Best Value in Racquets....

El Zed

Banned
While understanding an appreciation or even preference for the new, is there a better value in tennis racquets than the Austrian made Pro Tours 280/630s?

I know this frame is very well liked on this board, but trying to foster discussion in another way - that is cost effectiveness of these sticks. Here, in the U.S., I haven't found a better stick for the $100-125.00 these go for in 8.0+. Anyone else actually prefer these to the PT57As, either on its own or in full consideration that they cost 1/4 the cost of the latter?

So what do you guys think? Any other uber-value/performance suggestions?
 

zapvor

G.O.A.T.
ok. you need to do your own research. this board is full of tennis snobs who all play with 90in rackets and classic austrian made frames that haas or monfils or hewitt have personally blessed. buy what suits you. period.
 

The Meat

Hall of Fame
Bought a used Dunlop 4d 200 Tour for $25 on TW, added leather grip and put lead tape at the head and handle to polarize it. Bumped it up to 13oz, feels like a dose of awesome.
 

El Zed

Banned
ok. you need to do your own research. this board is full of tennis snobs who all play with 90in rackets and classic austrian made frames that haas or monfils or hewitt have personally blessed. buy what suits you. period.

I don't quite think you get the point of my message, so you might want to ease back on the directive to "do my own research." Looking for some thoughtful responses, not a whine about the rest of the board and a glib comment to play with what "suits" me.

So, back to the rest of the board...
 

El Zed

Banned
Bought a used Dunlop 4d 200 Tour for $25 on TW, added leather grip and put lead tape at the head and handle to polarize it. Bumped it up to 13oz, feels like a dose of awesome.

Lead on the Tour 200? Impressive... do you feel your shots are improved in terms of pace or heaviness? or even both?
 

El Zed

Banned
Heavy and head light, I have a fast swing so it helps me more with both pace and heaviness.

Man, tons of times that I've almost purchased that frame... an open pattern with those specs sounds awesome... Good value too if you can find them.
 
D

Deleted member 232704

Guest
There is 4 Dunlop 4D 200 Tours at $35 a piece. 4 3/8. Grade C. That's quite a deal there. Do you have anything specific in mind other than uber-value/performance?
 

El Zed

Banned
There is 4 Dunlop 4D 200 Tours at $35 a piece. 4 3/8. Grade C. That's quite a deal there. Do you have anything specific in mind other than uber-value/performance?

Thanks for the reply. I guess I don't - I'm just interested in peoples' thoughts as to the best racquet - dollar for dollar (which is obviously distinct from a discussion of the best racquet). Whereas you can hardly find the old Prestiges for a relatively "cheap" price, the Pro Tours are notably more cost effective. Another example - I know the old Donnay Pro 1s are highly thought of, and can be often captured for well less than $100....
 

v-verb

Hall of Fame
Thanks for the reply. I guess I don't - I'm just interested in peoples' thoughts as to the best racquet - dollar for dollar (which is obviously distinct from a discussion of the best racquet). Whereas you can hardly find the old Prestiges for a relatively "cheap" price, the Pro Tours are notably more cost effective. Another example - I know the old Donnay Pro 1s are highly thought of, and can be often captured for well less than $100....

I appreciate your info. Don't let some here dampen your enthusiasm. I'm checking out your racquet model on the auction site
 

El Zed

Banned
And new for near SV money - which I'm willing to bet is due to the Agassi effect, therefore firmly driving it out of the value category.
 

sundaypunch

Hall of Fame
They can be a good deal if you want a flexy, low powered racquet and don't mind the hassles of finding them. The obvious problem with them is that you will be buying an older, used racquet. If you are looking to get three of them with similar spec's in excellent condition it will not be a quick process.
 

SteveI

Legend
Thanks for the reply. I guess I don't - I'm just interested in peoples' thoughts as to the best racquet - dollar for dollar (which is obviously distinct from a discussion of the best racquet). Whereas you can hardly find the old Prestiges for a relatively "cheap" price, the Pro Tours are notably more cost effective. Another example - I know the old Donnay Pro 1s are highly thought of, and can be often captured for well less than $100....

