TGT293.2/TGT293.1 –– TGT291.2 ––– PT57A – TGK238

[Songs For A Dead Pilot]

How do you compare the 231’s with 260’s?

Just to make sure – I've tested my 260's at 329-330g only (no lead, 2g silicone at most, Head Finest Calfskin). My 231.3 is 342g (no lead but with TK238 grommet which is I believe 8g heavier, silicone and Head Finest Calfskin). So I guess I should make them all circa 337g with more silicone instead of Head Finest Calfskin to be able to compare them easier when it comes to stability.

 

[Songs For A Dead Pilot]

My TGT260.5 feels really close to Wilson Blade v7. They are more precise, more unstable and needs some extra lead and silicon.
However you can still use IG Radical Pro grommet which makes them 345 SW at least.

 

[Songs For A Dead Pilot]

Played today with kBlade 98 and Blade v7. I must admit I know why with the exception of maybe nBlade and 2015' edition – I've found Blades inferior to older HEAD Radical frames. Feel, manoeuvrability and precision was simply always far better, not to mention some of Prestige rackets. Okay, the power of iRadical, Microgel or Liquidmetal was nothing close to Blades, but you could always pick up Ti, YouTek or IG for it. And with addition of some of lead – reach the stability and plow of Blade.

After some hours of hitting with Blade v7 I can't wait for Wilson to add them to Custom Design! This is the best edition of Blade line. And as some people noticed the racket feels flexier than its 62RA readings. Shame HEAD resigned from 95" lightweight and flexy rackets.

 

[KickVicious]

Played today with kBlade 98 and Blade v7. I must admit I know why with the exception of maybe nBlade and 2015' edition – I've found Blades inferior to older HEAD Radical frames. Feel, manoeuvrability and precision was simply always far better, not to mention some of Prestige rackets. Okay, the power of iRadical, Microgel or Liquidmetal was nothing close to Blades, but you could always pick up Ti, YouTek or IG for it. And with addition of some of lead – reach the stability and plow of Blade.

After some hours of hitting with Blade v7 I can't wait for Wilson to add them to Custom Design! This is the best edition of Blade line. And as some people noticed the racket feels flexier than its 62RA readings. Shame HEAD resigned from 95" lightweight and flexy rackets.

I agree. I had a chance to demo the 18x20 and the 16x19 patterns and both a big improvement over the CV line. Solid at the baseline and net and more maneuverable. Liked the more forgiving but more connected feel. Another one I'll also give a plug for is the Angell K7 Lime. I've had it for about 3 weeks and it feels/looks/hits like a PT57. I havent hit the PT57a in a long time but it's very similar to my e's and I might actually like it more than my PT113b (but I rarely ever hit it to be honest so probably not a fair comparison).

 

[Songs For A Dead Pilot]

I do love the feel of Blade v7 (both 16x19 and 18x20 share it – played with both today for two hours) – but I must admit I have some troubles adjusting to the sweetspot of the racket and miss precision. I had the same troubles with recent Prince rackets (Tour 95, 100P) and Wilson Ultra Tour – something I have never experienced with HEAD Preastige/Radical (or even Speed) and Dunlop 200/300.

 

[Songs For A Dead Pilot]

How do you compare the 231’s with 260’s? I like the 231.3, but I am enjoing more the h22’s, they are more stable at impact, more HH, mutted feel.
There is one 260.x on SF, in Graphene pj that I am thinking about, as I never tried any 260’s.

Thanks for your view! I am also using a static weight starting from 330 grams on a pair of H22’s and going to 342 on the heaviest pair. The 231.3 has 333 grams but lots of lead under bumper guard and at 3-9. It’s almost like continous lead tape from 4 to 8 to have similar feel to H22.

It took me almost two years to get to the point that I think I must try H22 at last. I am looking for stable, flexy and a bit more powerful from Prestige line racket within 97"-98" range.
Not sure if this will be any usable knowledge to any of you – but I find 260.5 very similar to both Blade v7 as well as IG Radical Pro feel-wise. Of course v7 has more flexible head which could be nice thing for PT57A fans – but 260.5 is a bit more comfortable. Blade v7 is also more stable from all 260 prostock – they need more weight to get the same stability level – especially if you will buy them new without CAP grommet.

