Yonex RDS 003 -> 001

[bertrevert]

I demoed and then purchased the Yonex RDS 003. Strung it at 58lbs with RIP control. Now it's fine in doubles and against lesser singles opponents. However when I have to step it up in singles against good opponents my hitting falls apart. It's as if I just cannot get the racquet head through fast enough to counter the heavy hitting in a groundstroke war. The RDS 003 is getting pushed around. It seems I cannot spank the ball. I'm steering it back late on the shot. It doesn't help that the grip is a bit too small.

I'm used to Head LM Rads, head light but with some solidity.

I'm thinking of getting an RDS 001 - back to 98 sq. in. and head-light, heavier static weight, thinner beam, and keep the RDS 003 for doubles (which it seems particularly suited for).

Am I a bad tradesman blaming my tools? It's only been a few weeks with the RDS 003. I just know that I need that 98 and with more weight - a singles racquet - RDS 001 MP seems the go - what's it like if you use it in singles?

[saqdeez]

the 003 sucks. Sorry to be blunt

[bertrevert]

Blunt away, but you see I'm not sure that's true...

I think the 003 just doesn't seem to have the specs of a singles racquet?

It's got heft way beyond its static weight so I just can't seem to whip it through fast enough. It's possibly a good baseline basher but I come in a fair bit. It doesn't see to scoop and lift a short ball. It gets pushed around in hard hitting. The stringbed is way too lively for my size swing.

I'm thinking it's a doubles racquet or a good baseline basher.

Do you believe the RDS 001 MP also sucks?

[saqdeez]

001 much better. The 003 was was sluggish, no spin, no feel, ugh. 001 feels so nice when you hit it, much better frame. Has enough power too.

[counterpuncher]

Demo the RDS001 mp, I think it will meet your requirements. I started with this and went to the RDS003 for some extra pop, but found that the stability wasn't there and that I would lose control of my shots a little too often.

Another suggestion if the RDS001 mp doesn't haven't enough pop and you want something similar to your LM rads then also demo the Storm ( 98 ) as this is the other racquet that I use and believe might meet your requirements.

Can I ask why you gave up on the LM Rad ? I used one for a while, but in the end the tight string pattern and Head flat grip got to me.

[bertrevert]

You got it - that tight 18x20 string pattern of the LM Rad MP, especially with a non-grippy, non-spinny string, drove me mad. I just had to hit so flat and with so little margin... even with luxilon, which grips a lot, my UE count going long was too high. Still it's a good racquet and cheap now.

Anyway I'm settled on 16x19.

You're right the 003 is light and gets pushed about - it's seems a bad combination of lightness and slowness. The 001 felt much heavier and more substantial and more for singles - and more head light. it felt much whippier.

So the Storm... ok will check it out. But I think as you suggest the 001 may fit the bill.....

[RKS12]

The RDS 001 MP and Mid are very different frames. Look at the specs. They play as the specs would suggest. Both are quality frames but very different so make sure you demo. Biggest difference is MP is lighter and lower swingweight.

[bertrevert]

Yes thanks heaps RKS12. I can guarantee I would not use the Mid 90 sq. in - I would fail with that frame, Lleyton makes it look easy but I could not. I'm only considering the 001 MP for sure.

The 001 MP colour is pretty lairy but I want to know how it handles in singles and serves. I think it's finally dawned on me how important swingweight is - that is, you have to be able to reproduce your stroke effortlessly and for teh duration of a comeptitive match. So you have to be able to go into a store or out on court and feel the weight and then swing and think that that would be right for your strokes (or not). Not easy is it.

The RDS 001 MP seems like a perfectly adequate singles choice... does anyone it is suited to their game or swing and if so could you describe how you play...?

[backcourt]

I had a similar experience with the 003. Bought one and loved it for backhand slice, and found it very solid on volleys. But it was sluggish on the forehand side, and I couldn't get over the ball to place my usual spin on it. Also couldn't whip my kick serves effectively, due to its hight swingweight. I think it would be a nice stick for a flater ball striker and server.

[FuriousYellow]

If you're considering the 001, you may also want to give the M-FIL 200 2006 a demo as well. To me, it had a similar feel to the 001 but is a little lighter.

My experience with the 003 was similar to yours.

[RKS12]

Bert, the RDS and RDX 90's play like 95's for sweetspot size but i can understand why you would prefer the 98. The RDS 98 is really easy to swing and whip through due to the relatively low swingweight. It was actually too easy to swing for me but a good and quality frame for some. Should be a good doubles or all court stick. Maybe not a good baseliners stick.

[nn]

I had demoed all RDS 003, RDS 001 MID & MIDPLUS and my choice is RDS 001 MID. I am coming from Babolat PD+ and RDS 001 MID 90 headsize is almost like 100 in sweetspot department. I had so much problem with RDS 003 and RDS 001 MIDPLUS on groundies in practice and matches. (only play singles)

MID has everything just litlte more static weight but you need that for singles (heavy hitting) MID gives you solid feeling, control, spin and enough power for players frame (don't expect too much power) and if you need more power put BB at low tension and you are all set..

[xtremerunnerars]

I will know in four hours.


Im expecting to like the rds001 though.