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.
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.
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.
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.