However I've bought most recently 260.2 (with IG Radical Pro full CAP) which is GREAT racket. Much better from IG Radical prostocks and even from 260.5. Stable, powerful, flexy and precise enough with dense 16x91 pattern.

But I have some questions @H22 fan – do you still use them? Some people say they can cause some arm-pain? What is your experience?

Also do you have any idea what is the lowest SW strung of H22? They can come at around 300g and 330mm unstrung balance and SW315.
What would you recommend to go with such setup to get to your point? I assue adding any lead isn't necessary.

 

[H22 fan]

It took me almost two years to get to the point that I think I must try H22 at last. I am looking for stable, flexy and a bit more powerful from Prestige line racket within 97"-98" range.
Not sure if this will be any usable knowledge to any of you – but I find 260.5 very similar to both Blade v7 as well as IG Radical Pro feel-wise. Of course v7 has more flexible head which could be nice thing for PT57A fans – but 260.5 is a bit more comfortable. Blade v7 is also more stable from all 260 prostock – they need more weight to get the same stability level – especially if you will buy them new without CAP grommet.

However I've bought most recently 260.2 (with IG Radical Pro full CAP) which is GREAT racket. Much better from IG Radical prostocks and even from 260.5. Stable, powerful, flexy and precise enough with dense 16x91 pattern.

But I have some questions @H22 fan – do you still use them? Some people say they can cause some arm-pain? What is your experience?

Also do you have any idea what is the lowest SW strung of H22? They can come at around 300g and 330mm unstrung balance and SW315.
What would you recommend to go with such setup to get to your point? I assue adding any lead isn't necessary.

Yes, still using them, alternating with H19’s. In my opinion the arm problems are caused by poor technique multiplied by stiff poly at high tension rather than the frame. I never strung over 20kgs, sometimes as low as 15kgs.
I do not know the lowest SW, but saw a pair at 280 grams unstrung, a believe that SW was Max 300. For H22’s is good to find them with lower SW, going up is easy with lead tape.
One of my pairs ,lighter one,have 300 grams with leather grips, unstrung, but I have also a pair with 315 grams unstrung, so the SW can very different.

 

[Songs For A Dead Pilot]

Bought two TGT293.2 ––– prostock racket of IG Prestige MP. It feels more flexy from TGT293.1 (IG Prestige Pro).

Head size: 95 sq. in. / 630 sq. cm.
Length: 27 in. / 68.6 cm.
Unstrung weight: 10.6 oz. / 300 gr.
Unstrung balance: 315 mm
Stiffness: 64
Pro stock code: Head TGT293.2
Grip type: Head Finest Calfskin Leather
String pattern: 18x20
Paint: Head Graphene 360+ Prestige (Glossy)
Lead: Yes (under the bumper) –– see picture below.
Silicone: Yes (Applied by Head Pro Room)
Unstrung swing weight (SW): 292

 

[bleno567]

Bought two TGT293.2 ––– prostock racket of IG Prestige MP. It feels more flexy from TGT293.1 (IG Prestige Pro).

Head size: 95 sq. in. / 630 sq. cm.
Length: 27 in. / 68.6 cm.
Unstrung weight: 10.6 oz. / 300 gr.
Unstrung balance: 315 mm
Stiffness: 64
Pro stock code: Head TGT293.2
Grip type: Head Finest Calfskin Leather
String pattern: 18x20
Paint: Head Graphene 360+ Prestige (Glossy)
Lead: Yes (under the bumper) –– see picture below.
Silicone: Yes (Applied by Head Pro Room)
Unstrung swing weight (SW): 292

Nice pickup, That's my frame. I found it to be too sluggish with the CAPs though, so I swapped on MG Radical grommets, and it made a world of difference. Did need some lead up at 12 to add some stability though.

