Why is it so hard to break up with the Prestige MP?

[ultradr]

I don't personally know anyone below 5.0 that uses a Prestige.

Most of the people that I know hit with a Pure Drive Tours. Some play with stiff Dunlop Biomemetic frames. The folks that I personally see that play the best gravitate towards players frames, whether flexible or stiff. The RF97 is in there too. That's stiff and heavy and I've heard that it's not an easy frame to use.

One of the other reasons for using the older Prestiges is if you have or have had arm problems. Many TTW players that have had arm problems wander into the huge Redondo thread. I did when I had arm problems with the KPS88 and it's great for your arm but it has no power stock. It's great if you have really flat strokes and can play a precision game but most people like lots of power. So that huge thread became a discussion about how to get more power out of it. I think that the vast majority have moved on from the Redondo as more and more people adopt the modern game. I probably would have done well had I added lead to it and counter-weighted it but I wasn't really all that good at it. The old Prestiges were quite similar to the Redondo MP - very flexible frames.

Let's look at some excerpts from the description from Tennis Warehouse:


With its dense 18x20 string pattern and thin 21mm beam, this version of the Prestige Midplus retains that familiar blend of control and feel that has attracted generations of experienced players.

... but this racquet's essence is all about control.

The firm and low powered response should keep your biggest, most powerful strokes inside the lines.

Although this is no spin demon, topspin players should find it fast enough to whip up sufficient ball rotation.

At net, clean contact is required, and it delivers a surgical response.

Finally, this racquet's low powered precision should allow aggressive servers to work every nook & cranny of the box.

Although there is still more work to be done, this stick should work very well for experienced players looking for maximum control.


The vast majority of people that I play with or know play tennis want more power with less effort. I want that as well - I want to be able to hit winners, hit with lots of topspin, dictate points, be able to hit back high backhands with pace and spin, etc. Describing a racquet in a way that doesn't give you power and spin probably isn't good for sales, particularly for younger players.

Good good description of people who can't seem to get away from Prestige.

I did have wrist problem. and I use full gut bed. extra protection occasionally with wrist band playing tennis (although my original wrist injury wasn't from tennis).
and i'm hooked on that control superbness.

But 10+ years ago. Prestige was lower middle tier in terms of stiffness (and also for power/ease of playing, with the MidPlus version).
Now it is like at the bottom of groups in terms of stiffness, power and ease of playing...

and surface/string/balls changed. everybody drives up top spins from baseline, even in doubles...

 

[Pleb123]

Yeah that's what Ive found the Prestige MP is sooooo well behaved and neutral that one has to play aggressive with it. It's great for that. It is super predictable so if you are like me and a big serve and returner it lets you dictate if you start out dictating. Ive since moved onto the Angell TC95 which is similar but has far more power on tap though similar levels of control.

The pro stock PT57's are more flexy than current prestige MP's and work differently than the tinnier graphenes... wish they would make an open patter pt57 mp available with sub 60 ra ... making the prestige mp stiffer was the wrong direction.

You might find something close to what you are looking for in the TFight 315 Ltd with 16M

 

[Lex]

I just picked up a brand new Youtek Prestige Mid on the big auction site. Just to play around with it!!

Breaking up is so hard to do...

 

[Joonas]

...Breaking up is so hard to do... indeed. I took my Prestige to the clay court today and boy it felt so good. Warm up so solid, intensity and power in ground strokes. Warm up serves so effortlessly heavy, volleys so solid and easy. Ball just explodes out of stringed with confidence and control. I thought why I ever even thought of leaving not to mention that I actually did it.

And then I find myself 4-1 down. Easy mistakes too many. Double faults and the stupid stuff. Took my leaded up Pure Strike and climbed to 4-3. Well then I just went to lose the set. Second set tried again with Prestige but got beaten.

Fair enough I didn't allow myself to adjust long enough. But when rushed the darker side of Prestige emerged. I was not in shape enough for it. Now I am asking myself should I shape up for it? I have been there (always) so I know I can. But will I still play better or with it or not? This is the thing.

