Category Archives: Racquets – New
New racquet introductions
Head Prestige Pro 2021
This years Head Prestige Pro is last years Prestige MP. This name change was made to synchronize all the 18×20 string patterns as the “Pro” model…I think!
So, what’s in a name? A thin beam, heavy (sort of), 18×20 pattern, players racquet, that’s what! The Prestige Pro also includes the new Auxetic material and construction for a refined feel.
For some reason Head Prestige racquets have been called “stiff” by some and this is certainly not the case and never has been. This racquet is not stiff! As with any racquet the string selection can have a huge effect on “stiffness” so take a look at the effective stiffness!
I believe this is going to be a “control freaks” racquet! This racquet could also be a baseliners dream come true. The weight will drive through the ball and the swing weight will allow for some last nano-second stroke adjustments.
Take at look at the data below then go to the Prestige 2021 Comparative Data post to see all the models in one place.
| Manufacturer | Head |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Head Prestige Pro 2021 |
| Reference Tension | 52 lbs - 23.6 kg |
| String | Head Reflex MLT 17 |
| Machine Used | True Tension Professional |
| ASPS, RDC | 53.0 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 62.5 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 58 - After stringing |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 36.0 |
| Racquet - In Plane Stiffness | 326.1 lbs/Inch |
| Weight, Grams | 342 |
| Weight, Ounces | 12.06 |
| Balance, mm | 318 |
| Balance, Inch | 12.52 |
| Length, Cm | 68.6 |
| Length, Inch | 27.008 |
| Head Width | 9.48 |
| Head Length | 13.06 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 627.4 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 97.2 |
| Number of Main Strings | 18 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 20 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .653 |
| Main String Grid | 7.56 |
| Cross String Grid | 10.24 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .791 |
| Average Cross String Space | .513 |
| Average Main String Space | .417 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 35 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 195.76 |
| First Moment, Nm | .832 |
| Polar Moment | 333 |
| Torsional Stability | 15 |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 318 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 11.22 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 345.8 |
| Power, RDC | 45 |
| Control, RDC | 56 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 75 |
| Power, Calculated | 1811.5 |
| Head Points | 7.87 |
| Head Weight, % | 46.4% |
| Center of Percussion | 20.7 |
| Dwell Time, ms | 8.74 |
| Efective Stiffness - lbs | 27.7 |
| K, Lb/In | 169.87 |
| Recoil Weight | 157.84 |
| Twist Weight | 230.87 |
| End Weight | 143.2 |
| Tip Weight | 198.9 |
| 9 O'Clock | 102.8 |
| 3 O'Clock | 100.3 |
| Butt Cap | 140.3 |
Head Prestige 2021 Series Comparative Data
Jumping back and forth between reviews and data is not fun nor is it efficient so we have been posting comparative data. Now all the important stuff is in one place.
All of the data is based on a “play ready” racquet. That means an overgrip and vibration damper, and unless otherwise noted…string!
As you are looking at the data try to determine which numbers mean the most to you and how you could use them. For example, the Pro has an overall weight of 342 with a swing weight 318. How does that compare to the MP?
Keep in mind that weight and swing weight can increased but not easily decreased. No, making the racquet more “head light” statically does not reduce the swing weight as recorded on testing devices that grab the racquet 10cm from the end! That is why static balance (CG) should not be used as a performance metric.
Click here to see the data!
Head Prestige Tour 2021
This racquet has the potential to be the hottest new Prestige in a long time. The “Tour” series is not new to the Prestige line but this one has some differences that are meaningful, we think!
This new Tour is a 16×19 string pattern inserted into a 95 square inch hitting area! Compare that to the previous Tour with a 18×19 string pattern in a 99 square inch head(now the new Prestige MP)…so you can see where this one is headed!
Also included in the Prestige Tour is the Auxetic material and construction that is intended to provide a better feeling impact and maybe a little more “energy”. The shaft has a slightly different geometry and is a little shorter than some other models, however, the graphics indicate the shaft is “elongated”.
The “box” beam is a relatively constant 22mm from start to finish and is beautifully done in matt black transitioning into the Prestige maroon.
| Manufacturer | Head |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Head Prestige Tour 2021 |
| Reference Tension | 53 lbs - 24.0 kg |
| String | Victrex 7718 (PEEK) |
| Machine Used | True Tension Professional |
| ASPS, RDC | 50.0 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 63.5 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 63 - After stringing |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 42.5 |
| Racquet - In Plane Stiffness | 384.6 lbs/Inch |
| Weight, Grams | 336 |
| Weight, Ounces | 11.85 |
| Balance, mm | 326 |
| Balance, Inch | 12.83 |
| Length, Cm | 68.5 |
| Length, Inch | 26.968 |
| Head Width | 9.406 |
| Head Length | 12.78 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 608.9 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 94.4 |
| Number of Main Strings | 16 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 19 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .620 |
| Main String Grid | 7.20 |
| Cross String Grid | 9.125 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .695 |
| Average Cross String Space | .464 |
| Average Main String Space | .445 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 34 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 190.16 |
| First Moment, Nm | .844 |
| Polar Moment | 347 |
| Torsional Stability | 16 |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 331 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 11.68 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 357.1 |
| Power, RDC | 53 |
| Control, RDC | 47 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 66 |
| Power, Calculated | 1968.0 |
| Head Points | 5.20 |
| Head Weight, % | 47.6% |
| Center of Percussion | 21.1 |
| Dwell Time, ms | 9.00 |
| Efective Stiffness - lbs | 27.9 |
| K, Lb/In | 160.26 |
| Recoil Weight | 161.61 |
| Twist Weight | 223.59 |
| End Weight | 136.8 |
| Tip Weight | 200.6 |
| 9 O'Clock | 99.5 |
| 3 O'Clock | 101.4 |
| Butt Cap | 134.9 |
Head Boom MP 2022
Head has introduced a brand new racquet! So, you say, what’s new about that they do it every year! Yes, but this is a different racquet!
