Review of HEAD IG Prestige Mid and IG Prestige MP
- Thread starter vsbabolat
- Start date
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
Ive gone beast mode with my IG MP. Right now it is at 12.83 oz and 8.5pts headlight, so this thing mangles the tennis ball. Ive only played once with it in this hefty setup but I hit 7 aces in one set and did remarkably well with reflex hits... not sluggish at all and I'm playing the net quite a bit. Basically, heavy rackets rock (I grew up with wood and the 200g). The amount of spin this thing is imparting is unreal and I can tell the ball is just so heavy because it seemed to push my opponent with a prostaff 95 around quite a bit. Ill see if I can handle this but so far no problems.
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harryz
Professional
Damn, that sounds sweet
As the founder of the TW "Heavy Racquet Users Club" I can only imagine what a heavy ball that hits. Wish I ere in good enough condition to use it
As the founder of the TW "Heavy Racquet Users Club" I can only imagine what a heavy ball that hits. Wish I ere in good enough condition to use it
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
As the founder of the TW "Heavy Racquet Users Club" I can only imagine what a heavy ball that hits. Wish I ere in good enough condition to use it
Used it again today, Im keeping this setup. It is just so satisfying crushing returns (and everything else). Perfect for S & V or simply playing baseline then putting away short balls, super solid (I should take the time to calculate swingweight). The setup is so much more dynamic than the "underpowered" reputation for this stick.... I just take a big cut and the ball just seems to respond.
This thing comes alive around this weight in terms of spin production, responsiveness and comfort.
harryz
Professional
where are you putting lead?
And are you using leather, overwrap, and/or dampener to get to 12.83oz? I'm going to use leather and tournagrips on mine and may try some lead, but want to be careful with weight as well as I really like the frame stock...
Harry
And are you using leather, overwrap, and/or dampener to get to 12.83oz? I'm going to use leather and tournagrips on mine and may try some lead, but want to be careful with weight as well as I really like the frame stock...
Harry
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
Becker leather grip with overgrip
lead in most places. A majority of it is in the butcap but also under the leather grip at 5 inches. on the hoop there is a little bit everywhere at 12, 3, 9, 10 and 2. More at 9 and 3 than anywhere else on the hoop. Id say there is 5-8 times as much lead in the handle as there is on the hoop. Im in good shape (an athletic 220), I bike and do dumbells... moving around the court faster than I ever have.
I hit with my Backup YTPMP which weighs a mere 12.25 and it felt like a whippy lil toy version of this beast version.
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Racquet Daddy
Rookie
So I made the mistake of going out and getting a PC600 after vsbabolat's comment on the first page of this thread. I've had my IG Mid for a while - love it. I've hit with them back-to-back on a couple of different occasions now, and there's just something about the PC600 that makes it hard to put back in the bag. A little softer, a little more dampened - just a really solid frame. I've got both racquets strung with 17g full poly around 50, and I'm amazed how well they take a full bed. No arm discomfort after a month. Really growing to admire the Prestige lineage.
thecrusher956
Rookie
I like the specs of the pro much better than the mp but I think that the control might be an issue...thoughts?
sundaypunch
Hall of Fame
It may get you kicked out of the fan club, but trimming your cap grommet is a great way to lower the weight a little and make it more HL.
Of all the open-pattern racquets, Prestige Pro is probably the most controlled (My opinion, of course). I feel absolutely no control issues with the Pro.
Pro generates a lot more power than the MP, and has much more "bite".
movdqa
Talk Tennis Guru
I finally made the move from the YTs to the IGs. I've had the IGs in my closet since last summer. I have been using the YTs for quite some time but they are on the edge of elbow pain for me. If I play too much, then I have to rest my arm for a day or two. I don't have that problem with the IGs but my serve wasn't as effective with the IGs because of the higher swingweight.
I had some problems with the YTs (they aren't identical) and I put in some effort into matching them up but was unsuccesful. It can be pretty frustrating trying to match frames up yourself. My IGs are matched - the YTs have different pallets - one is squarish and one is rectangular. I think that the specs were the same: balance, static weight, length - but the swingweights felt different. That happens when you don't buy matched sets.
I played 1.75 sets today and was playing better than I've ever played with the YTs. My opponent said that I was playing "lights out". I modified my service timing to better use the additional swingweight and the racquet just had gobs of power. I think that I need to string it a little tighter - maybe 56 instead of 54 to get a little more control but it feels pretty good where it is.
The best thing is that it doesn't put any stress on my elbow. I had 9 inches of lead at 3/9 (each) on the YTs and still could get arm issues. I have no lead at 3/9 on the IGs and have no arm issues. So I guess I'm a happy camper with the IGs now.
I had some problems with the YTs (they aren't identical) and I put in some effort into matching them up but was unsuccesful. It can be pretty frustrating trying to match frames up yourself. My IGs are matched - the YTs have different pallets - one is squarish and one is rectangular. I think that the specs were the same: balance, static weight, length - but the swingweights felt different. That happens when you don't buy matched sets.
