topspn
Legend
I have hit with the racquet a few times as one of my friends plays it. No hint of harshness for me and it he strings it @51lbs with ultra cable. He also has it weighed up to 348g
Diary of a Racketaholic
- Thread starter Ross K
- Start date
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Grabbed a Pure Aero 19 since I dont know when the Synergy will actually ship and I want to get grooving with something. Went with the standard length version. May try full Black Knight 1.28 on it right away and see how that goes.
a man of exquisite taste!
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Just a trusty, flexy beauty. Really just the right amount of control to spicypop ratio. A wee bit like an Ultra Tour with jalapeños.
Oh no. I'm running far, far away.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
BallBasher247
Semi-Pro
Will definitely try lead at 10 and 2 if I get one.
Oh, so not the 360+ PP. That's good then. Kinda all over the place here but I might try it. Midsize rackets (85-95) have higher string bed stiffness than a 98 or 100 so you've gotta string lower to not make it boardy. On a PP or CX200 Tour I wouldn't advise stringing above 48lb if you're a poly user, or using a super stiff string like 4G or Tour Bite.
That's quite the collection of rackets; betting the BP and UP 16x19 are some of the standouts among those. I see why the CX200 Tour isn't doing much for you lol....if only those UP's weren't $250
Part of me feels that way to be honest. It's just that even though my 2019 CX200 Tour 16x19 is hurting my elbow, with its current lead setup it's probably the most dialed in overall my game has been with a racket, and the 2021 seems to be basically the same racket, just a little softer/better dampened. The only rackets I can remember feeling that way with have been the Wilson Ultra Tour, the Yonex VC Duel G 97, and the 2021 Radical Pro so far, but that speaks more to the fact that I probably need to try more rackets.
it's not a soft racket by any means, and it can definitely feel boardy. Even mid 40s has felt boardy at times.
Vicious49
Legend
I would add the UP, v7 Blade and PT2.0 to that list. Also the Yonex 97 Pro HD.
McGradey
Hall of Fame
Update:
Played a couple of hours of doubles last night with old Synergy.
Couple of notes:
- Great doubles racquet. Headlight balance makes it nice and fast around the net, and it’s super solid thanks to the mass.
- Slice is godly. Almost as good as the 6.1 which is the best slicing frame I’ve ever hit with.
- As the vibration frequency stat shows on TW (151hz), this thing can be a touch pingy outside the sweetspot when compared with a low-vibe, padded thumper like a V7 Blade. It’s comfortable, but not one for fans of super flexy racquets.
- Caveat to the above being I am also playing it with one of the stiffest strings out there, and while I’m loving the spin and feel, something a little softer would no doubt make for a much plusher ride.
Not the most scientific test but I figured round here we’re holics, not lab rats.
Really is an awesome frame, glad I picked this up and can see why they chose to reissue it.
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Power Player
Bionic Poster
!!!
Its coming down to Synergy Vs PA19 with the v7Blade waiting in the wings just in case. The Blade Pros will remain as well - too good for me to sell.
My history and win % with the PA/APD has always been rather good, it's just the stiffness of them that usually caused me to switch.
tim-ay
Legend
whoa yeah.
!!!
Its coming down to Synergy Vs PA19 with the v7Blade waiting in the wings just in case. The Blade Pros will remain as well - too good for me to sell.
My history and win % with the PA/APD has always been rather good, it's just the stiffness of them that usually caused me to switch.
topspn
Legend
Ugh, i tried all tweeners but avoided the Babs due to of course the stiffness. Word is TW PTs seem to prefer the new PD a bit more!!!
Its coming down to Synergy Vs PA19 with the v7Blade waiting in the wings just in case. The Blade Pros will remain as well - too good for me to sell.
My history and win % with the PA/APD has always been rather good, it's just the stiffness of them that usually caused me to switch.
tim-ay
Legend
PD+ a bit more!
given spec tolerances ya never know.... and I have a bias... but the plus is softer and is like KABANG. Then KAPOW. Then it recites Nietzsche.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
The previous releases of the APDs and PA have all been too stiff for me. This one has been comfortable.!!!
Its coming down to Synergy Vs PA19 with the v7Blade waiting in the wings just in case. The Blade Pros will remain as well - too good for me to sell.
