New racquet quest - suggestions?

CAM178

Hall of Fame
Hey All,

I am in the market for a new racquet, and am looking for suggestions.

Current stick: Youtek PP
Previous stick: MGPP
Sticks before MGPP: n6.1 95 (for loooooong time), nSurge (briefly), older Wilson ProStaffs.

Tried new nCode replacements, but disliked: too stiff, too much power, and tiny sweetspot.

I am a 5.0 baseliner who's been playing for 30 years (almost 40 y/o). Big forehand, 2-handed backhand, and I prefer my slice backhand.

Dimensions I'm looking for:

-4 to -8 HL
310-330 SW
11.2 - 11.8 oz strung
60 - 64 SI

Suggestions?
 

XFactorer

Hall of Fame
Wait for the new line of racquets in January. Yonex is coming out with some new sticks. Prince, Dunlop, Wilson will also have new sticks out, too.
 

CAM178

Hall of Fame
Wait for the new line of racquets in January. Yonex is coming out with some new sticks. Prince, Dunlop, Wilson will also have new sticks out, too.

That is exactly what I was planning on doing, as racquet mfrs tend to introduce new sticks at the AO. And it is about time for some new ones to arrive.

I am just looking for some suggestions for now, so that if I find something I like, and then they introduce a newer version at the AO, then I can snatch up a bunch of the older frames at a significant discount.
 

mrmo1115

Hall of Fame
I am going to move on to a new racquet as well, even though I've been using a racquet only for a month or two now. However since my KBlade 98 is getting discontinued I am also back on the market to find the new racquet.

The new BLX Blade 98 is on top of my list, but I am also looking for others to maybe compete with it.
 

mawashi

Hall of Fame
I was pleasantly surprised at the feel and control of the pro kennex black ace. Although, rather soft it has a very large sweet spot and really good control.

I too love the n95 and mgmp and I found the black ace similar but softer.

mawashi
 

subz

Rookie
From the upcoming racquets, I would suggest :
Wilson BLX blade 98 and tour ( I will try the 98 version myself)
Dunlop Biomimetic 200 and 300 tour

Also , from the curret line I suggest you demo the wilson BLX 6.1.

You have not mentioned the desired head size and pattern but from your previous frames , it seems u like mid plus.
 
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el sergento

Hall of Fame
Current stick: Youtek PP
Previous stick: MGPP
Sticks before MGPP: n6.1 95 (for loooooong time), nSurge (briefly), older Wilson ProStaffs.

Tried new nCode replacements, but disliked: too stiff, too much power, and tiny sweetspot.

I am a 5.0 baseliner who's been playing for 30 years (almost 40 y/o). Big forehand, 2-handed backhand, and I prefer my slice backhand.

Dimensions I'm looking for:

-4 to -8 HL
310-330 SW
11.2 - 11.8 oz strung
60 - 64 SI

Suggestions?

I played with some n6.1's for a long time and then switched to MG Prestige Midplus (got my hands on three). I wanted a tighter string pattern but didn't feel like hunting down some European 18X20 n6.1's and, like you, I hated the k6.1's.

I loved everything about the Prestiges except the grip shape. So I got my hands on some pallets that more closely resemble Wilson pallets (TK82) and have been 100% satisfied since.

TBH though, the other day I took out one of my much loved n6.1's for a hit and I couldn't believe how good it was playing, I was about to put it down when I broke the strings after 30 minutes. Yes, the string was old, but I also couldn't miss the sweetspot. I still can't hit a better one-hander with any other racquet. :(

Back on topic though, why are you looking for a switch. Is it because of the high SW on the PP? Because I demoed it and found it very sluggish. What exactly are you looking for, more spin, power, whip, control?
 
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0d1n

Hall of Fame
I played with some n6.1's for a long time and then switched to MG Prestige Midplus (got my hands on three). I wanted a tighter string pattern but didn't feel like hunting down some European 18X20 n6.1's and, like you, I hated the k6.1's.

I loved everything about the Prestiges except the grip shape. So I got my hands on some pallets that more closely resemble Wilson pallets (TK82) and have been 100% satisfied since.

