MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
Is there any players racket that is forgiving enough for a 3.5-4.0 level player to wield, which is around 12oz?
Heavier racket for 3.5+ player?
- Thread starter MikeHitsHard93
- Start date
EVERY and any 12 oz racket can be used by a 3.5 level player. Once you hit some balls with it, then you figure out whether you need stiffer or softer, heavier or lighter, more SW more less. At 3.5, makes no difference what racket you use, you need more practice and you don't know what you would like later as you improve.
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
I highly value your opinion LeeD as I have seen you post many times and offer great wisdom. I am on the verge of breaking 4.0 (mental game needs to get better as well as footwork). I have been using lighter frames around 11 oz and I don't like how unstable they are. I know they aren't going to make me better, but I would rather have a heavier frame that I can have confidence in. Looking at six ones and prestiges.....
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
PDR had too much power for me :/ I own one at the moment...
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
I'm thinking something around 12oz that is at around 325 sw
Here's the problem as I see it. Your gripsize is too small.
Unstable means you're hitting off center, something you should try to avoid at any level. If the racket is twisting, it can be too lightweight, it can be too light SW, it can be you are hitting waaay too blindly off center, or it can be slippery grips, grips too small, it can be your strokes are wild and inconsistent, or more likely, it';s a little bit of ALL the above.
Just going heavy is one solution, but might bring up problems like you needing to retime all your strokes, maybe adjust and shorten them, prep earlier, or simplify the stroke.
What size grip are you using? What is your height and weight?
Unstable means you're hitting off center, something you should try to avoid at any level. If the racket is twisting, it can be too lightweight, it can be too light SW, it can be you are hitting waaay too blindly off center, or it can be slippery grips, grips too small, it can be your strokes are wild and inconsistent, or more likely, it';s a little bit of ALL the above.
Just going heavy is one solution, but might bring up problems like you needing to retime all your strokes, maybe adjust and shorten them, prep earlier, or simplify the stroke.
What size grip are you using? What is your height and weight?
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
I have a size 3 with two pro overgrips. I am 19 yo, 5'11", 180 lbs.
WhereIsMacMac
Professional
go with the heaviest racquet you can handle
LanEvo
Hall of Fame
Try some diff. strings and diff. tensions. It is powerful, but after experimenting with strings and tension I found it perfect for my needs.
Well, you're big enough and probably strong enough to use any weight racket short of Federer's bludgeon, so the sky's wide open for you. What color do you like?
You see pros playing with almost every conceievable different company racket, and lots of different models within the company. None are better than another, it's YOU that makes it work, or not.
Who is your favorite player? Is he your size? That's a start. Now within that company, them make different stiffnesses and balance to go with the 12 oz weight. What do you like?
You see pros playing with almost every conceievable different company racket, and lots of different models within the company. None are better than another, it's YOU that makes it work, or not.
Who is your favorite player? Is he your size? That's a start. Now within that company, them make different stiffnesses and balance to go with the 12 oz weight. What do you like?
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
I have been working on taming my swing and positioning my body better, as well as setting my feet up and using my whole rotation instead of just arm. I find that I am having to swing out on the ball when I want to block back a hard shot or go for a winner because there's not much stability. I have to muscle the ball, and it makes it not very enjoyable. I tried out the new pro staff 90 and found that I could handle it, but I don't believe I am quite accurate enough with my swing yet. Maybe I am, and maybe I am holding myself back?
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
My favorite player is Fed
always wanted to use a six one 95 because that's what I thought he used lol. I really like the way the prestige looks though.
prjacobs
Hall of Fame
Exactly! However, I believe it makes a huge difference what frame a 3.5 player uses.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
that's the Yonex 95d
also....you can always lead up a 11oz racquet to the weight you like.
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
Never tried yonex...but very curious about them. I realize that I can lead it up, but I am buying a new racket regardless and might as well get a heavier one to start
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
Coming back to this thread..I hit with my Exo3 graphite tonight and really enjoyed the stability and plow through of that racket.
The reason why I haven't stuck with it is that I don't like the feel (almost muddy) and I like a little bit stiffer feeling rackets. Its a good racket, just not quite on par. It was actually a tiny bit sluggish for me...anyone have any experience with this that can compare it with a six one 95 or prestige pro?
