Diary of a Racketaholic

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
I'm closer and closer to leading my TC95 up to match my leaded up Yonex frames. Still need some time, but I have gotten used to the high SW and I'd like to see how the Angell does with it as well.

There is no substituting for weight. A 70% swing yields some of the most consistently heavy balls I have hit. I can only imagine what the TC95 would do. I'm at 355 static, 365 SW, 4 pts HL on the Yonxes and I now have 3 because they are like $65 brand new if you can find them. One of the best frames out there, and at that price it's a no brainer for me.

Playing guys with bad footwork who stab at balls and get points is a problem no more. Now when they do that, the ball usually flies long.

Main thing is you need active feet to wield these frames. The upper body strength is not as important, but you can't be weak.

@skeeter , I thought of a really good exercise I do that helps with footwork a lot - Jumping rope. It's perfect. I did a cossfit workout that goes like this - 50-40-30-20-10 - jump rope, than situps. So 50 jump rope and then 50 situps, then down to 40..etc. Shoot for 12 minutes or less to complete it.

You are supposed to do double unders on the jump rope, but you can just do singles and double the amount (so 100 to start). Singles are more than fine, and they are awesome for the calves. Plus they get you in the habit of having active feet. All the best players are always lightly jumping and moving their feet. It makes a huge difference. We have all seen the many rec vids of flat footed guys just standing there and waiting on balls. Can't do that if you want to really be good at tennis.

It really helps in matches because it is so easy to tighten up and not move your feet. Then you wonder why you are missing shots. Took me a while to figure that one out myself.

Anyway - jump rope.
If you do lead up the TC 95... Try it at 3/9, worked amazingly well for me (crazy heavy balls as a result).
 

skeeter

Professional
I'm closer and closer to leading my TC95 up to match my leaded up Yonex frames. Still need some time, but I have gotten used to the high SW and I'd like to see how the Angell does with it as well.

There is no substituting for weight. A 70% swing yields some of the most consistently heavy balls I have hit. I can only imagine what the TC95 would do. I'm at 355 static, 365 SW, 4 pts HL on the Yonxes and I now have 3 because they are like $65 brand new if you can find them. One of the best frames out there, and at that price it's a no brainer for me.

Playing guys with bad footwork who stab at balls and get points is a problem no more. Now when they do that, the ball usually flies long.

Main thing is you need active feet to wield these frames. The upper body strength is not as important, but you can't be weak.

@skeeter , I thought of a really good exercise I do that helps with footwork a lot - Jumping rope. It's perfect. I did a cossfit workout that goes like this - 50-40-30-20-10 - jump rope, than situps. So 50 jump rope and then 50 situps, then down to 40..etc. Shoot for 12 minutes or less to complete it.

You are supposed to do double unders on the jump rope, but you can just do singles and double the amount (so 100 to start). Singles are more than fine, and they are awesome for the calves. Plus they get you in the habit of having active feet. All the best players are always lightly jumping and moving their feet. It makes a huge difference. We have all seen the many rec vids of flat footed guys just standing there and waiting on balls. Can't do that if you want to really be good at tennis.

It really helps in matches because it is so easy to tighten up and not move your feet. Then you wonder why you are missing shots. Took me a while to figure that one out myself.

Anyway - jump rope.
I like it. Can do it at home and at low cost; no expensive trainers needed. Excellent idea.
 

Mac33

Professional
Tried my Babolat Pure Drive Tour today.

After losing the first set 6-3 to my friend with my Redondo MP I swapped to my Yonex RD-7 for the second and lost that 6-2.

Too many UE and mishits!

In the 3rd set swapped to the Babolat PDT and was 4-1 down.

Was hitting my forehand well with it but my backhand as always with this frame lacks power.

At 1-4 down i decided to lift the ball much steeper on my backhand and it just clicked.

Ended up winning 7-6 so I went home happy!

Have taken the under grip off this frame and use two overgrips only and no dampener.

Weighs only 320g - but its only around 2 points HL

Yellow coloured Yonex Poly Tour string at 48 ilbs.
 

gutfeeling

Hall of Fame
I'm closer and closer to leading my TC95 up to match my leaded up Yonex frames. Still need some time, but I have gotten used to the high SW and I'd like to see how the Angell does with it as well.

There is no substituting for weight. A 70% swing yields some of the most consistently heavy balls I have hit. I can only imagine what the TC95 would do. I'm at 355 static, 365 SW, 4 pts HL on the Yonxes and I now have 3 because they are like $65 brand new if you can find them. One of the best frames out there, and at that price it's a no brainer for me.

