What is the most sought after tennis racquet EVER?

[dt101]

So what is the most sought racquet ever in the history of tennis, past and present? I got three racquets in mind...

1. Wilson Pro Staff 6.0 Original (St. Vincent version) Midsize

2. HEAD Prestige Classic 600 "Made in Austria" ....at one point during the 1990's about 30% of the ATP players used this racquet. I believe HEAD still makes this racquet at their Kennelbach factory in Austria but you can only get it if you are a pro.

3. HEAD Pro Tour 630 "Made in Austria"


I want some serious tennis guru's to answer this question and please tell me why and keep it concise and straight to the point. And if there should be more racquets that you feel has acquired legendary and mythical status and should be on the same level as the three I mentioned above please let me know. Thanks.

 

[superstition]

A.... what? ...

A GRAIL!

 

[superstition]

Well, the Hazel's Streamliner racquets are worth quite a bit.

 

[Gabs011]

It depends what you mean by 'sought after'.....if you mean 'sought after' in terms of discontinued rackets I think its safe to say the Wilson PS 6.0 85 (but I have no figures to back this up). I am just going by what I hear and the prices I see on the Bay.

However if you mean 'most in demand'....you have to remember that times have moved on and most people are now playing with modern rackets.....so I would even throw the Pure Drive in the mix as - most current tennis players do not know about the high quality rackets that Head/Wilson produced in the mid 1990s - and on an amateur I believe the Pure Drive is the most popular stick of the last 5 to 8 years.

 

[i8myshirt]

For price? Probably many rackets just so people can make a fortune.
For performance? Everyone is different so it's hard to judge.

 

[kanjii]

By cruising thru this forum...the past racquets are probably the Wilson PS, Adidas GTX Pro series, Puma Beckers, and maybe the POGs, and some of the Radicals???
Presents - Maybe whatever Fed, Nadal, and Roddick is using??????

 

[MAXXply]

Actually, preceding the early 90s Prestige Classic 600 (lime green grip and accents anyone?) I'd also say the original 80s version...the Prestige Pro in that beautiful burgundy PJ - I'm picturing Henri Leconte's stick...

 

[goosala]

Someone explain to me why the Pro Tour 280 is now so sought after when only five years ago retailers were trying to give it away at $50 a piece prestrung?

 

[pow]

Someone explain to me why the Pro Tour 280 is now so sought after when only five years ago retailers were trying to give it away at $50 a piece prestrung?

Good question! I have heard about this frames mentioned on this forum quite often and have even played with my friend's PT280 briefly. I asked him where he bought the frame and he said Big 5. I think the quality of the racquet is something I didn't expect Big 5 would sell.

 

[goosala]

Don't get me wrong. Back in 1994 I read all the great reviews about this frame in Tennis Magazine. I have hit with it and plays well. As I mentioned before, only few years ago retailers were trying to get rid of it and selling it for $50 prestrung. One can compare the Prince TT Warrior to it. Maybe one day the TT Warrior will be worth $200 a piece used because Rafter used it. It just seemed odd that people lost interest in this frame over time and just now for some strange reason are seeking it. Fickle! Fickle!

 

[galain]

Actually, preceding the early 90s Prestige Classic 600 (lime green grip and accents anyone?) I'd also say the original 80s version...the Prestige Pro in that beautiful burgundy PJ - I'm picturing Henri Leconte's stick...

I'd tend to agree with either paintjob of the Prestige Pro. The brown/red one is another stick that is rarer than hens teeth and I've seen crazy *** bidding on a few of these on the bay. Supposedly the PPros leave all other Prestiges for dead, playability wise too.

Some of the rarer frames used by only one notable pro are very sought after too. The GTX pro as mentioned. Le Coq Sportif frames are very much sought after by collectors and Guy Forget's Lacoste Equijet - I've watched 2 of these on auction and both left my wallet for dust within the first day.

 

[MAXXply]

Does anyone think the Liquidmetal Radicals will appreciate in $$$ in the future? I only ask this since its relatively simple PJ is in stylish contrast to the screaming candysticks of the current HEAD range. Who thinks cosmetics plays a large part in racquet values?