The reason why I haven't stuck with it is that I don't like the feel (almost muddy) and I like a little bit stiffer feeling rackets. Its a good racket, just not quite on par. It was actually a tiny bit sluggish for me...anyone have any experience with this that can compare it with a six one 95 or prestige pro?
KennethJay
New User
I tried the six one 95 and I didn't like the feel of it, I'm personally using the Dunlop Bio 200 Tour and I love the feeling of the racket. Although, I do have to work out quite a bit to "tame" it
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
Do you not like Wilson rackets? I think they all feel somewhat similar
prjacobs
Hall of Fame
Personally, I think that the 6.1 95 16X18s are overrated in terms of control. Just my experience
.
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
Personally, I think that the 6.1 95 16X18s are overrated in terms of control. Just my experience
Ok this is good to know. How about in comparison to a prestige pro?
Graphiteking
Rookie
I own a youtek pp and I love it. I'm 6'2 and my weight is 225. Great placement and plenty of pop. I've never played with a 6.1 95 but control is great with the pp. My advice is to demo, then you will have no regrets. Good luck.
About 4 of my friends tried the Fed racket when it came out 2 years ago, the red and white one. Headsize was fine, hitting center was no problem.
Weight was substantial, but less than one of my Aero200's. Balance was heavier in the head, but most noticable was the feel. Dead, Brick, Like hitting with a rock.
One of them still plays with it. He's 40, strong, really structured strokes. The other 3 couldn't wait to give it back to whereever they borrowed it for demo.
I liked it, would use it if I were 40 years younger, 3 times stronger, and fit as a human can be. It seemed to add nothing, and take away nothing, giving you a blank canvas to create your art.
Weight was substantial, but less than one of my Aero200's. Balance was heavier in the head, but most noticable was the feel. Dead, Brick, Like hitting with a rock.
One of them still plays with it. He's 40, strong, really structured strokes. The other 3 couldn't wait to give it back to whereever they borrowed it for demo.
I liked it, would use it if I were 40 years younger, 3 times stronger, and fit as a human can be. It seemed to add nothing, and take away nothing, giving you a blank canvas to create your art.
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
Thanks for the insight, Graphiteking. LeeD LOL I am sure you are still in pretty good shape!
Which 90 are you referring to? PSBLX? K Factor? I hit with the PSBLX and actually liked it. But I only hit from the baseline with it, as my hitting partner was a baseline basher.
Which 90 are you referring to? PSBLX? K Factor? I hit with the PSBLX and actually liked it. But I only hit from the baseline with it, as my hitting partner was a baseline basher.
fuzz nation
G.O.A.T.
A pal of mine is a very solid hitter and just switched from the Dunlop 300's into a BLX 6.1 95. He had me string it with a poly main/syn. gut cross hybrid just because that's what he has used for a while in his Dunlops. His Wilson is the 16 x 18 model and he is reporting the same impression I always used to get with my old 6.1 Classics. While the stability is welcome for him, he also gets that occasional hot, uncontrollable response from the sweet-spot.
I've always enjoyed a heavier frame, mostly because I go to the net a lot. Without enough heft in my racquet, I have a lot of trouble getting the authority I want in my volleys, but my serves seem to also suffer along with my slice shots from the back court if I don't have "enough" inertia in my frame.
The combo of power and control I've found with the Volkl C10 has made me happy for a few years. Mine have some lead on the handles for some extra HL balance, but also run well for me with snug string beds of 16 ga. syn. gut (62-63 lbs.) These frames don't have all the explosive performance of the 6.1 95's, but they do everything for me rather well and they are also VERY comfortable. I hit a one-handed backhand and my Volkls are particularly kind to my elbow (can't say the same about the stiff ol' Wilsons).
If the PDR plays too hot for you, there may be alternatives with some heft and some decent flex that will give you a better fit (no experience with the Prestige Pro). It seems to me that a hefty racquet will thump a ball just fine, but if it's both heavy and stiff, that's when it can get more unpredictable. Yonex makes some spiffy models (I own a couple older ones), a 10 series Volkl may be worth a look, and Pacific (formerly Fischer) has some nice gear. Flex can make a big difference with comfort and control.
