An Era Redefined
No many rackets have the same history as the Head Prestige. 16 times this model has been re-interpreted, during its 35 illustrious years in the game with an unwavering degree of dependability and reliability.
Within that time, the frame has helped introduce new innovative technologies. TWARON material used in the first model launched in 1987 helped reduce vibrations making it one of the world’s most protecting rackets on the market. The 1993 Prestige Tour 660 sported a patented suspension grip further reducing vibrations. In 2004 Liquid Metal Prestige Mid and Midplus were the only rackets using the patented TwinTube Technology and Total Sweetspot Constructions Rims (TCS) to help increase precision and in 2014 Graphene was introduced to enhance energy transfer and increasing flex and feel on the ball. With every new innovation, Head, as Prestige players may well testify, maintained true to their raison d’etre of consistent precision.
So what of the latest product out of Prestige labs?
The 2023 Head Prestige Pro Tour is the successor to the Prestige MP. It too features an 18x20 string pattern coupled with a 320g frame, helping to deliver that predictable pinpoint control. It also lays claim to its own pioneering milestone. Head, in collaboration with two British scientists has introduced Auxentic material to the frame . Named after the Greek word 'auxetos', which means 'that which grows', Auxetic material is unique in that when stretched along the length it becomes fatter and when compressed, thinner. Its the same material used to protect nuclear reactors. Go figure!. It is the first time that a tennis manufacturer has used Auxetic construction to make a racquet. The upshot for players is even greater vibration dampening and energy absorption - non science speak that equates to even more feel, more control and precision. You get the feeling Head really don’t want you to ever have a shot called out ever again.
As you might expect with a racket that has placed so much emphasis on control you forfeit in power, so to unlock a little bit of punch and bite to your shots, we’d recommend this racket to more advanced players. The weight of the racket forces you to commit to the full stroke on each of the shots, upping the power stakes. The stiffness and swing-weight also naturally favours those who like to batter their opponents form the baseline into rally submission, again something for more skilled players to consider.
Now, caveat alert, when we picked up the racket to review, it was the first time we’d played with a Head prestige. I’ve played county level and found all of the above to be true, but for a racket with so much history, BAGEL felt we needed to put the racket in the hands of someone with personal experience of the frame’s history. Luckily, we were joined by long standing Head Prestige player, artist and designer David Lieske, who could give us a more intimate point of view of a racket so entrenched in the sports legacy.
David Lieske
“A defining character trait of my astrological sign (Taurus) is loyalty.
Never have I believed in looking left and right too much but rather in radical commitment. For the past ten years, this behaviour pattern has been precisely reflected in my tennis racket journey.
I have exclusively played Head rackets and went from the Gravity to the Speed model until I was introduced to the Prestige MP four years ago by my dear doubles partner and racket Oracle Milan Ther.
The Prestige racket turned out to be a tricky one. At first, it seemed like it had a life of its own and was rather playing me than the other way around. But for some strange reason, my instinct was that its sharp and unforgiving nature matched my own personality almost too well.
“It seemed like with time and an open mind we would become inseparable”.
I struggled for almost an entire year to unlock its secrets but stayed with it, invested the time, and was rewarded manifold. We went through the trenches together and fought many bloody battles successfully side by side.
As I picked up The Prestige Pro Tour for the first time I felt like I was still holding my most beloved court weapon but that it had been secretly enchanted and now appeared with a dark purple halo made of quantum energy magic around its precious shape.
This racket is truly everything any Prestige player could dream of.
“It will simply give you a plus three on every shot you are already familiar with. “
Be its loyal and devoted comrade as it unlocks a new level of baseline power, volleys as you didn’t know you could, and slices like Fontana!
PS: As Milan would say "58 is the magic number" a PT57A for everyone!
SPECIFICATIONS
RRP: £260 / Tennis-point.co.uk
Head size: 630 cm2
Weight: 320 g
Balance: 310 mm
String pattern: 18/20
