best 'old school feel' racket suitable for modern game?

[mental midget]

i'm currently transitioning off my dunlop 200g revelations, which i've played for years. before that, it was the wilson ultra fpk 95, so i'm used to very feel-oriented rackets.

i'm a good player, trying to get back into playing regularly while balancing a couple of kids and a busy job. i can generate my own power, so no need for some cannon of a frame. a smaller head size just suits my eye, and my 1hbh. on the list right now:

k90, aerogel 100, vokyl c10. maybe a fischer frame, not sure which i should try.

so far i've had a chance to demo the k90 and the aerogel 100. k90 felt like . . . a pro staff. great, but a little hefty for my wristy, spinny SW forehand. aerogel created absurdly good serves, forehand was quick and powerful, but my slices were landing woefully short, had to make some major adjustments there.

i know what i like: a soft, 'dead' feel, that's quick through the strike zone, but won't catapult the ball through the back fence if i take a big cut. i hit with a ton of spin naturally, and since that seems to bug a lot of people, anything that can add to that would be great. thank you for any opinions. this forum is great.

 

[mental midget]

quick clarification--

by 'modern game,' i'm just talking about a frame that rewards a very quick, wristy SW forehand, and a 1hbh generally hit with a lot of topspin. and something that can react quickly to the same sort of stuff thrown back at me.

 

[jrod]

Pretty good list given your requirements, which are pretty close to mine as well. Of all the sticks on your list, I like the k90 the most.

I currently use a k90 for singles and Fischer M Pro #1 for dubs. The k90 is more old school between these two. The Fischer is very flexible, excellent spin and underpowered relative to the k90 (at least with my technique).

I just demoed the C10 in hopes it would replace both my current sticks. Has somewhat muted feel, is quicker through the strike zone than the k90, excellent spin, but may be too much power given what you've stated...hard to say but definitely worth a try.

I also tried the AG100 and didn't like it...felt tinny. Many folks seem to like this stick but lots of customization seems to be the norm. I tried varying the strings, tension, lead, etc., but was never satisfied and sold it.

I have a BB11 and TW Donnay Pro 1 International in the demo queue for next week...

 

[todot62]

The ingredients that I think of when using the term "old School racquet":

100% (or very close) Carbon Fiber/Graphite, maybe a little Kevlar
11-12oz
Thin, straight beam (18-20 or so)
Head Light
Flexible
90-95in head

These ingredients done well create the "feel" that you are looking for.

A few current racquets that fit the bill nicely: Avery, Vantage and Volkl C10

There may be others out there and I'll let other posters comment on those. However, I have played with these sticks and I can say that with a few slight modifications, I could play equally well with all three.

This should be a start anyway

Tod

 

[aaron 3000]

babolat pure storm limited

 

[meowmix]

Try out the Gamma G325. It's a pure graphite frame very reminiscent of the Tradition 18. Very old school feel, very comfortable, and fairly spin friendly. However, this frame is fairly underpowered (but it seems like that's something you're looking for).

 

[mental midget]

appreciate the feedback. i thought that the ag 100, with a bit of added weight, might fit the bill (and from the various ag100 threads, customization seems to be the watchword for this frame.) however being wholly unfamilar with the vokyls and fischers of the world, i'm keeping an open mind. i'll check out the avery.

 

[FedererForehand]

The KBlade Tour has an old school feel to it IMO.

 

[shell]

Donnay (TW version) Pro 1 International - it is a beauty that seems to bridge the modern game and the old school feel.

Another is the ProKennex Redondo - a little less pop than above, but a solid pure graphite frame that makes you smile when hitting with it.

Those are two of the ones that come to mind.

 

[El Diablo]

The 70-flex Vantages have a shockingly soft and traditional feel, yet hit with stiff-frame power.

 

[afm223]

Demo the Fischer M-Comp 95. I think you might like it.

 

[Murray_Maniac]

Diablo Mid for sure! Not only because it is my holy grail. Its a mid,so its very hl, 12 ounces, & provides control. Also, it has a generously sized sweetspot & has more power than most mids. Plus, it has the old school graphite feel. & to your specific liking, it has more of a dead feel (it feels more stiff than soft, but softer strings could help)& creates a ton of spin. A must-demo for this catagory!

 

[pfchang]

babolat pure storm limited

true.

The KBlade Tour has an old school feel to it IMO.

not quite. a bit diff.

