New TW Feature: What Plays Like A...

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specialjustin

Guest
I think this is a marvelous addition to your already shopper-friendly knowledge base. Simple too!!
 
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specialjustin

Guest
I might add that alot of people ask for "arm safe" racquets. And although this usually means high flex, it's not exclusive. Maybe an arm safe button option?
 
UWBTennis

UWBTennis

Rookie
bad_call said:
how different is this feature as compared to "Similar Racquets" when selecting a particular racquet such as http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Dunlop_Aerogel_4D_100_1Hundred/descpageRCDUNLOP-D4D1.html
Click to expand...

This one seems to also include a description of the racket main selling point. Like for example, with the BLX 6.1 95 (18 X 20): "The denser string pattern ups the control factor of this midplus player's racquet. For those who occasionally like to flatten out their strokes or temper a little ball speed off the stringbed, this is the one. If you like what this one has to offer, you'll also find these other control-oriented midplus racquets a good fit." It also seems to have less option than the similar racket, maybe because they need to come up with an explanation for the other rackets. I think this is an improvement to the similar racket because it explains how they're similar.

On another point, I have a suggestion for a new project for the TW professor. I already put it in the most spin friendly racket thread, but I would like him to measure the difference between the main strings and then make a ranking list for that. A ranking list for the spin window would also be very nice like he did with the string friction list to give us a idea of the most spin producing combination, please and thank you.
 
retlod

retlod

Professional
All in all, a great addition for those players who are casually shopping for racquets.

Would there be a way for TT members who have more than some number of posts to rank racquets or vote for those that are the most similar to the racquets featured? For example, on the Babolat APDGT page, I would say that the Pure Drive and the Organix 8 play more like the AeroPro than the BLX Pro Open or the Biomimetic 500 Tour do. Probably very unruly and near impossible, but I thought I'd ask.
 
BobFL

BobFL

Hall of Fame
It is definitely good in the sense that it is stand alone destination that links everything together. However, imho it is kind of redundant. Example: if I want to see what plays similarly to racquet X I would go directly to its page and scroll down.
 
movdqa

movdqa

Talk Tennis Guru
Good idea but maybe some kind of numerical comparison would be useful. Perhaps a difference number where you take a number of metrics and just add (perhaps weighted) the differences.

I pulled up the Head Prestige MP and the PK Redondo is listed as a similar frame. I've hit with both and they don't play or feel similar.
 
V

Veninga

Rookie
UWBTennis said:
This one seems to also include a description of the racket main selling point. Like for example, with the BLX 6.1 95 (18 X 20): "The denser string pattern ups the control factor of this midplus player's racquet. For those who occasionally like to flatten out their strokes or temper a little ball speed off the stringbed, this is the one. If you like what this one has to offer, you'll also find these other control-oriented midplus racquets a good fit." It also seems to have less option than the similar racket, maybe because they need to come up with an explanation for the other rackets. I think this is an improvement to the similar racket because it explains how they're similar.

On another point, I have a suggestion for a new project for the TW professor. I already put it in the most spin friendly racket thread, but I would like him to measure the difference between the main strings and then make a ranking list for that. A ranking list for the spin window would also be very nice like he did with the string friction list to give us a idea of the most spin producing combination, please and thank you.
Click to expand...

+1! In other words. I agree.
 
A

Ashley D

Rookie
The more tools the better, but I have to say that I don't really get it's usefullness. If you want something that plays like a Pure Drive GT, why wouldn't you just get a Pure Drive GT? And if you're looking to switch from a Pure Drive GT, surely you are looking for something that DOESN'T play like a Pure Drive GT?
 
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TimothyO

Hall of Fame
Ashley,

Since no racquet plays precisely like another the value of he tool is helping one to find a "variation on a theme".

For example, the PSLGT is a soft, low powered, control oriented frame. One reason I migrated to the 300 from the PSLGT is that I wanted a tad more power (not much, just a little) on serves. The frames listed as Plays Like the PSLGT do in fact provide comfort and control with just a tad more power in general.

On the other hand, someone looking for a tad more control might migrate from the EXO3 to the PSLGT.
 
