Racquets for 1-handed backhand

G

gsharma

Professional
Ok, I realize this is a very subjective and open ended question but still, I'd like to know what others think is a good racquet for 4.0-4.5 type players with a one-handed backhand. Specifically, is a 18x20 string pattern better or a 16x18 string pattern?

I feel that I have much better control with a tighter, 18x20 pattern. In fact, I tend to struggle on my backhand when playing with a 16x18 pattern but the forehand is great.

Btw, I'm trying to decide between KBlade 93 and Prince Diablo MP racquets.

Any thoughts?
 
PurePrestige

PurePrestige

Semi-Pro
Most Wilson rackets seem to hit the 1-hander well, except for the nBlade/KBlade. Those models seem to be made with a different weight allocation that made them feel better on the 2hander to me.

Additionally. Dunlops 300 and 500 models. Heads Prestige MP's, Instinct, and for some the Mid (not for me however, lack of ability to generate spin for a 1hander for some reason). Can't speak to Heads Extreme's as I haven't hit with them but once.

Babolat rackets are alright, Pure Drive and Pure Control, though I prefer the + of each for 1hander for some reason...

Lastly, Yonex 98's seem to hit the 1hander well in most circumstances, either the RDS 001 mp or RDS 002 seem nice, as do their RDX predecessors. I haven't hit with the mids so again can't comment.

As far as what you are currently looking at (KBlade 93 and Prince). I haven't hit with the KBlade 93 yet, but its specs look pretty good. The Diablo's I haven't hit with either, but generally I find that Prince rackets are well balanced for 2handers and horrendously balanced for 1handers. Though the Diablos are far different than most of their line, so again this may be an exception.

Hope this helped a little :p
 
ogruskie

ogruskie

Professional
I have a love/hate relationship with my KBlade in terms of the 1-handed backhand.

On my superb playing days, the KBT is godly. On my crappy days, it can be the most unforgiving racquet I've ever played with.
 
G

gsharma

Professional
ogruskie said:
I have a love/hate relationship with my KBlade in terms of the 1-handed backhand.

On my superb playing days, the KBT is godly. On my crappy days, it can be the most unforgiving racquet I've ever played with.
Click to expand...

I have hit with both racquets and I just can't decide! KBlade 93 is surprisingly good for a racquet with a small head in terms of finding the sweetspot. I definitely like the tighter string pattern (18x20) and it seems to help my backhand.

The thing is that with the Prince Diablo MP, my serves are better (a little more pace on the first and more spin on the second), forehands have a little more spin on them but the backhand is shaky. It might just be because the Diablo is a little lighter and more HL. Btw, tenniswarehouse says KBlade 93 is 8 pts HL while the racquet itself says 10 pts HL...what gives?

I might just have to pick a racquet that improves a bigger percentage of my overall game.
 
dufferok

dufferok

Rookie
Based on experience, I can tell you the HEAD Radicals and Yonex RDX and RDS 98 sq. in head size rackets are all excellent rackets to use with a one handed backhand.

Basically, look for a racket that weighs around 11 - 11.5 oz, head light 3pts+, swing weight 305 - 315, 27-27.25 inches in length, 16x19 for more spin or 18x20 for more control.

This will give you a racket that can handle returning hard serves, yet is still light and maneuverable enough to swing out when hitting a one handed backhand, without wearing your arm down after playing 2-3 matches in a day.
 
A

ashwincr

New User
I would definitely try the tecnifibre range. The TF-320 comes in a 16x20 and 18x20 version, and is very head light, which really helps in whipping the racquet on the one-hander. I personally like the 16x20 version, but definitely give them both a demo.
 
G

gsharma

Professional
dufferok said:
Based on experience, I can tell you the HEAD Radicals and Yonex RDX and RDS 98 sq. in head size rackets are all excellent rackets to use with a one handed backhand.

Basically, look for a racket that weighs around 11 - 11.5 oz, head light 3pts+, swing weight 305 - 315, 27-27.25 inches in length, 16x19 for more spin or 18x20 for more control.

This will give you a racket that can handle returning hard serves, yet is still light and maneuverable enough to swing out when hitting a one handed backhand, without wearing your arm down after playing 2-3 matches in a day.
Click to expand...