Diablo Mid for sure! Not only because it is my holy grail. Its a mid,so its very hl, 12 ounces, & provides control. Also, it has a generously sized sweetspot & has more power than most mids. Plus, it has the old school graphite feel. & to your specific liking, it has more of a dead sitff feel & creates a ton of spin. A must-demo for this catagory!

defly.

 

[Mdubb23]

I second the Pure Storm Limited. It is the perfect mix of an old school, flexy frame with just enough free power to tempt non Federers.

 

[pfchang]

i've actually been using a PS ROK, and it does play much similar to the KBT.

contrary to what most people say, it feels like the ROK has some more power than the KBT.

but this could be the strings, or the additional 0.2-0.3 oz on the ROK.

 

[mental midget]

i've hit with the diablo, a pro at my old club used that stick, we used to do battle all the time. jmo, but i always felt my revelations were actually a bit 'quicker' than that stick, with equal feedback on the ball. off topic, but if you like the diablo, i think the old revelation 200g would freak you out, in a good way.

 

[geesechops]

I have a 1HBH, used the PS85 for a few years (return of serve sucks), then used the K90 for a year (swing weight too high), played with the aerogel 100 for a few (too light and raw). Ended up with the MG Prestige Mid. Muted, whippy, great for 1HBH, serves 1st and 2nd's great. Don't let the string pattern fool you, this stick can produce allot of spin. It's worth a demo. I sound like a HEAD rep now.

 

[mental midget]

no, i understand. i forgot to mention, the only other racket that ever found it's way into my rotation was a head prestige, can't remember the exact name, it was green and grey, mid frame for sure. i like that racket a whole lot, the one thing i hated, the grip was too rectangular, it bugged me on my forehand. although in retrospect i may have played my best tennis using that stick.

i bet it's still at my parent's house somewhere in a closet, now that i think about it.

 

[mawashi]

If you are looking for something with that somewhat old school PS feel but without the weight, only these frames come to mind in the 90-95 range.

Asian K 90
Prince Diablo Mid.
ProKennex Heritage Type C Redondo (although it doesn't have the same spin potential due to a 18x20 string patten)
Yonex RDS001Mid (don't look at the head shape just hit with it and you'll see)
Custom Vantages 90 & 95 of course LOL!

mawashi

 

[Federer4life]

I have been playing with the Pure Storm Limited for some time now and it is racquet you are looking for.

 

[Bud]

Donnay Pro 1 International - it is a beauty that seems to bridge the modern game and the old school feel.

Another is the ProKennex Redondo - a little less pop than above, but a solid pure graphite frame that makes you smile when hitting with it.

Those are two of the ones that come to mind.

The 70-flex Vantages have a shockingly soft and traditional feel, yet hit with stiff-frame power.

Diablo Mid for sure! Not only because it is my holy grail. Its a mid,so its very hl, 12 ounces, & provides control. Also, it has a generously sized sweetspot & has more power than most mids. Plus, it has the old school graphite feel. & to your specific liking, it has more of a dead feel (it feels more stiff than soft, but softer strings could help)& creates a ton of spin. A must-demo for this catagory!

I agree with the above... every frame listed is a great frame.

As a sidenote, I'll also be listing each of the above mentioned frames (bold) in the FS forum, within the next couple of days :lol: :wink:

 

[matchmaker]

From what you are saying, you will love the Donnay Pro 1 Int'l.

Graphite and a bit of glass fiber: old school vibe!
It allows you to take big cuts at the ball and is very quick through the contact zone as it has a reasonable swingweight: 320 stock, you can always finetune it to your needs.

It will allow you to use that little bit of wrist on the FH if you like that, my guess it the K90 has too high a swingweight to move it around quickly.

It is low powered, but you can still hit winners with it if you generate your own pace and it can put tons of spin on the ball.

Be sure to demo this racquet. From your description, it fits the bill perfectly.

 

[AlpineCadet]

NOTHING compares to the POG OS in the 'old school feel' department. I've hit with the Donnay Pro 1 International <edit> Midplus version </edit> and it does not compare at all. (I've used the POG OS for well over 5 years.)

 

[matchmaker]

NOTHING compares to the POG OS in the 'old school feel' department. I've hit with the Donnay Pro 1 International and it does not compare at all. (I've used the POG OS for well over 5 years.)

I am not talking about the OS version of the Donnay but the MP (95 sq. inch.)

The OP stated he prefers smaller headed racquets.

The Donnay MP definitely has the old school feel. Even more so than the POGOS, which I am also familiar with. The POGOS is stiffer and offers a little less feedback, but it is a great frame. Still, it is not what the OP is looking for.

 

[AlpineCadet]

I am not talking about the OS version of the Donnay but the MP (95 sq. inch.)