 

[dt101]

Someone explain to me why the Pro Tour 280 is now so sought after when only five years ago retailers were trying to give it away at $50 a piece prestrung?

The one you're thinking about were made in China. I am talking about the "Made in Austria" version. From what I can tell you the Pro Tour 630 'Made in Austria" feels very crisp and plush.


Michael Chaho I need your backup....you're the PT 630 expert!

 

[dt101]

I'd tend to agree with either paintjob of the Prestige Pro. The brown/red one is another stick that is rarer than hens teeth and I've seen crazy *** bidding on a few of these on the bay. Supposedly the PPros leave all other Prestiges for dead, playability wise too.

Some of the rarer frames used by only one notable pro are very sought after too. The GTX pro as mentioned. Le Coq Sportif frames are very much sought after by collectors and Guy Forget's Lacoste Equijet - I've watched 2 of these on auction and both left my wallet for dust within the first day.

You are right about the red Prestige Pro. That one is made in the USA right?

 

[galain]

You are right about the red Prestige Pro. That one is made in the USA right?

As far as I know there was a Red and Black Prestige Pro - really good looking cosmetic - US made, and the brown/red (well, brown until the light hits it and then it starts to glow red) made in Kennelbach Austria.

I've seen a lot more of the red/black ones than the Austrian ones though, but I think they're both pretty high on collectors' lists.

 

[vsbabolat]

As far as I know there was a Red and Black Prestige Pro - really good looking cosmetic - US made, and the brown/red (well, brown until the light hits it and then it starts to glow red) made in Kennelbach Austria.

I've seen a lot more of the red/black ones than the Austrian ones though, but I think they're both pretty high on collectors' lists.

It is the Red/brown Prestige Pro 600 (Made in Kennelbach, Austria)where the brown glows red when the light hits it is what is getting those crazy high prices. IMHO the Prestige Pro 600 is what is the most sought after Prestige. The second most sought after Prestige is the original 1986 and 1987 Prestige Pro made in Austria that is all brown, when the light hits it the whole racquet glows red.

The Made in U.S.A. Prestige Pro is red/brown but does the brown does not glow red when the light shines on it.

 

[AndrewD]

I'd tend to agree with either paintjob of the Prestige Pro. The brown/red one is another stick that is rarer than hens teeth and I've seen crazy *** bidding on a few of these on the bay. Supposedly the PPros leave all other Prestiges for dead, playability wise too.

I think they do. Purchased mine for $30 from a 'cash converters' style shop in Elsternwick at the start of 2003. Not in mint condition any longer (bought it to use, not to collect dust) but still the best Prestige I've ever hit with. The only down-side being that, once you've used the original Prestige Pro, no other model fees 'right'.

 

[galain]

Ha!

I always had very slim pickings around Elsternwick. Believe it or not, most of my lucky finds came from the Dandenong area!

 

[Pro_Tour_630]

The one you're thinking about were made in China. I am talking about the "Made in Austria" version. From what I can tell you the Pro Tour 630 'Made in Austria" feels very crisp and plush.


Michael Chaho I need your backup....you're the PT 630 expert!

it all depends on what is sought after? highest market price and least available in new condition.

1. Would be the PS St, Vincent, they are going for over $1000 NEW but not too many people can play with it. Only the die hard PS users.

2. The Prestige Pro that VS is talking about. A collector who has most of them might sell them in upwards of $750. A forum collector was paying in upwards of $300-$500 for NEW ones. It is more playable than the PS and was more popular during the late 80;s to mid 90's among Pros.

3. The PT630 Austrian. I have seen the Chinese PT280 go for more than $200 NEW. And collectors are willing to pay more than $250 up for NEW Austrian PT630. That mold is the most popular among both tour players TODAY. Also a wider range of Rec players can play with this frame than the above two.

So if you are looking for a top sought after frame that has a wider range of players that can play with it. My choice would be the PT630.

 

[Pro_Tour_630]

Someone explain to me why the Pro Tour 280 is now so sought after when only five years ago retailers were trying to give it away at $50 a piece prestrung?

Supply and demand and 20/20 . NO one knew Head will be making crappy frames since 2000.

It was more than5 years ago that sports authority etc.. were discounting them.

