Category Archives: Racquet Demo
Lets compare the Head Prestige Pro 16×19 v Head Prestige Pro 18×20
The following graphic will show clearly why the pro stock (SMU) racquets are very important in our quest to enhance the performance of all players!
A primary reason we work with custom racquets is the length of the racquet as we receive it, which allows us to create up to 28 inches (71cm) long. We can extend racquets however reducing the length is the preferred option.
Of course, we can customize the SMU to match the specifications of the retail (27-inch) racquet but with a 16×19 string pattern.
If you look closely you will recognize the tremendous possibilities beginning with a lighter, more flexible racquet for players of all physical abilities!
The supply of the 16×19 racquets is limited, however, demos are available for both.
Head Prestige Pro 18×20 2023 Retail
This Head Prestige Pro 18×23 Retail version offers a high performance racquet ready for serious play! However, we offer the custom version for players who prefer a slightly more open string pattern and some customization.
As you will see on the specifications, this racquet is serious, but most players can use this racquet if they get over the idea that these are stiff racquets!
Manufacturer | Head |
---|---|
Racquet Model | Head Prestige Pro 2023 18x20 Retail |
Reference Tension | 52 |
String | MonoGut ZX Pro (PEEK) |
Machine Used | True Tension Professional |
String Bed Stiffness - RDC | 54 |
String Bed Stiffness -FlexFour | 56.4 |
String Bed Stiffness - SBS | 44 |
String Bed Stiffness - ERT | 35 Kg/Cm |
Racquet Flex, RDC | 58 |
Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 44 |
Racquet - In Plane Stiffness | 342.9 |
Weight, Grams | 340 |
Weight, Ounces | 11.99 |
Balance, mm | 3234 |
Balance, Inch | 12.72 |
Length, Cm | 68.6 |
Length, Inch | 27.03 |
Head Width | 9.476 |
Head Length | 13.052 |
Head Area, cm2 | 626.7 |
Head Area, Sq. Inch | 97.1 |
Beam Height @ Grip, mm | 20.8 |
Beam Height @ Mid, mm | 20.0 |
Beam Height @ Tip | 20.0 |
Beam Width @ Grip, mm | 10.7 |
Beam Width @ Throat, mm | 10.8 |
Beam Width @ Mid, mm | 11.5 |
Beam Width @ Tip, mm | 12.2 |
Number of Main Strings | 18 |
Number of Cross Strings | 20 |
Ratio | .655 |
Main String Grid | 7.56 |
Cross String Grid | 10.25 |
Density (% of head filled with string) | 71.4% |
Average Cross String Space | .513 |
Average Main String Space | ,453 |
Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 35 |
Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 195.76 |
First Moment, Nm | .844 |
Polar Moment | 335 |
Torsional Stability | 16 |
Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 319 |
Swing Weight, Ounces | 11.25 |
Swing Weight Calculated | 354.7 |
Power, RDC | 44 |
Control, RDC | 57 |
Manueverability, RDC | 74 |
Power, Calculated | 1811.3 |
Head Points | 6.3 |
Head Weight, % | 47.1% |
Center of Percussion | 20.5 |
Dwell Time, ms | 6.125 |
Efective Stiffness - lbs | 28.0 |
K, Lb/In | 173.08 |
Recoil Weight | 152.3 |
Twist Weight | 229.34 |
End Weight | 139.8 |
Tip Weight | 198.9 |
9 O'Clock | 100 |
3 O'Clock | 101.7 |
Butt Cap | 137.4 |
COF, Main | .383 |
COF, Cross | .204 |
Head Prestige Pro 2023 16×19 SMU
I told you something special is coming soon! Soon is here now! And it is special!
We have a limited number of Head Prestige Pro 2023 with a custom 16×19 string pattern instead of the standard 18×20 (we have those as well). These are full custom racquets, meaning they need some customization, and are usually referred to as “Pro Stock” racquets.
These racquets have a different finish than the retail version, primarily shiny instead of a matt finish anywhere.
We receive these in “raw” form, meaning they are not cut or have any post-manufacturing additives, i.e., swing weight and overall weight.
