And the best tweenerish frame out there that won't shred your arm to pieces is...? - Page 4

Murray_fan1 · 10-05-2012, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross K

Muzza,

That's funny because all 3 of the frames you've name-checked have appealed to me and I've been interested in before. If you don't mind, could you pass a few brief comments on how these all match up IYO, like most powerful, best feel, best spin, etc. Thx

Ross,

Power:
Volkl>Extreme 2.0>400T
Feel:
400T>Volkl> Extreme
Spin:
Volkl>Extreme>400T

Really splitting hairs on all three categories. They are all very similar. The Extreme really excels in plow through and comfort so would actually be the winner for me overall. The 400T is a real sleeper but I did have a little stability issue with this as it has a very low swing weight. This racquet screams out for lead and once applied is a very special stick. The only problem I found was that in order to get plow up to my liking the power level becomes a little too much for me. If I was to venture a guess on which one you would like the most, I would say it would be the Volkl. Similar crisp feel to the APD (without being an arm shredder), is a spin monster, serves like Pure Drive.

hrstrat57 · 10-05-2012, 06:47 PM

Volkl V1 Classic. My daughter has 3 of these and I was stunned at the comfort of this frame.

I could switch to it and play with it with no adjustment tomorrow. Accurate, precise and powerful with easy access to plenty of spin. Seriously this frame blew me away.

A must demo - tho unfortunately still quite pricey.

hrstrat57 · 10-05-2012, 07:14 PM

BTW my daughters frames are strung at 60# with Yonex 850 spin.

They serve huge too, slice, kick and flat very precise....there is nothing the V1 Classic does not do....painlessly.

Nice also is that they aren't particularly goofy looking like some tweeners.

I can't recco the frame enough for what you describe....again I am very, very fussy about my gear and I could bag them tomorrow with no adjustment time necessary!!!

Ross K · 10-05-2012, 09:55 PM

Murray - Oh mate, I've had a feeling for a while the Volkl X 315 could be of special interest to me. I've always rated Volkl build quality (a la the C10 Pro)... another frame then to contend with... BTW, You ever hit with a Juice 100? If so, where does it rank for you?

hrstat57 (and others) - Aren't these V1 Classics OS? How 'big' does it play? Not too much like a great frying pan?!

smirker · 10-06-2012, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross K

Murray - Oh mate, I've had a feeling for a while the Volkl X 315 could be of special interest to me. I've always rated Volkl build quality (a la the C10 Pro)... another frame then to contend with... BTW, You ever hit with a Juice 100? If so, where does it rank for you?

hrstat57 (and others) - Aren't these V1 Classics OS? How 'big' does it play? Not too much like a great frying pan?!

V1 classic comes as MP and OS. Seriously tempted to try one but the chaepest I can find one is £145. Another one to check out is the PK Ki5 295 which seems to have all the attributes you are looking for.

skuludo · 10-06-2012, 01:53 AM

Pro Supex Dynamic Energy.

Have you tried this racket yet?

arrowtowntennisclub · 10-06-2012, 02:32 AM

pacific x feel tour?

Cesare · 10-06-2012, 03:42 AM

Volkl V10 catapult, that's even better than the v1 classic. More plow, more spin and much more stable against hard hitters. Fantastic stick.

hrstrat57 · 10-06-2012, 04:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross K

Murray - Oh mate, I've had a feeling for a while the Volkl X 315 could be of special interest to me. I've always rated Volkl build quality (a la the C10 Pro)... another frame then to contend with... BTW, You ever hit with a Juice 100? If so, where does it rank for you?

hrstat57 (and others) - Aren't these V1 Classics OS? How 'big' does it play? Not too much like a great frying pan?!

It's a 102 no frying pan....plays Midplus...be patient....we bought 2 of the frames she has off c list....I paid $100 for the pair...bought new grommets on TW = perfect.

Modified with TW leather grips to increase plow was the only modification needed. NO LEAD, had it on at 3/ 9 and removed it, not needed.

So I bought 1 new and 2 used ttl about $300 spent including the grip replacement and new strings installed.

Be patient they will pop up!

SystemicAnomaly · 10-06-2012, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross K

... hrstat57 (and others) - Aren't these V1 Classics OS? How 'big' does it play? Not too much like a great frying pan?!