The stringed is so uniform and solid. The power is so great. To big degree because I don't need to hold back. But then again balls bounce bit less than with Pure Strike. It is not a problem with flat hard winners but I can't expect to hit a winner very shot, can I?

Damn, it feels like trying to quit smoking. It just pulls you back and feels so good and rewarding... Third world problems I know, but this is what the thread is about isn't it? Maybe I take my Flexpoint for spin as it is just a bit lighter...

 

[movdqa]

.
Fair enough I didn't allow myself to adjust long enough. But when rushed the darker side of Prestige emerged. I was not in shape enough for it. Now I am asking myself should I shape up for it? I have been there (always) so I know I can. But will I still play better or with it or not? This is the thing..

Should you shape up for it?

There is no downside. If you get into better shape, you'll have a better game, whether you decide to use the Prestige or something else.

 

[NLBwell]

Because it is one of the best rackets ever made.

 

[Joonas]

Should you shape up for it?

There is no downside. If you get into better shape, you'll have a better game, whether you decide to use the Prestige or something else.

I have rather shapen down from it just during last few months. I should probably rather use word "re-adjust" than "shapen" to it again. I am actually playing more hours per week than before. My physical shape for tennis is better than for long.

Of course at 42 years you can and should always improve your physics. But my question remains: Will I end up playing better (resultwise) with Prestige than with something bit more spin friendly? Mind you that Pure Strike is very traditional frame if you compare to APDs or even PDs. And it plays with more flex than Prestige. But it lacks the unique firmness and solidness of the Prestige (regardless of iteration if weight and swing weight are about the same).

 

[movdqa]

I have rather shapen down from it just during last few months. I should probably rather use word "re-adjust" than "shapen" to it again. I am actually playing more hours per week than before. My physical shape for tennis is better than for long.

Of course at 42 years you can and should always improve your physics. But my question remains: Will I end up playing better (resultwise) with Prestige than with something bit more spin friendly? Mind you that Pure Strike is very traditional frame if you compare to APDs or even PDs. And it plays with more flex than Prestige. But it lacks the unique firmness and solidness of the Prestige (regardless of iteration if weight and swing weight are about the same).

I'd say play with what works.

There are frames that I like to hit with and play with but they might not be the frames that I win more matches with. Comfort is a factor here too. If my arm is injured, then I can't play at all. I play a modern spin game today with the Prestige MP (YT or IG) but they're leaded up so that they hit with an absolute ton of power.

 

[SumYungGai]

For me it's def because it's a 95. It was the first racquet I felt completely comfortable with after using the PS 90. It's so solid on everything and I never feel tentative with it.

 

[movdqa]

For me it's def because it's a 95. It was the first racquet I felt completely comfortable with after using the PS 90. It's so solid on everything and I never feel tentative with it.

The Prestige was my transition from 90 sq in frames as well. I played with the Redondo Mid, K90 and KPS88 and mids were getting harder and harder to find and lots of folks were telling me about the benefits of a larger headsize. The adjustment wasn't trivial - I loved it on the forehand and on serves but it was very hard to get comfortable on the one-handed backhand given less precision but I eventually changed my backhand stroke to be looser with more topspin and am comfortable with it now. I think that this is a common problem with folks with 1HBHs going to larger frames.

 

[ultradr]

The stringed is so uniform and solid.

For me, this is my main reason why I struggle to leave.

I'm not sure what it is but I feel the stringbed is uniform compared to others.

I know it's 18x20 very concentrated in the middle....

 

[mrravioli]

Ordered a Graphene Prestige MP - on the way back (to the darkphene side though).

 

[George-415]

Hey guys,

Thinking about changing too, have any of you played with the yonex ezone dr 98? Read the reviews and it seem kinda appetizing.

 

[donnayblack99]

Any comparison between the new XT Graphene Prestige Pro and the Pro Staff 75 (non RF) or the Prince Tour 100 16x18 or 18x20? On paper the PS 97 and Prestige Pro like like twins... I'm looking for more pop in a stick around 12oz. I currently use Prince Tour 100 18x20s... love the comfort but plow and power is very low.