TBH though, the other day I took out one of my much loved n6.1's for a hit and I couldn't believe how good it was playing, I was about to put it down when I broke the strings after 30 minutes. Yes, the string was old, but I also couldn't miss the sweetspot. I still can't hit a better one-hander with any other racquet. :(

Back on topic though, why are you looking for a switch. Is it because of the high SW on the PP? Because I demoed it and found it very sluggish. What exactly are you looking for, more spin, power, whip, control?

Really ? The youtek PP felt very maneuverable to me, certainly more so than any 6.1 series frame I've tried in the last years.
Maybe you got a QC "dud" ?

OP, why are you looking to get rid of the Prestiges ??
 

HitItHarder

Semi-Pro
Really ? The youtek PP felt very maneuverable to me, certainly more so than any 6.1 series frame I've tried in the last years.
Maybe you got a QC "dud" ?

OP, why are you looking to get rid of the Prestiges ??


I agree with Od1n about the YTPP not feeling that sluggish. I actually ended up with a little lead at 12 to bump the SW up a little more when I was using this racquet.

As to the OP -- I think a we may be able to offer some better suggestions if we know what it is that you don't particularly like about the PP or why you want to switch.
 

CAM178

Hall of Fame
From the upcoming racquets, I would suggest :
Wilson BLX blade 98 and tour ( I will try the 98 version myself)
Dunlop Biomimetic 200 and 300 tour
Also , from the curret line I suggest you demo the wilson BLX 6.1.
You have not mentioned the desired head size and pattern but from your previous frames , it seems u like mid plus.
Bought the BLX 6.1, and it was like playing with a 2x4, to me. Too stiff, and very unforgiving.

As to head size and pattern, great catch, as I had forgotten to include that, and that is very important. I am looking for 95-98", and ideally I'd like to find a 16x19, but at this point, I might have to settle for 16x18 or even 18x20. I'm very flexible when it comes to the pattern.

As well, I am looking to stay with a standard length racquet.

I played with some n6.1's for a long time and then switched to MG Prestige Midplus (got my hands on three). I wanted a tighter string pattern but didn't feel like hunting down some European 18X20 n6.1's and, like you, I hated the k6.1's.
I loved everything about the Prestiges except the grip shape. So I got my hands on some pallets that more closely resemble Wilson pallets (TK82) and have been 100% satisfied since.
TBH though, the other day I took out one of my much loved n6.1's for a hit and I couldn't believe how good it was playing, I was about to put it down when I broke the strings after 30 minutes. Yes, the string was old, but I also couldn't miss the sweetspot. I still can't hit a better one-hander with any other racquet. :(
Back on topic though, why are you looking for a switch. Is it because of the high SW on the PP? Because I demoed it and found it very sluggish. What exactly are you looking for, more spin, power, whip, control?
The YTPP is a great stick, but it is a bit too stiff to me now, and a bit underpowered. I can still smack it, but I wouldn't mind finding something with a touch (literally a touch, not a lot) more power.

Did you try the racquet finder feature here in TW?
I did, but I can't get it to work properly. I've been meaning to call TW to get some assistance. When I plug in the desired specs, it tells me that there are no racquets that meet my desired specs, and I KNOW that is not true.

Really ? The youtek PP felt very maneuverable to me, certainly more so than any 6.1 series frame I've tried in the last years.
Maybe you got a QC "dud" ?
OP, why are you looking to get rid of the Prestiges ??
As stated above, they are just a bit too stiff and underpowered for me. I never thought this would happen to me, but as I get older, I am indeed trying to find things with less weight and more power. But as soon as I look down mid-match, and realize that I am playing with a 120" Prince chick stick, I am quitting tennis! :lol:
 

Macedo

Rookie
I played with some n6.1's for a long time and then switched to MG Prestige Midplus (got my hands on three). I wanted a tighter string pattern but didn't feel like hunting down some European 18X20 n6.1's and, like you, I hated the k6.1's.