The Volkl V1 Classic at 102 sq" is a midplus. As far as I know, it is not available in an OS version. It is moderately powered and forgiving with a generous sweet spot (due to its Big Grommet technology). It provides an excellent blend of power, control, feel and comfort. The power/control aspect can easily be adjusted by varying the string tension.

With a strung weight of 10.5-10.8 oz and a swingweight of 310-316, it easily lends itself to customization by adding a bit of lead tape. The racquet feels very stable on most shots. There are a few times when it does not feel quite as crisp as I would like it. This could probably be rectified with a change in string tension (or a bit of lead tape).

Even tho' this model has been around since 1994 (with only cosmetic changes, as far as it know), it still sells for $159 new from many sources. You might be able to find some used frames online since it has been around so long.

McLovin · 10-06-2012, 07:50 AM

Ross_K, so I hit with the X Fast Pro yesterday for a bit during warmup. I hate to 'damn this racquet with faint praise', but effectively that is what I'm going to do.

At first, it felt nice. A bit crisper than the X Force Pro, but not nearly as harsh as the 68 stiffness might suggest. Power was OK. Again, not as low-powered as the X Force Pro, but not a rocket launcher by any means. I didn't really notice the extra 1/4".

I think what I didn't like was the weight, and effectively, they way it felt when swinging. While spec say head-light, it definitely felt head-heavier than my X Force Pro. When I switched back to the X Force Pro, I could immediately feel the mass & plow-through difference.

Now, I didn't serve or volley with it (I'm hitting again tomorrow & will give it a swing again), so maybe it has nice pop & maneuverability. I'll update again after the hit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by arrowtowntennisclub

pacific x feel tour?

I have one of those for demo as well. I really like this frame, and believe if given some weight in the handle to bring it close to 12oz strung, it would play real solid. I'd recommend that over the X Fast myself, but it may not have the power Ross_K is looking for. Then again, with another 1 1/2 oz added, it very well may.

Michelle1965 · 10-06-2012, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RollTrackTake

tougher question than I thought with some people putting certain racquets in sub-categories but...

1. BLX Pro Open
2. Warrior EXO3
3. Formula 100

I'll second the Wilson BLX Pro Open as top pick
2nd Babolat Pure Drive Lite

Haven't tried the XO3 Warrior. I would say the Warrior TT 97 or 107 would be great picks in that stiffness if you can find them.

Murray_fan1 · 10-06-2012, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross K

Murray - Oh mate, I've had a feeling for a while the Volkl X 315 could be of special interest to me. I've always rated Volkl build quality (a la the C10 Pro)... another frame then to contend with... BTW, You ever hit with a Juice 100? If so, where does it rank?

I agree Volkl IMO makes a very high quality product. Never tried the Juice 100 but have to to admit it has been on my tweener radar for awhile. I really think you should demo the X8 300 and the X8 315. The 300 would be the closest comparison in static weight and swingweight to your APDO.

Ross K · 10-06-2012, 11:06 PM

McLovin - okay, so X Fast is probably not your cup of tea (I know how much you love the altogether superb X Force Pro), and from a lot of research I've done, don't think I'm going to prioritize checking it out either. Seems a few frames are pretty similar indeed to this too.

All - so I've had a ton of great frame recs on this thread. So hard to work out what I do want to look into due to certain variables plus the difficult demoing situation here in England, but right now I'm most preoccupied with (though I'm kind of adding and taking away from it all the time):

Formula 100
100S and/or EZone Xi 100
Warrior
Juice 100

It occurs to me now also though that FWIW maybe I should also mention a few other things that appeal to me as well as not wanting my arm decimated (LOL!)... and this is in chronological order of importance too.

1 - Consistent easy deep g/stroke oomph (prob my no. 1 reason for sticking with the APD so long)

2 - Biiiiig serve pop (not going to lie, I love and need a bit of help here - anything that can assist roar in a flat bomber has always appealed to me)

3 - Decent control

4 - Generally something that suits medium swing, strong SW-Western grips, lot of spin b-line

5 - Decent feel and touch

6 - Good build quality

7 - Decent solidness

Maybe this frame doesn't exist but anyway...

