Okinawa Puroresu
Rookie
I guess it is now. We can add Head Sonic Edge Pro to the list because it adds great feel while adding impeccable spin too!Is this now the Strings forum?
Prestige Mid to become the racquet of the 2020s.
- Thread starter J011yroger
- Start date
jmacdaununder2
Legend
Hulger
Semi-Pro
It’s not working like that. Yes you would gain power but propably lose some RHS and spin, so hard get those heavy shots landing inside the lines.
Maybe stringing at 15 kg would be better option.
J011yroger
Talk Tennis Guru
bnjkn
Professional
I still have to play more and figure out what works best for me. Long strips at 3 & 9 seem to give me more comfort when I'm swinging like a deranged ape, which I tend to do sometimes, and then I feel some harshness on off center hits. But that's my fault, obviously. And I lose some maneuverability with it. Still have to test with shorter strips at 12, it might be the best solution, and even stock again might work.
This is not a racquet I had a honeymoon phase with, but I'm starting to enjoy it a lot more. Maybe these are the most solid relationships.
This is not a racquet I had a honeymoon phase with, but I'm starting to enjoy it a lot more. Maybe these are the most solid relationships.
Hulger
Semi-Pro
Hehe, note that I didn’t say that MIDs still wouldn’t benefit from some lead at 12 o’clock. Mine are 340 SW in stock form anyway. Only insisting that RF97 is pretty unmatched in terms of solid stability, power and spin.
Here’re the latest comparisons
- Youtek Radical MP Stock:
More spin even though 18x20, and still lower launch angle, so the spin must come from the lighter weight and SW, and thus easier to excecute serve also. Overall accuracy is on par or even better. But it has less power and cold jarring upper bed which can really start bothering arm. Less stability. Prestige has a bit more muted feel, one might also say more plowthrough. IMO MID is more complete racquet, but both are racquets of the very highest quality. Maybe on a lazy day or against a weak hitter Radical might suit me better.
- CX tour 16x19 Stock:
Awfully weak. Good spin and enough accuracy from the uniform and relatively stable bed. Pretty much needless to do more thorough analysis because of the different specs, and it might perform excellently if weighted correct, but my main concern is the slushy toyish and even disconnected feel which must be related to frame material used by Dunlop. The contact is not solid/direct - to make a generalization; IMO Wilson Blade and RF and some Prince sticks are by far the best in that respect, and then Head and maybe TF at the same level, Babolats there behind and Dunlops far behind.
Hulger
Semi-Pro
McEncock
Professional
Are you sure about this point?
I've never lost any spin from adding lead at 12. It's the other way around IME =)
Cheers
Hulger
Semi-Pro
Even as little as 1-2 g at noon is noticeably slowing maneuverability and upwards brush motion and even if there could be some more spin acquired because of increased momentum from the mass I feel the net effect is no added spin in the most cases. Instead, more overall power and stabilized upper bed and elevated sweetspot are clear results.
Of course if you got the muscle, in theory the highest SW and most head heavy offers the most spin potential.
But in reality those HL and low SW racquets are often the spinniest.
On the other hand, I get noticably more power and spin just by stringing at lower tension.
What I was mainly pointing out was that you won’t turn the MID capable of bombing like RF by adding some lead at noon. Ok, by stringing lower neither. The pattern densities and frame sizes, stiffnesses and materials are something too different.
bnjkn
Professional
Couldn't have said it better. I'm always impressed how much of a difference just a bit of lead at noon can make. Definitely, in practice you lose maneuverability, the racquet could become a clunky log, and consequently for us mere mortals there could be loss of spin. Ime it could work in moderate amounts though.Even as little as 1-2 g at noon is noticeably slowing maneuverability and upwards brush motion and even if there could be some more spin acquired because of increased momentum from the mass I feel the net effect is no added spin in the most cases. Instead, more overall power and stabilized upper bed and elevated sweetspot are clear results.
