The HEAD Prestige is BACK Back

badmice1

New User
So went out and hit for an hour and here are my thoughts:

The new Prestige Pro has almost the identical feel as my PT57A. Same soft flex, similar sound when you really crack a ball. The 16x19 gives it just a bit more pop and of course more spin, but it isn’t a huge amount. But it reminded me why I switched away from the PT57A in the first place, it is extremely demanding because I have to constantly take big cuts at the ball and the sweet spot is somewhat small. I think next time out I am going to drop the tension from 55 lbs down to 47 lbs and see how it plays.

I spent the last 15 minutes hitting with my gravity pro auxetic, and I hit noticeably better immediately with it. Better depth and more power. Really like the feel compared to previous versions of the gravity pro, it is a bit softer. Reminds me of what I imagine a “new age“ PT57 would be if that makes any sense.

Will keep tinkering and play testing both. But if I had to choose today I would stick with the GravityPro. But that is coming from a guy in his late 40s whose joints keep breaking down…
PT57A owner here. Aside from the demand, does it feel less heavy, i.e., less fatigue on serves and on groundstrokes?
 

yossarian

Professional
@gino you have a similar racquet history to me. I’ve been a 6.1 user for years. The only prestige I’ve played with is a a friend’s old Flexpoint and I enjoyed it, but I understand it’s not a fan favorite among the loyal prestige users. Any comparison? Looking for a change with more control than the 6.1
 

ae1222

Semi-Pro
PT57A owner here. Aside from the demand, does it feel less heavy, i.e., less fatigue on serves and on groundstrokes?
hard to tell since I matched mine up in spec, so the fatigue seemed the same to me. again I am hoping a drop in tension will help with this. My Gravity Pros are the same spec as well, I just don’t have to swing quite as big all of the time because of the extra power. I am thinking about getting a new Speed MP and modding it up and see how that goes. The new RA at 60 is enticing. I tried it with the previous version and it just had to much power and was hard to control for me.
 

Dgdavid

Professional
Hi guys. I have the Prestige Pro 16x19 (pair of G4s) in UK, purchased from TWE. Didn't quite work out for me but I think more because I am now moving away from heavier rackets. I used to play with the 2021 Prestige Pro 18x20 but have had most rackets (true holic since 2011!). Definitely a bit more powerful than the 18x20 and still with good control. Not a significantly higher launch angle to be fair. I could probably stick and play well with it but impatient to try to make lighter rackets work. As it was this very thread's fault for me clicking the buy button, thought I'd give you a heads up!
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Gee

Hall of Fame
So went out and hit for an hour and here are my thoughts:

The new Prestige Pro has almost the identical feel as my PT57A. Same soft flex, similar sound when you really crack a ball. The 16x19 gives it just a bit more pop and of course more spin, but it isn’t a huge amount. But it reminded me why I switched away from the PT57A in the first place, it is extremely demanding because I have to constantly take big cuts at the ball and the sweet spot is somewhat small. I think next time out I am going to drop the tension from 55 lbs down to 47 lbs and see how it plays.

I spent the last 15 minutes hitting with my gravity pro auxetic, and I hit noticeably better immediately with it. Better depth and more power. Really like the feel compared to previous versions of the gravity pro, it is a bit softer. Reminds me of what I imagine a “new age“ PT57 would be if that makes any sense.

Will keep tinkering and play testing both. But if I had to choose today I would stick with the GravityPro. But that is coming from a guy in his late 40s whose joints keep breaking down…
The lower flex 58 seems to take way too much power from the PP aux. 2.0 as I learned from other reviews like this one on YT from Tennis Euphoria.
I also would string as low as possible with this version as you're intended to.
 

MrBD

Rookie
I just got a Pro 16x19 from TWE, my main racket is Pure Strike VS. I will see how it compares. Strung it with Solinco Confidential 1.2


8wPJQz.jpg
 
Last edited:

Gee

Hall of Fame
Screenshot-2024-03-14-084637.jpg

1/2 Indian Wells. All four play with Head Prestige.
This line is definitely back :)
I noticed that quite a few ATP doubles players are playing with a Head Prestige.

This indicates that the head prestige should be a great racket for the service and volley game.

I learned that Koolhof is using the TGT293.2 and Mektic the TGT312.2.
What are the pro stock codes of the racquets from Krawietz and Pütz?
 

