Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Head Prestige TW Exclusives
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The 16x19 has more power than the 18x20, but it won't let you hit off balance and out of position. It's a 58RA frame with a thin beam, high static weight, and head light balance, so it helps you generate racquet head speed and you can hit with plenty of pace, but it ain't free, you have to work for it.
TennisHound
Legend
I real liked the red one, the first iteration of the 98” Prestige 18x20 (360+). The only reason I stopped using it was the smurf Pure Drive (which seemed to worked better on clay). I liked the Prestige though and could’ve stayed with it. The 16x19 should work well on clay.
TwinCinema
Professional
Question about Head sizes (ha)... so I've seen a number of people mention that they used to (or maybe still do?) measure their frames differently -- the entire surface area including the beam, as opposed to just the stringbed -- so that a racket like say e.g. the old Graphene Prestige Pro was listed as a 98" stick but was actually 95". Does that mean the new MP is listed as 99" but is actually smaller? Or did they start aligning with the rest of the market recently making this a true 99?
Fighting phoenix
Professional
Yeah they stopped doing that (head) a while ago, not sure when but maybe like 20 years ago?
TwinCinema
Professional
The GPP is from 2014 and has the 98/95 issue, so probably the change was more recent?
I believe that they are aligning with the rest of the market now. I think it started in 2015, but don't quote me on that.
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
315 SW strung? Dang, that's low, I prefer closer to 330SW.
What about Prestige's SW?
And static weight for both?
TWE says 327 strung SW. Static for MP is 326 strung, 310 unstrung. 33.2cm strung balance point.
Icsa
Professional
Learning something everyday. These come with "iconic CAP grommets". If you plan to string the racquet yourself, which I do, the stringers on this forum have a full thread about it discussing how to "love" them: https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/capped-grommets-prestige.731387/
Btw, CAP stands for Computer Assisted Protection: https://ibb.co/1fBfTcc
Btw, CAP stands for Computer Assisted Protection: https://ibb.co/1fBfTcc
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Never had a problem stringing any of mine or friends' Prestiges or replacing grommets. Seems more or less the same as any other control racquet with tight grommets.Learning something everyday. These come with "iconic CAP grommets". If you plan to string the racquet yourself, which I do, the stringers on this forum have a full thread about it discussing how to "love" them: https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/capped-grommets-prestige.731387/
Btw, CAP stands for Computer Assisted Protection: https://ibb.co/1fBfTcc
Icsa
Professional
I'm guessing it depends on the type of mounting point of the stringing machine. One that applies pressure from the top and the bottom will compress the grommet channel more.
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
All I’ve got to say is I love CAP System Grommets and never had a problem stringing with them. Make sure your pojnts are sharp and you will never have a problem. Also the modern CAP System grommets have a wider clamshell and will be easier for some.Learning something everyday. These come with "iconic CAP grommets". If you plan to string the racquet yourself, which I do, the stringers on this forum have a full thread about it discussing how to "love" them: https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/capped-grommets-prestige.731387/
Btw, CAP stands for Computer Assisted Protection: https://ibb.co/1fBfTcc
How was stringing the 2021 MP with the grommet system?
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
Easy peasy
ChrisJR3264
Hall of Fame
The 2021 was intriguing but was afraid of making the purchase due to the higher RA and 335 SW. any feed back on the 2021?
mhkeuns
Hall of Fame
Have been playing with the Auxetic Prestige Pro & IG Prestige MP. While I like the feel of the IGPMP a lot more, the Auxeric PP feels harsher but easier to use with just as much accuracy and control. Perhaps the 16x19 Prestige Pro will feel softer than the 18x20 and still offer the control and accuracy (*and the feel) that Prestige Pro is known for,
ObiWanHBH
New User
I would have to ask the stringer. He knows what he’s doing and has all 3 rackets done in an hour. Didn’t seem to struggle at all.
ObiWanHBH
New User
I have to say, of the three racquets I’m testing (21 Prestige MP, 23 Gravity MP and 22 Ezone 100), based on my own biases, I was rooting for the Ezone. Have always liked Yonex and really dig the look of the Ezone. The Prestige I thought would be the most difficult to hit. So far, with about 7 hrs each with the Prestige and Gravity and 2 hrs with the Ezone, the Prestige is my favorite. Steady, precise and great feel.
