Review: Graphene Prestige MP

[mhkeuns]

Hi. I just had a couple of hours of hitting with the newly acquired Graphene Prestige MP. I tried hard not to compare it to the previous IG version, which is indeed much smoother racket with better feel, but it was very difficult not to. To me, the GPMP sits between the IG version and my current racket of choice, the Pure Strike Tour.

I was surprised at how head heavy the racket felt, initially, but the maneuverability was fantastic and didn't notice the head heaviness while hitting ground strokes. The sweetspot felt great.

The racket felt hollow, though, even more so than the IG version. The Purse Strike Tour felt like a rock compared to both. Not sure what to make of that because it kind of reminded me of the feel of the Aeropro Drive's hollow feel but with more flex.

The racket is strung with the Luxilon Alu Power Spin 1.20 @ 54 lbs and felt pretty good with nice directional control and power when I wanted it.

I don't like to volley, but this racket is great at touch volleys. I didn't notice much maneuverability issues at the net.

So far, I get the similar results as the IG version but with slightly more pop. It doesn't have as much power as the Pure Strike Tour, but the racket gave me the confidence to hit the ball hard. I was back doing the loopy swing and taking big cuts on the balls, instead of more compact and flatter strokes when I play with the PST.

I like it, so far. I was worried that I would hate it because of its balance and previous users' comments. I hope that there are some people who like this racket and chime in a bit on how you got the most out of the racket. It does feel like I could add some weight on the handle to make it a bit more headlight. The racket did not disappoint me today.

 

[Dgdavid]

Nice points mkheuns, good to have a serious thread on this racket!

Just bought one today in fact so looking forward to trying it. Will report back.

 

[mhkeuns]

Nice points mkheuns, good to have a serious thread on this racket!

Just bought one today in fact so looking forward to trying it. Will report back.

Looking forward to hearing your initial hitting experience. Tomorrow will be my second day with the stick. Going to be hitting against a heavy hitter, so I will report back on how the racket's stability is like on the off center hits... I will be hitting many...

 

[RF_fan]

I just demoed the Pro. Is MP version much different? The Pro is rated at 11.7 strung but mine was 11.4 oz.

 

[SpinToWin]

Looking forward to hearing your initial hitting experience. Tomorrow will be my second day with the stick. Going to be hitting against a heavy hitter, so I will report back on how the racket's stability is like on the off center hits... I will be hitting many...

I'd be careful. My experience was that off center hits were severely uncomfortable (especially for a Prestige). Take your Pure Strike Tour with you in case it becomes too much.

 

[mhkeuns]

I'd be careful. My experience was that off center hits were severely uncomfortable (especially for a Prestige). Take your Pure Strike Tour with you in case it becomes too much.

Thank you. Have you tried adding anything on the handle, like the silicone or lead? I have just replaced the synthetic grip to leather, and it feels more solid to hold. So far, I liked dictating the point with it, but I want to see how the racket plays out when I'm pushed hard and have to play defensive tennis from time to time. That's when I will know if she's really a keeper.

 

[mhkeuns]

I just demoed the Pro. Is MP version much different? The Pro is rated at 11.7 strung but mine was 11.4 oz.

They are different in specs wise..., but they both seem to be either really loved by some and/or hated by many...

How do you like it?

 

[birdieb]

I got a demo of this and the IG Prestige S yesterday. Only had chance to swing a few serves so far but I'll be playing with both on Sunday and will report back.

 

[SpinToWin]

Thank you. Have you tried adding anything on the handle, like the silicone or lead? I have just replaced the synthetic grip to leather, and it feels more solid to hold. So far, I liked dictating the point with it, but I want to see how the racket plays out when I'm pushed hard and have to play defensive tennis from time to time. That's when I will know if she's really a keeper.

I get what you mean. The racquet played well when I played offensively from the baseline (felt like a much more controlled Babolat). Some very accurate shots (short angles and drop shots) were not to my liking at all, but deep powerful strokes were easy, as were net put aways.