 

[Lex]

I tried the DR98 and really wanted to like it. It has a little flex in the upper hoop. Loved everything except the forehand. Volleys were magical. I like the DR100 better. It's more similar to the Graphene XT Extreme Pro that I was trying out.

Hey guys,

Thinking about changing too, have any of you played with the yonex ezone dr 98? Read the reviews and it seem kinda appetizing.

 

[George-415]

I tried the DR98 and really wanted to like it. It has a little flex in the upper hoop. Loved everything except the forehand. Volleys were magical. I like the DR100 better. It's more similar to the Graphene XT Extreme Pro that I was trying out.

Thanks

 

[JoshuaP6TC]

Totally agree with the positive statements over prestige, I just had it and played for two sets doubles in our club. I did not win maybe because it's still on break in period from being used to speed mp but I know in myself that this racquet is more than I expect a few plays and I can manage this one. I also think that even tho the racquet weighs kinda heavy opposed to other racquet by head when you swing this one it's really light for me...but the crazy thing which also dealt with my game a while ago is the string that is put in here since I bought this as used but in very good condition so the string setup seems to be a two cheap round poly hybrid with a huge tension dropped which send the balls out even if I have the proper timing, aim, placement etc it seems overpowered so I will just play with the string setup, thinking of rip control and a multi hybrid and I think I can unleash the beast in this weapon.

 

[JoshuaP6TC]

Guys just an update about my reply, damn it seems that I just realeased the dragon in this racket the thing is that I still need to make sure that he will be good to me. guess what I just won the first 2 sets in our doubles and I think that I still need to get use to this racquet so that I can have the 100% out of it, I'm a topspinner and always brushing up the ball in fh side w/ flat 2h bh but the topspin game didn't work for me so what I did is kind of imitating gilles simon fh swing which most of us knows to be flat w/ a lil topspin on it and boom, I guess I will stick to that kind of forehand and improve it be having some help from a friend that will act as feeder, flat 2h bh in this one is not a problem if you'll having mistakes on it that was your error or you have an opponent who can just rally so good, my string setup is lux alu power rough 16L at 45 and head master multi 16g at 50, I am so glad that I have this one as others says that if it didn't fit your game you are not good enough so it means that I'm good Lol.

 

[movdqa]

Add lead tape if you want to play a topspin game with it.

 

[JoshuaP6TC]

Add lead tape if you want to play a topspin game with it.

Thanks for the suggestion sir but yeah I'm still on the break in period from this one as this is is my 2nd day to use this prestige as I was using babolat pd 2012 standard then moved to ig speed mp but I find those racquets be powerful but less control so bumped into this ig prestige mp, I will try sir after I get used to this kind of game...Thanks.

 

[Joonas]

Graphene is polarized enough to make my topspin jump like 16x19. So is iPrestige also. I get best results with stringing quite low. 21kg with BigHitter Silver or 22kg with Alu.

Just to be clear. Spin is not a problem with Prestige MP and more so if you have sw +330.

 

[Backhanded Compliment]

You might find something close to what you are looking for in the TFight 315 Ltd with 16M

Now using the superlative Angell TC95 RA63 (RA58 strung +grip) The stick is not like a prestige at all other than it has control, full review here: http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/angell-tc95-16x19-flexy-shakedown.553138/

basically rather than try to replicate the prestige Ive moved onto something completely different and the TC95 is a special stick.

 

[mrravioli]

The great sentiment about Prestige is that, from time to time, I think 'alright, enough, this bat is simply too much for me'. Then months later, I begin to miss it. Bring it to court again and talk to myself 'WTH man! Why you've ever left it in the first place? Sorry babby I'll never leave you again!'

 

[JoshuaP6TC]

The great sentiment about Prestige is that, from time to time, I think 'alright, enough, this bat is simply too much for me'. Then months later, I begin to miss it. Bring it to court again and talk to myself 'WTH man! Why you've ever left it in the first place? Sorry babby I'll never leave you again!'