I played the Hyper G combo in all three tonight, albeit for only 30 minutes each hitting a ball machine. I’d say the Hyper G feels great, with nice pop, pocketing and feel. The Prestige and Gravity were both excellent. Yonex is bringing up the rear unfortunatley.
I haven’t felt even a twinge in my elbow or shoulder. I would hesitate to string poly at 55+# in the Prestige, but so far, hitting in 45-50# range has been great. It even has increased my confidence and I find myself really focusing on seeing the ball all the way in and painting the stroke to the target. It carries over to the other frames as well. Makes me a better player.
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TennisBros
New User
Question for all 2023 prestige users: What is your current string set up and what string do you personally think optimizes each of the subcategory of prestige's (pro, tour, MP) and why? (regardless of playstyles too)
For example:
I use the prestige Pro 2021 (98") with Toroline's O-toro at 48lbs, I think this string fully optimizes and can optimize all categories of the prestige's because it mitigates all the bad/difficult characteristics of the racquet (has a consistent and predictable launch angle, great ball pocketing, amazing on defensive shots thus gives it just the right amount of power, and can produce incredible amounts of spin potential).
-OR-
I used the prestige Pro 2021 (98') with weiscannon Ultra Cable at 48 lbs thinking that it will help out with the low launch angle and spin potential, but felt terrible because it felt like string pattern was too dense for the strings to move and function as intended. But I think the weiscannon would be a possible great option for the new prestige 16x19 and the MP.
For example:
I use the prestige Pro 2021 (98") with Toroline's O-toro at 48lbs, I think this string fully optimizes and can optimize all categories of the prestige's because it mitigates all the bad/difficult characteristics of the racquet (has a consistent and predictable launch angle, great ball pocketing, amazing on defensive shots thus gives it just the right amount of power, and can produce incredible amounts of spin potential).
-OR-
I used the prestige Pro 2021 (98') with weiscannon Ultra Cable at 48 lbs thinking that it will help out with the low launch angle and spin potential, but felt terrible because it felt like string pattern was too dense for the strings to move and function as intended. But I think the weiscannon would be a possible great option for the new prestige 16x19 and the MP.
I plan on trying the 18x19 MP with Grapplesnake Tour M8 at 42 lbs because that's what I use in my 18x19 Tfight. The Pro would probably do well with a natural gut hybrid.
I think they aim for 5pm Pacific Time on Friday (usually).
The idea is to get an idea of how the racquet plays, so it's best to eliminate other variables (such as strings). If you have a regular setup and you are in-tune with your strings and tension, use that so that you are most likely to be able to distinguish the differences of the frame. I believe the included strings are a gesture of good faith that both minimize cost to the playtester, and prevents anyone from being able to claim that they didn't have strings. It also allows everyone to compare notes with similar string setups, should they choose to go with the included strings.
I've been fortunate enough to be selected on a couple of the recent Head playtests. I missed the application period for the last Head racquet playtests. I did get in on the Prime Tour/Pro overgip, Hawk Touch/Power, and Velocity Power playtests. I did not care for Hawk Power, but absolutely loved both Hawk Touch and Velocity Power. They are certainly making an argument (in my head) for why they might be the best. I'm still married to my Blade, but I'm very curious about these frames. I'm with you on the MP. It is much closer to what I'm accustomed.
Also, I love how head puts the little dot on most of their frames indicating the main grommets. It eliminates any second guessing or having to look up string patterns. They are one of my favorite racquet brands to string.
I'm a big Florida State fan. I'm hoping this frame is Garnet in color in person. That would be pretty slick, and something I would smile at every time I took it out of the bag.