Of course if you got the muscle, in theory the highest SW and most head heavy offers the most spin potential.
But in reality those HL and low SW racquets are often the spinniest.
On the other hand, I get noticably more power and spin just by stringing at lower tension.
What I was mainly pointing out was that you won’t turn the MID capable of bombing like RF by adding some lead at noon. Ok, by stringing lower neither. The pattern densities and frame sizes, stiffnesses and materials are something too different.
lelopez
Semi-Pro
I suppose it matters from what racquet you're coming from. Coming from leaded Wilson 90's, my appeal to the mid was an easier playing version of the Wilsons while still maintaining feel and maneuverability. So picking up an un-modded modern Prestige mid felt a little too "light" and thus the need for lead.
If you're coming from the opposite end, i.e., a light, whippy racquet with low sw, well then you're going to have to step to the plate and work on what it takes to swing a leaded mid.
If you're coming from the opposite end, i.e., a light, whippy racquet with low sw, well then you're going to have to step to the plate and work on what it takes to swing a leaded mid.
bnjkn
Professional
I agree. I come from the Wilson 90's and more recently the RF, and I feel like I'm still learning to play with the mid. Especially the RF, it's that unashamed plow, that ball murder, you don't feel anything, it's just a very solid club, you hit the ball and see green felt flying, like a caveman. The mid has more of that surgical precision of the 90's, but definitely more modern feeling.
Hulger
Semi-Pro
Back here to THANK YOU all for this thread. Finally, I feel like I have found my setup for a long time. My best performing MID is 340 SW stock.
And BK is sublime on it. Wtf really, have hit it heavy like 8h and the perform is still there. Initially I strung it at 21/19,5 kg as far as I remember. Tension hasn’t dropped much and there isn’t even much chipping on the strings. It feels like it’s even better now than freshly strung.
Here are propably my last comparisons to offer
-Six one 95 2017:
Cold edges again like in pretty much every Wilson I have tried. Power is less than MID everywhere else but in the center from where it launches the ball straight hard and flat. Accidentally sweetspot is small. Maneuverability is worse. Obviously spin is less also because of ultra dense pattern which still doesn’t make it more accurate because of other properties. The biggest weakness is the feel; like hitting with a trunk or a baseball bat, very numb. Objectively, it is hands down less performing stick.
- Aero Strike (lighter APD original mold) matched close to Nadal specs:
It hits pretty similar ball than the MID (power and spin), even though the plate is notably bigger maneuverability is much less. It has bigger sweetspot and pretty comfy edges. More cushioned feel, which helps when returning very heavy ball, but on the other hand, makes it harder to feel the shot and place it accurately. Some might say it is more forgiving, but I say it loses too much on maneuverability to really be more forgiving.
-Youtek Prestige MP:
Had to add much lead at noon (SW maybe around 340) to make it even playable because of combined stiffness and flimsiness in the stock form. Upper bed was still harsh like in her sister Youtek Radical MP (see my comparison above), and Prestige MP is even stiffer propably because of the beam which is shaped boxier. Youtek Radical has more feel (flexy but still solid) than Youtek Prestige (more boardy) IMO, but I feel like 360+ Prestige MID is just better. You can’t turn these Youteks notably smoother from the upper bed by adding lead there but in turn it transforms them sluggish pretty soon. And if not leaded they will kill your arm.
MID has solid and sensitive contact while being optimally flexy, in other words, smooth as ****. Uniformly powerful. Spin friendly. Accurate. Maneuverable. Stable. Just PERFECTION.
Hulger
Semi-Pro
TennisHound
Legend
CurvyHamster
New User
Do you know where I can find one? They're not listed anymore.
If you're looking for an L2 you're in luck.
CurvyHamster
New User
No, L1 here.
Okinawa Puroresu
Rookie
You can buy one in any size and just swap pallets to the size you need. Special feature oh Head racquets.
Yep. Or change the original grip with a replacement grip like Prince ResiThin with added bonus of better bevel feel.
