michael valek
Hall of Fame
Racket review – Kneissl white star 2011 version:
I thought you might all be interested to read about my playing experience with the 2011 version.
I’ve followed the TW review format, hope you find this useful. Obviously it’s just my opinion…..and also my first review so go easy
Groundstrokes – Score 89
Moving over from a recent series of Dunlop’s (most recently the max 200g), I was initially worried that the lighter weight of the racket would be a problem, but I was proved wrong. The lighter weight allowed me to swing faster, and generate great power with flatter forehands and massive topspin if I wanted that as well. I like ‘em tight, so to speak, so it was strung at 67lbs with Toalson synthetic tournament something or other. I don’t use a dampener, and it is still very comfortable at those tensions. Control is great, was able to hit deep, yet it retained the ability to really generate speed due to the aerodynamic bumper guard and even balance. Also found backhand slices very penetrating and not floaty, although I could hit those as well if I needed to, with good bite on the ball. Proper preparation and stroke mechanics helped me a lot, whereas with the max200g the weight of the racket would do some of the work for you (but that’s a legend).
Volleys – score 86
I’m more of an all court player, although naturally I stay back a little more than charge in. However I found the maneuverability of the white star really helped me get down low and still hit crisply and solidly. Very enjoyable, especially overhead where the extra racket speed allowed extra pace on the smash. Lovely touch too on angles and drops.
Serves – 88
The white star has allowed me to add maybe 10-15 mph to my serve coming from the max, due to increased racket speed. All serves are able to be hit, its especially good out wide on the forehand. Lots of slice and topspin available easily due to the maneuverability.
Returns – 86
Even though this isn't a very heavy racquet in comparison to some others, it certainly has characteristics of one, and you would think it heavier than its 300 grammes. It is very stable and permitted me to return deep on either wing, slicing a la Nadal to near the baseline. Taking the ball early with a good slap is also possible, and I was able to return flat and hard, or topped and dippy which was very nice against an incoming s+v’er.
Overall – 87
I’ve always been a fan of old school tech, but have taken a plunge here with the 2011 Kneissl white star. Not regretted it one bit. My arm is in better shape than after years of POGs and max 200gs, not aching the next day from the heft. It’s also always very interesting the comments you get from other players, e.g. where did you get those etc.
I’m in the uk so don’t know the comparisons to US ratings, but UK-wise I’m a 40 yr old playing national club league singles and doubles.
Racket specs are (pinched from Kneissl catalogue):
Länge | lenght [mm] 695
Rahmenhöhe | frame profile [mm] 23
Gewicht | weight [g] 300 / ±5
Balance | balance [mm] 318 / ±5
Schlagfläche | headsize [in´´] 98
Steifigkeit | stiffness [RA] 68
Bespannung | stringing [kg] 22 - 30
Hope you found this helpful and interesting.
I thought you might all be interested to read about my playing experience with the 2011 version.
I’ve followed the TW review format, hope you find this useful. Obviously it’s just my opinion…..and also my first review so go easy
Groundstrokes – Score 89
Moving over from a recent series of Dunlop’s (most recently the max 200g), I was initially worried that the lighter weight of the racket would be a problem, but I was proved wrong. The lighter weight allowed me to swing faster, and generate great power with flatter forehands and massive topspin if I wanted that as well. I like ‘em tight, so to speak, so it was strung at 67lbs with Toalson synthetic tournament something or other. I don’t use a dampener, and it is still very comfortable at those tensions. Control is great, was able to hit deep, yet it retained the ability to really generate speed due to the aerodynamic bumper guard and even balance. Also found backhand slices very penetrating and not floaty, although I could hit those as well if I needed to, with good bite on the ball. Proper preparation and stroke mechanics helped me a lot, whereas with the max200g the weight of the racket would do some of the work for you (but that’s a legend).
Volleys – score 86
I’m more of an all court player, although naturally I stay back a little more than charge in. However I found the maneuverability of the white star really helped me get down low and still hit crisply and solidly. Very enjoyable, especially overhead where the extra racket speed allowed extra pace on the smash. Lovely touch too on angles and drops.
Serves – 88
The white star has allowed me to add maybe 10-15 mph to my serve coming from the max, due to increased racket speed. All serves are able to be hit, its especially good out wide on the forehand. Lots of slice and topspin available easily due to the maneuverability.
Returns – 86
Even though this isn't a very heavy racquet in comparison to some others, it certainly has characteristics of one, and you would think it heavier than its 300 grammes. It is very stable and permitted me to return deep on either wing, slicing a la Nadal to near the baseline. Taking the ball early with a good slap is also possible, and I was able to return flat and hard, or topped and dippy which was very nice against an incoming s+v’er.
Overall – 87
I’ve always been a fan of old school tech, but have taken a plunge here with the 2011 Kneissl white star. Not regretted it one bit. My arm is in better shape than after years of POGs and max 200gs, not aching the next day from the heft. It’s also always very interesting the comments you get from other players, e.g. where did you get those etc.
I’m in the uk so don’t know the comparisons to US ratings, but UK-wise I’m a 40 yr old playing national club league singles and doubles.
Racket specs are (pinched from Kneissl catalogue):
Länge | lenght [mm] 695
Rahmenhöhe | frame profile [mm] 23
Gewicht | weight [g] 300 / ±5
Balance | balance [mm] 318 / ±5
Schlagfläche | headsize [in´´] 98
Steifigkeit | stiffness [RA] 68
Bespannung | stringing [kg] 22 - 30
Hope you found this helpful and interesting.