The OP stated he prefers smaller headed racquets.

The Donnay MP definitely has the old school feel. Even more so than the POGOS, which I am also familiar with. The POGOS is stiffer and offers a little less feedback, but it is a great frame. Still, it is not what the OP is looking for.

I wasn't trying to address your post. I didn't read anything further than the OP. But in the end, opinions are just opinions and none of the pros are using either frames. I at least have 5 years experience with the POG OS, and then some (when experimenting with Luxilon.) So let's just take everything with a grain of salt and move on.

 

[Deuce]

Guys... "Diablo Mid" and "soft" don't belong in the same sentence.
He said he likes a soft feel...

If you can find an original Volkl Catapult 10... Made me think of the 1980s with the first ball I hit.
Needs weight to be added... and probably not tremendously easy to find.
But if you ever see one, give it a try.

 

[AlpineCadet]

Guys... "Diablo Mid" and "soft" don't belong in the same sentence.
He said he likes a soft feel...

If you can find an original Volkl Catapult 10... Made me think of the 1980s with the first ball I hit.
Needs wight to be added... and probably not tremendously easy to find.

The POG OS is pretty soft, depending on what "soft" actually means to "mental midget". Wait, why does it suddenly seem as though we're all striving to please the OP? :shock:

 

[matchmaker]

I wasn't trying to address your post. I didn't read anything further than the OP. But in the end, opinions are just opinions and none of the pros are using either frames. I at least have 5 years experience with the POG OS, and then some (when experimenting with Luxilon.) So let's just take everything with a grain of salt and move on.

The POGOS is a great frame, I do think some pros still use it, which shows its greatness by being used more than 30 years after it was released. It does not vibrate at all and is superbly arm friendly.

The Donnay is a nice throwback in time with excellent control and feel. Pros don't use it because Donnay does not really exist independently as a tennis racquet manufacturer anymore. The TW versions were a special release for TW.

The best advice to the OP is to demo because everyone has different opinions. But with the requirements he enumerated I'd be surprised if he did not like the Donnay Pro 1 Int'l MP. I think it should be on his demo list just like a number of other frames that have been mentioned: PK redondo, Fischer Pro One.

 

[AlpineCadet]

The Donnay Pro 1 Int'l MP was exactly what I was talking about. It also has the least amount of power when compared to the rest of the actual classics like the ProStaff 6.0 85/95 and the POG Mid/OS.

 

[matchmaker]

I wasn't trying to address your post. I didn't read anything further than the OP. But in the end, opinions are just opinions and none of the pros are using either frames. I at least have 5 years experience with the POG OS, and then some (when experimenting with Luxilon.) So let's just take everything with a grain of salt and move on.

Double post

 

[matchmaker]

The Donnay Pro 1 Int'l MP was exactly what I was talking about. It also has the least amount of power when compared to the rest of the actual classics like the ProStaff 6.0 85/95 and the POG Mid/OS.

The OP said he wanted a low powered frame. I am just trying to give him advice based on what he said. If he said he wanted a powerful, stiff frame, I would not recommend him the Donnay but rather a pure drive.

 

[AlpineCadet]

Double post

The OP said he wanted a low powered frame. I am just trying to give him advice based on what he said. If he said he wanted a powerful, stiff frame, I would not recommend him the Donnay but rather a pure drive.

Good to know.

 

[matchmaker]

Good to know.

BTW I have often recommended the POGOS to people who I felt would be suited with it. It is a great frame with uncanny spin capacity and lots of control for an OS frame.

 

[AlpineCadet]

you should consider charging for such advice.

 

[matchmaker]

you should consider charging for such advice.

Why? Because the POGOS is a secret weapon of mass destruction? Maybe not too many should know about it?

Anyway, advice is just advice and choices are up to each person. That is what this forum is about. I have had some good advice when buying frames but also some bad advice. In the end every one has his personal preferences and the best advice is : DEMO if you can.

 

[BreakPoint]

Guys... "Diablo Mid" and "soft" don't belong in the same sentence.
He said he likes a soft feel...

If you can find an original Volkl Catapult 10... Made me think of the 1980s with the first ball I hit.
Needs weight to be added... and probably not tremendously easy to find.
But if you ever see one, give it a try.

I thought the Volkl Catapult 10 was stiff, light, and tinny just like most modern racquets are today. I also didn't like the Diablo Mid at all. The Donnay Pro One Int'l is a lot closer to what the OP is looking for, IMO.

