12.0+ Ounce Racquet - Big Serves, Solid Volleys, Great Spin?

[TripleB]

With Michelle's (T-W) help I've got three demos in place: Head Graphene Radical Pro, Yonex EZONE Ai98, and Babolat Pure Control Tour.

For the 4th one I'm thinking about throwing in a 12+ ounce racquet. The reason is that thinking back to the last time I had a successful first serve I was using the Wilson Hyper ProStaff 6.1 95 (POG mid was pretty good as well but the HPS offered a bit easier pop). I'm hoping the heavy racquet will allow me to regain some of my first serve mojo.

So which 12 ounce or over racquet, currently available at T-W, has the following characteristics:
- Big First Serve Potential
- Super Solid Feel, especially on Volleys (only playing doubles for the rest of my days)
- Amazing Spin (top/slice/kick/etc.)
- Excellent Maneuverability

- Fantastic Touch and Pinpoint Control would be nice as well but the other 4 characteristics are more important right now

Some racquets that seem like possible choices, at least based on reviews here at T-W, are: Yonex VCour Tour 89, Volkl PowerBridge 10 Mid, Wilson Six.One 95 BLX 16 x 18, Prince Response 97. I realize the POG Mid might fall in that group but IMO the solid feel at net is a bit lacking.

Thanks for any and all input.

TripleB

 

[auzzieizm]

I had a similar demo session last week. Tried some of the same frames you are looking at. My favourite out of all of them was the Response 97. Awesome frame!

 

[Captain Ron]

Vcore 89 and 97

I'm going to recommend the Vcore 89 and/or 97. They are both great. I have added a little lead at 3 and 9 (I like my racquets on the heavier side). The 89 is addictive but the 97 is probably better for competitive play. Only possible drawback is that they may not have as much spin potential as some more open patterns.

 

[WhyNotLetItFly]

Dunlop F2.0 checks all those boxes in my opinion

 

[jonestim]

If you have a smaller hand they still have some Diablo Mids in stock.

 

[TripleB]

I'm going to recommend the Vcore 89 and/or 97. They are both great. I have added a little lead at 3 and 9 (I like my racquets on the heavier side). The 89 is addictive but the 97 is probably better for competitive play.

I tried the 97 310 and hated the fact that the butt of the racquet seemed so small...not enough difference between it and the rest of the handle. Do the 89 and heavier 97 have the same problem?

Do they play solid without the lead? Also, does the 89 actually feel lighter than the heavier (by .2 ounces I believe) 97 in play?

Thanks for the input.

Dunlop F2.0 checks all those boxes in my opinion

The only concern I might have with the F2.0 Is the 18 mains. Haven't really found an 18 mains racquet that I've been able to get enough spin with.

Thanks for all the advice so far.

TripleB

 

[LeeD]

I suppose you don't have any of your old rackets laying around.
PDR serves the best, spins good, volleys strong, kills our shoulders. So maybe, forgo anything stiffer than around 68?
I have all 3 of my Dunlop200's. I serve harder with my 300's, and even the lighter 500's, but I'm not strong, and AM old.

 

[jayserinos99]

Wilson Six.One 95 BLX 16 x 18.

 

[SC in MA]

Tecnifibre TFight 320 TP ATP ?

This one isn't 12oz+, but it is 11.9. Its 7pt HL with a 324 SW. The stiffness is 66.

I haven't hit with it, but it sounds like a slightly lighter (and maybe more maneuverable) 6.1 95, which is my current frame.

I'm looking into a slightly lighter 6.1 95 with similar attributes to the 6.1 95, mainly for doubles, and this one is on my radar.

Anyone have any feedback on the TFight 320 ?

 

[Mechanism]

Yes the Vcore 97 plays VERY solid without lead

 

[BLX_Andy]

Wilson Six.One 95 BLX 16 x 18.

+1

I experienced some wrist pain when I first used it. But it went away as I used the 95 over time.

 

[spinovic]

Tecnifibre TFight 320 TP ATP ?

This one isn't 12oz+, but it is 11.9. Its 7pt HL with a 324 SW. The stiffness is 66.

I haven't hit with it, but it sounds like a slightly lighter (and maybe more maneuverable) 6.1 95, which is my current frame.