MrBD

Rookie
Interesting discovery: the matte paint is really thin and can be wiped away to make it glossy.

I'm trying to do it with my nail, anyone know chemicals can do it faster?

My version is Pro 16x19

q1z8ib.jpg
 
Last edited:

aus89

Hall of Fame
Launch angle is a bit high on the Tour for me - adding a leather grip and tweaking strings to work on the launch a bit but enjoying the racquet a lot so far
 

Modal

New User
Guys, I need some recommendations on which old iteration of prestige I should buy. People seem to like the i.Prestige, IG Prestige, Youtek Prestige and Microgel Prestige. I'm thinking of getting a second hand Microgel Prestige cause Marat Safin fanboying but the paint job is god awful and I don't think I can play with one while having two of the auxetic 2.0s.
 

vsbabolat

G.O.A.T.
Guys, I need some recommendations on which old iteration of prestige I should buy. People seem to like the i.Prestige, IG Prestige, Youtek Prestige and Microgel Prestige. I'm thinking of getting a second hand Microgel Prestige cause Marat Safin fanboying but the paint job is god awful and I don't think I can play with one while having two of the auxetic 2.0s.
Get the Prestige Classic 2.0.
 

Modal

New User
Get the Prestige Classic 2.0.
I might get one but only for collection purposes. I'm looking for one that is 98 sq in 18x20 like the Aux 2.0 Prestige Pro. I think the Prestige Classic would be too demanding to have a casual rally with even. I have 3 Head PT 2.0s and they are a joy to play with. The feel and sound with a natural gut and poly hybrid is unlike any other.
 

Soundbyte

Hall of Fame
I might get one but only for collection purposes. I'm looking for one that is 98 sq in 18x20 like the Aux 2.0 Prestige Pro. I think the Prestige Classic would be too demanding to have a casual rally with even. I have 3 Head PT 2.0s and they are a joy to play with. The feel and sound with a natural gut and poly hybrid is unlike any other.
PC2.0 gets my recommendation as well, unless you can find a PT57A.

PT2.0 is nice too, and perhaps more what you're looking for. But seriously the PC2.0 is great
 

Modal

New User
PC2.0 gets my recommendation as well, unless you can find a PT57A.

PT2.0 is nice too, and perhaps more what you're looking for. But seriously the PC2.0 is great
This might not be relevant to this thread but since I grabbed a couple Blade Pro 18x20 recently, I have been interested in the older radical tour/mp models like the bumblebee, zebra, candycane and liquidmetals. I'm kinda confused since I am from the newer generation of players and I am unfamiliar with older head models. Seems like the PT630 and Bumblebee Radical Tour are PT57As. Please correct me if I am wrong. If you @vsbabolat or @Soundbyte had to choose one classic radical model, which one would it be and why? I have been searching around **** for nice second hand frames. I'm not interested in the OS or XL versions tho.
 

vsbabolat

G.O.A.T.
This might not be relevant to this thread but since I grabbed a couple Blade Pro 18x20 recently, I have been interested in the older radical tour/mp models like the bumblebee, zebra, candycane and liquidmetals. I'm kinda confused since I am from the newer generation of players and I am unfamiliar with older head models. Seems like the PT630 and Bumblebee Radical Tour are PT57As. Please correct me if I am wrong. If you @vsbabolat or @Soundbyte had to choose one classic radical model, which one would it be and why? I have been searching around **** for nice second hand frames. I'm not interested in the OS or XL versions tho.
Get the Radical Tour TwinTube 630.
 

A-Style

Rookie
PT57A owner here. Aside from the demand, does it feel less heavy, i.e., less fatigue on serves and on groundstrokes?

So went out and hit for an hour and here are my thoughts:

The new Prestige Pro has almost the identical feel as my PT57A. Same soft flex, similar sound when you really crack a ball. The 16x19 gives it just a bit more pop and of course more spin, but it isn’t a huge amount. But it reminded me why I switched away from the PT57A in the first place, it is extremely demanding because I have to constantly take big cuts at the ball and the sweet spot is somewhat small. I think next time out I am going to drop the tension from 55 lbs down to 47 lbs and see how it plays.

I spent the last 15 minutes hitting with my gravity pro auxetic, and I hit noticeably better immediately with it. Better depth and more power. Really like the feel compared to previous versions of the gravity pro, it is a bit softer. Reminds me of what I imagine a “new age“ PT57 would be if that makes any sense.

