40 yr old serve and volley player needs new sticks!
- Thread starter Dot
- Start date
more info
hi still using microgel extremes my arm is ok but can flare up so it is an issue
Have continued to play tournaments but really 5-7 yrs ago since i played more than 2 or 3 times a week! price isn't a huge issue.
thanks
hi still using microgel extremes my arm is ok but can flare up so it is an issue
Have continued to play tournaments but really 5-7 yrs ago since i played more than 2 or 3 times a week! price isn't a huge issue.
thanksGet your arm in shape and go for the K-Factor 90.
Or, if you want a bit lighter frame, try the Yonex RDS 001 mid (90).
Both are outstanding for S&V.
If you want a larger headsize and don't mind looking for either a used frame or one on "the Bay", look into the Wilson Ncode 95. Another solid frame.
I'm also a 4.5 player, mostly doubles, but I do play my share of singles and S&V about 80% of the time. I use the RDS 001 mid, but I'm trying to get used to the Ncode 95, as it's slightly more forviging for doubles.
Or, if you want a bit lighter frame, try the Yonex RDS 001 mid (90).
Both are outstanding for S&V.
If you want a larger headsize and don't mind looking for either a used frame or one on "the Bay", look into the Wilson Ncode 95. Another solid frame.
I'm also a 4.5 player, mostly doubles, but I do play my share of singles and S&V about 80% of the time. I use the RDS 001 mid, but I'm trying to get used to the Ncode 95, as it's slightly more forviging for doubles.
meowmix
Hall of Fame
hi still using microgel extremes my arm is ok but can flare up so it is an issue
Have continued to play tournaments but really 5-7 yrs ago since i played more than 2 or 3 times a week! price isn't a huge issue.
My recommendation: a medium weight (11.0-12.0 ounce), and low-medium flex (under 63ish).
Unfortunately, the only good serve and volley stick I know is the n6-1 95 and those are out of production.
A racket that was designed for serve and volley is the Prince Triple Threat Warrior. However, that may be a little to stiff for you. I'd recommend you try it, but be warned, it's on the stiff side (it's the next version of the MITT 97 mentioned above BTW)
fuzz nation
G.O.A.T.
I'm 42 and grew up a serve and volleyer on grass. I've tried to expand my skills for singles so that I can rally well from the baseline too, but I still want my frame to be solid for s&v work. I pretty much look for heft above 12 oz., headlight balance around 8-10 pts., and at least moderate flex. Headsize is no big deal - I've been happy with heads from 90 to 100 sq. inches.
Frames I've enjoyed in recent history: Wilson Prostaff 6.1 Classic (the Six-One line has always been a decent s&v option), Volkl C10 Pro 98, Yonex RDS 002 Tour, and the Prince O3 Hybrid Tour. There are certainly others - I'm not too familiar with Babolat gear, but some of their following think that their frames are fantastic for the s&v style. I usually have at least one of the Volkls with me, but the racquet that I never leave at home these days is the Prince NXG... both the mid and mp. I love them for all court play and they are also solid for me when I want to follow a serve to the net.
Frames I've enjoyed in recent history: Wilson Prostaff 6.1 Classic (the Six-One line has always been a decent s&v option), Volkl C10 Pro 98, Yonex RDS 002 Tour, and the Prince O3 Hybrid Tour. There are certainly others - I'm not too familiar with Babolat gear, but some of their following think that their frames are fantastic for the s&v style. I usually have at least one of the Volkls with me, but the racquet that I never leave at home these days is the Prince NXG... both the mid and mp. I love them for all court play and they are also solid for me when I want to follow a serve to the net.
Agent Orynge
Professional
Seconded. I'm not sure how much static weight is a factor for you at your age, but I agree with the recommendation for the TT Warrior. You also might want to look into other midplus frames around 11.5 oz., but with a lower stiffness. Here's something a little more modern you might want to consider;
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpageRCWILSON-KPT95.html
thanks - great advice
hi lots to think about!!! I have a kpro tour demo to try out this weekend and yes I did play with the Prince graphite mid not a bad thought....The TT warrior is interesting, i also played with the red one before that ...response?? can't remember the name....good advice sounds like a lot of the new technology takes the feel out rackets so might just go "old school" and try the graphites again. thanks I'll post when I make the switch cheers Dot
hi lots to think about!!! I have a kpro tour demo to try out this weekend and yes I did play with the Prince graphite mid not a bad thought....The TT warrior is interesting, i also played with the red one before that ...response?? can't remember the name....good advice sounds like a lot of the new technology takes the feel out rackets so might just go "old school" and try the graphites again. thanks I'll post when I make the switch cheers Dot
In my last round of about 15 demo's I decided on the kPro Open. I didn't like the kpro tour at all. The specs of the Tour are more to my liking than the open, but I just really like the kpro open.
BTW, I would have put the head microgel radical in the top 2-3 sticks I hit, along with one of the fishers. I really liked the radical pro but couldn't handle the weight.
Hope it helps.
Last edited:
I would recommend demoing the Prince Speedport/ Ozone tours. Both have a huge sweet spot that feels wierd at first, but really works. Both are very head light, and very manueverable, but weighty enought to really drive the ball. Also, the slice off these new Princes on the approach shot has to be tried to be beleived. The ball does not come off the ground!
Although I went with the Prestige the Speedport 03 tour did impart some crazy spin on the ball.
