A racquet not too demanding for a senior 4.5/5.0

[tennisintheeighties]

Hi Guys, I love playing with my blade v7 18x20, but 2 days ago during a match, i hurt myself severely on my forearm on a return (muscle tear).
Even doing a lot of exercises, stretching, good diet, etc, I think this stick is too demanding at my age, I mean for a tournament, (you have to play several matches in a short time )
Head heavy - 340 gr - sw 334. My conclusion : I need to change of racquet unfortunately.
i play heavy top spin both sides, i grew up on clay, but I love to finish points at the net.

Just bought a clash 100 until my forearm heal, and it's a good racquet for coaching young players.

Any advices ?
A maneuvrable racquet, a ton of spin, good feel at the net, sw around 320/325, weight 315-325 gr strung / head light.

Thanks !

 

[Bhagi Katbamna]

The Pure Strike 100 is good. I put silicone in the handle to make it more headlight and it is easy to swing and good for spin and volleys.

 

[tennis347]

Dunlop CX 200, it's a 98 sq inch, very spin friendly, good feel, and quite maneuverable. It's also within the specs you mentioned.

The new Yonex VCP 97 310 also meets the above criteria. Both frames are very arm friendly and there's room to add weight if needed.

 

[tennisintheeighties]

The Pure Strike 100 is good. I put silicone in the handle to make it more headlight and it is easy to swing and good for spin and volleys.

Already tried the Pure Strike, not of fan.
Iwould prefer the Pure Aero. Thank you for the suggestion

 

[tennisintheeighties]

Dunlop CX 200, it's a 98 sq inch, very spin friendly, good feel, and quite maneuverable. It's also within the specs you mentioned.

The new Yonex VCP 97 310 also meets the above criteria. Both frames are very arm friendly and there's room to add weight if needed.

You mean cx200 or cx200 tour ?
The tiafoe racquet (Yonex) ? Very interesting, worths a try for sure

 

[tennis347]

You mean cx200 or cx200 tour ?
The tiafoe racquet (Yonex) ? Very interesting, worths a try for sure

The 200 cx which is the 98 sq inch version. I am not sure if Tiafoe is using the Vcore Pro 97 but the new version that just came out looks like a real player's racquet in a lighter package with the 60 RA strung.

 

[HitMoreBHs]

HEAD Gravity MP if you want something with plush, comfortable flex. It’s not as soft as a Clash, but it’s 22mm beam feels much less clunky in comparison. 312g strung, 3 Pts HL, 323 SW. It’s easy to add a little lead if you want to tweak up the weight a touch.

 

[Injured Again]

A guy at our club who is in his early 60's and who played with the Pure Strike until recently, switched to the Clash 108 and he says it was both an easy transition and has improved his game. He's 4.5 rated and has a classic flatter game style typical of players that age. He's a fantastic player at the net, and has won our state championships, a national level 2 age group tournament, a number of times in doubles.

Since you already are using the Clash, it should be an easy transition. I demoed the 108 right as it was coming out and thought it has really good feel and control. Worth a try.

 

[tennisintheeighties]

Thank you I will take note of your suggestions!
How about the Ezone 100?

 

[tennisintheeighties]

Dunlop CX 200, it's a 98 sq inch, very spin friendly, good feel, and quite maneuverable. It's also within the specs you mentioned.

The new Yonex VCP 97 310 also meets the above criteria. Both frames are very arm friendly and there's room to add weight if needed.

Just called my tennis store. They will have the Yonex next week. I will be the first one demoing. Thanks again

 

[Rosstour]

If you tore a forearm muscle then maybe you shouldn't be hitting with anything for a bit? Just my non medical advice

 

[tennis347]

Just called my tennis store. They will have the Yonex next week. I will be the first one demoing. Thanks again

No problem. Let me know your thoughts on this Yonex frame.

 

[am1899]

Iwould prefer the Pure Aero.

Based on that give the Ezone 100 a serious look. Does not play anywhere near 69RA.

