100 sq inch OHBH racquets?

YCata

New User
Hello, recommendations for whippy yet stable 100 square inch racquets good for OHBH please. Currently using a weighted up T-Fight 300 RS and Extreme Tour customized to 320-324 SW, 315 Balance, 329 static weight. Some days I just do not have it and would like something with a bigger sweet spot.

100 sq inch
Good feel (tried VCore 100, way too muted, and a bit too HH)
Whippy and maneuverable, at least 6 points HL strung
Good for spin and slice
Stable

Thanks!
 

Lorenn

Hall of Fame
100 sq inch
Whippy and maneuverable, at least 6 points HL strung
Good for spin and slice
Stable

Speed MP 360+ would be where I would start. Exceptional stable. You could add a little extra weight to the handle to get to your goal of 6 point HL. Feeling might be off from what you are looking for but it is so well behaved. Exceptionally stable for its weight. It is the racquet I would use for off days:) Nice forgiving sweet spot.

Prince Textreme Tour series would be another well rounded well behaved racquet. Two string patterns to choose from.

Gravity has a forgiving sweet spot but I doubt it will be as whippy as you like. I find the Gravity Pro works well for me, but I tend to get to the ball early.
 

BBM

Rookie
I find the Speed MP a bit too head heavy and with a 330 SW strung it's not too good for days when I'm off.

My Phantom 100X 305 16x18 meets what you're describing.. But I also have a 300 RS and if you're not finding your game with that, I'm not sure the Phantom will be any easier. Def more sweetspot and a very different feel, but you'll need to play looser to give the ball enough power, compared to the 300 RS
 

Chezbeeno

Professional
Speed MP is solid, and a great all-around racquet. If you want whippy and spin-friendly, the Pure Drive and Pure Aeros are also a good option, I think. I haven't hit the PA personally, but the PD is outstanding and I think I preferred hitting m ohbh to my forehand with it. I got monster spin, and felt more comfortable hitting from uncomfortable positions (balls bouncing above my shoulder, mainly) with the PD than with basically any other racquet I've hit with.
 

Lorenn

Hall of Fame
I find the Speed MP a bit too head heavy and with a 330 SW strung it's not too good for days when I'm off.

My Phantom 100X 305 16x18 meets what you're describing.. But I also have a 300 RS and if you're not finding your game with that, I'm not sure the Phantom will be any easier. Def more sweetspot and a very different feel, but you'll need to play looser to give the ball enough power, compared to the 300 RS

328 but who is counting. I did suggesting changing the balance slightly with weight in the handle. You could also potential change the string to change balance a bit as well. One could also pay to have the racquets tested and pick up a slightly light racquet/one with a natural head light nature.

So Speed Mp 360+ on spec is 5 grams lighter than the Prince 305. Slightly off balance so add 5 grams to the handle. If that is not enough take a little off with stringing. It has a little extra pop so you can reduce your swing if needed. Then again I normally play with racquets above 330 SW so 328 is a walk in the park:)
 

gold325

Hall of Fame
Hello, recommendations for whippy yet stable 100 square inch racquets good for OHBH please. Currently using a weighted up T-Fight 300 RS and Extreme Tour customized to 320-324 SW, 315 Balance, 329 static weight. Some days I just do not have it and would like something with a bigger sweet spot.

100 sq inch
Good feel (tried VCore 100, way too muted, and a bit too HH)
Whippy and maneuverable, at least 6 points HL strung
Good for spin and slice
Stable

Thanks!

Yonex VCore Pro 100 is worth a demo. I was really impressed with comfort, spin, maneuverability and power. Felt great with poly, poly/syngut and full multi. It was not as muted as the VCore 100 Yonex. I'm going to say it was the best all around frame released in 2021 for 3.5+ rated players. It has no weaknesses.
 

musicsoul

Rookie
Hello, recommendations for whippy yet stable 100 square inch racquets good for OHBH please. Currently using a weighted up T-Fight 300 RS and Extreme Tour customized to 320-324 SW, 315 Balance, 329 static weight. Some days I just do not have it and would like something with a bigger sweet spot.

100 sq inch
Good feel (tried VCore 100, way too muted, and a bit too HH)
Whippy and maneuverable, at least 6 points HL strung
Good for spin and slice
Stable

Thanks!
I also play with the Extreme Tour and have OHBH and was looking for exactly the same as you. I switched (still back and forth) to the Gravity Tour. The difference in sweetspot is insane. Works really well on the backhand. It’s also easy for me to switch between the two racquets.
 

Tranqville

Professional
Prince Textreme Tour 100P or (310)

Not a 100, but consider the new Ezone 98 - huge sweetspot and 6HL, good for 1HBH (Shapovalov appears to have switched to it).
 