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puck1230

New User
Can you provide more transparency into the engine powering this feature? As a POG Mid user, I feel that the recommendation that a Youtek Prestige Mid "plays like a" POG, is extremely misleading. They're both headlight and have small headsizes, but that's where the similarities end, and even the "headlight" comparison is questionable as there's a more polarizing distribution in the prestige at the tip.

You could have a 100sq in racquet play more similar to a POG than a YT Prestige Mi
 
V

Veninga

Rookie
guys from TW. Can you help us to understand the logic behind the tool. Which criteria do you take into account? for example: weight, swingweight, head size, string pattern, balance, power level, plowthrough? etc. would be nice to have the insight. and maybe you can show them in the tool as well. so you can see what the differences are between the selected alternatives.

on different parts of the forum there has been a lot of discussion going on about how to compare rackets and stuff. so you algorythm to select similar rackets would help them too.

thanks in advance.
 
S

Steve Huff

G.O.A.T.
I didn't see any Pro Kennex rackets listed. Kind of in the "arm safety" list I guess. Surely something plays similarly to some of the PK rackets.
 
Hooked

Hooked

Rookie
Bravo TW!

Great tool and I concur with most of your recommendations for the frames I am familiar with.

Suggestion: Add a section for discontinued racquets so people looking to get a new one can see what the modern equivalent options are. Start with the best sellers and build from there. Bridge the gap from the old to the new.

Thanks for listening.
 
TW Staff

TW Staff

Administrator
Hooked said:
Bravo TW!

Great tool and I concur with most of your recommendations for the frames I am familiar with.

Suggestion: Add a section for discontinued racquets so people looking to get a new one can see what the modern equivalent options are. Start with the best sellers and build from there. Bridge the gap from the old to the new.

Thanks for listening.
Click to expand...

We were planning to add the discontinued racquets from the beginning, but got caught up with all the newest racquets. We'll start adding in the "classics" soon! Thanks for trying it out! Any other suggestions are welcome.

Jason, TW
 
R

Ross K

Legend
Very, very useful for us racketaholics.:) I like how it has been done with the brief summarization. A big thumbs here. :)
 
BHud

BHud

Hall of Fame
Great work! While you will never find an exact match for any racquet, this tool provides the directional guidance necessary to begin an informed racquet search. It helps narrow the models you should consider demoing. Raw specs are often deceptive. The subjective element this tool offers is of significant benefit.

Thank you!
 
Hooked

Hooked

Rookie
What about a similar tool for tennis shoes? Fits like a? Buying sneakers online can be risky. What if they don't fit exactly how I like them too - sizing issues? What if they fit lengthwise but the width feels wrong? Perhaps more people would buy tennis shoes online if there was a tool that took more of the risk out of fit. Perhaps even have wide, normal and narrow foot categories.

I know it is slightly off topic, but I am looking to get a new pair of tires and would like to know what other shoes I should be looking at without having to dig through 100's of posts.

Thanks again for listening.
 
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Hooked

Hooked

Rookie
c_hari_c said:
What current racket plays like a PS Tour 90?
Click to expand...

Probably the BLX90. I have a K90 and nothing else I have played really plays like it. The KPS88 is probably the closest, but it is not current. I understand the PS85 reissues play better (according to most) than the KPS88/K90, but if you are looking for something to replace an older 90" Wilson frame, the BLX90 is the closest you will probably get today.
 
heninfan99

heninfan99

Talk Tennis Guru
Suggestion: Can you list the weight on the result findings? Just under the pics.

I'm looking for something like the BLX 95 16x18 but a little lighter.
 
Jules

Jules

Rookie
+ 1 for the discontinued/classic racquets section.

I would also love to see a little more detail in the description of how other racquets compare to the chosen ones. I realize this is a lot of work, but adding some subcategories to the "What plays like a..." results would be awesome. Something like "plays like X but slightly...":

- Stiffer/softer
- More/less spin
- More/less power
- More/less control

Basically just a short description of the main reason why different racquets are only similar and not identical. I'm aware that a lot of this information can be rationalized from analyzing the different specs, but I think it would be a nice addition since this new tool is about putting actual playing experiences into words compared to the "find similar racquets based on specs tool".