 

[Deuce]

I thought the Volkl Catapult 10 was stiff, light, and tinny just like most modern racquets are today.

^ If you're being honest (which is always in question with you), then you're about the only poster on this board who describes the Catapult 10 as anything even remotely resembling "stiff".

Like it or don't - but stiff is one thing it definitely is not.

I invite the OP to do a search for the Cat 10 and see for himself.

 

[BreakPoint]

^ If you're being honest (which is always in question with you), then you're about the only poster on this board who describes the Catapult 10 as anything even remotely resembling "stiff".

Like it or don't - but stiff is one thing it definitely is not.

I invite the OP to do a search for the Cat 10 and see for himself.

I'm always honest. I got talked into trying the Cat 10 many years ago due to the positive reviews here. What I found was a below-average racquet that was way too light, too stiff, and very tinny. Like I said, just like the majority of the modern junk out there today. One word I would never use to describe it is "solid".

 

[Deuce]

I'm always honest.

^ This is solid evidence of your dishonesty - which you are known for on this board.
Again - anyone can do a search to see for themselves.

I got talked into trying the Cat 10 many years ago due to the positive reviews here. What I found was a below-average racquet that was way too light, too stiff, and very tinny. Like I said, just like the majority of the modern junk out there today. One word I would never use to describe it is "solid".

^ Again - if there is any honesty to the above, I question your competence to evaluate racquets.
The Cat 10 has been described on this board - by several posters over the years - as being flexible and very comfortable. I don't ever recall the word "stiff" being used to describe any aspect of it.

Until now.

I guess this means that you're the only one who's right and everyone else is wrong again, huh?
That's the 'conclusion' you always seem to reach...
sigh...

 

[robert.bostrom@gmail.com]

i'm currently transitioning off my dunlop 200g revelations, which i've played for years. before that, it was the wilson ultra fpk 95, so i'm used to very feel-oriented rackets.

i'm a good player, trying to get back into playing regularly while balancing a couple of kids and a busy job. i can generate my own power, so no need for some cannon of a frame. a smaller head size just suits my eye, and my 1hbh. on the list right now:

k90, aerogel 100, vokyl c10. maybe a fischer frame, not sure which i should try.

so far i've had a chance to demo the k90 and the aerogel 100. k90 felt like . . . a pro staff. great, but a little hefty for my wristy, spinny SW forehand. aerogel created absurdly good serves, forehand was quick and powerful, but my slices were landing woefully short, had to make some major adjustments there.

i know what i like: a soft, 'dead' feel, that's quick through the strike zone, but won't catapult the ball through the back fence if i take a big cut. i hit with a ton of spin naturally, and since that seems to bug a lot of people, anything that can add to that would be great. thank you for any opinions. this forum is great.

I think the k90 doesn't fit the bill. It has too much comfort in my opinion. Try the Tecnifibre T-Fight 335...this racquet plays similar like the first Graphite racquets. The feel is incredible, it feels like an extension of your arm.

 

[mental midget]

i thought the k90 had a nice feel, but the swingweight doesn't compliment my forehand very well.

thanks for all the replies. looks like we've got quite a list going. in the interest of refining the search, someone made a good point earlier suggesting that 'old school feel' is a result of graphite, and maybe some kevlar. i know that's been the composition of the frames i've most liked, so i'm running with that. so, i think a rendered-down criteria would be:

graphite/kevlar composition
thin beam
headlight/fast swing speed
open string pattern, ideally

 

[ls206]

the vantage mid fits the bill.
I just got one, very nice racquet, nice feel
graphite construction,
19mm beam.
can choose the weight, mine is 12pts HL unstrung,
it has a low swingweight but high enough to make a stable impact.
16x18 string pattern has great bite and spin potential .

 

[hoodjem]

When I demoed the K90, it felt very "old school" to me. It certainly took me back to the PS 6.0 days.

If that's what's you mean--go for it.

 

[Shaolin]

The POGOS is a great frame, I do think some pros still use it, which shows its greatness by being used more than 30 years after it was released. It does not vibrate at all and is superbly arm friendly.

The Donnay is a nice throwback in time with excellent control and feel. Pros don't use it because Donnay does not really exist independently as a tennis racquet manufacturer anymore. The TW versions were a special release for TW.

The best advice to the OP is to demo because everyone has different opinions. But with the requirements he enumerated I'd be surprised if he did not like the Donnay Pro 1 Int'l MP. I think it should be on his demo list just like a number of other frames that have been mentioned: PK redondo, Fischer Pro One.

Perfect description of this frame. Extremely flexy and low powered, great racquet for your needs. I also recommend the c10 pro (what I use, my favorite racquet ever).

