Help me choose a control racquet

[Jonathan Immordino]

I am in my mid 50's, am able to generate most of my own power and want a solid racquet with a good amount of control and if possible spin. I have been using a Volkl C10 Pro for more than 10 years and have enjoyed it, but I am realizing that the head is too flexible for me. I am looking for a control racquet, with spin potential and low to medium power. I tried the Prostaff 97, too heavy, Blade, too little power and no spin, but great control, Ultra 97, not too bad actually. Babolat Pure Aero, way too much power and Babolat Aero Tour, less power, but am afraid maybe still too much power. Any ideas out there?

 

[Stupendous1HBH]

So your current racquet spec weighs more than a stock Pro Staff 97 so not sure why you think a PS97 is heavier? 11.7oz to 12.3 oz. Swingweights are about the same.

What about the new Pure Strike line? 18x20 version sounds right.

Head Prestige Midplus would be a good option for control as well.

 

[flanker2000fr]

I am 47, was playing vintage racquets > 13 oz., then initially went for a PS97, good racquet but still found it tiring to play despite being considerably lighter. Settled for a Yonex Ezone DR 98, which is comfortable, forgiving, medium / low power, decent spin. You should give it a try.

 

[Jonathan Immordino]

I think on the PS97 perhaps because I have been demo ing three racquets at a time I felt the difference between some of the lighter racquets and the PS97 and it just threw me off. I need to dedicate one hitting session solely to that racquet

 

[slicendice]

Maybe the Prince Textreme Tour 100P. Nice controlled power with decent spin from an 18x20 racquet. It feels modern but old school at the same time. Cool racquet! Demoed it against the older Babolat PS 18x20 and thought it was better at everything. Liked it way more than the older Pure Strike 16x19 too. I also think the 100P has more spin and power than the Blade 18x20, but I only hit with the Blade for half an hour before knowing it was not for me.

Don't forget to demo demo demo

 

[Stupendous1HBH]

I am 47, was playing vintage racquets > 13 oz., then initially went for a PS97, good racquet but still found it tiring to play despite being considerably lighter. Settled for a Yonex Ezone DR 98, which is comfortable, forgiving, medium / low power, decent spin. You should give it a try.

OP doesn't want a flexy frame and the DR98 is just that.

 

[SpinToWin]

Some options:

Babolat Pure Aero VS
Head Speed MP
Head Radical MP
Yonex VCore SV 98

 

[flanker2000fr]

OP doesn't want a flexy frame and the DR98 is just that.

True. Read too quickly. The stiffness of the DR98 is given around the same as the C10 Pro, so probably not the best option.

 

[nvr2old]

Maybe the Prince Textreme Tour 100P. Nice controlled power with decent spin from an 18x20 racquet. It feels modern but old school at the same time. Cool racquet! Demoed it against the older Babolat PS 18x20 and thought it was better at everything. Liked it way more than the older Pure Strike 16x19 too. I also think the 100P has more spin and power than the Blade 18x20, but I only hit with the Blade for half an hour before knowing it was not for me.

Don't forget to demo demo demo

I too really like my prince TT tour 100p but it is a lower flex rating racquet and very soft muted response. Low to mid power rating but if your racquet is too "soft" not sure if it fits. As I am up in age my priority is comfort and softer feel so as not to produce injury with a stiff frame. I have a fast swing and still can produce quite a bit of topspin of varying varieties with many racquet patterns. I tend to gravitate to the control frames (18x20) but have 16x19, 16x21, 16x20, 18x19 and 18x20 frames that all have their charms. I have really liked the 16x21 Yonex tour f 97 which is no longer made as it is very versatile. Just got a ProKennex pro 7G (16x20) that I hope will blend the control and spin like the Yonex. Haven't hit with it yet so we will see. Yeah demo if possible would be a great idea. Ken

 

[Simplicius]

I am in my mid 50's, am able to generate most of my own power and want a solid racquet with a good amount of control and if possible spin.... Any ideas out there?

Babolat Pure Strike VS Tour is the One for you...
Even better (for your pocket too) if you can find the previous version, the Pure Control Tour.

 

[Christian Olsson]

Newer Volkl 10's. Super G has a firm hoop for instance. Modern day C10 Pro if you like.

 

[Jonathan Immordino]

Thanks everybody. I tried the Aero Tour, worked with my wife, but when I played competitively was way too much power. I think I settled on the PS97 for now. I think I'll try it for a few months and see if that works. I appreciate all your input.

 

[Wilhelm]

If you are serious about the specs, you might get what you want from a tailormade Angell TC97.

 

[Dominic]

Prince Textreme 95 might be worth a try. Same control as the C10 and, decent spin. Lowish swingweight so will be faster then the C10...

 

[nvr2old]

I prefer control frames also. Prince TT Tour 100p 18x20, Yonex vcore tour f 97 16x21, Head MG radical MP 18x20, and my favorite ProKennex Pro Classic 7G 16x20. Ken