*****THE OFFICIAL HEAD PRO TOUR 630/280 Club*************
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nwv
New User
It's "Made in Austria"
The grommet replacement may be responsible for the SW "drop", as I learned here.
The flex behaviour and the control that results is what I find addictive. Not only the low flex - mostly the way it flexes.
Control over the shots is unique (per my experience)
If/when I get to the point of taking the pallets apart and look underneath, I might find out more about this stick.
I don't mind loading more lead tape for now. It swings too fast as it is - compared to my K90, 95, Duel G.
I remember I had a Prestige that swung similarly, without the (good) spin the PT provides.
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nwv
New User
I use this and I find it accurate (compared to the RDC device at the local shop)
nwv
New User
PT keeps (brings) the standards up and the feel is an honest "guide" on what to do more each and every time you hit the ball.
At the cost of working more to compensate for the lower power as per the lower flex.
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PhilSki
Rookie
The Head Pro Lite Tour is this racket;
It has a 660sq. cm head, therefore not the same mold. I think it may have a 22mm beam though.
Prostock tennis has the Lite Tour 630 listed as 21mm.
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vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
The green one is the Lite Tour 630 and the Tour Extra Long
PhilSki
Rookie
@vsbabolat - Is this correct in the sense that these are 2 different rackets:
Pro Lite Tour:
Is this a 630 and PT57a mould?
Lite Tour 630:
I know this is 630 and PT57a, I am still after one of these!
The Tour XL - is this a 660? Basically an XL version of Pro Lite Tour I posted earlier?
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vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
PhilSki
Rookie
Wow, I didn’t even know there was the Tour Xtra Long as pictured on the left here:
@vsbabolat, just going back to my original question, it seems there are 2 different cosmetics to the Pro Lite Tour and Pro Lite Tour XL 660s I guess? The earlier grey-green and black and red and black. I presume they are essentially the same (as in these)?
@vsbabolat, just going back to my original question, it seems there are 2 different cosmetics to the Pro Lite Tour and Pro Lite Tour XL 660s I guess? The earlier grey-green and black and red and black. I presume they are essentially the same (as in these)?
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nwv
New User
It's a work in progress.
I loaded it with lead tape and it's still swinging very fast (with all lead tape 9-to12-to-3) - I don't mind serving, there is extra speed available but the forehand swings too fast still (I have to compensate a lot).
I will continue with the lead at 7 to 9 and 3 to 5.
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HeadClassic
Rookie
Hi all! I got my hands on a Vamp Tour today in great condition. I thought you'd all like some pics [emoji4] She weighs in at 10.3 oz strung with a head heavy balance.
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vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
Nice! Original grip too!Hi all! I got my hands on a Vamp Tour today in great condition. I thought you'd all like some pics [emoji4] She weighs in at 10.3 oz strung with a head heavy balance.
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Does it have the same feel of a pro tour?Hi all! I got my hands on a Vamp Tour today in great condition. I thought you'd all like some pics [emoji4] She weighs in at 10.3 oz strung with a head heavy balance.
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PSC85
Semi-Pro
Hi all! I got my hands on a Vamp Tour today in great condition. I thought you'd all like some pics [emoji4] She weighs in at 10.3 oz strung with a head heavy balance.
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Could this actually be the equivalent of barebones hairpin PT57A?
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HeadClassic
Rookie
No. It is not the same. Vamp Tour has a 21mm beam compared to a 20mm of a PT57A. But it is the same mold. It is most similar to the old dark green "Head Lite Tour" because they are both in the low 10 oz. strung range, 21mm beam, and head heavy.
Grinch
Rookie
Did you get any replies on the VCP97HD? I love my last surviving PT280, but are there any convincing arguments to move to a new 18x20 replacement? VCP97HD, GravityPro, Bladev7(18x20), or PhantomPro100(18x20)?
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
In one word no
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
How can it be the same mold if the thickness is different???
HeadClassic
Rookie
Grinch
Rookie
Would anyone be able to compare our beloved PTs to other new 18x20s released in the last year? Or should we just plan to buy used PTs at new racket prices? (and hope we don’t buy a cracked or badly modified piece of kaka).