I'm looking into a slightly lighter 6.1 95 with similar attributes to the 6.1 95, mainly for doubles, and this one is on my radar.

Anyone have any feedback on the TFight 320 ?

+1

I demoed the Six.One 16x18 version and nearly bought it. When I tried the TF 320, I liked it better but it reminded me of that racquet. Either would fit the bill, IMO. Both are very good racquets.

Or, you could get a TF 315 and go to work with some lead and get all that with a great, smooth feel.

 

[heninfan99]

The Prestige Pro is probably what I'm switching to from 6.1 95. It's over 12 ounces, great plow through, open string pattern but it has the Head grip shape which isn't for everyone.

 

[jayserinos99]

Tecnifibre TFight 320 TP ATP ?

This one isn't 12oz+, but it is 11.9. Its 7pt HL with a 324 SW. The stiffness is 66.

I haven't hit with it, but it sounds like a slightly lighter (and maybe more maneuverable) 6.1 95, which is my current frame.

I'm looking into a slightly lighter 6.1 95 with similar attributes to the 6.1 95, mainly for doubles, and this one is on my radar.

Anyone have any feedback on the TFight 320 ?

I demoed the latest TP version along with the TFight 315 16x19. The 320 still felt tinny to me and didn't do anything outstanding for me. At least the 315 had flex but I prefer a more plush response. Still, the 320 had decent pop and spin and felt like it had weight without it being overbearing.

 

[LeeD]

Any 12 oz sub 66 flexing racket.
However, you'd better jack up the player and insert someone younger, stronger, and fitter...and less injured.
While we all would like to, we can never go back.

 

[hrstrat57]

Time to consider Head PT57 pro stock? Sounds like what you are looking for. Soft, plush, butter volleys and serves big....the Cadillac of all frames.

Buy a carefully matched pair to your desired specs and the quest will end?

Perhaps it is time?

OTOH my retail PT57E's ( i Prestige MP) spec out exactly as your describe. Stock except for leather grips....I top out at 12 oz, don't need the pro stock frames...

I have a PDR+ tho and it serves bombs but I am staying the course with the Head MP's for now vs. dialing in completely new sticks. Impressive power on the serve, great slice and kick as well and sick power and spin from the baseline.

Played a couple of sets with it and subsequently buried it deep in the closet......

 

[Engelworks]

The heaviest serves I've ever hit were with the Blade 93. The amount of action I could get on the ball was insane. That would be my go-to stick if I only served and volleyed, but groundstrokes are everything in my game and I've never hit heavier groundies than with the 6.1 95 16x18 (any year's model).

 

[mrc]

C10 Pro..Trust me. The Wilson 6.1 feels good but the weight and stiffness combo was tough on my arm. Mid's are too small and sweetspot suffers. C10 pro has it all IMO...I have been through some racquets including Prestige, Blade, 6.1, and Donnay Gold/Pro One.

 

[BounceHitBounceHit]

PS 6.1 95 16x18. It's added more pace and spin to both my groundstrokes and serves. Review coming soon! BHBH

 

[S&V Specialist]

Donnay X-Dual Platinum 94...was able to hit some bombs on first serve and get great action on kickers and slices. It has pinpoint control, great spin despite closed string pattern, and is the best feeling modern racquet I've ever hit with (due to thin beam and foam throughout). As far as doubles goes, it is VERY maneuverable and provides great punch on volleys. Great backhand stick too. Highly recommend it!

 

[spinovic]

Tecnifibre TFight 320 TP ATP ?

This one isn't 12oz+, but it is 11.9. Its 7pt HL with a 324 SW. The stiffness is 66.

I haven't hit with it, but it sounds like a slightly lighter (and maybe more maneuverable) 6.1 95, which is my current frame.

I'm looking into a slightly lighter 6.1 95 with similar attributes to the 6.1 95, mainly for doubles, and this one is on my radar.

Anyone have any feedback on the TFight 320 ?

Just to follow up on my thoughts.

My first demos came down to the 6.1 95 16x18 and the Extreme Pro 2.0. I really liked both, but ultimately liked the Extreme better. Later I acquired a TFight 320 for fun. To me it was pretty similar to the 6.1, but I liked it better and played better with it. A few brief thoughts on my experience with the two...the 6.1 was more powerful, the TFight had better control and a more consistent stringbed response, spin was pretty much the same, maneuverability is good on both, both are stiff, but not uncomfortable to me.

