Question for Chris

[Sundan]

Hi Chris,i will start off with to thank you and the rest of the TW team for your product reviews,its really helpful

Now,i have a few questions regarding racquet choice,would love some answers if you have the time ;

If you would choose between the Blade 93(new model) and Head Prestige Mp today,wich would it be and why ? You scored them similar, and i know you played with the prestige earlier.

I believe Blade 93 would be as good ,or better maneuverable than the Blade 98 despite being heavier ?

I did demo the Blade 98 18x20 today as reference, but they dont have the 93 or any of the Prestiges so i cant demo them,however you seem to have scored the 98 similar to what i think, thats why i want Your opinion on the others.

You scored comfort higher on Blade 93 than on the prestige,yet the 93 is rated stiffer, do you still think so ? One of the reasons im changing is because i want a bit softer racquet.

Bonus question ; for the racquet you recommend of these 2, what string setup would you recommend ?

Thanks for your time,would be great if you find the time to add your opinion,it would be highly appreciated.

Best regards // Sundan

 

[TW Staff]

I like the Blade 93 a lot. I think it dampens better due to its weight and plow through. The Prestige MP is lighter and not as solid at impact.

I also like the way the Blade 93 comes through contact, it is one of those racquets that is very easy to accelerate through the hitting zone -- which is one of the things I liked about the Powerbridge 10 Mid, also.

The Blade 93 is right up there for me as one of the best racquets I've tested in the last few years and I don't say that lightly since there are many good racquets on the market right now (I would say right now we have the strongest overall selection that I've seen since I started here in 2003).

Hope that helps,
Chris, TW.

 

[Sundan]

Thanks Chris,it really helped.

I have decided to buy one and try myself

If you have any input regarding string setups im all ears,i think i read somewhere on the forums that they are not super sensitive on string choice,but im still interested what string/s you tested with and wich was best of them.

It would be great with a string that is reasonable durable, and not drops tension too fast.


Thanks again for your help.

Best regards // Sundan

 

[Boricua]

Thanks Chris,it really helped.

I have decided to buy one and try myself

If you have any input regarding string setups im all ears,i think i read somewhere on the forums that they are not super sensitive on string choice,but im still interested what string/s you tested with and wich was best of them.

It would be great with a string that is reasonable durable, and not drops tension too fast.


Thanks again for your help.

Best regards // Sundan

I know Chris likes Volkl Cyclone alot but dont know if he will recommend it in the Blade.

 

[TW Staff]

Cyclone is a good fit. We tested this racquet a lot with Isospeed Black Fire (low powered poly) and I liked that, too. I have also hit it with 4G and found that to hold well when strung up at 52lbs. If you want more pop, try Black Widow or Black 5 Edge.

Hope that helps,
Chris, TW

 

[Sundan]

It helped alot,again.
Ill order some 4g for testing,too bad my stringer dont have it so ill have to get it elsewhere. (The only co/poly they have is Rpm blast and Big banger alu if i recall right.)

Thanks again !!

 

[ProRadTour]

Hey Chris, just curious how you found the new Blade 93 in comparison to the IG Prestige Mid. You clearly hold the Blade in high regard to its feel and dampening qualities, how does it compare to the IG Prestige Mid?

Which one do you prefer in your opinion and what qualities sway that preference?

 

[TW Staff]

Hey Chris, just curious how you found the new Blade 93 in comparison to the IG Prestige Mid. You clearly hold the Blade in high regard to its feel and dampening qualities, how does it compare to the IG Prestige Mid?

Which one do you prefer in your opinion and what qualities sway that preference?

The Blade is more forgiving and easier to use. Much of that is due to it feeling more maneuverable. The Prestige has more plow through power and I can hit a heavier ball with it. However, I'm more consistent with the Blade. Both are very, very precise racquets with exceptional feel. I get good spin out of both with just a tad more variety from the Blade since I can manipulate it easier.

Hope that helps,
Chris, TW

 

[ProRadTour]

Thanks Chris