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
The Yonex Vcore Pro 97 HD vibrates and has a horrible ping. Doesn’t feel or plays like the PT. Try the Wilson Blade V7
Grinch
Rookie
Thanks for HD feedback. I will stay away from Yonex and demo the blade18x20 and some other 18x20s instead. I tried VCore98 on friend’s recommendation last year and was also disappointed with vibe and instability of hoop. I keep trying to find a modern frame that plays somewhat like a PT, but no luck.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Have you tried a Tecnifibre TFight 315 Limited (2013) 18x20...? It's not the same but close, IMO. I modified mine, but it is still 20-odd grams lighter than the PT630.
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
Demo the Wilson Blade V7. Of the mass market companies thats the closest i have hit with. Another on is the Angell TC97 18x20
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Personally, the TC97 18x20 feels quite a bit stiffer for me, but still an awesome racquet. It feels more like an iPrestige to me.
Grinch
Rookie
Hmmm. Haven’t tried any TechFibs. I’ve been scared off by their stiffness (reading the specs). You like the old one better? Is that the one that US TW has clearance for 129.99?
HeadClassic
Rookie
You can get an excellent condition Pro Tour 630 for that price on the auction site. IMO just do it. I thank everyone on these forums for getting me to try it. They're worth the price.
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Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
No, I haven't tried that one. The one I was referring to is from 2013. It is the Limited version, is Black with a red pattern, and has an RA of 61 (strung) for the 18M (RA of 59 for the 16x19 - 16M). It has Tour Prepared at the bottom of the throat near the top of the handle. The racquet is a platform racquet and needs modification to get the best out of it, IMO.
Hope that helps.
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HeadClassic
Rookie
Can someone be kind enough to post a link for the red CAP grommets? Would be much appreciated. I'm not sure which ones they are.
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FearlessAnimal
Rookie
EU: https://www.tenniswarehouse-europe.com/catpage-GACGROM-EN.html#HEADGROM look for "Head YOUTEK Graphene Prestige MP Grommet (Red)"
USA: can't find right now but I'm almost sure they were there few months ago; so check at https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Head_Grommets/catpage-GROMHEAD.html
Recently acquired this beauty and had someone do a professional makeover... Will head out to the court in the next few days and see what is so legendary about it.
Details:
- Full matte black paintjob
- TK238 CAP grommets
- TK82 Pallet
- Head Leather Tour grip
- Wilson Champion's Choice gut 26kg mains / poly 24kg crosses
- 345g unstrung / 370g final
Details:
- Full matte black paintjob
- TK238 CAP grommets
- TK82 Pallet
- Head Leather Tour grip
- Wilson Champion's Choice gut 26kg mains / poly 24kg crosses
- 345g unstrung / 370g final
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mrmike
Semi-Pro
Recently I decided to give the Gravity Pro a try to see if that frame could be a good match for my game. It started very well and I thought for sure this was going to be my go to frame. After a few months I was playing a guy who hits a pretty heavy ball and endured a series of shots that jammed me close in on the backhand side. I could start feeling some TE developing and it was lingering for days afterward. Took a week off and decided to play some doubles. I pulled out the PT280 due to its mass (12.8 oz.) and soft flex. Even though the head size is smaller, it was much easier on my arm even on mishits compared to the Gravity. Starting to have second thoughts. I guess I could lead up the Gravity to give it equivalent mass but I have a feeling it wouldn’t play well that way. The GP is about 11.8 oz. strung w/overgrip.
Hello,
Here another recent PT280/630 user. I recently switch but I am wondering if I should have switched to more modern frames
How you compare the PT280 against recent modern flexible frames such a Head Gravity tour, Wilson Clash tour, or blade V7 18x20?
I am interested in:
1- Arm comfort
2-Stability
3- Manoevrability
4- Power
5- Spin Potential
Thank you in advance!
Also I would like to know which string do you recomend for it (if possible not gut as it takes a lot of money to always play with gut)
Thank you in advance!
Here another recent PT280/630 user. I recently switch but I am wondering if I should have switched to more modern frames
How you compare the PT280 against recent modern flexible frames such a Head Gravity tour, Wilson Clash tour, or blade V7 18x20?
I am interested in:
1- Arm comfort
2-Stability
3- Manoevrability
4- Power
5- Spin Potential
Thank you in advance!
Also I would like to know which string do you recomend for it (if possible not gut as it takes a lot of money to always play with gut)
Thank you in advance!
D
Deleted member 756272
Guest
You are headed down a rabbit hole after which you will have spent thousands of dollars and come out looking worse than a drug addict.
If you want to replace your PTs, go pro stock.