Lol! Haha this! It's something like you want to play everyday just to use it, Sad thing is that you have a job.

 

[Joonas]

The great sentiment about Prestige is that, from time to time, I think 'alright, enough, this bat is simply too much for me'. Then months later, I begin to miss it. Bring it to court again and talk to myself 'WTH man! Why you've ever left it in the first place? Sorry babby I'll never leave you again!'

I echo this.

I have said it before and even if for some it doesnt make any sense but when I go to an easier stick I gradually start losing my form or getting lazy. Even if I realize it I think sub conciously I start preparing worse and not moving to the ball with high intensity. This is weird but has happened so many times that there is no question about it. Perhaps this is something I need to work consitently. Or keep on rocking Prestige and do the work.

 

[mrravioli]

Graphene Prestige MP is dirtily sweet. I was scared by all the malocious comments on it. So stupid!

 

[Alex78]

I'm hitting with so many different sticks but when you hit the ball well, the Prestige gives such a great feedback, it's addictive...

 

[nadalito92]

Sorry to hijack thread, my inquiry es about the Pro version of the Youtek IG Prestiges. I broke my PS97 accidentally and a couple of the YIG Prestiges are for sale. Looking at the specs it looks almost identical to the PS97. What can you folks tell me about that stick?

 

[Ozellman]

Any comparison between the new XT Graphene Prestige Pro and the Pro Staff 75 (non RF) or the Prince Tour 100 16x18 or 18x20? On paper the PS 97 and Prestige Pro like like twins... I'm looking for more pop in a stick around 12oz. I currently use Prince Tour 100 18x20s... love the comfort but plow and power is very low.

As I discovered a couple of months ago that I could play without pain with the PS97, I decided to make a switch from the TGT293.1 (pro stock IG Prestige, causing me wrist pain) and the GXT Radical Pro (causing shoulder pain due to stiffness). I have played a lot with the PS97 by now, probably between 60 and 80 hours, and while I was happy with the absence of pain, I couldn't really get my forehand and serve to work the way I want them to. Having sold almost all of my racquets I got to my local dealer and bought a GXT Prestige Pro. I haven't tried that model before but I have owned and sold the GPP, GPMP and GXPMP. IMO, the GXTPP is superior to the PS97 in all departments. It's got a much sweeter feel upon contact, it's faster to swing despite having about 4 points higher SW (my samples measured on a Babolat RDC) and it's more maneuverable. Control, spin and pop, to me everything is better with the GXTPP compared to the PS97. I don't seem to get any shoulder or wrist pain and my FH and serve is coming back to where I want them to be with this frame. And the feel is much improved compared to the previous version to the degree that I regret that I didn't demo this model when it came out. Basically 6 months and a bucket of money worth of racquet struggles wasted...

 

[DonDiego]

I've been on a severe racquetholism relapse these few weeks, and after many disapointing trials, and hundreds of dollars wasted, I picked up my friend's IG Prestige mp just to get a glimpse of what it was like playing with these. Oh man... when you go for your shots with this stick, the feedback is phenomenal. I think you need a lot of exeprience, in tennis as well as in playing with Prestiges and many other sticks, to really appreciate this unique offering. What came back to me in the most vivid manner was: this frame is a servant. It has no purpose of its own, it's here to serve you. It's not gonna hit winners for you - not even let you hit the ball across the net- if you're out of position with sloppy footwork. But it won't neither spray a ball long for no reason. Whatever you put in, your get out. The kind of racquet that keeps you honest. You don't feel like giving 100% on your footwork? Though luck, you'll lose 0 and 0. You're ready to fight for every point? You'll come out the court feeling like a hero, with so many winners you lost count after the first set.

I'm back on this train.

 

[movdqa]

You can get all the power you want with lead tape but you have to be able to swing it.

 

[DonDiego]

You can get all the power you want with lead tape but you have to be able to swing it.

No lead tape, just hips and shoulder rotation, push from the legs, and good timing.

