Help me choose

Ok so i finally got to order a demo and have the 2 top rackets i like as i been browsing and researching like crazy past couple weeks. my two final choices are between the Babolat Aero pro drive gt or the plus version and the Head speed mp 16x19.

i'am a 16 going on 17 in a few days i'am 6'1 209lbs, i'am ranked a 3.5 player. i play for my highschool and city tournaments. my games involves alot of spin which is why these to are my top choices i hit with a reverse forehand alot i really find the motion easy and i like to hit with alot of topsin on most all my shots. and its heavy fast topsin i like to hit with alot of power aswell. so simply put i'am a baseline spinner as my coach calls me i love my bachand slice its my most accurate and my return a serve is the best part of my game so cant have a racket that will get pushed around by big hitters. so which of these do you think will fit me and my game best and help me develop more to a higher rank.

And have a few questions like the diffrence between the Apdgt and the plus version which is best.

I would suggest the Head, only because imo it has more room for advancement, and a little better control and a little less power. I don't think you will outgrow it as quickly. You should also try the Speed MP 18x20. It is standard length and has more control.

If you decide to go with the AreoPro, I would definitely go with the regular (non-plus) version. You don't need the extra length - it will only add more power (which you don't need), and it may be a little less manueverable and have less control.

Bottom line though is you have to make this decision for yourself - DEMO extensively and don't make a decision based on a few minutes of hitting. Play with each stick against multiple opponents, and if possible for a whole match. One may seem great at first but after a couple of sets, it could be a different story. Good luck.

BC1 said:

I would suggest the Head, only because imo it has more room for advancement, and a little better control and a little less power. I don't think you will outgrow it as quickly. You should also try the Speed MP 18x20. It is standard length and has more control.

If you decide to go with the AreoPro, I would definitely go with the regular (non-plus) version. You don't need the extra length - it will only add more power (which you don't need), and it may be a little less manueverable and have less control.

Bottom line though is you have to make this decision for yourself - DEMO extensively and don't make a decision based on a few minutes of hitting. Play with each stick against multiple opponents, and if possible for a whole match. One may seem great at first but after a couple of sets, it could be a different story. Good luck.

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thx i was really wondering on the diffrence between the AeroProDrive regular version agianst the plus version.

is the spin just as good with the speed mp as it is with the APD GT

kenny22 said:

is the spin just as good with the speed mp as it is with the APD GT

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A bit less, but the control and feel and maneuverability depts. go to the speed.

I personally hated the speed, but might've been the strings or something.

pyrokid said:

A bit less, but the control and feel and maneuverability depts. go to the speed.

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so the the APD GT lacks control thats not good cause i generate alot of my own power so need something to give me more sin but also stay in the court.

BC1 said:

I would suggest the Head, only because imo it has more room for advancement, and a little better control and a little less power. I don't think you will outgrow it as quickly. You should also try the Speed MP 18x20. It is standard length and has more control.

If you decide to go with the AreoPro, I would definitely go with the regular (non-plus) version. You don't need the extra length - it will only add more power (which you don't need), and it may be a little less manueverable and have less control.

Bottom line though is you have to make this decision for yourself - DEMO extensively and don't make a decision based on a few minutes of hitting. Play with each stick against multiple opponents, and if possible for a whole match. One may seem great at first but after a couple of sets, it could be a different story. Good luck.

Click to expand...

the main thing is i hit with an extree reverse forehand as my primary forehand and a 2handed bachand so which one will add ease to my style of strokes.

kenny22 said:

so the the APD GT lacks control thats not good cause i generate alot of my own power so need something to give me more sin but also stay in the court.

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The APDGT can be controlled IF you hit with tons of top spin (which the racket is known for). So, if you are capable of hitting every shot with lots of spin you should be able to go all out with your swings and power the ball, and have some control on your shots. However, and most would agree, that the racquet is too powerful for flat shots.

I wish I had the top-spin skills for the APDGT, but I have a hard time being consistent and the control I want is just not there (for me). I find it is easier to add power to a control racquet, then to try to control a power racquet. If you have great skills you can do both.

kenny22 said:

the main thing is i hit with an extree reverse forehand as my primary forehand and a 2handed bachand so which one will add ease to my style of strokes.

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Not sure - I'll let someone else answer that one.

kenny22 said:

thx i was really wondering on the diffrence between the AeroProDrive regular version agianst the plus version.

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Well here is your answer to this question. The + version will give you a bit more power and a touch more spin due to the extended length. If your game is more based at the baseline, you rely a lot on your serve and you rarely go to the net I would suggest the + version.

The regular version will give you more than enough spin and a decent amount of power, just not as much as the plus. The regular version will add a bit more control than the +. Also the maneuverability will be better with the regular version. If you game relies on having a good net game I would suggest the standard.

BC1 said:

However, and most would agree, that the racquet is too powerful for flat shots.

I wish I had the top-spin skills for the APDGT, but I have a hard time being consistent and the control I want is just not there (for me). I find it is easier to add power to a control racquet, then to try to control a power racquet.

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I would agree with this 100%. IMO it was a SPIN MONSTER!!! EVERYTHING I hat had spin and it was actually hard to find my groove with my flat shots.

Also its is much easier to add power to a control frame (lead, string tension, etc) however not that easy or comfortable to add control to a power frame.

BC1 said:

The APDGT can be controlled IF you hit with tons of top spin (which the racket is known for). So, if you are capable of hitting every shot with lots of spin you should be able to go all out with your swings and power the ball, and have some control on your shots. However, and most would agree, that the racquet is too powerful for flat shots.

I wish I had the top-spin skills for the APDGT, but I have a hard time being consistent and the control I want is just not there (for me). I find it is easier to add power to a control racquet, then to try to control a power racquet. If you have great skills you can do both.




Not sure - I'll let someone else answer that one.

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Well i'am still developing as i'am omly a 3.5 highschool player. Manevuerability is probably the most important as my reverse forehand needs a racket i can whip up quickly to brush under the ball. And i dont hit a flat ball that often everything i hit has spin on its just in my development hitting topsin came easily to me and alot of people will say i'am tryin to be nadal with my reverse forehand but its just the forehand that feels comfortable and my best shot. but besides having the racket aid my reverse forehand i like to break early in games as my return is the best part of my game so i need a racket that wont get pushed around or back. So do you think the speed mp fits me better than the Apd Gt

well going by what you describe your play style as which seems to be heavily spin oriented i would say the Apd gt Standard version is best for you.