The HEAD Prestige 2023 Review deals with the Prestige Tour, Pro, MP and MP L. It has also been called Prestige Auxetic 2.0.

HEAD Prestige 2023 Review

There is a new line of Prestige racquets on the block. We have had four racquets to test over a period of weeks and below you can read our verdict. If you prefer, there is also a Prestige Auxetic 2.0 video review here.

So, what is new in the HEAD Prestige 2023? The racquets play similarly to the HEAD Prestige 2021 racquets, but they are somewhat refined. I prefer the Auxetic 2.0 version over the predecessor, but I understand if some players struggle to tell a difference. You can read more about the Auxetic technology here.

You can purchase the new HEAD Prestige 2023 racquets from Tennis Warehouse.

HEAD Prestige Tour

The Tour model is the most unforgiving, with a true 95 sq inch head size. This was Nikki’s favorite, and he liked it so much he could play a tournament with it. The specifications are similar to the previous generation, but the stiffness is slightly lower, and the swing weight is also reduced. Both changes are positive.

The racquet played with excellent plow-through, stability, feel, and control. But it was too demanding for most play-testers. If you are an aspiring pro or just love smaller head sizes and heavier racquets, this one might be a great option.

It’s easier to use than the predecessor, but still a demanding racquet with a relatively small audience.

HEAD Prestige Pro

I loved the HEAD Prestige MP 360+, which is the model that predated the first Auxetic Prestige. They changed the name from MP to Pro, which makes sense since this racquet is difficult to play with. Dense string pattern, thin beam, low stiffness. It’s a classic racquet with a slightly larger head size. Great for precision, tougher on defense. But if you love being connected to every shot, this is one of the best racquets on the market. I didn’t like the Prestige Pro 2021, but this one felt softer to me. Looking at the specifications below, I can see they really dialed down the stiffness towards PT57A levels.

Fantastic racquet, just too demanding for most players.

HEAD Prestige MP

This is the most complicated racquet to understand for me. It has a relatively high swing weight (around 330 strung), a 99 sq inch head size and an 18×19 string pattern. It is smack down in the middle of control racquets, but it makes it lack a bit of identity. The Pro and the Tour are tough to use, but they offer a beautiful feel and precision when you are playing well. This one is somewhat easier to use, but the rewards are not that strong. The feel and control is simply not quite as good as with the racquets above. I struggled to understand this one, but I know it has a fanbase out there.

Specifications are not yet live on the Tennis Warehouse website for the Prestige MP 2023.

HEAD Prestige MP L

This is what I would call a “sleeper” racquet. An excellent frame that is easily overlooked because it has the name Midplus Light. Yes, it is lighter than the racquets above, but still, 300 grams unstrung, and with some customization it can turn into quite a solid weapon.

Somewhat surprisingly, they really managed to capture the Prestige feel with this one. This racquet is soft on the arm, pockets the ball well, and despite being a control racquet, can offer some power and spin.

Control freaks might struggle with the higher launch angle from the 16×19 pattern. But this is something you can reduce with the right string choice, perhaps adding a gut or multi in the mains.

This turned out to be my personal favorite, with the Prestige Pro coming in at a close second. Excellent racquet.

Summary

This is a slight update from the 2021 version. The improvements are subtle, even when looking at the cosmetic, but the more you play with the racquets, the stronger they become. The softer feel and reduction in swing weight in some models are clear steps in the right direction. I think all racquets played better, and I did enjoy the play-test immensely. However, the Prestige MP is still difficult for me to place in terms of playing demographic.

In short, if you want control and feel, the Prestige line still delivers in spades!