Racquet Selection Help

[lexluthor]

I'm looking for help selecting a new racquet.

I'm a 44 year old male. I'm probably 3.5+ player. I play lefthanded and have a strong 2 hand backhand and mediocre forehand. I hadn't played frequently and seriously for a long time, but I've been playing about once a week for the past 6 months. I do play a good amount of doubles. I have an all around game mixing in some power shots with some spin and I do like to use quite a few finesse shots.

Currently I play with an 18 year old Prince DB26 Mid Plus.
http://web.archive.org/web/199801150...Pics/DB26.html

I'd think I'd like to stay in the mid plus range. Other than that, not really sure what racquets, in particular, I should be looking at.

Would like to keep the pricing on the lower end (sub $100 range preferably).

Any suggestions on some racquets I should be looking at/trying?

Thanks in advance.

[robbo1970]

Are you able to demo some rackets?

If you like the spec of the Prince racket, maybe consider demoing the Dunlop Bio Max 200G.

[lexluthor]

I might be able to demo some. I'd at least like to narrow it down to a few good selections before.

I'm not really beholden to it being similar to my current racquet. That was purchased so long ago, it doesn't necessarily fit my current game.

[Volley123]

I have a similar background. I am 45, came back to the game after almost 20 years and play mostly doubles once week and my old Prince Graphite MP too heavy. I picked up a couple of Volkl PB V 1 mid plus racquets and am very happy. This model has been discontinued but if you can find any they are in the sub $100 range.

[lexluthor]

The Volkl Power Bridge V1 looks like it's got some decent specs, but they don't look too easy to find unless I went the used route.

Thanks so far. Keep the suggestions coming.

[lexluthor]

Originally Posted by lexluthor

The Volkl Power Bridge V1 looks like it's got some decent specs, but they don't look too easy to find unless I went the used route.

Thanks so far. Keep the suggestions coming.

Actually, I see it somewhere for $79.95. Am I allowed to post the link to confirm it's the same item you are talking about?

[Fyrepower]

i would suggest any of the Yonex E-Zone racquets as they are very forgiving while retaining good playability.

[Volley123]

Originally Posted by lexluthor

Actually, I see it somewhere for $79.95. Am I allowed to post the link to confirm it's the same item you are talking about?

Its probably the same one, black and gold, 102 sq inches, 10.6 oz. I have them strung with a full bed of multi's, NXT 16 on one and NTG 2 on the other. For that price buy 2 because they will sell out. I bought my second one used.

[lexluthor]

The description I saw was not right. When I dug, it clearly was the OS one for that price. I did see the Volkl for $99 somewhere else.

Yonex looks interesting too.

Any more suggestions?

[Volley123]

I meant NRG 2 for the string bed. BTW I demoed many $200 sticks and then bought these blind, figured I can't go wrong. After the strings settled, boy was I glad I didn't spend all that extra coin. They have a good pop with great feel. Don't buy into the gimmicky technologies, even if you buy something the discontinued stuff from a couple of years ago will be half the price for essentially the same performance.

[lexluthor]

I meant that the seller that I saw had an error in the description. They would have sent me the OS version, I bet.

Anyhow, wondering if 68 stiffness might be a bit on the stiff side for me?

Otherwise, I did find it somewhere else for $100, but they have $100 GCs for $80, so it would net at $80 for me.

Tempted, but might be too stiff?

[Volley123]

Volkl's are known to be arm friendly. That was my primary consideration due to shoulder issues. A soft multi at midrange or natural gut will also help. As I stated I demoed quite a few sticks. Try demoing the Volkl Organix line they are readily available at any local pro shop. The PB plays similar but at half the cost. Good luck

[lexluthor]

I might just get the Volkl. I've never had shoulder or elbow issues. Other than potential health issues, why may I not want a 68 stiffness over say 64.

[lexluthor]

Been emailing the store. The person feels it's a great choice for my game. Will give it a shot for $80.

[makinao]

What is it that you want that your DB26 doesn't deliver?

[Volley123]

Ok let us know how you make out. Like I said string choice is just as crucial, give it a couple of weeks for strings to settle in

[lexluthor]

I think I need more power than my current racquet delivers.

Any suggestions on stings other than whatever the free stings it comes with

[Volley123]

Polys provide more control and spin, multi's more pop and comfort as a general rule. After that it depends on your game. I am happy with the two I mentioned