century2201
New User
This is a "chose my adventure" post. After 3 months of demoing I've got imy racquet choices narrowed down, but I'll never be able to make a final pick without thinking "what if." Fortunately, if someone tells me what to pick I'll probably buy it and never look back. So, I submit to the collective tennis wisdom of this board.
I am a 3.5 serve and volley player currently playing with a Babolat Aero Storm Tour GT. I play a lot of doubles, and I rely heavily on my backhand slice. I alternate THBH and OHBH based on the situation. I hit a flat forehand that sucks. Fortunately I counteract that with an above-average flat serve and solid net game.
I decided to get a racquet that is a little lighter (either in swingweight or mass). While I love my current racquet, it's a little demanding and has a little less control and maneuverability than i'd like. I've found that towards the end of a match if i'm even a little tired my consistency on all shots really drops off and i'll hit off-center frequently in fast exchanges. For now, i switch to my older Radical at the end of matches, but i'd like to get a racquet I can play a whole match with. Working out to get stronger is off the table. I'm lazy.
After more demoing than I care to admit I have it narrowed down to three:
Head Graphene XT Speed Pro
Pros: great maneuverability, good pop on serve
Cons: a little brassy outside the sweetspot, a little too much pop at net
2015 Wilson Blade (16x19)
Pros: pinpoint accuracy, good spin and pop. really consistent on serves.
Cons: may have to add a little weight, shots not as deep as with current racquet
Babolat Pure Control Tour
Pros: nice response on all areas of the court, great accuracy and control on serves, static weight allows for good plowthrough even w/ lower swingweight
Cons: doesn't generate great spin on backhand slice, heaviest of the three
Please cast your vote below. Comments / ridicule are appreciated. The only prize I can offer is this cool little emoji wearing sunglasses (inside, I presume. To increase cool factor)
Other demos:
Babolat Pure Drive
Babolat Pure Strike Tour
Head Graphene Radical Pro and MP
Head Graphene Prestige S
Wilson Blade 98 (18x20) and 98s (2015)
Wilson RF 97
Yonex Ezone Xi 98
I am a 3.5 serve and volley player currently playing with a Babolat Aero Storm Tour GT. I play a lot of doubles, and I rely heavily on my backhand slice. I alternate THBH and OHBH based on the situation. I hit a flat forehand that sucks. Fortunately I counteract that with an above-average flat serve and solid net game.
I decided to get a racquet that is a little lighter (either in swingweight or mass). While I love my current racquet, it's a little demanding and has a little less control and maneuverability than i'd like. I've found that towards the end of a match if i'm even a little tired my consistency on all shots really drops off and i'll hit off-center frequently in fast exchanges. For now, i switch to my older Radical at the end of matches, but i'd like to get a racquet I can play a whole match with. Working out to get stronger is off the table. I'm lazy.
After more demoing than I care to admit I have it narrowed down to three:
Head Graphene XT Speed Pro
Pros: great maneuverability, good pop on serve
Cons: a little brassy outside the sweetspot, a little too much pop at net
2015 Wilson Blade (16x19)
Pros: pinpoint accuracy, good spin and pop. really consistent on serves.
Cons: may have to add a little weight, shots not as deep as with current racquet
Babolat Pure Control Tour
Pros: nice response on all areas of the court, great accuracy and control on serves, static weight allows for good plowthrough even w/ lower swingweight
Cons: doesn't generate great spin on backhand slice, heaviest of the three
Please cast your vote below. Comments / ridicule are appreciated. The only prize I can offer is this cool little emoji wearing sunglasses (inside, I presume. To increase cool factor)
Other demos:
Babolat Pure Drive
Babolat Pure Strike Tour
Head Graphene Radical Pro and MP
Head Graphene Prestige S
Wilson Blade 98 (18x20) and 98s (2015)
Wilson RF 97
Yonex Ezone Xi 98