However, on the defense I missed that feel for tricky shots, such as squash shots or deep lobs, and anything off-center caused a strange buzz to penetrate my arm. I was feeling a lot of discomfort in my arm after a while and I put the racquet down for good.

I - and many others - would have to experiment a lot with string setups to make this racquet playable for us. On the other hand, the IG version plays well with almost any string and changing strings further improves its attributes rather than fix its flaws. This is the racquet's main problem, because it is a Prestige, it must be compared to its predecessors, its heritage, and in this regard it has ultimately failed unfortunately.

 

[mhkeuns]

I get what you mean. The racquet played well when I played offensively from the baseline (felt like a much more controlled Babolat). Some very accurate shots (short angles and drop shots) were not to my liking at all, but deep powerful strokes were easy, as were net put aways.

However, on the defense I missed that feel for tricky shots, such as squash shots or deep lobs, and anything off-center caused a strange buzz to penetrate my arm. I was feeling a lot of discomfort in my arm after a while and I put the racquet down for good.

I - and many others - would have to experiment a lot with string setups to make this racquet playable for us. On the other hand, the IG version plays well with almost any string and changing strings further improves its attributes rather than fix its flaws. This is the racquet's main problem, because it is a Prestige, it must be compared to its predecessors, its heritage, and in this regard it has ultimately failed unfortunately.

Yeah. I think the heritage hurts this model because the users have come to expect a certain feel and playability when playing with the Prestige, whether it be the Pro, Mid or the MP. I think Wilson has done a better job of maintaining its heritage with the Pro Staff line and the Six.One (Pro Staff Classic) line than what Head has done with the Prestige line. That being said, I hope to get the most out of the GPMP. It does have its own unique feel to it when struck right.

Thanks again for your input.

 

[lynnbart]

Low string tension helps the MP come alive. Tour Bite at 50lbs plays great.

 

[mhkeuns]

I got a demo of this and the IG Prestige S yesterday. Only had chance to swing a few serves so far but I'll be playing with both on Sunday and will report back.

Looking forward to your review. I think it's nice to have a serious thread on this racket... I would love to hear from the users who have benefitted from using the GPMP, or other Grapene Prestige models.

 

[burn1986]

I have played with the GPMP for about a month off and on, with a week break in between. Most already know my thoughts on this racquet. Since the OP doesn't want any negative points in this thread, I won't list anything negative. I ended up going down on the tension to 47lbs all the way, with a hybrid of NXT mains and Lux .16ga crosses.

Users that have never used a Prestige before may like it just because it looks cool and basically just because its a new model. Same thing for the Strike.

 

[lynnbart]

I like the softer flex. The YT IG Prestige Pro just about wrecked my arm. No arm soreness with the new version. It feels abit head heavy when you pick it up it but it plays easily and with great spin. Good frame.

 

[mhkeuns]

Today, I was hitting really well with the racket offensively. Whenever I got the short balls, it was easy put away. The cross court and down-the-line winners were easy and accurate... when I had time to prepare for it. The bad was the defensive running forehands and the backhands... When I had to rush my strokes, my shots either sailed way long or didn't clear the net. Either I need to run faster with better footwork, work out my arms and shoulders, or make the racket a bit more headlight. It's much better at striking first and dictating the point, rather than being defensive with it.
Honestly, I really like the feel of the racket when struck right in the sweetspot, but outside of that sweet zone, it was a bit brutal. I might string another one with 17G or 18G synthetic gut to see if it makes it easier on the off center hits.
The best thing about the racket is the serves. It also pockets the ball really long, to me, so I was able to control how much spin I wanted to put on the ball.
So far, the racket makes me want to get fitter and get more out of it. I'm not disappointed that I had a hard time with the defensive shots. I had a similar problem when I first picked up the IG Prestige MP because it lacked the power of the Rebel 95 that I was using. I'm transitioning from the Pure Strike Tour to the GPMP, so I expect the similar learning curve.
Though the racket feels hollow, I didn't notice strange vibrations and stuff. Perhaps the leather grip helped on that? IDK...

 

[mhkeuns]

Double post... deleted.

