Head has announced that new 2023 versions of the Prestige range of tennis rackets (Pro, MP L, and Tour) will be released in mid October 2023.
In this article, I will look at the racket specs of the new 2023 versions to see how they compare to the older 2021 versions.
Racket Specs Comparison
Head has not radically changed the specs of the 2023 versions of the Pro, MP L, or Tour, with the main differences being a lower frame stiffness on three frames and a more head light balance on the Prestige Pro and Tour.
Head has also added Auxetic 2 technology to the 2023 frames which promises to offer players “sensational feel with every shot”.
Head Prestige Pro 2021 vs 2023
Main Differences: The 2023 version of the Prestige Pro has a slightly lower swing weight (324 vs 325), a more head light balance (7 pts HL vs 6 pts HL), and a lower frame stiffness rating (58 vs 60).
Similarities: Both versions have the same head size (98in), strung weight (11.9oz), racket length (27in), beam width (22.0mm), and string pattern (18 x 20).
| Technical Specs | Pro (2021) | Pro (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Year Released: | 2021 | 2023 |
| Design: |  |  |
| Head Size: | 98in | 98in |
| Length: | 27in | 27in |
| Strung Weight: | 337g (11.9oz) | 337g (11.9oz) |
| Unstrung Weight: | 320g (11.29oz) | 320g (11.29oz) |
| Swing weight: | 325 | 324 |
| Balance: | 6 pts HL | 7 pts HL |
| TW Stiffness Rating: | 60 | 58 |
| Power: | Low | Low |
| Player Level: | Advanced | Advanced |
| Beam Width: | 20mm | 20mm |
| Colors: | Maroon | Maroon |
| String Pattern: | 18 x 20 | 18 x 20 |
| Main Skips: | 8T,10T,8H,10H | 8T,10T,8H,10H |
| Grip Type: | Hydrosorb Pro | Hydrosorb Pro |
Head Prestige Tour 2021 vs 2023
Main Differences: The 2023 version of the Prestige Tour has a slightly lower strung weight (11.8oz vs 11.7oz), a lower swing weight (338 vs 330), a more head light balance (6 pts HL vs 5 pts HL), and a lower stiffness rating (62 vs 65).
Similarities: Both rackets have the same head size (95in), racket length (27in), beam width (22mm), and string pattern (16 x 19).
| Technical Specs | Tour (2021) | Tour (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Year Released: | 2021 | 2023 |
| Design: |  |  |
| Head Size: | 95in | 95in |
| Length: | 27in | 27in |
| Strung Weight: | 335g (11.8oz) | 332g (11.7oz) |
| Unstrung Weight: | 315g (11.11oz) | 315g (11.11oz) |
| Swing weight: | 338 | 330 |
| Balance: | 5 pts HL | 6 pts HL |
| TW Stiffness Rating: | 65 | 62 |
| Power: | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| Player Level: | Advanced | Advanced |
| Beam Width: | 22mm | 22mm |
| Colors: | Maroon | Maroon |
| String Pattern: | 16 x 19 | 16 x 19 |
| Main Skips: | 8T,8H | 8T,8H |
| Grip Type: | Hydrosorb Pro | Hydrosorb Pro |
Head Prestige MP L 2021 vs 2023
Main Differences: The 2023 version of the Prestige MP L (Lite) has a slightly higher strung weight (11.1oz vs 11.1oz), a lower swing weight (309 vs 313), and a lower stiffness rating (61 vs 65).
Similarities: Both rackets have the same head size (99in), racket length (27in), head light balance (6 pts HL), beam width (21.5mm), and string pattern (16 x 19).
| Technical Specs | MP L (2021) | MP L (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Year Released: | 2021 | 2023 |
| Design: | | |
| Head Size: | 99in | 99in |
| Length: | 27in | 27in |
| Strung Weight: | 315g (11.1oz) | 318g (11.2oz) |
| Unstrung Weight: | 300g (10.6oz) | 300g (10.6oz) |
| Swing weight: | 313 | 309 |
| Balance: | 6 pts HL | 6 pts HL |
| TW Stiffness Rating: | 65 | 61 |
| Power: | Low | Low |
| Player Level: | Intermediate to Advanced | Intermediate to Advanced |
| Beam Width: | 21.5mm | 21.5mm |
| Colors: | Maroon | Maroon |
| String Pattern: | 16 x 19 | 16 x 19 |
| Main Skips: | 7T,9T,7H,9H | 7T,9T,7H,9H |
| Grip Type: | Hydrosorb Pro | Hydrosorb Pro |