I've been playing Yonex VCore 97HD the last 12 months, occasionally using Touch Prestige Mid also.
Last year I had a brief honeymoon with the Touch Mid, so I bought 5 of the 360+ Mid, matched, before they were permanently unavailable.
Finally got one of these 360+ strung up. It's 302 unstrung swing-weight. All strung-up with 1.35 Pros Pro syn-gut, over-grip and dampener it's 344g 32cm balance.
Plays great. Definitely stiffer than the HD but not uncomfortable. Swings very easily. Surprised me because a lot of people here act as if a 330 swing-weight is difficult to use.
Last year I had a brief honeymoon with the Touch Mid, so I bought 5 of the 360+ Mid, matched, before they were permanently unavailable.
Finally got one of these 360+ strung up. It's 302 unstrung swing-weight. All strung-up with 1.35 Pros Pro syn-gut, over-grip and dampener it's 344g 32cm balance.
Plays great. Definitely stiffer than the HD but not uncomfortable. Swings very easily. Surprised me because a lot of people here act as if a 330 swing-weight is difficult to use.
Hulger
Semi-Pro
It has been so good that my basic strike speed has increased in a short period of time. But now…. Any one else experiencing arm pain with the MID???
Had to take a rest from it the at the expense of buying 4 new bad sticks in a painful racquetaholic manner which I already thought was over.
Could be related to too big grip size, but I have been there earlier with some Head racquets even with correct grips: somehow if you flex it enough, the energy conducts to your arm harshly.
Maybe I need to string it more often. Not gonna change easily my string of choice: full bed of BK.
Had to take a rest from it the at the expense of buying 4 new bad sticks in a painful racquetaholic manner which I already thought was over.
Could be related to too big grip size, but I have been there earlier with some Head racquets even with correct grips: somehow if you flex it enough, the energy conducts to your arm harshly.
Maybe I need to string it more often. Not gonna change easily my string of choice: full bed of BK.
naturalexponent
Hall of Fame
This was my problem with the mid, too. No matter what I strung it with -- Velocity, PPC, Hyper G, and I even tried L3 and L4 grip sizes.
JustTennis76
Hall of Fame
I still keep my youtek prestige mids in my bag regardless of what people say about them - mid is dead, too hard to play, etc. With 17g gut/poly, it generates some serious plow through. Motivates me to try hard when I am on the courts. One of my buddies still plays with an i.prestige mid and it has worn down to the last graphite fiber and still hits a heavy ball with it.
CurvyHamster
New User
There's nothing I really like more than my prestige. I don't know what other instrument will improve the way I play.
Sintherius
Semi-Pro
The YT Prestige Mid was my last real ‘main’ racquet! Such incredible feel. Unfortunately, both of mine got cracks eventually (1 not my fault, 1 my fault) but that frame is the definition of point and shoot.
naturalexponent
Hall of Fame
I don't, but I have a good condition L4 I'm looking to get rid.
Lavs
Hall of Fame
I am one of those (started off in 2002 with PS Tour 90 and continued with iPrestige Mid until 2010).
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Lavs
Hall of Fame
I got a pair.
Strung with Head Sonic Pro, in stock form: 335g/32cm and 332g/31.7cm
Not sure about SW but looks like both swing the same (if there is any difference then only in1,2 points). I would estimate about 326-328
Super comfortable, great feel on impact. Just enough amount of power.
I missed that classic feel from Mid racket a lot. But I did not bother me to play them a match nowadays. Just hit few balls against the wall.
Strung with Head Sonic Pro, in stock form: 335g/32cm and 332g/31.7cm
Not sure about SW but looks like both swing the same (if there is any difference then only in1,2 points). I would estimate about 326-328
Super comfortable, great feel on impact. Just enough amount of power.
I missed that classic feel from Mid racket a lot. But I did not bother me to play them a match nowadays. Just hit few balls against the wall.
