The Head Prestige Pro 600, a brown-fading-to-red Euro-release tennis racquet from from the late 80s through early 90s, is generally regarded as a ‘holy grail’ players’ frame, particularly in great condition. Head still makes a Prestige mid based on this model, and the Pro 600 was used by probably 25%-30% of the world’s male pros of that era. I write this guide because I’ve seen on more than one occasion sellers auctioning FAKE versions of this model (before ebay, I had no idea such a thing existed). How to tell a fake of this particular model?
1. No plastic collar with Head emblem: real Pro 600s have a dark brown plastic collar where the top of the grip meets the frame. This plastic collar, when new, is embossed with a small, gold-colored Head emblem/logo, which can wear off over time. The FAKE version of the Pro 600 has no collar whatsoever; the grip is taped right to the frame;
2. Black buttcap: real Pro 600s have a dark brown buttcap with a Head sticker. Although I’m not sure, I don’t think the FAKES have any sticker on the buttcap. I am sure that the FAKES have a black plastic buttcap, not the requisite dark brown;
3. Not made in Austria: I’ve seen a Pro 600 fake with plastic still on the grip, and a small gold ‘Made in Taiwan’ sticker affixed to the plastic grip cover. This is a clear FAKE; all Pro 600 manufacture was in Austria, although on a real Pro 600, only the buttcap sticker says this;
4. No mention of Head strings: the FAKE version has printed on one side “use original ____ strings,” while a real Pro 600 has the same phrasing but in fact says “use original Head strings”;
5. No CAP grommets/CAP grommets won’t fit: this is a major tell of a Pro 600 FAKE. The real Pro 600 was available only with a full-length CAP bumperstrip;
6. Cheap paintjob: this is tough to spot in an auction, but a FAKE Pro 600 finish scratches very easily to a dull gray undercoat;
7. No stock brown leather grip: the FAKES come with a cheap black synthetic basegrip;
8. No use of the brandword “Head” anywhere on the frame (on the sides, above the grip).
I hope this helps avoid bad deals.