 

[RVAtennisaddict]

I am a 44 yo 3.5 to 4.0 player with an aggressive baseline game. I have struggled with same issues between RF Auto97 which I used for 6 months and loved, and now my PureStrike 18x20. I want to love the RF Auto97 and when I decided it was too heavy, I was going to get a Prestige XT Pro. But before I did, I demo'ed the older 18x20 PureStrike. And while I don't love it, I definitely play better with it.

Now comes Christmas, and I am torn. Buy another 1 to 2 of the old PureStrikes, get a Prestige XT MP (I am a 18x20 convert now) or wait and demo the new 18x20 PureStrikes due out in the springs (though the paint job sucks).

HELP!

 

[n8dawg6]

I am a 44 yo 3.5 to 4.0 player with an aggressive baseline game. I have struggled with same issues between RF Auto97 which I used for 6 months and loved, and now my PureStrike 18x20. I want to love the RF Auto97 and when I decided it was too heavy, I was going to get a Prestige XT Pro. But before I did, I demo'ed the older 18x20 PureStrike. And while I don't love it, I definitely play better with it.

Now comes Christmas, and I am torn. Buy another 1 to 2 of the old PureStrikes, get a Prestige XT MP (I am a 18x20 convert now) or wait and demo the new 18x20 PureStrikes due out in the springs (though the paint job sucks).

HELP!

have you given the speed pro a whirl?

 

[robby c]

Prestige Tour 660 Midplus from the 90's. Everything you love about the 98 Midplus, but with a little extra.

 

[RVAtennisaddict]

have you given the speed pro a whirl?

My usual hitting partner is going to speed pro soon. I have hit with it briefly, and liked it, but not 100$ more than I like the babalot pure strike 18x20. But I would like just a little more weight/plow through for when I play better players, and need it. Conversely, I know that I will need earlier racket prep/better footwork to compensate for the mass.

And for the record, I keep going back to the RF PS97Auto, but I have really grown accustomed to the 18x20 string pattern and love it... at least in the purestrike. So I will hit with the prostaff for a set- definite heavier balls though with less spin and the racket doesn't get pushed around. But it takes more effort - not to swing, but to be set up to swing.

 

[movdqa]

No lead tape, just hips and shoulder rotation, push from the legs, and good timing.

Personally I like the easy power from lead tape. You can hit open stance, closed stance, hit from out of position without the right leverage, etc. All of the Pro Stocks that I have (except for those that were stripped) have a generous amount of lead tape added. In the case of the Prestige MPs, 10-15 grams from 10:00 to 2:00. It really gets the swingweight up there.

 

[Ville]

This thread will never get old. A little update on my addiction.

Since my last writing from last July i have tried new racket. I bought Youtek IG Radical MP (the cool limited black version was in sale). Well i liked it a lot. I've tried different setups and strings, because in stock form it is too light. It really hits nicely! Good easy access to power, solid on volleys, enough pop in serves and good accuracy. You can easily whip the ball on the run.

All that said...

I tried XT Prestige MP and i was expecting for some terrible experience because of the trashing in this forum, but i loved it! I feel the Prestige fever... Sure, it was low SW and i really had to concentrate on every hit and wing it to get power, but my god how the control and angels were good. You can rip as hard as you like and the shots just drop in. I'l try it again today with good hard hitting player.

I echo this.

I have said it before and even if for some it doesnt make any sense but when I go to an easier stick I gradually start losing my form or getting lazy. Even if I realize it I think sub conciously I start preparing worse and not moving to the ball with high intensity. This is weird but has happened so many times that there is no question about it. Perhaps this is something I need to work consitently. Or keep on rocking Prestige and do the work.

THIS! This is what has happened to me over and over again with many different rackets. Why i bother. I just might go back to Prestige.

 

[movdqa]

I tried XT Prestige MP and i was expecting for some terrible experience because of the trashing in this forum, but i loved it! I feel the Prestige fever... Sure, it was low SW and i really had to concentrate on every hit and wing it to get power, but my god how the control and angels were good. You can rip as hard as you like and the shots just drop in. I'l try it again today with good hard hitting player.

