Head Graphene XT Prestige Pro Racquet Review
Upsides
- Control
- Stability
- Feel
Downsides
- Nothing we could agree on
Summary
Head has added another impressive chapter to the Prestige Pro story with the introduction of the Graphene XT Prestige Pro. Our TW playtesters' quick swings from the baseline were rewarded with great control for constructing points and just enough power to put balls away. At net, the classic Prestige feel offered them a plethora of options. Some playtesters would have liked just a bit more control and a bigger sweetspot from the 98 square inch frame, but for the most part the feedback from our team was positive.
Groundstrokes – Score 83
Players looking for the perfect blend of control and power in a modern racquet will find just that in this Graphene XT Prestige Pro. Our diverse team of playtesters all found success from the baseline. Andy felt very natural hitting groundstrokes with this version, he explained, “I felt totally connected to the ball, and the racquet oftentimes felt like an extension of my arm. It doesn't get pushed around as much against bigger hitters, and it is way easier to generate power and spin with it. This does, however, come at the cost of losing a bit of control. Lastly, I did notice a big drop-off in power outside the sweetspot, while other racquets in this weight class feel a bit more forgiving off-center. ”
Volleys – Score 83
Players who have always gravitated toward the Prestige line of racquets will be delighted to know that the Graphene XT Prestige Pro performs well at the net. Michelle found the racquet to be very responsive and maneuverable. She said, “I liked volleying with the Graphene XT Prestige Pro for the most part, but I did note a lack of stability when I was really reaching at the net. Offensively, this racquet worked just fine at the net. Defensively, it was a little tougher to get myself back into the point effectively. ”
Serve – Score 85
All the attributes of this Graphene XT Prestige Pro came together for our team when they were serving. Troy found, as he did with the previous version, that this racquet worked well for his lefty serves. He said, “The mix of control, maneuverability and spin allowed me to be effective during my service games. I also found that the added maneuverability added some extra pop on my flat first serves. The control of this racquet had me hitting my targets, and I found my serves down the middle were consistently landing in. ”
Returns – Score 81
The maneuverability of the Graphene XT Prestige Pro shone when our playtesters took to returning with it. Most of our team appreciated the feel from the 16x19 string pattern and tapped into the control and spin when ripping returns. Granville felt very comfortable returning with the Graphene XT Prestige Pro, saying, “I was able to get over the ball when needed, or I could simply bleed the speed and feather a low return cross court. ”
Overall - Score: 82
Playtester Profiles
Andy: Open level all court player with a semi-western forehand grip and a two handed backhand. Andy is currently using the Yonex EZONE Ai 98.
Michelle: Open level baseline player with a semi-western forehand and a two handed backhand. She currently plays with the Wilson Pro Staff RF 97 Autograph.
Troy: 5.0 lefty all-court player with a full Western Forehand and a two-handed backhand. Troy currently plays with a Wilson BLX Six.One 95.
Granville: 5.5 all-court player currently using a Wilson Pro Staff 97. Granville is an aggressive player who uses an eastern forehand grip and goes continental on everything else, hits with a flat swing and a one-handed backhand.
Likes
Andy - “Great feel and responsiveness. Very natural to swing from all over the court. It has improved stability and a more solid feel that was especially noticeable at net. ”
Michelle - “I preferred this new one over the previous version. I liked the swingweight, loved how quickly I could swing through the ball and enjoyed the controlled response; I was rewarded when I hit out. ”
Troy - “Good control, easy access to spin, and the sweetspot is a bit more forgiving than the previous version. The paint job is sweet; I like the return of the black CAP grommets. ”
Granville - “I knew I had everything I needed to do damage to whoever was on the other side of the court to the best of my ability. Of course, it's always a cool benefit when the racquet looks as cool as it plays - great cosmetic! ”
Dislikes
Andy - “A little too much power and not enough control for a modern player's racquet. ”
Michelle - “I was hoping to get a bit more depth off my groundstrokes. For some reason, I struggled to find the spin I like to access. Also, there were stability issues when I was pulled wide at the net. ”
Troy - “It isn't quite as stable as my Wilson Six.One 95. And put a leather grip on it! ”
Granville - “Can't think of anything I don't like about this racquet. ”
Comparing it to other racquets they've used, our testers said:
Andy - “It feels pretty similar to the previous version, the Graphene Prestige Pro. A little stiffer/crisper with a bit more weight in the hoop, resulting in more power, spin and stability, but less precision. The power felt like the Babolat Pure Strike 16x19, but the Prestige Pro felt a little stiffer and more jarring on off-center hits. ”
Michelle - “This frame reminded me a bit of the Babaolat Pure Control Tour. They have pretty similar specs, and both offer players a comfortable, controlled response. ”
Troy - “It felt similar to the previous Head Graphene Prestige Pro, but with a slightly larger sweetspot that made it feel a bit more forgiving. I would also compare this racquet to the Prince Textreme Tour 95. ”
Granville - “As a former Wilson Pro Staff 6.0 and 6.1 player who feels a bit left in the cold, this Prestige Pro is a very welcome addition to Head's long line of classic player's sticks. I want one! ”