Playing guys with bad footwork who stab at balls and get points is a problem no more. Now when they do that, the ball usually flies long.

Main thing is you need active feet to wield these frames. The upper body strength is not as important, but you can't be weak.

@skeeter , I thought of a really good exercise I do that helps with footwork a lot - Jumping rope. It's perfect. I did a cossfit workout that goes like this - 50-40-30-20-10 - jump rope, than situps. So 50 jump rope and then 50 situps, then down to 40..etc. Shoot for 12 minutes or less to complete it.

You are supposed to do double unders on the jump rope, but you can just do singles and double the amount (so 100 to start). Singles are more than fine, and they are awesome for the calves. Plus they get you in the habit of having active feet. All the best players are always lightly jumping and moving their feet. It makes a huge difference. We have all seen the many rec vids of flat footed guys just standing there and waiting on balls. Can't do that if you want to really be good at tennis.

It really helps in matches because it is so easy to tighten up and not move your feet. Then you wonder why you are missing shots. Took me a while to figure that one out myself.

Anyway - jump rope.

Couldn't agree more for the footwork. That plus actively scanning for the ball while your opponent is hitting.


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gutfeeling

Hall of Fame
Long time lurker here but thought I would chime in. Finally put an end (I hope) to my holicism with some aeropro drive plus originals I picked up off the bay. I string with max power 18 around 30 lbs give or take on a constant pull or hybrid with econogut mains and these sticks are pure pleasure. They have relatively high sw for low static weight at around 6-7 points HL, stock no lead. Flexier than the current crop of babocrap, I would guess roughly 65 ra strung or lower. Anyone else enjoying playing older versions of aeropros or pure drives? It's been a long journey ranging from the Tec 315 limited, IG Radical Pro, Graphene Extreme and Speed and everything in between. Feels good to settle down for a bit!
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
For those in here who don't mind an edged poly, Solinco Hyper G 16L is a really solid string. Only hit with it once so far but loving everything about it except for the neon green color. Wish it came in something more neutral, but performance wise it's feeling like a softer Tour Bite with really nice feel and control thus far.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
For those in here who don't mind an edged poly, Solinco Hyper G 16L is a really solid string. Only hit with it once so far but loving everything about it except for the neon green color. Wish it came in something more neutral, but performance wise it's feeling like a softer Tour Bite with really nice feel and control thus far.

Nice! I'm looking around at polys now to put in my Xi98s. Cyclone is just a little too stiff for that frame. I have some RSLyon coming. I have wanted to check that out for a long time. Currently in the lead for me is Volkl V Torque. I'm not sure if you have tried that, but it is shaped and has nice feel to it. Very heavy spin as well. It also breaks right around it's death, but plays great until then. The response can be a little uneven, so instead of just grabbing a reel, I decided to try a few options. I try and keep to polys that are priced under $10 because it thins the herd and makes it easier to find something good. Oddly enough, I like the neon green colors in the yonex. It doesn't even make sense from a color perspective, but the neon yellow Cyclone looks great in it.
 

Hnefi

Semi-Pro
I like stiffer poly at lower tension. Soft poly plays okay for the first 2h but then it drops off a cliff and becomes really unpredictable mush (Cyclone is the most notable example of this followed by BHBR). For a while I was using either max power rough or alu power strung between 19 and 20kg, and the max power rough kept playability for quite some time. I was impressed by it.

I'm back to gut mains right now though. I have a few sets left and if I'm not hitting very much, thats what I like to use because it keeps playability for so long.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
^I'm the same. I love crisp feeling stringbeds but unfortunately crisp often means stiff and something that's worse for the arm. That's why I'm trying to find a happy medium. I hope my warm feelings for Hyper G so far continue on the more I play with it. It has a pocketing to it that I really love so far.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
First night out with Tourna Big hitter black zone was quite nice. This is a comfortable string, good control, solid spin. Not sure how long this will last

I like softer polys around 55. They drop down to 46 or so and its perfect. Tons of spin and that little launch they do is awesome.
 

gutfeeling

Hall of Fame
I like stiffer poly at lower tension. Soft poly plays okay for the first 2h but then it drops off a cliff and becomes really unpredictable mush (Cyclone is the most notable example of this followed by BHBR). For a while I was using either max power rough or alu power strung between 19 and 20kg, and the max power rough kept playability for quite some time. I was impressed by it.

I'm back to gut mains right now though. I have a few sets left and if I'm not hitting very much, thats what I like to use because it keeps playability for so long.