If you want a modern racket, pretend you've never touched the PT and start with a blank slate b/c you will hate yourself for trying. I know, b/c I'm that guy.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Let me put it this way. The PT630 is a wonderful racquet.
I recently brought approx. 20 different racquets to the courts in my tennis bag to hit with a friend of mine. Some of them were classics, some were newer like the Tecnifibre TFight 305 XTC, some were Pro Stock (although they needed re-stringing, so maybe not fair), some were lighter but with higher SW, others were heavier but with decent SW (320+, many at 340+).
The end result was that my friend told me at the end of the hit that he had the most difficulty with, and was working the hardest when I was using the PT630.
It has great arm comfort, awesome stability, lots of power, and I have never had a problem hitting any type of shot I imagined. If one's technique is good, spin can be achieved with any racquet. Of course, comparing a player's control racquet with an 18x20 string pattern with a 100 sq. in. Tweener that is an open 16x19, is not a fair comparison in many categories.
Do you need to have good technique, footwork, and fitness... yes. Will it take some time to build these up... yes. Is the PT630 both a great teacher and partner on this journey... Definitely Yes.
The rest is up to you.
Oval_Solid
Hall of Fame
1. arm comfort would be the pt280s biggest attribute
u dont really get the ball pocketing feeling but it flexes and protects ur arm
i did string mine really tightly so maybe i need to try it at a lower tension to see if it has any pocketing effect
2. i would say stability is average at best
if ur not hitting the sweet spot the racket is going to let u know
3. this one is weird because i always felt the racket was even balance or a little head heavy and not head light
its not the best but well above average it cuts through the air really well
its not a clumsy racket by far
4. this one is weird too because if u use a slow swing it has very little power but if u use a high speed swing it gives u a very heavy powerful shot
basically it doesnt has a middle power level area if this makes sense
comparing it to the rf97 with a high speed swing it generates more power with a heavier ball
but with a slow swing it generates less power than the rf97
5. i would say its a low spin generating racket
it naturally gives u a more flatter shot
so u would have to generate spin with ur swing
i think this racket is actually best for advance players or people who are playing alot of tennis and want to develop their game
because it can give u a very precise ball but if u just arm the ball and try to push with it its going to be very frustrating playing with this racket
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Thanks for your input guys, i really appreciate them, they are very passionate but somehow realistic at the same time
I have been playing with them for month or so I will make a short description of me feelings so far (i am a 5.5 nrtp player )
The worst thing I find about it, is stability. I dont find it very stable compared to a 100 sq racket ( i have been a Head Radical player for years) i tend to misshit a lot
The best thing I find about this racket is that I am looking forward to come back to the court, My arm feels relaxed after the match and my mind remembers the joy of hitting the ball with this racket.
I have been playing with them for month or so I will make a short description of me feelings so far (i am a 5.5 nrtp player )
- Arm comfort --> 9/10. Great arm comfort. I dont give 10/10 because its heavy, and you need not to be late on your shots. Some gym would help .
- Baseline shots--> 8/10
- Flat --> I havent used them a lot, because i have overhit a few times and I became a little too conservative
- Spin shorts --> I really love the spin of this racket. It has enough spin to make the damage but the lauch angle is not big at all, so it gives you nice control. The only bad thing here is that i misshit a lot with the PT630
- Slices --> amazing. I really love to hit my single handed backhand
- Touch shots--> I am enjoying them a lot
- Volleys 9/10 Great feeling, in general I come to the net to finish the points but even grat touch on more difficult volleys.
- Return of serve 10/10 --> The best racket i have tried for returning big serves. You just put the racket on a good place and it absorbe a lot of energy and put it back deep on the court. Also is an excellent racket for attacking weak seconds
The worst thing I find about it, is stability. I dont find it very stable compared to a 100 sq racket ( i have been a Head Radical player for years) i tend to misshit a lot
The best thing I find about this racket is that I am looking forward to come back to the court, My arm feels relaxed after the match and my mind remembers the joy of hitting the ball with this racket.
FearlessAnimal
Rookie
I'm contemplating the idea of selling my 2 pt630. I've bought them mostly to try how good they'll look with red grommet and leather grip* but I didn't modify it yet. And the question is: what do you think which would sell better (a) original, untouched with old grommets or (b) modified with fresh as dew grommets and basegrips?
