Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Head Prestige TW Exclusives

[TW Staff]

Attention Talk Tennis Members:

We are trying to sneak one or two more playtests in before the end of the year. We have a limited quantity of Head Prestige Pro 16x19 and MP 2023 racquets to playtest. This playtest is open to USA Talk Tennis members only.

VERY IMPORTANT: Playtesters will be required to get their test racquet strung. Each racquet will be shipped with two set of strings. We will have two grip sizes available - grip 2 and 3.

Application period is now closed. Selected participants will receive a confirmation email by Friday, October 25th at 5 pm PST.

We have a very limited quantity of racquets to playtest. We select playtesters based on a number of factors, including message board participation and performance on past playtests.

Your review is due by Friday, November 29th by 5pm..

Posting a full review by the deadline is necessary to remain in good standing for future playtests. Reviews lacking sufficient effort will resort in disqualification from the playtest program.

Include the following in your review:

String and tension used for test:
Tennis experience/background:
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley):
Current racquet/string setups:
How many hours did you play with the racquet?

Comments on racquet performance for each stroke (each section should be 3-5 sentences minimum):
-Groundstrokes:
-Serves:
-Volleys:
-Serve returns:

Comments on racquet performance in each area (should be 2-3 sentences minimum)
Power/Control-
Top Spin/Slice-
Comfort-
Feel-
Maneuverability-
Stability-

General reaction/comments on overall performance:

Thanks,
TW Staff

We will delete “request sent” emails, but encourage a lively “pre-game” discussion on the racquets.


 

[TwinCinema]

This should be awesome! I've been dying to try out the MP ever since I picked up an old Graphene Prestige Pro and got hooked on that Prestige feel. And since this MP has an 18x19 pattern and a larger head size (99!) than my Pro, it's very tempting.

 

[Boredsurfer]

I can’t wait for this one. Literally been waiting 2 years. I have 2 mids, the new MP from Europe already, a graphene plus MP and this one might end up being the grail.

 

[mhkeuns]

Prestige Pro 16x19 sounds exciting. Couldn’t quite understand why 16x19 was only offered in the 95” thicker beam.

 

[Trip]

Aux 1.0 MP-L player here. Excited for you guys to try the MP and Pro 16x19. I've still got a couple G360+ Tours (what is now the MP), and normally I'd be in for the Pro 16x19, but going to sit this one out. GL to all!

 

[EastAngels2014]

This would be an awesome playtest! The Prestige MP was one of my first racquets

 

[bobeeto]

The Ultra Pro 16m is my current stick, would love to see how the latest open prestige compares!

 

[adchris2]

Very neat! I tested both the auxetic v1 MP and Pro 18x20. I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed them both. Ultimately the MP was more up my alley, as I really enjoyed the extra real estate of the 99 sq. inch face. Both paired nicely with Lynx Tour silver. Excited to see how the updated MP compares!

 

[gsinko1]

Very interested in the new Prestige Pro 16x19! I have been waiting for Head to put the Pro out in a 16x19 again! Loved the feel of the original Auxetic Pro but the 18x20 just didn't quite work out for my game.

 

[pheonix6579]

The Prestige line has always been a solid hit for me when I have played with them. I even remember the Youtek Mid being a great racket for me (although very demanding). Once the Pros started to come out with the added spin of an open string pattern I think it made them even more versatile.

 

[Chairman3]

Was very excited to see the MP come back.
I used the 360+ version (then called the tour) for awhile and thought it was such an underrated racquet. No one talked about it.
The first gen Aux got a little overcooked with swingweight like the Tfight, so skipped on that one.

Racquet makers need to embrace the 18x19!

 

[ChrisJR3264]

Awesome.
I’ve been dying to test this out.
I’ve been inquiring to demo and even visited the store in Alpharetta, GA to take a look at these and asked about a demo.

Using the tfight 305 - I’ve been looking for a thin beam version of the 18x19. Hope to get in on this.

 

[shadow10]

Wow, this is an exciting one! I've heard so many great things about the prestige line, but never played with them in the past. Would be awesome to be part of this playtest!

 

[badmice2]

I already have 2. Hard to say it plays like a PT630. It has its own characteristics which plays similar, but unique in its own ways.

 

[taylor15]

Glad to see these two, been on the MPL 2023 for a while now. Both of these are great options!

 

[jbom1318]

The 18x19 string pattern of the MP looks really interesting!

 

[ChrisJR3264]

Was very excited to see the MP come back.
I used the 360+ version (then call the tour) for awhile and thought it was such an underrated racquet. No one talked about it.
The first gen Aux got a little overcooked with swingweight like the Tfight, so skipped on that one.

Racquet makers need to embrace the 18x19!