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Hulger
Semi-Pro
Dear close to extinct skill players out there. I had a weak moment at the local pro shop and almost bought the Auxetic 95 version.
Please convince me that it’s worse than the mighty 360+ MID;
Bulkier beam and bigger head, thus sluggish, maybe too much power in relation to spin gains, less accuracy, harsher feel… you know
Please convince me that it’s worse than the mighty 360+ MID;
Bulkier beam and bigger head, thus sluggish, maybe too much power in relation to spin gains, less accuracy, harsher feel… you know
bnjkn
Professional
I hear you. I almost bought it too. I'm afraid it could be sluggish and thus harder to swing to ideal contact. But I've never played with it, so I can't really know. But I'm also tempted by its promise of perhaps heavier shots than the mid.
djNEiGht
Legend
IIRC, the Auxetic Prestige Tour 95 is replacing the Prestige Pro of previous generations. Different type of racquet...more so their modern take of a classic racquet.
Comparing the Mid 360+ to my XT Prestige Pro 95 that I had before.... Very good spin and additional power on tap. Comfort. Not as demanding. Different feedback. It's a nice offering but wasn't for my game.
Comparing the Mid 360+ to my XT Prestige Pro 95 that I had before.... Very good spin and additional power on tap. Comfort. Not as demanding. Different feedback. It's a nice offering but wasn't for my game.
Hulger
Semi-Pro
My MID seems to play best with a leather grip and minor lead at 9, 12 and 3 o'clock, SW is 345.
The main question here is that, could the 360+ prestige pro / Auxetic prestige tour hit similar ball with less weight?
What I have read from the effects of the "Auxetic" tech, it might to enlarge the sweetspot but also offer more flex, and if that's the case, it might make it harder to control the ball with different hitting velocities, and that kind of statement was also made by @dr. godmode on other thread here.
So because of that, I'm actually interested more about buying the 360+ Pro version than the new Auxetic Tour.
Unfortunately I had only brief sessions with the 360+ Prestige Pro. Some of you must have involved deeper in comparing the Pro and Mid 360+. Please forgive me my nerdism here (only trying to keep my spouse happy and avoid losing money), could you provide more comparisons between the 360+ Prestige Pro and MID?
The main question here is that, could the 360+ prestige pro / Auxetic prestige tour hit similar ball with less weight?
What I have read from the effects of the "Auxetic" tech, it might to enlarge the sweetspot but also offer more flex, and if that's the case, it might make it harder to control the ball with different hitting velocities, and that kind of statement was also made by @dr. godmode on other thread here.
So because of that, I'm actually interested more about buying the 360+ Pro version than the new Auxetic Tour.
Unfortunately I had only brief sessions with the 360+ Prestige Pro. Some of you must have involved deeper in comparing the Pro and Mid 360+. Please forgive me my nerdism here (only trying to keep my spouse happy and avoid losing money), could you provide more comparisons between the 360+ Prestige Pro and MID?
Hulger
Semi-Pro
Today had an opportunity to hit them side by side on clay.
360+
Pro
- Notably stiffer
- More solid contact
- More inherent spin and power, but it’s not uncontrollable by no means
MID
- Slightly more maneuverable
- Flexes more
Overall
Easy to change between the sticks on the fly. Spin “potential” is pretty same, but with the MID spin takes its effect more after the bounce, and ball trajectory is more straight forward and launch angle lower. Basically sweetspot size is about the same, but flexing of the MID makes it easier on the arm and it could give you an impression that sweetspot it bigger, but actually there’s more power loss when contacting close to edges, so its poorer especially for returning the serve or serving, and hitting from extended positions. Also, flexing alters the launch angle more between shots so even if the basic groundstroke accuracy is better and ball contact sweeter with the MID, Pro is actually more surgical for complete game because it’s more consistent between different shot velocities and gives you more information about your performance and you can hit more versatile shots with it (e.g. loopier and tighter angled.)