TennisBros
New User
oh nice! I have only tried grapplesnake tour sniper and paradox, but no m8 yet. Have heard nothing but good things from them though. Have you had any other success with any other strings? Have never played with an 18x19 before, so would like to get some opinions about it. Also would love to to try the pro with natural gut, but it is too rich for my blood.
dgoran
Hall of Fame
I have my Prestige pro 18x20 on vs gut Alu power 57lb
TennisBros
New User
Ah man, spoken like a true Champ! I am jealous, the feeling on contact must be buttery smooth then. it probably optimizes and enhances everything that you can get from the racquet. What would you say is your favorite characteristic of the prestige pro 18x20 that "champions choice" enhances or at least brings things up to par (i.e champ's choice helps with power towards its defensive capabilities....or something like that) and if you got the playtest for 16x19 would you change your tension of your current set up? if so, to what?
dgoran
Hall of Fame
I owned 16x19 and sold it to a board member.
My 16x19 had reverse alu mains vs cross setup and at that setup felt near identical to 18x20 strung with vs gut/poly. Speaking about 18x20 and champ choice, I like that little extra pop you get from gut on serves and extra spin or really just lift in trajectory that gut provides kind of compensating for that extreme control and flat trajectory of stock 18x20 prestige pro.
dgoran
Hall of Fame
I did not know TW was going to start carrying 16x19 version otherwise I would probably use that version because like I said you can simply reverse champ choice and it plays near identical to 18x20 and if needed put gut in the mains for even more lift and pop that 16x19 provides naturally. Kind of like best of both worlds.
Hyper G at 48 wasn't bad and I liked it with gut and 4g for awhile, but IDK if I would still like it. x1 mains with lynx Tour crosses were excellent but it did not last for a long time.
I will try it with my regular setup first, of course, but then I will also use what I've previously liked in similar frames. If I have time left over, then I'll use their strings. IMO it is good to give a review based on my current setup, as well as setups I think will work because this gives the most amount of feedback for when other people choose to buy this frame.
TennisBros
New User
wow, that's a crazy analysis. I guess that goes to shows just how versatile champ's choice really is and how swapping hybrids of itself can be beneficial on certain string patterns. Thank you, seems like you have played with champs choice for a long time
ObiWanHBH
New User
I played a 2021 MP 18x19 with Hyper G Soft 49# / Velocity MLT cross and it had excellent feel, pocketing, precision and very comfortable. Just had it restrung with Hyper G Round 47# / Hyper G 45#. It’s too early to say on this yet, but initial Impression is excellent.
TennisBros
New User
how well did the tension hold up for the hyper G soft in the 18x19? IMO that string only holds for like a solid 2 hours in any more open string patterns lol, im probably over exaggerating on time though.
I string for a guy who used to use 4g/MLT, at 47/55, but he just switched to full poly (Grapplesnake Tour M8) at 46lbs and much prefers it over the hybrid because he feels like he has the same amount of power, better control, equal arm comfort, and greatly improved spin with the M8. LMK what you think of the HGR/HG combo. I may recommend that to him as well, but I think he is very satisfied with the Tour M8.
Boredsurfer
Semi-Pro
My only criticism with the Graphene 360 + was the lower trajectory. Even for an 18x20 it generates a ton of spin, but or my natural swing path I was hitting balls a little too flat - which was good in certain circumstances, but often wasn't putting 4.5's under pressure. I customized it up the 340 sw and it was an absolute weapon. Just enough power - anymore and balls would be sailing. I am certain the new string pattern will have all the same qualities but provide just the right amount of loop for my swing path to be penetrating the court with plow and spin and will drop balls into the court later. Heaven. These sticks are basically Pro Stock PT57's imho
chizzle
Rookie
Me too. Extremely painful year. Gold poly in these would be sweet nonetheless.
I use the Pro Staff, so finding a garnet poly is tough. Maybe I need this
travlerajm
Talk Tennis Guru
I’m hopeful to get selected for this playtest.
Really intrigued by the 2023 PP given the 58 RA is so unique and rare these days.
My current favorite singles stick that I’m using now is the 2021 CX200 Tour 16x19, which has some similarities in the spec with the soft flex and classic player’s racquet feel.
I’m currently playing my Cx200 with a control-based max-spin hybrid of Ashaway kevlar 1.30 mains and Grapplesnake Tour M8 1.30 crosses, both prestretched.
Really intrigued by the 2023 PP given the 58 RA is so unique and rare these days.
