gino
Legend
Wow...
I've been stubborn on my disdain for the modern evolution of the prestige lineage from graphene to present day (historically a prestige loyalist secondary to my love for the Wilson 6.1 95 - used 3 iterations of the prestige competitively as a nationally ranked junior/collegiate player). The last prestige I loved/competed with was the Youtek IG Pro. One exception along the way was the graphene 360+ prestige mp, which I thought had great look, a nice mold, and decent layup
It's time to eat my words... the prestige is BACK. See below for my thoughts on the models I tried relative to my favorite prestiges/other frames:
Anyways, point of this thread is to say to all the other skeptics out there, relax about the specs on paper, & GIVE THESE A TRY! I know I was stubborn about it & obviously im behind the curve (these dropped 4-5 months ago), but a couple trusted board members pointed me in the right direction. Fire away any questions related to this new era of the prestige. IMHO the future is bright for the prestige, even if they have no tour endorsees. The frames are still incredible from a feel, comfort, and playability perspective
*** This is entirely my own opinion, do not have any ties to HEAD. The only brand to give me free gear throughout my playing days has been Wilson
I've been stubborn on my disdain for the modern evolution of the prestige lineage from graphene to present day (historically a prestige loyalist secondary to my love for the Wilson 6.1 95 - used 3 iterations of the prestige competitively as a nationally ranked junior/collegiate player). The last prestige I loved/competed with was the Youtek IG Pro. One exception along the way was the graphene 360+ prestige mp, which I thought had great look, a nice mold, and decent layup
It's time to eat my words... the prestige is BACK. See below for my thoughts on the models I tried relative to my favorite prestiges/other frames:
- Auxetic 2.0 Prestige Tour (95in/22mm/16x19): this is a really cool attempt from head at keeping the 95in frame relevant. I don't love the idea of a 22mm prestige for me personally (even the MPL has a thinner 21.5mm beam), but it works. It's similar to a 6.1 95 in power and spin generation (16M 6.1) whilst having that classic prestige plush feel. It's hard to compare this configuration to a prestige of old, the proper comparison is a flexible/plush 6.1 95 like the nCode 6.1 95. There's something about the plow in this frame, it reminds me of that PS85-type plow, pure freight-train energy. For me, it's a little too similar to other frames I prefer in that spec range, but a great option for the person who needs control. I like the combination of power & control , slightly more powered than a FXP-Youtek IG prestige, but less powerful than a Wilson 6.1 - the sweet spot is smallish, but predictable.
- Auxetic 2.0 Prestige Pro (98in/20mm/18x20): the golden child of the lineup. A true modern gem of a player's frame. Thin 20mm beam feels even thinner in hand, but doesnt lack any free power or spin generation. I was impressed by the plushness and plow, the layup reminds me of my youtek prestiges, where it seems to have a bit of dynamic flex that works & doesnt make the frame feel disjointed. I think this 18x20 pattern is more open than it suggests, allowing for great levels of spin production. Surprising power & spin for a 20mm frame. My ONE pet peeve is the finish on the throat, it's a little odd, can't make out if it will age well. Aside from that, gloss burgundy looks incredible in person, wish it covered the whole frame. My comparison is the graphene 360+ with more plow and a more plush layup. Layup meets in the middle between a microgel & youtek prestige to me, with the Pro Tour 280/630/2.0 plow. There's an absorbing sensation when you really swing out, I found that to be pretty vital to the enjoyment of the hitting experience. Picture this, massive body serve inbound, you have to get out of the way and just redirect to the best of your ability, this one really gives you that comfort that you can absorb/redirect with decent pace in tricky spots like that. I have a lot of intrigue about this one, a potential switch/frame to add to the collection.
- Auxetic 2.0 Prestige MPL (99in/21.5mm/18x19): only hit this for a bit, but I see the angle. It's a new approach to the prestige that allows for a modern platform racket, but also an accessible prestige for those who may be aging out/tired of the prestige's demanding nature. It's impossible to compare to a prestige of old, but I think it sits nicely in that blade 100/pure strike 100 segment of the market. A forgiving, comfy, and thinnish beamed player's frame. We all know how popular this one is already on the boards
Anyways, point of this thread is to say to all the other skeptics out there, relax about the specs on paper, & GIVE THESE A TRY! I know I was stubborn about it & obviously im behind the curve (these dropped 4-5 months ago), but a couple trusted board members pointed me in the right direction. Fire away any questions related to this new era of the prestige. IMHO the future is bright for the prestige, even if they have no tour endorsees. The frames are still incredible from a feel, comfort, and playability perspective
*** This is entirely my own opinion, do not have any ties to HEAD. The only brand to give me free gear throughout my playing days has been Wilson
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) after using the g360+mp for the last 18 months mainly. How does the 16x19 string bed look compared to the 18x20, in particular how low do the strings go to the throat. On the last auxetic 1.0 i hace noticed they are wider spaced and go lower by a bit down to the throat which is not as uniform as the previous mould (95 head).
