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The Head Prestige is one of the best tennis racquets for control and feel on the market. Below, we’ll review the Head Prestige, including pros, cons, and different models of the racquet. Then, we’ll compare it to other tennis racquets to help you decide if the Prestige is right for you.
Review Summary & Ratings for the Head Prestige
The Head Prestige has been around for a long time and is known for its precise control and feel for advanced-level tennis players.
Head makes Prestige tennis racquets for intermediate to advanced tennis players. Their most recent Prestige model is from 2023.
See our ratings, plus the pros and cons of the Head Prestige below for a quick glance at how it performs compared to other tennis racquets.
Our Ratings for the Head Prestige
- Power: 6
- Control: 9
- Spin: 7
- Serve: 8
- Return: 6
- Groundstrokes: 8
- Volleys: 9
- Price: $$$
Pros
- Great advanced-level racquet for control & feel
- Weight helps with power & stability against pace
- Excellent stability on volleys
- Comfortable frame on contact
- Great touch around the net
- Very stable returning against hard servers
Cons
- Not great for beginner to intermediate players
- Heavy frame can be difficult to handle
The Different Versions of the Head Prestige Tennis Racquet
The Head Prestige tennis racquet comes in several versions that vary in weight and size. Below is a list of the different Head Prestige racquets on the market today.
We’ll review each version in more detail below.
What’s New with the 2023 Auxetic 2 Prestige?
Head has updated the Prestige line of racquets with the new Auxetic 2 technology, adding extra flexibility and comfort to the famed line. Fans of the Prestige will be happy that they still have a very classic feel that Head is known for. The specs for the Prestige Pro and Prestige Tour racquets are nearly identical to the previous version, but I did feel a little more power compared to the previous version.
- Prestige Pro: Very similar with a little extra power
- Prestige Tour: Also similar with a little extra power
- Prestige MP L: Noticeable increase in power, spin, and maneuverability
The main difference in the 2023 Prestige line is with the Prestige MP L (formerly just the Prestige MP). This racquet has been updated from an 18×19 string pattern to a 16×19 pattern, providing a little extra power and spin. It is also a little bit lighter, dropping in weight to 11.2 ounces. Maneuverability has been slightly improved with a slight sacrifice in stability, but overall the updates make this racquet a little more accessible to those that prefer a lighter racquet that maintains the classic feel.
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Head Prestige Pro Review
The Pro version is the most control-oriented Prestige racquet. It is one of the best 8 tennis racquets for control.
Head Prestige Pro Racquet Specifications
- Weight: 11.9 oz. strung
- Head Size: 98 square inches
- Length: 27 inches
- Balance: 320 mm
- String Pattern: 18×20
The Prestige Pro has a heavy frame and is best for advanced players only. This added weight helps with both power and stability when hitting against pace. Lower level players will have trouble handling this racquet.
The tight string pattern and classic 98 square inch frame give it excellent feel and control as well. This is makes the Prestige Pro great for players who can generate their own power. It’s also one of the best racquets on the market for volleys and feel shots around the net.
On-Court Performance Review of the Prestige Pro
The Prestige Pro is going to give you a precise feel on all shots so you can place the ball anywhere on the court.
- On groundstrokes, the Prestige Pro will help you generate enough power, but with better control than most modern racquets.
- On volleys, the stability of this racquet will stand out. You will feel in control on both defensive and attacking volleys. It will feel great on half-volleys as well. Because of its weight, it is more difficult to maneuver than some other racquets.
- On returns, the stability will help against powerful first serves. Against second serves, you will be able to step in and hit with controlled power.
- On serves, you won’t be able to create quite as much power. This racquet helps you least in this area, however, you should still find good control with your serve.
Overall, the Head Prestige Pro is a great advanced tennis racquet. I would not recommend it for beginners or lower-level intermediate players.
Other Sellers: Amazon.com
Read our Head Radical Review to find more beginner and intermediate-friendly racquets.
Head Prestige Tour Review
The Prestige Tour tennis racquet is a smaller version of the racquet with a more open string pattern. It’s great for high-level players who want more spin and a smaller frame.
Head Prestige Tour Racquet Specifications
- Weight: 11.7 oz. strung
- Head Size: 95 square inches
- Length: 27 inches
- Balance: 325 mm
- String Pattern: 16×19
The head size of the Prestige Tour makes it easier to handle than the Pro version. However, there is a smaller sweet spot on this racquet so I don’t recommend it for people who don’t play frequently.
