The HEAD Prestige Tour is one of the most revered models in the Prestige series, known for its blend of precision, control, and feel. Designed for advanced and professional players, the Prestige Tour is aimed at those who prioritize stability and control over raw power.
This racquet is a refined choice for those who possess a developed technique and seek ultimate performance on the court. In this HEAD Prestige Tour Review, we’ll explore its key features, on-court performance, pros and cons, and compare it with similar racquets in the market.
Graphene Touch Technology
The HEAD Prestige Tour features Graphene Touch technology, which enhances stability and comfort. Graphene, one of the strongest and lightest materials known, helps optimize weight distribution throughout the frame, improving both power and maneuverability. Touch technology significantly reduces vibrations, providing a smoother, more comfortable feel, even during off-center hits. This makes the racquet a great choice for players who want both precision and a reduction in arm fatigue during long matches.
Weight and Balance
The Prestige Tour weighs in at around 11.6 ounces (330 grams) when unstrung, offering a medium-to-heavy weight that provides excellent stability and control. The head-light balance gives the racquet superior maneuverability, which is essential for fast exchanges at the net and quick transitions between shots. The head-light configuration also aids in reducing wrist and elbow strain, providing more comfort for players who tend to generate their own power with clean strokes.
With a head-light balance, the Prestige Tour is ideal for players who prefer a racquet that responds quickly to changes in direction, while still maintaining stability during high-speed exchanges. This feature is crucial for players who want to move easily from one shot to another without losing control.
Head Size and String Pattern
The HEAD Prestige Tour features a 98 square inch head size, which is slightly smaller than many modern racquets. This size is ideal for players who value precision over power, offering a tighter sweet spot. While the smaller head size may feel less forgiving on off-center hits, it provides better feel and ball feedback.
The 18x20 string pattern of the Prestige Tour enhances control and offers a more solid hit. However, this dense string pattern slightly limits spin generation, making it more suitable for players who have the skill to generate their own spin and control the trajectory of the ball. This string pattern helps in providing direct ball control while maintaining consistency throughout the match.
Frame Construction
The Graphene Touch material used in the Prestige Tour ensures that the frame is not only stable but also durable. The combination of Graphene and high-quality graphite creates a solid structure that absorbs shock and minimizes unwanted vibrations. The frame provides excellent stability and feel during all kinds of shots, from power serves to touch volleys at the net.
The classic beam design and traditional oval head shape maintain the heritage of the Prestige series while incorporating the latest material technologies for an improved playing experience. This racquet offers solid contact and excellent feedback on every shot.
Grip and Comfort
The Hydrosorb Pro grip included with the Prestige Tour ensures a comfortable feel in hand. The grip is designed to absorb moisture and reduce sweat buildup, providing a firm and secure hold during extended play. Additionally, the cushioned feel of the grip helps absorb shocks, reducing the strain on the player’s hands and forearms.
Graphene Touch technology works in tandem with the grip to provide a smooth feel, reducing vibrations that can otherwise cause discomfort during play. For players with a history of arm or wrist issues, this combination of technologies offers a significant improvement in comfort over traditional racquets.
HEAD Prestige Tour Racquet - Performance on the Court
Groundstrokes
On the ground, the Prestige Tour excels in providing exceptional control and precision. The 98 square inch head and dense 18x20 string pattern allow players to place shots with pinpoint accuracy. Whether you’re hitting a deep cross-court shot or a sharp angle, the Prestige Tour delivers consistent performance with a solid feel.
The racquet's Graphene Touch technology helps dampen unwanted vibrations, making groundstrokes feel smooth and controlled. Although it may lack the raw power of some other racquets, the Prestige Tour rewards players who focus on timing, placement, and consistency. Its head-light balance allows for quick reactions and changes in direction, helping players navigate fast-paced rallies.
Serves
The Prestige Tour provides a great level of control and placement on serves. The head-light balance makes it easier to execute both flat and kick serves, offering accuracy to place the ball in difficult areas of the service box. The Graphene Touch technology enhances comfort during serve execution, reducing shock on the arm and enabling a more fluid motion.
However, the Prestige Tour may not generate as much raw power as racquets with a larger head size or stiffer frame. While it excels in placement, players who rely on serving for sheer power may find this racquet slightly lacking. Still, it is an excellent choice for players who want to focus on precision serving.
Volleys
The Prestige Tour is a fantastic racquet for volleys, thanks to its head-light balance and solid feel at contact. Its quick maneuverability allows players to get into position for volleys with ease. Whether you are at the net executing sharp angle volleys or defending against a hard shot, the Prestige Tour offers excellent control and stability. Its solid frame construction ensures that off-center hits do not disrupt your game.
Players who frequently play at the net will appreciate the maneuverability and control provided by the Prestige Tour. The Graphene Touch technology works in harmony with the racquet's overall design to provide a comfortable feel and reduce vibrations, which can be crucial during fast-paced exchanges.