I played 1.75 sets today and was playing better than I've ever played with the YTs. My opponent said that I was playing "lights out". I modified my service timing to better use the additional swingweight and the racquet just had gobs of power. I think that I need to string it a little tighter - maybe 56 instead of 54 to get a little more control but it feels pretty good where it is.
The best thing is that it doesn't put any stress on my elbow. I had 9 inches of lead at 3/9 (each) on the YTs and still could get arm issues. I have no lead at 3/9 on the IGs and have no arm issues. So I guess I'm a happy camper with the IGs now.
Stein
New User
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
Still using my beast mode IGMP at 12.83 oz. My most frequent hitting partner has gone through 3 rackets since... a Wilson BLX6.1 95, a PS88 and now a Dunlop 200 lite.
Ive switched to tough gut mains with silverstring crosses and this thing feels so good. The flex of the IG works well with the gut mains and its improved my backhand returns and backhand slices as well as my first serve percentages (forcing me to let the racket swing naturally through the ball).
Overall this setup has improved my serve an volley game... depth on forehands and general ability to change direction with one handed topspin backhands. Returns are lethal.
only minus is on low pace mid court dinkers and mishits... I can live with that especially when I get to the net... negating no mans land shenanigans.
Ive switched to tough gut mains with silverstring crosses and this thing feels so good. The flex of the IG works well with the gut mains and its improved my backhand returns and backhand slices as well as my first serve percentages (forcing me to let the racket swing naturally through the ball).
Overall this setup has improved my serve an volley game... depth on forehands and general ability to change direction with one handed topspin backhands. Returns are lethal.
only minus is on low pace mid court dinkers and mishits... I can live with that especially when I get to the net... negating no mans land shenanigans.
chinese_tennis_guy
New User
Question: why does TW list the 25th anniv LTD prestige MP (black) as 11.9oz but the red MP as 12.3oz???? what's the diff? I thought it was just a diff't paintjob.
JDMasFCK
Semi-Pro
They both weigh 11.9.... dont know where you got the 12.3 from
chinese_tennis_guy
New User
on both the TW for sale head rackets page and once you click on the YTIGPMP racket specs, it lists it at 12.2 strung, 345.86g. The LTD is listed at 11.9, 337.36g. What's up with that?
chinese_tennis_guy
New User
I got curious about it because i saw someone in the for sale section selling their red ones and saying that they were too heavy and how he's using the LTD black ones, in this post (does this cut paste work?) by randog54 yesterday:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=451323
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
That guy is talking about the IG Prestige MID Which is smaller and heavier than the MP.
chinese_tennis_guy
New User
Yes, my bad, and also I see that I was looking at the Pro, which is heavier. 11.9 for both, duh. Thanks
chinese_tennis_guy
New User
IG prestige Pro versus IG prestige MP?
Are they essentially the same except for string pattern?
Anyone hit with both and can compare the two?
Leather grip on the Pro makes it little heavier accounting for the difference perhaps.
I am leaning toward a open string pattern but willing to give 18x20 another try.
I have a couple PT630 austrians in 18x20 that I played with for a couple years.
Thanks!
Are they essentially the same except for string pattern?
Anyone hit with both and can compare the two?
Leather grip on the Pro makes it little heavier accounting for the difference perhaps.
I am leaning toward a open string pattern but willing to give 18x20 another try.
I have a couple PT630 austrians in 18x20 that I played with for a couple years.
Thanks!
crosscourt
Professional
Not as good looking as the photo in your avatar!
Doubles
Legend
The pro is a bit stiffer, or at least flexed in a way where it felt stiffer. I think it has more spin, more power, and is less forgiving, but it generates a heavier ball than the MP. The MP does well at the net but I prefer the pro.
sansaephanh
Professional
I just bought a mid. Great stick, but the SPPP CoF hybrid is too low powered for me. I like a little more oompf. Might go for a fresh set of FXP tour. Too bad they don't come in 17 gauge...
anontennis
New User
Quick question! I've been playing with a Youtek Prestige Mid for a while now, ended up stringing it at whatever tension balances out to ~60 lbs by the time I clamp (I think the knob is on 66 or so).
The Youtek IG Prestige Mid has lower tension recommendations that don't cover my eventual tension of 60 lbs...
Anyone play with both? Will moving down 3 lbs result in a comparable feel, or should I stay at 60 lbs?
Don't ask me why I string so high (particularly with my string type...), tried various lower tensions and was not a fan.
The Youtek IG Prestige Mid has lower tension recommendations that don't cover my eventual tension of 60 lbs...
Anyone play with both? Will moving down 3 lbs result in a comparable feel, or should I stay at 60 lbs?
Don't ask me why I string so high (particularly with my string type...), tried various lower tensions and was not a fan.