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Give the Dunlop CX400 Tour a try. I demoed this by accident because the other racquet I wanted wasn't available, and I love it. It plays to me similar to but better than the VCore 98 (just my opinion) -- bigger sweet spot, better spin, bigger sweet spot giving it a bit more power and predictability. I usually use 98-sq in frames, and I didn't realize the Dunlop was a 100 until I looked up the specs. It's worth a look.
 
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Kawasaki Kanagawa

Professional
Speed MP 360+ would be where I would start. Exceptional stable. You could add a little extra weight to the handle to get to your goal of 6 point HL. Feeling might be off from what you are looking for but it is so well behaved. Exceptionally stable for its weight. It is the racquet I would use for off days:) Nice forgiving sweet spot.

Prince Textreme Tour series would be another well rounded well behaved racquet. Two string patterns to choose from.

Gravity has a forgiving sweet spot but I doubt it will be as whippy as you like. I find the Gravity Pro works well for me, but I tend to get to the ball early.

I love the Gravity Pro but I have a 2HBH. Doesn't feel to me it's a good 1HBH racquet.
 

BBM

Rookie
I also play with the Extreme Tour and have OHBH and was looking for exactly the same as you. I switched (still back and forth) to the Gravity Tour. The difference in sweetspot is insane. Works really well on the backhand. It’s also easy for me to switch between the two racquets.

I have the Gravity Tour and although I love it, it's definitely not the best for OHBH... Not very maneuverable with that awkward big head. The sweetspot is something else though.

Edit: to put in relative terms, if OP isn't comfortable with hitting OHBH with the 300 RS, I don't think the Gravity is one for him. I own both and also Extreme Tour, and the 300 RS def feels the easiest to play with.
 
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Lorenn

Hall of Fame
I love the Gravity Pro but I have a 2HBH. Doesn't feel to me it's a good 1HBH racquet.

It really depends on the player. It only required minor changes to my one handed backhand. I had to be a slightly more explosive at the start of the swing. Not likely the best choice for everyone. Works well for me, but I grew up with heavy racquets.
 

YCata

New User
I have the Gravity Tour and although I love it, it's definitely not the best for OHBH... Not very maneuverable with that awkward big head. The sweetspot is something else though.

Edit: to put in relative terms, if OP isn't comfortable with hitting OHBH with the 300 RS, I don't think the Gravity is one for him. I own both and also Extreme Tour, and the 300 RS def feels the easiest to play with.

I wouldn't say I am uncomfortable, I actually really enjoy the OHBH with 300 RS / ET weighted up. Unfortunately, I live in a very hot climate where it is always summer so my footwork falls apart after the first hour/90 minutes and would like a 100 inch to cheat a little bit.

Thanks everyone for your recommendations. Wish we had the same selection as US does when it comes to racquets (no Volkls, no Pro Staff 100 yet, etc.)
 

steveq81

Rookie
I use the Prince Classic Graphite 100. Hard to find now, but might be worth a look. Can't tell you how the Phantom version compares.
 

bertrevert

Legend
Wilson Clash 100?

Look it's not v good on 1HBH. Feels clunky... but.

But because of its forgiving layup I reckon you could wail all day on clay. Mucho power.
 
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WYK

Hall of Fame
Wilson Clash 100?

Look it's not v good on 1HBH. Feels clunky... but.

But because of its forgiving layup I reckon you could wail all day on clay. Mucho power.

A big fan of the Clash 100. I have to tame the launch angle with thick polys, tho.
Thick poly was also my nickname in HS coincidentially.
 
Speed MP 360+ would be where I would start. Exceptional stable. You could add a little extra weight to the handle to get to your goal of 6 point HL. Feeling might be off from what you are looking for but it is so well behaved. Exceptionally stable for its weight. It is the racquet I would use for off days:) Nice forgiving sweet spot.

Prince Textreme Tour series would be another well rounded well behaved racquet. Two string patterns to choose from.

Gravity has a forgiving sweet spot but I doubt it will be as whippy as you like. I find the Gravity Pro works well for me, but I tend to get to the ball early.
Second thumbs up for the 360+, used it for awhile with my one hander.
 

slipgrip93

Professional
Wilson Steam 100 BLX - 2012-4 older blx model, but could be a "classic" tweener. (a discussion thread)
Strung weight at 318g, swingweight probably 311-318g. 27.25in length, 16x20. But it has easy to swing feel , plow, and a light fast capable swing. And a more retro semi-box beam at the throat and slightly head light balance which both imo helps with a stable 1hbh. Anyway, I know it can't be demo'd , so just giving another 1hbh 100sq in. idea. (an old review here).

old TW video review:
 

anarosevoli

Semi-Pro
Wilson Steam 100 BLX - 2012-4 older blx model, but could be a "classic" tweener. (a discussion thread)
Strung weight at 318g, swingweight probably 311-318g. 27.25in length, 16x20. But it has easy to swing feel , plow, and a light fast capable swing. And a more retro semi-box beam at the throat and slightly head light balance which both imo helps with a stable 1hbh. Anyway, I know it can't be demo'd , so just giving another 1hbh 100sq in. idea. (an old review here).
it works:
(Steam 100 with Blade paintjob)
 
I have both Ezone's and actually prefer the 100 for OHBH and slice. Weird, I know.
Possibly because it's so forgiving, and not too whippy.