I loved everything about the Prestiges except the grip shape. So I got my hands on some pallets that more closely resemble Wilson pallets (TK82) and have been 100% satisfied since.

TBH though, the other day I took out one of my much loved n6.1's for a hit and I couldn't believe how good it was playing, I was about to put it down when I broke the strings after 30 minutes. Yes, the string was old, but I also couldn't miss the sweetspot. I still can't hit a better one-hander with any other racquet. :(

I'm like you, I loved my n6.1! But in Team version. Since I broke them, I never felt the same while I'm playing
I hate the k6.1 too, and the Blx 6.1 it's good, but not so good as the N6.1
I would like to try the NTour two and the Blx Tour of Henin, they seem to be great racquets. And next year I'm decided to test the new line of Wilson
 

el sergento

Hall of Fame
Really ? The youtek PP felt very maneuverable to me, certainly more so than any 6.1 series frame I've tried in the last years.
Maybe you got a QC "dud" ?

OP, why are you looking to get rid of the Prestiges ??

I agree with Od1n about the YTPP not feeling that sluggish. I actually ended up with a little lead at 12 to bump the SW up a little more when I was using this racquet.

As to the OP -- I think a we may be able to offer some better suggestions if we know what it is that you don't particularly like about the PP or why you want to switch.

Oops, I was thinking of the Youtek Radical Pro, not the Prestige Pro. The Rad Pro felt like it had a ridiculously high SW, for me anyway.

Like the OP, I actually found the YPP too stiff and settled for a MG PMP. The Youtek played very well but I didn't like the feel nearly as much as the MG's.
 
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el sergento

Hall of Fame
The YTPP is a great stick, but it is a bit too stiff to me now, and a bit underpowered. I can still smack it, but I wouldn't mind finding something with a touch (literally a touch, not a lot) more power.

Sounds like a string issue and not a racquet issue. If you're looking for just a touch more power and nothing more, just string lower or look for a more suitable string combination. Or maybe 2-3 grams at 3 and 9.
 

el sergento

Hall of Fame
I'm like you, I loved my n6.1! But in Team version. Since I broke them, I never felt the same while I'm playing
I hate the k6.1 too, and the Blx 6.1 it's good, but not so good as the N6.1
I would like to try the NTour two and the Blx Tour of Henin, they seem to be great racquets. And next year I'm decided to test the new line of Wilson

That one has a very high SW. It probably will play quite differently from the Ncodes. A friend of mine has a BLX Pro Open and I enjoyed the feel of it. You might want to look into the team version.
 

tennisjon

Professional
I am a 4.5 power baseliner and I would recommend the Pro Kennex Ki-5 or the Yonex RDis 200. Both should meet your specs and I have played with both and really liked them. Good blends of power and control.
 

0d1n

Hall of Fame
Oops, I was thinking of the Youtek Radical Pro, not the Prestige Pro. The Rad Pro felt like it had a ridiculously high SW, for me anyway.

Like the OP, I actually found the YPP too stiff and settled for a MG PMP. The Youtek played very well but I didn't like the feel nearly as much as the MG's.

That makes sense. The youtek radical pro did swing like a baseball bat to me too. A combination of high balance and high swingweight I guess would have that effect.
Yeh...I also found the YT PP a tad stiff I must say. I'm used to Volkls though...
 

OldButGame

Hall of Fame
Pure Storm Limited is a great racquet, at a great price right now and pretty much fits Your specs. From the baseline You might want to weight it up some however.
 

CAM178

Hall of Fame
Sounds like a string issue and not a racquet issue. If you're looking for just a touch more power and nothing more, just string lower or look for a more suitable string combination. Or maybe 2-3 grams at 3 and 9.
Excellent point, and one I am addressing as we speak. Have strings waiting for me at UPS, as I am indeed going to play around with the tensions. A local shop tried to get me to switch away from Lux ALU Rough to some new Viper string as my mains, and that was perhaps the worst recommendation that I've ever received. They were indeed softer, but they lost tension, and I had absolutely no control. It was the most helpless feeling that I had ever had on a court, as I truly could not control if the ball went into the net or several feet long. In 30 years of playing, I've only had that happen when forced to finish a point with a broken string.