 

[tennisintheeighties]

If you tore a forearm muscle then maybe you shouldn't be hitting with anything for a bit? Just my non medical advice

Absolutely. At least 7/10 days off

 

[tennisintheeighties]

Based on that give the Ezone 100 a serious look. Does not play anywhere near 69RA.

RA stiffness is not an issue.
High Sw and weight are.
Ok thanks, i need to try it too

 

[am1899]

RA stiffness is not an issue.
High Sw and weight are.
Ok thanks, i need to try it too

While you’re at it, the new Vcore 100 would be a good one to try as well.

 

[tennisintheeighties]

While you’re at it, the new Vcore 100 would be a good one to try as well.

For sure, 100 sq in fits to my game, and also my age

 

[Novichok]

Some Prince racquets come to mind. Phantom 100X, Textreme Tour 100, Warrior 100....

 

[topspn]

You should try the speed pro an 18x20 which you like but more forgiving

 

[socallefty]

For sure, 100 sq in fits to my game, and also my age

I thought you are 45 years old according to your profile? Isn’t that young to be complaining about a Blade being too heavy? There are guys playing singles on the ATP tour in their forties like Karlovic, Federer etc. and guys older than you playing doubles like Leander Paes. The difference in weight between a Blade and some of the other racquets mentioned is that of a pencil, CD or AA battery.

 

[tennisintheeighties]

I thought you are 45 years old according to your profile? Isn’t that young to be complaining about a Blade being too heavy? There are guys playing singles on the ATP tour in their forties like Karlovic, Federer etc. and guys older than you playing doubles like Leander Paes. The difference in weight between a Blade and some of the other racquets mentioned is that of a pencil, CD or AA battery.

Thoses guys you mentioned have a big team of doctors / pt / chiro / massage / surgeon / etc
They treat immediately their injuries, so they can play competitively until 39/40 yrs old.
Dominic Thiem for example, took a flight the SAME day to see the best wrist specialist in Barcelona when he get injured ( UK => Spain )
Before judging me, you should know all my history of injuries , and sometimes unfortunately the battle and financial issue to treat and heal thoses injuries.

There’s a huge difference with a 315 SW and 335 SW, when your body is not 100% bulletproof, and when you have to play 2 matchs a day, and doing sOme coaching.

Same for a 340 gr racquet and 320 gr.
Little details which make big differences.

 

[topspn]

Thoses guys you mentioned have a big team of doctors / pt / chiro / massage / surgeon / etc
They treat immediately their injuries, so they can play competitively until 39/40 yrs old.
Before judging me, you should know all my history of injuries , and sometimes unfortunately the battle and financial issue to treat and heal thoses injuries.

There’s a huge difference with a 315 SW and 335 SW, when your body is not 100% bulletproof, and when you have to play 2 matchs a day, and doing sOme coaching.

Same for a 340 gr racquet and 320 gr.
Little details which make big differences.

Yes agreed the weekend warrior similar age to a pro is not in the same condition by a long stretch. However when you called yourself a senior, i thought a 65yrs or older guy. Senior is interpreted as a retiree

 

[tennisintheeighties]

Yes agreed the weekend warrior similar age to a pro is not in the same condition by a long stretch. However when you called yourself a senior, i thought a 65yrs or older guy. Senior is interpreted as a retiree

Sorry, it’s because there’s senior cat. +35 / +45 in France, you right, too young to be a sugar daddy yet ;-)

 

[FIRETennis]

The new Pro Staff Six.One 100 might fit the bill. 305g unstrung / 330g strung and gripped. 64RA.

 

[Wheelz]

Already tried the Pure Strike, not of fan.
Iwould prefer the Pure Aero. Thank you for the suggestion

I was going to say, if the Clash is ok and want a little more of this or that, try the newest Pure Aero. To me it doesn't feel stiff. Very stable (for our taxed body and legs) and good free spin/power. Surprisingly great control and feel (that could be personal). Bon succès dans les essaies !

 

[flanker2000fr]

I would have thought a Yonex Vcore 98 fits right into the description you were giving, especially given the emphasis you put on spin. Specs are in the range of what you are describing. The Ezone line is more about power than spin, so I'd consider the Vcore first.

