Vortex Extreme Spin Rackets

[BlaackSheeep]

I've read a couple of posts about the Vortex Extreme Spin rackets. For those who have played with them, how do they perform in heavy hitting doubles play?

[joe sch]

I love playing doubles with these rackets !
The ES 100 can hit extreme spin with its 16x14 complemented with the hex strings. The racket is extra easy to maneuver with the longer handle, 9" vs std 7". Great for kicking serves. Its hard for me to put these rackets down now.

[Murray Mound]

Originally Posted by joe sch

I love playing doubles with these rackets !
The ES 100 can hit extreme spin with its 16x14 complemented with the hex strings. The racket is extra easy to maneuver with the longer handle, 9" vs std 7". Great for kicking serves. Its hard for me to put these rackets down now.

I agree. greatest serve and volley racquet in the history of mankind.

[tailofdog]

Originally Posted by joe sch

I love playing doubles with these rackets !
The ES 100 can hit extreme spin with its 16x14 complemented with the hex strings. The racket is extra easy to maneuver with the longer handle, 9" vs std 7". Great for kicking serves. Its hard for me to put these rackets down now.

I will end up getting one in a couple of months because, some of the tech interests me.
I do have to ask how are people going to find them when their site ends up freezing the computer half the time. If they do get to the store they get two different weights on different parts of the site and, no beam width on any of the models. My understanding of search engines is, that when they run into problems with a website it gets very little coverage.The other racquet inovations other than the string get no mention.
I do not mean this to be negative as i appreciate the creative thought and courage it took to bring this racquet out. I just think someone should help them get the basic presentation right!

[Murray Mound]

Originally Posted by tailofdog

I will end up getting one in a couple of months because, some of the tech interests me.
I do have to ask how are people going to find them when their site ends up freezing the computer half the time. If they do get to the store they get two different weights on different parts of the site and, no beam width on any of the models. My understanding of search engines is, that when they run into problems with a website it gets very little coverage.The other racquet inovations other than the string get no mention.
I do not mean this to be negative as i appreciate the creative thought and courage it took to bring this racquet out. I just think someone should help them get the basic presentation right!

I 100 percent agree ! I texted the inventors son Wade and told him them
the problem with the site . They said it will take 30 days to fix. I know it sounds silly but that's what he said.

You have to understand that this is a tiny company....a family business and the entire company lists a total of 12 employees. That's a little less than Wilson has....lol.

Now about the width you can call them
up .....I think the nber is 1-888-we vortex.

But Maybe I will rememebr tomorrow and I will ask.

I played with it tonight for like the fourth time. Each time I just get better at using it. But more importantly my opponent said "what kind of racquet is that.....it looks like a club players racquet "

truth be known I am only a club player. But the stick must be ugly to draw so much attention . To me it looks like am ordinary red racquet....but I guess others see differently.

[galain]

MM - truth be known, most of us are 'only' club players!

Please keep us posted on your adventures - it sounds interesting.

[GoSurfBoy]

Murray Mound...

As there are no specifics about headsize/player levels or game, can you give us a quick rundown on roughly the size of each, what it might be suited for; 3.0, 3.5-4.5, 5.0+, etc... Just an idea of where you think the different frames might fall - IF you think that sort of division would be applicable....

Thanks

[Racer41c]

A gazillion guy/gals at my club use the Vortex. I belive the guy who makes them is a local down here in So. Orange County.

[Murray Mound]

Originally Posted by GoSurfBoy

Murray Mound...

As there are no specifics about headsize/player levels or game, can you give us a quick rundown on roughly the size of each, what it might be suited for; 3.0, 3.5-4.5, 5.0+, etc... Just an idea of where you think the different frames might fall - IF you think that sort of division would be applicable....
Thanks

Well....the descriptions on th site are pretty mich dead on, but I will try amd give a quickie from my iPhone:


100: this has almost the same exact specs as the babolat aeropro or pure drive . The difference is the way the racquet is constructed and the stringing scheme. shots are all easier becaise of the stringing syytem however I actaullay tightened up the strings to 62 . They come strung at unbelievably low 45 ....so please bear that in mind when demoing. I would say the stick is good for anyone from 4.0- pro


108- does everything the 108 does but a bit easier . It's just a bit lighter and a bit bigger. I never thought I could play with a racquet this big but it's was actually fun. These sticks are so well constructed amd sp head light that you can play with any size . 3.5-pro