My history and win % with the PA/APD has always been rather good, it's just the stiffness of them that usually caused me to switch.
topspn
Legend
BallBasher247
Semi-Pro
Having demoed an Ultra Tour for a week, I loved everything about it except that TIGHT 18x20; the 16x19 UP would likely be an instant switch if I could get one under $250. Also tried a PT2.0; really liked the solidness/feel from that one. The string pattern is a little dense for me but at under $200 I might pick one up just to have one. Also tried a VCP97HD briefly; felt like a board but demo was strung @56lbs so I wanna try it strung 8-10lbs lower; should feel way better. I like the launch angle from its open 18x20 tho. Didn't like the v7 Blade 18x20 at all but the 16x19 was alright IMO. Still haven't tried any Angells yet, nor any of the G360+ Prestiges or the VCore 95s, nor the TF40s. Kinda curious about this new Synergy 18x18 but that'll have to wait.
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tim-ay
Legend
Babolat figured out that using a circuit board to collect statistics was dumb as **** so now it throws out lines “that which hurts you makes you stronger”.
ok - I rode this into the ground. Ha.
might want to do a bit of searching. There's a 25% coupon wilson code floating around
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Honestly if you arent playing usta or tournaments right now, id stay with the BP. The babs are for when i go into “win now” mode. And i can pull that off with blade style frames as well, just figuring out what is the best fit for me long term.
The PA standard has a real low vibration and enough folks here vouch for its comfort so i should be good. But you never know - so the blade v7s remain.
also my GF was really bummed i sold the pa+ because she thought it was the best looking racquet i had. So that has to count for something.
topspn
Legend
lol not criticizing at all, i was also looking for what benefits me the most results wise trying tweeners was just afraid of bab stifness. I did really like the 2013 APD and gave me results. Just couldn't find 3 matched in decent shape anymore so gave up. The vibration frequency is actually good so hopefully enough control can be had as well.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I didn't think you were criticizing, I just thought you may be feeling some Holic GAS from the way I read your post, so I figured I'd help douse that flame a little and save you some $$.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
I know the 2013 APD has a really devout following. I definitely appreciated its many positive qualities, but I find the PA19 to work better for me in every way possible. While they are have the same RA, the PA19 seems to feel a lot more comfortable to me. My shoulder and wrist are always quick to squawk if a racquet is too stiff or harsh and so far it hasn’t with the PA19.
tim-ay
Legend
As you said ages ago, the energy savings is real though. I did not realize how significant it was until we hit 84 the other day. This is going to be a real dilemma as things heat up. I have a few matches later this week , one of the days will be 88. I may be PD+Ing it. That will be a shock to the system.
topspn
Legend
I just got an additional BP
but also have 2 blade V6 reissue that also play really well. I was actually thinking of checking out a tweener but something made down under
Vicious49
Legend
Ive avoided Babolat for the same reason. Scared of the stiffness and it’s one less brand for me to worry about demoing.
topspn
Legend
I trust what you say on comfort but can't really say anything about PA other then looking at it, it was a more open pattern then the 2013 APD which was a warning for me. Still that impression could easily be wrong
ryushen21
Legend
I'd disagree on the first part. The v7 18x20 is baseline beast that destroys from all parts of the court. It is true that I have favored 18x20 frames in the past but recently have switched over to the world of 16x19. The comfort of the CX200 18x20 is fine, but there is very little feel. Even with a crisper poly, it doesn't liven up or provide a better response. It could have been a great frame but just ultimately fell very short for me.
In terms of 16x19s that I've tried, I really enjoyed the Extreme Tour, obviously the EZ 100, and the PA 19 (I really wish I'd gotten to string that up with my preferred string and had more time with it). Supposedly the new VCore line is great. As a reformed racquet classicist, I don't see why you would limit yourself to the 95. Look at the 98 and the 100, you won't be sorry.
You speak truth. The wise will heed your word.
I sense greatness in this. Also, a delightedly evil smirk from @mad dog1
Indeed, I hit more with it this afternoon and it keeps getting better. Plus, @Power Player was right that S7T is practically perfect in this frame.
Side note, one of my players today thought that they got me with a nicely angled cross-court forehand. They closed in the cover the down-the-line shot and I scooped the ball up from down low for a cross-court winnder a la Kyrgios. The Blade swings differently than the EZ but there is something wonderfully familiar about it.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
I thought the same coming from the UT and PPs. No way will this stiff, open patterned cannon work for me at all. Wasn’t the case at all. The racquet review I found to be most accurate was the one by Alex and Simon from TopTennisTraining. I believe the PA19 is Alex’s main stick.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
You can add Dunlop to your list so 2 less brands now.