(*) mentioned look, but I would rather choose TW leather than something with Pacific gold lettering
(*) mentioned look, but I would rather choose TW leather than something with Pacific gold lettering
rafa_prestige89
Professional
Original, untouched, with old grommets (if the old grommets are black full CAP grommets).I'm contemplating the idea of selling my 2 pt630. I've bought them mostly to try how good they'll look with red grommet and leather grip* but I didn't modify it yet. And the question is: what do you think which would sell better (a) original, untouched with old grommets or (b) modified with fresh as dew grommets and basegrips?
(*) mentioned look, but I would rather choose TW leather than something with Pacific gold lettering
ChrisG
Professional
I did the same and ended up with a static weight of 338g strung. Now with OG it’s 342g. I use a 1.28 string, could definitely use a 1.20 and get it a bit lighter. I used the lightest replacement grip I found
bkfinch
Semi-Pro
That's just about what I had with MG Rad grommets. Damn I miss those blue things! The SW I measured went around 325-328.
derek08844
Rookie
Currently, I use a Babolat Pure Drive Roddick Plus but am thinking about getting a PT to mess around with. What differences can I expect? I'm a 4.5-5.0 singles player who's an aggressive baseliner. I hit on the flat side but am thinking the extra control will benefit me. I'm only worried about difficulty generating pace especially when rushed by other players big shots
Well obviously the free power you get with the pure drive will be gone with the wind. So really it depends what youre looking to get out of your raquet that determines if its going to suit you well or not. The reason i like the pro tour so much and think it suits me and my style of play is because i try to play with depth and consistensy, free power is not what im looking for, and for that its perfekt. You will get a lower launch angle, less spinn but greater depth and more control in comparison with the pure drive, plus the pro tour with its uniqe feel will give u a different feedback from any other modern raquet. If these things will benefit you or not, only you can know. And you might want to give it at least a few weeks of testing before you decide cause remember it takes a while getting used to. Also you definately want to make it heavier then the pure drive to be able to fully benefit from the plow thru...
derek08844
Rookie
Ok it definitely sounds like something I should try out. The only thing I'm confused about is how a racquet has a lower launch angle and less spin but somehow more depth? Aren't those contradictory things? Definitely want to give it a go with the old school feel. Any recs for strings? Was thinking loosely strung poly (same as I have in my pure drive)
asifallasleep
Hall of Fame
I leaded up the head of my PT630's and they now have gobs of power with even more stability. The directional control and stability at the net is unrivaled, and i don't care what frame from what area you want to compare it to. I too at some point said i felt it lacked putaway power and that i had to work sooo much harder using it. I never imagined that adding more weight to the head work eliminate both those complaints. Kind of silly because soooo many frames have way less power than the PT630 and we don't complain, we add lead, we mod. DUH!!
Another complaint I had was that the frame was just too heavy in stock form, wasn't headlight enough and that I just couldn't generate the needed racquet head speed to play effectively with it. My RF97's are very heavy as well but extremely headlight. Thus, i could hit with very high racquet speed with them or smoothly hit everything on the rise. Because of the thinner beam and smaller head It's sooo much easier to get the PT630 back quickly. Takes way less effort even though it has a much higher swingweight than the RF97. With the PT630 you absolutely do not need high racquet head speed at all (see Andy Murray), it's not that kind of frame. Smooth and contact out front, you let the racquet do everything, and it just absolutely DESTROYS the ball. I've never played such effortless tennis in my life. This racquet takes care of it all. Touch, feel, power, control, and spin all at your fingertips. Also, the 4-5pts hl balance is not a hinderance at all.............In fact it adds to the plow and power of the frame.
Another complaint I had was that the frame was just too heavy in stock form, wasn't headlight enough and that I just couldn't generate the needed racquet head speed to play effectively with it. My RF97's are very heavy as well but extremely headlight. Thus, i could hit with very high racquet speed with them or smoothly hit everything on the rise. Because of the thinner beam and smaller head It's sooo much easier to get the PT630 back quickly. Takes way less effort even though it has a much higher swingweight than the RF97. With the PT630 you absolutely do not need high racquet head speed at all (see Andy Murray), it's not that kind of frame. Smooth and contact out front, you let the racquet do everything, and it just absolutely DESTROYS the ball. I've never played such effortless tennis in my life. This racquet takes care of it all. Touch, feel, power, control, and spin all at your fingertips. Also, the 4-5pts hl balance is not a hinderance at all.............In fact it adds to the plow and power of the frame.
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