Hnefi I've read some of your other posts and I think we're on the same page in terms of strings and racquets. Currently stringing full bed of max power 18 gauge at low tension or hybriding with gut mains at higher tension. Had a long fling with the 315 and dabbled with everything under the sun before/after that and currently with aeropro drive plus originals. Something about the 315 will always keep me coming back, but I play better tennis with the aeropro. I'm starting to like (tolerate) the stiffer frame with low tension poly or gut mains. I also string this frame from throat to tip *gasp* which I think results in a softer stringbed near the tip which helps with comfort on off center hits since I tend to hit high in stringbed.

Can you compare the normal max power 18 with the rough version? Thanks.


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gutfeeling

Hall of Fame
^I'm the same. I love crisp feeling stringbeds but unfortunately crisp often means stiff and something that's worse for the arm. That's why I'm trying to find a happy medium. I hope my warm feelings for Hyper G so far continue on the more I play with it. It has a pocketing to it that I really love so far.

Querrey seems to like it still. Amazed that he's stringing the 18 gauge (I think) in such an open pattern in the new pure aero.


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Hnefi

Semi-Pro
Hnefi I've read some of your other posts and I think we're on the same page in terms of strings and racquets. Currently stringing full bed of max power 18 gauge at low tension or hybriding with gut mains at higher tension. Had a long fling with the 315 and dabbled with everything under the sun before/after that and currently with aeropro drive plus originals. Something about the 315 will always keep me coming back, but I play better tennis with the aeropro. I'm starting to like (tolerate) the stiffer frame with low tension poly or gut mains. I also string this frame from throat to tip *gasp* which I think results in a softer stringbed near the tip which helps with comfort on off center hits since I tend to hit high in stringbed.

Can you compare the normal max power 18 with the rough version? Thanks.


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I have never played with an APDO, but I have a friend who has played with them and he says they were just fantastic frames... Nadal still seems to think so. And interestingly enough, Nadal requests his racquets strung bottom up, according to a friend of mine who has strung Nadal's frames at wimbledon and elsewhere.

I used max power rough in the 16 gauge since that's all my stringer had - and only used the normal max power as a cross for gut mains, so my comparison is pretty limited there. However I have played a good share of alu power and I think max power plays rough plays very similar. Alu power plays a bit more lively and overall I like it better, but the totally dead feel of max power is also addictive because I can really hit out with high swing speeds and keep the ball in. I have not been a fan of shaped poly but the texture of max power rough didn't seem to throw off the feel of the stringbed like an aggressively shaped poly does for me. Try out one set of each and see what you think. I've honestly never really been able to see any extra spin or impact from either shaped or textured poly, so I'm just going back to standard round stuff in the crosses if I'm using gut in the mains, or full bed alu power if I'm playing a lot and breaking the gut fast. Another thing you could try is Tour Bite 1.20mm, if you're into that sort of string. It's the only shaped poly I've really enjoyed using.
 

Mac33

Professional
More testing again today.

After playing so well on Sunday with the Babolat Pure Drive Tour - I thought I'd give it another try,though today on a different hard court....this time the courts surface was old and very smooth - meaning it was playing lightning fast with the ball staying extra low.

Probably the worst set I've played of tennis in the last 5 years.

With the ball staying so low I found I needed to lift the ball much more and the Babolat PDT was having none of it.

The crazy stiff,hollow feel was magnified today.

In the second set I swapped to my PK Q Tour 325g - and played just way,way better!

To me the Babolat PDT works better on a higher bouncing ball like on a clay court or on a newly layed hard court where the surface will provide plenty of grip resulting in a higher bounce.

Going to keep the Babolat PDT in my bag as most of the tournament venues are played on slower,high bouncing hard courts.

On my club court - that has likely not been resurfaced in probably 20 years at best the Redondo MP and the PK Q Tour 325g seem to work best.
 

n8dawg6

Legend
More testing again today.

After playing so well on Sunday with the Babolat Pure Drive Tour - I thought I'd give it another try,though today on a different hard court....this time the courts surface was old and very smooth - meaning it was playing lightning fast with the ball staying extra low.

Probably the worst set I've played of tennis in the last 5 years.

With the ball staying so low I found I needed to lift the ball much more and the Babolat PDT was having none of it.

The crazy stiff,hollow feel was magnified today.

In the second set I swapped to my PK Q Tour 325g - and played just way,way better!

To me the Babolat PDT works better on a higher bouncing ball like on a clay court or on a newly layed hard court where the surface will provide plenty of grip resulting in a higher bounce.

Going to keep the Babolat PDT in my bag as most of the tournament venues are played on slower,high bouncing hard courts.

