98 vs 106

[jbr]

Thinking about a nblade and don't want to wait for the kblades, assuming they are on the development block. The question is (and fgs, you will probably be all over this) (and yes, I have read the previous strings and reviews for the nblade) if the 106 is about the same swing weight and weight with similar balance but has a touch more open string pattern and a little more power, why is the 98 the more comonly seen version? That is, what are the benifts of the 98 over the 106?

I've done a good bit of playing with both and there are things I prefer about each.

Also, is there a general prejudice against os raquets, and was Andre the last pro we will see win a grand slam with one?

Thanks, guys and I look forward to talking with ya'll.

 

[kingdaddy41788]

Most people who play with the nBlade are looking for control.... so 98 is a better option

 

[pow]

They are both decent, I personally used the 98 but you should definitely demo and be the judge of it yourself because everyone plays differently and prefer different things and these two racquets offer different benefits.
One thing I didn't enjoy about the nblade was the instability on volleys. Anything hit with pace, I had a hard time stopping and guiding it just where I wanted to.

 

[fgs]

jbr,
i don't feel sorry or ashamed for loving this racquet AND enjoying it.
back to the issue - in stock form the 98 has more control. i think that you agree that the power difference as well as the other playing characteristics do really not differ much. some other m/mp/os "brothers" are quite different, but here the basics stay the same.
i went for the os because i play a lot of topspin. it's not that you cannot generate enough topspin with the 98, it's just ME that get's better along with the 106. it is a simple matter of preference or better said comfort.

if you look at the multitude of threads about midsizes being better for this or that, you can easily find that os racquets are rather a matter of prejudice. if you have a too big racquet than you surely can't play, as big racquets are associated to grannies and grandpas. now, truth be said, most os racquets definitely fit into that category because if you look into the so-called "players racquets" category for oversize you don't see many.

there most probably won't be any kblades earlier than 2008 (the 2008 promotion folder handed out in vegas earlier this year at the k-factor presentation still shows the nblade and the ntour two as we know them).

 

[jbr]

Boy, you guys are quick and make some great points, thanks!

What I feel with the raquets is this; serving and net play, 106, for me, wins hands down. Trading deep balls from the baseline and service return, 98 seems more solid. Dipping a ball at an approaching opponents feet, os gives more spin and seems more effective but try to hammer a ball past him into the corner and the 98's contol shines through.

One interesting point on feel, the swing weight and balance are similar, as you point out, fgs, but the 98 "feels" heavier and a touch slower to develop head speed.

Most importantly, although I can't get near the velocity on serves as with something like the Zen or Pro Open, I've never had a sore arm after hitting with either.

 

[jbr]

pow, I just noticed you used the past tense in your reply, what did you switch to and did you leave the nblade just because of the vollying?

 

[circusmouse]

I'll admit to having a prejudice against OS racquets. I just don't like the feel. You make an interesting observation that almost no male pros use OS anymore. Maybe because 98-100 Sq in has largely replaced 95 as MP. I do think 98-100 is a good middle ground.

 

[fgs]

jbr,
at the net i liked the 98 more, but that refers to the stock versions i demoed. i have leaded up the 106s to get them to the slightly headheavy balance (1 point) i like and i DO NOT recommend to anybody, and i get good baseline stability and consistency - after all i'm an aggressive baseliner.
i didn't really check into details, but i think that the 98 is a little bit more polarized and will have a slightly different swing behaviour than the os.
they are both very comfortable racquets with few (or no in my case) drawbacks for people with full swings and a competitive mindset.

 

[jbr]

Thanks for your thoughts over the past couple of days, guys. Ended up getting a pair of 106's, stringing with NXT tour 17 gauge. In the final analysis the little bit extra "pop" and mildly forgiving nature of the os won out. It just seems to swing more freely and easily and balls don't start falling short half way thorough the third set (which they probably wouldn't anyway if I wasn't in my 40's).

 

[fgs]

jbr,
congratulations on your choice and i really hope you will enjoy your blades as i do enjoy mine.
with that 17gauge nxt tour you put some additional "pop" into it - i'm playing 16gauge. have fun.

 

[KingOfTennis]

stick with 98, 106 is way too big that it makes the racket kinda out of shape