This means we can make a “full custom” version of the retail model up to 27.8 inches long (70.6 mm) except with a more open 16×19 string pattern!
However, to get things started, we will post the specifications of each racquet “as is.”
Manufacturer | Head |
---|---|
Racquet Model | Head Prestige Pro 2023 16x20 SMU |
Reference Tension | 52 |
String | MonoGut ZX Pro (PEEK) |
Machine Used | True Tension Professional |
String Bed Stiffness - RDC | 49.0 Units |
String Bed Stiffness -FlexFour | 59.5 pounds |
String Bed Stiffness - SBS | 43.0 pounds |
String Bed Stiffness - ERT | 35 Kg/Cm |
Racquet Flex, RDC | 57 - After stringing |
Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 43.0 |
Racquet - In Plane Stiffness | 346.1 lbs/Inch |
Weight, Grams | 296 |
Weight, Ounces | 10.44 |
Balance, mm | 331 |
Balance, Inch | 13.03 |
Length, Cm | 68.6 |
Length, Inch | 27.03 |
Head Width | 9.476 |
Head Length | 13.052 |
Head Area, cm2 | 626.7 |
Head Area, Sq. Inch | 97.1 |
Beam Height @ Grip, mm | 20.0 |
Beam Height @ Mid, mm | 20.0 |
Beam Height @ Tip | 20.0 |
Beam Width @ Grip, mm | 10.7 |
Beam Width @ Throat, mm | 10.8 |
Beam Width @ Mid, mm | 11.5 |
Beam Width @ Tip, mm | 12.2 |
Number of Main Strings | 16 |
Number of Cross Strings | 19 |
Ratio Cross/Mains | .611 |
Main String Grid | 7.25 |
Cross String Grid | 10.0 |
Density (% of head filled with string) | 74.6% |
Average Cross String Space | .526 |
Average Main String Space | ,453 |
Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 35 |
Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 195.76 |
First Moment, Nm | .758 |
Polar Moment | 299.0 |
Torsional Stability | 14 |
Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 285.0 |
Swing Weight, Ounces | 10.05 |
Swing Weight Calculated | 324.3 |
Power, RDC | 37 |
Control, RDC | 64 |
Manueverability, RDC | 97 |
Power, Calculated | 1593.8 |
Head Points | 3.78 |
Head Weight, % | 48,3% |
Center of Percussion | 20.3 |
Dwell Time, ms | 6.048 |
Efective Stiffness - lbs | 26.3 |
K, Lb/In | 157.05 |
Recoil Weight | 129.23 |
Twist Weight | 199.70 |
End Weight | 117.0 |
Tip Weight | 179.2 |
9 O'Clock | 89.5 |
3 O'Clock | 90.0 |
Butt Cap | 116.6 |
COF, Main | .412 |
COF, Cross | .331 |
Wilson SHIFT 99 PRO – Jason’s Racquet Review
HIGHLIGHTS:
Fun racquet to try! Very different in both looks and feel, from the usual Wilson offerings. More suited to the advanced player, and aggressive baseliners who play with fast swing speeds, and a lot of spin.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
The most noticeable impression, on first pick up, of the PRO version, was the slightly thicker beam, and overall heft of the racquet. At 327g swing weight, this racquet is definitely in the heavyweight category, but it had a good feel in the hand, and generally good maneuverability, both at the baseline and at the net. As for looks, the contemporary aesthetics are very different from the usual Wilson look, and the string bed looks noticeably tighter than I’m used to.
CONTROL:
The sweet spot on this racquet feels small, suiting it to a more advanced player. Faster swing speeds seemed to produce more control, but with the smaller sweet spot, and low dwell time, I experienced some balls flying when I didn’t expect them to. The tight string bed does produce a lower trajectory, but I didn’t find that this prevented those occasional wayward balls. At the net, the racquet had a damper feel than I’m used to, and again, I felt I was in control as long as I hit the sweet spot.