On my club court - that has likely not been resurfaced in probably 20 years at best the Redondo MP and the PK Q Tour 325g seem to work best.
im not saying your observations are wrong, but i will say that i have noticed a phenomenon where a racquet plays the way i expect it to. if im expecting to play confidently with the racquet that day, thats what happens. if im not sure and i bring another one or two for backup ... i end up doing better with the backups. this is one of the roots of holism, i believe. which fits nicely in this thread, actually ...
 

gutfeeling

Hall of Fame
I have never played with an APDO, but I have a friend who has played with them and he says they were just fantastic frames... Nadal still seems to think so. And interestingly enough, Nadal requests his racquets strung bottom up, according to a friend of mine who has strung Nadal's frames at wimbledon and elsewhere.

I used max power rough in the 16 gauge since that's all my stringer had - and only used the normal max power as a cross for gut mains, so my comparison is pretty limited there. However I have played a good share of alu power and I think max power plays rough plays very similar. Alu power plays a bit more lively and overall I like it better, but the totally dead feel of max power is also addictive because I can really hit out with high swing speeds and keep the ball in. I have not been a fan of shaped poly but the texture of max power rough didn't seem to throw off the feel of the stringbed like an aggressively shaped poly does for me. Try out one set of each and see what you think. I've honestly never really been able to see any extra spin or impact from either shaped or textured poly, so I'm just going back to standard round stuff in the crosses if I'm using gut in the mains, or full bed alu power if I'm playing a lot and breaking the gut fast. Another thing you could try is Tour Bite 1.20mm, if you're into that sort of string. It's the only shaped poly I've really enjoyed using.

I used to play exclusively with tour bite 16L which until the 15L came out was the stiffest gauge. Liked it a lot, until I hit with the 16, 17, and 18 gauge max power, which is all around better IMO though tour bite may have the edge in spin. Currently using the 18 gauge which looks and feels thicker than 1.20, could be since the string is prestretched it does not elongate as much.


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bkr

Rookie
More testing again today.

After playing so well on Sunday with the Babolat Pure Drive Tour - I thought I'd give it another try,though today on a different hard court....this time the courts surface was old and very smooth - meaning it was playing lightning fast with the ball staying extra low.

Probably the worst set I've played of tennis in the last 5 years.

With the ball staying so low I found I needed to lift the ball much more and the Babolat PDT was having none of it.

The crazy stiff,hollow feel was magnified today.

In the second set I swapped to my PK Q Tour 325g - and played just way,way better!

To me the Babolat PDT works better on a higher bouncing ball like on a clay court or on a newly layed hard court where the surface will provide plenty of grip resulting in a higher bounce.

Going to keep the Babolat PDT in my bag as most of the tournament venues are played on slower,high bouncing hard courts.

On my club court - that has likely not been resurfaced in probably 20 years at best the Redondo MP and the PK Q Tour 325g seem to work best.

You have raised good points which I have been noticing as well esp game and courts slowing down with balls plus slower courts.I think Pure Drive type racquets are handy on high bouncing ,slower CLAY and HardCourts esp for not so young folks :) helping to sustain the good level throughout the match.

Another way to look at it is you get the deeper ball with 60 or 70% swing which means more control with less swing speed.

PowerPlayer talked about a deep ball with High SW and heaver racquet which is probably a heaver ball than a deep ball with a stiffer and lighter frame.

Thoughts anyone?.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
It is for sure. I used a Head extreme pro last year in league play and it was not nearly as heavy of a ball. It was still very effective though, I just didn't enjoy that style of play (moonballish)
 

GioV

Rookie
Yea, that was my problem with my experiment with a Yonex DR 100 and years before, with a VCore 100S. The launch angle made me play too moonballish.

The Yonex VCore Xi 98 is a 16x20 string pattern which is just open enough for easy topspin, but closed enough for me to control my flat shots... A good compromise. Right now, I have a leather grip on mine and about 6 grams of lead at 12. Strings are YY PTP.

Gonna experiment with a leather grip and lead on a Tour G 310, since they're so cheap now, and a Duel G 310 before I make a decision for the fall.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
It's cool to see Xi98 users come out of the woodwork. IMO, a GOAT frame if you want something to add lead to. If not, there are better alternatives out there.
 

bkr

Rookie
Yea, that was my problem with my experiment with a Yonex DR 100 and years before, with a VCore 100S. The launch angle made me play too moonballish.

The Yonex VCore Xi 98 is a 16x20 string pattern which is just open enough for easy topspin, but closed enough for me to control my flat shots... A good compromise. Right now, I have a leather grip on mine and about 6 grams of lead at 12. Strings are YY PTP.