 

[tennisintheeighties]

The new Pro Staff Six.One 100 might fit the bill. 305g unstrung / 330g strung and gripped. 64RA.

That’s a good racquet, a really good racquet.
I should give a try

 

[tennisintheeighties]

I was going to say, if the Clash is ok and want a little more of this or that, try the newest Pure Aero. To me it doesn't feel stiff. Very stable (for our taxed body and legs) and good free spin/power. Surprisingly great control and feel (that could be personal). Bon succès dans les essaies !

The best from Babolat for sure!
What kind of strings do you use on it ?
C’est gentil on va y arriver

 

[Jor3lBR]

If you thinking long term health why not try the
ProKennex Ki Q+ 5 or the Pro version?

 

[tennisintheeighties]

I would have thought a Yonex Vcore 98 fits right into the description you were giving, especially given the emphasis you put on spin. Specs are in the range of what you are describing. The Ezone line is more about power than spin, so I'd consider the Vcore first.

Never tried this stick, curious now!
I’m friend with the manager of my tennis store, so i can demo many racquets , the vcore seems good too!

 

[tennisintheeighties]

If you thinking long term health why not try the
ProKennex Ki Q+ 5 or the Pro version?

Pro Kennex Not available in my city
I played a lot with the legend boron early 90’s

 

[AceyMan]

Well,

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the new Pro Staff Six.One 100 v13.

305 gm, 64 RA, 22.5 mm constant beam, listed sw 324.

To me that's got "Gentleman's Players Racquet" specs written all over it (where 'gentleman' implies grey hairs and foot speed to match).

/Acey

I'd be interested myself but I found that I need denser patterns. If it was 18x19 I'd be in for a demo in a hot minute.

 

[Wheelz]

The best from Babolat for sure!
What kind of strings do you use on it ?
C’est gentil on va y arriver

I started out with Confidential in my demo and continued with it. I tried other and liked Lynx tour. Hyper G was good as well but I’m mostly testing because I am waiting for my shipment. I still think Confidential is the best fit so far because of the mix of spin, control and feel.

I’ll add Cyclone Tour 1.30 to the mix. I strung it a bit higher to compensate for tension lost and it’s good as well

 

[KaiserW]

Pro Staff 97 fits your criteria.

 

[Dartagnan64]

Phantom 100P or 107G

 

[McGradey]

Prince Textreme Tour 310
Easy to use, good feel, perfect racquet for topspin game—can grind all day with this thing and it is far less fatiguing than a Blade.

 

[Uncoil]

Textreme Warrior 100

 

[tennisintheeighties]

Agree. Prince have amazing racquets. I should try theses models for sure, especially the Textreme 310 or warrior.
I almost ordered the phantom100g but when I play against a big hitter and good player , i lack of power with this stick and I ended up wasting too much energy

i didnt like the feel overall of the phantom 100 P

 

[Vicious49]

Yes agreed the weekend warrior similar age to a pro is not in the same condition by a long stretch. However when you called yourself a senior, i thought a 65yrs or older guy. Senior is interpreted as a retiree

My thoughts exaclty. When he said senior Im thinking 60-70 years old. I am 45 and i use an Ultra Tour, Vc95 or v7 Blade without any physical issues.

 

[McGradey]

Agree. Prince have amazing racquets. I should try theses models for sure, especially the Textreme 310 or warrior.
I almost ordered the phantom100g but when I play against a big hitter and good player , i lack of power with this stick and I ended up wasting too much energy

i didnt like the feel overall of the phantom 100 P

Yeah the 100p didn't really appeal for me. I was coming from playing heavy and/or 18x20 racquets and wanted to make tennis easier. The 310 makes tennis very easy, and fun. I'm not sure how close the feel is to the 100p, but it's pretty fantastic for a racquet that is this forgiving and easy to use, imo.

 

[tennisintheeighties]

I started out with Confidential in my demo and continued with it. I tried other and liked Lynx tour. Hyper G was good as well but I’m mostly testing because I am waiting for my shipment. I still think Confidential is the best fit so far because of the mix of spin, control and feel.