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
No, Stay at 60lbs. I did not change tension.
anontennis
New User
Cool, thanks for the input! Strung one up at 60 tonight and will wait on the second one just in case.
Doubles
Legend
Nice picture, VS! What's your string setup? Gut mains, nylon crosses?
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
Thanks! I have Pacific Prime 16g in the mains and Babolat Synthetic Gut in the crosses.
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
Ok, Let us know how it goes for you.
Doubles
Legend
Sounds like a nice playing set up. Definitely feel friendly haha. What kind of durability do you get out of this set up?
One would think they are similar except for string pattern but they are not. As another poster said, the pro is stiffer and more power. Surprisingly, the MP is just as spinny as the pro. The pro didn't have exceptional spin. It's a nice racquet but the sweetspot is smaller than one would think and spin is only average. You won't find much more spin if you're comparing the Pro to your PT 630's. If you want something similar to your PT 630's but with more spin, try to the Dunlop Bio 300 tours.
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vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
It depends on weather conditions and court surface. But anywhere between about 5 hours to 14 hours.
anontennis
New User
Same exact tension as the Youtek Prestige. Using one of those tension thingamajigs it matches almost perfectly.
Played for an hour or so and my arm is still a bit sore! Restrung another at what amounts to 56 lbs (knob at 60, levels out to 56lbs by they time I clamp). Will give it another shot tomorrow!
Played for an hour or so and my arm is still a bit sore! Restrung another at what amounts to 56 lbs (knob at 60, levels out to 56lbs by they time I clamp). Will give it another shot tomorrow!
matchmaker
Hall of Fame
I have an IG Prestige mid coming in, after a PC600 I bought collapsed. I love the PC600, but the truth is that the frames that are still around are not the freshest anymore and the PC600 frames are infamously famous for warping.
So I really hope that the IG Prestige mid lives up to the hype. Seeing that it only has a 317 SW, I would like to put some lead on it. I had thought about a double layer of lead tape on each side, about 8" long from 8:30 to 10:30 and 3:30 to 1:30. That would be about 16 grams. The weight at the top would be offset by a leather grip plus overgrip and, if needed some lead tape to get the balance around 6 pts. headlight.
How does this sound to you guys? Okay or too much. Bear in mind I like heavy rackets. Most of my racquets are around 370 gr.
So I really hope that the IG Prestige mid lives up to the hype. Seeing that it only has a 317 SW, I would like to put some lead on it. I had thought about a double layer of lead tape on each side, about 8" long from 8:30 to 10:30 and 3:30 to 1:30. That would be about 16 grams. The weight at the top would be offset by a leather grip plus overgrip and, if needed some lead tape to get the balance around 6 pts. headlight.
How does this sound to you guys? Okay or too much. Bear in mind I like heavy rackets. Most of my racquets are around 370 gr.
jonnyboi09
Rookie
Just hit with the IG Prestige MP today and wow!!! The racquet is such an improvement over the Youtek. So much smoother feel and swings a bit heavier in my opinion, which I love. I also hit with the IGPP which feels slot better as well. I'm really digging entire IG Line.
matchmaker
Hall of Fame
I've been playing with the Prestige for 20+ years and have never had one warp.
Is this still fresh or has it gone stale?;-)
My racquet are at 370g strung. I have weight inside the hairpin, with a leather grip, and weight at 10 and 2 under the grommets.
That one looks fresh, but I am guessing it is not for sale...
So basically my setup would be similar to yours. I will slap a leather grip on it and an overgrip, that should add some weight to the bottom. If need be, I will add some lead too, but only if the balance isn't in a range between 6 and 5 pts headlight after adding weight to the hoop. I am indeed planning to put weight centered around 10 and 2. I was thinking about 16 grams, two layers of around 8 inch. Does that sound to much to you? I find when I only add 10 grams I usually don't really feel it, but it depends on the frame mostly. Some frames feel heavy stock, others feel like you can keep on adding weight without really feeling it.
Matchball
Semi-Pro
If it feels nice to you no prob. But depending on your leather grip selection, string, dampener e.t.c. (even the actual stick you get in your hands, since there might be deviations from factory specs), you will most likely exceed 370.
Mine are stock, with head leather grip (surely not the heaviest) + overgrip, a light dampener (rubber band) and 1.25 co-poly and weigh 368,5 already.
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
I have a setup I like and that I have used for a very long time. My racquets are all matched to the same specs.
Gee
Hall of Fame
Sometimes it is really a hassle to replace CAP bumper guard grommets. Imagine how tough that would be with used ones. I recommend you to buy spare grommets.
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Thanks, I will try it just because you said I can't, but I will order some fresh ones to have on hand for when I fail.
I just want to hide some lead @12 where the grommets don't really get stretched so I think I might be ok.
Does anyone know if there is much difference b/w the clear and black CAPs?
I just want to hide some lead @12 where the grommets don't really get stretched so I think I might be ok.
Does anyone know if there is much difference b/w the clear and black CAPs?