FYI: my current string setup is Lux ALU Rough mains at 56, and PSGD crosses at 59. I am going to try the PSGD black, as they are noticably softer than the electric green which I usually play with. As well, I am going to try a lower tension setup.

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions, and I will let you know what I find with the string change.

It's sad, but after 25 years with Wilson, and 4 with Head. . . . .I miss Wilson. :(
 

CAM178

Hall of Fame
I am a 4.5 power baseliner and I would recommend the Pro Kennex Ki-5 or the Yonex RDis 200. Both should meet your specs and I have played with both and really liked them. Good blends of power and control.
The sticks I'm eyeing for now are a couple of the RDis sticks, and the Biomimitec (<sp?) 200, I believe. A couple of others, too, but I'm going to wait until the New Year to start demoing.
 

ManuGinobili

Hall of Fame
I was pleasantly surprised at the feel and control of the pro kennex black ace. Although, rather soft it has a very large sweet spot and really good control.

I too love the n95 and mgmp and I found the black ace similar but softer.

mawashi

+1 ... I am using the Black Ace 98 at the moment. A very well made stick that fits into your stats (well, the flex is actually lower than your range), and plays like the specs suggest (can't say that about every stick), with a nice surprise drop of power. Honestly if you are at that advance level, it's a must try given the price/incredible arm friendliness.
 

el sergento

Hall of Fame
FYI: my current string setup is Lux ALU Rough mains at 56, and PSGD crosses at 59. I am going to try the PSGD black, as they are noticably softer than the electric green which I usually play with. As well, I am going to try a lower tension setup.

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions, and I will let you know what I find with the string change.

It's sad, but after 25 years with Wilson, and 4 with Head. . . . .I miss Wilson. :(

Honestly, first thing I would do is just drop the tension on the crosses. I actually go 1-2 lbs less on the crosses so as to increase dwell time and get a bit of a trampoline effect. I feel I get more power that way.

The Lux is in the drivers seat so if you're happy at 56 leave it there, but try 56-55 on the crosses with the PSGD. Another alternative would be to play with the PSGD on the mains and the Lux on the crosses. You might break faster, but honestly, I prefer breaking to playing with dead strings.

I mean, as much as I love my MG PMP's, I had to first change the pallets, meaning I had to find them first. Then I had to tinker with lead until I found what worked. Settled for 5g's at 3&9 and 5g's in the butt. Specs are 350g's, 8pts HL SW ~330. In other words, I made a 18X20 N6.1. :) Oh, and Head sticks are so much easier to match.

.....I miss Wilson to an extent. I loved my N's but the tighter string pattern really helps my game. If I could have found 2 18X20 N's I'd be playing with them.
 
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Ross K

Legend
The whole string discussion scares me, honestly. There are so many choices!

CAM,

^^^ Ha - know what you mean!:)

Actually, I, too, used to really like the N95 and would definitely say it is one of my top frames ever. The last time I played it I found it just a bit much in a few respects (like a bit too hefty, tank-like, and too head-light), especially for my rapidly declining, aging, lazy b-liner/rec hacker's game! :grin:

By contrast the YTPP has the kind of specs, lineage, familiarity and general qualities that, in theory, should be just my bowl of porridge - ahem. However, in truth, I've struggled a bit with it, and find the easier to come by power of the APD to possibly suit my present needs a little better - though as a side-line, whilst I find the APD creates a kind of blugdeoning topspin, it doesn't have that same ZIPPY power of the N95 that I so used too like. Anyhow, I'm trying the YTPP this week with a new lower set up (Sonic Pro @ 52 lbs), so we'll see.

Good luck.


R.

BTW, might not be your specs but... the TF V02 320 isn't of interest to you?... I know I wouldn't mind another little looky at this one... Also, the C10 Pro?... amazing balance and weighting (like Prestiges have), very soft feel, quality build, lots of spin, superb touch, another of my absolute faves ever.
 

