Best Value in Racquets....

[acura9927]

Used Dunlops go for very little compared to Bab and Wilson on the bay. Even new one, they are the Hyundai and Kia of racquets.

[cork_screw]

I feel like any vintage head racquet can be a serious weapon in even an average player's hand. I'm kind of getting back to the old elite pros and head graphite pro, maybe a bit of director as well. Now these probably aren't bargain cheap sticks, but for their age and what you get from them, they perform really well. The slice is just a skidding ball that slides off the court.

[Power Player]

Yonex Rdis 200, Dunlop 4D 200, Head Radical Microgel MP

[T.P3D0R]

Originally Posted by zapvor

ok. you need to do your own research. this board is full of tennis snobs who all play with 90in rackets and classic austrian made frames that haas or monfils or hewitt have personally blessed. buy what suits you. period.

This guy....

[badmice2]

Originally Posted by El Zed

While understanding an appreciation or even preference for the new, is there a better value in tennis racquets than the Austrian made Pro Tours 280/630s?

I know this frame is very well liked on this board, but trying to foster discussion in another way - that is cost effectiveness of these sticks. Here, in the U.S., I haven't found a better stick for the $100-125.00 these go for in 8.0+. Anyone else actually prefer these to the PT57As, either on its own or in full consideration that they cost 1/4 the cost of the latter?

So what do you guys think? Any other uber-value/performance suggestions?

not to beat a dead horse or being a snob, but there are noticable difference between the austrian 630s and 280. There's that "buttery" feel that you dont find from today's harsh feeling rackets. Most racket freaks i talk to all agree to one thing - they dont make them like they use to - from the graphite quality to QA process. It is the main difference between those "elite" frames and frames in market now. As far as PT75 goes, you're buying them simply to claim you own a prostock.

As far as value, i dont think you'll find any racket in today's selection that's remotely close to a 630. Is not that you can or cannot customize to match the specs, they just dont feel the same. The closest to spec by number (without actually playing with it) is the PK Redondo MP.

In short, you just cannot expect the craftsmanship of a 630 in today's market. You'll have to accept today's frames for what they are and test them out.

[I Heart Thomas Muster]

My vote for the best performance/value.

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Volk...LKL-VPB10.html

[aimr75]

Originally Posted by badmice2

As far as PT75 goes, you're buying them simply to claim you own a prostock

nope.. every person i have hit with has no clue i have a 57a.. they all think its just a head racquet.. i.e. most people dont know and simply dont care.. but i can say, i have it customised to the weight/balance i like, which is what i like about them coupled with the feel that is the pt630

[zapvor]

Originally Posted by El Zed

I don't quite think you get the point of my message, so you might want to ease back on the directive to "do my own research." Looking for some thoughtful responses, not a whine about the rest of the board and a glib comment to play with what "suits" me.

So, back to the rest of the board...

yea, but the fact you chose that frame as your point of reference confirms my suspicion. its cool i am not judging whatever makes you happy man

[Fuji]

Originally Posted by Power Player

Yonex Rdis 200, Dunlop 4D 200, Head Radical Microgel MP

And also Pink Blade 98 is a steal!

-Fuji

[db10s]

Originally Posted by acura9927

Used Dunlops go for very little compared to Bab and Wilson on the bay. Even new one, they are the Hyundai and Kia of racquets.

Nope. The Benz, a Merc from 2004 is cheap. That's in Florida though.

[El Zed]

Originally Posted by zapvor

yea, but the fact you chose that frame as your point of reference confirms my suspicion. its cool i am not judging whatever makes you happy man

Unlike virtually everyone else who has responded, it's clear that you didn't comprehend the question. You still don't - you evidently just want to bicker. Just move on - we get it, you're the too cool for school iconoclast that has to go against the grain. How quaint...

[hersito]

Originally Posted by I Heart Thomas Muster

My vote for the best performance/value.

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Volk...LKL-VPB10.html

Very nice I think I'll get one.

Originally Posted by Fuji

And also Pink Blade 98 is a steal!

-Fuji

Indeed it is, best value for the money I think, when I check the volkl I'll post my thoughts. RIght know I own a MG Radical MP and its a very good raquet for the value plus I like to play with 18x20 98 and around 320 or heavier.

[El Zed]

Originally Posted by I Heart Thomas Muster

My vote for the best performance/value.

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Volk...LKL-VPB10.html

Yeah, shocked that one doesn't get much attention - or the 295g, which just begs for customization before a proper evaluation could be made.

[zapvor]

Originally Posted by El Zed

Unlike virtually everyone else who has responded, it's clear that you didn't comprehend the question. You still don't - you evidently just want to bicker. Just move on - we get it, you're the too cool for school iconoclast that has to go against the grain. How quaint...

and yet you dont take your own advice and 'move on' yourself. geez...is that what too cool for shcool iconoclasts do nowadays? lol

[El Zed]

Originally Posted by zapvor

and yet you dont take your own advice and 'move on' yourself. geez...is that what too cool for shcool iconoclasts do nowadays? lol

Hey, buddy, why don't you just avoid my threads and responses - I think everyone would appreciate that. You have nothing to add...

[El Zed]

Originally Posted by badmice2

not to beat a dead horse or being a snob, but there are noticable difference between the austrian 630s and 280. There's that "buttery" feel that you dont find from today's harsh feeling rackets. Most racket freaks i talk to all agree to one thing - they dont make them like they use to - from the graphite quality to QA process. It is the main difference between those "elite" frames and frames in market now. As far as PT75 goes, you're buying them simply to claim you own a prostock.

As far as value, i dont think you'll find any racket in today's selection that's remotely close to a 630. Is not that you can or cannot customize to match the specs, they just dont feel the same. The closest to spec by number (without actually playing with it) is the PK Redondo MP.

In short, you just cannot expect the craftsmanship of a 630 in today's market. You'll have to accept today's frames for what they are and test them out.

That's my entire point. I understand appreciating something new, and get the need to purchase two sticks (if not multiple sticks) from a match perspective. But in terms of those that pick up individual sticks, or those looking to develop a collection, these are an absolute steal for half the cost of the originals. Frankly, people fall over themselves for the PT57A - for good reason, sure - but they are 3 to 4 times the cost and definitely not 3 to 4 times better. Frankly, at times feel ridiculous playing with a PT57A when the 280 is there. Then there is the issue of other pro stocks...

Again, an insane value all things considered.

[El Zed]

Originally Posted by acura9927

Used Dunlops go for very little compared to Bab and Wilson on the bay. Even new one, they are the Hyundai and Kia of racquets.

Here's the thing about Dunlops though - the resale value takes quite a bit of a hit. I know it's not romantic to think about such things, but it's nice to know you can sell a racquet for virtually the same amount that you spent on it in a relatively quick fashion.

[T.P3D0R]

I was never impressed by Dunlop. I ordered a pair of 300 tours over the summer, and they didn't seem to live up to the hype. The had a different (not bad) feel, but nothing spectacular. And a pretty short grip....

[Fuji]

Originally Posted by T.P3D0R

I was never impressed by Dunlop. I ordered a pair of 300 tours over the summer, and they didn't seem to live up to the hype. The had a different (not bad) feel, but nothing spectacular. And a pretty short grip....

The thing with the 300 tours are they are platforms. In all honesty I feel that they play very mediocre stock, but once they are leaded up to a true "players spec" they shine.

-Fuji

[T.P3D0R]

Similar for the other Dunlop models? After playing 300T stock, I never felt the need to lead it up... I just didn't like it all that much. I'm definitely trying to find a cheap pair of sticks right now, and Dunlops are pretty inexpensive, but I don't foresee myself giving them another shot.