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Head Graphene XT Prestige S tested

Head Graphene XT Prestige S tested

Test player Stephan compares the Head Graphene XT Prestige S with its predecessor the Head Graphene Prestige S. According to him, the new version is 'a lot more Prestige'! Read on for all his findings.

Head Graphene XT Prestige S full

For completeness, you will find here: All the technical information you need to know about the Head Graphene XT Prestige S and the test report of the predecessor of this racket: the Graphene Prestige S, previously tested by Stephan.

Tested racket Brand: Head Model: Graphene XT Prestige S Head size: 98 sq/inch Weight: 305 grams Balance: 32.0 cm Stringing pattern: 16/19

Tester Player name: Stephan Couzijn Level: 5 Type of player: 40 year old, all courter, eastern grip, one-handed backhand, fairly flat shots Own racket: Yonex EZONE DR 98, 98 inch, 315 gr, 31.0 cm balance, 16 x 19 stringing pattern Player's racket history : Wilson Pro Staff 6.0 95, Wilson Six-One 95, Head Radical, Dunlop Airgel 300 Tour, Babolat Pure Storm Tour GT, Wilson Pro Staff 95, Wilson Juice Pro.

Head Graphene XT Prestige S logo

Baseline: The Head Graphene XT Prestige S is slightly lighter than my current racket, the Yonex EZONE DR 98. In my previous review about the predecessor without XT I wrote that I thought the Prestige S was a special racket, especially because it bears the name Prestige with a rich history as a players racket. The predecessor felt too light to be used as a players' racket. Although the weight has remained virtually the same, this XT version of the Prestige S feels heavier. That is a clear plus in my opinion. I still expect a Prestige to be a racket with a lot of feeling and precision and little power. This XT version of the Prestige S has more of the classic Prestige feeling than its predecessor due to the slightly stiffer frame and the string pattern that for some reason feels closer than the 16/19 suggests. That makes the Head Graphene XT Prestige S clearly more of a Prestige. However, the low weight continues to bother me during rallies from the baseline. The Prestige S may play even more stable than its predecessor, but it still delivers a little too little power, which means that the length in my strokes is sometimes insufficient. This made me feel like I was put on the defensive too often. Slices, on the other hand, were even sharper with the Head Graphene XT Prestige S than with its predecessor. The Prestige S has clearly gained in Prestige content!

Service: Serving with the Head Graphene XT Prestige S goes well. Due to its lower weight, the Prestige S is easy to accelerate. In terms of power, this version of the Prestige S does not make any noticeable progress compared to its predecessor. However, the open string pattern does offer plenty of room for slice and kick serves.

Net: The Prestige S is a very maneuverable racket that makes hitting volleys remarkably easy. The Graphene XT Prestige S is more capable of hitting volleys faster than its predecessor. Furthermore, emotional volleys are easy to make with the Prestige S.

Head Graphene XT Prestige S material

Power: As previously noted, the Prestige S offers little power and as a player you have to do a lot yourself. In itself, you can create a lot of racket head speed due to the relatively low weight, but that is also necessary to produce real cannon shots. A little more weight would have given the Prestige more power. Perhaps a slightly lower string weight will also contribute to some extra striking power.

Control: In my opinion, this Prestige S offers even more control than its predecessor and is therefore even closer to the classic Prestige feeling.

Comfort/Arm Friendliness: This version of the Prestige S feels comfortable and gave me no arm problems despite the slightly higher stiffness rating (RA 62 instead of 61). However, parrying balls from hard hitters requires a lot of muscle power.

General impression: The Head Graphene XT Prestige S is an all-round racket that has passed the test on every criterion better than its predecessor. The mix of classic and modern features still makes the 'S' unique in its kind. I dare say that this version of the Prestige S has succeeded better with its improved feel and enhanced control. The low power level and relatively low weight mean that the Prestige S still cannot really compete with real players' rackets. This version of the Prestige may not have been made for that. However, due to the increased 'Prestige feeling', it is increasingly a frame that can be a nice intermediate step to a Prestige Pro or even a Prestige MP . In my opinion, the 'S' is a racket for someone who generates sufficient power and is used to the precision of the Prestige line, but cannot yet make the switch to an MP of 320 grams or a Prestige Pro of 315 grams. In my opinion, a little extra weight would give the Prestige 'S' a better place within the Prestige line.

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