Spin Potential
With its 18x20 string pattern, the Prestige Tour does not generate as much spin as other racquets with more open patterns, such as the Babolat Pure Drive or the Wilson Blade. However, players with a strong technique can still generate ample spin, especially on serves or with well-executed topspin forehands.
While spin might not be the primary strength of the Prestige Tour, its control and precision make it a great option for players who focus on placement and hitting with accuracy. Players who are looking for a more spin-oriented racquet may want to explore other models in the HEAD range or racquets with a more open string pattern.
Comfort
The Graphene Touch technology makes the Prestige Tour a very comfortable racquet to play with. The combination of Graphene and Hydrosorb Pro grip reduces vibrations, making the racquet feel smooth and comfortable even during extended rallies. The head-light balance and stable frame provide a comfortable experience on the arm, even during high-stress strokes like serves or volleys.
For players concerned with arm fatigue or discomfort, the Prestige Tour offers a comfortable and responsive option. It minimizes shock, which can reduce the risk of injury during long matches.
HEAD Prestige Tour - Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent Control and Precision: The small head size and tight string pattern offer outstanding control and shot placement.
- Graphene Touch Technology: Reduces vibrations and enhances comfort, making the racquet comfortable for extended play.
- Head-Light Balance: Provides excellent maneuverability, ideal for quick exchanges and net play.
- Solid Feel: Offers superb stability and feedback on all shots, even off-center hits.
- Comfortable Grip: The Hydrosorb Pro grip absorbs moisture and provides a cushioned feel.
Cons:
- Limited Power: While offering superb control, the Prestige Tour may not generate as much power as other racquets with larger head sizes or stiffer frames.
- Reduced Spin Generation: The dense 18x20 string pattern limits spin potential, making it less suitable for players who prioritize spin.
- Not Ideal for Beginners: Due to its control-oriented design, this racquet is best suited for intermediate and advanced players.
- Smaller Head Size: The 98 square inch head size may feel less forgiving for players who prefer a larger sweet spot.
HEAD Prestige Tour Racquet - Comparison with Similar Racquets
Wilson Blade 98
The Wilson Blade 98 shares some similarities with the HEAD Prestige Tour, especially in terms of control and precision. Both racquets feature a 98 square inch head size and a relatively dense string pattern. However, the Blade 98 tends to offer a bit more power and spin potential due to its slightly more open string pattern. It is also slightly more forgiving on off-center hits, making it a better choice for players who need a little more margin for error.
The Prestige Tour, on the other hand, excels in stability and feel. It provides a firmer, more controlled response, which appeals to players with excellent technique who want a more precise racquet.
Babolat Pure Strike 98
The Babolat Pure Strike 98 offers more power and spin potential than the Prestige Tour, thanks to its **16x
19 string pattern** and slightly stiffer frame. The Pure Strike 98 is a great option for players looking to generate more power and spin, but it sacrifices some of the control and feel that the Prestige Tour offers.
Yonex VCORE Pro 97
The Yonex VCORE Pro 97 is another racquet in the same category as the Prestige Tour. Both offer exceptional control, but the VCORE Pro 97 provides a more forgiving feel and a slightly larger sweet spot. It also offers a bit more spin potential due to its 16x19 string pattern, making it a better option for players who rely on spin in their game.
HEAD Prestige Tour Racquet Review - FAQ
1. Is the HEAD Prestige Tour good for beginners?
No, the Prestige Tour is designed for intermediate to advanced players. Its smaller head size and dense string pattern make it more suitable for players who already have developed technique and are looking for control and precision.
2. Does the HEAD Prestige Tour offer a lot of power?
The Prestige Tour is not designed for power; it prioritizes control and precision. While it provides excellent feedback and stability, players must generate their own power through technique.
3. Can the HEAD Prestige Tour generate spin?
Due to its 18x20 string pattern, the Prestige Tour does not generate as much spin as more open string patterns. However, skilled players can still generate spin, particularly on serves and topspin shots.
4. How does the HEAD Prestige Tour feel on the arm?
The Graphene Touch technology significantly reduces vibrations, making the Prestige Tour a comfortable racquet for the arm. It absorbs shock, providing a smooth and responsive feel during extended rallies.
5. Who should use the HEAD Prestige Tour?
The Prestige Tour is ideal for advanced players who prioritize control and feel over power. It's perfect for players with excellent technique who want to fine-tune their shot placement and precision.
Conclusion
The HEAD Prestige Tour is a high-performance racquet that excels in control, precision, and feel. While it may not offer the same level of power or spin as some other racquets, it’s an excellent choice for advanced players who prioritize shot placement and stability. If you’re a player who thrives on precision and wants a racquet that responds well to your technique, the Prestige Tour is a top-tier option that won’t disappoint.