Yonex, Babolat, or Wilson?

What do you think?

  • Yonex RDX 500

    Votes: 19 65.5%

  • Babolat Pure Storm

    Votes: 5 17.2%

  • Babolat AeroPro Drive

    Votes: 4 13.8%

  • Wilson KSixOne TEAM (ncode NPS 95)

    Votes: 1 3.4%
  • Total voters
    29
Borat

Borat

Professional
I am 16, hit a deep heavy spin forehand, and a so-so BH. I need to improve my serves and my Volley game as I might be playing doubles a lot soon. I am about to buy a new racquet, and was just looking for a little input. Don't worry all you sensitive ppl, I know it is my decision in the end:D Here are my choices w/ my likes and dislikes:
Wilson NPS 95: 10.8 oz. frame generates lots of racquet head speed, I am worried about its volleys and stability on groundies. Also afraid I will outgrow it. I usually like HL racquets too, and with the 1pt HL balance, im kinda shaky on it.
Babolat AeroPro Drive 100:11.3 oz weight seems to be right around my money zone for static weight. I want a manueverable frame, but I am worried that the 67RA will play too stiff. I liked serves though, but how is it at the net?
Babolat Pure Storm 98: Light weight could be great for groundies but detramental at the net. I usually like a little more HLness than 3 pts HL, but its better than the NPS. Id be interested in hearing what is different about this frame from the AeroPro drive.
Yonex RDX 500 MP: this racquet seems pretty money in almost everything but weight. How is its manueverablity with the 11.7 oz. static weight? I also like the prospects of having the HD string pattern option. I dig the paintjob also.Definately like the stiffess and the 8 pts HL.

So what do you guys think? any more recommendations? I'd really like to heare some input, thanks
 
Borat

Borat

Professional
The NPS is the exact same as the team. I am a singles player, but the only reason I am still contemplating racquets, is that I just found out I will be playing a lot of doubles along with singles. I havent bought the TEAM yet, and I think it is an amazing singles racquet, but a pretty weak doubles frame.
 
H

headfan91

Semi-Pro
I'm also in a similar situation, and I have no idea what to buy. Ther are too many choices. Also, I don't have the money to demo a lot. I can only demo about 4 frames. But for me, I need a pretty powerful frame. but I want a frame beween 95 and 100. Does tw still sell the nps95?
 
H

headfan91

Semi-Pro
I think your best bet would be the rdx, because even though it is a little heavy, it has a low swingwight, so you will get it around fast. what is your skill level and size/wieght?
 
Borat

Borat

Professional
headfan91 said:
I'm also in a similar situation, and I have no idea what to buy. Ther are too many choices. Also, I don't have the money to demo a lot. I can only demo about 4 frames. But for me, I need a pretty powerful frame. but I want a frame beween 95 and 100. Does tw still sell the nps95?
Click to expand...

No, but on Jan. 20 Wilson will release the KSixOne TEAM which has the exact same specs. I've demoed a lot of frames if you have questions. Read my review and thread titled "The KSixOne TEAM" , I think it is what you are looking for. Also, If you like power, look into the Aero Pro Drive, great frame also.
 
Borat

Borat

Professional
Okay, as requested here is my player info:
I am 16, hit a pretty heavy topspin forehand, and have a Bh in more of the developmental stage. I like 12 oz frames, but being realistic, I need to generate a little more racquet head speed than I can with racquets like the N6.1 95 at 12.2 oz. I hit a hard flat first serve, and am developing a better kick second as I already have a slice. I am not the fastest person out there, but I am not a slouch in the speed department either. I would self rate myself around a 4.0. My spin game is my groundies is pretty important, but I also would like control. I like a lighter frame, but the RDX's low SW seems like it may be perfect for me. I just was told that on my team next year I will be playing a lot of doubles. I have a good overhead, but my volleys have always been dampered by my current stick which is the opposite of what you would want on volleys. I would like to start hitting a harder first serve, improve my volleys, and become more under control. If you have any more questions about my game I can answer them for you
 
Borat

Borat

Professional
beware, power isnt always good. Once you grow a little (which I still have some to do) youll want a little more control. I would reccomend the KSixOne TEAM for you. I demoed it extensively, so if you have any questions that I didn't cover in that thread, just ask me in this one. The people who win matches are those that dont hit unforced errors, not that kit winners.
 