The specs you mentioned are the ones that I'm hoping to match. I'm shooting for something 11.6-11.8 oz, low stiffness ( < 63), 8-10 pts HL. Both the kBlade and Diablo MP match these specs and the only difference between the two is the string pattern. I like the kBlade for my one-handed backhand with their 18x20 pattern but Diablo for most other things. Life's not easy ;)
 
In D Zone

In D Zone

Hall of Fame
DNX10 mid is heavier (362g / 12.8 oz) and offers more power - I know I just need to get use to the power; avoiding spraying the ball all over. Otherwise, great racquet, don't need to generate as much racquet speed than most mid sized racquet.

Another excellent dense racquet to check is the Volkl Tour 10 VE mid. Love the control and stability of this racquet - forehand and 1hbh.

I picked up the KBlade Tour 93 yesterday - it should arrive a couple of days. I will keep you guys update when I get to play with it.
 
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G

gsharma

Professional
In D Zone said:
DNX10 mid is heavier (362g / 12.8 oz) and offers more power - I know I just need to get use to the power; avoiding spraying the ball all over. Otherwise, great racquet, don't need to generate as much racquet speed than most mid sized racquet.

Another excellent dense racquet to check is the Volkl Tour 10 VE mid. Love the control and stability of this racquet - forehand and 1hbh.

I picked up the KBlade Tour 93 yesterday - it should arrive a couple of days. I will keep you guys update when I get to play with it.
Click to expand...

Didn't Becker play with Volkl? Any other pro uses it anymore?

I think I'm down to kblade and diablo MP. As much as I love demoing racquets, it's a pain in the ass. I'd rather find something that suits my game and then adjust to the racquet ;)
 
In D Zone

In D Zone

Hall of Fame
Clecwm said:
wad is the usual preferred balance for a 1BH?

i'm considering the kpro tour. any tips?
Click to expand...


There is no special spec or formula which racquet is good for 1hbh.
- I have seen 1hbh players who play PS 85 to Babolat 100 headsize.

It's all a matter of personal preference.
 
Kirko

Kirko

Hall of Fame
my favs. for the one handed backhand are the new prestige mid & the KBT. both offered what like for a one handed backhand eg. power & the control of a 18 X 20 pattern. I setlled on the KBT because of the wilson grip (very full-bodied) and I thought the sweetspot was a bit more "lush". I added lead at 10 & 2 o'clock. I always thought head grips were odd going back to the days of XRC and Vilas models. I often wondered how Head arrived at this grip shape a 4 1/2 feels like a 3/8. 93 sq.in. has got to be the perfect size for those who hit one handed on both sides.
 
G

gsharma

Professional
Kirko said:
my favs. for the one handed backhand are the new prestige mid & the KBT. both offered what like for a one handed backhand eg. power & the control of a 18 X 20 pattern. I setlled on the KBT because of the wilson grip (very full-bodied) and I thought the sweetspot was a bit more "lush". I added lead at 10 & 2 o'clock. I always thought head grips were odd going back to the days of XRC and Vilas models. I often wondered how Head arrived at this grip shape a 4 1/2 feels like a 3/8. 93 sq.in. has got to be the perfect size for those who hit one handed on both sides.
Click to expand...

Which one is KBT?
 
In D Zone

In D Zone

Hall of Fame
gsharma said:
Didn't Becker play with Volkl? Any other pro uses it anymore?

I think I'm down to kblade and diablo MP. As much as I love demoing racquets, it's a pain in the ass. I'd rather find something that suits my game and then adjust to the racquet ;)
Click to expand...

Becker did play with Volkl. Volkl even offers the Boris Becker series as a separate brand - the lastest crazed in the TW forum is the Becker 11 Mid (btw it's the twin model of DNX10 mid)

Stepanek is the highest ATP pro that I know. Here a link to the list of the pros that plays Volkl.
http://www.voelkl-tennis.com/cms/front_content.php?idcat=25

I am with you on your comment about getting great results on 1hbh playing the denser string pattern. I too have been slowly moving from open string pattern (yonex rds001 mid) to the more denser strings (Tour 10 VE). The challenge I found with the denser pattern is finding the string type and tension combination. I think its wise to string the denser pattern racquet between 50 to 55 lbs - anything over that will make the racquet feel too stiff.
 