The best deals out there are for soft.. low powered players frames. TW has quite a few listed. How about the Dunlop AG 4D 200...??
 

Fuji

Legend
Where have you been able to find them so cheap? They are one of my favorite frames to play with, but finding them under 250$ has been a tough task for me. That being said I did get my bumblebee rad tours cheap which I find play very similar.

-Fuji
 

RackofSlamb

New User
Bought a used Dunlop 4d 200 Tour for $25 on TW, added leather grip and put lead tape at the head and handle to polarize it. Bumped it up to 13oz, feels like a dose of awesome.

This guy nailed it. I bought a used Dunlop AeroGel 4D 300 off "an auction website" and it is fantastic. Good bang for the buck racquet which you can buy brand new on TW for about 80 dollars I believe. Another one on sale right now is the Babolat Pure Drive GT (the older version the light blue one) I bought one of these and its one of the best all around racquets I have ever used. I don't mind paying a premium for new racquets, its fun getting new racquets and I don't think I am a good enough player to be able to tell a real difference between all the racquets, but these are two that I have been very impressed with. For further reference I also have a brand new pure drive, aeropro drive, and wilson k factor that i am also very happy with, but for sale racquets, the dunlops and the babolat pure drive gt have been some of my favorites
 

Hankenstein

Hall of Fame
The best value frame available is the Head Microgel Radical MP. That is virtually a pro-stock hairpin if you remove the strings and grip.
It just screams "CUSTOMIZE ME!!!"
It´s a solid, flexible, good quality frame with a pretty low start weight.
 

El Zed

Banned
Where have you been able to find them so cheap? They are one of my favorite frames to play with, but finding them under 250$ has been a tough task for me. That being said I did get my bumblebee rad tours cheap which I find play very similar.

-Fuji

$250.00? The closest I've come to that is for what the seller has termed as a nearly new PT630 (Austrian/Czech)... Honestly, Fuji, I've purchased 3 in the past 6 mo. for no more than $130.00 per racquet (the best one being in 9.0+ for $100.00) on the electronic bay. Beyond that, recall a few on the auction site sitting there for $100.00 (or there abouts) with no buyers. That being said, during this period, also recall a few going for $150.00+ for the same racquet, in worse condition. So, I guess, you have to be somewhat patient - but not overly so thankfully.
 

El Zed

Banned
The best value frame available is the Head Microgel Radical MP. That is virtually a pro-stock hairpin if you remove the strings and grip.
It just screams "CUSTOMIZE ME!!!"
It´s a solid, flexible, good quality frame with a pretty low start weight.

Very good call, Hankenstein. While not to the level of the PT280, it is cheaper and - more importantly - readily available in new condition.
 

acura9927

Semi-Pro
Used Dunlops go for very little compared to Bab and Wilson on the bay. Even new one, they are the Hyundai and Kia of racquets.
 

cork_screw

Hall of Fame
I feel like any vintage head racquet can be a serious weapon in even an average player's hand. I'm kind of getting back to the old elite pros and head graphite pro, maybe a bit of director as well. Now these probably aren't bargain cheap sticks, but for their age and what you get from them, they perform really well. The slice is just a skidding ball that slides off the court.
 

T.P3D0R

Rookie
ok. you need to do your own research. this board is full of tennis snobs who all play with 90in rackets and classic austrian made frames that haas or monfils or hewitt have personally blessed. buy what suits you. period.

This guy....
 

badmice2

Professional
While understanding an appreciation or even preference for the new, is there a better value in tennis racquets than the Austrian made Pro Tours 280/630s?

I know this frame is very well liked on this board, but trying to foster discussion in another way - that is cost effectiveness of these sticks. Here, in the U.S., I haven't found a better stick for the $100-125.00 these go for in 8.0+. Anyone else actually prefer these to the PT57As, either on its own or in full consideration that they cost 1/4 the cost of the latter?

So what do you guys think? Any other uber-value/performance suggestions?

not to beat a dead horse or being a snob, but there are noticable difference between the austrian 630s and 280. There's that "buttery" feel that you dont find from today's harsh feeling rackets. Most racket freaks i talk to all agree to one thing - they dont make them like they use to - from the graphite quality to QA process. It is the main difference between those "elite" frames and frames in market now. As far as PT75 goes, you're buying them simply to claim you own a prostock.