On a side note I would like to thank you guys at TW for doing a great job, and giving me an opportunity and a forum to really sink into my passion for tennis. Just something I've wanted to express in a long time.
 
J

j00dypoo

Rookie
Great addition. I checked out the racquets I currently own and have played with and can agree with most of the recommendations... so that means thumbs up from me haha.

I think some of these suggestions in this thread are great. Only problem is they require a lot more work. I think the overall gist of this feature is to rely on the playtester's knowledge and experience with playtesting every single racquet that's come out on the market. Not to rely strictly on racquet specs.
 
M

mctennis

Legend
I think a feature of trying to find a newer racquet to replace an older one would be a great help as well. These seem to be all newer or current models. If you have an older racquet that you want to upgrade to a newer racquet It would help to have this feature to look at. I've used the one feature you have ( racquet finder) that you put in the specs and it shows you some racquets but not all the racquets that use to have those specs. Some racquets that were available from you are not even listed there. If you start by putting this info in now you'll have a better data base for later on. Just a suggestion.
 
gregor.b

gregor.b

Professional
TW Staff said:
We were planning to add the discontinued racquets from the beginning, but got caught up with all the newest racquets. We'll start adding in the "classics" soon! Thanks for trying it out! Any other suggestions are welcome.

Jason, TW
Click to expand...

N Blade 98 would be a good one to know then I could stop spending a fortune on racquets that play nothing like the specs.
 
getsby

getsby

Semi-Pro
I like the only one who did not understand why this option is that it gives?
if the objective was to show the flagships of each brand, then every new user will be confused by this option. for example, Babolat Pure Storm Limited GT-stick, absolutely does not fit into the concept of brand, found in most offering a racket for active power game.
Yonex-for me this brand that specializes primarily in the comfortable racquets. V-Core series is clearly not of this number. Rackets of this series have no firm feelings.
In general, I do not understand the purpose of this option
 
PED

PED

Legend
Timbo's hopeless slice said:
Hi Getsby. Can you use a different translation program please?

I have tried, but I am still not sure what you are actually saying.

No offense meant.
Click to expand...


I think he's saying the sticks featured are not representative of the bulk of the line. For example, a psl is a great stick but it's not really what BAb is about. Most of their sticks are powered oriented PDR's and apd's not the precise PSL.

Same think with Yonex, he's saying that Yonex is known for being arm friendly but the featured V core is not that. (I'm not a Yonex guy so I have no idea)

Kinda like the Porsche Cayenne, yes they make it but the true product is the 911 :twisted:
 
getsby

getsby

Semi-Pro
Thank you, Ped, you really understand everything correctly. I do not understand on what basis were chosen racket in this option.
P.S. I use Google Translator
 
TW Staff

TW Staff

Administrator
As we gear up to do another batch of "What Plays Like A", we are wanting your input.

What classic racquets would you like us to add to this feature?

We appreciate your input.

Jason, TW
 
Hooked

Hooked

Rookie
TW Staff said:
As we gear up to do another batch of "What Plays Like A", we are wanting your input.

What classic racquets would you like us to add to this feature?

We appreciate your input.

Jason, TW
Click to expand...

Wilson PS85 and Prince POG please. Thanks for listening.
 
J

jim e

Legend
It would be most useful to compare an older discontinued racquet to a newer racquet, to make it easier for a client to chose a racquet that is avail. today to compare to an older racquet.USRSA has this already on their site, and its a great help for clients looking to replace their older racquets no longer available.

USRSA has a racquet selector based on certain racquet characteristics like power, flex, head size,weight balance, swingweight,etc. and will give you those specs for a # of discontinued racquets and you list order of preference of these specs,and also you list what changes you are looking for on these specsif so desired, or keep the same, and it gives you racquets with closest to these, rating them by importance you select, along with any changes to come up with a racquet that is similar,or dissimilar to certain specs that you input which is a very helpful tool.They have a nice way to compare racquets for replacements, as you just choose a racquet (many are discontinued), and all the specs come up, choose what you want to keep the same, or different and the closest matches comes up with all the specs.
 
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