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federermcenroeagassi

federermcenroeagassi

Rookie
federer_nadal said:
werent you going to get a kfactor team?
Click to expand...

ya thats what i thought, especially after how he was advertising it in his thread ;) lol

btw, i dont know about the wilson, but from those, i'd go with the Pure Storm. I know that the rdx is very underpowered, so it wont help your serve, maybe not even your volleys.. you might just need a bit higher stiffness. and you're about my age, so dont worry about a 65+ stiffness breaking your arm off ;) I havent heard good things about the APD at the net, but the people ive seen using it at my club have excellent volleys with it, so if you liked it with serves, definitely try it again.

good luck
 
Last edited:
federermcenroeagassi

federermcenroeagassi

Rookie
headfan91 said:
yes that would help me out a lot thanks. I do need a pretty powerful frame because I'm 15, 115lbs, and 5'5''
Click to expand...

haha, im the exact same except 10 lbs heavier, hopefully its muscles! :D haha

im using a pk redondo MP, and its a great frame, and i can get enough power with it strung with cyberflash in the low 50's. you might also want to try the rds OO1 mp

edit: i just read your post, and definitely do not go for the redondo, it will be too underpowered. however, i think the rds OO1 mp is exactly what you're looking for.

good luck
 
H

headfan91

Semi-Pro
I really want to get the redondo because of all the hype, but I'm not ready for it, but I still think that the rds is too under powered, I'm comping from and OS frames so I'm new to mp. Although I have hit quite a bit with a few mids. anyother recommendations? If your my size how do you havndle low powered racquets? what is your style/level?
 
federermcenroeagassi

federermcenroeagassi

Rookie
headfan91 said:
I really want to get the redondo because of all the hype, but I'm not ready for it, but I still think that the rds is too under powered, I'm comping from and OS frames so I'm new to mp. Although I have hit quite a bit with a few mids. anyother recommendations? If your my size how do you havndle low powered racquets? what is your style/level?
Click to expand...

well, i try to focus on my technique more, but ive been switching and demoing lots of rackets, but to be honest, that makes it worse, because you have to adjust your strokes to each racket, thus you dont really improve. my advice to you is not to do this, find something and settle on it. when i was using OS rackets, i used a head fxp 4, not the best, but it was good enough for me at the time. now i like playing with small head rackets for less power and more control, but i still try and perfect my technique. (btw, do this by watching videos on the web, reading books, or watching dvd's at home, or just watch the pro's and catch the little things they do right, such as a proper takeback and follow through).

this being said, i think the rds OO1 mp will be plenty powerful for you. If not, you can always string it lower or higher, depending on what you find. but i think it would be a great starting "player racket" for you. It has a high stiffness (67 or 68, check on TW), but it is very comfortable, ample sweetspot.

good luck, but make sure you demo before you buy, and remember, dont get into viscious demoing circles. find something good, stick with it, and perfect your technique first. hope this helps.
 
Borat

Borat

Professional
federermcenroeagassi said:
ya thats what i thought, especially after how he was advertising it in his thread ;) lol

btw, i dont know about the wilson, but from those, i'd go with the Pure Storm. I know that the rdx is very underpowered, so it wont help your serve, maybe not even your volleys.. you might just need a bit higher stiffness. and you're about my age, so dont worry about a 65+ stiffness breaking your arm off ;) I havent heard good things about the APD at the net, but the people ive seen using it at my club have excellent volleys with it, so if you liked it with serves, definitely try it again.

good luck
Click to expand...

Have you tried the RDX? I thought the Pure Storm may not be very strong at the net.
 
