What racket to chose (small list)

Nikae · 04-15-2013, 03:40 AM

Ok, now that I play on clay courts only, pure baseline, servers don't matter much because red clay is so sloooow. I basically need a stick that has power and spin as top two components (295-310g unstrung + lead if needed).

I was thinking of:

-Babolat APD 2013
-Babolat Pure storm GT (295g)
-Head YOUTEK IG Radical Pro (SW kinda high)
-Head speed (any?)
-Wilson Blade 16x19 (SW kinda high)
-Prince, not sure, but I didnt like exo3 tour 16x18 (too soft, i like stiffer rackets)
-Tecnifibre, I am not familiar with most of them, but I can buy them around here
-Yonex, same, not familiar but can get them, they are expencive tho
-other brands are not available around here.

So yeah, no option to demo so that sux

I guess I can't go wrong with any of them?

Volley123 · 04-15-2013, 03:50 AM

Of the ones listed. I have played with the PSGT and the APD. I have felt jarring in my elbow from the APD, not so with the PS which has adequate power plus a softer feel and very good control. I have the APD Rolland Garros version (2011) and I have it stored now. Who knows, someday it might achieve collectors status.

phishbiscuits · 04-15-2013, 04:28 AM

You have selected VERY different racquets. Either take the plunge and purchase the one you THINK will work the best (bad choice in my expensive experience!), or demo demo demo...

Taking advice on racquets from others (irony here is not overlooked) is also a mistake.

Pick the racquet that just feels "right" when you hold it.

Start with head size
Select a weight range
Head Light v. Head Heavy
Ability to customize, e.g., adding a leather grip (~+10 grams), lead/tungsten tape, etc...

Lastly, and this is a bit superficial: do you like the frame's aesthetics? You're going to be looking at the frame A LOT, so you might as well find it easy on the eyes.

Remember that string selection is equally important and often overlooked...

phishbiscuits · 04-15-2013, 04:29 AM

Why can't you demo? Local pro shop? TW? Racquet makers' online stores?

Nikae · 04-15-2013, 04:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phishbiscuits

Why can't you demo? Local pro shop? TW? Racquet makers' online stores?

Its very complicated, but I can not demo 95% of rackets. I did try few of them, but not for long enough. Head radical pro and Blade 98 have that muted feel that I hate, and babolat pure storm GT... well, needs just a bit more access to spin and a bit more power I would say.

DustinW · 04-15-2013, 05:25 AM

If you are looking for powerful and stiffer, take the Babolat Pure Storm off of your list (low powered) and the EXO3 Tour (too flexy).

For Prince, check out the EXO3 Warrior. And for Tecnifibre, check out the TFlash 300 Speedflex.

JackB1 · 04-15-2013, 07:42 AM

power and spin?

Prince Warrior 100
Wilson Steam 99 or 99s
Wilson BLX Pro Open
Yonex VCore Xi 100 or 98D
Head Extreme MP 2.0
Dunlop 5.0 Tour
Head Graphene Instinct MP or Speed MP

TfReAk · 04-16-2013, 04:52 AM

If you have the chance to demo...try the mantis 295 pro. Thin beam frame with open string pattern and lots of power. And not to forget a low swingweight...

IA-SteveB · 04-16-2013, 05:07 AM

I would agree that you should drop the pure storm gt from your list if you desire power. You have to make all of it yourself with that racquet.

srvnvly · 04-16-2013, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TfReAk

If you have the chance to demo...try the mantis 295 pro. Thin beam frame with open string pattern and lots of power. And not to forget a low swingweight...

Other than Europe, I don't know where you could demo the 295, as TW is out of stock and 'may get stock in the future': http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=450246

It's weird that this racquet JUST got a boost from some good reviews on the interwebs, and availability is questionable.

emilyhex · 04-16-2013, 05:35 AM

I would give the Wilson BLX Juice 100 a good look, it sounds like it might suit your game -- lots of power. Also, I liked the Head Instinct MP when I tried it (although haven't tried the newer Graphene). I would consider that a solid baseliner's racquet. Another one you didn't mention is the Babolat Pure Drive, it's a little too stiff for me, but a lot of players like this racquet.

You mention the Radical Pro is a little heavy for you, you might want to try the MP version if that is the case.

corners · 04-16-2013, 05:55 AM

You might add the IG Extreme 2.0 MP. Powerful as a Pure Drive with better feel and comfort. Pretty heft swingweight (mid 320s) but swings nice and easy. Very stable!

JackB1 · 04-16-2013, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corners

You might add the IG Extreme 2.0 MP. Powerful as a Pure Drive with better feel and comfort. Pretty heft swingweight (mid 320s) but swings nice and easy. Very stable!

