Racquet Review: Head Prestige Pro 2023

Price: $269 (Purchase now at TennisShop.com)

Head Size: 98 sq. in.

Length: 27 in.

Weight: 11.7 oz.

Balance: 6 pts. HL

Swingweight: 325

RA Rating: 60

Beam Width: 20 mm

String Pattern: 18x20

What’s New

The Pro still possesses its tight string pattern, soft flex and the classic design elements that makes it a Prestige, but the subtle change from the previous generation is the addition of the updated Auxetic 2.0 technology. The unique carbon fiber construction has expanded from its initial positioning in the yoke to other strategic parts of the frame. It essentially creates a more uniform and pleasing response at contact regardless of impact location on the string bed. It’s intended to be particularly beneficial on off-center hits.

A new, sleek design with see-through carbon elements in the throat and tip give the frame an attractive and distinctive look.

What Works

Death, taxes and the Head Prestige. A slight exaggeration, perhaps, but since its introduction in 1987, there haven’t been too many franchises that have remained as dependably true to its core identity as the Prestige.

When a highly-discerning audience has come to expect a certain level of performance out of a particular racquet, changes are going to incremental at best. For the latest Prestige Pro, that means tweaks to the quickness, stability and feel, but otherwise rooted to its prime directive of delivering a precise ball with a consistent, buttery response.

Just like previous versions in the storied history of this Prestige model—it has had different names—pinpoint control is the outstanding feature. When ball meets sweet spot, impact is plush, clean and comfortable, with resulting shots following orders with great frequency. As expected, the power level is on the low side, so it requires a healthy cut to produce a shot with any snarl.

On the plus side, it’s reassuring that you can swing out on just about any stroke with confidence that you can contain it. The 18x20 string pattern is the height of predictability, even it does extract a bigger toll to generate offense. Like power, spin will also mostly come from user skills. Slice backhands are a particular strength—biting and smooth—and topspin is adequate for safety, or to manipulate an angle. I tested the Pro with Hawk Power 17g at 48 lbs., and I’d consider going even thinner or textured to wring out a bit more work on the ball.

Serving has a similar theme. It’s somewhat restrained in terms of pace and action, but both are there for players who put forth competent effort. Plus, the easy targeting puts it in the right direction to create an opportunity ball on the next shot. Follow it up with a dictating forehand or a surprise dash to the net and you're in business.

Besides, players with games built around court coverage and consistency may not mind the tempered approach of the Pro because the command is so reliable. More aggressive baseliners who want to impose with heavy ground strokes may be more inclined toward the Tour model. The added stiffness and swingweight of the Tour produces a naturally heavier and more powerful ball. If the two were brothers, the Pro would be the cerebral one and the Tour, the jock.

Just as it gets measured against its current lineage, hitting with a Prestige can also invite comparisons—unfair as they may be—to prior models. Fortunately, the feel of the Pro is as close to older pre-Graphene Head player’s frames as any recent edition. Which, when combined with its other strengths, makes it a real asset when hitting more creative shots.

It’s versatility translated best at net. Volleys have such a solid, stable and comfortable response. Whether blocking back a hard body shot or driving one with underspin deep for the line, it’s up to the task. The soft flex soaks up pace like a sponge, producing excellent touch on droppers or soft angles. As long as preparation is on time, overheads are basically automatic. Net rushers and high-level doubles players will appreciate the deft handling and all-around volleying capabilities of the frame.

What Needs Work

It’s got plenty of mass, but at times the Pro can seem to punch below its weight. So it goes for an 18x20 with a thin, buttery soft box beam. If you get a juicy second serve or floating short ball, there is a danger of over-swinging to compensate, which, when missing the sweet spot, generally ends poorly. If put on the defensive, it’s quite challenging to turn the tables. The same goes for repelling heavy topspin shots that get up out of the strike zone.

Even with a high static weight, it’s head-light enough that one could add weight to produce more innate plow-through. Or more power could be drawn out of the string bed with fairly low tension, thinner gauges or a hybrid, or any combination of the like.

Tester Comments

“I love the sense that I had the ball on a string.”

“It’s still one of the best pure player’s frames on the market.”

“A double black diamond racquet: experts only.”

Bottom Line

If ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The Prestige Pro remains a great all-around frame for highly skilled players who covet a classic feel and response.