Good question! I have heard about this frames mentioned on this forum quite often and have even played with my friend's PT280 briefly. I asked him where he bought the frame and he said Big 5. I think the quality of the racquet is something I didn't expect Big 5 would sell.

It is called Diamond in the rough.

Don't get me wrong. Back in 1994 I read all the great reviews about this frame in Tennis Magazine. I have hit with it and plays well. As I mentioned before, only few years ago retailers were trying to get rid of it and selling it for $50 prestrung. One can compare the Prince TT Warrior to it. Maybe one day the TT Warrior will be worth $200 a piece used because Rafter used it. It just seemed odd that people lost interest in this frame over time and just now for some strange reason are seeking it. Fickle! Fickle!

One of the biggest mistakes I have done is not buy out all the inventory of the Chinese PT280 for $50.

 

[dt101]

it all depends on what is sought after? highest market price and least available in new condition.

1. Would be the PS St, Vincent, they are going for over $1000 NEW but not too many people can play with it. Only the die hard PS users.

2. The Prestige Pro that VS is talking about. A collector who has most of them might sell them in upwards of $750. A forum collector was paying in upwards of $300-$500 for NEW ones. It is more playable than the PS and was more popular during the late 80;s to mid 90's among Pros.

3. The PT630 Austrian. I have seen the Chinese PT280 go for more than $200 NEW. And collectors are willing to pay more than $250 up for NEW Austrian PT630. That mold is the most popular among both tour players TODAY. Also a wider range of Rec players can play with this frame than the above two.

So if you are looking for a top sought after frame that has a wider range of players that can play with it. My choice would be the PT630.

I believe you. I checked the auction site that rhymns with Fleabay last night and there is a used Prestige Pro racquet that is in a 9.5 condition going for $420 and there is still 3 days left on the auction. Why is the "Made in Austria" Prestige Pro so much more costly than the "Made in Austria" Prestige Classic 600? Do they feel similar at all? I was told the Prestige Pro feels better than the Prestige Classic 600.

And I completely agree with you about how the PC 600 is more playable than the St. Vincent PS. I played with both and the PS Original is like driving a tank(if you know what you're doing you can do some serious damage on your oponent and it is by far one of the most dangerous weapon on the tennis court), while the PC600 is like driving a nice classic Porsche.

 

[galain]

dt

For a Prestige there has been surrisingly few posts about the original PPro. I'm quite intrigued by it myself. if you do a search you may find a message I posted from a friend i have in Germany who has been a Head sponsored player for years where I asked him for his thoughts on ll the Prestiges he's played. He's still using his PPros and won't put them down.

from what I've read, just about everyone who's played with one has it as the best Prestige ever. It's just that not so many people seem to have played with one, but going by the auction site it's something of an unknown treasure.

 

[MAXXply]

For a Prestige there has been surrisingly few posts about the original PPro. I'm quite intrigued by it myself. if you do a search you may find a message I posted from a friend i have in Germany who has been a Head sponsored player for years where I asked him for his thoughts on ll the Prestiges he's played. He's still using his PPros and won't put them down.

from what I've read, just about everyone who's played with one has it as the best Prestige ever. It's just that not so many people seem to have played with one, but going by the auction site it's something of an unknown treasure.

Why do sticks like the PPro and PS 85 take on a near-mythical status, just as the Borg Pro, Nastase wood and Head Vilas did for me when I was a kid ?

I'd put it down to this: the most vocal and enthusiastic opinions on this forum are those of teenage fanboys - kids growing up in the "FedeRafa" age whose idea of old-skool begin and end with Sampras' flat forehand.
These guys - like most kids in a consumerist age - have been seduced by every bit of whizz-bang gimmickry pushed by Big Tennis. They weren't even born when the PPro was around, and possibly only took up the game when the PClassic 600 (and later iterations) was being wielded by Ivanisevic et.al. or even more latterly, Safin.

IMO, if Prince stopped producing the Original Graphite around the time Agassi went to Donnay, the POG would be right up there with the PPro and PS 85 as gear-nerds' "Holy Trinity" of classic racquets. As it is, it's somewhat disappointing to see it languishing in the Sale Racquets section. (Yeah yeah, I know they still sell it but today's Prestiges share so little of the PPro's DNA that they don't count)

 

[HoVa]

Prince Mono and Gamma Big Bubba.