116- this is for a doubles specialist. Highly maneuverable stick . People are really going to LOVE this racquet. 3.5-4.5

133- this racquet looks ridiculous but plays great! If you can get by all the laughing you will love this stick. Basically you cannot miss a volley....it's unbeatable at the net in doubles. If you are slow
or a senior this is your stick.....it's not only huge but it's very long....28 1/2 inches or something like that. You can chase down any ball and hit it back well. Return of serves are AMAZING. Althought the racquet is big it's HIGHLY maneuverable. Slices are awesome amd basically all you have to do is touch
the ball and you will hit a pretty big serve.
Having said all this, if you like hitting topspin then stay away from this club. The stick is probably meant for 2.0 - 4.0.

[Murray Mound]

I noticed one more thing....

It's not only the woodforde string system that' unique but as Joe pointed out the racquet construction it very different as well.

I don't know all the tech stuff am what not but as Joe pointed out the handle is longer than convention sticks. Also or it's size and thickness it's very head liht which makes it manueverable.

There is also something going on with the throat of the racquet ...maybe it longer or wider ....I dunno? But it just works.

Then you mix in the woodforde system amd WOW.....shots hot off center or near the top of the racquet just are hit for winners.

I love the stick....I wish they made a thinner beamed one on a 95.....but I will settle for the 100. It's now my racquet of choice.

[tailofdog]

Originally Posted by Murray Mound

Well....the descriptions on th site are pretty mich dead on, but I will try amd give a quickie from my iPhone:


100: this has almost the same exact specs as the babolat aeropro or pure drive . The difference is the way the racquet is constructed and the stringing scheme. shots are all easier becaise of the stringing syytem however I actaullay tightened up the strings to 62 . They come strung at unbelievably low 45 ....so please bear that in mind when demoing. I would say the stick is good for anyone from 4.0- pro


108- does everything the 108 does but a bit easier . It's just a bit lighter and a bit bigger. I never thought I could play with a racquet this big but it's was actually fun. These sticks are so well constructed amd sp head light that you can play with any size . 3.5-pro


116- this is for a doubles specialist. Highly maneuverable stick . People are really going to LOVE this racquet. 3.5-4.5

133- this racquet looks ridiculous but plays great! If you can get by all the laughing you will love this stick. Basically you cannot miss a volley....it's unbeatable at the net in doubles. If you are slow
or a senior this is your stick.....it's not only huge but it's very long....28 1/2 inches or something like that. You can chase down any ball and hit it back well. Return of serves are AMAZING. Althought the racquet is big it's HIGHLY maneuverable. Slices are awesome amd basically all you have to do is touch
the ball and you will hit a pretty big serve.
Having said all this, if you like hitting topspin then stay away from this club. The stick is probably meant for 2.0 - 4.0.

I am just trying to define my feel for what the different models do.
I was playing doubles this morning and looking at what i do more closely.I serve and volley when i am warm. My groundstroke theory is simply wait till i see the ball well and hit it as hard as i can given the ball i get. Topspin forehand, slice & topspin backhand. Rarley lob, strong volley, reasonable serve.
So my question is if i hit a forehand with a SW grip with a loose arm and, i hit it with all my might would be the different results with the ES 108 and the ES 116
Thanks

[Murray Mound]

Originally Posted by tailofdog

I am just trying to define my feel for what the different models do.
I was playing doubles this morning and looking at what i do more closely.I serve and volley when i am warm. My groundstroke theory is simply wait till i see the ball well and hit it as hard as i can given the ball i get. Topspin forehand, slice & topspin backhand. Rarley lob, strong volley, reasonable serve.
So my question is if i hit a forehand with a SW grip with a loose arm and, i hit it with all my might would be the different results with the ES 108 and the ES 116
Thanks

There simply is no substitute for demoing a racquet. There is no right answer here.

General principles about racquets are exactly that general.....there are toms of exceptions. You
really need to try both.

If I had to guess....the 116 is the way to go for you, I could be wrong but that's what I think. Having said that , In answer to your question, the 108 is clearly easier to rip a topspin with a SW grip. But as far as your other strokes you mentioned I really think the 116 is better for you
What I find actually amazing with the entire vortex line is volleys, overheads, amd return of serves. I have jumped am entire level in these departments.