You can lead up the Prestige (any of them) and turn it into a powerful monster.

If I hit out on flat shots with min, the ball will go into the back fence so I have to hit with topspin or hit with an abbreviate stroke. Fundamentals still have to be sound though.

I've been using the same IG Prestiges since around early 2012. I've hit a few with my YT Prestiges as experiments and when all of my IGs were at the stringer, and I participated in the RF97 playtest. BTW, I do like the RF97 but I prefer the control-oriented stringbed of the Prestige better. My Prestiges are also XL and that's very hard to do in the RF97 or most racquets. I think that I'd like the IG Radical as well. I played with a YT Radical for a short period of time ages ago and I liked the frame overall.

 

[Ville]

You can lead up the Prestige (any of them) and turn it into a powerful monster.

If I hit out on flat shots with min, the ball will go into the back fence so I have to hit with topspin or hit with an abbreviate stroke. Fundamentals still have to be sound though.

So true. And that's what i was thinking about lead tape. What if i just add overgrip and little bit of lead at 12 o,clock. I should get my kind of racket out of it.

Like i said. I really liked XT Prestige MP. What has kept me out of the racket is the horrible reviews i've read from users. My mistake. I do understand people liking old Prestige vs new Prestige, but it has gone a bit too far. They are not the same but i still get the Prestige performance. And what i've seen from 5.0+ players, it's about the hitter. The feeling of course is matter of opinion.

I tried the XTPMP with Sonic Pro strings and today i'll try with hybrid(RS Lyon/Syn Gut).

I would like to hear about XT Prestige MP feedback from people who have used them for a while ? I've read so many "it's garbage"-, "it's not Prestige" -reviews, so maybe not those.

 

[movdqa]

So true. And that's what i was thinking about lead tape. What if i just add overgrip and little bit of lead at 12 o,clock. I should get my kind of racket out of it.

Like i said. I really liked XT Prestige MP. What has kept me out of the racket is the horrible reviews i've read from users. My mistake. I do understand people liking old Prestige vs new Prestige, but it has gone a bit too far. They are not the same but i still get the Prestige performance. And what i've seen from 5.0+ players, it's about the hitter. The feeling of course is matter of opinion.

I tried the XTPMP with Sonic Pro strings and today i'll try with hybrid(RS Lyon/Syn Gut).

I would like to hear about XT Prestige MP feedback from people who have used them for a while ? I've read so many "it's garbage"-, "it's not Prestige" -reviews, so maybe not those.

The impression that I get on the Prestige wars is that the old-school players like the flatter precision strokes with a non-polarized setup while modern players prefer polarized. I made the transition about ten years ago from flat to topspin shots so I would likely prefer the newer frames to the older frames but you could probably get the old-school feel with lead tape at 3/9 with the lighter models. My IG Prestiges are customized to a polarized setup so they would feel more like the newer stuff than the older stuff.

You can't please everyone in stock form but the market appears to be going towards polarized and that's where the racquet companies have to sell to. The old-school players can still get platform frames and modify them.

 

[Joonas]

I have had more than half a year with 305g rackets now. Pure Strike and SV98. There has been some good but but I felt I have lost some depth with this light weight. It happens more in matches than rallies though.

My current racket is Pure Aero VS (Aero Storm). In stock form it is severely underpowered - read under weighted. But having brought it up from 295 to 310 it started to deliver. There is some nice similarities to a Prestige with control but still it is a bit easier package. As 16x20 and 98" the string bed is not that much more open than the one of Prestige but enough to give bit higher launch angle and bit more spin.

Let's see if I will wander back to Prestige...

 

[Jose SA]

I'm struggling with the same issue.
I have 5 IG Prestige MP Anniversary Ed's that I LOVE!

I've tried Yonex DR98, DR100, Pure Drive,Head Extreme Pro, etc.

I wish there was an 18x20 tweener.