JackB1 · 10-07-2012, 06:52 AM

Ross, I would nix the Juice from your list. It is a very stiff feeling frame.

wrainsberger · 10-07-2012, 07:15 AM

Ross, I'm in a similar situation and had the opportunity to hit with a few sticks lately. My short list came down to the following:
Roddick Pure Drive, Head Instinct MP, Dunlop 400 Tour, Yonex 100s and XI 100 and the Wilson Juice (Pro and Non)

After hitting with all of these for a few minutes, some were nixed right away. Both of the Juice frames (way too stiff and vibrations were bad), XI 100 (way too much power, lacked control).

Something felt off with the Dunlop for some reason, wish I could elaborate. I could probably learn to love it and seemed to be a nice stick. Same goes for the Head Instinct, my problem with it was I felt it could get pushed around by a heavy ball.

Even though I know that the RPD is a stiff stick, it didn't play that way to me on that day. I may just have not had enough time with it to accurately judge it. (Same could be said about all of these frames though.) What worked for me as soon as I began hitting with it though was the Vcore 100s. It seemed that I could do no wrong with it. I hit some nice serves, hit several nice slices and drop shots and hit penetrating shots as well. Spin was great coming off the string bed as well. I also did not feel that the frame would get pushed around by the heavy ball. It was strung with Yonex 850 multi and seemed a little mushy, but it worked for me. Felt easy on the arm, build quality is amazing.

Just my thoughts on the stick; give it a try.

ChicagoJack · 10-07-2012, 07:15 AM

deleted post.

Ross K · 10-07-2012, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrainsberger

Ross, I'm in a similar situation and had the opportunity to hit with a few sticks lately. My short list came down to the following:
Roddick Pure Drive, Head Instinct MP, Dunlop 400 Tour, Yonex 100s and XI 100 and the Wilson Juice (Pro and Non)

After hitting with all of these for a few minutes, some were nixed right away. Both of the Juice frames (way too stiff and vibrations were bad), XI 100 (way too much power, lacked control).

Something felt off with the Dunlop for some reason, wish I could elaborate. I could probably learn to love it and seemed to be a nice stick. Same goes for the Head Instinct, my problem with it was I felt it could get pushed around by a heavy ball.

Even though I know that the RPD is a stiff stick, it didn't play that way to me on that day. I may just have not had enough time with it to accurately judge it. (Same could be said about all of these frames though.) What worked for me as soon as I began hitting with it though was the Vcore 100s. It seemed that I could do no wrong with it. I hit some nice serves, hit several nice slices and drop shots and hit penetrating shots as well. Spin was great coming off the string bed as well. I also did not feel that the frame would get pushed around by the heavy ball. It was strung with Yonex 850 multi and seemed a little mushy, but it worked for me. Felt easy on the arm, build quality is amazing.

Just my thoughts on the stick; give it a try.

Really interesting, especially re the 100S. Along with the Formula 100 and perhaps the Warrior (though those TW reviews and other reports slightly make me wonder, ie is the feel that's lacking, and would the 03 White be more up my street as I understand it's maybe a tad more powerful?) Anyhow, that VC 100S is absolutely in my top 3 of what I'd like to look at. It's had such across the board praise and for so long, it has to be a heck of a frame.

ChicagoJack · 10-07-2012, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross K

Aren't these V1 Classics OS? How 'big' does it play? Not too much like a great frying pan?!

Quote:

Originally Posted by SystemicAnomaly

The Volkl V1 Classic at 102 sq" is a midplus. As far as I know, it is not available in an OS version.

Quote:

Originally Posted by smirker

V1 classic comes as MP and OS.

Volkl seems to always have verbiage overlap with the racquet lines. While there isn't a V1 Classic OS, there is an Organix V1 Oversize, and an Organix V1 MP, both of which are currently for sale right here at TW. The V1 Classic, is one of the biggest sellers in the Volkl line, so they piggyback on that that popularity by creating an "updated" V1, with every new technology roll out. So looking back thru the years I count at least 15 different frames with the "V1" in the name. There were V1 MP and OS Versions found in the DNX, Powerbridge, Quantum, Hotspot, and Catapault Technology lines just to name a few.