 

[mhkeuns]

I'd be careful. My experience was that off center hits were severely uncomfortable (especially for a Prestige). Take your Pure Strike Tour with you in case it becomes too much.

You weren't joking about the off center hits being uncomfortable. I thought about what you said when that happened. I could see how someone with a weak wrist can come out with an injury. Need to be physically fit to play this thing! I like it, though, so far.

After I got used to playing the Pacific XFeel Pro 95, I think I can pretty much play with anything.

 

[SpinToWin]

You weren't joking about the off center hits being uncomfortable. I thought about what you said when that happened. I could see how someone with a weak wrist can come out with an injury. Need to be physically fit to play this thing! I like it, though, so far.

After I got used to playing the Pacific XFeel Pro 95, I think I can pretty much play with anything.

You'd think the same applies to me with my heavy SW2 category racquet :lol:

But I'm glad to hear that the discomfort isn't too severe for you. The bigger problem really is the effect it has on you during play. It completely disrupts your rhythm and focus when you suddenly feel like somebody is pounding a hammer on your elbow (at least for me).

Anyways, enjoy the rest of your test and I hope the racquet treats you kindly, unlike me

 

[Sander001]

The Purse Strike Tour felt like a rock compared to both.

That's what she said.

 

[mhkeuns]

I have played with the GPMP for about a month off and on, with a week break in between. Most already know my thoughts on this racquet. Since the OP doesn't want any negative points in this thread, I won't list anything negative. I ended up going down on the tension to 47lbs all the way, with a hybrid of NXT mains and Lux .16ga crosses.

Users that have never used a Prestige before may like it just because it looks cool and basically just because its a new model. Same thing for the Strike.

Actually, I would like to hear it. There are a couple of dislikes for me already, but I'm hoping that as I get more dialed in, they would disappear. I'm still much more comfortable with the IGPMP or the Pure Strike Tour.

 

[birdieb]

Okay, so I've split about 3 hours of hitting between the IG Prestige S and the Graphene Prestige MP this morning. Time was about 65/35 in favour of the MP.

Overall thoughts are that I like this racket quite a bit. Felt really nice and had a decent amount of spin.

I thought my groundstrokes were really good with this. I tend to bring my own power and I felt I had a lot of control on the forehand with some good spin when I wanted it. Was able to really rip a few hard ones and felt confident they'd stay in the court. My 1HBH felt good, plenty of spin and I was able to hit a few nice whippy backhands cross court.

At the net it was great, felt I could do everything - nice deft touches and punchier volleys too.

Wasn't too pleased with it on the serve (my serve was a bit naff today anyway), it was okay on flat serves but I felt it was lacking a bit in spin for my second serves. Maybe a different string could compensate for that though, perhaps RPM Blast or something similar.

Also, in a bit of a contrast to mhkeuns, I found it great defensively. I was playing doubles and had to cover a few tough shots on my partners side of the court at the baseline and I got them back with some really nice power. Always like when you can play good instinct shots on the run with a racket.

Regarding the arm pain I've heard a few talk about... Nothing for me. Felt my wrist a bit at one point so changed to the Prestige S but I think that was mainly because this is 15g heavier than my LM Rads and even heavier than my T Carbon that's also in the bag.

 

[mhkeuns]

Okay, so I've split about 3 hours of hitting between the IG Prestige S and the Graphene Prestige MP this morning. Time was about 65/35 in favour of the MP.

Overall thoughts are that I like this racket quite a bit. Felt really nice and had a decent amount of spin.

I thought my groundstrokes were really good with this. I tend to bring my own power and I felt I had a lot of control on the forehand with some good spin when I wanted it. Was able to really rip a few hard ones and felt confident they'd stay in the court. My 1HBH felt good, plenty of spin and I was able to hit a few nice whippy backhands cross court.

At the net it was great, felt I could do everything - nice deft touches and punchier volleys too.

Wasn't too pleased with it on the serve (my serve was a bit naff today anyway), it was okay on flat serves but I felt it was lacking a bit in spin for my second serves. Maybe a different string could compensate for that though, perhaps RPM Blast or something similar.