I have ended up with a TFight 315 Ltd. I leaded it up and it specs very close to a stock 320 and plays very similar, but just a little better in most areas and much more comfortable.

I haven't played with one, but I wonder if the TFight 325 wouldn't be a good option?

If the OP is willing to add about 3-5 grams of lead at 12 o'clock, I would recommend that over a stock 320. If not, the 320 is an excellent frame. You could definitely do worse.

 

[TripleB]

I appreciate all the replies so far!

Several you mentioned the TFight 320. Can any of you compare the Tecnifibre TFight 320 TP ATP to the TFight 320 VO2 Max?

I tried the VO2 Max version back in '12 and here is what I had to say after two days of demoing it:

Tecnifibre TFight 320 VO2 Max: after the first day I was really liking this racquet, the open string pattern on this racquet puts some incredible spins on the ball…slice, topspin, kick, etc., the feel is a bit on the crisp side and I don't particularly care for the string in it (Black Code I believe), after the first day I thought with my standard string set-up I might be able to get more feel out of the racquet and even increase the spin more, today was a bit of a different story as I had the chance to concentrate more on the outcome of my shots: the one area I struggled from the first ball was depth control, with the heavy spin I was getting I found the balls a bit shorter than I was expecting but then when I try to flatten it out the ball tended to fly a bit, for such an open string pattern I found some great control with this racquet, I think this racquet would play better if it wasn't quite so headlight…maybe 6 or 6.5 points headlight instead of 9, loved this racquets ability to hit dippers at my opponents feet when he was at net, the power level of this racquet wasn't as good as I was hoping (again, less headlight might have helped with the plowthrough, which for a 344g racquet wasn't that good) and I struggled to put balls away

Thanks again for all the input.

TripleB

 

[mattavery24]

Yonex Vcore Tour 330g. Great racquet, perfect combination of control, spin potential and power. Great all around racquet.

 

[TripleB]

Yonex Vcore Tour 330g. Great racquet, perfect combination of control, spin potential and power. Great all around racquet.

I tried the 310g version and here's what I thought:

Yonex VCore Tour 97 310: overall this is probably my favorite racquet of the group so far; very solid feel; amazing slice and excellent topspin; very good maneuverability with the 8 point (after rubberband and one overgrip) headlight balance; really has a whippy feel and doesn't play like it's 337 grams (again after 1 rubberband and overgrip); it felt very low powered (poly string medium tension) and I found myself having to take the ball on the rise a little more in order to gain some extra pop; control seemed above average; touch is good but the feel is somewhat 'muted'; as some have mentioned elsewhere, the butt of the racquet is a bit awkward…isn't really large enough to give my western forehand grip a lot of security - think this took away from my ability to rip the crosscourt forehand; but again, better than the others but so far with this group that isn't say a great deal

Obviously the 330g is a different beast, but I liked a good deal about it's lighter brother but felt it lacked power and felt too dampened...but the thing that concerned me the most was the small butt, which gave me problems trying to hit my western forehand---does the 330g, or even the 89 sq in version, have the small butt problem?

Thanks.

TripleB

 

[esgee48]

TB, there are at least two ways to increase the diameter of the YY buttcap.
1) Wrap an OG several times around the end before going up the handle.
2) Rewrap the grip so it goes around the end with more overlap.
Both methods put a bulb at the end of the handle.

 

[souledge]

POG OS Maybe?

 

[vegasgt3]

Pure Strike Tour,
The Beast

 

[Vegetable Lasagne]

Yonex Vcore Tour 97 330 for sure.

 

[kaiser]

You want SOLID, big and spin? Look at my sig and look no further!

(Although I seem to remember you have already made it's acquaintamce...)

 

[spinovic]

I appreciate all the replies so far!

Several you mentioned the TFight 320. Can any of you compare the Tecnifibre TFight 320 TP ATP to the TFight 320 VO2 Max?

