AeroPro Drive x TT Warrior MP ??!!

[KuertenRules]

Guys,

I found these two racquets specs very similar:

Babolat AeroPro Drive Racquet

Head Size:
100 sq. in. / 645 sq. cm.
Length: 27 inches / 69 cm
Strung Weight: 11.3oz / 320g
Balance: 5pts Head Light
Swingweight: 324
Stiffness: 67
Beam Width: 23-26 mm
Composition: High Modulus Graphite
Power Level: Low-Medium
Swing Speed: Fast
Grip Type: Syntec Grip
String Pattern:
16 Mains / 19 Crosses

and

Prince Triple Threat Warrior

Head Size:
97 sq. in. / 626 sq. cm.
Length: 27 inches / 69 cm
Strung Weight: 11.3oz / 320g
Balance: 5pts Head Light
Swingweight: 325
Stiffness: 67
Beam Width: 23 mm Straight Beam
Composition: GraphitExtreme / Copper / Tungsten
Power Level: Low-Medium
Swing Speed: Moderate-Fast
Grip Type: Dura Tac
String Pattern:
16 Mains / 20 Crosses

Can I spend $69 instead of $179 and get the same result?

With same string and tension, are they truly similar?

 

[300Gkid]

welll the Aeropro has a bit bigger head which will make it less demanding but it should be fairly similar

 

[AndrewD]

welll the Aeropro has a bit bigger head which will make it less demanding but it should be fairly similar

No, it wont be and no, they aren't. While the specs of the two racquets are almost identical they have very different playing characteristics. Not to say that one is better than the other but if you're looking to get the APD's performance at a cheaper price then the TT Warrior MP isn't going to suit (I had the same idea myself and was surprised at how different they are).

In a nutshell, the APD is far more topspin friendly (even though the Warrior is a spin-friendly frame) and it does seem to swing a bit lighter than the Warrior. That might be due to the aero design, not sure. However, that slightly lighter swing really helps out when generating topspin: the Warrior is no slouch but the APD is in a class of its own. Power-wise, the APD wins. Comfort-wise, the Warrior wins and it's not even close (same with touch/feel). Although the APD makes generating topspin easier I found the Warrior produced a heavier, more biting slice shot. Serves: I'd give the edge to the APD but favour the Warrior for volleys (due to comfort and better touch/feel) although it isn't quite as mobile as the APD (less manoeuvrable).

Two good racquets that have almost identical specs and same round head design but are very distinct from one another.

 

[300Gkid]

really, i tried them both and thought they were kind of similar but it was only for a short time so your probably right as you have had a more in-depth experience with them

 

[SFrazeur]

IF you are looking for the racquet cheaper I suggest posting in the wanted

and the For sale section.

Here is the newest for sale.

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=113695

 

[AndrewD]

really, i tried them both and thought they were kind of similar but it was only for a short time so your probably right as you have had a more in-depth experience with them

sorry mate, I was a bit harsh in my response. I think the APD and Warrior illustrate how you can have two racquets of identical specs but a different weight distribution and, subsequently, a different response.

To me, the difference is most noticable when returning serve. If you're the sort of player who likes to hit out on returns then the APD works very well. However, if you like to block/chip the return (like Rafter) then the APD doesn't seem to dish up as solid a shot as the Warrior. I got the impression you absolutely need to swing it fast whereas the Warrior will allow you to have a shorter, slower swing and still generate depth on your shots. For me, that's both good and bad. I'd probably play better if I was being more aggressive and hitting out on the return so the APD would be a better choice in that regard. However, my style - especially on the backhand- is to chip/block the shot and, if I get the chance, follow it in to the net.

One possible way to bring them a little closer together could be to trim back the bumper guard on the Warrior and try to make it a little more head light without increasing the swingweight (which is what tail weighting would do). Obviously not so good if you're playing on clay or cement but you could possibly get away with less bumper guard on grass or Rebound Ace (the surface I play on) and give the Warrior a bit more mobility through the air.

 

[KuertenRules]

IF you are looking for the racquet cheaper I suggest posting in the wanted

and the For sale section.

Here is the newest for sale.

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=113695

No. I am not looking for a cheaper racquet! You are kidding me, don’t you?

Andrew, thanks for your feedback..

I believe that the Warrior is more comfortable, has more feel and touch and APD has a better groundstroke dynamic, a better top spin and feels a little bit lighter (I’m not an expert though).

But assuming that you are not a pro player, isn’t the warrior a better choice?
Are they that different ?

 

[SFrazeur]

No. I am not looking for a cheaper racquet! You are kidding me, don’t you?

You hardly have to be rude. Have you ever heard of haggling?

Did you try contacting him to see if he would sell for less. Maybe you two live

close to each other and you could have pick up the racquet instead of

shipping it.

 

[KuertenRules]

Sorry if I seemed rude. No, I don’t want a new racquet. I want YOUR opinion.

Do you think these two frames are alike ?

Thanks and regards.

 

[AndrewD]

I believe that the Warrior is more comfortable, has more feel and touch and APD has a better groundstroke dynamic, a better top spin and feels a little bit lighter (I’m not an expert though).

But assuming that you are not a pro player, isn’t the warrior a better choice?
Are they that different ?

I don't think anyone except yourself can say which is a better choice Just go with the racquet that suits you best and will help your game.

That being said, you're right. Racquets are overpriced and when you know you can play well with both racquets (even if they help you in different areas of your game) and you aren't a pro or tournament player, it's tough to argue for spending an extra $100.