Gonna experiment with a leather grip and lead on a Tour G 310, since they're so cheap now, and a Duel G 310 before I make a decision for the fall.


I'm also looking for a racquet that is stiff enough for my children as well as for myself.We seem to favor stiffer frames ( Wilson Kfactor Six One 95 type) and hoping that adding weight would result a frame that is not too stiff.I prefer around 340 plus swing weight so that would help also some frames 340 plus doesn't feel heavy at all.

Interesting that you have mentioned DR 100 as I'm planning to try that one for my younger one as she cann't handle high SW/heavy racquet but not sure how it is going to work out for flat style of play.I didn't like DR98 as we were hitting lot balls into net.
 

bkr

Rookie
I think for me it is that line drive trajectory and undeniable improvement on the backhand side. When I added lead to the 98 it became a complete beast. I found I had a tendency against bigger hitters to rush my swing and swing too hard, probably just anticipating the kick off the bounce. That paid off a lot, but it was tiring and not really something I could sustain over a match without making errors. The XI98 is not that bulky so it takes all the extra lead just fine. As a result I can swing 3/4s almost the entire time now when I take high kickers off the ground, the racquet just plows through the ball.

This is probably the heaviest weight I have played at, yet it is starting to feel light. Usually after a few weeks of high SW I revert back, but so far this is not the case.

Hello PP,

How is xi98 coming along?.I have got one with Hyper G with lead at 12 and some in the handle but didn't like the first hit with these specs.(340sw,around 340 weight).I have just added some more lead at 12 and now its at 364sw ,352grms and 33.2cm balance.Hoping to hit once we get some break from rain.But racquet seems to swing okay even at 360 plus SW.

May be I need to try the Yonex Poly Tour Pro as it is more softer and more power compared to Hyper G but Hyper G might be good at high SW for control and spin.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Hello PP,

How is xi98 coming along?.I have got one with Hyper G with lead at 12 and some in the handle but didn't like the first hit with these specs.(340sw,around 340 weight).I have just added some more lead at 12 and now its at 364sw ,352grms and 33.2cm balance.Hoping to hit once we get some break from rain.But racquet seems to swing okay even at 360 plus SW.

May be I need to try the Yonex Poly Tour Pro as it is more softer and more power compared to Hyper G but Hyper G might be good at high SW for control and spin.

Nice, you are right at my specs now. Im still trying strings for it. So far I really dig the Volkl VTorque 1.23. The spin is heavy and it is a soft string. I have big hitter black zone 1.20 guage now, which is very nice- lots of control but less spin. I received my packs of RSLyon 1.25. That is next, and maybe the last thing before I get more V-Torque.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Not sure if the Black Zone is for me. I think it is more for flat hitters as it has no launch to it like V-Torque. That is what I love about the Vtorque. Even though it's a bit uneven, it's just a really easy string to hit with until breakage.

RSLyon is next and then I'm probably done. I have never enjoyed trying out a lot of different strings.
 

n8dawg6

Legend
Not sure if the Black Zone is for me. I think it is more for flat hitters as it has no launch to it like V-Torque. That is what I love about the Vtorque. Even though it's a bit uneven, it's just a really easy string to hit with until breakage.

RSLyon is next and then I'm probably done. I have never enjoyed trying out a lot of different strings.
have you tried the yonex poly tour spin? not sure if it's worth the extra price over vtorque, but very similar string. i really like it in the G310.
 

Mac33

Professional
I have the yellow Yonex poly Tour string in two of my racquets.

I can only compare it to Cyclone which I have in all my other frames.

Yonex Poly Tour in a thin gauge is so soft in comparison to Cyclone.

Launch angle is definitely a lot lower with the Yonex string.

Spin is lower but it was the big change in launch angle I noticed when I had my Solinco frame strung with Cyclone after previously been strung with the Yonex string.

I find Yonex Poly Tour string to have significant more power than Cyclone.

On a higher bouncing court - I prefer the Yonex string.