Will keep tinkering and play testing both. But if I had to choose today I would stick with the GravityPro. But that is coming from a guy in his late 40s whose joints keep breaking down…
I echo these sentiments 100%! I've said in another thread about this frame that it's the closest incarnation to the PT630/PT57A that there has been and is effectively what the the Pro Tour 2.0 should have been.

What is noticeably different between the Prestige Pro 2023 and PT630 is the heft. It's easily a 12.0oz+ frame and that flowthrough coupled with that flex is just so utterly unique. Although it's not as popular amongst pros as it was you can see why so many gravitated to it.

The Prestige Pro is just a more "user friendly" version of it or as one of the OP's suggested "new age". I have so much confidence in ripping my forehand with it because I know it'll land in. My most outstanding stroke though is my slice backhand. Having come from a Prince Phantom 100G with a 16x18 string pattern I really am enjoying the extra stings and the grip you get on the ball.

It's lighter but still hefty enough to be extremely stable and you get that trademark flex when you hit it clean. Leather grip and a bit of lead/tungsten tape will sort that out if you are so inclined.

I will say though it took me some time really to get used to it. It is very sensitive (IMO) to string choice more so than I have felt with other frames. I had it strung with a full bed of multi (Bab Xcel) and I couldn't hit a ball with it. No grip at all on the ball. I've since gone to my favourite string 4G Rough at 47lbs and love it so far. Took a little bit of time to "wear in" and I did consider dropping the tension slightly. I reckon as well ALU Power would be a great choice in this frame given it's a touch softer than 4G.

FYI - I have some skin in the game too.
 
Last edited:

longtimelurker

Professional
I echo these sentiments 100%! I've said in another thread about this frame that it's the closest incarnation to the PT630/PT57A that there has been and is effectively what the the Pro Tour 2.0 should have been.

What is noticeably different between the Prestige Pro 2023 and PT630 is the heft. It's easily a 12.0oz+ frame and that flowthrough coupled with that flex is just so utterly unique. Although it's not as popular amongst pros as it was you can see why so many gravitated to it.

The Prestige Pro is just a more "user friendly" version of it or as one of the OP's suggested "new age". I have so much confidence in ripping my forehand with it because I know it'll land in. My most outstanding stroke though is my slice backhand. Having come from a Prince Phantom 100G with a 16x18 string pattern I really am enjoying the extra stings and the grip you get on the ball.

It's lighter but still hefty enough to be extremely stable and you get that trademark flex when you hit it clean. Leather grip and a bit of lead/tungsten tape will sort that out if you are so inclined.

I will say though it took me some time really to get used to it. It is very sensitive (IMO) to string choice more so than I have felt with other frames. I had it strung with a full bed of multi (Bab Xcel) and I couldn't hit a ball with it. No grip at all on the ball. I've since gone to my favourite string 4G Rough at 47lbs and love it so far. Took a little bit of time to "wear in" and I did consider dropping the tension slightly. I reckon as well ALU Power would be a great choice in this frame given it's a touch softer than 4G.

FYI - I have some skin in the game too.
What a collection, good style. Can't beat the pt630 !
 

A-Style

Rookie
What a collection, good style. Can't beat the pt630 !
Yeah - it's been a labour of love.

I've got another x2 Bumble-Bees and x1 Candy Cane in another bag that is being stored elsewhere.

That heavy, flexible feedback is just unbeatable. It's too hard to explain to people who haven't used one. Incidentally too, my nicest feeling one is the Chinese made Pro Tour 280.
Back to the HPP 2023, I generally go for low RA racquets hence why I have been a long term Prince user and, whilst the feel is close, it just isn't the same. Just a 12.0oz+ weight (350g+) is very hard to swing over long sessions even though I could.

Head have really hit the target for us old schoolers. It's just a more modern, user-friendly version Pro Tour 630 but very true to its roots and that's saying something given how off track the Prestige line got IMO.
 

gino

Legend
I echo these sentiments 100%! I've said in another thread about this frame that it's the closest incarnation to the PT630/PT57A that there has been and is effectively what the the Pro Tour 2.0 should have been.

What is noticeably different between the Prestige Pro 2023 and PT630 is the heft. It's easily a 12.0oz+ frame and that flowthrough coupled with that flex is just so utterly unique. Although it's not as popular amongst pros as it was you can see why so many gravitated to it.