Both mine had a sw around 330 and TW lists it at 333. The balance and sw are nearly identical to the Rad Pro, which didn't work for the op.

ricki · 04-16-2013, 07:27 AM

Try Prince Rebel 98 with poly, you will like it

ryydman · 04-16-2013, 07:44 AM

APD 2011 is a better baseliner racket than the 2013.

Nikae · 04-16-2013, 07:49 AM

I think Rebel 98 has that muted feel wich i hate? ^^

The 330 SW isn't the problem, the problem is that 330 SW comes with light frame, so racket feels weird, higher SW is better for heavier sticks I think.
I think I managed to confuse you guys even more now ^^

I might go for Wilson blade 98 16x18 or Babolat Pure Storm GT, but I would have to add weight to handle and somewhere on the head too. Time to go with heavier rackets since I found out that I can handle it.

MikeHitsHard93 · 04-16-2013, 07:59 AM

I think you're trying to say that you like a very headlight balance...

spinovic · 04-16-2013, 08:42 AM

I would recommend the Extreme Pro 2.0 based on your initial post and a few others.

Pros

Power and Spin. Your top two components and the Extreme Pro 2.0 has them in spades, with good control to boot.

Rock solid. The racquet is rock solid, while not playing/feeling as stiff as its rating might suggest. You mention the APD being jarring. The Extreme Pro 2.0 does not feel jarring, just solid.

Balance. HL balance makes this racquet pretty easy to maneuver, especially from the baseline, which is what you're looking for.

Cons

Static weight is higher than target range.

Swingweight is similar to Radical Pro which you say was "kinda high". Of course, based on a later post, it may be OK since the racquet has more weight to it.

Muted feel. I'm not exactly sure what constitutes muted feel for you, but you mention the Radical Pro. Having played both, I would say the Extreme Pro 2.0 might have that same muted feel, with the biggest difference between the two being the Radicals flexier frame.

The Extreme Pro 2.0 is a great baseliners racquet. Unless you just think the static weight is too much and have to have a lower weighted racquet, I think this is one you should look at very closely.

Of course, we all have our own preferences. Too bad you can't demo.

spinovic · 04-16-2013, 08:44 AM

If you're willing to move up in weight, then I would absolutely suggest the Extreme Pro 2.0.

NLBwell · 04-16-2013, 08:47 AM

JackB1's list is pretty good.

04-15-2013, 03:40 AM	#1
Nikae Rookie Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 259	What racket to chose (small list) Ok, now that I play on clay courts only, pure baseline, servers don't matter much because red clay is so sloooow. I basically need a stick that has power and spin as top two components (295-310g unstrung + lead if needed). I was thinking of: -Babolat APD 2013 -Babolat Pure storm GT (295g) -Head YOUTEK IG Radical Pro (SW kinda high) -Head speed (any?) -Wilson Blade 16x19 (SW kinda high) -Prince, not sure, but I didnt like exo3 tour 16x18 (too soft, i like stiffer rackets) -Tecnifibre, I am not familiar with most of them, but I can buy them around here -Yonex, same, not familiar but can get them, they are expencive tho -other brands are not available around here. So yeah, no option to demo so that sux I guess I can't go wrong with any of them?

04-15-2013, 04:28 AM	#3
phishbiscuits New User Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 61	Wide variation... You have selected VERY different racquets. Either take the plunge and purchase the one you THINK will work the best (bad choice in my expensive experience!), or demo demo demo... Taking advice on racquets from others (irony here is not overlooked) is also a mistake. Pick the racquet that just feels "right" when you hold it. Start with head size Select a weight range Head Light v. Head Heavy Ability to customize, e.g., adding a leather grip (~+10 grams), lead/tungsten tape, etc... Lastly, and this is a bit superficial: do you like the frame's aesthetics? You're going to be looking at the frame A LOT, so you might as well find it easy on the eyes. Remember that string selection is equally important and often overlooked...

04-15-2013, 04:29 AM	#4
phishbiscuits New User Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 61	Why no demos? Why can't you demo? Local pro shop? TW? Racquet makers' online stores?

04-15-2013, 07:42 AM	#7
JackB1 Legend Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 8,447	power and spin? Prince Warrior 100 Wilson Steam 99 or 99s Wilson BLX Pro Open Yonex VCore Xi 100 or 98D Head Extreme MP 2.0 Dunlop 5.0 Tour Head Graphene Instinct MP or Speed MP __________________ Wilson Black Blade 104 (since 5/1/13) - NXT Tour / Copoly at 55/51

04-16-2013, 04:52 AM	#8
TfReAk Rookie Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 138	If you have the chance to demo...try the mantis 295 pro. Thin beam frame with open string pattern and lots of power. And not to forget a low swingweight... __________________ HEAD MG Radical MP w/ 2 grams lead @ 3 and 9; testing strings...