out. Good luck again!

 

[hrstrat57]

Btw I had sonic in for a 20 minute hit. Cut it out, harsh and hit like a brick. The MSV focus hex 110 with low tension is a whole diff deal...

Never tried natty gut in a prestige but had in my paint job radical at 54# it was very good easy power and obviously super comfy. Used that setup as a coaching stick a couple summers ago.

For competitive play my poly set up blows gut away.

 

[Gee]

Regarding the Prestige MP with leather, a touch of lead at 3/9 and MSV Focus Hex 18 at 40# it is magical.

If you can afford to dump a $400 investment after 1 doubles match good for you. I would suggest you give my suggested set up a whirl before taking the loss.

Good luck with whatever you do.

Well said! I would follow this advice if was you, Keith.

 

[zapvor]

Graphene Prestige S...
Most of the Prestige attributes but in a usable format for guys like us..

this. the graphene is a huge improvement over ig. solid frame not hollow

 

[bluegrasser]

Well I just bought two APD's yea I know, I see the darts coming & the kid who worked at the store bought my Prestige's. I did hit with a friends briefly and liked the hit, so I know what I'm getting into. Thanks again for all the tips and advise. I almost feel like a married man that had a brief affair with a cute readhead <g

 

[SpinToWin]

this. the graphene is a huge improvement over ig. solid frame not hollow

BS. Biggest bs I've heard in a long time, go and keep Nostradamus/Fedace some company.

 

[zapvor]

BS. Biggest bs I've heard in a long time, go and keep Nostradamus/Fedace some company.

have you tried both? they are completely different molds....

lol the nostradamus comment just makes you lose credibility. have a good one

 

[SFrazeur]

hrstrat57 - Q: You don't own a 57" Strat do you ? I've owned about 10 in the past, now zero, just a Tele and an Eastman 175. It wasn't a $200 investment, two almost new frames for $185, still some bucks.

There was two guys in my doubles group that switched to an Aero Drive ( Nadal's stick) & I swear both of these guys level went up a notch, maybe that why I can't get the APD out of my head.

Whenever I see or hear conversation about telecasters or stratocasters I get the Stienman's "Love And Death And American Guitar" stuck in my head. 'I don't remember if it was a Telecaster or a Stratocaster, but I do remember that it had a heart of chrome and a voice like a horny angel."

Anyway. . .

In my mind the feel of how a frame flexes is completely overrated. The ball is gone and unchangeable by the time the player can feel anything.

Now, "feel" as in how the string bed responds is another story. If you are trying to replace how the string bed of a Prestige responds with a Pure Drive you will always be disappointed. I would be looking at 18x20s and maybe 16x20s if you haven't already.

 

[SpinToWin]

have you tried both? they are completely different molds....

lol the nostradamus comment just makes you lose credibility. have a good one

The Prestige S and the Graphene Prestige S is the same mold. The Graphene Prestige Pro has gotten the mold of the Prestige S and the Rev Pro has gotten the mold of some kind of abomination.
I have played all of them, and if I want to play a racquet that feels tinny and hollow, I'll take a PD or an APD but not a Prestige. What made the Prestige special was the feel (often discussed on this forum as the "Prestige feel"). The new racquets have lost all that classic, buttery soft feel and feel like tweener racquets more than a classic player's stick.

By the way, the Nostradamus comment was a metaphor to explain how ridiculous that which you said is. If you cannot comprehend that, then you have no right to discuss 'credibility' with me.

 

[burn1986]

BS. Biggest bs I've heard in a long time, go and keep Nostradamus/Fedace some company.

X2 on that

 

[hrstrat57]

Whenever I see or hear conversation about telecasters or stratocasters I get the Stienman's "Love And Death And American Guitar" stuck in my head. 'I don't remember if it was a Telecaster or a Stratocaster, but I do remember that it had a heart of chrome and a voice like a horny angel."

Anyway. . .

In my mind the feel of how a frame flexes is completely overrated. The ball is gone and unchangeable by the time the player can feel anything.

Now, "feel" as in how the string bed responds is another story. If you are trying to replace how the string bed of a Prestige responds with a Pure Drive you will always be disappointed. I would be looking at 18x20s and maybe 16x20s if you haven't already.

Good thoughts here, kinda like comparing a Corvette to a Mustang, or a Stratocaster to a Les Paul or Ping cast to Mizuno forged irons.

Same pathway but completely different ways to get there.

 

[HRB]

why didn't you make the Prestige more HL then??

Really...go with the leather and an overgrip...Makes all my Raddy's and Prestiges feel awesome!

 

[bluegrasser]

The Prestige S and the Graphene Prestige S is the same mold. The Graphene Prestige Pro has gotten the mold of the Prestige S and the Rev Pro has gotten the mold of some kind of abomination.
I have played all of them, and if I want to play a racquet that feels tinny and hollow, I'll take a PD or an APD but not a Prestige. What made the Prestige special was the feel (often discussed on this forum as the "Prestige feel"). The new racquets have lost all that classic, buttery soft feel and feel like tweener racquets more than a classic player's stick.

By the way, the Nostradamus comment was a metaphor to explain how ridiculous that which you said is. If you cannot comprehend that, then you have no right to discuss 'credibility' with me.

True, the buttery feel is what made the ' Prestige" what it is & why I wanted to give it a go again. The new ' Graphene sticks I tried were so different w/o that feel, it felt harsh and jarring to me. Wish I still had the game for the " Prestige, but what a classic frame.

 

[ultradr]

if you are coming from pd, you will need ample time to adjust. were talking
6 months to 1 year commitment. prestige for its control and all aroundness for
all court game.

 

[hray4clay]

Well I just bought two APD's yea I know, I see the darts coming & the kid who worked at the store bought my Prestige's. I did hit with a friends briefly and liked the hit, so I know what I'm getting into. Thanks again for all the tips and advise. I almost feel like a married man that had a brief affair with a cute readhead <g

This is too weird!! I am getting rid of my two APDs and ordered twin Youtek IG Prestige Pros that should arrive tomorrow and will be the cure for my tennis elbow. I am an old doubles 4.0 player and I am determined to learn to play well with these new "players sticks" and save my arm in the bargain. I hope I do not have the same experience with the Presige as the OP here!! $360 !!!!!