My current favorite singles stick that I’m using now is the 2021 CX200 Tour 16x19, which has some similarities in the spec with the soft flex and classic player’s racquet feel.
I’m currently playing my Cx200 with a control-based max-spin hybrid of Ashaway kevlar 1.30 mains and Grapplesnake Tour M8 1.30 crosses, both prestretched.
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Icsa
Professional
Interesting you say that, I've seen people stating the opposite:
travlerajm
Talk Tennis Guru
I thought the red Prestige mid 93 was special because of the exaggerated elongated oval shape of the hoop. Great for shaping the ball with touch and spin. I bought one on sale from TW and made the mistake of letting my friend borrow it. So then I had to buy another one.
Didn’t try the mp version.
I like to string both the 18x20 Aux1 and the 16x19 Aux2 with stiff-ish shaped strings like Lynx Tour or Black Code, prefer thin gauge 1.20mm for extra pop and comfort. 48-50lbs on the 18x20, 50-52lbs on the 16x19.
The 18x20 Aux1 Prestige is not that string sensitive, I've tried just about everything in it including soft polys and a zillion hybrids. The 2023 16x19 doesn't appear to like softish or super pocketing strings like YPTP, maybe because it's already so flexy that the ball just ends up resting on the strings too long. Just a guess.
The 18x20 Aux1 Prestige is not that string sensitive, I've tried just about everything in it including soft polys and a zillion hybrids. The 2023 16x19 doesn't appear to like softish or super pocketing strings like YPTP, maybe because it's already so flexy that the ball just ends up resting on the strings too long. Just a guess.
Interesting. Before I started participating in these playtests, I would use 4G Rough/NXT Control or RPM Rough/Xalt at 48M/52C. I'm mostly using full bed poly now at 45.
I was thinking a yellow/gold overgrip, but I like where your head is! I've got half a set of 4G/NXT left from the last hybrid I did. I just might have to go back to that! I also have some bright yellow poly....not quite the same, but would have the same effect. Okay, now I really hope I get selected. Though, I'll admit that is the dumbest reason to want a racquet.
dgoran
Hall of Fame
Yeah I watched that video back when he released it and I don’t share his love for the red one that’s for sure. In general I like watching those reviews for fun but always test myself.
dgoran
Hall of Fame
Unfortunately based on red prestige mp feel (now called pro) I never tested 93 and swore off that line until 1.0 was Introduced.
TennisBros
New User
That is what I would initally think too. It seems like he couldve gotten what he was looking just from a poly, as long as he strung lower. On top of that, I personally don't think I could have justified the price points of both 4g and MLT together to get similar results from a softer shaped poly (respectfully though, i'm not here to bad mouth anyone, just trying to learn)
Surprisingly, I have been playing for 10+ years and still have yet to try HGR or HG. I had only tried HGS just earlier this year. I'm not to fond of hybrids, but one of my friends is and his top 3 set up that help him gain a lot more of everything is:
1. M: Head Hawk Touch (16g) C: Toroline snapper
2. M: Head lynx tour C: Head lynx (i forgot which one was which tbh, but is most likely that one)
3. M: Grapplesnake Tour sniper C: Toroline Snapper
2 and 3 are tied for him, and all of these strings bolster his defense capabilities while allowing him to get a great amounts of spin, feel and power
He plays with a Head Speed 1.0 aux 2022 though, but had considered getting the Speed Pro 2022 or 24. so its somewhat comparable to the prestige MP...i guess. If the MP prestige doesn't workout for him, maybe suggest demoing the speed pro. i just know that a lot of people say that there are some other racquets that.
He was popping strings 2x a week and had arm issues, so he was reluctant to try anything new, but I he asked me what I personally used, and then I asked if I could try that setup in his racket. He said yes and is extremely happy with his new setup. I only charged him $20 for string and labor combined (my first time stringing for him, and my first time stringing for anyone for that matter) so he could try it without worrying too much about cost and I could get more stringing practice in. I’ve only strung it for him once, and I think he would be open to trying other new combos. If you like the hyper g hybrid, I’ll recommend it to him.
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
Here’s my Prestige Pro 18x20
Photos don’t really do it justice
Photos don’t really do it justice
