The ProKennex Black Ace line is really easy on my elbow. I play with the Black Ace 300 and it has plenty of comfort, control and spin.
40+ players out there: Do you go bigger (head size) or stick with your good ol' small head stick?
- Thread starter DonDiego
- Start date
The ProKennex Black Ace line is really easy on my elbow. I play with the Black Ace 300 and it has plenty of comfort, control and spin.
john cheng
Rookie
I have used the POG originally in the 90's. Then flirted down to smaller 85-90 Wilsons and Estusa from 2000-2006. From there mostly up again to the 97-98 from Fischer, Technifibre, and Yonex. Still using the DR 98 and recently acquired 2018 VCore Pro 97 (310 gray/blue). Also contemplating on acquiring 2 VCore HD 97. Will probably stay on the 97-98 size. BTW, just turned 50.
Moveforwardalways
Hall of Fame
Just play with the same racquets everyone else does - 98 or 100 size.
bertrevert
Legend
57, and flip flop between 100 Speed MP versus 98 Radical MP.
Aggravatingly, annoyingly, exasperatingly... I cannot seem to settle on either.
Grips, strings, bumper (or not), swingweight, additonal lead anywhere, everywhere, tuning, tuning....
Aggravatingly, annoyingly, exasperatingly... I cannot seem to settle on either.
Grips, strings, bumper (or not), swingweight, additonal lead anywhere, everywhere, tuning, tuning....
Fed Kennedy
Legend
44yo. Cant stop yo-yo ing from 98 to 100
39-yo, 40 in 3 months. 3.5/4.0 self-rated. Came back to tennis last year after a 20+ years of not playing more than a few times a year, at the most. Learned old-school technique so have a fairly flat game. More racquet journey has been more of a crawl than a sprint in terms of changing frames too drastically.
Grew up on Prince racquets, then a Wilson Hammer H Tour 95 (never liked it). Upon returning, shelved the Wilson and went to Yonex VCore 95's (SV, '18, '21). Great sticks, but too under-powered and punishing for anyone under a 4.0, among other general shortcomings, especially in today's game.
As of now, I've moved to higher-power player frames or player/tweener hybrids -- 97-100" heads, full-coverage string beds (often 18 mains), 14-15 stock twist weight, medium-low stiffness (62-66 RA), hollow-core graphite with medium-chunky layup seems to be my preferred feel, unstrung swing weight in the high 280's / low 290's (322-330 SW strung). Currently narrowing down from the following:
- Head G360+ Prestige Tour (99", 18x19)
- Head Auxetic Prestige MP-L (99", 16x19)
- Prince Textreme Tour 100/100P (100", 16x18/18x20)
- Yonex VCore Pro 97D (97", 18x20)
Have been loving the 97D (plenty of details why shared in other threads) but unsure how feasible it would be for the long haul as I move later into my 40's. May settle back on lighter static weight (300-305g) and slightly larger heads. The 99" Prestiges and TT100's have just about the best blend of everything that I've ever tried, which at this point is pretty much every related model you'd see on TW or at a local shop. Fun journey, but I know I need to settle on a frame sooner than later. Will update in this or another thread as I get closer.
Grew up on Prince racquets, then a Wilson Hammer H Tour 95 (never liked it). Upon returning, shelved the Wilson and went to Yonex VCore 95's (SV, '18, '21). Great sticks, but too under-powered and punishing for anyone under a 4.0, among other general shortcomings, especially in today's game.
As of now, I've moved to higher-power player frames or player/tweener hybrids -- 97-100" heads, full-coverage string beds (often 18 mains), 14-15 stock twist weight, medium-low stiffness (62-66 RA), hollow-core graphite with medium-chunky layup seems to be my preferred feel, unstrung swing weight in the high 280's / low 290's (322-330 SW strung). Currently narrowing down from the following:
- Head G360+ Prestige Tour (99", 18x19)
- Head Auxetic Prestige MP-L (99", 16x19)
- Prince Textreme Tour 100/100P (100", 16x18/18x20)
- Yonex VCore Pro 97D (97", 18x20)
Have been loving the 97D (plenty of details why shared in other threads) but unsure how feasible it would be for the long haul as I move later into my 40's. May settle back on lighter static weight (300-305g) and slightly larger heads. The 99" Prestiges and TT100's have just about the best blend of everything that I've ever tried, which at this point is pretty much every related model you'd see on TW or at a local shop. Fun journey, but I know I need to settle on a frame sooner than later. Will update in this or another thread as I get closer.