The open string pattern helps add power and spin potential. Similar to the Pro version, the weight of the Prestige Tour helps with stability.
On-Court Performance Review of the Prestige Tour
The Prestige Tour is a great classic racquet for advanced players.
- On groundstrokes, this racquet is stable and has good spin. You’ll move the ball around the court easily, but this frame isn’t as forgiving as other models.
- On volleys, the Prestige Tour will be easy to handle and stable at the net. Doubles players who like to play from the net will love this racquet.
- On returns, you will be able to control power and spin serves with this racquet, but you may struggle to hit deep in the court.
- On serves, you will find a good combination of power, control, and spin depending on how you string the racquet. A looser tension will help add power.
Other Sellers: Amazon.com
Head Prestige MP L Review
The Prestige MP L is great for both intermediate and advanced players who want more control in their game.
Head Prestige MP L Racquet Specifications
- Weight: 11.2 oz. strung
- Head Size: 99 square inches
- Length: 27 inches
- Balance: 325 mm
- String Pattern: 16×19
The Head Prestige MP L is for Intermediate & Advanced Skill Levels
The Prestige MP L is a great tennis racquet for high level intermediate and advanced players who want something a bit easier to handle.
The 99 square inch frame gives this racquet a larger sweet spot. The balance point is moved slightly towards the head to add stability as well. Players who swing fast and freely will get the most out of this racquet.
The Prestige MP L is great for intermediate and advanced players who need a more forgiving racquet with good handling and excellent feel plus control.
This racquet won’t be great for players who need help with power. For that, I’d recommend reading our Head Extreme Review.
On-Court Performance Review of the Prestige MP L
The Prestige MP L is a well balanced racquet with a slight focus on feel and control.
- On groundstrokes, this racquet is forgiving, stable, and has decent spin potential. You’ll move the ball around the court with ease, but won’t generate a ton of power.
- On volleys, the Prestige MP L is easy to handle with great feel. You’ll have good touch and placement on volleys.
- On returns, this racquet offers a generous sweet spot so you can take big swings. You’ll also be able to defend against hard serves.
- On serves, you won’t find a ton of power, but should feel confident to hit your targets with spin and accuracy.
Other Sellers: Amazon.com
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The Best Alternatives to the Head Prestige
Below are 3 other tennis racquets similar to the Head Prestige that you may want to consider.
- Wilson Pro Staff – Another control-oriented, advanced tennis racquet, the Pro Staff has precise feel in a comfortable frame. It is also the racquet used by Roger Federer. It’s a bit more difficult to swing though.
- Wilson Blade – A widely-used racquet on the pro tour, the Wilson Blade will offer better power and spin than the Prestige. This is a better option for intermediate players or older adults.
- Babolat Pure Strike – The Pure Strike has more power than the Prestige and will have good feel from the baseline. It’s a great option for players who need a little more MPH.
My Experience Playing with the Head Prestige
I have played with several versions of the Prestige over the years because I love the classic feel they provide. I do think this is a good update, as the previous version was low-powered, even compared to most other control racquets. The new version does have a little more power without changing much else.
The Prestige is still one of the best racquets on the market for stability, control, and feel. It excels especially well at the net where control and feel are most important.
A slight increase in power also helped on the return, where this racquet is probably the weakest for me. The update helps handle big serves a little better, but is still not a shining point for this racquet.
This racquet is similar to the Wilson Pro Staff but with a bit more stability.
While I think the Prestige tennis racquet is a very formidable tennis racquet, I do still prefer my customized Yonex Vcore Pro (I have the 97HD version), which plays similarly but with a little more modern feel.
„ The main difference in the 2023 Prestige line is with the Prestige MP L (formerly just the Prestige MP). This racquet has been updated from an 18×19 string pattern to a 16×19 pattern, providing a little extra power and spin. It is also a little bit lighter, dropping in weight to 11.2 ounces.“
Your description of the 2023 Prestige MP L is just wrong. Did you do any research at all? What you write makes no sense at all.
The facts: The Prestige MP-L was already part of the previous generation that came out in 2021. It was also called Head Prestige MP-L. Before that this light version of the Prestige series with a 16/19 pattern was called „Prestige S.“
Thanks for the feedback. Between Head’s naming conventions and them changing up their offerings and/or the names of their racquets, it can be difficult to always keep track of which racquet is which.