Introducing the Head Prestige MP L Auxetic 2 tennis racquet

The Head Prestige MP L 2023 racquet is part of Head's Prestige range, which includes the least powerful Head racquets.

Compared to the other Prestiges, especially the Tour and the Pro, the MP L has a larger head size of 639 cm² (the MP version also has a head size of 639 cm²), but it has a thin profile, flexibility and even a balance that is close to other models, even the heaviest.

The shape of the head is rather oval, in any case it is not rounded as we can see on some current racquets.

I found the sensations very close to those given by the previous model, let's see it all in detail!

Technologies

Auxetic 2.0

This technology optimizes the response of the frame to improve sensations by giving a homogeneous response even when off-center.

Previously present at the bottom of the frame, for this Auxetic 2 version, the technology has also been integrated into the handle of the racquet.

Graphene 360+ (Graphene inside)

Graphene material provides:

• resistance,
• flexibility,
• lightness,
• stability,

while keeping a reasonable weight.

It is now coupled with SpiralFibers technology, hence the "+" in the name of this technology.

SpiralFibers technology is located at the bottom of the frame to optimize racquet deformation, reduce vibrations and improve playing comfort.

Elongated shaft

The throat is slightly elongated to increase flexibility, which reduces the power of the racquet and can be interesting for the sensations.

Full Cap

The frame protection band is integral, all around the frame, as usual on Prestiges.

This is useful for protecting the frame, and to hide and protect the strings.

The power of the Head Prestige MP L Auxetic 2

The thin 21.5 mm square profile gives flexibility and reduces the power of the Prestige MP L, which is similar to that of the previous model.

• The rare 639 cm² head size gives intermediate power, falling between the 632 cm² and 645 cm² heads (at the time of writing, only the Head Prestige MP and Wilson Shift 99 have also a 639 cm² head size),
• The versatile 16x19 string pattern helps with power.
• The very accessible weight of 300 g and the balance in the handle allow the racquet to be very maneuverable.
• This maneuverability can help you gain power when making quick movements.
  At the same time, some players who can handle heavier racquets and know how to use racquets with more head weight may lack the head weight and inertia to put weight into the ball.

Personally, I felt the somewhat reduced power of this racquet made it slightly demanding.

You have to be able to produce a minimum of power and you have to look for a little control to play with this racquet which, while being very accessible, remains in the idea of ​​the Head Prestige serie which is not very powerful.

I had good feelings on my forehand which is moderately powerful and rather topspin, when I was in good shape and in good playing conditions.

During my first outdoor test session with somewhat difficult conditions and fatigue, I lacked power.

On the other hand, during my 2nd session, indoor and in good shape, I had very good feelings in terms of power.

I had good sensations on the backhand side, hit with power or slice, especially during my 2nd session, my hit backhand being more powerful and less topspin than my forehand.

On the serve, as on the forehand, I lacked a little power.

This shows that the racquet, without being very hard to play, is slightly demanding.

Overall, I recommend having correct technique when playing with this racquet.

The feeling of power can be modulated with the type and tension of the string; the fact of having played with a Babolat XCel multifilaments string 
with a tension of 22 kg helped me to have decent power and I could have missed it with a tension close to 24 kg.

The Prestige MP L is the easiest racquet to play among the Prestige racquets, its power level is a little low but it remains accessible to many players who are looking for a slightly "control" oriented racquet with a good level of tolerance.

More powerful racquets

• Head Extreme MP, Tour
• Head Gravity MP L
• Head Speed MP
• Head Boom MP

Similar racquets

• Head Radical MP
• Head Gravity MP

Less powerful racquets

• Head Prestige Pro, Tour, MP

Access to spins with the Head Prestige MP L Auxetic 2

On my slice backhand, I had very good sensations, with very good control.

Concerning top^spin, it was very decent, thanks to the 639 cm² head size and the 16x19 string pattern.

It is a slightly tight 16x19 string pattern, with 8 strings in the throat, which slightly reduces access to topspin compared to a 16x19 with 6 main strings in the middle, however I had no difficulty producing the level of topspin I needed.

Without having an extreme access to topspin, it is with this Head Prestige that access to topspin will be the best.

The fact of having played with a tension of 22 kg helped me to have correct access to topspin, access to topspin would undoubtedly have been a little easier with a monofilament string, but it was already very correct .

For players who want more access to topspin, see the Head Boom MP, the Head Extreme MP, which will also be more powerful, or possibly the Head Speed ​​MP which is very versatile in this area as well as for power.

Since the racquet is not very powerful, you will need to be able to have good speed of movement to have power while adding topspin.

Manoeuverability of the Head Prestige MP L Auxetic 2

I found the Prestige MP L particularly light in the lead, with its balance at 31.5 cm and its fairly low swingweight of 309.

Note that it is rare to find this kind of handle balance on 300 g tennis racquets.

At the time of writing this review, there are approximately 8 racquets between 295 and 300g that are balanced below 32cm.

The racquet is extremely easy to handle, which makes it easy to have good movement speed, even with somewhat short movements.

I found the stability correct despite this balance in the handle.

I tested the racquet by adding lead at the height of the hitting zone to bring it back to a more classic balance located at 32 cm unstrung racquet, a balance value that we often see for 300 g racquets.

I personally had better sensations with this balance, it allowed me to have more weight in the head to put more weight in the ball, while maintaining very satisfactory maneuverability.

These sensations will depend on each player, but I find it interesting to have a racquet that is not too heavy and light in the head, which allows it to be easily customized if necessary.

Playing comfort with the Head Prestige MP L Auxetic 2

I found the playing comfort very satisfactory, with good vibration damping, I really enjoyed playing with this racquet and I found the sensations very close to those provided by the previous version.

The fact of having played with a low tension multifilament string also contributed to the feeling of comfort I had.

Furthermore, the 639 cm² head size and the 16x19 string pattern allow for very correct tolerance.

Who is it for ?

I recommend the Head Prestige MP L 2023 to players:

• with intermediate or advanced level,
• with a slightly powerful and slightly topspin game style,
• with flat or slice shots,
• who are looking for a feeling of control and reduced power that is present, without wanting a very hard racquet to play,
• who want a racquet with a slightly reduced power, while having a fairly tolerant head size which remains greater than 632 cm²,
• who want a racquet that is very light in the head and very maneuverable, which can be customized to have more weight in the head without reducing maneuverability too much,
• with a good level of comfort,
• who are looking for the sensations of Head Prestige while having correct power,
• who already appreciated the sensations given by the previous version of Prestige MP L.