The Head Pro Tour 690 is a racquet that has earned a reputation for being a solid choice among advanced and professional players. Known for its precise control, feel, and ability to provide excellent feedback on every shot, the Head Pro Tour 690 is one of the classic racquets from Head.
It combines traditional graphite construction with modern technologies to offer outstanding performance on the court. This Head Pro Tour 690 Review will take an in-depth look at the key features, performance, and why the Head Pro Tour 690 remains a popular option for players who prioritize precision and control.
The Head Pro Tour 690 comes with several features that make it a top contender for players looking for a racquet with a focus on control, stability, and comfort. Let's go over the key specifications and technologies that contribute to its outstanding performance:
Frame Construction and Material
The Head Pro Tour 690 is constructed from graphite, which ensures both durability and responsiveness. This material helps offer a solid feel while maintaining flexibility and control on the court. The frame is designed to minimize vibrations, resulting in a comfortable playing experience for players who prefer a racquet with more feedback and less shock.
Head Size
With a 93 square inch head size, the Head Pro Tour 690 is definitely on the smaller side, making it ideal for players who like a racquet that offers precision and control. While it might not generate the same power as larger head racquets, the smaller head size allows for superior feel and control, which is why it's a preferred choice for advanced players who can consistently hit the sweet spot.
Weight and Balance
The Head Pro Tour 690 weighs approximately 315 grams (unstrung), which makes it slightly lighter than the heavier models in the Pro Tour line. Despite its lighter weight, the racquet still provides excellent stability. The headlight balance ensures that the racquet is maneuverable, offering quick reactions at the net and fast racquet head speed on groundstrokes.
String Pattern
The Head Pro Tour 690 features an 18x20 string pattern, providing a tight and controlled feel. This string pattern is great for players who prefer hitting with precision rather than excessive spin. The denser pattern helps reduce the chances of overhitting and offers more control, making it ideal for aggressive players who want to place their shots accurately.
Grip and Comfort
The grip of the Head Pro Tour 690 is designed with comfort in mind, featuring a contour shape that provides a secure and ergonomic hold. The racquet also incorporates vibration-dampening technology, reducing arm strain and making it a great option for players who have concerns about tennis elbow or arm fatigue.
Head Pro Tour 690 Racquet - Performance on the Court
When it comes to on-court performance, the Head Pro Tour 690 truly shines in several key areas. Its construction and design deliver a comfortable yet highly responsive playing experience, especially for players who have solid technique and prioritize control over power.
Control and Precision
One of the standout attributes of the Head Pro Tour 690 is its exceptional control. The smaller head size, dense 18x20 string pattern, and overall solid construction make it a great racquet for players who value precision. Whether it’s a backhand slice, a forehand down the line, or a delicate drop shot, the Head Pro Tour 690 offers excellent feedback and accuracy.
Power and Spin
Although the Head Pro Tour 690 isn’t designed for power like some modern racquets, it still offers adequate power for players who can generate their own pace. The 93 square inch head size requires players to be more precise with their shot-making, and it is ideal for those who can consistently hit the sweet spot. The racquet’s control-oriented design means that players who rely on finesse will benefit from its ability to offer touch and feel.
As for spin, the 18x20 string pattern means that while generating spin is possible, it’s more challenging compared to open-pattern racquets like the Wilson Clash 100 or Babolat Pure Aero. Players who rely heavily on spin may not find the Head Pro Tour 690 as forgiving when trying to load up on topspin.
Comfort and Feel
The Head Pro Tour 690 offers an incredibly comfortable playing experience due to its graphite construction and vibration-dampening features. The frame minimizes shock, providing a solid yet comfortable feel on each shot. This makes it particularly well-suited for players who are sensitive to vibrations or have a history of arm injuries. The racquet’s construction ensures that there is little to no discomfort, even after long hours of play.