Having said that, there are actually three slight dif versions of the V1 Classic. MP (102)

Volkl V1 Classic: 27", 313g, 33.5bal, 320sw, 102, 68ra
Volkl V1 Classic, Silver Edition : 27" 316g, 34bal, 102, 316sw, 67ra
Volkl V1 Classic, 10 Year Anniversary Edition: 27" 298g, 34.5bal, 310sw, 102, 72ra.

-Jack

SystemicAnomaly · 10-07-2012, 01:25 PM

^ Interesting history on the V1 Classic. I had assumed that the changes thru the years was primarily cosmetic. Have the specs for the standard model changed significantly (or at all).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michelle1965

I'll second the Wilson BLX Pro Open as top pick
2nd Babolat Pure Drive Lite ...

Are you certain that the Babolat PD Lite is not an arm-shredder? At least one TW reviewer had shoulder and arm issues with it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackB1

Ross, I would nix the Juice from your list. It is a very stiff feeling frame.

The 108 version of the Juice might be better than the other two, especially if you add a bit of weight to it.

10-05-2012, 06:47 PM	#62
hrstrat57 Professional Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: RI Posts: 1,009	Volkl V1 Classic. My daughter has 3 of these and I was stunned at the comfort of this frame. I could switch to it and play with it with no adjustment tomorrow. Accurate, precise and powerful with easy access to plenty of spin. Seriously this frame blew me away. A must demo - tho unfortunately still quite pricey. __________________ Head Youtek Prestige MP(2) i Prestige MP(3) i Radical MP(3) ti radical MP paintjob, PS 85(2) Max 200G(2) many others in hiding

10-05-2012, 07:14 PM	#63
hrstrat57 Professional Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: RI Posts: 1,009	BTW my daughters frames are strung at 60# with Yonex 850 spin. They serve huge too, slice, kick and flat very precise....there is nothing the V1 Classic does not do....painlessly. Nice also is that they aren't particularly goofy looking like some tweeners. I can't recco the frame enough for what you describe....again I am very, very fussy about my gear and I could bag them tomorrow with no adjustment time necessary!!! __________________ Head Youtek Prestige MP(2) i Prestige MP(3) i Radical MP(3) ti radical MP paintjob, PS 85(2) Max 200G(2) many others in hiding

10-05-2012, 09:55 PM	#64
Ross K Legend Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 7,758	Murray - Oh mate, I've had a feeling for a while the Volkl X 315 could be of special interest to me. I've always rated Volkl build quality (a la the C10 Pro)... another frame then to contend with... BTW, You ever hit with a Juice 100? If so, where does it rank for you? hrstat57 (and others) - Aren't these V1 Classics OS? How 'big' does it play? Not too much like a great frying pan?! __________________ Steam 99s Last edited by Ross K : 10-05-2012 at 10:03 PM.

10-06-2012, 03:42 AM	#68
Cesare Semi-Pro Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 423	Volkl V10 catapult, that's even better than the v1 classic. More plow, more spin and much more stable against hard hitters. Fantastic stick. __________________ Volkl Tour 10 Generation 1 Midplus. 353 gr, balance 32 cm, flex 62, SW 331

10-06-2012, 11:06 PM	#74
Ross K Legend Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 7,758	McLovin - okay, so X Fast is probably not your cup of tea (I know how much you love the altogether superb X Force Pro), and from a lot of research I've done, don't think I'm going to prioritize checking it out either. Seems a few frames are pretty similar indeed to this too. All - so I've had a ton of great frame recs on this thread. So hard to work out what I do want to look into due to certain variables plus the difficult demoing situation here in England, but right now I'm most preoccupied with (though I'm kind of adding and taking away from it all the time): Formula 100 100S and/or EZone Xi 100 Warrior Juice 100 It occurs to me now also though that FWIW maybe I should also mention a few other things that appeal to me as well as not wanting my arm decimated (LOL!)... and this is in chronological order of importance too. 1 - Consistent easy deep g/stroke oomph (prob my no. 1 reason for sticking with the APD so long) 2 - Biiiiig serve pop (not going to lie, I love and need a bit of help here - anything that can assist roar in a flat bomber has always appealed to me) 3 - Decent control 4 - Generally something that suits medium swing, strong SW-Western grips, lot of spin b-line 5 - Decent feel and touch 6 - Good build quality 7 - Decent solidness Maybe this frame doesn't exist but anyway... __________________ Steam 99s