I tried the VO2 Max version back in '12 and here is what I had to say after two days of demoing it:

Tecnifibre TFight 320 VO2 Max: after the first day I was really liking this racquet, the open string pattern on this racquet puts some incredible spins on the ball…slice, topspin, kick, etc., the feel is a bit on the crisp side and I don't particularly care for the string in it (Black Code I believe), after the first day I thought with my standard string set-up I might be able to get more feel out of the racquet and even increase the spin more, today was a bit of a different story as I had the chance to concentrate more on the outcome of my shots: the one area I struggled from the first ball was depth control, with the heavy spin I was getting I found the balls a bit shorter than I was expecting but then when I try to flatten it out the ball tended to fly a bit, for such an open string pattern I found some great control with this racquet, I think this racquet would play better if it wasn't quite so headlight…maybe 6 or 6.5 points headlight instead of 9, loved this racquets ability to hit dippers at my opponents feet when he was at net, the power level of this racquet wasn't as good as I was hoping (again, less headlight might have helped with the plowthrough, which for a 344g racquet wasn't that good) and I struggled to put balls away

Thanks again for all the input.

TripleB

I used to own one of each and they felt pretty much the same to me.

The TFight 315, for me, is a little more balanced. It can generate spin,but is easier to flatten out vs. the 320. More comfortable by a longshot. Better control. Just a little better in most areas, more well-rounded, and way more comfortable.

I would still like to try the 325 as well. I think it could be worth looking into also.

 

[spaceman_spiff]

Go nuts and demo the PK KI5 PSE. Who knows, you might like the high weight and swing weight.

 

[OTMPut]

Go nuts and demo the PK KI5 PSE. Who knows, you might like the high weight and swing weight.

This is a beast.

 

[Rabbit]

Wilson Six.One 95 BLX 16 x 18.

True this. The Six.One 95 16 X 18 out spins any other racquet I've ever used including the C10

 

[DustinW]

If you are willing to add some weight, your best bet might be to go for a tweener in the 11-11.3 ounce range. Add a leather grip and some lead at 3/9 and you're right there. I finding that taking a tweener and bumping the weight over 12 ounces gives me the nice pop of a tweener with the solid feel of a player's frame. For me, its the best of both worlds.

 

[rectoralex]

Mr. Bishop,

This is Alex Rector from Hickory. Try the PK Q Tour. Solid racket.

Alex

 

[mhkeuns]

I've tested many, many racquets and have found that the IG Prestige Mid is the best serving racquet. It does not have the power that the Pure Drive has, but the way it cuts through the air makes it a hard serving racquet. It also give you the confidence by providing the directional control and accuracy. As far as creating spin goes, even with its dense pattern, it is easy to create massive spin. It's been around for a while, but it still is a special racquet, imo.

 

[TripleB]

True this. The Six.One 95 16 X 18 out spins any other racquet I've ever used including the C10

From what I remember from the times I've tried the previous Six.One 95 16x18 racquets, it's pretty powerful...how do you keep the ball in using natural gut strings?

TripleB

 

[Rabbit]

From what I remember from the times I've tried the previous Six.One 95 16x18 racquets, it's pretty powerful...how do you keep the ball in using natural gut strings?

TripleB

It is a unique frame. When I demoed it, the two guys I hit with every Friday immediately noticed the increase in pace over the 99S. They also commented, with great disdain, on the increase in spin too. Power is controlled by spin and this frame delivers both in Spades. The demo was strung with Wilson Control Duo and had loosened up considerably.

That weekend, after giving my 99S's to a friend, I played doubles against a guy I hadn't played in a while. He noted to his partner that I had finally gotten the 99S down after I hit two topspin lobs over him. He made the same comment to me after the match and I smiled and told him that I hadn't gotten it down, but put it down.

Sunday, one of my Friday guys played a match with one of the six.ones albeit strung with a hybrid natural gut/Luxilon Ace. He had K-factor six.ones at home strung with NXT that he used to play with. He asked that I get them from him and string them like mine. I did. He hasn't put them down yet and is playing lights out, and he's a 4.5. Oh, and for those of you who say that it's too heavy or that a heavy racquet wears you out, he'll be 70 this year too. I was going to start a thread on racquet selection and my experiences, just wondering how bad it'd be flamed.

I'm stringing the frame at 58 with 17L natural gut. The recommended tension range is 50 - 60. I got lucky, 58 was perfect (although I doubt 56 or 60 would have been any different). Gut just plays better at a higher tension, power is great, control is best and feel and touch are sublime.

