Anton
Legend
Haven't played with rad mg 100 in a long time but similar in that big string bed feel, 295 is much more maneuverable and better feeling though.
Last edited:
Mantis PRO 295
- Thread starter Anton
- Start date
Haven't played with rad mg 100 in a long time but similar in that big string bed feel, 295 is much more maneuverable and better feeling though.
Anton
Legend
crosscourt
Professional
I play the 315. An excellent racket, very comfortable, fantastic control, does eveything. The only downside is that it is a low powered trad players racket. Closest comparison is a Dunlop 200 or Head Prestige MP.
Last edited:
Anton
Legend
All Mantis I tried have a great feel to them and I'm yet to hear differently from anyone else - smooth, clean feel.
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
But the stock strung spec is only 11.1 oz. so you would have to add a heck of a lot of lead to get it up to 12.0 oz. I would probably have to add enough weight to get it up to at least 12.5 oz. for it to work for me. I demoed the Mantis Tour 315 and thought it was WAY, WAY too light.I used it just fine at about 12oz
Anton
Legend
But with that comes full range of weight distribution and balance customization you do not get with other rackets.
It takes all of maybe 20 min to put the lead on if you have to take off the base grip - I don't see what the big deal is.
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
I prefer not to have to play around with lead tape. It just seems silly to me to have to tack on layers upon layers of lead tape everywhere just to make a racquet playable. (And not to even mention the risk of lead poisoning.) Why can't they just make a racquet that's already heavy stock like they used to?
Anton
Legend
Well I like that shiny metal look and majority of lead can be placed under grommets and under grip.
Last edited:
crosscourt
Professional
I agree. I couldn't describe it though. It is softer, like a Head or Dunlop, than the typical Wilson feel.
TeamHumphrey
New User
I haven't played with the Mantis 305 (or the Head Radical MG). I find the racquet to be comfortable, but I haven't tinkered with it enough to give you a ruling on the spin-potential. I finally cut out the string and replaced with a gut/poly hybrid, so I am getting closer to a verdict.
TeamHumphrey
New User
With a leather grip, some tacky gum in the trap door, string, and an overgrip, it weighs ~334g (and is something like 10pts headlight) -- just add some head protection tape and you are at 12 oz with no lead required.
Tilde of Destruction
New User
I ordered one about a week ago and it finally came in yesterday. I'm having a scrimmage/practice match against another high school today and I can't wait to try it out. Currently have it strung with some Yonex Poly Tour Pro 125 (16L gauge) at 55 pounds.
cluckcluck
Hall of Fame
I need to try one. Apparently the 295 also has pallets like Head and Volkl: http://www.tennisthis.com/tennis-racquet-reviews/mantis-pro-295-review/
Tilde of Destruction
New User
Well, I got to play with the 295 a bit today and I have to say that I really like it. I currently have it strung with some Yonex Poly Tour Pro 125 (1.25mm/16L gauge) at 55 pounds and it's the perfect racquet for me. Like most have said about Mantis racquets, it has a very crisp, clean feel and it's really easy to control where the ball is going. I felt that my shots became much more consistent compared to the old junior sized Wilson racquet I last used a few years ago (the strings on it move way too much and the tension of the string is too low).
counterpuncher
Hall of Fame
This seems to have disappeared from TW. Not sure if it wasn't selling well or just had a limited release?
Got to hit with one briefly the other night and I must say, for 295g it is very stable. Along with my usual 310g - 320g (unstrung) racquets I have a couple in the 285g - 300g range and this beat those easily for stability, including a PS 100 (with leather) and a Pure Storm Team (with leather), which I think are great for the weight class.
Serves were good with it, response was crisp, spin was good and maneuverability great. I'll be adding some lead tape to get some more power and stability and see how it compares with the racquets in my preferred spec range (310g - 320g unstrung, 325'ish SW and 6 - 8 HL).
Got to hit with one briefly the other night and I must say, for 295g it is very stable. Along with my usual 310g - 320g (unstrung) racquets I have a couple in the 285g - 300g range and this beat those easily for stability, including a PS 100 (with leather) and a Pure Storm Team (with leather), which I think are great for the weight class.