This is the Boom!
In all the years we have been dealing with Head it has become clear that they are not averse to making new things…instead of drastically changing old things.
The Boom is available in a Pro version and a MP version, with the Pro version being a little heavier.
So the Boom, which will be available in January of 2022, (pre order now!) is a new racquet and it is not shy about it!
The head shape is a little different, the shaft is a little different, and the Auxetic material and construction is a little different and all these “littles” add up to a totally different hitting experience!
The shaft transitions from a common box to a trapezoid as it junctions with the yoke (which is the Auxetic area, don’t forget)
The 24mm beam (actually 22, 24.4, 23.3) is a solid choice for advancing players offering just the right amount of stiffness for a little extra “punch”.
We believe the recoil weight could be higher and that is easily accomplished when wanted.
| Manufacturer | Head |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Head Boom MP 2022 |
| Reference Tension | 55 lbs - 24.9 kg |
| String | Tecnifibre BiPhase 124 |
| Machine Used | True Tension Professional |
| ASPS, RDC | 55.0 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 64.0 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 62 - After stringing |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 42.0 |
| Racquet - In Plane Stiffness | 344.8 lbs/Inch |
| Weight, Grams | 320 |
| Weight, Ounces | 11.29 |
| Balance, mm | 327 |
| Balance, Inch | 12.87 |
| Length, Cm | 68.6 |
| Length, Inch | 27.008 |
| Head Width | 9.83 |
| Head Length | 12.84 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 639.4 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 99.1 |
| Number of Main Strings | 16 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 19 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .645 |
| Main String Grid | 7.61 |
| Cross String Grid | 10.68 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .774 |
| Average Cross String Space | .475 |
| Average Main String Space | .562 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 35 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 195.7 |
| First Moment, Nm | .807 |
| Polar Moment | 325 |
| Torsional Stability | 13 |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 312 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 11.01 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 342.2 |
| Power, RDC | 45 |
| Control, RDC | 56 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 79 |
| Power, Calculated | 1936.2 |
| Head Points | 5.04 |
| Head Weight, % | 47.7% |
| Center of Percussion | 20.80 |
| Dwell Time, ms | 8.58 |
| Efective Stiffness - lbs | 29.1 |
| K, Lb/In | 176.26 |
| Recoil Weight | 149.42 |
| Twist Weight | 231.14 |
| End Weight | 127.9 |
| Tip Weight | 191.8 |
| 9 O'Clock | 96.5 |
| 3 O'Clock | 96.1 |
| Butt Cap | 126.8 |
Head Prestige MP 2021 Series
OK, here comes another racquet review!
You know our reviews are “numbers” based, not hitter based because we just like numbers! Hitters are Important but to get the most meaningful data from a racquet requires numbers. These numbers can then be applied to the feedback of the hitter.
The new Head Prestige MP 2021 is a 99 square inch head with the 18×19 string pattern so common in player style racquets. This combination may “scare off” some users but that would be a mistake in our opinion.
As you would expect this racquet is a thin box beam box design which creates an in plane stiffness of 384.6 pounds, which can be used to create a very friendly string bed stiffness. Take a look at the “effective stiffness” and you will see what we mean!
In addition to the nice in plane stiffness this racquet uses Head’s new Auxetic construction in the throat which is designed for comfort and control from each hit by allowing the throat to “expand 
and contract” a little.
The bright red color of last years Prestige series has been replaced with a “matt” graphite transitioning into the classic Prestige maroon aroun
d the head of the racquet making this a classic in its own right!
| Manufacturer | Head |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Head Prestige MP 2021 |
| Reference Tension | 55 lbs - 24.9 kg |
| String | Victrex 7718 (PEEK) |
| Machine Used | True Tension Professional |
| ASPS, RDC | 54 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 66.0 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 63 - After stringing |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 41.0 |
| Racquet - In Plane Stiffness | 384.6 lbs/Inch |
| Weight, Grams | 332 |
| Weight, Ounces | 11.71 |
| Balance, mm | 327 |
| Balance, Inch | 12.87 |
| Length, Cm | 68.6 |
| Length, Inch | 27.008 |
| Head Width | 9.551 |
| Head Length | 13.13 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 635.4 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 98.5 |
| Number of Main Strings | 18 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 19 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .689 |
| Main String Grid | 8.00 |
| Cross String Grid | 10.10 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .727 |
| Average Cross String Space | .529 |
| Average Main String Space | .396 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 35 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 195.7 |
| First Moment, Nm | .837 |
| Polar Moment | 343 |
| Torsional Stability | 17 |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 326 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 11.50 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 355.0 |
| Power, RDC | 49 |
| Control, RDC | 52 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 69 |
| Power, Calculated | 2042.9 |
| Head Points | 5.04 |
| Head Weight, % | 47.7% |
| Center of Percussion | 21.016 |
| Dwell Time, ms | 8.66 |
| Efective Stiffness - lbs | 29.1 |
| K, Lb/In | 173.08 |
| Recoil Weight | 157.3 |
| Twist Weight | 227.24 |
| End Weight | 133.1 |
| Tip Weight | 200.8 |
| 9 O'Clock | 101.3 |
| 3 O'Clock | 98.9 |
| Butt Cap | 131.3 |
Racquet Quest, LLC