On a lower bouncing court - Cyclone is much better.
 

skeeter

Professional
It's cool to see Xi98 users come out of the woodwork. IMO, a GOAT frame if you want something to add lead to. If not, there are better alternatives out there.
PP; I recall at one point you were digging the Ai98. How would you compare that one to the Xi98? Obviously, the Ai is much more flexy than the Xi, and has a 16x19 pattern versus the 16x20 of the Xi; but beyond that, would be interested in your thoughts in terms of power, control, volleying, etc. I hit more of a semi-flat ball most times, though will hit a heavy topspin on occasion; but it's not my go-to shot. Understanding that strings, tension, and technique are critical, does either, in your opinion, lend itself to more driving, flattish shots than the other? Power on serves? All-courter, 4.5, tweak with lead here and there, but not big times (prefer 11.7 - 12 oz). Thanks.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
You could really go either way. I prefer the xi98, but they both hit very driving balls. The xi98 creates more spin, so if you hit flat, the ball drops in a little easier. With the AI98, I really had to wipe harder across the ball to get it to drop in. The ai has a 16x19 pattern, but it has 8 mains in the throat, so it's not as open in the middle as the xi98.

If you are not a lead tweaker, the ai98 is already weighted up, so you can pick up and play. I added some lead at 12 to mine when I had it.

They are both similar frames in that they have no weaknesses. You can volley easily with either. Serve goes to the Xi98 for me though. The Xi just hits a very big ball, but of course, you would need to lead it up.
 

skeeter

Professional
You could really go either way. I prefer the xi98, but they both hit very driving balls. The xi98 creates more spin, so if you hit flat, the ball drops in a little easier. With the AI98, I really had to wipe harder across the ball to get it to drop in. The ai has a 16x19 pattern, but it has 8 mains in the throat, so it's not as open in the middle as the xi98.

If you are not a lead tweaker, the ai98 is already weighted up, so you can pick up and play. I added some lead at 12 to mine when I had it.

They are both similar frames in that they have no weaknesses. You can volley easily with either. Serve goes to the Xi98 for me though. The Xi just hits a very big ball, but of course, you would need to lead it up.
Awesome; thanks, man. Two more questions: TW dinged the Xi in the touch/feel category. I always take their ratings with a grain of salt, but have you noticed a huge difference between the Xi and Ai in this category? Maybe weighting it up increased the feel and touch somewhat on the Xi. And has the big difference in flex between the two been that noticeable to you? Sounds like the Xi may play "plusher" than the RA rating indicates.
 

Hnefi

Semi-Pro
Awesome; thanks, man. Two more questions: TW dinged the Xi in the touch/feel category. I always take their ratings with a grain of salt, but have you noticed a huge difference between the Xi and Ai in this category? Maybe weighting it up increased the feel and touch somewhat on the Xi. And has the big difference in flex between the two been that noticeable to you? Sounds like the Xi may play "plusher" than the RA rating indicates.
I don't think the Xi lacks feel at all. I've hit both racquets with stiff full poly (Luxilon ALU) and the Ai is definitely the more muted and dead feeling of the two. The whole face of the racquet feels pretty much the same. Some of that is the flex difference but the beam and overall construction probably contributes to it.
Overall I vastly prefer the Xi after it gets lead to increase the plow. I've played with very different spec frames, from 285g unstrung to 350g unstrung and the weight does wonders for the overall amount of shock you feel on impact.

My Xi98s at unstrung specs 330g, 30.5cm, 295-8SW.
46982d25ef806fb6760543db8afb2b12.jpg

17d948efe7c83643a61f9b42a0ae8b1e.jpg


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n8dawg6

Legend
I don't think the Xi lacks feel at all. I've hit both racquets with stiff full poly (Luxilon ALU) and the Ai is definitely the more muted and dead feeling of the two. The whole face of the racquet feels pretty much the same. Some of that is the flex difference but the beam and overall construction probably contributes to it.
Overall I vastly prefer the Xi after it gets lead to increase the plow. I've played with very different spec frames, from 285g unstrung to 350g unstrung and the weight does wonders for the overall amount of shock you feel on impact.

My Xi98s at unstrung specs 330g, 30.5cm, 295-8SW.
46982d25ef806fb6760543db8afb2b12.jpg

17d948efe7c83643a61f9b42a0ae8b1e.jpg


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cool. i like the stanman theme.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Awesome; thanks, man. Two more questions: TW dinged the Xi in the touch/feel category. I always take their ratings with a grain of salt, but have you noticed a huge difference between the Xi and Ai in this category? Maybe weighting it up increased the feel and touch somewhat on the Xi. And has the big difference in flex between the two been that noticeable to you? Sounds like the Xi may play "plusher" than the RA rating indicates.