Borat

Borat

Professional
Im small, but I hit a pretty hard forehand and serve. Wouldn't the little extra heft of the RDX help on serves?
 
Borat

Borat

Professional
Is the RDX MPthat much less power than the RDS MP? I thought the RDS was really stiff for me. BTW the team is like 58 Ra stiffness i think and I hit tons of power with it.
 
H

headfan91

Semi-Pro
if you think the rdx is too underpowered you could try the rds 001 mp. I really thought you were sold on the k team, even though it isn't that great at net, you can always add lead to make it better. Plus all racquets have strong and weak points.

just my .02 cents
 
Borat

Borat

Professional
I've demoed like 40 racquets and that includes the Yonex RDS 001 MP. I thought it was a way too stiff for me. I don't like the feel of stiff racquets. It is pretty solid, but you kinda have to bring your own power. The wilson K Team would be muuuch better for you because you can generate a lot more racquet head speed. For a light racquet it volleyed well, but for overall against other heavy frames it didn;t volley the best. In my opinion it would be pretty perfect for you.
 
Borat

Borat

Professional
I dont want to lead, I feel like I should buy the right frame for me now. I love the K TEAM, but it is too light for me realistically. I never said the RDX was underpowered. I figure I could string the RDX at like 54lbs and still get some punch and power. The reason I am becoming weary of the K TEAM is because it is a weak doubles racquet.
 
Borat

Borat

Professional
headfan91 said:
what racquet are you going to get?
Click to expand...

me? I'm leaning toward the Yonex, but it may be a little heavy, and if it happens to be, then I will consider the babolats more. I liked the Aeropro drive, but the Pure Storm seems to be bit unstable, but I havn't used the Pure Storm. I started this thread to answer those kind of Q's.
 
H

headfan91

Semi-Pro
Why wouldn't you want to add lead? If I were you I would buy the k team because you seem to love it in every aspect but volleying. The add lead up until your comfortable, that way you can always make it lighter, unlike the rdx which already has a high stock wieght. Add lead to the hoop, and counterbalance it in the butt to keep the same HL.
 
Borat

Borat

Professional
Yah, I know a place with a hitting tunnel and a wall full of pretty much every racquet out there. (including aerogels, KFactors, and Speedports interestingly enough) and I will probably hit with it there.
 
Borat

Borat

Professional
headfan91 said:
Why wouldn't you want to add lead? If I were you I would buy the k team because you seem to love it in every aspect but volleying. The add lead up until your comfortable, that way you can always make it lighter, unlike the rdx which already has a high stock wieght. Add lead to the hoop, and counterbalance it in the butt to keep the same HL.
Click to expand...
the second you add lead you completely change the frame's play sometimes for the worse. Anyways, I haven't bought any frames yet, and the ideal thing to do is get a frame that is as close to what you want as possible. Believe me I have contemplated leading the K-TEAM, but the frame is too balanced, and it would mess w/ the SW, and everything would get messy.
 
H

headfan91

Semi-Pro
I have heard a lot about how the rdx has a huge sweetspot, so I think that as long as you string it low enough and its not too heavy, it should suit you well.
edit: what if you demo the k factor, and add lead during the demo to see how it plays?
 
Borat

Borat

Professional
headfan91 said:
Why wouldn't you want to add lead? If I were you I would buy the k team because you seem to love it in every aspect but volleying. The add lead up until your comfortable, that way you can always make it lighter, unlike the rdx which already has a high stock wieght. Add lead to the hoop, and counterbalance it in the butt to keep the same HL.
Click to expand...
The RDX has a really low SW, which is why I am considering it. Every sigle spec is perfect besides static weight, but the SW being low balances it out. I'm going to hit with it, and if I really like it ill go with it, but If i don;t ill reevaluate my options
 
O

OK.