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Kirko

Kirko

Hall of Fame
right! no more than 55 lbs. (firm with "power"). if you string above that you would wonder why guys like these rackets.
 
hoodjem

hoodjem

G.O.A.T.
I have a Wilson nPS 18 X 20 racquet, and so far my preferred tension is 58-59. But I am moving downward from a high of 63.

Maybe I'll get to 55 in a few months . . .
 
G

gsharma

Professional
In D Zone said:
Becker did play with Volkl. Volkl even offers the Boris Becker series as a separate brand - the lastest crazed in the TW forum is the Becker 11 Mid (btw it's the twin model of DNX10 mid)

Stepanek is the highest ATP pro that I know. Here a link to the list of the pros that plays Volkl.
http://www.voelkl-tennis.com/cms/front_content.php?idcat=25

I am with you on your comment about getting great results on 1hbh playing the denser string pattern. I too have been slowly moving from open string pattern (yonex rds001 mid) to the more denser strings (Tour 10 VE). The challenge I found with the denser pattern is finding the string type and tension combination. I think its wise to string the denser pattern racquet between 50 to 55 lbs - anything over that will make the racquet feel too stiff.
Click to expand...

I play with Dunlop 200 MFil 18x20 right now and I find that Wilson NXT Tour 18 gauge in crosses and Pro Hurricane 17 gauge in mains, both at 57-58 lbs work well.

As for the denser string pattern, yes, that always works for me on the 1hbb. Even this morning, I picked up the Kblade 93 and my backhand was just fine including some slice service returns on heavy serves. On the other hand, I wonder that if you can get enough spin on the 1hbb with a 16x18 pattern, what's the difference?

Btw, is KBlade 93 8 pts HL or 10 pts HL (it says 10 pts HL on the racquet but 8 on TW).
 
D

Deleted member 25923

Guest
gsharma said:
I have hit with both racquets and I just can't decide! KBlade 93 is surprisingly good for a racquet with a small head in terms of finding the sweetspot. I definitely like the tighter string pattern (18x20) and it seems to help my backhand.

The thing is that with the Prince Diablo MP, my serves are better (a little more pace on the first and more spin on the second), forehands have a little more spin on them but the backhand is shaky. It might just be because the Diablo is a little lighter and more HL. Btw, tenniswarehouse says KBlade 93 is 8 pts HL while the racquet itself says 10 pts HL...what gives?

I might just have to pick a racquet that improves a bigger percentage of my overall game.
Click to expand...

The HL stats are given unstrung on the racquet and strung on TW site.
 
MrAWD

MrAWD

Semi-Pro
Redondo Mid is a great racquet for 1HB and one of the best I have used so far. It is definitely something worth testing. Another one that is also extremely good is K90 and I will myself test this toy to see where it stand. After the short play I managed to hit some of the 1HB that I know wouldn't work with my current stick!

Good luck!


Fedja
 
matchmaker

matchmaker

Hall of Fame
MrAWD said:
Redondo Mid is a great racquet for 1HB and one of the best I have used so far. It is definitely something worth testing. Another one that is also extremely good is K90 and I will myself test this toy to see where it stand. After the short play I managed to hit some of the 1HB that I know wouldn't work with my current stick!

Good luck!


Fedja
Click to expand...

Agree with the Redondo mid for 1HBH, it feels great. For the rest it a lot less good, weak serving, underpowered on groundies, only moderately good on volleys. But the onehanded backhands with this racquet are great.
 
movdqa

movdqa

Talk Tennis Guru
matchmaker said:
Agree with the Redondo mid for 1HBH, it feels great. For the rest it a lot less good, weak serving, underpowered on groundies, only moderately good on volleys. But the onehanded backhands with this racquet are great.
Click to expand...

The Redondo is great if you can generate your own pace with classical strokes. If you want more power, you might need to add a little lead. I found it great for flat shots and forehand topspin shots. Placement is outstanding on the serve but the power isn't there. At least without some mods. I found it great for the volley. Tremendous touch, control and placement.