VikingSamurai
Banned
If you are looking for a new frame with an old school feel, then try the 320gram Babolat Aero Storm. I have switched to it and happy that I did.. The TW stiffness rating is way way off, as it is a very flexy frame with great feel at the net..
iplaybetter
Hall of Fame
335, lots of mass, huge serves, great touch/feel/volies
![[d]ragon](/data/avatars/m/26/26312.jpg?1574364787){kind=avatar}
Micky
Semi-Pro
Hola Dot,
I think it is a waist of time thinking to play serve and volley. You have no idea how easy it is today for guys to return your serve deep enough to make you uncomfortable and keep you at the baseline. If you want a players racquet to keep your opponents in the defensive follow Chris in Japan suggestion Aero Storm 320gr. If you need a more forgiving racquet but still as good go for the AeroProDrive Cortex. Good luck.
^ While we can debate the reasons for the decline of the S&V game in the highest echelons of tennis, S&V can still dominate in the 4.5-5.0 recreational game. We can try to imitate the professional game, and we do try, but really the game we play is so very far away, the same ruleset doesn't apply.
Agent Orynge
Professional
And by the same token, we can encourage posters to play however makes them the most happy. The man has his priorities, let him have fun the way he wants to.
Enlightened Coelacanth
Rookie
Dunlop Maxply McEnroe. It's the best!
Especially at the price. Really!
Or try the Prince TT Warrior. Again, the price is excellent (S&V frames don't get a lot of respect).
Especially at the price. Really!
Or try the Prince TT Warrior. Again, the price is excellent (S&V frames don't get a lot of respect).
s and V
hi some great suggestions and some good advice....At 40 i serve and volley to get the points over with!!! win or lose! in all honesty i do know that the return game at 5.0 level is better than it was but i still attack a lot and play a lot of doubles so the easiest way to describe my game was s and v . cheers and thanks to all those who posted.
hi some great suggestions and some good advice....At 40 i serve and volley to get the points over with!!! win or lose! in all honesty i do know that the return game at 5.0 level is better than it was but i still attack a lot and play a lot of doubles so the easiest way to describe my game was s and v . cheers and thanks to all those who posted.
watermantra
New User
Ah, the "waist of time". Is this what happens to forty year olds? We develop the "waist of time"? Mine's holding steady at 32 inches at age 36. Should I look forward to my "waist of time" growing as my age does?
While there aren't many players who serve and volley in todays pro game, I would challenge nearly anyone at the 4.5-5.0 level to effectively and consistently break serve against a wiley, older player. If their serve is effective, and their volleys solid, I'd wager that you'd be hitting those "deep returns" out more often than not because of the pressure.
Not a waste of time at all in my opinion. I serve and volley (with one handed backhands...EEEKK!) and use the discontinued Babolat Pure Control, which was sort of replaced by the Pure Storm. I love the Pure Control, but didn't so much like the Storm. I would probably go with the Kfactor K-six one, if I were you, since it hits the most like the old Pro Staffs. But, I hear really great things about the Tecnifibre rackets, as well.
Micky
Semi-Pro
Hola Watermantra,
You do it in the water to keep your 32 inches steady? Damn... cool. I did it in the water... but I was never close to that many inches hahahaha.
You are right. It is very hard to break serve to an older guy... but it is as difficult to get a return easy to volley and finish the point. I did suggest to Dot to open his mind to a modern tennis regardless of your rating or size jejeje.
the wise wizard
Rookie
check sig, but it needs about 4g lead at 3 & 9, very solid very arm friendly
Pro_Tour_630
Legend
Yes K90 with 15g POLY at 70lbs,
Even if his arm is OK or in shape why compromise
he will get arm flare ups again unless he goes low tension with a soft thin multi. Chances are he is not the experiment type who will experiment with many setups like us gear nerds, The RDS mid is the best option from your list IMO OR read below which is even better IMOI agree BB11Mid, is the best and most recent that can be bought frame for him .
I just tried the newish prince ozone pro tour. Nice frame.
I am a 50yr old S&V dubs player, 4.5 ish.
I use a k90 but was very impressed by the POPT & it seems much easier to use.
I will being trying the ozone tour as well to see if the open pattern is better for me. The POPT had excellent control, touch and was very solid.
A heavier control frame that takes easily to conventional strokes, with good feel. A good volleying frame is not easy to find and this was super. Cheers, cliff
I am a 50yr old S&V dubs player, 4.5 ish.
I use a k90 but was very impressed by the POPT & it seems much easier to use.
I will being trying the ozone tour as well to see if the open pattern is better for me. The POPT had excellent control, touch and was very solid.
A heavier control frame that takes easily to conventional strokes, with good feel. A good volleying frame is not easy to find and this was super. Cheers, cliff
jasonchu
Rookie
string the MG prestige below mid range, or go for the higher flex 100% graphite prokennex redondo c93 and string at just above mid range for that old school feel from the late 80's/early 90's/
decision
So I tried a ton of rackets....ended up loving!!! the prince 03 hybrid tour. Just playing around with string now to get some feel and tear up my arm thanks to all of you for the advice!
So I tried a ton of rackets....ended up loving!!! the prince 03 hybrid tour. Just playing around with string now to get some feel and tear up my arm thanks to all of you for the advice!
Al Czervik
Hall of Fame
Volkl DNX9. I can't hit a groundie with it, though.
Similar threads
- tennisteen
- Racquets