ProStaff Legend
10-27-2007, 10:24 PM
UPDATE: added 2g of lead tape to the 3/9 to make the stringbed less tinny and add some pop. all the updated info will be in red
been hitting with the aerogel 200 and i must say that it is a very impressive racquet. it was a demo strung with factory strings (i;d assume dunlop synth 16 most likely at middle tension 60). heres a small review
FOREHANDS:
the power level was perfect. i had no trouble hitting deep into my opponents court. topspin was definitely lacking but it was not a problem because the lack of power made it almost impossible to over-hit. the control was amazing. i could easily crush the ball crosscourt or slap the ball down the line. slice forehands stayed low and bit deep into the court.
Unfortunately the lead tape ruined my experience in this category. where the control and power used to be perfect, i found it to a touch bit too much power with the added weight. occasionally i felt the extra power was useful but most of the time it was abit annoying, the ball often landing out by mere inches. only slice forehands benefited, landing deeper with extra pace but with a touch less spin.
BACKHANDS:
at first, the lack of power was annoying on the backhand side. everything was falling short. but after some adjustments and time, i was able to comfortable keep the ball deep. i tend to hit flat this wing so i didnt notice a lack of topspin. though not as much as a weapon as my forehand, backhands were very predictable and consistent. control again was very good. slice backhands were also very enjoyable as on the forehand
with this racquet, i prefer using my 1hbh as opposed to 2. it was just more comfortable to do so for me. maybe with some more time, i will be able to use 2 hands more comfortable.
unlike with the forehand, my backhand enjoyed the extra power. i got used to the racquet some more so i started using 2 hands again with good results (1 handers downtheline were still very enjoyable). the power was very useful in keeping the ball deep and on putaway shots. slice BHs were affected the same way forehands were
VOLLEYS:
crisp and precise. volleys were very stable. the racquets control was definitely most noticeable at the net. both forehands and backhands came off the stringbed with good pace and placement. touch isnt a big part of my game so i hav get to try any dropshots or dropvolleys.
something i noticed: as opposed to TW specs, i found this racquet to be very manueverable. i would get the swingweight to be closer to 320 than 331
the manueverability definitely increased but the racquet was more stable and the extra power only added to the volleys' deadliness. unlike the forehands, the extra pace did not affect the control and made volleys even more enjoyable with the extra pop. the racquet was abit less mobile but it was not much of a problem
SERVES:
here is where i most felt the lack of spin and power. my first serves felt like they lost alot of pace. second serves became alot flatter than usual. the lack of power however made my serves most consistent and got more 1st serves in than with my PS95.
here is where i enjoyed the extra weight. power on serves was better. still not as fast as my serves with the PS95 but the power level is something i can sacrifice for consistency.
FEEL:
a very comfortable racquet. the racquet flexed just the right amount. one thing i noticed was that the racquet felt the most flexible at the upperhoop. i did not think the M-fil at the 3/9 really help at all. in fact, i feel that the m-fil made it abit more tinny in the sweetspot. oddly, the m-fil200 was one of the few racquets that gave me any pain in my arm. just me i guess
the lead tape really helped with the tinny feel that i would feel occasionally. the sweetspot became more springy but its not a problem
CONCLUSION:
definitely an awesome racquet. i think if it were strung with a thinner feel string like a multi or gut, it would be even better
the lead tape helped with backhands, volleys, serves, and feel but my primary weapon (forehand) suffered. either i can try using only 1g or i can string with something thinner help increase the spin potential.
i will most likely switch to this racquet in the future. i will continue to play with the AG200 and update this review if i notice any changes. i will try adding a bit of lead tape to see if i can make the sweetspot less tinny.
been hitting with the aerogel 200 and i must say that it is a very impressive racquet. it was a demo strung with factory strings (i;d assume dunlop synth 16 most likely at middle tension 60). heres a small review
FOREHANDS:
the power level was perfect. i had no trouble hitting deep into my opponents court. topspin was definitely lacking but it was not a problem because the lack of power made it almost impossible to over-hit. the control was amazing. i could easily crush the ball crosscourt or slap the ball down the line. slice forehands stayed low and bit deep into the court.
Unfortunately the lead tape ruined my experience in this category. where the control and power used to be perfect, i found it to a touch bit too much power with the added weight. occasionally i felt the extra power was useful but most of the time it was abit annoying, the ball often landing out by mere inches. only slice forehands benefited, landing deeper with extra pace but with a touch less spin.
BACKHANDS:
at first, the lack of power was annoying on the backhand side. everything was falling short. but after some adjustments and time, i was able to comfortable keep the ball deep. i tend to hit flat this wing so i didnt notice a lack of topspin. though not as much as a weapon as my forehand, backhands were very predictable and consistent. control again was very good. slice backhands were also very enjoyable as on the forehand
with this racquet, i prefer using my 1hbh as opposed to 2. it was just more comfortable to do so for me. maybe with some more time, i will be able to use 2 hands more comfortable.
unlike with the forehand, my backhand enjoyed the extra power. i got used to the racquet some more so i started using 2 hands again with good results (1 handers downtheline were still very enjoyable). the power was very useful in keeping the ball deep and on putaway shots. slice BHs were affected the same way forehands were
VOLLEYS:
crisp and precise. volleys were very stable. the racquets control was definitely most noticeable at the net. both forehands and backhands came off the stringbed with good pace and placement. touch isnt a big part of my game so i hav get to try any dropshots or dropvolleys.
something i noticed: as opposed to TW specs, i found this racquet to be very manueverable. i would get the swingweight to be closer to 320 than 331
the manueverability definitely increased but the racquet was more stable and the extra power only added to the volleys' deadliness. unlike the forehands, the extra pace did not affect the control and made volleys even more enjoyable with the extra pop. the racquet was abit less mobile but it was not much of a problem
SERVES:
here is where i most felt the lack of spin and power. my first serves felt like they lost alot of pace. second serves became alot flatter than usual. the lack of power however made my serves most consistent and got more 1st serves in than with my PS95.
here is where i enjoyed the extra weight. power on serves was better. still not as fast as my serves with the PS95 but the power level is something i can sacrifice for consistency.
FEEL:
a very comfortable racquet. the racquet flexed just the right amount. one thing i noticed was that the racquet felt the most flexible at the upperhoop. i did not think the M-fil at the 3/9 really help at all. in fact, i feel that the m-fil made it abit more tinny in the sweetspot. oddly, the m-fil200 was one of the few racquets that gave me any pain in my arm. just me i guess
the lead tape really helped with the tinny feel that i would feel occasionally. the sweetspot became more springy but its not a problem
CONCLUSION:
definitely an awesome racquet. i think if it were strung with a thinner feel string like a multi or gut, it would be even better
the lead tape helped with backhands, volleys, serves, and feel but my primary weapon (forehand) suffered. either i can try using only 1g or i can string with something thinner help increase the spin potential.
i will most likely switch to this racquet in the future. i will continue to play with the AG200 and update this review if i notice any changes. i will try adding a bit of lead tape to see if i can make the sweetspot less tinny.