topspn
Legend
Yep, he did switch to it a while back and he actually does drive the ball more. I may have to demo and check out for myself
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Btw, BK may not feel too stiff but it’s sneaky firm. Highly recommend crossing it with a softer cross like GW or RS Lyon or something similar. One of my fave setups in the PA has become cyclone 1.25/rs lyon 1.25 or cyclone 1.25/yptp 1.30. I’ve found both to be very comfortable and offer good performance and decent string life.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
You've never hit with Tour Bite in the v7 have you? My only question is if s7t could outdo the TB, but I absolutely love TB in the right frame and this seems like a match made in heaven for me. That added spin/bite does even spicier things when you combine it with the flex and pocketing of this stick.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yeah if I was in FL, I don't think I would have purchased the BP's because I know what's coming in 2 months lol. Here, as you know, its easier to play longer. I am now used to the altitude and how the ball responds and its basically going to boil down to what I feel most confident with out there. I really have enjoyed the PD a lot so far. Its just crazy to hear that I hit with even more sting using a frame that's probably 325ish SW and weighs 320 strung, but it's tough to deny the results.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
You should. I’m telling you, it’s just as easy for me to hit the ball with a higher trajectory with lots of topspin or step in and flatten my stroke and drive the ball. Just a phenomenal stick.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Noted. Maybe I will cross it with RS if that's the case. Plus I have the trusty Tour Sniper which feels awesome in the PD.
I think I will start with a full bed of Tour Sniper and see how long it lasts. It is a pretty thick string for a 1.25
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
S7T lasts much longer than TB. It has better notch resistance and better tension stability.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
BK is comfortable during the first ~5 hours. Once it’s about 1/3 notched, it’s dead for all intents and purposes and should be cut out IME. When I kept it in for longer, my wrist started aching. I’ve switched to cyclone 1.25/yptp 1.30 which remains playable the longest and so far after 8 hours, it’s still playable and comfortable. If you do go BK, keep track of the amount of time on the string bed and I recommend cutting it out as soon as it starts to feel dead.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
nothing evil from me. when i discover something good, i like to share with others. that's just my nature. now it'd be evil if i was recommending the new CX 200 Tour 16x19.
ryushen21
Legend
Not yet, but it is the next string that I'll be trying in the v7. Although, the S7T is so damn good that I could see skipping on the TB.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Thing that steers me away from s7t is that my elbow chirped when I put it into the Grandpa Blade, but I don't know for 100 percent certainty if it was the string or something else at that time. Total comfort and no chirping ever with TB in the v7, and this is an aged bed; probably has about 7-8 or so hours on it by now and feels great.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Cross it with a softer string like rs lyon or something similar. I can also see dropping tension by 2-4# with S7T. I have a reel of the stuff so I’ll eventually get around to trying it in more racquets.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
That is a great review. Just interesting since I finish points at net when I can, serve with a lot of slice and top and like to drive through the ball sometimes, not just always brush. And those are all the things they said it is good at.
When I did use the +, the guy I hit with was very good and told me the shots were heaviest with it. I just was going back and forth between XL and standard and demoing the UP. I hope I can get some decent string life out of it (5-6 ish)hours with the TSniper.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Tour hex solves all problems comfort, longevity and playability
Tour Hex indeed sounds nice, I like that it's considered a softer s7T. I'd love to try it in the 1.28 gauge.
topspn
Legend
I've only tried it in the BP and blade v6 in 1.23 but would like to get some 1.28 as well.
Vicious49
Legend
You can add Dunlop to your list so 2 less brands now.
im sure Dunlop makes something that’s nice. In all honesty if the CX200 didn’t have such a sweet paint job I would have moved on from it long ago. It’s just so pretty that I’m hoping I find something there.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Corrected for you...Made...
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BallBasher247
Semi-Pro
Yeah, the Blade 18x20 is insane from the baseline; that's a 98 though. Would much rather have that than a 95 with 18x20 for strictly baseline tennis. Never gelled with the countervail or v7 18x20 Blades but the 2015 v5 was a great frame IMO.
That's all I needed to know about the 2021 CX's then. No feel=no go for me.
I've heard great things about the ET but have yet to try one. I wonder how that would feel with a leather grip and some weight in the hoop...
Totally agree on the PA19, that racket is really fun to hit with. FH goes from typical semi-western lefty stroke to buggy whip with grunt with that one lol.
You're right about the VC98, people seem to like that one so I'll probably try it out alongside the 95. String pattern looks dense which is good. The 100 is a no-go; would probably be fun to try but it would be like a softer PA; fun to blast winners and aces with but too much power for my liking.
Vicious49
Legend
I wouldn’t say the CX200 has no feel. To me it’s like driving a Lexus. It has a very soft ride but you dont feel connected to the road. Whereas the UT/UP is like driving an Acura. its still a nice ride but it’s a more fun ride as you can feel the turns, etc. With the UT you know the second it comes off your racquet where the ball is going to land. The CX200 is like - wow, that was a nice soft hit and you know the general area where it will land but not pinpoint accuracy like the UT. Not the best analogy but it’s the best I could come up with,