 

[Tennis Man]

the highest paid for racquet I've seen on the big auction site was a brand new (plastic on handle) PS 85 SV (just under $1000). It's by far the most sought frame I know of.

Prestige Pro is probably harder to find but doesn't have as much following, in general.

 

[dt101]

Why do sticks like the PPro and PS 85 take on a near-mythical status, just as the Borg Pro, Nastase wood and Head Vilas did for me when I was a kid ?

I'd put it down to this: the most vocal and enthusiastic opinions on this forum are those of teenage fanboys - kids growing up in the "FedeRafa" age whose idea of old-skool begin and end with Sampras' flat forehand.
These guys - like most kids in a consumerist age - have been seduced by every bit of whizz-bang gimmickry pushed by Big Tennis. They weren't even born when the PPro was around, and possibly only took up the game when the PClassic 600 (and later iterations) was being wielded by Ivanisevic et.al. or even more latterly, Safin.

IMO, if Prince stopped producing the Original Graphite around the time Agassi went to Donnay, the POG would be right up there with the PPro and PS 85 as gear-nerds' "Holy Trinity" of classic racquets. As it is, it's somewhat disappointing to see it languishing in the Sale Racquets section. (Yeah yeah, I know they still sell it but today's Prestiges share so little of the PPro's DNA that they don't count)

Yep, the Prince Graphite Original is another legend...it feels good. But it is hard to find the older ones these days. The midsize ones that are available today that is going for $119 brand new, they are all "Made in China." The older ones that you are talking about were all made in Taiwan I believe, so the quality was much better. For me it's all about quality and that is why I started this racquet collection of mine. Just like when I smoke a cigar I only want something that is made in Cuba, when I want a tennis racquet I only want something made in Austria or Germany. I can honestly say that the racquets made in Austria are really the best quality racquets that I have seen so far...the second place goes to the Japanese made Yonex racquets...but they are not that far behind the Austrian made racquets, Japanese quality is respectable! That is just my honest opinion!

 

[dt101]

the highest paid for racquet I've seen on the big auction site was a brand new (plastic on handle) PS 85 SV (just under $1000). It's by far the most sought frame I know of.

Prestige Pro is probably harder to find but doesn't have as much following, in general.

I believe you. I have seen that price for that racquet with my own eyes.

 

[dt101]

It is the Red/brown Prestige Pro 600 (Made in Kennelbach, Austria)where the brown glows red when the light hits it is what is getting those crazy high prices. IMHO the Prestige Pro 600 is what is the most sought after Prestige. The second most sought after Prestige is the original 1986 and 1987 Prestige Pro made in Austria that is all brown, when the light hits it the whole racquet glows red.

The Made in U.S.A. Prestige Pro is red/brown but does the brown does not glow red when the light shines on it.

I have a quick question for you. Do all of the Prestige Pro 600 feel the same? I'm currently bidding on one and it says "Vibration-Control-System" on one side of the racquet and on the other side the picture is a little bit blurry but I think it says "Twaron Performance." So which version of the Prestige Pro do you think I'm bidding on?

 

[Martingale]

The Yamaha Secret's from the late 80s to early 90s also fetch good prices if in mint condition. In particular, $400 for a mint Secret 04 are not unheard of.

Other than collector's rarities, quality players' rackets from the late 80s or early 90s that have not been produced for a while tend to fetch high prices because the players who used them as youngsters then now have made it in life (and are in their mid 30s to mid 50s now) and can afford to pay whatever it takes to get their hands on a mint racket of the type they feel they play best with.

 

[insiderman]

If you look @ actual true demand...you need to go back to the days when tennis was at its finest - being the late 70's / early 80's - therefore:

PRINCE "Classic" (aluminum & black throat) backorder's for months globally

WILSON Profile (Original 2.7) most shops (globally) waited 6+ months for stock

All the rest...basically fell into the; "supply & demand" aspect - none of them equaled the huge demand of the above 2-frames...