As far as value, i dont think you'll find any racket in today's selection that's remotely close to a 630. Is not that you can or cannot customize to match the specs, they just dont feel the same. The closest to spec by number (without actually playing with it) is the PK Redondo MP.

In short, you just cannot expect the craftsmanship of a 630 in today's market. You'll have to accept today's frames for what they are and test them out.
 

aimr75

Hall of Fame
As far as PT75 goes, you're buying them simply to claim you own a prostock

nope.. every person i have hit with has no clue i have a 57a.. they all think its just a head racquet.. i.e. most people dont know and simply dont care.. but i can say, i have it customised to the weight/balance i like, which is what i like about them coupled with the feel that is the pt630
 

zapvor

G.O.A.T.
I don't quite think you get the point of my message, so you might want to ease back on the directive to "do my own research." Looking for some thoughtful responses, not a whine about the rest of the board and a glib comment to play with what "suits" me.

So, back to the rest of the board...

yea, but the fact you chose that frame as your point of reference confirms my suspicion. its cool i am not judging whatever makes you happy man
 

El Zed

Banned
yea, but the fact you chose that frame as your point of reference confirms my suspicion. its cool i am not judging whatever makes you happy man

Unlike virtually everyone else who has responded, it's clear that you didn't comprehend the question. You still don't - you evidently just want to bicker. Just move on - we get it, you're the too cool for school iconoclast that has to go against the grain. How quaint...
 

hersito

Rookie

Very nice I think I'll get one.

And also Pink Blade 98 is a steal!

-Fuji

Indeed it is, best value for the money I think, when I check the volkl I'll post my thoughts. RIght know I own a MG Radical MP and its a very good raquet for the value plus I like to play with 18x20 98 and around 320 or heavier.
 

zapvor

G.O.A.T.
Unlike virtually everyone else who has responded, it's clear that you didn't comprehend the question. You still don't - you evidently just want to bicker. Just move on - we get it, you're the too cool for school iconoclast that has to go against the grain. How quaint...

and yet you dont take your own advice and 'move on' yourself. geez...is that what too cool for shcool iconoclasts do nowadays? lol
 

El Zed

Banned
and yet you dont take your own advice and 'move on' yourself. geez...is that what too cool for shcool iconoclasts do nowadays? lol

Hey, buddy, why don't you just avoid my threads and responses - I think everyone would appreciate that. You have nothing to add...
 

El Zed

Banned
not to beat a dead horse or being a snob, but there are noticable difference between the austrian 630s and 280. There's that "buttery" feel that you dont find from today's harsh feeling rackets. Most racket freaks i talk to all agree to one thing - they dont make them like they use to - from the graphite quality to QA process. It is the main difference between those "elite" frames and frames in market now. As far as PT75 goes, you're buying them simply to claim you own a prostock.

As far as value, i dont think you'll find any racket in today's selection that's remotely close to a 630. Is not that you can or cannot customize to match the specs, they just dont feel the same. The closest to spec by number (without actually playing with it) is the PK Redondo MP.

In short, you just cannot expect the craftsmanship of a 630 in today's market. You'll have to accept today's frames for what they are and test them out.

That's my entire point. I understand appreciating something new, and get the need to purchase two sticks (if not multiple sticks) from a match perspective. But in terms of those that pick up individual sticks, or those looking to develop a collection, these are an absolute steal for half the cost of the originals. Frankly, people fall over themselves for the PT57A - for good reason, sure - but they are 3 to 4 times the cost and definitely not 3 to 4 times better. Frankly, at times feel ridiculous playing with a PT57A when the 280 is there. Then there is the issue of other pro stocks...

Again, an insane value all things considered.
 

El Zed

Banned
Used Dunlops go for very little compared to Bab and Wilson on the bay. Even new one, they are the Hyundai and Kia of racquets.