Just keep in mind that there's also such a thing as too much weight. Don't get hung up on being able to brag about wielding a 13+ oz. tree branch that's too heavy to have any touch and is likely to exhaust you after an hour. You want to be able to use your gear all day if need be.
I've always enjoyed a heavier frame, mostly because I go to the net a lot. Without enough heft in my racquet, I have a lot of trouble getting the authority I want in my volleys, but my serves seem to also suffer along with my slice shots from the back court if I don't have "enough" inertia in my frame.
The combo of power and control I've found with the Volkl C10 has made me happy for a few years. Mine have some lead on the handles for some extra HL balance, but also run well for me with snug string beds of 16 ga. syn. gut (62-63 lbs.) These frames don't have all the explosive performance of the 6.1 95's, but they do everything for me rather well and they are also VERY comfortable. I hit a one-handed backhand and my Volkls are particularly kind to my elbow (can't say the same about the stiff ol' Wilsons).
If the PDR plays too hot for you, there may be alternatives with some heft and some decent flex that will give you a better fit (no experience with the Prestige Pro). It seems to me that a hefty racquet will thump a ball just fine, but if it's both heavy and stiff, that's when it can get more unpredictable. Yonex makes some spiffy models (I own a couple older ones), a 10 series Volkl may be worth a look, and Pacific (formerly Fischer) has some nice gear. Flex can make a big difference with comfort and control.
Just keep in mind that there's also such a thing as too much weight. Don't get hung up on being able to brag about wielding a 13+ oz. tree branch that's too heavy to have any touch and is likely to exhaust you after an hour. You want to be able to use your gear all day if need be.
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
Thanks for the detailed response. I believe that I like the response of a stiffer racket more than a flexible one. 66 seems perfect in my pro open. I will probably use the po for doubles and I believe that I am going to get a 6.1 just because I've always wanted one and a few pros use it (like delpo). Not sure which six one is best though.
prjacobs
Hall of Fame
I hit with a prestige a few years ago, but pathetically, I don't remember if it was an MP or pro. However, it was light years more controllable than the 6.1 95 16X18. It had a full poly setup and I felt like I could really hit out with it.
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
How is the control power and spin?
Hi I'm Ray
Professional
Dumped the X-Force already?! haha.
6.1 95 16x18
Donnay Pro 1
6.1 95 16x18
Donnay Pro 1
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
lol yes it flutters in my hand
and I found that it doesn't have any power whatsoever... and I am not king kong. Sad isn't it? I was fairly happy at first.Hi I'm Ray
Professional
Weird thing is I used to play competitively with the Pro No.1 and the X-Force is supposed to be from the mold of a newer gen Pro No.1, but I hated playing the X-Force. Not to be confused with the Pro 1.
Speaking of flutter, I got to try the recent Radical MP and it flexed like crazy to the point of feeling like it was fluttering on groundstokes. Surprisingly I was generating noticeably more spin and a higher bounce than with my APDGT. I wonder how a LM Radical would compare. This would be a pretty sweet frame with some lead or cap grommets and a leather grip.
Speaking of flutter, I got to try the recent Radical MP and it flexed like crazy to the point of feeling like it was fluttering on groundstokes. Surprisingly I was generating noticeably more spin and a higher bounce than with my APDGT. I wonder how a LM Radical would compare. This would be a pretty sweet frame with some lead or cap grommets and a leather grip.
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MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
Yeah the XForce just had no substance and I got no spin from it. Maybe a liquid metal rad leaded would be the ultimate for us? Lol
JRstriker12
Hall of Fame
I switched from a PDR to a Microgel Prestige Pro. IMHO- It's worth the demo. The pro has a more open string pattern so it's on par with the PDR spin wise, but I found it to be more controlled. You still have to take a full stroke and hit close to the sweet spot as you won't get as much easy pop as on the PDR when off center or if your stroke is rushed. Still, I find it to be a rewarding stick.
