Am I looking in the right direction on my racquet switch?

[denj3325]

Currently I am using a Dunlop 4D 500 tour, but am finding it a little too powerful, and most importantly too stiff. I am finding that many of my balls are flying long, unless I REALLY focus on imparting a lot of spin, and I am starting to feel some pain in my shoulder. Because of these two reasons I feel it necessary to look at what other racquets are out there.

I have read a lot of the posts on here and tried to do some research, but I wanted some opinions on whether I am looking in the right direction. The racquets that I am currently most interested in are:

1. Dunlop Biomimetic 400 Tour
2. Wilson Blade 98 (16x19)
3. Wilson Six.One 95 (16x18 )

I was drawn to these because of their stiffness rating (all 66 compared to my 71) and the more control oriented aspect of the frames.

So am I on the right track? Are there any other frames that your would suggest? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[RetroSpin]

Strings and tension? Probably more important than the frame for the issues you cite.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

The blade is very powerful too. I would look at the 18x20 instead.

 

[denj3325]

Strings and tension? Probably more important than the frame for the issues you cite.

I have been adjusting my tensions a lot recently, but the strings stay constant: Topspin Concept pure 17 as my mains and Gosen OG Sheep Micro 17 as my crosses. I have been slowly increasing tension recently in order to try to dial back the power. My most recent stringing I did 59lbs mains, 62lbs crosses. This tension helped with the power issue, but I started to feel it a little in my shoulder.

 

[spinovic]

I thought the 6.1 16x18 version was pretty powerful as well. I really liked it, but it had some serious heat.

 

[pmata814]

I think that for arm comfort you should be looking for frames no higher than 63 in stiffness and definitely stay away from poly (even in a hybrid).

 

[JackB1]

Currently I am using a Dunlop 4D 500 tour, but am finding it a little too powerful, and most importantly too stiff. I am finding that many of my balls are flying long, unless I REALLY focus on imparting a lot of spin, and I am starting to feel some pain in my shoulder. Because of these two reasons I feel it necessary to look at what other racquets are out there.

I have read a lot of the posts on here and tried to do some research, but I wanted some opinions on whether I am looking in the right direction. The racquets that I am currently most interested in are:

1. Dunlop Biomimetic 400 Tour
2. Wilson Blade 98 (16x19)
3. Wilson Six.One 95 (16x18 )

I was drawn to these because of their stiffness rating (all 66 compared to my 71) and the more control oriented aspect of the frames.

So am I on the right track? Are there any other frames that your would suggest? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Why not try the Dunlop 3.0 series? Either the 3.0M or 3.0F. Both softer and less powerful than the 500. The prior Bimimetic 300's were great too.

There are plently of great choices out there. Some fitting your criteria are:
-Donnay Formula 100
-Volkl V1 Pro
-Dunlop 300s or 3.0
-Head Graphene Speed MP
-Prince Warrior 100
-Volkl Organix 8 300
-Yonex Ezone Xi100
-Mantis 300
-Pacific XForce

 

[ahoomira]

Prestige MP

You can thank me later.

 

[robbo1970]

Perhaps consider the Dunlop 300 Tour. Same sort of weight, but less power, more control.

 

[Lack]

The best answer is to demo them first, then choose.

 

[prjacobs]

I played with the 4D 500 tour for quite a while and the Wilson 6.1 16X18 is on a totally different planet than the 4D 500 tour.
Actually, when I bought the dunlop, the other choice was that frame, but it's hugely heavier than the dunlop and I couldn't control my serves with it. It also has less control, than the dunlop; it's a rocket launcher. The 18X20 version is way more accurate.
I'd listen to Jack, above. He's tried everything . And, as also said above - you must demo. Take your time and try lots of frames.

 

[hoodjem]

I had a 500 Tour for awhile: a little too much power.

Try some AG4D300 models: more control, slightly less power, much less stiff, great feel, very good spin.

 

[robbo1970]

I don't like to keep going on about the versatility of the 300's, but I use the Bio300 and it really is a great all-round racket.

Light enough to be really manouvrable, good stability, and great control. If you like Dunlops and want something with a bit less power and more control than the 500's, try a 300.

I toyed with the idea of going for the 500 Tour but knew I didnt need the power, so I went for the 300 and am really happy with it.

 

[neverstopplaying]

I tried to make it with the 500 Tour. It took me a wile to handle the power; it came through relaxed effortless swing, a lot of focus on contact point and follow through on the swing to ensure enough topspin. Really I should always do this, but I find it more necessary with a more powerful stick.

But yes I developed some shoulder pain and put it aside, so I was exactly in the same boat as you.

I think the 400 Tour is an excellent choice, but it needs lead to get the same plow through. It is not so demanding on defense and more forgiving on the points mentioned above.

I currently use the 3.0T, also with lead. It doesn't have the power of the 5.0, or 500. You should probably demo both of these, especially if you like Dunlops.