 

[kingcheetah]

With Michelle's (T-W)
So which 12 ounce or over racquet, currently available at T-W, has the following characteristics:
- Big First Serve Potential
- Super Solid Feel, especially on Volleys (only playing doubles for the rest of my days)
- Amazing Spin (top/slice/kick/etc.)
- Excellent Maneuverability

- Fantastic Touch and Pinpoint Control would be nice as well but the other 4 characteristics are more important right now
TripleB

In my experience, big serve potential and solid feel come from weight, as well as not being too stiff, so anything in your 12+ oz parameter with 65 stiffness or less. Spin is going to come from the speed at which you can swing the racquet on groundies, as well as the density of the string pattern. Typically the freakishly topspin loaded frames aren't the greatest for slicing, so you probably want something that is a little tighter string pattern wise so you can really slice the ball and have pinpoint control on volleys. Maneuverability will come from the racquet's balance. Virtually everything on the market today that weighs over 12 oz is pretty headlight so that it is maneuverable at the net, since most of the players purchasing these racquets use the net as a big part of their game.

The Blade 93 and Pro Staff 90 come to mind, in my book the 90 is slightly better at net while the blade is slightly better from the baseline. The six one 95 series is also a good bet, I loved the 2010 18x20 six one 95. Another thing I would recommend trying is experimenting with adding weight to flexible players racquets that may be lighter in weight (this one would require you demoing the racquet, liking the feel a lot and/or seeing potential in it, and ultimately experimenting by buying one frame and adding lead.) For me the results have been great. (I got a rock solid racquet with easy access to spin and a very plush feel.) As far as adding weight, I'd try the six one 95s, pro staff 95 or any other flexible player's sticks... I personally love the Blade 104, especially for doubles, but some people's egos won't allow them to use anything over 100"

best of luck to ya!

 

[hrstrat57]

3B have you ever hit a properly set up PT57E ( iPrestige MP ) ?

 

[Carolina Racquet]

C10 Pro..Trust me. The Wilson 6.1 feels good but the weight and stiffness combo was tough on my arm. Mid's are too small and sweetspot suffers. C10 pro has it all IMO...I have been through some racquets including Prestige, Blade, 6.1, and Donnay Gold/Pro One.

I second this. I migrated from the Prestige Pro/MPs and found the C10 Pro was very solid. My arm loves it too.

 

[Daniela01]

6.0 85

I'm using a prostaff 6.0 85 with a lot of lead tape. My friends always laughed at it and one night at a dinner party we weighed it and it weighs over 14oz. And I'm a girl, too, lol, and not a big one. It volleys OK for my purposes, but I am a baseliner. It is not great for flat shots but I really can't hit a straight shot, I always have some kind of spin. I think many people these days are afraid of heavier racquets but they should give them a try.

 

[Irvin]

I'm using a prostaff 6.0 85 with a lot of lead tape. My friends always laughed at it and one night at a dinner party we weighed it and it weighs over 14oz. And I'm a girl, too, lol, and not a big one. It volleys OK for my purposes, but I am a baseliner. It is not great for flat shots but I really can't hit a straight shot, I always have some kind of spin. I think many people these days are afraid of heavier racquets but they should give them a try.

Heavier rackets were the norm in the days of the wood / steel rackets and even the kids used them.

 

[OTMPut]

3B have you ever hit a properly set up PT57E ( iPrestige MP ) ?

What is "proper set up"?

I have a couple IG prestige MPs for demo. I have added some lead under butt cap and at 12. Leather grip. Lux 4g at 45lbs. Weights around 345. Sw is about 310. Still feels less solid to me. Gets pushed around by heavy balls.
Perhaps I need to up the swing weight to 330s?

 

[hrstrat57]

What is "proper set up"?

I have a couple IG prestige MPs for demo. I have added some lead under butt cap and at 12. Leather grip. Lux 4g at 45lbs. Weights around 345. Sw is about 310. Still feels less solid to me. Gets pushed around by heavy balls.
Perhaps I need to up the swing weight to 330s?

Sorry OTMPut I haven't hit the IG Prestige MP and doubt that I will....all set with my older sticks....

 

[TripleB]

3B have you ever hit a properly set up PT57E ( iPrestige MP ) ?

I'm not sure what a properly set up one is, but I would say no....only stock.

TripleB