100% agreed.
I wonder when more rackets will come through with the 18x19. Wilson had the opportunity with their pro labs but hasn’t (yet).
Thought the speed legend should’ve been 18x19 with 22 mm box beam.

This 21.5 constant just looks like it’ll play like a pro stock frame - even in 99 sq inch head size.

 

[TennisBros]

Just hopped onto the prestige hype train; long time user of the prostaff's. Currently using the prestige pro 2021. I am super curious how the 16x19 will compare to its predecessor

 

[JK208]

The 18x19 string pattern of the MP looks really interesting!

I'm hoping it plays with more spin than an 18x20 but with similar predictability an a slightly higher launch angle

 

[ChrisJR3264]

I'm hoping it plays with more spin than an 18x20 but with similar predictability an a slightly higher launch angle

18x19s do generally offer more free spin yes.
The sweet zone on this - from paper is similar to the tfight 305

 

[JK208]

18x19s do generally offer more free spin yes.
The sweet zone on this - from paper is similar to the tfight 305

I love my tfight but I definitely wouldn't mind a slightly lower swing weight- at the beginning of matches it's great, but even with pretty solid form I am dead by the 3rd set.

 

[TennisHound]

The Prestige Pro 18x20 is really good already. The 16x19 might just be the perfect mix. It certainly was for the Microgel PP.

 

[JK208]

@TW Staff , Any idea when selections will be made and what strings will be included? Thanks.

 

[vndesu]

@TW Staff , Any idea when selections will be made and what strings will be included? Thanks.

Usually they announce or reach out to memebers by the end of week unless posted otherwise. Hoping they include either Lynx tour or Head Hawk touch. 2 of my fav head strings lol.

 

[JK208]

Usually they announce or reach out to memebers by the end of week unless posted otherwise. Hoping they include either Lynx tour or Head Hawk touch. 2 of my fav head strings lol.

OK, thanks. I'm hoping that this can be my first TW play test! I'll try it with their strings, and I'll probably try a few of my own combos depending on which model I get.

 

[ChrisJR3264]

I love my tfight but I definitely wouldn't mind a slightly lower swing weight- at the beginning of matches it's great, but even with pretty solid form I am dead by the 3rd set.

Curious do you add any weight to the handle ? (Tfight). StRting to think this is meant to play more stock form at 33 cm.

 

[Soundbyte]

Skipping this as I got in on the Prince Phantom play test earlier this year. Good luck to everyone. Keep hoping a modern prestige can capture the PC2.0 magic but in a bigger package

 

[JK208]

Curious do you add any weight to the handle ? (Tfight). StRting to think this is meant to play more stock form at 33 cm.

Yes- I have done quite a few mods before. Over the last few months I've been using a leather grip and a strung weight of 337 with all weight in the handle, but I've previously used a 4pt headlight balance with a SW of 355ish and static of 345, but as I play better players throughout tournament season (for HS tennis there are no close matches), I need something a little more quick. I think my current setup is about 6 points headlight with 15g in the handle in the form of a volkl leather grip.

 

[StringStrungStrang]

HEAD tennis is definitely on a roll !! I've been impressed with many of their string offerings and lately had the chance to hit some of their other racquets (Speed MP / Pro) , so these Head Prestige models are - especially the MP are very tempting.
I like the traditional beam, but with the modern technology of Auxetic etc.. The MP specs seem right up my alley too (coming from a Pure Strike) with a 315 swing weight. Can they generate spin and keep a traditional feel - I hope to find out !!
This one looks like fun !!

 

[travlerajm]

I’m hoping I make it into the playtest.

These new Prestiges look interesting as I gravitate toward softer frames for singles.

Both the MP and the PP look like really interesting specs at 62 RA in 18x19 and 58 RA in 16x19 respectively.

I always like to test out new racquets first in the stock form to get a feel for how the platform is designed, and then also see how I can enhance it with some modification.

One of my favorite racquets in my collection to date is the Prestige 360 mid.

 

[vsbabolat]

It’s exciting how the Prestige has expanded with headsizes and string patterns.

 

[StringStrungStrang]

I agree @travlerajm testing in stock first is critical to get a baseline, then mod to your heart's delight. I am intriqued by the lower RA specs too, I've had good experiences with several so-called softer frames that played great.

 

[ChrisJR3264]

Yes- I have done quite a few mods before. Over the last few months I've been using a leather grip and a strung weight of 337 with all weight in the handle, but I've previously used a 4pt headlight balance with a SW of 355ish and static of 345, but as I play better players throughout tournament season (for HS tennis there are no close matches), I need something a little more quick. I think my current setup is about 6 points headlight with 15g in the handle in the form of a volkl leather grip.

Yeah. The tfight is a good frame but I wish they thinned the beam a bit from 22.5.