Yeah Hnefi nailed it. The XI does play plusher than it's rating or I would not really like it. The ai is soft, yet hollow feeling. It's an odd combo, but I liked it a lot. I just prefer the more direct feel of the xi. For it's current price, the XI is the best racquet on the market IMO. I mean, to get a frame that yonex sends it's lower ranked pros for under $100 a pop is a steal.
 

skeeter

Professional
Thanks, you guys. Really good to know as feel, and a sense of "crisp plushness", is important to me. Have a demo on the way so look forward to trying it out. And, yes, price is tough to beat! Hnefi, is that a leather grip you slapped onto the Xi?
 

mikeler

Moderator
Not sure if the Black Zone is for me. I think it is more for flat hitters as it has no launch to it like V-Torque. That is what I love about the Vtorque. Even though it's a bit uneven, it's just a really easy string to hit with until breakage.

RSLyon is next and then I'm probably done. I have never enjoyed trying out a lot of different strings.

Blasphemy! I don't like switching frames. Different strokes for different folks. Glad to see this thread revived because I still enjoy reading about other frames.
 

n8dawg6

Legend
Blasphemy! I don't like switching frames. Different strokes for different folks. Glad to see this thread revived because I still enjoy reading about other frames.
mikeler is somewhat of a personal hero bc he plays 4.5 tennis with a low SW 300 g rac with a wide-open pattern
 

DustinW

Professional
mikeler is somewhat of a personal hero bc he plays 4.5 tennis with a low SW 300 g rac with a wide-open pattern

Wait... you can play 4.5 tennis with a 300g racket???

All kidding aside, I'm very tempted by the discounted Yonex frames right now, mainly the Tour F and Tour G.
 

Hnefi

Semi-Pro
Yeah Hnefi nailed it. The XI does play plusher than it's rating or I would not really like it. The ai is soft, yet hollow feeling. It's an odd combo, but I liked it a lot. I just prefer the more direct feel of the xi. For it's current price, the XI is the best racquet on the market IMO. I mean, to get a frame that yonex sends it's lower ranked pros for under $100 a pop is a steal.

Thanks, you guys. Really good to know as feel, and a sense of "crisp plushness", is important to me. Have a demo on the way so look forward to trying it out. And, yes, price is tough to beat! Hnefi, is that a leather grip you slapped onto the Xi?
Yes, mine are heavily customized. Finest calfskin leather, silicone in the handle, replacement buttcaps with a little bit of extra flare added, and lead all around the hoop (mainly at 3/9). In this really depolarized setup the racquets are incredibly stable at impact and literally zero vibrations or adverse feel. Playing the stock Xi98 demo with whatever dead poly was in it, I remember there was some of that tinny and vibrating APD feel outside of the sweet spot, however my customization totally solved that. Possibly also could have been what @Power Player posted about the grommets "settling", although I've never thought too much about that myself.

Wait... you can play 4.5 tennis with a 300g racket???

All kidding aside, I'm very tempted by the discounted Yonex frames right now, mainly the Tour F and Tour G.
Yonex makes really unique racquets and I enjoy them. Another great Yonex frame to try if you can get your hands on one is the Vcore Tour 310 from a few years ago. A good friend of mine uses those stock, even though he is really knowledgeable about racquet tech, and they play very nicely. For the light weight and smaller SW, you can hit a big ball.
 

el sergento

Hall of Fame
Racket bros,

I just gave my brother my pair of matched Dunlop F3.0 Tours. I'm now a Babolat man, even got me a new Babolat backpack (what happened to me?).

Switched to the Pure Strike 16 x 19 full time now. I wouldn't call it love at first hit, I'm still not sure I like the feel, but you can't argue with results. I hit a bigger, spinnier ball, and they really allow me to play the grown up type of tennis that wins me points these days. I'm talking about the 35+ year old in decent shape, boring ass, claydog, make your opponent miss, and surprise with the occasional winner type of tennis that dominates league play (adapt or die I say!). You know, the kind of tennis you loathed as a young hotshot on the courts trying to blast winners down the line every other shot..................... and usually missing :)

Anyway, I've strung them with my cheapo hybrid setup, but I had one strung up with Solinco Revelation (blue string) and that stuff is amazing, for you full poly players, I highly recommend it !
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Serge, props for the Pure Strike. Simply because nobody likes the feel of those things..lol. But I played that exact style of tennis with the Extreme Pro, and I felt rather dirty about it. I ended up stopping USTA in the middle of going undefeated, because I hated playing like that so much. I made a few tweaks to my game and weighted up my frame a lot which has paid off big time for me. It keeps me from hot shotting and swinging way too hard. Instead I hit real controlled, but the ball is nice and heavy. I also use slice a lot more and have been moving the ball more North/South. But what you are doing works, and it really works when the frame has some loft. The Head Speed MP was unfair for this style of play.