CAM178

Hall of Fame
Update: 3 racquets are getting strung now, 3 different ways.

1. ALU Rough mains @ 54, PSGD purple @ 57
2. Fluoro @ 54, PSG lime @ 56
3. Adrenaline @ 54, PSG black @ 57

The lime is a bit looser, as it's a harder string, so I want it a bit easier on the arm. The black is much softer than the regular PSGD, and I have a feeling the purple is a bit softer, though not quite as much as the black.

I get the sticks back tomorrow, so I will update in a few days with the results.

Thanks again to everyone for the help. :cool:
 

CAM178

Hall of Fame
Going with #2 above: Fluoro & PSG lime. PSG lime is fairly stiff, and Fluoro doesn't move like Adrenaline does. Adrenaline also lost playability fairly quickly, which was disappointing. When it was fresh, it was great, but it died fairly quickly. Reminded me a lot of NRG2 in that sense.

Fluoro holds tension, doesn't move, but is MUCH softer than Rough. Rough kills my arm.

Thanks for all of the help. :cool:
 

el sergento

Hall of Fame
Going with #2 above: Fluoro & PSG lime. PSG lime is fairly stiff, and Fluoro doesn't move like Adrenaline does. Adrenaline also lost playability fairly quickly, which was disappointing. When it was fresh, it was great, but it died fairly quickly. Reminded me a lot of NRG2 in that sense.

Fluoro holds tension, doesn't move, but is MUCH softer than Rough. Rough kills my arm.

Thanks for all of the help. :cool:

So did you get that extra pop you were looking for with the string change?
 

CAM178

Hall of Fame
So did you get that extra pop you were looking for with the string change?
Got what I was looking for, and more. Lowered tension, so I got more pop. Was afraid to do it because of lack of control, but it's not bad. The Fluoro holds tension MUCH better than the Adrenaline that I was simultaneously trying.

What I got that I was really looking for was more comfort, as the Fluoro is a lot softer than my normal Rough. Rough kills my elbow, and I can barely pick up a pen if I have had a tough match.
 

CAM178

Hall of Fame
You're back to playing ? How is the cycling going ?
Hey, man. Good to hear from you. Wish I was still there from a tennis standpoint, as tennis is not too stellar here.

Haven't been playing much, as I've been planning the wedding with my fiancee, and been busy working and traveling. I will play a lot next year, and then be done with it for quite some time, I think.

Quit cycling some time ago: too time-consuming (pre-ride prep), and too dangerous (hit & run biker death here recently).

You playing much these days?
 

ahuimanu

Rookie
Hello,

Am also on a similar racquet quest, I've used all your previously noted frames and more. Have also been playing for close to 40 yrs at the junior, open and now senior levels so I can somewhat relate your situation.

Currently, using the Head Extreme Pro with the Babolat RPM @ 58lb (wanna go lower on the tension). I find this to be a great combination but a little heavy to handle for those long matches (2hrs plus). Am looking at the Extreme MP extended or perhaps the Radical Oversize as potential candidates (thought I'd never use oversize but if it works...moving from all court toward S/V .:)

You may also want to try the Head Instinct, Wilson BLX Open, Wilson Kobra Tour, Prince Ozone Tour, and Babolat Aero Storm as potential candidates for your baseline game. I find these racquets to be great for offensive and defensive play with enough weigh to handle those hard hits...hope this helps.

Hey All,

I am in the market for a new racquet, and am looking for suggestions.

Current stick: Youtek PP
Previous stick: MGPP
Sticks before MGPP: n6.1 95 (for loooooong time), nSurge (briefly), older Wilson ProStaffs.

Tried new nCode replacements, but disliked: too stiff, too much power, and tiny sweetspot.

I am a 5.0 baseliner who's been playing for 30 years (almost 40 y/o). Big forehand, 2-handed backhand, and I prefer my slice backhand.

Dimensions I'm looking for:

-4 to -8 HL
310-330 SW
11.2 - 11.8 oz strung
60 - 64 SI

Suggestions?
 
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