SteveI
Legend
I would try a Pro Kennex 5G or a Dunlop 400 Tour... both come out right about 12 oz with one overgrip and vib dampener. For a 3.5... these are easy to swing... great balance of power and control and easy on the arm. String them in the low to mid 50s and have some fun. These frames are easy to use players type frames. 100 head size med flex...both 8 points or so HL..
ced
Professional
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
Don't be too close minded on what you "need". One of the best players around here, an ex-D1, plays with a Dunlop 300 stock. Another D2 plays with a Pure Drive with no weight added.
I am an old 4.5 and have moved from the Volkl C10 to the Prince Warrior. I don't have any problems with stability and find the lighter weight really suits me better. And, FWIW, when last I played 5.0, I was playing with a Wilson Hammer 5.0 which came in at 9.5 ounces.
So if you're going to change racquets, make sure that you play one of your regulars. Play them a set with your existing racquet and a set with what you want to play with. Ask them how your shots came in. Notice your scores, how much effort, etc.
I am an old 4.5 and have moved from the Volkl C10 to the Prince Warrior. I don't have any problems with stability and find the lighter weight really suits me better. And, FWIW, when last I played 5.0, I was playing with a Wilson Hammer 5.0 which came in at 9.5 ounces.
So if you're going to change racquets, make sure that you play one of your regulars. Play them a set with your existing racquet and a set with what you want to play with. Ask them how your shots came in. Notice your scores, how much effort, etc.
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
These are great points and great advice. I am considering getting the rad pro ig because I liked the mp a lot but wanted a tad more pop and spin. I hate demoing now but maybe I still should..
StringingIrvine
Semi-Pro
I agree with the Leed that it doesn't necessarily matter what racket a 3.5 uses. Mentally if someone likes a racket because of the Pro that uses it, Brand, aesthetics, etc it could make a difference compared to a racket he dislikes for the same reasons. If you are on the edge of 3.5 I wouldn’t switch rackets but work more on technique. The problem I see with 3.5 vs 4.0 in my area are 3.5’s care too much about their rackets, strings, and equipment. Yes all of them make a difference but with marginal returns. If you use a $9.99 racket from local sporting good store yes you are in need of a new racket, but switching from a 11.5oz racket to a 12oz racket might isn’t going to make a big change in your game.
Inherently 3.5 level games should not consist of that many winners, if it does then you probably are not a 3.5 or playing a 3.5. Most players beat themselves at that level. I’m not saying just push the ball, but develop those solid strokes. If you mishit with a 11oz racket you will prob mishit with a 12oz racket. Take all that energy that you would finding the “perfect racket” and add it to “perfecting your game” and you will see a bigger difference. Solid strokes are solid strokes regardless of a racket.
Especially since you are between 3.5 and 4.0, get up to that 4.0 level first then see how you do. From there gauge what a racket might help you on, more power, control, etc.
If you want a heavier racket why don't you add lead to your current one? Just add some lead to throat and 3 and 9 for stability. Confidence should come from your skill and not your racket.
Inherently 3.5 level games should not consist of that many winners, if it does then you probably are not a 3.5 or playing a 3.5. Most players beat themselves at that level. I’m not saying just push the ball, but develop those solid strokes. If you mishit with a 11oz racket you will prob mishit with a 12oz racket. Take all that energy that you would finding the “perfect racket” and add it to “perfecting your game” and you will see a bigger difference. Solid strokes are solid strokes regardless of a racket.
Especially since you are between 3.5 and 4.0, get up to that 4.0 level first then see how you do. From there gauge what a racket might help you on, more power, control, etc.
If you want a heavier racket why don't you add lead to your current one? Just add some lead to throat and 3 and 9 for stability. Confidence should come from your skill and not your racket.
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MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
I don't care as long as I have fun doing it as well...
I agree that my strokes need some developing as well as timing and setting my feet up right. I really just want to find something new that is heavier and will fit me well simply because I want something new. If I wanted a heavier pro open, I would lead it up. But since I want something new, I might as well find something heavier to start out.
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
a few years ago, I brought an old Kneissl white star racquet to the tennis shop for a string job. The stringer asked me, " do you really plan to play with this baseball bat ?"