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basil J
Hall of Fame
61 years young. still fit, but not like I was in the past. Fake hip and arthritis in my knees has hurt my movement enough where I can't and don't want to run down every ball. I have used the Becker Melbourne for 10 years (12.6 oz strung, 4pts HL) and found it to be the best overall frame I have ever used and still love hitting with it, but sadly in match play and under pressure and fatigue, it has become too much for me to wield, so I have been on the prowl for an easier frame to use. I tried the prince TT100p last year and found it to be cheap and hollow feeling. Maybe the new one is better? I tried the new 98 tour and liked the weight and balance but the thicker beam & I did not gel. I have moved to the Blade 16 x 18 V6 and V8. the V8 plays lighter and easier but they lack the classic feel of the older frames I loved. I am eager to hear about the new Volkl c10 pro Evo which is a lighter version of the C10 pro, which is a great frame. I think if I found a solid HL 98" frame between 11.5 and 12 oz strung with a 320 swing weight and 20mm beam, I would be in business. I find most of the new lighter frames to feel cheap, stiff, muted with no cupping of the ball.
Tennisfever
New User
Two decades ago I bought a bunch of PC 600’s so that hopefully I will never have to buy another tennis racquet ever. Then I bought a bunch of Pro Tour’s so that so that hopefully I will never have to buy another tennis racquet ever. After that I bought a bunch of Duel G 330’s so that hopefully I will never have to buy another tennis racquet ever. And after that I bought a bunch of Vcore 95’s so that hopefully I will never have to buy another tennis racquet ever. I’ve learned my lesson, there are many variables that may change. 2-3 racquets are enough if you play competitively, you don’t need to follow every trend but there’s a good chance that somewhere down the road something comes along that just works better for you.
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Same here, first HPC600, then HPT630, then (now) Vcore 95. I just skipped the Duel G 330s phase.
GimmeBackMyDog
Rookie
I just turned 50. And just started played tennis again after 30 years.
Started off with two Pure Aero rackets w/ 100 inch head size.
Just got a Pure Strike with 98 inch head size from Tennis Warehouse and hit it for the first time tonight.
Felt great.
Not sure I see any reason to buy an oversized racket.
Started off with two Pure Aero rackets w/ 100 inch head size.
Just got a Pure Strike with 98 inch head size from Tennis Warehouse and hit it for the first time tonight.
Felt great.
Not sure I see any reason to buy an oversized racket.
ChrisG
Professional
42, I play a lot of competitions. 100sq racquets feel odd to me. I use a TC95 and my personal debate is wether I should go back to my beloved I.prestige mp or not. I even bought a 2nd and 3rd PC600 to use in tournaments like my man Marat but training matches have shown my limitations haha.
Recently I’ve tested some PD and PA to try to understand the hype but I can’t see myself playing with those rocket launchers. It feels unnatural, I like my stick to honestly reproduce the intensity of my swing, not to over exaggerate it.
Recently I’ve tested some PD and PA to try to understand the hype but I can’t see myself playing with those rocket launchers. It feels unnatural, I like my stick to honestly reproduce the intensity of my swing, not to over exaggerate it.
Shroud
G.O.A.T.
Fought it but eventually went bigger
Godfather
New User
47 and using Prestige mid 93sq inch racket. I have actually moving down from 97 to 93 a year back and since I am just stuck with it. I do feel there is a power compromise BUT there is more control and precision. I have tried at occassions going bigger head size but there is no comparison. I dont see myself shifting to anything bigger unless I am unable to find a new racket in same size or my age compels me to go lighter.
Finding new rackets in mid size (93 or less in particular) is a problem. The only options available are Prestige Mid or Prince 93P phantom. Or is there anything else?
I use Babolat Natural Gut in my Prestige. Super.
Finding new rackets in mid size (93 or less in particular) is a problem. The only options available are Prestige Mid or Prince 93P phantom. Or is there anything else?
I use Babolat Natural Gut in my Prestige. Super.
swizzy
Hall of Fame
54 years old. played a prostaff 85 in high school and for many years til i moved to the 90. i have an ncode that i was using for a long while.. it was getting scraped up very heavily at 2 and 10.. so much so that it became way more head light than my other rackets. so much so that it started playing erratically and i started thinking i needed to change frames.. the ultra got so cheap for a bit there that i bought two as my new frames.. after weighing my scraped ncode with another i realized my problem with the pro staff was a loss of mass in the hoop; the ultras are now sitting in the closet and i retired the old scraped ncode and am rotating between two healthier ones and am very happy with them still.
serveandvolE
Rookie
Mid 50s 4.5 and still using a 81 sq in frame. I tried some 98s but I didn't like them so I'll continue to hit with the racket that feels best to me even though my hitting buddies make fun of it.