Hi Lex...have you tried the XT Graphene Prestige MP? How would you compared to the Youte IGs? I have been using IG Prestige Pro for a few years, but never tried the MP. Specs wise, I think it could be better for my game. I really like the fell of IG Prestige Pro, but not sure in getting the IG version of MP, or the XT Graphene one.

Thanks.

 

[coolschreiber]

Hi Lex...have you tried the XT Graphene Prestige MP? How would you compared to the Youte IGs? I have been using IG Prestige Pro for a few years, but never tried the MP. Specs wise, I think it could be better for my game. I really like the fell of IG Prestige Pro, but not sure in getting the IG version of MP, or the XT Graphene one.

Thanks.

I use the IG prestige MP and have not used any other version. This weekend I got a chance to hit with a friend's Graphene XT Prestige MP that he was demoing. What stood out to me was the lack of feel from the stringbed. It wasn't hollow or anything but was too muted, to the extent you barely feel the ball on the strings. I won't comment on the specs because my prestiges are leaded with leather grips. On the IG Prestige MP I love the feel because you can feel every single string roll over the ball .... literally! Lol. I find IG prestige to be perfect in the sense that it's not too stiff nor too soft, its solid. XT felt a little unstable too but again probably because it was unleaded and it would be an unfair comparison. Lastly, feel is subjective so I wouldn't be surprised if some has completely the opposite experience. Good luck!

 

[Lex]

I have tried the Graphene and Graphene XT version of the Prestige MP and didn't like either version. Both felt very metallic and "tin-like" to me.

Hi Lex...have you tried the XT Graphene Prestige MP? How would you compared to the Youte IGs? I have been using IG Prestige Pro for a few years, but never tried the MP. Specs wise, I think it could be better for my game. I really like the fell of IG Prestige Pro, but not sure in getting the IG version of MP, or the XT Graphene one.

Thanks.

 

[el sergento]

Regular league play against different opponents is the true measure of a racket.

Here's my trajectory from the past ~ 5-10 years. Countless other sticks have come and gone in between, but these are the main categories of sticks I've used.

6.1 Pro Staffs - Power and performance when on. Long run, good results but dead shoulder.

Prestiges (pros and MP's) - Amazing feel and sensations when on, power non existant, have to construct points intelligently and patiently, all court game required. But I had terrible results, especially on clay. Almost got lead poisoning modding these things not to mention the hassle of changing pallets etc.

TEC 315 ltd (Both patterns) - Amazing feel, soft plush, precise. However, even with tons of lead, nothing more than an anemic Prestige. Worse results ever. Got fat on bagels.

F 3.0 tours - Prestiges on steroids and easier to swing. More power but still require all court game to win. Results decent, back to winning ways. Better than Radicals for me.

Pure Strike 16 X 19 - Everything I ever wanted in a prestige pro but way more power. Subpar feeling and response though, otherwise very well balanced racket. Best results ever and I climbed 2 levels in ligue play this winter.

Looking at going full Babolat next. Considering an old aeropro to play around with. Strikes are nice but I want more juice on my first serves and more easy power. Shoulder will decide for me. Lighter PS/RF 97 also an option.

Anyway, all this to say that if I never kept score, I'd only ever swing a Prestige. Unfortunately, few rackets suffer more from scoreboard pressure than the Prestige.

Either way, I will always salute the warrior that shows up with one. Takes a special player to make a Prestige sing.

 

[George-415]

Sorry to say Fell in love with my prestige again changed to a hybrid setup it's just too good.

 

[DonDiego]

F 3.0 tours - Prestiges on steroids and easier to swing. More power but still require all court game to win. Results decent, back to winning ways. Better than Radicals for me.

This.
That's what I'm wielding right now. Serves are just too much work with the Prestige for me. The F3.0 is more powerful in that department, while also being more forgiving. That said, I wouldn't be surprised if I go back to the Prestige Mp at some point

 

[coolschreiber]

The venerable Prestiiiiiiige MP, I gave up..............trying to break up with it .

 

[Imago]

The venerable Prestiiiiiiige MP, I gave up..............trying to break up with it .

Cool scribe! Which one? Every next technological step is like a new line up.