If you want a more informed guess, then answer these questions:

- what level are you?
- how old are you?
- do you play mainly dubs or singles or equal
- what stick do you play with now?
- what are you looking to improve on?
- how fast are you?
- how big is your serve?
- how big is your second serve?
- what is your biggest weakness?
- what is your strongest weapon ?
- If you has to pick one style of play how would you describe yourself?: agressive baseliner, baselier,counter pucher, runner, serve amd volleyer, all courter, junk master , or something else?
- How would you describe your strokes : short, medium, long

[tailofdog]

Originally Posted by Murray Mound

There simply is no substitute for demoing a racquet. There is no right answer here.

General principles about racquets are exactly that general.....there are toms of exceptions. You
really need to try both.

If I had to guess....the 116 is the way to go for you, I could be wrong but that's what I think. Having said that , In answer to your question, the 108 is clearly easier to rip a topspin with a SW grip. But as far as your other strokes you mentioned I really think the 116 is better for you
What I find actually amazing with the entire vortex line is volleys, overheads, amd return of serves. I have jumped am entire level in these departments.

If you want a more informed guess, then answer these questions:

- what level are you?
- how old are you?
- do you play mainly dubs or singles or equal
- what stick do you play with now?
- what are you looking to improve on?
- how fast are you?
- how big is your serve?
- how big is your second serve?
- what is your biggest weakness?
- what is your strongest weapon ?
- If you has to pick one style of play how would you describe yourself?: agressive baseliner, baselier,counter pucher, runner, serve amd volleyer, all courter, junk master , or something else?
- How would you describe your strokes : short, medium, long

I took a lesson on tues. I questioned the coach on my ability to hit heavy topspin. His answer was age robs us of the strength to have that racquet head spped. I hit with power and some spin but, heavy topspin looks beyond my reach.
I recevied an e-mail from Wade who said e-mails had been lost due to work on their site. He sent my e-mail to Tom who gave me a recomendation on the ES 116 and an apology for the delay in response.
I have ordered it now as i wanted reward their taking the time to answer my questions.
I will be playing with a racquet 2oz less than i am used to so, it will be a leap of faith! I have a box of lead and a balance board as a backup.
I will give a very honest review without bias.
Who knows maybe as a old club player maybe it is time for a lighter racquet.

[ronalditop]

Is it just me or a lot of posts of this thread have vanished?

[Don't Let It Bounce]

Low string tension, 14x16, and marketed toward players that hit with spin... I don't see how this thing could last a set without breaking a string. And yet, I have seen it posted on these boards by someone who uses it (was it you, Joe Sch?) that breakage is not a problem. Does anyone know why it isn't a problem?

[tailofdog]

Originally Posted by Don't Let It Bounce

Low string tension, 14x16, and marketed toward players that hit with spin... I don't see how this thing could last a set without breaking a string. And yet, I have seen it posted on these boards by someone who uses it (was it you, Joe Sch?) that breakage is not a problem. Does anyone know why it isn't a problem?

I had a HEAD S 12(i think?) that had 14x16 and was a 115 sq in head. I used it for a couple of months until, it killed my arm,neck and shoulder.
at first i was going through string in a week. I then had someone string it with some 15 ga rope that lasted till i through it away.
You can overcome the string problem if, the benifit of performance outweighs the string downsize.

[Murray Mound]

Originally Posted by Don't Let It Bounce

Low string tension, 14x16, and marketed toward players that hit with spin... I don't see how this thing could last a set without breaking a string. And yet, I have seen it posted on these boards by someone who uses it (was it you, Joe Sch?) that breakage is not a problem. Does anyone know why it isn't a problem?

Two reasons:

1. 15 guage super thick polyester strings

2. The tension is lower at the top of the head bit much higher near the middle and bottom of te racquet . Sort of a cone or pyramid shape of tension ( hence the name "Vortex").

[Venetian]

I can't find anything about these racquets on the web. Is there any info on them out there?

[Murray Mound]

Originally Posted by Don't Let It Bounce

Low string tension, 14x16, and marketed toward players that hit with spin... I don't see how this thing could last a set without breaking a string. And yet, I have seen it posted on these boards by someone who uses it (was it you, Joe Sch?) that breakage is not a problem. Does anyone know why it isn't a problem?

Originally Posted by Venetian

I can't find anything about these racquets on the web. Is there any info on them out there?

Here's the TV commercial that appeared on espn and the tennis channel....looks pretty cool:

http://www.davidottaproductions.com/...ots-completed/

[tlm]

How comfortable are these rackets?