SPIN:
I was looking forward to testing this racquet because of the new increased horizontal bending in the head of the racquet, which should generate more spin. Hitting my regular strokes, I didn’t notice any extra spin being produced naturally. However, when I really tried to increase the swing speed, and increase the spin myself, the racquet responded well and would allow for great spin creation.
POWER:
The thick beam gave the racquet a very solid and stable feel, and with the weight of the racquet, it was very powerful coming off the sweet spot. Great on days you’re playing well, but if you miss the sweet spot the racquet had a dull, non-responsive feel. Solid on returns and good momentum, but the flatter hitter may struggle for control.
OVERALL:
This is a very different racquet that takes a while to get used to. It would be well suited to an advanced player, who swings fast, and already plays with a lot of spin. Don’t expect this racquet to transform flat strokes into heavy topspin. I tested at 55 lbs but would string a little tighter than this if using it again.
I did also test the non-pro version of the Shift. With the more open string bed and lighter weight, I experienced even more balls flying long than with the pro version. It was definitely more forgiving on the arm, and easier to maneuver, but the trade-off was less control. Would be well suited to a more intermediate player. I feel an advanced player would have to add some extra weight, and string tighter.
Head Gravity Pro 2023

Head Gravity Pro 2023
Here comes the new Head Gravity Pro 2023, which brings some good stuff! Like a 100 square inch head with a string pattern of 18×20!
You will see more goodies when you look at the specifications!
This new Gravity Pro has a different “vibe” than last year’s model. Maybe it is the muted graphics!
Hint: Swing Weight=338
You need to try this demo soon! Trust me!
Manufacturer | Head |
---|---|
Racquet Model | Head Gravity Pro 2023 |
Reference Tension | 53 |
String | MonoGut ZX Pro (PEEK) |
Machine Used | True Tension Professional |
String Bed Stiffness - RDC | 58.0 Units |
String Bed Stiffness -FlexFour | 66.9 pounds |
String Bed Stiffness - SBS | 52.4 pounds |
String Bed Stiffness - ERT | 37 Kg/Cm |
Racquet Flex, RDC | 64 - After stringing |
Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 42.5 |
Racquet - In Plane Stiffness | 467.9 lbs/Inch |
Weight, Grams | 344 |
Weight, Ounces | 12.13 |
Balance, mm | 327 |
Balance, Inch | 12.87 |
Length, Cm | 68.6 |
Length, Inch | 27.03 |
Head Width | 9.849 |
Head Length | 12.85 |
Head Area, cm2 | 643.5 |
Head Area, Sq. Inch | 99.7 |
Beam Height @ Grip, mm | 21.2 |
Beam Height @ Mid, mm | 20.5 |
Beam Height @ Tip | 20.5 |
Beam Width @ Grip, mm | 11.3 |
Beam Width @ Throat, mm | 11.3 |
Beam Width @ Mid, mm | 11.0 |
Beam Width @ Tip, mm | 12.5 (includes bumper) |
Number of Main Strings | 18 |
Number of Cross Strings | 20 |
Ratio Cross/Mains | .693 |
Main String Grid | 7.87 |
Cross String Grid | 9.75 |
Density (% of head filled with string) | 71.4% |
Average Cross String Space | .488 |
Average Main String Space | .406 |
Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 37 |
Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 206.94 |
First Moment, Nm | .867 |
Polar Moment | 353 |
Torsional Stability | 15 |
Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 338 |
Swing Weight, Ounces | 11.92 |
Swing Weight Calculated | 367.8 |
Power, RDC | 48 |
Control, RDC | 52 |
Manueverability, RDC | 61 |
Power, Calculated | 2179.2 |
Head Points | 5.04 |
Head Weight, % | 47.7% |
Center of Percussion | 21.0 |
Dwell Time, ms | 8.35 |
Efective Stiffness - lbs | 30.4 |
K, Lb/In | 185.90 |
Recoil Weight | 163.23 |
Twist Weight | 251.11 |
End Weight | 138.2 |
Tip Weight | 206.0 |
9 O'Clock | 104.5 |
3 O'Clock | 104.1 |
Butt Cap | 133.9 |
COF, Main | .370 |
COF, Cross | .309 |