 

[SirCraigoryy]

I haven't hit a Prestige since the Graphene Touch Prestige Pro which was a 95" 16x19. I'd be very curious to see it it plays similar in a more forgiving package now that they have a 98" model but I've always loved the thin beam connected feel of this line. Good luck everyone!

 

[JK208]

Yeah. The tfight is a good frame but I wish they thinned the beam a bit from 22.5.

Me too. I'm excited to try the prestige MP.

 

[Icsa]

I'm interested to compare the Prestige with the Pro Staff. While they sound completely different due to their RA, what I'm looking for is to compare the feel and stability which the two are famous for.

 

[JK208]

I'm interested to compare the Prestige with the Pro Staff. While they sound completely different due to their RA, what I'm looking for is to compare the feel and stability which the two are famous for.

Which one are you going for? The 16x19 Pro version seems like it could be similar to the Pro Staff. Do you have other versions of the Pro Staff other than the V14? I think that the Prestige could be similar to like a PS95.

 

[Icsa]

Which one are you going for? The 16x19 Pro version seems like it could be similar to the Pro Staff. Do you have other versions of the Pro Staff other than the V14? I think that the Prestige could be similar to like a PS95.

I'm thinking Pro will be closer to a Pro Staff. I don't expect a big difference between 95-97-98 sizes.

 

[JK208]

I'm thinking Pro will be closer to a Pro Staff.

The Pro 18x20 or 16x19? Both are similar, but I think the more open pattern is closer to the original idea of the PS.

 

[Icsa]

The Pro 18x20 or 16x19? Both are similar, but I think the more open pattern is closer to the original idea of the PS.

Of course 16x19

 

[JK208]

Of course 16x19

Will you please do a comparison with the NCode, and the PS 6.1?

 

[chizzle]

Hoping to be a part of the Pro play test (might pull the trigger on one anyway). Really gel'ing with the Pro Staff X with Tour Bite Soft 17. Always gravitate toward softer-players and Pro Staff type racquets. Had a good run with the Graphene Pros when they went lighter (about 12 yrs ago?), and love the idea of this in 98" vs 95" (and not just the head size, but what the string bed differences will be). 20mm beam? Yessss. And the little extra weight and SW could be a big bonus. I heard higher launch angle, which is encouraging.

Do we have any reviews (aside from the very positive one from TW)?

 

[dmtree]

The Pro Staff is stiffer and lets you arm some shots and crush the ball. Prestige Pro 2023 has a very flexy feel, really comfortable and powerful if you can handle the swing weight and use your feet and body to generate power. No cheat codes with this one, you get exactly what you put in. Amazing feel, precision, bigger sweet spot and decent spin with the 16x19, and plenty of plow through.

Is this too positive? Haha. I really like this racquet, it's nimble and fun. However you need good footwork and form to get the most out of it. If you are playing higher level opponents, or hard hitters, you really have to be on your game, especially at the net. In return it will let you paint the lines, hit ridiculous passing shots and lobs, and ace out service games.

 

[Crimsonchen]

I really enjoyed the previous iteration of the prestige mp. It was soft on my tender arm, the control was great, and it almost had me switch away from my speed pro if I gave it more time.

 

[jbom1318]

I'm hoping it plays with more spin than an 18x20 but with similar predictability an a slightly higher launch angle

Same. Actually I was super interested after reading @RF2017 review on the Prestige thread and coming from similar rackets.

 

[Downtheline1]

The Pro in a 16x19 pattern, with a nice headlight balance, 12 oz strung, 325 SW, low stiffness (58) and thin 20 mm beam sounds like a very nice racket. which would pair well with a stiffer string. Would like to compare with my Prestige Classic 2.0's.

 

[gino]

It’s exciting how the Prestige has expanded with headsizes and string patterns.

hoping this trend continues my friend!

 

[Icsa]

The Pro Staff is stiffer and lets you arm some shots and crush the ball. Prestige Pro 2023 has a very flexy feel, really comfortable and powerful if you can handle the swing weight and use your feet and body to generate power. No cheat codes with this one, you get exactly what you put in. Amazing feel, precision, bigger sweet spot and decent spin with the 16x19, and plenty of plow through.

Is this too positive? Haha. I really like this racquet, it's nimble and fun. However you need good footwork and form to get the most out of it. If you are playing higher level opponents, or hard hitters, you really have to be on your game, especially at the net. In return it will let you paint the lines, hit ridiculous passing shots and lobs, and ace out service games.

Sounds like magic. How is the power level or better question maybe - how easy is to generate powerful shots?

 

[SteveI]

Sounds like a great play-test. Can't wait to see the reviews! Big Hitters Frames...

 

[dak95_00]

I had a guy bring one of these Pro 16x19 last week for me to string. It was nice. I wanted to take it for a hit.