Andy Roddick and Laender Paes both play with the same frame, a Babolat PD. Roddick volleys at the 4.5 level at best and Leander is a former world number one doubles player. Perhaps the idea of the best frame for a specific task is a little awkward to say the least. But it's an idea I do ponder, and would be glad to share my experience if it would be of aid.
I only play doubles, and my weapon of choice is a modified LM Fire. It's quite different from my previous frames, much stiffer, heavier (with my customization) and longer than just about anything I've ever used. I used to prefer the flexy, buttery feel of the 12 oz and very head light Volkl T10GenII and LM Prestige, but I've converted to the other end of spectrum entirely. It's been a real eye opener.
What I am discovering with my customised LM Fire is increased stability on off center volleys. Ever feel like your form was correct, but the volley misses the sweet spot just a little, and then you feel that waffle sensastion, then the ball just clips the net? That is frame twisting and torque robbing you of both power and control. Due to the beam taper and anti torsion bar, this frame is very twist resistant and stable even in stock form at 10.5 oz strung.
I've added 4g at 3 and 4g at 9 at the outside edges of the frame, not the inside, then two layers of double wide black electric tape around the entire bumper guard, sort of prestige caps grommet style. I prefer very head light frames, and ended up putting a big wad of lead in the buttcap, but 10.5 oz and even balance is a good platform for just about anything you want to do though.
This set up feels like a magic wand to me. I'm done with the demo trail. I've found it. My flat serve is more consistent, found my groove with my kick serve in a matter of days, not the usuall couple weeks it takes me with a new frame. My volleys have more "stick" and less "carve" but I can still carve a sharp angle if I need too. I set out trying to create the ultimate doubles tool for myself, and I have done that. With a comfy string at high tension, I'm finding a very nice groove from the baseline as well. I'm getting more power, and more control, tennis is suddenly easier.
PS - The LM fire is 27.3 stock, but you can modify it easily up to 27.75" if desired. Just be clear that adding even small amounts of length to a frame alters both SW and balance significantly.
-Jack