Ok thanks, i’m personally not a big fan of Solinco Strings
About the pure aero, i do some stringing service, and a player brought me 3 Pure Aeroprodrive Roland Garros recently, all brand new.
I read it’s an old edition of 2014
Ok.
The balance is -7pts on this one, i really like it.
Seems really maneuvrable!
I see the balance on the 2019 is -4pts, right ?
Too bad, that’s a big change.

 

[yessir]

Extreme Mp

 

[TennisViking]

Thank you I will take note of your suggestions!
How about the Ezone 100?

I play both with the Yonex Ezone 100 and the Vcore 100. I like both very much. Biggest difference to me is the launch angle. The Ezone has a tighter string pattern and the launch angle is lower/more controlled, while the Vcore 100 has a more open string pattern and also has a higher launch angle. There is also a small difference in stiffness where the Ezone does offer just a bit more power. For my game, I prefer the Ezone 100 but for sure someone else might well prefer the Vcore 100. I used to play with a less powerful racquet (Volkl Vsense V1 Pro) but a former knee injury (and age) has made me slightly slower and I need some help in the power department in match situations.

Just be careful with your arms if you use these "tweeners" with poly strings. They are stiff and powerful racquets and multi strings really improve comfort. I use Head Velocity MLT and have found it works really well as it is a fairly controlled multifilament string.

 

[braxeyez]

I am also "older", about the same level and a couple months ago I switched from RF97a to Extreme MP! Same style, extreme topspin, aggressive baseliner but one day I just didn't have enough firepower to beat a 18 yro... So I decided to change the racquet completely, to follow the trend and get a powerful spinny thing in my hand. And it feels great! A 40g decrease in weight, I feel young again ha ha! I also tested the Clash Pro but felt strange hitting with it.

 

[cortado]

What about Prince Original Graphite 100 or 107 for the cool Agassi vibes?

 

[USMC-615]

I might would look at some ProKennex racquets in the spec ranges you’re looking for.

 

[Wheelz]

Ok thanks, i’m personally not a big fan of Solinco Strings
About the pure aero, i do some stringing service, and a player brought me 3 Pure Aeroprodrive Roland Garros recently, all brand new.
I read it’s an old edition of 2014
Ok.
The balance is -7pts on this one, i really like it.
Seems really maneuvrable!
I see the balance on the 2019 is -4pts, right ?
Too bad, that’s a big change.

Head Lynx tour was good as well. Gommette bleue dans le manche pour l’équilibre?

 

[phanamous]

Blade 101L, Blade 100UL, Blade 98L.
Similar DNA to what you're using now which swings easy through the air and decent feel and comfort. I'm playing all 3 right now as a trial to go lighter also. My old spec was 340gm 7HL. These current frames are in the 315-325gm and more headlight after mods. High topspin FH & 1HBH.

Blade 100UL has really surprised me thus far after 30+gm added to the butt via heavier grip and of memory foam and screws stuffed. The thing plays so solid and stable even at 315gm strung. The hoop doesn't need lead surprisingly as it's sufficiently stiff and stable yet very comfortable. Control is very good too as the mains spacing is tight for a 16x19.

Blade 101L is good too though I don't have sufficient control as the mains are too spaced out even though it's a 16x20. Super comfy on the arm as it's flexier.

Not enough time with Blade 98L V6. Missing the V7 dampen feel it seems.

Technifibre TF40 305 & 315 are great also if you can find one suiting your specs. Bad QC is the issue here as with most new racquets it seem. Quite stable thanks to an open 18x20 pattern. Bought and sold 1 but will likely revisit to find one with a more headlight spec.

 

[2nd Serve Ace]

Is the blade 104 out of the question? Maybe pop in 2 grams lead at 12 and add a leather grip, seems like specs would be right there.

 

[TennisViking]

True about quality control. This is easy to solve though as Tennis Warehouse has the racquet matching service where they can measure several racquets beforehand and you then simply choose the one to your liking. I have used it in all my purchases and the quality control issue is present in all brands. Yonex by far the best quality control but the swing weight still varies significantly. It is well worth to pay the approx 20 $ price to get the racquet as close to the listed specs as possible.