Head

Prestige Pro review

Head's purist control benchmark. It transmits your intentions; it won't compensate.

Racquet product shot
Highly recommended
Head 95 MP: 98
Weight 305g MP: 305g
Pattern 18×20 MP: 16×19
Stiffness 62 RA MP: 63 RA
Swingwt 325 MP: 322
Balance HL MP: HL
Full specsPrestige Pro · Prestige MP · Prestige Tour
Prestige ProPrestige MPPrestige Tour
Head size95 sq in98 sq in99 sq in
Weight (unstrung)305 g305 g315 g
Weight (strung)330 g330 g340 g
Swingweight325322338
Stiffness62 RA63 RA64 RA
String pattern18×2016×1916×19
BalanceHead LightHead LightHead Light
Fit check

Is it for you?

Level (NTRP)
Swing
Arm
Your match Strong fit
Strong fit. You make the pace; the Prestige gives you total command of where it goes.

    Performance

    Prestige Pro Prestige MP

    Playtest

    A precision instrument.
    Full notes

    A flatter, penetrating, supremely predictable ball you can aim at lines. Little free power: a full swing earns a heavy, controllable ball.

    + Pros

    • Outstanding control
    • Pinpoint placement
    • Sublime feel at net
    • Stable against pace

    − Cons

    • Little free power
    • Demands full swings and good technique
    • Small 95 sq in head punishes mishits
    • Not for beginners

    String for

    47–51 lbs 21.3–23.2 kg Co-poly, full bed, 1.25mm Pick: Head Hawk Touch

    Recommended strings

    1. 1
      Head Hawk Touch Control poly · Head pairing Works with the flex rather than stiffening it.
      47–51 lbs 21.3–23.2 kg · 1.25mm
    2. 2
      Kirschbaum Max Power Elastic tour poly A livelier, pocketed feel.
      48–52 lbs 21.8–23.5 kg · 1.25mm
    3. 3
      Luxilon 4G Rough-surface poly Adds spin bite the frame won't make itself.
      48–52 lbs 21.8–23.5 kg · 1.25mm

    Who plays it

    Tour frames customised
    • Vit KoprivaCounter-Puncher
      ATP #71 · HEAD Hawk white
    • Marin CilicFlat Hitter
      ATP #79 · gut mains + Luxilon ALU Power crosses · 25 kg
    • Filip MisolicAggressive Baseline
      ATP · HEAD Lynx Tour

    Verdict: 8.4

    Head's purist control benchmark: a flat, penetrating, supremely predictable ball and sublime feel for players who place the ball rather than rely on power. More mass: Prestige Tour. More forgiving: Prestige MP.

    Related racquets

    FAQ

    Is the Head Prestige good for beginners?

    No. It is a low-powered, demanding 4.5+ frame; start with a more powerful, forgiving frame.

    Head Prestige vs Prestige Tour: which should I buy?

    The Prestige for a more manoeuvrable control frame. The heavier Tour for maximum stability and plough-through if you can handle the mass.

    Is the Head Prestige arm-friendly?

    Yes, relatively: a flexible, connected classic feel. A soft poly or hybrid at a sensible tension keeps it comfortable.

    What string and tension is best for the Head Prestige?

    A control co-poly in the high 40s to low 50s lbs, lower than many expect. It also pairs beautifully with a gut hybrid.

    Is the Head Prestige a control or power racquet?

    Control: one of the longest-standing control benchmarks in tennis.

    Who is the Head Prestige best for?

    Advanced, technically sound players who want maximum control and feel and supply their own pace.