Serves were good with it, response was crisp, spin was good and maneuverability great. I'll be adding some lead tape to get some more power and stability and see how it compares with the racquets in my preferred spec range (310g - 320g unstrung, 325'ish SW and 6 - 8 HL).
Nice review...strung it up with Acelon
I'll let you know when I have my Prestige S and I'll try to compare the two (if I get another demo with the 295).
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
Still way too light. At least 330g unstrung at a minimum before I consider it. :shock:
cluckcluck
Hall of Fame
So put some lead on it. I've found with most Mantis sticks, they're all mostly a great foundation for customization.
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
Then why not just get a heavier racquet to begin with and avoid the risk of lead poisoning?
Besides, adding tons of lead tape all over the racquet to get it up to where I like it would ruin that nice paintjob.
Overdrive
Legend
All you have to do is thoroughly wash your hands with soap.
That is a nice paint job though.
counterpuncher
Hall of Fame
Leather grip + overgrip would get the ball rolling on adding weight.
I need to check the butt cap to see if it's foam filled, as silicone / putty / lead inside the handle might be another option, before adding lead to the hoop. Mine is over spec on the swing weight, as it feels about 315, so I won't be adding much to the hoop, as it'll take it too far out of my preferred spec.
I need to check the butt cap to see if it's foam filled, as silicone / putty / lead inside the handle might be another option, before adding lead to the hoop. Mine is over spec on the swing weight, as it feels about 315, so I won't be adding much to the hoop, as it'll take it too far out of my preferred spec.
cluckcluck
Hall of Fame
cluckcluck
Hall of Fame
Yes the chambers are hollow (no foam).
counterpuncher
Hall of Fame
Thanks checked mine last night and found packaging foam in one of the chambers. I'll have to inspect further and see if anything has been shoved underneath it, as it was proving difficult to remove because of the butt cap staples.
I also confirmed that it has a pallet system. I might take off the butt cap and see if the dimensions are close to Head pallets, as I have some TK82s pallets in my grip size that might get a run.
TeamHumphrey
New User
I have added loctite putty in the handle of mine.
Tilde of Destruction
New User
I've noticed that too. I was eyeing it for a bit after purchasing mine. I was just hoping it's only out of stock since it's a great racquet.
Agreed. It's a bit light.
At first, I wasn't used to the racquet since the last one I used was around 8 ounces light which is ridiculously light. Now that I've gotten somewhat used to it, it feels pretty light.
As for the muted part, I feel that it's a bit too muted but at the same time my strings have broken in a bit and I've noticed that I have them strung at a tension a bit low that I'd like. At first, 55 pounds was fine for my strings (Yonex Poly Tour Pro 1.25mm) but it began to lose tension quickly since one of my friends hits very, very hard and I'd give it around 3-4 hours of use every single day (high school tennis these days). Thinking about getting it restrung with the same string at 60 pounds or going with Yonex Poly Tour Spin at something like 45-50 pounds.
Tilde of Destruction
New User
Seems the Tour 305 is gone too.
counterpuncher
Hall of Fame
Okay so I confirmed that the hairpin is close enough to a Head racquet that you can use Head pallets.
I took off the L3 pallet and put in place a set of L2 TK82S pallets. The only issue is that I've seemed to have lost 5 grams in doing so.
I'll have to play with the weight a bit, but a leather grip, over grip and some lead at 12 will be my first trial.
I took off the L3 pallet and put in place a set of L2 TK82S pallets. The only issue is that I've seemed to have lost 5 grams in doing so.
I'll have to play with the weight a bit, but a leather grip, over grip and some lead at 12 will be my first trial.
Anton
Legend
wow awesome, so head pallets fit mantis rackets.
tennisegg
New User
Sort of a shame if TW stops selling Mantis rackets... I got a Tour 315 recently and like it a lot. Great option for those looking for a lighter player's stick, especially for the price.
Tilde of Destruction
New User
Agreed. I also wish they would start carrying Mantis's new replacement grips. I love their overgrips, possibly a bit better than Yonex Super Grap.
counterpuncher
Hall of Fame
I don't know if the Vantage pallets fit, but the Head ones are close enough as I mentioned earlier. You can use the standard TK82 type or the more rounded TK82S Speed pallets, as I have done on mine.
counterpuncher
Hall of Fame
TK82 is the standard current Head pallet shape and the TK82S is the more rounded version (not quite Wilson) that is found on their Speed models.
