What's my next racket? (video attached)

asintu

Professional
Hey guys. Been using the APD for a about year or so and am looking for something more comfortable and also with more control (more stable on 1hbh) that retains the spin characteristics of the apd. Any suggestions?
Anyways, here's a video of me playing last summer so you get an idea of my style.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpEX79IMRX8
 
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qwerty66

Semi-Pro
wow
those are intense forehands
i could never hit like that for more then 2 hits
i would imagine so much strain on your shoulder and arm
 

Safina

Semi-Pro
It seems to me the APD was made for somebody that likes to rip the ball like you do. What is your Winner/Unforced Error ratio???????

I also used to use the APD, and I switched to the LM INSTINCT because 1) it was much cheaper 2) i hated WOOFER grommets 3) 18x19 gives me more control 4) less stiff

I added lead to mine because stock they felt very light. good luck

p.s - good idea adding the video.. you will get a lot of responses and better responses because of it. every "help me choose a racquet" thread should have a video!
 
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fgs

Hall of Fame
k/n six-one 95 16x18stringpattern, strung with a soft multi like the nxt tour at around 55-57lbs.
 

rosenstar

Professional
since it sounds like you like apd, just want something more stable, I'd check out the Pure Drive Roddick. It's very solid, very stable. I found the sweetspot to be very forgiving. I've heard some find it uncomfortable, but I've never had any trouble at all with the racquet. Also, you could try addiing some lead tape to current racquet. APD isn't too heavy at all, so a strip of tape at the 3 o'clock and 9 might fix your problem.
 

iplaybetter

Hall of Fame
try the tecnifibre 335 i don't hit that far back and not the same style but it does what you tell it, and the 16-20 has a ton of spin, and is really nice on a 1hb
 

asintu

Professional
since it sounds like you like apd, just want something more stable, I'd check out the Pure Drive Roddick. It's very solid, very stable. I found the sweetspot to be very forgiving. I've heard some find it uncomfortable, but I've never had any trouble at all with the racquet. Also, you could try addiing some lead tape to current racquet. APD isn't too heavy at all, so a strip of tape at the 3 o'clock and 9 might fix your problem.

yeah i was thinking of the PDR but i wouldn't consider it more comfortable than the apd
 

pNoyr3D

Professional
I don't think I would recommend the PDR for 1-handed backhands. Well, I use a 1-handed backhand and didn't really find it that comfortable and look's like you got a great one, what grip do you use for that backhand?

How about Babolat Pure Storm?
 

fuzz nation

G.O.A.T.
I could give you the same ol' sermon about demoing everything you can, but your shots look a whole lot like a guy I know who just took up with the Fischer M Speed 98 at the end of last year. Big 1hbh, too. Might be worth a look.
 
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Deleted member 6835

Guest
pure storm and maybe the rds OO1 mp... still say those two, lol
 

iplaybetter

Hall of Fame
i dint like it but try the arogel 300 and remember that if you buy it you will at at least and once of lea tape, lots of pop and spin just not as much feed back or control as the tecnifibre i got instead
 

armand

Banned
Those are some nice, heavy+fast strokes you got there. Wouldn't want to play you at "RG"!

It's still hard to tell what racquet you'd benefit from because it'd be better to see some actual points, instead of just hitting around from baseline.

You seem fine from the baseline, so dunno if you want to improve that strength or maybe you want to minimize some weaknesses you may have in other areas of the game.
 

ambro

Professional
I'm going to say the O3 tour MP would be a perfect fit for you, but you may need to add some lead for stability. It will feel tons more comfortable than your APD, but will have a similar power and spin level, if not higher in the spin.
 

asintu

Professional
I'm going to say the O3 tour MP would be a perfect fit for you, but you may need to add some lead for stability. It will feel tons more comfortable than your APD, but will have a similar power and spin level, if not higher in the spin.

why not the mid? seems a bit heavier..thus more stable?!! maybe better for 1hbh but with loss of spin from the more dense pattern?!
 

rocket

Hall of Fame
I was warming up Rafa the day before the final. why do you ask?

I think you're a fake.

1. Roland Garros is in Paris. Paris doesn't have mountains & hills like what is shown in the background of the vid.

2. Roland Garros doesn't have singles courts.

3. The guy in the vid seems to be a serious player. Serious players don't like to switch gear. Especially, they don't go post in a forum like this asking ppl to pick a racquet for them.

4. The grunts we hear aren't Rafa's. Plus, finalists don't warm up with amateurs before the final.

5. The only time you hit with Rafa was in your dreams.
 

JayxTheKoolest

Semi-Pro
I think you're a fake.

1. Roland Garros is in Paris. Paris doesn't have mountains & hills like what is shown in the background of the vid.

2. Roland Garros doesn't have singles courts.

3. The guy in the vid seems to be a serious player. Serious players don't like to switch gear. Especially, they don't go post in a forum like this asking ppl to pick a racquet for them.

4. The grunts we hear aren't Rafa's. Plus, finalists don't warm up with amateurs before the final.

5. The only time you hit with Rafa was in your dreams.

Perhaps you're taking this too seriously...
 

asintu

Professional
I think you're a fake.