Here's the thing about Dunlops though - the resale value takes quite a bit of a hit. I know it's not romantic to think about such things, but it's nice to know you can sell a racquet for virtually the same amount that you spent on it in a relatively quick fashion.
 

T.P3D0R

Rookie
I was never impressed by Dunlop. I ordered a pair of 300 tours over the summer, and they didn't seem to live up to the hype. The had a different (not bad) feel, but nothing spectacular. And a pretty short grip....
 

Fuji

Legend
I was never impressed by Dunlop. I ordered a pair of 300 tours over the summer, and they didn't seem to live up to the hype. The had a different (not bad) feel, but nothing spectacular. And a pretty short grip....

The thing with the 300 tours are they are platforms. In all honesty I feel that they play very mediocre stock, but once they are leaded up to a true "players spec" they shine.

-Fuji
 

T.P3D0R

Rookie
Similar for the other Dunlop models? After playing 300T stock, I never felt the need to lead it up... I just didn't like it all that much. I'm definitely trying to find a cheap pair of sticks right now, and Dunlops are pretty inexpensive, but I don't foresee myself giving them another shot.
 

El Zed

Banned
Similar for the other Dunlop models? After playing 300T stock, I never felt the need to lead it up... I just didn't like it all that much. I'm definitely trying to find a cheap pair of sticks right now, and Dunlops are pretty inexpensive, but I don't foresee myself giving them another shot.

What exactly do you feel that the 300Ts were missing?
 

Fuji

Legend
Similar for the other Dunlop models? After playing 300T stock, I never felt the need to lead it up... I just didn't like it all that much. I'm definitely trying to find a cheap pair of sticks right now, and Dunlops are pretty inexpensive, but I don't foresee myself giving them another shot.

Well the 200 Series is absolutely magical no matter what Paintjob you get it in. They are just sweet frames that hit monstrously heavy balls. I still have a pair of Bio200's that I adore as they serve the biggest I possibly can.

As for any other the other models, I really can't advise you haha!

-Fuji
 

El Zed

Banned
Well the 200 Series is absolutely magical no matter what Paintjob you get it in. They are just sweet frames that hit monstrously heavy balls. I still have a pair of Bio200's that I adore as they serve the biggest I possibly can.

As for any other the other models, I really can't advise you haha!

-Fuji

Fuji - just the 200 or the 200 Tour as well? Given your affinity to the PT280, how do they match up?
 

Fuji

Legend
Fuji - just the 200 or the 200 Tour as well? Given your affinity to the PT280, how do they match up?

I've hit both. I prefer the 200 just because I like dense patterns as string breaking is an issue for me. The 200 actually has almost near IDENTICAL spec to the PT630 (at least the Bio200 does) which makes it super nice hitting. The thing is though, that it swings ridiculously fast. Honestly for it being over 12.0oz it swings like a APD. I don't know why, but it just cuts through the air so it makes it able to hit some monster shots. Massive power off the ground. I normally string them with full poly ( Head Sonic Pro is what Timbo got me hooked on in these frames...)

The 200 Tour is a different beast. It plays a lot similar to the 6.1 95 series from Wilson IMO, just with a bit beefier stock weight. Really smooth hitting stick, I just never gelled with it as much as the reg 200. The issue again is the 16x18 pattern though. It feels so wide open that because of all the free power from the weight of the stroke, I never got comfortable really letting my forehands fly. That's my own mental capacity, and really nothing against the frame.

Let me know if you have anymore questions! :D I'd be more then happy to try and answer.

-Fuji
 

El Zed

Banned
I've hit both. I prefer the 200 just because I like dense patterns as string breaking is an issue for me. The 200 actually has almost near IDENTICAL spec to the PT630 (at least the Bio200 does) which makes it super nice hitting. The thing is though, that it swings ridiculously fast. Honestly for it being over 12.0oz it swings like a APD. I don't know why, but it just cuts through the air so it makes it able to hit some monster shots. Massive power off the ground. I normally string them with full poly ( Head Sonic Pro is what Timbo got me hooked on in these frames...)