He took out the weighting device and measured it. It weighted around 15 oz :shock:
LMAO holy ****
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
I overall just want a new racket, and I know that I want something that is heavier, because my pro open doesn't have the stability that I like. I don't necessarily like the pro open all that much (hard for me to flatten out groundies without going long). And it isn't aesthetically pleasing to me. And as you guys say, that matters at my level lol. I am not looking for a racket because I think it will make me better. I am looking for a racket because I don't necessarily like what I have.
Are there any frames that feel like "butter"? Really interested in trying some ProKinexx and volkl frames...
pshulam
Hall of Fame
ProKennex Black Ace 98
ProKennex Heritage Edition Type C Redondo Midplus
Head YOUTEK IG Radical Midplus
Dunlop Aerogel 4D 200 Tour (2Hundred)
Prince EXO3 Tour 100
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
How about the pure storm ltd or tour?
fuzz nation
G.O.A.T.
Not a bad call in terms of the Pure Storms, just as long as the model you try has some more heft. Also not surprised that the Pacific X Force was no good for you, since it's no heavier than your BLX, but also very flexible. The best alternative for you to try in the Pacific family should probably be their X Force Pro (string pattern is up to you).
As far as Volkl is concerned, that "buttery" C10 may be okay, but you might also want to look at their Organix 10. It comes in a similar layout of size, heft, and balance, but it's not quite so soft through the hoop. A young gun that I've coached for a while just switched into this one from the PDR and he loves it so much that I wouldn't be surprised to hear that he sleeps with it under his pillow.
Understand that the switch to a heavier frame will mess with your swing timing. If you score a heavier racquet and take it right out to a match without using it on the practice courts for a bit, you may easily exhaust your arm and shoulder. Since a heavier racquet will initially need a slightly earlier move to get it to the ball on time, you'll be smart to groove that timing in a practice setting where you can pay attention to your own technique and dial in. This is also a serious issue with your serve. If you rush your drive up to the ball with a heavier racquet that's unfamiliar to you, you can easily strain your shoulder or even your abs. That's no fun, especially if you tear something (I tore an abdominal while serving with a 13+ oz. "training racquet" and it was NO fun at all).
Not that you're playing with fire by going for a heavier racquet - I think you can tell how much you want that extra stability. Just take enough time to make a smooth transition. I'll bet that the long term gains will be substantial for you.
As far as Volkl is concerned, that "buttery" C10 may be okay, but you might also want to look at their Organix 10. It comes in a similar layout of size, heft, and balance, but it's not quite so soft through the hoop. A young gun that I've coached for a while just switched into this one from the PDR and he loves it so much that I wouldn't be surprised to hear that he sleeps with it under his pillow.
Understand that the switch to a heavier frame will mess with your swing timing. If you score a heavier racquet and take it right out to a match without using it on the practice courts for a bit, you may easily exhaust your arm and shoulder. Since a heavier racquet will initially need a slightly earlier move to get it to the ball on time, you'll be smart to groove that timing in a practice setting where you can pay attention to your own technique and dial in. This is also a serious issue with your serve. If you rush your drive up to the ball with a heavier racquet that's unfamiliar to you, you can easily strain your shoulder or even your abs. That's no fun, especially if you tear something (I tore an abdominal while serving with a 13+ oz. "training racquet" and it was NO fun at all).
Not that you're playing with fire by going for a heavier racquet - I think you can tell how much you want that extra stability. Just take enough time to make a smooth transition. I'll bet that the long term gains will be substantial for you.
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
Thanks fuzz. The organix 10 intrigues me a lot but I have been skeptical about heavier sticks because they all seem hard to use. I just sold my PDRGT yesterday because the combo of weight and power just didn't work for me.
I don't want to demo anymore because I've spent lots of money doing it. I really want out-of-the-box performance.
I've also just though about buying a head instinct just because I liked it and it is similar to my pro open. I don't even know what I want anymore. Lol
I don't want to demo anymore because I've spent lots of money doing it. I really want out-of-the-box performance.
I've also just though about buying a head instinct just because I liked it and it is similar to my pro open. I don't even know what I want anymore. Lol