Also, in a bit of a contrast to mhkeuns, I found it great defensively. I was playing doubles and had to cover a few tough shots on my partners side of the court at the baseline and I got them back with some really nice power. Always like when you can play good instinct shots on the run with a racket.

Regarding the arm pain I've heard a few talk about... Nothing for me. Felt my wrist a bit at one point so changed to the Prestige S but I think that was mainly because this is 15g heavier than my LM Rads and even heavier than my T Carbon that's also in the bag.

Great review. I'm going to play with it again today playing doubles. I think I'm having a problem defensively because I've gotten a bit lazy with my steps playing with the Pure Strike Tour. I was able to hit penetrating strokes when I was able to set up my strokes, but when I was rushed, I didn't have the confidence of hitting tricky shots or clean winners like I would with the IGPMP. Today's game is going to have lots of quick exchanges. I hope I can hit some running forehand/backhand winners and some angles & touch shots that will have my opponents guessing. I really love the racket for the kick serves. I especially love this racket when I'm the one doing the first strike to dictate the point.

I also did not notice any arm pain except for some severely off center shots that created discomfort, but it wasn't anything too harsh. Replaced the synthetic grip with leather grip, and it seems to have helped on that...

 

[vsbabolat]

You also need to replace those awful red grommets with black ones. Its not the color that is the problem its the how flimsy and thin they are. The black ones make a difference.

 

[RF_fan]

They are different in specs wise..., but they both seem to be either really loved by some and/or hated by many...

How do you like it?

I see they're both 11.7 oz, and identical 328 SW. Stiffness and balance is almost the same, but I noticed Prestige MP has 21mm beam, and Pro - 22mm. The main difference is the string pattern.
I demoed mine with Head Hawk poly strings, and it didn't have much feel. However the performance was impressive. Frame felt very stable, and easy to swing. I got much better consistency along with more power and spin than my customized Prostaff 95. Better serves too, however I didn't like how it felt at the net. My demo was 11.4 oz, so I think if I make it 11.9-12.0 it could be even better.
Few days ago I demoed both IG Prestige Pro and MP, and I was hoping they were as good since they're on sale, but they weren't.
Next I will try to demo the new MP, and Speed Pro.

 

[vsbabolat]

The G Prestige MP is starting to grow on me.

 

[ProRadTour]

The G Prestige MP is starting to grow on me.

Wow, what's changed. Are you being serious? No sarcasm intended.

 

[5point5]

The G Prestige MP is starting to grow on me.

HAHAHAHA! Yes, submit to the GRAPHENE!

 

[vsbabolat]

Wow, what's changed. Are you being serious? No sarcasm intended.

No sarcasm. I put black grommets in it and I served really well with it. I will just take things one day at a time.

 

[5point5]

No sarcasm. I put black grommets in it and I served really well with it. I will just take things one day at a time.

I agree, the black grommets definitely give it a crisper feel. Glad you're finally liking it.

 

[Kal-El 34]

i dropped the tension a bit in the G radical MP and found I liked it better from the baseline than the new Prestige MP. It was still capable at the net, but not as nice as the prestige, but liked it better on serve and off the ground. Initially, did not like the feel at higher tension but some tweaking may make it a decent option

G prestige MP was way better with black grommets and power strips at 10 and 2. Just destroyed my elbow though, couldn't deal with it. though, like i said in my review i was hitting well with it

 

[ProRadTour]

The black grommets are a must. It makes it play and look better. I tried both the Liquidmetal caps and Microgel. It is even more solid with the Liquidmetal caps.

 

[Dgdavid]

2 singles matches in, I really like it. Playing it totally stock, Sonic Pro at mid tension. Confidence inspiring on impact (I hit fairly flat) and played confidently in a manner that has been absent in my recent tests with more open, powerful rackets. Closed pattern definitely for me.

First doubles match with it tomorrow.

 

[vsbabolat]

i dropped the tension a bit in the G radical MP and found I liked it better from the baseline than the new Prestige MP. It was still capable at the net, but not as nice as the prestige, but liked it better on serve and off the ground. Initially, did not like the feel at higher tension but some tweaking may make it a decent option

G prestige MP was way better with black grommets and power strips at 10 and 2. Just destroyed my elbow though, couldn't deal with it. though, like i said in my review i was hitting well with it

I'm serving and playing really well with it. I like the results.