Pretty much every observation I made empirically could as well be deduced from the specs. Both racquet are of the very finest quality. IMO there’s no competition from the other lines/vendors and choosing between them is determined by your personal preference or how much your arm can handle.
Bought the Auxetic Tour (former Pro) hoping it handles better the harshness of the previous iteration while maintaining the stiffness.
360+
Pro
- Notably stiffer
- More solid contact
- More inherent spin and power, but it’s not uncontrollable by no means
MID
- Slightly more maneuverable
- Flexes more
Overall
Easy to change between the sticks on the fly. Spin “potential” is pretty same, but with the MID spin takes its effect more after the bounce, and ball trajectory is more straight forward and launch angle lower. Basically sweetspot size is about the same, but flexing of the MID makes it easier on the arm and it could give you an impression that sweetspot it bigger, but actually there’s more power loss when contacting close to edges, so its poorer especially for returning the serve or serving, and hitting from extended positions. Also, flexing alters the launch angle more between shots so even if the basic groundstroke accuracy is better and ball contact sweeter with the MID, Pro is actually more surgical for complete game because it’s more consistent between different shot velocities and gives you more information about your performance and you can hit more versatile shots with it (e.g. loopier and tighter angled.)
Pretty much every observation I made empirically could as well be deduced from the specs. Both racquet are of the very finest quality. IMO there’s no competition from the other lines/vendors and choosing between them is determined by your personal preference or how much your arm can handle.
Bought the Auxetic Tour (former Pro) hoping it handles better the harshness of the previous iteration while maintaining the stiffness.
The specs on that racquet look impressive. If this is the racquet you are talking about. More of right on my wheelhouse, spec wise. Keep us informed as how you like the Auxetic Tour.
Is this the racquet you bought to try? Head Auxetic Prestige Tour , mostly black with deep burgundy. They are no where to be seen on TW site.
travlerajm
Talk Tennis Guru
The most unique feature of the prestige 360 mid is that the hoop is really narrow, with its mass efficiently located. Kind of like how Djokovic is really narrow.
Hulger
Semi-Pro
Auxetic 95 feels flexy!!! Had a too brief session today with it to provide you any deeper insight - at least I played good, but it is MUTED, feels a bit like Beast 98. Definitely less feel than 360+ Pro or MID. Going to put a leather grip on it and play more to return to the issue here.
naturalexponent
Hall of Fame
What’s your string setup? I demoed it a few months ago and didn’t love it but I want to like it and am thinking of trying it again (love super thin beams and that cosmetic).
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
I like soft powerful strings with pocketing. So I’ve got VS Gut mains and Babolat crosses or I’ll do a full set of multi, and occasionally I’ll do a soft poly that has some pocketing like cream, Hawk touch, or sonic pro
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chizzle
Rookie
I have 3 Graphene Touch Prestige Mids. I hit with one the other day and remembered how fun these were... Rip city.
Found a beautiful red head in my grip size the other day at a shop and snagged it. Look forward to training with these now that my USTA seasons are over til 2023.
Question: Does anyone NOT thump/take first blood (IOWs grind) with this racquet? I do find it tough vs big spin, heavy hitters.
Found a beautiful red head in my grip size the other day at a shop and snagged it. Look forward to training with these now that my USTA seasons are over til 2023.
Question: Does anyone NOT thump/take first blood (IOWs grind) with this racquet? I do find it tough vs big spin, heavy hitters.
J011yroger
Talk Tennis Guru
travlerajm
Talk Tennis Guru
You’ve been posting some blistering hot mixed dubs match ratings this year, so the stick must be working.
J011yroger
Talk Tennis Guru
Richard Pioline
Hall of Fame
How would anyone compare the last mids vs the last classic mid, meaning the IG Prestige Mid. I love these and the 16x19 pattern kind of scares me a lot as I never really gelled with it. I was thinking of putting a leather grip on the 360+ and I'll be good to go. They are cheap here right now and as I played the Classic 600 Prestige Tour for half my life, I thought I need to at least give these a fair chance...