Only complaint is the feel for touch shots and the grip. I just can't get used to the grip, maybe I need to size up?

I also highly recommend the Prince Textreme Tour 310, amazing. I'm not strong enough to wield it at the moment though.
 

stickM

Rookie
Listed below are several Mid-plus racquets that I've played the past year looking for one that best suits my game and favorite stroke... the OHBH.

Wilson Six.One 100 v13 - Probably the favorite I tried regarding whippy OHBH, but felt I sacrificed a bit of pop on fh and serve... even after some +lead tape.
Ezone 100 2020 - Very nice all-around stick, but felt a little sluggish on OHBH even with leather. EZ100 stiffness left me with tender arm with various strings.
Speed MP 360+ 100 - I liked this one for the free power... crisp but comfortable with nice spin. Still, my OHBH felt sluggish and late with the head weight.
Wilson Steam BLX 100 - Wow. This old model offers impressive pop from everywhere and especially OHBH. I can see why this Steam is still a WTA favorite.

What have I settled on? Well, none of the above. I opened my mind to try the slightly larger Blade v8 104, and it just does everything better for me. I don't think any possible slight loss of control outweighs the positives. My OHBH in particular shines with this v8 104 whether it's attacking a short ball with spin or trying to recover with pace from a deep defensive position. The v8 104 has better feel/control/stability around the net than the others listed IMO. I'm hitting my OHBH with more confidence than I have in a long time. You might be pleasantly surprised like I am if you're open minded enough to try the Blade 104 v8.
 
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tomkowy

Rookie
@YCata, find a used Head Graphene Touch Speed MP. Plays a lot like a bigger Head Extreme Tour. You can easily mod it to the specs you mentioned.
 

BBM

Rookie
I wouldn't say I am uncomfortable, I actually really enjoy the OHBH with 300 RS / ET weighted up. Unfortunately, I live in a very hot climate where it is always summer so my footwork falls apart after the first hour/90 minutes and would like a 100 inch to cheat a little bit.

Thanks everyone for your recommendations. Wish we had the same selection as US does when it comes to racquets (no Volkls, no Pro Staff 100 yet, etc.)

Same here, except my footwork falls apart after like 30 min haha.. We're on the same saga and I'm coming to the conclusion that there's no easy way out, other than conditioning. You go up in head size and it's always a little more awkward with the 100 sq in head. Been enjoying the Phantom 100X 305 a lot because it's super fast through the air, but having to deal with some added instability on the one hander
 

BBM

Rookie
Second thumbs up for the 360+, used it for awhile with my one hander.
I find it really head heavy and I hit late after I get tired. Mine strung up with Confidential 1.25mm clocks 330SW, which is pretty close to where it should be. Not trivial to swing it around when you're tired.
 
I think clash 100 is worth a demo. It was my go to racquet for days I’m feeling “lazy” (my usual racquet was the blade v7), and potentially outside of “feel” I think it checks all the boxes. It’s super maneuverable, and pretty stable for its weight class. It’s also a spin machine.
 

TF40

Rookie
I play OHBH with Speed MP 360+, I used Speed Pro, TF40 305, Tfight RS, Gravity Pro and Tour, Vcore 97HD, Clash 98….. Speed Mp is one of the best for OHBH, very maneuverable while having enough SW to put pace on balls. I have one with leather replacement grip on it, it weighs 340g, it feels apparently heavier than my other MPs, I can comfortably punch heavy OHBH shots with it. I guess the SW is a little over 330.
 

ewiewp

Hall of Fame
Another for the Textreme Tour 100's. I have an 03 290 modded up a bit. Rock solid. Flat, spin, slice, does it all.

Prince tour 100s look smaller than 100, no?
Some 100s actually bigger than 100 but the prince tour 100 series appear to be on the smaller side, to me.
 

braxeyez

New User
My OHBH racquet of choice is Extreme MP 360+, checks all you stated above - large sweetspot, whippy, stable, spin/slice, powerful on both wings.

String it with TBHS7T 1.30mm for control and enjoy...
 

slipgrip93

Professional
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Kurt0707

Rookie
I would also mention Prince TT100s and Speed Pro, I have only used 18x20 patterns... and around 340 grams, 330 swingweight, 6-7 HL very effective.
 
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