The Vantage pallets may have similar shape and dimensions on the hair pin, enabling you to use them, but I don't know.
The Head pallets definitely fit, as I have changed them on mine.
The Vantage pallets may have similar shape and dimensions on the hair pin, enabling you to use them, but I don't know.
The Head pallets definitely fit, as I have changed them on mine.
Tilde of Destruction
New User
I don't think you can upload photos onto a forum using vBulletin (forum platform) on mobile devices without the help of Tapatalk or something similar.
Tilde of Destruction
New User
Also, for those who want to know when the Pro 295 will be back in stock:
So this is a bit unfortunately. I believe Guts and Glory still has these racquets in stock.
So this is a bit unfortunately. I believe Guts and Glory still has these racquets in stock.
High street sw19
Rookie
Are Mantis pulling out of the US already?
Anton
Legend
It looks that way.
On Mantis US section of the website all they have is 285 and 300 for sale and they raised the price too.
I'm hitting with my super polarized 285 a-la-nadal and loving it, too bad they are wrapping up the show.
srvnvly
Hall of Fame
I have had a couple of email exchanges with the INT. Sales Director of Mantis Mantis USA, who stated 'Tennis Warehouse will not be re ordering the MANTIS Frames, and we just took over the USA'.
I take it that there are some independent tennis shops in the US that stock Mantis frames (he indicated one such shop in Suwanee, GA - I am not familiar with this shop).
Bummer. I was really hoping to demo the Pro 295 thru TW's demo program, vs doing it via credit card from an unknown (to me) source.
I take it that there are some independent tennis shops in the US that stock Mantis frames (he indicated one such shop in Suwanee, GA - I am not familiar with this shop).
Bummer. I was really hoping to demo the Pro 295 thru TW's demo program, vs doing it via credit card from an unknown (to me) source.
Using the 305 tour..I have a L2 grip and feels like L3 and that without an overgrip!! Also the shape of the grip is not what I'm used to..very wide and kind of round.I didn't like that!I haven't tried changing pallets but good to know that there are options..
The head size feels also bigger than 95.I wish it was more like Wilson 95 head size..
I like the feel of the racquet, nice and clean. It kind of reminds me my old wilson HH.
Very hard to find these racquets in the usa..TW was one of the few places but they won't have them no more. I'm very disappointed!
The head size feels also bigger than 95.I wish it was more like Wilson 95 head size..
I like the feel of the racquet, nice and clean. It kind of reminds me my old wilson HH.
Very hard to find these racquets in the usa..TW was one of the few places but they won't have them no more. I'm very disappointed!
Ferocious Forehand
New User
It looks that way.
On Mantis US section of the website all they have is 285 and 300 for sale and they raised the price too.
I'm hitting with my super polarized 285 a-la-nadal and loving it, too bad they are wrapping up the show.
MANTIS are NOT pulling out of the USA. I took a look on their website and contacted their US distributor who confirmed that they are continuing in all countries and are actually looking to expand.
Give him a call/e-mail - he's a nice/helpful guy.
Tilde of Destruction
New User
This is very nice to know. I love my Mantis.
I played with a Babolat AeroPro Drive 2013 the other day and I'm appreciating the cleaner response of my Pro 295 even more now. The AeroPro also felt fairly stiff as most people usually say when not hitting the sweet spot.
cluckcluck
Hall of Fame
^^Very cool!
Here's mine, a little lighter (no leather but about 8 grams of lead in the throat):
Here's mine, a little lighter (no leather but about 8 grams of lead in the throat):
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
Yes, it is. That's why I wish it was much heavier stock.This racquet is so beautiful that adding lead tape around it its almost a sin
High street sw19
Rookie
I have heard that Mantis has pulled out of the US is this correct ?
Jerry Seinfeld
Professional
Not correct. The fact is that MANTIS Sport USA has new management and will be expanding their product offerings in the US to include the balls, new strings, junior racquets as well as the current line of rackets and bags.
Tilde of Destruction
New User
Can't wait for this!