 

[lynnbart]

Glad to know I'm not the only one that likes the Graphene Prestige MP!

 

[RF_fan]

The black grommets are a must. It makes it play and look better. I tried both the Liquidmetal caps and Microgel. It is even more solid with the Liquidmetal caps.

You had no problem fitting them? Are they lighter/heavier?
I agree black ones look much better. Just ordered 2x Pros, and want to replace those grommets. Too much orange.

 

[ProRadTour]

No problem fitting them. They are about 4 grams heavier than the Microgel grometts.

 

[birdieb]

So, had my final hit tonight - demo heads back tomorrow. I think the racket has won me over. Barely ended up playing the IG Prestige S I had to demo.

 

[Dgdavid]

How will the black cap grommets change the racket in terms of Swingweight, static weight etc? Would it mean more power, spin?

 

[Uneqwill]

Thanks for the serious reviews guys . Should be getting my demoes in a few days

 

[vsbabolat]

I continue to play well with it. I would like it more if it was slightly softer and had a more muted response.

 

[birdieb]

I continue to play well with it. I would like it more if it was slightly softer and had a more muted response.

I sent my demos back Wednesday and I just know when I'm back with my LM Rad MPs on Sunday that I'll be missing it.

 

[mhkeuns]

Have been playing better with it and feel more dialed in. The GPMP does feel like it has more pop than the IG version but less than the Pure Strike Tour. It's not as buttery smooth like the IGPMP and does not feel solid like the PST. This racquet, though, definitely has its unique feel. It's growing on me, and I like it.
I'm not sure if the GPMP is really an improvement over the IGPMP because they feel very different and the IGPMP is just a fabulous all-around racquet, but it feels like the GPMP makes it easier to play more aggressively.
I'm still going back-and-forth playing with different sticks, but the GPMP is getting most of the playing time. I really think replacing the original synthetic grip with the leather grip and the overgrip helped to tone down the vibration.

 

[Out?]

i demoed the Graphene Prestige MP and i really liked it. i agree with you that the ball pocketing helped control the amount of spin and i also served well with it. ive never played with any other prestige before so im not sure how they compare but by itself its actually a pretty nice frame

 

[Out?]

btw i know that the IG prestige wasn't actually a 98 head size did they make the graphene mp a true 98 headsize or is it still the same?

 

[SpinToWin]

btw i know that the IG prestige wasn't actually a 98 head size did they make the graphene mp a true 98 headsize or is it still the same?

still the same (though "same" is the last word I want to use to describe the two frames...).

 

[Out?]

still the same (though "same" is the last word I want to use to describe the two frames...).

haha alright thanks

 

[Rivers Scott]

How does this racquet compare to the I.prestige mp?

 

[burn1986]

Just the fact that its 98 sq in, 6 pts head light, 11.3 oz, 18x20, and is a new model makes it appealing, there's no denying that. Technically, there's no other racquet in this weight range (Pure Strike Tour says 11.3 but feels about 12.0 and is a little too heavy to be compared with the GPMP). So if a player is looking for these specs, then naturally he will be drawn to this racquet.

 

[burn1986]

I continue to play well with it. I would like it more if it was slightly softer and had a more muted response.

VSBabalot, Why are you not playing with a Babalot?

 

[mhkeuns]

I have gotten fully used to the racquet. It, to me, is a Prestige, especially when the ball is struck just right. It does have the sweet feel on the hard impact like the IGPMP that I have, also. It's different but just as sweet.

To reiterate my previous feelings of the racquet, the GPMP has nice pop and really pockets the ball for great control & spin. I've been playing with the GPMP, Pure Strike Tour, and the Vcore Tour 89 lately. The GPMP is probably the easiest to play with because it maneuvers better than the PST and has more pop than the VT89. Love them all, but I think the GPMP is a great racquet that is really becoming great stick to play with. Loving it more and more.