I have to say I really like the RSLyon. It's a really cool string, great feel, good comfort. I'm a little torn between it and the Volkl, but the Volkl delivers big time in the spin column. I'm going to alternate a few more packs of both and then I'll be all set. The RSLyon is one of the more complete Polys I have used. I was a little thrown off by the feel of it at first. It has a lot of pocketing, but no launch. So my first day I played ok. Once the string settled in, it played great. It's a very honest string that lasts longer than VTorque, but Vtorque also breaks right when it should. I also love the 1.23 gauge of the Vtorque as well.Volkl strings have this launchy quality to them that I have learned how to control and use to my benefit. It really helps margins when you can brush a little more and still get easy depth. The RSLyon requires a little more of a flat shot, but nothing like the Tourna Black Zone, which was really suited for flatter hitters than myself.
 

el sergento

Hall of Fame
PP, don't get me wrong, I'm not thrilled about playing this way. But you're a young buck in your prime, I'm also a young buck in my prime, obviously (ha!) but I have 3, yes, 3 kids now (all under 5!) And with three kids there's no time to cross fit my way to tennis glory or learn some new tricks, like how to volley like a normal person Instead of like a blindfolded Walt Jr.

Having said that, my cardio is probably the best it's ever been thanks to a pretty regular running routine (papa, why are you running away from home papa, come change my diaper papa!) it's actually a strength now.

So I play to my strength. Also, I don't remember if you play on clay a lot or not, but clay really is a different sport. A dirty, filthy, grindy, first serves are useless kind of sport. So yeah....

Anyway, now back to the Pure Strike. Yes, the feel is weird, maximum mushy, but it's practically impossible to miss with it and it's as powerful a stick as my shoulder can handle. My backhand slice is lethal and I get fantastic angles with my forehand. My topspin one hander (my best shot) is at 80% so far, as I get used to the more HH balance, but it's improving fast.

Overall, the feel is the only downside to the frame. Bizarrely enough, it's the first frame I've used that feels better with full poly than in a hybrid. I will say the mush makes it hard to hit a good dropper. I might try a leather grip one of these days, but that's as far as I'm willing to mod, my lead huffing days are over goddammit!
 
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Power Player

Bionic Poster
Oh no, I totally get it. It is the best strategy for tennis victory against most players. It's very smart and it works. I do play clay, but not as much as hardcourt. But yeah clay is super grindy and gross..lol. It's not real clay for me though, it's Har-tru, which sucks pretty hard, but it's easier on the joints.

My slice game and directional control has really gone up a notch with this Vcore 98. I'm going to lead up the Angell soon as well - that is a clay friendly racquet. Real open pattern. Crazy trajectory. Love having it in the bag.
 

Kevin T

Hall of Fame
Yeah Hnefi nailed it. The XI does play plusher than it's rating or I would not really like it. The ai is soft, yet hollow feeling. It's an odd combo, but I liked it a lot. I just prefer the more direct feel of the xi. For it's current price, the XI is the best racquet on the market IMO. I mean, to get a frame that yonex sends it's lower ranked pros for under $100 a pop is a steal.
PP,

I know you used to hit with the Rdis 200 (I actually bought a couple based on your reviews a few years back-great stick!)...how would you compare the XI to the RDIS? Thanks!

P.S.

Your 'Noles should be good this year. You think they'll take Clemson? Can't wait for tomorrow and Sunday...wall to wall great college football.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
PP,

I know you used to hit with the Rdis 200 (I actually bought a couple based on your reviews a few years back-great stick!)...how would you compare the XI to the RDIS? Thanks!

P.S.

Your 'Noles should be good this year. You think they'll take Clemson? Can't wait for tomorrow and Sunday...wall to wall great college football.

I think we can beat Clemson. But I need to see us play Monday first. Ole Miss is a worthy test. We defended Clemson well last year until the 4th quarter. This year we should have a much better defense and offense.

RDIS 200 was very cool. The difference is that it was flexy and a rather open pattern. It was meant, to use a Gadsian Phrase, to massage the ball around the court. The Vcore is an open 16x20, and is meant for hitting the ball more direct to the target. I get a lot more control out of it, but it's not a super low trajectory like an 18x20. The Vcore is also a lot stiffer, but I have never once experienced arm discomfort. The frame actually feels fantastic if you weight it up and use soft poly in the low 50s. It has no weakness to me besides its stock weight. If you love to slice approach, crush from the baseline and then change things up with drop shots to play North/South once your opponent is on their heels, it is a great frame. I also find that it is very stable at the net, but mine is weighted in the 350s.
 
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