Maneuverability
Despite its solid construction, the Head Pro Tour 690 remains highly maneuverable due to its headlight balance. The racquet moves quickly through the air, making it easier for players to react fast on volleys, smashes, or defensive shots. Its maneuverability also allows for easy adjustments when hitting wide shots or changing angles, providing players with more versatility on the court.
Stability
The Head Pro Tour 690 offers excellent stability thanks to its 315-gram weight and strong construction. When hitting hard groundstrokes or receiving fast serves, the racquet doesn’t feel unstable or flimsy. Players can rely on the racquet to handle high-intensity exchanges without sacrificing feel or control.
Head Pro Tour 690 - Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent control: The smaller head size and dense string pattern provide exceptional precision and placement.
- Comfortable: Vibration-dampening features make it a great choice for players who need extra arm comfort or have a history of tennis elbow.
- Stability: The racquet’s weight and headlight balance provide good stability, even during powerful shots.
- Feel and feedback: The racquet provides excellent feel for touch players who prioritize finesse and accuracy over raw power.
Cons
- Limited power: The smaller head size and dense string pattern mean that it may not offer the power of more modern, larger-headed racquets.
- Not ideal for spin-heavy players: While spin is possible, the 18x20 string pattern limits its ability to generate heavy spin compared to open-pattern racquets.
- Not suitable for beginners: The Head Pro Tour 690 is a racquet designed for advanced players. Its smaller head size and precise control require a developed technique to get the most out of the racquet.
Head Pro Tour 690 Racquet - Comparison with Similar Racquets
Let’s compare the Head Pro Tour 690 with a few similar racquets in terms of performance, feel, and playability:
Wilson Pro Staff 97:
Both the Wilson Pro Staff 97 and the Head Pro Tour 690 are racquets that emphasize control and precision. The Wilson Pro Staff 97 has a slightly larger head size (97 square inches) and a more flexible frame, which makes it better suited for players looking for a softer feel. However, the Head Pro Tour 690 offers a more stable feel, particularly on higher-impact shots, while the Pro Staff 97 provides slightly more power and comfort due to its braided graphite construction.
Babolat Pure Strike 98:
The Babolat Pure Strike 98 offers more power and spin than the Head Pro Tour 690 due to its open string pattern and larger head size (98 square inches). The Pure Strike 98 is a better option for players who want a balance of control and power, while the Head Pro Tour 690 is strictly for players seeking control, feel, and precision.
Head Pro Tour 690 Racquet Review - FAQ
Who is the Head Pro Tour 690 best suited for?
The Head Pro Tour 690 is ideal for advanced players who prioritize control, feel, and precision. It’s not suited for beginners or intermediate players who may struggle with its smaller sweet spot.
Is the Head Pro Tour 690 good for generating power?
While the Head Pro Tour 690 offers some power, it is more focused on control. Players who need to generate their own pace will find this racquet ideal, but it is not the best choice for players who rely on heavy power.
Does the Head Pro Tour 690 offer good spin potential?
The Head Pro Tour 690 is not particularly suited for spin-heavy play due to its dense 18x20 string pattern. Players who rely on heavy spin should look for racquets with a more open string pattern.
Is the Head Pro Tour 690 arm-friendly?
Yes, the Head Pro Tour 690 features vibration-dampening technology and a comfortable grip, making it a good option for players who have concerns about tennis elbow or arm strain.
How does the Head Pro Tour 690 compare to other classic racquets?
The Head Pro Tour 690 stands out for its stability and precision. Compared to other classic racquets like the Wilson Pro Staff or Prince Graphite, it offers a more solid feel, particularly in high-intensity exchanges.
Conclusion
The Head Pro Tour 690 is a great choice for advanced players who value precision, control, and comfort. While it may not generate the power or spin of more modern racquets, it excels in providing exceptional feedback and accuracy. If you’re a player who enjoys a more traditional, controlled game and has developed the necessary technique,
the Head Pro Tour 690 is one of the best racquets available for fine-tuning your shots. Its stability, feel, and overall performance make it a worthy option for competitive players.