1. Roland Garros is in Paris. Paris doesn't have mountains & hills like what is shown in the background of the vid.
2. Roland Garros doesn't have singles courts.
3. The guy in the vid seems to be a serious player. Serious players don't like to switch gear. Especially, they don't go post in a forum like this asking ppl to pick a racquet for them.
4. The grunts we hear aren't Rafa's. Plus, finalists don't warm up with amateurs before the final.
5. The only time you hit with Rafa was in your dreams.

1. It's not the central RG courts...it's kind of a quieter smaller club where players try to get away from the media, fans and such in order to focus more on their game.
2. See answer 1.
3. I can assure you the guy in the video is me. And yes, I do want some help in choosing a better racket as stated in my first post.
4. I was actually warming him up for his real 2 hr. practice with Carlos later on.
5. See previous answer.
 

Ten_is

Rookie
the guy in the video has a very stiff looking stroke with extreme grips it seems.

Looks like he's muscling everything. I think guys like these would get worked with short low balls and close to net shots or slices. Nice one handed backhands though. Love how he's holding the racket neck to establish easy grip change. ;)
 

LarougeNY

Professional
lol anyways... this guy isnt fake, he plays at my club, and he's a great player (better than the video shows). if you dont have anything constructive to say, dont say it (and get outta this thread).

That club's in canada? Seems much nicer and warmer than the canada I saw (Damn blizzards):mad:
 

dr_punk

Professional
some people just doubt someone else playing with a top 10 player on practice courts at roland garros, I however want to know how lol
 

jace112

Semi-Pro
Hi asintu!
Where is this little club you're speaking about? I'm curious 'cos I'm living 3 miles away from RG. And it looks really nice... ;-)
 

TennisKevin

New User
im surprised nobody has mentioned the rds001 mid for you. i used to use the apd, and i have a game that is not as good as, but a little bit similar to yours. im in the process of switching to the rds001mp. i loved it over the apd, i have lots more feel for the ball, more spin on serves, and can swing away at the ball harder. my 1hbh feels WAY better on the rds001mp. if you want to keep the same frame size try the rds001mp at 98" (but you'll have to add lead), or if you're ready (it sure looks like you are) to get a smaller racquet, try the rds001mid at 90"

i just switched from apd to rds001mp, and ive heard of lots of people who have (check feedback on tw). you should give either of the rds001's a shot
 

LarougeNY

Professional
The MP is really stiff though, I felt no difference between that and my PD+, in fact I got TE within 2 hours (never happened before).

I would try the Mspeed 98, its a very underrated racket. You can get loads of spin, monster serves, and people commented how the gripshape helps their one hander.

And I have to throw in the AG 300, just cuz its my racket and its very great indeed, a little lighter than the APD but has (imo) more control, less power, MUCH greater comfort, more feel, and Much better volleying (serving is probably similar, but I get some beastly serves with my AG).
 
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Deleted member 6835

Guest
some people just doubt someone else playing with a top 10 player on practice courts at roland garros, I however want to know how lol

no, i think the nadal part was a joke :) rofl he obviously didnt practice with nadal. but the guy in the vid was him
 

AJK1

Hall of Fame
So, Nadal can get power, control spin etc with an APD and you can't, so you think you need a new racquet. That's hilarious. It's you, not the racquet. Try different string, tension, and leading it up to get what you want.
 

asintu

Professional
So, Nadal can get power, control spin etc with an APD and you can't, so you think you need a new racquet. That's hilarious. It's you, not the racquet. Try different string, tension, and leading it up to get what you want.

I never said I can't get power or spin with the APD. I just want more comfort, improved control and maybe better for 1hbh (Rafa uses 2hands;))
 

LarougeNY

Professional
I never said I can't get power or spin with the APD. I just want more comfort, improved control and maybe better for 1hbh (Rafa uses 2hands;))

Then you should go for something more flexible.
Hence my suggestions of the Mspeed and the AG 300

And by the waya, Mariano Puerta used the APD and had a 1hander, he even got to the FO final.;)
 
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Deleted member 6835

Guest
lol its is amazing how many a$$holes are on this board? yes i mean you AJK1 and larougeNY... lol as soon as they see a skilled player they want to pass along snarky comments. grow up and get over it... even if you suck... lol
 

AJK1

Hall of Fame
Don't be a baby. I'd rather be an honest ***hole than pat people on the head when it's not warranted. Truth hurts some people it seems.
 
So, Nadal can get power, control spin etc with an APD and you can't, so you think you need a new racquet. That's hilarious. It's you, not the racquet. Try different string, tension, and leading it up to get what you want.

I don't think he said he couldn't get control. He just wants more. Is that a crime?

I would recommend something from Yonex actually. Try an RDS 001 MP or RDS 002 Tour. Those are great for one handers. They have great spin, are comfortable, with a sweet spot comparable in size to the Aero Pro probably.

The 002 Tour does everything quite well. It's not too stiff, not too flexy. No glaring weakness apart from bizarre paintjobs.
 
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