The 200 Tour is a different beast. It plays a lot similar to the 6.1 95 series from Wilson IMO, just with a bit beefier stock weight. Really smooth hitting stick, I just never gelled with it as much as the reg 200. The issue again is the 16x18 pattern though. It feels so wide open that because of all the free power from the weight of the stroke, I never got comfortable really letting my forehands fly. That's my own mental capacity, and really nothing against the frame.

Let me know if you have anymore questions! :D I'd be more then happy to try and answer.

-Fuji

And the feel... ?

Thanks again, Fuji!
 

Fuji

Legend
And the feel... ?

Thanks again, Fuji!

If I'm being completely honest, it's a toss up between the two for me. The Bio200 feels like the modern update to the PT630, which I know might be Heracy for some to hear. The feeling isn't neart as "pure" in the dead center, but the feel outside the sweet spot is where the 200 wins. I don't hit dead center all the time, and shanks with the PT630 actually bother both my elbows quite a bit. The 200 shanks are 100% fine in my elbows book, even with poly. It's weird that it happens like that, but with the PT630, outside the sweet spot it just really isn't that forgiving and good feeling on my arms. (That being said, I can use a PDR+ string with full poly and my elbows are fine too...)

You're most welcome though! Always happy to share some of my knowledge! :D

-Fuji
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Like fuji says, the dunlop 200 series is awesome if you like the pt630. I have an mfil 200 and it is a butter stick. Feels so nice.
 

dgoran

Hall of Fame
If I'm being completely honest, it's a toss up between the two for me. The Bio200 feels like the modern update to the PT630, which I know might be Heracy for some to hear. The feeling isn't neart as "pure" in the dead center, but the feel outside the sweet spot is where the 200 wins. I don't hit dead center all the time, and shanks with the PT630 actually bother both my elbows quite a bit. The 200 shanks are 100% fine in my elbows book, even with poly. It's weird that it happens like that, but with the PT630, outside the sweet spot it just really isn't that forgiving and good feeling on my arms. (That being said, I can use a PDR+ string with full poly and my elbows are fine too...)

You're most welcome though! Always happy to share some of my knowledge! :D

-Fuji
Funny how this is the same game we play but our individual views can be so drastically different. Pt630 is THE most forgiving racket for miss hits I have EVER tried and I tried a lot. I have yet to find a racquet that either does not sound hollow or dead or stiff towards the tip all of which bother me. Close second is ig radical pro but its little hollow in comparison to pt630 and its 1619 another thing that bothers me :) I find 0 (zero) shock on miss hits with pt
 

El Zed

Banned
Funny how this is the same game we play but our individual views can be so drastically different. Pt630 is THE most forgiving racket for miss hits I have EVER tried and I tried a lot. I have yet to find a racquet that either does not sound hollow or dead or stiff towards the tip all of which bother me. Close second is ig radical pro but its little hollow in comparison to pt630 and its 1619 another thing that bothers me :) I find 0 (zero) shock on miss hits with pt

Hi, Dgoran - have you also tried the 200s?
 

El Zed

Banned
If I'm being completely honest, it's a toss up between the two for me. The Bio200 feels like the modern update to the PT630, which I know might be Heracy for some to hear. The feeling isn't neart as "pure" in the dead center, but the feel outside the sweet spot is where the 200 wins. I don't hit dead center all the time, and shanks with the PT630 actually bother both my elbows quite a bit. The 200 shanks are 100% fine in my elbows book, even with poly. It's weird that it happens like that, but with the PT630, outside the sweet spot it just really isn't that forgiving and good feeling on my arms. (That being said, I can use a PDR+ string with full poly and my elbows are fine too...)

You're most welcome though! Always happy to share some of my knowledge! :D

-Fuji

Fuji - you have to try a Fischer Vacuum 90... talk about cutting through the air quickly! That racquet made the APDGt feel clunky. Flip side though, you REALLY have to generate your own power, the top hoop issue and it does nothing to "help" spin.

Speaking of which, are you a windshield wiper/western grip guy?

You have me intrigued with the Dunlop 200 - but here's the thing, and back to my original question, wouldn't a PT280 be preferable to the Bio200 (with the former actually being usually cheaper)? Thanks again, man.
 
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