 

[Songs For A Dead Pilot]

Nice pickup, That's my frame. I found it to be too sluggish with the CAPs though, so I swapped on MG Radical grommets, and it made a world of difference. Did need some lead up at 12 to add some stability though.

Can you give specs of your racket? Swin weight of mine are around 310-315, so it is not so hard to handle. Think about trying out Pro Tour 2.0 without CAPs.

 

[bleno567]

Can you give specs of your racket? Swin weight of mine are around 310-315, so it is not so hard to handle. Think about trying out Pro Tour 2.0 without CAPs.

I don't have specs aside from static strung weight, which is 346g.

If I had to guess, Strung swing weight of mine is probably 340-350.

 

[McLovin]

I don't have specs aside from static strung weight, which is 346g.

If I had to guess, Strung swing weight of mine is probably 340-350.

I'm guessing they're higher than that. According to TW, the regular VCORE 98 is 323g/322 SW strung. The VCORE 98 +s are 323g/340 SW strung. So, assuming all they did was extend my handle 1/2", that added length gave me an increase of 18 SW points.

With your frames being 27.9" and 346g strung, you're likely closer to 360 SW.

Time to hit the weights...

 

[bleno567]

I'm guessing they're higher than that. According to TW, the regular VCORE 98 is 323g/322 SW strung. The VCORE 98 +s are 323g/340 SW strung. So, assuming all they did was extend my handle 1/2", that added length gave me an increase of 18 SW points.

With your frames being 27.9" and 346g strung, you're likely closer to 360 SW.

Time to hit the weights...

Yeah probably closer to 360. They play more maneuverable though.

 

[chrischris]

Yes, the TGT293.2 is the IG Prestige MP.

A fine Prestige edition imo. Softish feel yet stable and steady.

 

[Songs For A Dead Pilot]

A fine Prestige edition imo. Softish feel yet stable and steady.

I really love TGT293.2 – is way softer than 293.1 and has much better feel than any prostock Radical (231.1/3, 260.1-5 or 307) – still poweful and stable at lower weight.

 

[Paulo Braz]

Do you know how stiff is 231.3? Is it the same as 231.2 (stiffer one) or just 231.1 with 16x19 pattern?

I am not judging the frames due to stiffness, there are more important things to look for, I belive somewhere in high 50’s to low 60’s.

Where did you get your h22s?

 

[H22 fan]

Where did you get your h22s?

String forum is a good starting point, right now are a few for sale

 

[Slodge630]

Prostocktennis as well

 

[Songs For A Dead Pilot]

Almost one year later – I still think 293.2 is the best racket I ever used. So plush, so comfort. And you can pick up the paintjob you like the most. My favorite HEAD Prestige paint jobs are Graphene XT, Innegra and current Graphene 360+. But I do like the new forthcoming one.

PS. Okay – PT57E is as good as 293.2, but it is so hard to find it. Feelwise I also like Wilson's Blade Pro, H22, Ultra Tour and H19 – but all are available both with high SW or need that to have some power.

 

[Songs For A Dead Pilot]

I am about to sell a beautiful Head Prestige 600 – and I have a few new rackets on my list:

1) Wilson Blade v8 (16x19) – I don't like the paint job so much, but I like the dense 16x19 string pattern. v7 wasn't that bad but reminds me of Ezone 98 which is comfortable, but not plush.
2) Yonex VCore Pro (310g, 60RA, 16x19) – this is a really ugly frame. But it could be the best since orange VCore Tour (not sure about the name)
3) Tecnifibre Tf40 (305g) – I really liked T-Fight 315 Limited.
4) Dunlop CX200 Tour (310g, 16x19) – I have the first edition, not sure if the new one is softer and plusher as advertised.
5) Head Graphene 360+ Radical MP or Pro – I have tested it during 2 hours session, but a bit afraid of any pain and don't like Radical paint job (honestly only Liquidmetal, IG and G360+ were acceptable – the rest is always so bad)
6) Head Graphene Auxetic Prestige Pro (previously MP) – I simply love that line and love the new paint job
7) Head Graphene 360+ Prestige Pro (315g) or Auxetic Prestige Tour (previously Pro) – I do like 291 mold - especially TGT291.2 which is 59RA, plush and comfortable.