The Prestige Pro is just a more "user friendly" version of it or as one of the OP's suggested "new age". I have so much confidence in ripping my forehand with it because I know it'll land in. My most outstanding stroke though is my slice backhand. Having come from a Prince Phantom 100G with a 16x18 string pattern I really am enjoying the extra stings and the grip you get on the ball.

It's lighter but still hefty enough to be extremely stable and you get that trademark flex when you hit it clean. Leather grip and a bit of lead/tungsten tape will sort that out if you are so inclined.

I will say though it took me some time really to get used to it. It is very sensitive (IMO) to string choice more so than I have felt with other frames. I had it strung with a full bed of multi (Bab Xcel) and I couldn't hit a ball with it. No grip at all on the ball. I've since gone to my favourite string 4G Rough at 47lbs and love it so far. Took a little bit of time to "wear in" and I did consider dropping the tension slightly. I reckon as well ALU Power would be a great choice in this frame given it's a touch softer than 4G.

FYI - I have some skin in the game too.
Incredible collection of sticks - prestige lives on
 

Gee

Hall of Fame
Yeah - it's been a labour of love.

I've got another x2 Bumble-Bees and x1 Candy Cane in another bag that is being stored elsewhere.

That heavy, flexible feedback is just unbeatable. It's too hard to explain to people who haven't used one. Incidentally too, my nicest feeling one is the Chinese made Pro Tour 280.
Back to the HPP 2023, I generally go for low RA racquets hence why I have been a long term Prince user and, whilst the feel is close, it just isn't the same. Just a 12.0oz+ weight (350g+) is very hard to swing over long sessions even though I could.

Head have really hit the target for us old schoolers. It's just a more modern, user-friendly version Pro Tour 630 but very true to its roots and that's saying something given how off track the Prestige line got IMO.
Static weight only doesn't say everything. It just depends more on what the swingweight and balance is.

Besides that your fitness and strength must be in good shape if you want to play your best tennis unregardless your racquet.

A racquets of 350 grams doesn't have to be hard to swing. I still remember long matches of mine that I was able to win with a Völkl C10 Pro of ca. 370 grams (but pretty headlight).
It just depends what weight you're used to.

I'm getting tired much quicker when I suddenly need to play at hot weather circumstances for instance.
 

A-Style

Rookie
Anyone out there playing there's with 4G Rough finding the Prestige Pro plays "stiffer" at times than it should based on the racquet specs/DNA?

I come off the court today and felt, on occasion that the frame was slightly stiff and jarring. More so on my forehand than any other stroke?
I wonder if that's the Auxetic 2.0 at play.
 
Last edited:

A-Style

Rookie
Hey Prestige Fam I got a warranty question for y'all?

Tonight I cracked my Prestige Pro 2023 in the throat just above the grip. I was serving and the racquet slipped from my hands and crashed into the court bouncing at probably 1 o'clock on the racquet head. Weird that it happened there because when I have intentionally bounced frames to break them they generally fail in the place of first impact which, in this case, woudl have been around that 1/2 o'clock region on the frame.

This is the first time it has ever happened to me and I've literally only had it for about 2 months now and for about half that time it was not used at all because I still using my old frames.

Surely I'll be able to get a new one from Head via the retailer I purchased it from?

Incidentally, there's a line in the frames material (almost like where it's been bonded together) which is almost precisely where the crack failure occurred. You can see in the images supplied.

I just hope I get a new one because I'll be majorly pissed if I get burned like this lol

 
Last edited:

Yamin

Hall of Fame
Hey Prestige Fam I got a warranty question for y'all?

Tonight I cracked my Prestige Pro 2023 in the throat just above the grip. I was serving and the racquet slipped from my hands and crashed into the court bouncing at probably 1 o'clock on the racquet head.
No racket manufacturer covers "wear and tear" damage.
 

vsbabolat

G.O.A.T.
Hey Prestige Fam I got a warranty question for y'all?

Tonight I cracked my Prestige Pro 2023 in the throat just above the grip. I was serving and the racquet slipped from my hands and crashed into the court bouncing at probably 1 o'clock on the racquet head. Weird that it happened there because when I have intentionally bounced frames to break them they generally fail in the place of first impact which, in this case, woudl have been around that 1/2 o'clock region on the frame.

This is the first time it has ever happened to me and I've literally only had it for about 2 months now and for about half that time it was not used at all because I still using my old frames.

Surely I'll be able to get a new one from Head via the retailer I purchased it from?

