28in Vantage/Angell racquet

[Alexjc1]

Does anyone have any experience with an Angell/Vantage racquet that is 28in?
If you do not have any experience with those specific racquets, but have played with a 28in racquet, could you tell me how it felt?
I have been very interested in knowing how a Angell/Vantage racquet would feel in 28in, after hearing so many people rave about their racquets.
I have considered buying a racquet by them (it would be the TC95, 16 x 19, 63 RA, 27.25in, 11.7 ounces unstrung, 10 pts headlight unstrung, handle shape B, and with a black leather grip), but I was almost considering changing it to a 28in racquet just to see how it plays.
I am a junior tennis player in Texas that is going to be playing college tennis next year. Most likely I will stick with my Tecnifibre frames (especially since I have a partial sponsorship with them), but I was very intrigued by these Angell/Vantage frames.

Thanks to anyone who responds!

 

[Automatix]

Length is only one of the parameters.

You can't say that a 28 inch long racquet will be A, B, C... it depends on other specs.

I use 28 inch frames and I've used quite a few models in the past Prince Graphite Longbody, Wilson Pro Staff Classic Stretch, Yonex Pro RD70 Long 95, some pro sticks and all were different.

The only things that stopped me from buying a 28 inch long Vantage (currently Angell) were the:
a) the possible swingweight of about 355 +/-5pts (for the following specs: 320g, 95 inch^2, 28 inches long, 305mm balance)
b) 20-21mm tappered beam - I really wish Angell would come out with a constant 19mm beam, no matter if it was in a 93, 95 or 97 square inch headsize.

Back to the topic.
The PSC Stretches were quite massive, I liked them but the manoeuvrability was lacking for me.
The Prince Graphite Longbody was a great platform, stock it was a bit woobly - not enough mass in the hoop maybe?

What can you excpect with extended length frames? Higher swingweight, better reach (if you're short or use a 2HBH), more power on groundstrokes, a slight boost in the serve department.

What you give up is manoeuvrability, although IMHO it all depends on other racquet specs, you might experience less control.

If you know you'll be short (your parents/grandparents are short etc.) I'd definitely consider 28 inch frames. However if you're tall or will probably be tall I don't think you need an additional +1 inch. If you play with a 2HBH a 27,5 inch long racquet might be beneficial but it doesn't have to be.

In the end it all comes down to preferences.
David Nalbandian plays with a 28 inch long racquet though he doesn't really need the extra leverage.
Many short players benefit from a +1inch racquet. Olivier Rochus, David Ferrer (although I think his frames are +0,8inches long), Guillermo Coria (not playing anymore).

Sara Errani really praised her switch to a +0,5 inch racquet.

Sorry I didn't help much... it's just it's all about you. I can say I like 28 inch long racquets but that's me, and the most important thing is for you to like them.

 

[Steve Huff]

I tried the Prince TT Graphite OS, which was longer, and before that, the Prince RipStick, which was 29" long. As Automatix mentioned, they weren't very maneuverable around the net. If you're strictly a baseliner, that may not be an issue. More importantly, the longer racket will put more stress on your arm. If you're fairly strong, use a 2-handed backhand, then it may not cause any problems at all. The 29" frame, even though it was fairly flexible, really tore up my elbow. I think you really need to consider this now that polyester strings are so popular too. I'd try a 27.5" long frame first. TF probably has one.

 

[Stringers]

Yup. I play with a 27.25 frame now. but I wouldn't go over a .5" extension. That's just my preference tho. Hope you have a strong arm. Especially playing at the college level. That's a lot to swing for long matches, even as a young person.

 

[Lphansen]

Hi
I used to play Vantage 321, 27.5 inch. Now cut down to 27 inch.
I gained a little on serve and on reach shots but lost a lot of rackethead speed.
Since everything nowadays is about racketheadspeed then it a very bad trade off !
You could compromize with a slightly longer racket thoiugh.

Regards

 

[Alexjc1]

Thank you for all the responses guys!

I am not tall, about 5'10"-5'11", but I have a big serve and racquet head speed is generally not an issue (however that does not mean I want to lose much of it). I would like to make my serve an even bigger weapon, I can clock my first serve at around 120 mph (On a good day! Not every time), and I have a pretty good hybrid kick-slice serve for my second that is pretty effective.
I do use a two-handed backhand and definitely would like to try and make it better.
Also, I do come to the net some. I am more of a baseline player but I am not scared to come to the net and I go whenever there is an opportunity to.
As for how much of a racquet I can lug around.. Well as of right now I use a Tecnfibre TFight Vo2 Max 325 leaded up to about 12.8 ounces - 13 ounces, including string and overgrip (I do not have anything that will measure it accurately, so I cannot speak much about the rest of the specs, however I believe it would only be about 7-8 pts headlight).

Thanks again for everyone who has responded!

 

[sundaypunch]

I have a 28" Prince Chang Longbody and a 28" Dunlop Revelation 90. I like how they hit and they aren't particularly heavy, but they both end up giving me some wrist fatigue. I have no problem with 27.5" racquets and prefer them to standard length.