Racquet Review: Head Prestige Tour 2023

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

Head Size: 95 sq. in.

Length: 27 in.

Weight: 11.7 oz.

Balance: 6 pts. HL

Swingweight: 330

RA Rating: 65

Beam Width: 22 mm

String Pattern: 16x19

What’s New

Much of what makes the frame a Prestige—box beam cross section, elongated shaft, full cap grommets—remains firmly intact. Compared with the previous model, this latest generation features 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 design with see-through carbon elements in the throat and tip give the frame a distinctive look.

What Works

A Head Prestige with a 95 square-inch head and a 330 swing weight could be an intimidating proposition—a demanding battle axe with little margin for error. Yet the latest Tour is surprisingly approachable. The sweet spot is as inviting as just about any 98, and it ably accelerates through the strike zone, producing forceful shots without the need to redline. Of the newest generation of Prestiges, the Tour arguably has the most modern appeal.

While the beam is not thick at all by today’s standards, it’s chunky for a Prestige and on par with many of the competing control-oriented frames. It has a medium-firm flex that combines with its mass to give the Tour excellent stability and respectable punch. Stock swings—granted off of sound technique—can generate pace, plow through and just enough offense.

Even with the smaller head size, the 16x19 string pattern provides a workable spin window, a bit elevated launch—especially when compared to the 18x20 Pro model—and plenty of control. It takes a swing, but forehands are heavy and kick serves have lots of life. If you like hitting slice backhands, the Tour makes it a smooth and effective procedure. Serves and groundies can be driven, arced or angled at small targets with a high degree of precision.

The feel at contact is slightly muted, but overall highly comfortable and consistent. It’s not as buttery as the other Prestige models we tested—the Pro and MP L—but the upside is more feedback and less of a power outage when contact is imperfect. The additional Auxetic in the frame has taken the response up another notch, especially in comparison to some of the older Graphene models.

If those versions of the Prestige turned you off to the frame, it’s worth revisiting.

The favorable response is particularly advantageous at net. It's perhaps not as nimble as some, but if you get it in front of the ball, the racquet does most of the work. It’s got the heft to withstand a hot shot and drive the volley through the court, yet soft enough to attack with touch. It should fit nicely in the hands of experienced all-courters and doubles specialists.

Lastly, while it has no bearing on performance, the frame looks sharp. The deep maroon flip lacquer harkens back to Prestige heritage. It’s a classy, almost vintage appearance that makes one think of leather-bound books and rich mahogany.

What Needs Work

Although perhaps the friendliest in the family, it’s still a Prestige. It takes effort and a competent swing to make it behave properly. This is most apparent when pushed back on your heels and in defensive postures. There’s not much in the way of get out of jail power. Most of that will have to come from player resourcefulness.

Another small quibble is the signals at contact aren’t quite as connected as one might expect from a Prestige. It’s comfortable, with little vibration, but the feedback doesn’t always jibe with the result. This is primarily experienced on touch shots requiring distance control. It’s not a glaring weakness, but may not be refined enough for some.

Tester Feedback

“Don’t be scared away by the 95 square-inch head size. It plays bigger than that.”

“The frame had an almost ideal blend of stability and plow through.”

“This is mostly what I would expect from a Prestige-labeled frame—classic feel and designed for the advanced-level players.”

Bottom Line

The Prestige Tour maintains much of the frame’s playability with just enough modern flourishes. It’s a worthy entry in the storied franchise.