Incidentally, there's a line in the frames material (almost like where it's been bonded together) which is almost precisely where the crack failure occurred. You can see in the images supplied.

I just hope I get a new one because I'll be majorly pissed if I get burned like this lol

That’s not manufacturing defect. You’re not getting burned. The racket slipped out of your hand and came in contact with the court. No racket can survive that.
 

A-Style

Rookie
That’s not manufacturing defect. You’re not getting burned. The racket slipped out of your hand and came in contact with the court. No racket can survive that.
Yeah maybe but it shouldn't have happened... I have absolutely tortured racquets in the past and they haven't done that so yeah I do feel a touch cheated.
 

vsbabolat

G.O.A.T.
Yeah maybe but it shouldn't have happened... I have absolutely tortured racquets in the past and they haven't done that so yeah I do feel a touch cheated.
Dude if you bounce a racquet at the right angle it’s going to crack every time. This ain’t my first time.
 

A-Style

Rookie
Dude if you bounce a racquet at the right angle it’s going to crack every time. This ain’t my first time.
You've got all the answers.... didn't know I was speaking with the Head distributor in Australia? Is that you?

Bounced many a racquet in anger never once having it fail like this did. This, slipped during serve. Shouldn't have happened...
 

Soundbyte

Hall of Fame
You've got all the answers.... didn't know I was speaking with the Head distributor in Australia? Is that you?

Bounced many a racquet in anger never once having it fail like this did. This, slipped during serve. Shouldn't have happened...
To be fair, the service motion is arguably the worst possible motion for racket damage. It tends to be the fastest swing any tennis player has, the racket is on edge, so if it's slips and strikes the ground with the strings/frame perpendicular to the court = weakest part of the frame.

Other than someone intentionally trying to bust a frame, most of the 10+ broken frames I've seen have all been from racket slips during the serve.
 

A-Style

Rookie
To be fair, the service motion is arguably the worst possible motion for racket damage. It tends to be the fastest swing any tennis player has, the racket is on edge, so if it's slips and strikes the ground with the strings/frame perpendicular to the court = weakest part of the frame.

Other than someone intentionally trying to bust a frame, most of the 10+ broken frames I've seen have all been from racket slips during the serve.
Admittedly I know I'm pushing sh*t up hill expecting a new frame but I'm just cut... I'm going to trial the Blade V9 16x19 but the feel is a bit mehhh so far in the quick 10 minute hit I had.

I don't know whether it plays like the Prestige even though the specs are very similar
 
Not going to happen unless you bought it from a major Head retailer & the rep is therefore willing to brown nose to keep the account happy.
 

A-Style

Rookie
Not going to happen unless you bought it from a major Head retailer & the rep is therefore willing to brown nose to keep the account happy.
Yes - all my hopes were dashed today at the pro shop after speaking with the Head rep! They've lost a very loyal brand customer. Not that they give a **** at all but yeah I won't buy another. Again, given how new it was I expected a little more from Head. Clearly I expected too much. Such a shame because the racquet is really great to use!
 

Soundbyte

Hall of Fame
Admittedly I know I'm pushing sh*t up hill expecting a new frame but I'm just cut... I'm going to trial the Blade V9 16x19 but the feel is a bit mehhh so far in the quick 10 minute hit I had.

I don't know whether it plays like the Prestige even though the specs are very similar
Blade is nothing like the prestige, feel wise
 

vsbabolat

G.O.A.T.
You've got all the answers.... didn't know I was speaking with the Head distributor in Australia? Is that you?

Bounced many a racquet in anger never once having it fail like this did. This, slipped during serve. Shouldn't have happened...
I have broken many rackets in my life including the racket coming out of my hand in the serve and cracking. I also have more experience in the tennis industry than you ever will. Your racket was not defective. It’s called user error.
 

flanker2000fr

Hall of Fame
Yes - all my hopes were dashed today at the pro shop after speaking with the Head rep! They've lost a very loyal brand customer. Not that they give a **** at all but yeah I won't buy another. Again, given how new it was I expected a little more from Head. Clearly I expected too much. Such a shame because the racquet is really great to use!

Mate, last time you crashed your brand new car into a pole straight out of the dealership, did they replace it because it was new? And did you feel cheated when they didn't?

It's completely unreasonable for you to expect any brand to replace a frame you have smashed on the floor, accidentally or not, regardless of it being brand new.
 
Top