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same here - the 2 x Redheads are now my main, and the backup are the 2 x UTs. All 4 are setup very, very close spec-wise (weight/balance/SW/TW), except for the string tension.
i looked at the 93P, but not too sure about the "too flexy beam"... lol
i will try to keep these in the bag for now.
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WYK
Hall of Fame
Only made it to the second round in the Irish open last week. But I am starting to feel pretty good about these Textreme 100's now. I still crave the accuracy the Blade 18X20 gave me, but these do make tennis much easier. I may try an 18X20 TT100 if I find one used up for sale. I especially am fond of the Wimby LTD colour scheme one.
Tmano
Hall of Fame
48 here and a 4.5. I have always played with 98 or 100 without issues, but i now tend to choose a racquet with more power like the DR 100 which i'm thinking to switch from the DR98.
However, the other day i decided to hit with a racquet i really never used for over 20 years but kept cause it was a gift from my dad and i really liked it. the racquet was the Prince graphite 2 oversize 107. I think i'm going to string it with some medium soft poly and see how it feels!
However, the other day i decided to hit with a racquet i really never used for over 20 years but kept cause it was a gift from my dad and i really liked it. the racquet was the Prince graphite 2 oversize 107. I think i'm going to string it with some medium soft poly and see how it feels!
I'm pretty sure Mark Vines plays with a Wilson Hyper Carbon Sledge Hammer 2.0 - at least that's what he was using earlier this year in Florida.
Here's a link to the TW Review: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/racquet_reviews/20review.html
Godfather
New User
This is something....
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
Probably coincidence....he got better, Sampras aged, etc etc
64 here using VCore 98
I've been using a 98 sq in head for.....a long time. Not by choice, it's just where the frames I chose were.
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stapletonj
Hall of Fame
I am 66 and still rocking a vcore 100. Although the bigger sticks are getting tempting and my younger brother plays a babolat 115.......
AS long as your arm can stand the strings and you can still swing hard enough to hit a good ball, I say stick around 100 as long as possible
AS long as your arm can stand the strings and you can still swing hard enough to hit a good ball, I say stick around 100 as long as possible
Junior days 93, college days 85, age 25-35 90sq in, 35-41 97sq in, now 100. I sometimes come from work to play tennis so tired that my 360g+ racquet became an enemy against myself... My opponents are mostly younger and 5.0+. Turning to a lighter stick with a bigger head made tennis easier but sacrifised feel and precision.
I still keep one ps85 and RF97 in the trunk, just in case...
I still keep one ps85 and RF97 in the trunk, just in case...
WacTennis2017
Rookie
bump on this post:
@atatu - what OS frame would you consider switching to if you are staying with Babolat?
Pure Drive 107 or what about the new Pure Strike 103? or would you consider Wilson/Dunlop/Yonex/Head
For the past 3 years, I played with 2018 pure drive (smurf version) and then last year switched to a Solinco Blackout 285 with 10g butt cap weight. I’ve considered moving beyond the 100 sq in frames but I’m not there yet (getting close)
atatu
Legend
I have a PD 107 (2021 model) and I like it but still haven't moved on from my Pure Aero 2017 frames. I demoed the Pure Strike 103 and it seemed underpowered to me. I would also consider the Wilson Ultra 107 and the Dunlop SX 600. A fried of mine uses the previous generation Head Extreme S and he plays very well with it, I was going to demo the New Extreme L but at 9.9 ouncers strung it's a bit too light. Well now that I look at the specs for the Dunlop and the Ultra they have similar weights....
WacTennis2017
Rookie
Thanks for the info!
I’m planning to also try the PD 107 , just waiting for a good deal on an old model.
My main issue is that most current OS frames are super light. We need a current version of the Head Radical OS (before 2013), where we get the OS frame at 107 and maybe have some weight (at least something more than 9.9)
Fed Kennedy
Legend
^^^^The MG Rad OS reissue is way beefier than the spec TW is posting
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
One of the pros at my club gave me his Head Prestige Pro to string. With this thread in mind, I held his Prestige Pro 95 up to my Yonex VCore 98. There was virtually no difference. Net of this little exercise is, I wouldn't sweat the number on my head size too terribly much.
