I am a 3.5-4.0 baseliner but it is turning into all-court recently. Semi-western fh, 2hbh, and I play with a good amount of topspin.
I am looking for lots of control, but I don't really know if I even supply that much power or if its my current racket. Typically I have little to no arm problems, but occasionally my wrist starts to ache (from overuse I think). I'm 5'10", 175lbs. I am in pretty good shape (typical young man strength, used to bench 255 squat 400 etc.)
What I am using now: Wilson BLX Pro Open (old model) W/ prince lightning xx 16 @60lbs.
Pros: I get pretty good spin with this setup being a multi string. It is soft feeling, decent control when hit with topspin, and is more consistent than anything else I have ever used. I also serve decently with this stick.
Cons: Since I string it so tight, my stringbed is kinda spotty feeling and not very forgiving. Also, I rarely am able to hit flat groundstrokes or else the ball will sail. Dead zone in the tip is large. I also think I want something with more stability, as I seem to always have to muscle the ball every time.
Haha we sound pretty similar in the build section (I'm assuming we are around the same age as well. :razz: )
Makes sense, your needs are pretty common among a lot of players. When you're on, you're good to go. When you're not, it's not as much fun.
Well there's a couple routes to go down...
1) String lower. If you like your string, string lower OR do what I do, which is string the crosses a few pounds lower then your mains. It's amazing what a 2lbs lower difference in the crosses from the mains will do to the sweet spot. It'll really open it up and hopefully get rid of that spotty feel. Another option is to string lower all together, but since you have some issues with flattening out the ball, it'd try the crosses trick first. (could be technique as well, since you're using a SW. I used to have the same issue!)
2) Change strings! Strings are relatively cheap to try (in comparison to a new racket!) Definitely try some different styles out. When I used lightning it had a fair amount of pop. When in the sweet spot the ball really had some juice, outside however; not so much. I'd definitely try something like Head RIP Control to see if that helps at all. RIP has quite a bit less inherent power then Lightning, so it could be just what the doctor ordered. Again, if you string RIP @ the same tension you use now, it could be pretty dead. So revert to step 1, with RIP Control if you like the feel off the start. If not, there are plenty of multis out there that have a lower powered feel, but not many with the durability that RIP offers.
3) Change rackets! You're Pro Open is a pretty "standard" spec'd tweener. Middle of the range weight, open string pattern, and 100 sq inch head size. (Correct me if I'm on the wrong stick here.) There's a couple things to look at with your current stick... It's a middle of the road stiffness @ 66. If you like that feel, great! However from personal experience, once your past 64 you start getting some extra juice when you don't exactly want or need it. Also, the open pattern! 16x19 is a solid pattern that I definitely like, the issue is is that it does often have some hot spots higher then the bed. Also, strings get eaten a fair amount faster. I'd look at something similar spec'd to your Pro Open, but maybe a touch less stiff and a closed pattern. With a denser pattern you're definitely going to have less pop, and way more control. The issue is, is that you're going to have to string lower to retain a similar playing bed. Hence, revert back to step 1.
From looking at the specs alone, here's what I came up with that you might be interested in demoing/trying out!
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpage-LMRAD.html
The Head LM Radical MP! It's a solid intermediate to high level stick that offers solid control and hits fairly neutral ball. It puts out what you put in really. A long standing classic and the price is amazing for what you get. The only down side, is that you'll have to adjust to the Head grip shape if you haven't used it before. It's way more rectangular then Wilson. With a SW forehand grip it's a bit harder to get used to.
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpage-DAG3HT.html
The Aerogel 4D 300 Tour. A good friend of mine has used this stick for years and let me tell you, it's control city. A fairly closed pattern @ 18x20, but it's a pretty comfy ride. The only issue is that with the denser pattern and the lowish Swingweight, the upper hoop is deadsville. A very unique frame in the fact that you can swing hard, and normally the ball will still drop in. (Buddy uses it strung with RIP Control @ 60/58. Ridiculous amounts of control!) Plus it's also fairly inexpensive compared to most players frames. (Fun fact, as far as I know this is the same mould that James Blake / Berdych / Other Dunlop pros ACTUALLY used underneath the paint! If it's good enough for them to customize and use, it's definitely good enough for the likes of me!)
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpage-BLXB98.html
The BLX Blade 98. I actually still own this stick as it's such an odd duck. It's so close to even balance it hits a monster ball from anywhere on the court. The real issue is reining that in. I definitely wouldn't call it a control stick, but compared to your Pro Open, it might be a nice stick to transition into. Serves are massive and so are ground strokes. It feels a bit weird to swing around, but it's definitely a must demo. Some people really seem to like it!
If you are looking for open patterns, here's some other things to try too...
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpage-IS200L.html
Lots of guys are liking the heavier version of this stick. Look up the RDIS 200 to see the absolute rave reviews on it. Personally I haven't hit the 200 but since so many people are amazed by it, it would be a sweet one to demo.
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpage-BPSGT.html
The Pure Storm to me plays actually pretty similar to the Blade, just in a more open pattern. Comfortable with it's lower flex, but still pops a fair punch. At 1point headlight, it does start to feel a bit cumbersome to me however. Good stick, just not my taste!
Hope some of this makes sense, sorry it's such a long post!
Any questions feel free to ask of course!
-Fuji
I don't even break strings that often. Just figured that multifilaments are all too stretchy. Do you like RIP control?