 

[vsbabolat]

I have a quick question for you. Do all of the Prestige Pro 600 feel the same? I'm currently bidding on one and it says "Vibration-Control-System" on one side of the racquet and on the other side the picture is a little bit blurry but I think it says "Twaron Performance." So which version of the Prestige Pro do you think I'm bidding on?

Sorry I don't know how I missed your post.

From your description I think you are bidding on a Made in Austria Prestige Pro Brown. The original.

 

[vsbabolat]

If you look @ actual true demand...you need to go back to the days when tennis was at its finest - being the late 70's / early 80's - therefore:

PRINCE "Classic" (aluminum & black throat) backorder's for months globally

WILSON Profile (Original 2.7) most shops (globally) waited 6+ months for stock

All the rest...basically fell into the; "supply & demand" aspect - none of them equaled the huge demand of the above 2-frames...

The Prince Classic was silver aluminum with a green throat. The Prince Pro was black aluminum with a black throat.

 

[Virus]

The Prince Classic was silver aluminum with a green throat. The Prince Pro was black aluminum with a black throat.

It was the Prince Junior that was aluminum with the black throat.

 

[Virginia]

dt

For a Prestige there has been surrisingly few posts about the original PPro. I'm quite intrigued by it myself. if you do a search you may find a message I posted from a friend i have in Germany who has been a Head sponsored player for years where I asked him for his thoughts on ll the Prestiges he's played. He's still using his PPros and won't put them down.

from what I've read, just about everyone who's played with one has it as the best Prestige ever. It's just that not so many people seem to have played with one, but going by the auction site it's something of an unknown treasure.

I haven't played with any other Prestiges, but the original Prestige Pro is a fantastic racquet to play with - perfect balance and with great control. I was lucky enough to pick one up at a Hospice shop for $5 - it clearly had never been played with. It's also very handsome with its mahogony brown paintjob which gleams red in the sunlight.

 

[YULitle]

I'd love to get my hands on a Prince God's racquet.

 

[Bud]

Supply and demand and 20/20 . NO one knew Head will be making crappy frames since 2000.

It was more than5 years ago that sports authority etc.. were discounting them.



It is called Diamond in the rough.



One of the biggest mistakes I have done is not buy out all the inventory of the Chinese PT280 for $50.

I think the Head Radical Tour (yellow/black) made in China was also discounted at Big 5 a few years ago for about $50.

I have a Head Radical Tour (bumblebee OS)... that just says Head and below that 'Austria'... not 'Made in Austria... or 'Designed in Austria'.

 

[Bud]

The Prince Classic was silver aluminum with a green throat. The Prince Pro was black aluminum with a black throat.

Man, that Prince Classic was crazy popular when it was introduced. I specifically remember all the old ladies playing with one.

 

[Virginia]

I believe you. I checked the auction site that rhymns with Fleabay last night and there is a used Prestige Pro racquet that is in a 9.5 condition going for $420 and there is still 3 days left on the auction. Why is the "Made in Austria" Prestige Pro so much more costly than the "Made in Austria" Prestige Classic 600? Do they feel similar at all? I was told the Prestige Pro feels better than the Prestige Classic 600.

There is a seller on that auction site now who has sold eight original Prestige Pros in the recent past and there are two more listed now - that's a total of TEN original Prestiges. The buy now price is $129 or thereabouts.

This seems very suspicious to me - there is just a picture of the racquet in the listing, not an actual photo. Is it really possible that someone could have that many brand new Prestige originals? I don't think so.

What say you Prestige experts?

 

[rorschack]

When I get a chance, I'll take and post some fresh photo of the Prestige Pro (special one with mysterious signature), another "regular" Prestige Pro and two Prestige Pro 600 (red fading to brown), so you guys can drool! I got these from a nice guy in Poland a while ago.

Bonus, I'll also post pic of my PT280 and PT630 collection. But I know Chaho, VSBabolat, Onyx, and a few others would kick my arse with their collections.

 

[VGP]

I'd love to get my hands on a Prince God's racquet.

Do you think that the Prince God racket would be better strung using a two-point or six-point mounting system stringing machine?



.....and what's the recommended tension range with that thing?



HA!