And finally – I would like to buy TGT293.1/2 in a new paint job – if I don't find the above good enough.

 

[Songs For A Dead Pilot]

New Auxetic Prestige Pro and G360+ Radical MP/Pro will have strong competition.
I do love the new Prestige paint job – so it is very likely I will be testing 98" Prestige Pro once again.
I didn't like G360+ Prestige MP.

However, I decided to go for Tf40 from TWE Sale.

The frames I mainly use are TGT293.2, TGT291.2 (16x19 with better feel than any Radicals), and Blade Pro.

Probably will sell both v7 to try out new Blades v8 – lower swing weight is very attractive.
Not sure about the new Dunlop CX200 – I prefer them in black, however, a more plush feel would be very welcome.

 

[Paulo Braz]

New Auxetic Prestige Pro and G360+ Radical MP/Pro will have strong competition.
I do love the new Prestige paint job – so it is very likely I will be testing 98" Prestige Pro once again.
I didn't like G360+ Prestige MP.

However, I decided to go for Tf40 from TWE Sale.

The frames I mainly use are TGT293.2, TGT291.2 (16x19 with better feel than any Radicals), and Blade Pro.

Probably will sell both v7 to try out new Blades v8 – lower swing weight is very attractive.
Not sure about the new Dunlop CX200 – I prefer them in black, however, a more plush feel would be very welcome.

Can anyone tell me the real RA value of tgt291.2? On the prostock website I saw it saying that the value is 64 without string (61-62 with string). Here in the personal group it said 58/59. What would the real value be?

 

[dr325i]

Can anyone tell me the real RA value of tgt291.2? On the prostock website I saw it saying that the value is 64 without string (61-62 with string). Here in the personal group it said 58/59. What would the real value be?

Same layup as the retail frame.
However, some things may (slightly) alter the RA measurement (and items below may add up that delta):
- All rackets are hand made and have variations. I have seen +/- few points of RA reading variation between two of the same rackets from different batches.
- Naturally, the machine and calibration of it
- adding lead, even adding leather grip vs synthetic grip may slightly change it...
- used vs new. All retail frames on TW measurements are done with new frames, large batch then average value. Specific (used) pro stock frames may soften up over time

 

[Paulo Braz]

Same layup as the retail frame.
However, some things may (slightly) alter the RA measurement (and items below may add up that delta):
- All rackets are hand made and have variations. I have seen +/- few points of RA reading variation between two of the same rackets from different batches.
- Naturally, the machine and calibration of it
- adding lead, even adding leather grip vs synthetic grip may slightly change it...
- used vs new. All retail frames on TW measurements are done with new frames, large batch then average value. Specific (used) pro stock frames may soften up over time

I ask because I crashed with a tgt 291.2 and found it much softer and more comfortable than the tgt293.1. But seeing the specs both have RA 64. Then I was in doubt.

 

[dr325i]

I ask because I crashed with a tgt 291.2 and found it much softer and more comfortable than the tgt293.1. But seeing the specs both have RA 64. Then I was in doubt.

Remember, the RA measurement is done at a single spot on the frame. It may be misleading as the hoop or the handle may behave totally different. The hoop on one may be more flexible giving the softer feel. The handle may be very muted on one giving it an impression of stiffer frame…

 

[jmacdaununder2]

New Auxetic Prestige Pro and G360+ Radical MP/Pro will have strong competition.
I do love the new Prestige paint job – so it is very likely I will be testing 98" Prestige Pro once again.
I didn't like G360+ Prestige MP.

However, I decided to go for Tf40 from TWE Sale.

The frames I mainly use are TGT293.2, TGT291.2 (16x19 with better feel than any Radicals), and Blade Pro.

Probably will sell both v7 to try out new Blades v8 – lower swing weight is very attractive.
Not sure about the new Dunlop CX200 – I prefer them in black, however, a more plush feel would be very welcome.

TT95 2015