Guest
Go With the rds.... :D though i have the aeropro drive and my game is all about topspin... the aeropro is great! :D
 
H

headfan91

Semi-Pro
I hope yuor demo goes well, and I hope you find you next racquet soon. I have one question, what other racquets have you demoed that play similarly to the k team?
 
zapvor

zapvor

G.O.A.T.
when i was buying new rackets to replace my fake ones, what we both decided on was pure,complete, utter control. since you are coming from OSish rackets, i say go MP first but definitely something super HL and heavy. sure your power might suffer at first, but you are in it to improve right? so when you do, you will grow into your racket, and as a buddy likes to say about hitting with power(whos strings his rackets at 70lbs): "i can generate that s**t myself."

i use a LM prestige MP and it is sweet. sweet i say.
 
Borat

Borat

Professional
OK. said:
Go With the rds.... :D though i have the aeropro drive and my game is all about topspin... the aeropro is great! :D
Click to expand...
I dont like really stiff racquets like the RDS, so the RDX is pretty much same specs , more flexible.
 
skraggle

skraggle

Professional
Pure Storm, without question. The RDX is a nice stick, but it really is tough to crank serves with. The PS does everything well, and would be particulary good for doubles. If my current sticks fall out of favor, I'm going with the Pure Storm myself.
 
Borat

Borat

Professional
How is stability on the PS? 11oz. seems kinda light for a good doubles stick. Why are serves tough with the RDX?
 
Nextman916

Nextman916

Professional
headfan91 said:
I really want to get the redondo because of all the hype, but I'm not ready for it, but I still think that the rds is too under powered, I'm comping from and OS frames so I'm new to mp. Although I have hit quite a bit with a few mids. anyother recommendations? If your my size how do you havndle low powered racquets? what is your style/level?
Click to expand...

The RDS is a pretty powerful racquet, very nice pop. The Redondo is much lower powered.
 
skraggle

skraggle

Professional
RDX has a LOT of flex. You lose a lot of power there...but nice feel and easy on the arm.

PS has really good stability. Much of that has to do with the generous sweetspot. I've played it against a hard hitter and had no problems handling pace.
 
oscar_2424

oscar_2424

Legend
Borat said:
I am 16, hit a deep heavy spin forehand, and a so-so BH. I need to improve my serves and my Volley game as I might be playing doubles a lot soon. I am about to buy a new racquet, and was just looking for a little input. Don't worry all you sensitive ppl, I know it is my decision in the end:D Here are my choices w/ my likes and dislikes:
Wilson NPS 95: 10.8 oz. frame generates lots of racquet head speed, I am worried about its volleys and stability on groundies. Also afraid I will outgrow it. I usually like HL racquets too, and with the 1pt HL balance, im kinda shaky on it.
Babolat AeroPro Drive 100:11.3 oz weight seems to be right around my money zone for static weight. I want a manueverable frame, but I am worried that the 67RA will play too stiff. I liked serves though, but how is it at the net?
Babolat Pure Storm 98: Light weight could be great for groundies but detramental at the net. I usually like a little more HLness than 3 pts HL, but its better than the NPS. Id be interested in hearing what is different about this frame from the AeroPro drive.
Yonex RDX 500 MP: this racquet seems pretty money in almost everything but weight. How is its manueverablity with the 11.7 oz. static weight? I also like the prospects of having the HD string pattern option. I dig the paintjob also.Definately like the stiffess and the 8 pts HL.

So what do you guys think? any more recommendations? I'd really like to heare some input, thanks
Click to expand...
U have to love the aero pro drive:)
 
Sagittar

Sagittar

Hall of Fame
OK. said:
Go With the rds.... :D though i have the aeropro drive and my game is all about topspin... the aeropro is great! :D
Click to expand...

nevertheless nadal plays with the aeropro drive i don't think it's that type of spin beast , so i've heard and read on the TW review ..
 
H

headfan91

Semi-Pro
I dont like really stiff racquets like the RDS, so the RDX is pretty much same specs , more flexible.
Click to expand...

you may want to stay away from babolat, because they are so stiff and ruin your arm. If you think the rds is stiff, don't even look at babs.
 
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