 

[jck01]

I vote for Dunlop AG100. To be truthful, I haven't tried Wilson K90, but I currently use Dunlop AG100 and I also used Volkl C10 Pro for about 1 year.

For me I had to add some lead tape at 3 and 9 o'clock on my Dunlop AG100 (I wasn't sure how much to add so I added little bit by little until the racquet felt good in my hands). Afterwards, it was stable as a rock on all my shots and has pinpoint control - including half volleys, defensive lobs, drive volleys - you name it. It's got great touch also - I have never been able to hit drop volleys as well as with this racquet. Since it's got 16 mains, you can produce a good amount of topspin. The power level is okay but you have to have fast swingspeed. To be frank, most of my friends that tried my racquet couldn't generate a lot of pace.

If Wilson K90 is anything like my Wilson PS6.0 85, it's probably a great stick. If the greatest player in the world, Federer, plays with it, it can't be bad. However, the sweetspot on my Wilson PS6.0 85 is a little bit small and it feels harsher on my arm (i.e., it had more feel) than the Dunlop AG100. Dunlop AG100 has more of a muted feel and bigger sweetspot.

With the Volkl C10 Pro, maybe it was the stringjob (Luxilon Big Banger Orig. 16ga at 60lbs) but I wasn't able to generate much pace (especially on my backhand side) and my arm got tired after about 30 minutes because it felt heavy to me (I could have been just be out of shape). I don't understand why it felt heavy since almost all of the racquets that I played with is over 12 oz. The racquet felt good though - no vibration at all and it felt very stable on all shots.

 

[jrod]

i thought the k90 had a nice feel, but the swingweight doesn't compliment my forehand very well.

thanks for all the replies. looks like we've got quite a list going. in the interest of refining the search, someone made a good point earlier suggesting that 'old school feel' is a result of graphite, and maybe some kevlar. i know that's been the composition of the frames i've most liked, so i'm running with that. so, i think a rendered-down criteria would be:

graphite/kevlar composition
thin beam
headlight/fast swing speed
open string pattern, ideally

The swingweight on the k90 can definitely be an issue, which is why I struggle with it in doubles. I found the C10 Pro to be easier to swing and it had slightly more pop for the same effort from the baseline than the k90.

Other posters here have suggested the Donnay Pro 1 International and I have one on demo order. I'd love to test drive a Vantage frame but this seems like wishful thinking...way too much $ to just order and hope for the best.

 

[mental midget]

compared to the k90, the ag100 felt like a flyswatter. i could hit the ball tremendously hard with it, but i found my backhand technique getting lazy, my elbow started flying out a bit, just because it almost felt like there wasn't any racket there. it sounds like some lead tape is a good idea, maybe if only to increase the racket head awareness.

i'm definitely interested in trying the vantage, donnay, and the vokyl, and maybe an avery frame. avery is my name, i'm almost dreading liking those frames the most, would make for a ridiculous situation.

 

[Deuce]

Just to clarify...
The Volkl Catapult 10 and Volkl C10 are two different racquets.
I mention this because some people have been confused with the names.
Personally, I like 'old school feel' - and I prefer the Catapult 10 to the C10.

As far as 'old school feel' goes, to me, fibreglass mixed in with the graphite is what 'old school' is about.

If you're looking for Kevlar & Graphite, I think the Kennex Heritage Type c had Kevlar mixed into it, didn't it?
Apparently, it's quite a unique frame.
Another tough racquet to find, though.

 

[BreakPoint]

As far as 'old school feel' goes, to me, fibreglass mixed in with the graphite is what 'old school' is about.

That's exactly why I recommended the Donnay Pro One Int'l MP.

If you're looking for Kevlar & Graphite, I think the Kennex Heritage Type c had Kevlar mixed into it, didn't it?
Apparently, it's quite a unique frame.
Another tough racquet to find, though.

Not really all that unique since it was supposed to be a knock-off of the PS 6.0 85 but with a slightly larger head, but it fell short.

 

[Deuce]

Not really all that unique since it was supposed to be a knock-off of the PS 6.0 85 but with a slightly larger head...

^ Says who?

but it fell short

^ Says who?
Based on what criteria? Sales numbers?
Kennex obviously doesn't put nearly the amount of money into marketing that Wilson or the other major racquet companies do.
According to what I've read on the board, many people who tried the Type C very much liked it.
Whether it feels similar to the PS 85 6.0 or not, it seems to be a fine, solid, 'ols school' type racquet in its own right.