FYI I also use a heavily leaded Volkl XV1 MP and may switch to it. It should give you the same power as the 500 series, but with way more comfort. However it does require attention to all strokes to keep the ball in, is not as as good as the 400T in defensive play.

I can't speak for the other racquets that you mentioned. Jack's recommendations all seem good. I found the Volkl 8's to be a little harsh, similar to the 500, but I played the PB version, not Organix.

 

[denj3325]

Why not try the Dunlop 3.0 series? Either the 3.0M or 3.0F. Both softer and less powerful than the 500. The prior Bimimetic 300's were great too.

There are plently of great choices out there. Some fitting your criteria are:
-Donnay Formula 100
-Volkl V1 Pro
-Dunlop 300s or 3.0
-Head Graphene Speed MP
-Prince Warrior 100
-Volkl Organix 8 300
-Yonex Ezone Xi100
-Mantis 300
-Pacific XForce

I was looking at your review of the M3.0 and you didn't seem to be too enthusiastic, especially about the small sweetspot. Did you get a chance to hit with it more? Any other thoughts on it?

 

[denj3325]

I tried to make it with the 500 Tour. It took me a wile to handle the power; it came through relaxed effortless swing, a lot of focus on contact point and follow through on the swing to ensure enough topspin. Really I should always do this, but I find it more necessary with a more powerful stick.

But yes I developed some shoulder pain and put it aside, so I was exactly in the same boat as you.

I think the 400 Tour is an excellent choice, but it needs lead to get the same plow through. It is not so demanding on defense and more forgiving on the points mentioned above.

I currently use the 3.0T, also with lead. It doesn't have the power of the 5.0, or 500. You should probably demo both of these, especially if you like Dunlops.

FYI I also use a heavily leaded Volkl XV1 MP and may switch to it. It should give you the same power as the 500 series, but with way more comfort. However it does require attention to all strokes to keep the ball in, is not as as good as the 400T in defensive play.

I can't speak for the other racquets that you mentioned. Jack's recommendations all seem good. I found the Volkl 8's to be a little harsh, similar to the 500, but I played the PB version, not Organix.

How did you adjust to hitting a much more headlight stick such as the 400 Tour or F3.0 Tour? Or did the lead that you added mostly compensate for that?... I have never really hit with that headlight of a stick, so I was just wondering.

I was also hoping you could shed some light on how the F3.0 Tour compared to the Volkl, if you don't mind.

 

[counterpuncher]

I had a 500 Tour for a while but it is completely different to a Wilson 6.1 95, but that's not to say that it might not work for you, as has been said demoing is the only way you are going to know.

I agree with others that you might want to try some sticks in the Dunlop line, given your familiarity. The 400 Tour definitely needs lead at 12, maybe as little as 3 grams. The Bio 200g max would be a great option if you can fine one (similar balance with a flexier feel and a little more weight), or the 300 Tour again with some lead tape as has been mentioned.

If you get the chance try a couple of other sticks that provide less power and more comfort. The blade may be one, but you are not really stepping down in power or stepping up that much in comfort either, for that matter.

 

[souledge]

Pro Tour 280 / 630 if you have some money to spend.

 

[JackB1]

I was looking at your review of the M3.0 and you didn't seem to be too enthusiastic, especially about the small sweetspot. Did you get a chance to hit with it more? Any other thoughts on it?

Yeah but that's me...you may really like it. Also, I only was able to try it with the demo string, which I think was Dunlop Silk, which I absolutely hate.
I think it fits what you are looking for.

 

[Vegetable Lasagne]

I just switched from the Bio 500 Tour to the Yonex Vcore Tour 97 330.
The Yonex does everything the Dunlop did, but with far more control and plow-through.
I also prefer the thinner, more comfortable beam for setting up the one-handed backhand.

 

[denj3325]

Just an update, I ordered a demo of both the M3.0 and F3.0 Tour and we will see how that goes. Unfortunately it is getting colder up here in Minnesota, so people are wanting to play less and less. I am joining a health club that has ball machines available, though so that will be nice.

I have one thing that has me confused though, I have been analyzing some of the stats of these racquets (power level, sweet spot area, etc.) and the power level has me the most confused. Lets take the most recommended racquet in this thread (a 300 series of some sort) and compare the power level to the 4d 500 tour. Now the 300 series I am going to demo are the M3.0 and F3.0 Tour, because they were the only ones I could demo and readily purchase. When you compare the power levels by TW's rating, they both have higher power levels in the sweet spot, and these are both accepted to have less power than a 500 series racquet.

I guess my question is, how reliable is the TW power level rating?

 

[JackB1]

^^^^

You can't take those TW power mapings as "gospel". A lot depends on your own usual swingspeed and ability. I have played all 3 of those racquets and there is no way in the world the 4D 500 is not substantially more powerful than the M 3.0.

I am interested to hear your thoughts on the M 3.0. I currently have a demo of it that I am checking out and its an interesting racquet. It will definitely provide you with more control than with your 500 Tour. It is comfortable, but still slightly firm feeling. It's actually got a very "unique" feel to it which I have a hard time explaining in words.