Looking for some racket advice

[jaywood]

Hi guys, first post here. I am Jeff. I play tennis at the local City College. I have been playing for the past few years but nothing serious. Now that I am on the team I would like to upgrade rackets. The racket I am coming form is a Head Ti s2.

I have used several other rackets such as my Dad's Head Microgel radical and I enjoyed it. I have ~$120 budget. Here are two sticks I have "narrowed" it down to (honestly, any other opinions would be great)

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Head...EAD-LMRAD.html

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Prin...CE-SP03BK.html

With the Prince, I also would appreciate any help on which string to get/tension. I love top spin I typically have a 2 handed backhand, but occasionally single handed. I am not a beginner, but by no means am I an expert. Intermediate is where I would be placed

I am 19 y.o, 5'11", ~175lbs. I hit top spin forehands.

If you would like to know anything else, don't hesitate to ask. I have searched around quite a bit but didn't find anything that was my exact scenario.

Thank you tt in advance

-Jeff

[MikeHitsHard93]

Originally Posted by jaywood

Hi guys, first post here. I am Jeff. I play tennis at the local City College. I have been playing for the past few years but nothing serious. Now that I am on the team I would like to upgrade rackets. The racket I am coming form is a Head Ti s2.

I have used several other rackets such as my Dad's Head Microgel radical and I enjoyed it. I have ~$120 budget. Here are two sticks I have "narrowed" it down to (honestly, any other opinions would be great)

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Head...EAD-LMRAD.html

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Prin...CE-SP03BK.html

With the Prince, I also would appreciate any help on which string to get/tension. I love top spin I typically have a 2 handed backhand, but occasionally single handed. I am not a beginner, but by no means am I an expert. Intermediate is where I would be placed

I am 19 y.o, 5'11", ~175lbs. I hit top spin forehands.

If you would like to know anything else, don't hesitate to ask. I have searched around quite a bit but didn't find anything that was my exact scenario.

Thank you tt in advance

-Jeff

Welcome! As someone that is probably at about the same level as you, same age as you, and same height and weight, I am betting that you would like a similar racket to myself.

However, what are you trying to get out of a new racket? I am assuming control.

[jaywood]

Originally Posted by MikeHitsHard93

Welcome! As someone that is probably at about the same level as you, same age as you, and same height and weight, I am betting that you would like a similar racket to myself.

However, what are you trying to get out of a new racket? I am assuming control.

Thank you

Yes, I would like more control. The Head tis2 that I have is worn out and I don't feel like getting new strings/grip/etc for it. It's old, it's time for a new racket

[MikeHitsHard93]

Originally Posted by jaywood

Thank you

Yes, I would like more control. The Head tis2 that I have is worn out and I don't feel like getting new strings/grip/etc for it. It's old, it's time for a new racket

Alright man. Well, the liquid metal radical mp I feel would be right up your alley. Great racket at a great price and has plenty of control and some spin!

[jaywood]

Thank you!

Anyone else have any input?

[Squidward]

I lean towards the Head LM as well since you like the Microgel.

But to be sure, Why not demo both from TW? That way you could judge for yourself.

[MikeHitsHard93]

If you want more options, I would suggest picking from one of these:

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/racf...ode=INTCONTROL

[jaywood]

Well, I just got back from the local tennis shop and he recommended me http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Babo...BAB-BPSGT.html

I have a demo that he gave me that I will be trying out tomorrow! I will report back

If I do enjoy the racket and decide to purchase, what strings/tensions do you guys recommend? I would like something that lasts quite a bit but is also nice to hit with

Thanks!

[prjacobs]

If you're playing on a team, you should talk to your coach. We all have our opinions, but we don't know your game. The storm is a pretty low powered frame. I think the frames you're considering are better choices for you.
But... Talk to your coach. He'll know your strengths and weaknesses and help you find the right frame. Good luck.

[jaywood]

Just got back from playing with the pure storm. It is a great racket. It felt very nice! I think it will be my next racket

Now I need help with the string! Which string should I get? Possibly a hybrid?

[jaywood]

I would like strings with nice playability but also something that lasts somewhat long. I don't want to restring every month!

[jaywood]

Well, I went with a babalot pure storm and I love it. I got Babalot Hurricane Feel 16ga string at 60lbs..wow did this racket help my serve!!

[Muppet]

I'm glad you like your new racquet. Just be careful to watch the polyester strings for replacement when you get to 2 weeks.

If it starts feeling more dead, you have to work harder to hit the ball deep, you lose control hitting long, or the strings start needing straightening it's time to replace them. Not doing so often leads to injuries like tennis elbow. Polyester is an especially good string for frequent string breakers.