The K90 provides far more power and access to spin but you pay a price in weight. The OP's complaint I think is with backhand control with the open string pattern. The idea is to add spin to gain control on the K90 and on other open string pattern racquets. So perhaps working on a backhand with a little more topspin would provide you with the control that you want on that stroke with a 16x18 or 16x19.
 
I

In)SpiRe

Professional
Never really had any issues with 1handers for any certain racquets[of course I have a few]. I suggest you just demo a couple and pick one you feel works best.
 
Tennisguy777

Tennisguy777

Professional
I may be biased but please demo the Dunlop Aerogel 300 98 sq. in. 16 x 19. It is by far the best racquet I have ever used. Great for 1 and 2 handers especially if you use topspin. With a little lead tape it plays amazingly.
 
MrAWD

MrAWD

Semi-Pro
matchmaker said:
Agree with the Redondo mid for 1HBH, it feels great. For the rest it a lot less good, weak serving, underpowered on groundies, only moderately good on volleys. But the onehanded backhands with this racquet are great.
Click to expand...

I agree with you on the backhand part, but not much with the rest! Redondo Mid requires long and fast strokes and if you give it that you will have plenty of power with the stick. If you try to cheat and slow things down then the power goes off rapidly as well. At the moment I have too much power from the stick and trying to figure out how to keep the balls in when I have a full swing.

Another thing is that you have to hit the balls around the sweet spot or power will not be there at all. If you are referring to those then I understand why this stick would be underpowered on the ground strokes.

Serving is pretty nice with it and stick allows me to move the ball around at my will. I have played with bunch of guys that have pretty fast serve but if it is coming the same way most of the time then it becomes liability for them more then for me since returns come back to them even faster!

The one thing that was already discussed with this stick is that flexibility and butterness gives you the feel that you are not doing enough with the ball, but your opponents don't agree with that at all. Trust the racquet and if you have to hit an extra ball that is still fine since you are in control of it!

Volleys are actually pretty good with this stick since it is pretty hefty and very head light, so you have both maneuverability and the feel while at the net!

Fedja
 
G

gsharma

Professional
Tennisguy777 said:
I may be biased but please demo the Dunlop Aerogel 300 98 sq. in. 16 x 19. It is by far the best racquet I have ever used. Great for 1 and 2 handers especially if you use topspin. With a little lead tape it plays amazingly.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestion but I currently play with Dunlop 200 MFil 18x20. The only reason I'm looking to switch racquets is that with my current setup (around 12.5 oz, 8 pts HL), I get great stability but pay the price in terms of the racquet weight. I want something more maneuverable and whippy so that I can generate more racquet head speed for forehand topspin and second serves. I'm actually going to do a small experiment tonight; I will lower my Dunlop to 12.2 oz or so and compare it with the Kblade 93 (which is at 11.8 oz). I've a feeling they will be pretty much the same (the difference being only in my head).
 
G

gsharma

Professional
So after three days of trying the Kblade 93, here are some thoughts. Btw, I played the first set with Kblade and the second with my Dunlop MFill 200.

- Kblade (KBT) has a pretty decent sized sweetspot for a 93 sq in racquet.
- There is plenty of access to spin, both of the forehand and backhand.
- First serves are good but I was really surprised by the kick I was getting on my second serves and I wasn't even trying hard to hit a kick serve.
- This racquet is pretty maneuverable and that's obvious on half-volleys and volleys. In fact, it's stable enough to put the volleys away at the net.
- As for the backhand, I had no trouble finding spin or hitting by 1hbb flat.

However, I must add, this racquet was simpling killing my forearm and elbow today. In fact, I've felt pain from the day I started hitting with this racquet three days ago. However, to be fair, it could all be due to the cheap strings on the demo racquet. So try it and YMMV.

I picked up the Dunlop in the second set and immediately, I could feel the discomfort in arm reduce. It has a much softer, buttery feel that is easier on the arm. I found Dunlop to be better at flatter serves and definitely, at the net. But, the added weight on the Dunlop meant that I really hard to work to get the spin required for my second serves to go in and for my forehand to stay in.

All in all, KBT is too similar to my Dunlop Mfil 200 and I'm going to skip this one.

Did anyone else have similar comfort issues with the KBT?
 
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