I also strung a couple of Yonex 108's. Again, there wasn't a glaring amount of difference in the 108 and my 98; certainly not what I expected with a 10 sq inch difference.
I also strung a couple of Yonex 108's. Again, there wasn't a glaring amount of difference in the 108 and my 98; certainly not what I expected with a 10 sq inch difference.
Gee
Hall of Fame
You should not compare head sizes visually. Even if they don't look much different you'll definitely notice a difference when playing with them. Especially a with a difference of 10 sq inch.
Automatix
Legend
Differences in racquets seem subtle eg. what's 10 square inches? Visualize the surface on a piece of paper. Now go out and play and you'll feel the difference.
Another example. 30g of difference in weight. Weigh 30g of sugar, salt, whatever. Seems like nothing right? As I wrote above - go out and play and you will feel the difference even if the balance and swingweight is the same.
Gee
Hall of Fame
This is also what I meant. So we agree.
Trinity110
Rookie
Having started at age 47, my situation is different. I used the Prince Triple Threat Hornet 110 for 15+ years, and swore by it. Even though I had multiples, I thought I should move into something more current and moved to the Phantom 100X and 100P. I would say they have a smaller sweet spot than the Hornet, but I am not exactly hitting the frame with them.
The serve was much better with the Hornet. The volleys are much better with the Phantoms. I am staying with the Phantoms (Higher static weight, lower swingweight) because honestly, I only play sets a few times a year now. I hit pretty intensely 1.5 - 2 hours, three times a week, and want an all-court, all shots workout, and I feel more skilled (or closer to skilled!) with the Phantoms.
But the head size differential was insignificant. My two cents
The serve was much better with the Hornet. The volleys are much better with the Phantoms. I am staying with the Phantoms (Higher static weight, lower swingweight) because honestly, I only play sets a few times a year now. I hit pretty intensely 1.5 - 2 hours, three times a week, and want an all-court, all shots workout, and I feel more skilled (or closer to skilled!) with the Phantoms.
But the head size differential was insignificant. My two cents
Mid 40s here with teammates in both the 18s and 55s playing 4.0/4.5. Whenever I notice someone tending to hit shorter or weaker or mishitting more than usual - they're pretty much always using dense patterned, thin beamed, small headed frames like vcore pros or prestiges or pro staffs.
If you're not playing anybody that can punish you for lack of depth, use whatever you want. If you are - there's a reason the market has moved to open patterned 100s like the clash/aero/pure drive/etc. In terms of actual data, the members of my teams that win more than 2/3s of their matches are using aeros and pure drive or equivalents, and the ones that lose 2/3s of their matches or more are using rf97s, prestige mids, and speed pros. I was always around .500 in my mw200g and volkl tour 10 days and have been consistently .700 or better with pure drive-esque frames.
If you're not playing anybody that can punish you for lack of depth, use whatever you want. If you are - there's a reason the market has moved to open patterned 100s like the clash/aero/pure drive/etc. In terms of actual data, the members of my teams that win more than 2/3s of their matches are using aeros and pure drive or equivalents, and the ones that lose 2/3s of their matches or more are using rf97s, prestige mids, and speed pros. I was always around .500 in my mw200g and volkl tour 10 days and have been consistently .700 or better with pure drive-esque frames.
Ronaldo
Bionic Poster
Recall players complaining about the spin opponents got using those Babolats. Especially serving. Guess they never used Barb Wire poly.
The Prince 107G and Dunlop CX 200 OS on multi
TennisHound
Legend
Gamma 145”, 32” long. It’s a beast. Weighs 9.0oz, 435SWThe Prince 107G and Dunlop CX 200 OS on multi
Here’s another good one for an aging player
Largest tennis racket
The Guinness World Records Official site with ultimate record-breaking facts & achievements. Do you want to set a world record? Are you Officially Amazing?
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I'm 51 and after getting back into the game at 48, I've actually gone down in head size, from 100" Gravity Tour to 98" Blade V8. For me, the maneuverability of a 98 was the big benefit. At first it was about getting in and out of corners or being quick enough when rushed. But where I feel the greatest difference is on serve. 100"+ heads feel very sluggish to me on serve.
NYTennisNut
New User
47 yo here. Played with Pro Staffs and other 85-95 sq in racquets as a teen growing up. Had a long break from the game and came back on regular basis a few years ago. Play about 2-3 times a week now and take lessons regularly to keep improving. ~4.0, OHBH, mainly flat hitter, all-court style.
On racquets - Tried the PS95 when I came back to regular play and realized very quickly that I did not have the fitness or game for it. Also hurt my elbow a bit trying to muscle it with poly strings. Bad idea…
The proper return to form started with 100 sq in racquets (eZone 100 mainly) and staying with N Gut at low tensions. After about a year of it, I started moving down in size to the 97 / 98 area. Experimented with the Prestige MP-L with great results. Think getting good technique and strength / fitness back has had a huge impact and am now rotating a couple of “player” racquets in the 95, 97, 98 sq in area. Loving the feel, balance and control.
For me personally, staying with N Gut at low / mid tensions (high 40s or 50lbs) is the constant denominator. If I keep that and stay with 310-320gm frames, I can pretty much play with whatever I like.
On racquets - Tried the PS95 when I came back to regular play and realized very quickly that I did not have the fitness or game for it. Also hurt my elbow a bit trying to muscle it with poly strings. Bad idea…
The proper return to form started with 100 sq in racquets (eZone 100 mainly) and staying with N Gut at low tensions. After about a year of it, I started moving down in size to the 97 / 98 area. Experimented with the Prestige MP-L with great results. Think getting good technique and strength / fitness back has had a huge impact and am now rotating a couple of “player” racquets in the 95, 97, 98 sq in area. Loving the feel, balance and control.
For me personally, staying with N Gut at low / mid tensions (high 40s or 50lbs) is the constant denominator. If I keep that and stay with 310-320gm frames, I can pretty much play with whatever I like.
atatu
Legend
Well a couple of years later, and I'm still using the 2016 Pure Aero...but looking around as my shoulder is hurting a bit. Just as an fyi, my 55 and over 9.0 team is going to Nationals in October and here are the frames everyone is using
Babolat PA 2016 (100)
Babolat PA 2019 (100)
Babolat PA 2019 (100)
Babolat PD 2021 (100)
Babolat PD 2018 (100)
Wilson Ultra V3 (100)
Volkl V1 Pro (99)
Yonex Ezone 2022 (100)
Yonex Vcore 2023 (100)
Yonex Vcore Pro (97D)
Head Microgel Radical (107)
Diadem Nova FS (105)
Babolat PA 2016 (100)
Babolat PA 2019 (100)
Babolat PA 2019 (100)
Babolat PD 2021 (100)
Babolat PD 2018 (100)
Wilson Ultra V3 (100)
Volkl V1 Pro (99)
Yonex Ezone 2022 (100)
Yonex Vcore 2023 (100)
Yonex Vcore Pro (97D)
Head Microgel Radical (107)
Diadem Nova FS (105)
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Trinity110
Rookie
I've gone down in size, but it may just be coincidental. Prince TT Hornet 110 (red version) for nearly 20 years, then the TT Hornet Black version for a few years, Prince Phantom 100X 305 for three years (the 100P mixed in for a while), and now the Prince ATS Tour 98.
The 98 is considerably narrower, and I have shanked some shots, maybe a tad mor often on the forehand. But the backhand is magic. Over the last month I think I have hit 2-3 shots not in the sweet spot. Not shanked at all, just slightly off. I have no idea why. I still need my coach to get back from Wimbledon and then Atlanta to do volley drills to really know how it works. I suspect it is not the volleying racquet the Phantom was, but that aspect of the Phantom was magical beyond my ability.
I still break out the Hornet, and it is the best baseline racquet, I just don't volley as well, I let it droop over time. But it is probably a fact that I get away with less concentration on groundstrokes with the 110.
edit - I got the notification on this thread and after posting, realized I had said much of this in Oct of 22. Oops! But the Tour is a new addition!
The 98 is considerably narrower, and I have shanked some shots, maybe a tad mor often on the forehand. But the backhand is magic. Over the last month I think I have hit 2-3 shots not in the sweet spot. Not shanked at all, just slightly off. I have no idea why. I still need my coach to get back from Wimbledon and then Atlanta to do volley drills to really know how it works. I suspect it is not the volleying racquet the Phantom was, but that aspect of the Phantom was magical beyond my ability.
I still break out the Hornet, and it is the best baseline racquet, I just don't volley as well, I let it droop over time. But it is probably a fact that I get away with less concentration on groundstrokes with the 110.
edit - I got the notification on this thread and after posting, realized I had said much of this in Oct of 22. Oops! But the Tour is a new addition!
serveandvolE
Rookie
I think I played you in a tournament in Piedmont/Davey stadium around the time you switched to the Bubba. You have exquisite ball control for sure!
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