Anybody still using a Yonex RDX 500?

basil J

Hall of Fame
I got onto the Yonex bandwagon after these were discontinued and actaully have access to a couple of "new" old stock. How does this frame compare to the TI 80 or the 002Tour. Any feedback would be appreciated.:)
 

db379

Hall of Fame
Hey Basil,

Which model are you talking about: mid, MP, HD?

I have played with the mid, and shortly with the HD.

I didn't like the HD too much, but I didn't really give it a fair chance, and I think my weight and string set-up was wrong (too high tension).
The mid however is a sweet frame! Very nice flex, comfortable, and best volley stick ever. It's a 90 sqin so you may not be used to small head sizes, but it plays pretty big, so it shouldn't be too much a problem. Control is good, spin is ok, power is reasonable but you'll have to bring your own power.

The rdx mid is basically a rds mid which is more flexy, and less powerful.
 

basil J

Hall of Fame
The ones I have access to are RDX 500 16 x 19. 11.7 ounces. 7 PTs HL. If it plays like the RDS MP then I will pass. IMO, that is the worst Yonex I have ever hit with. Too Light/stiff/ low powered. I liked the RDS mid, but not enough to switch to it. I am loving my Ti 80's but they do cause some tenderness in my arthritic shoulder If I play alot. I don't want to give up on them, just considering an easier "little brother" to it for when I have some soreness and need to play. The flex and weight look ideal on the RDX, but I have read that it is not s great serving frame. I'd be more interetsted in using it just to get out and hit groundies and volleys when I am not feeling 100%. If I could serve well with it, it would be an added bonus.
 
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The RDX mid or midplus play very differently than the RDS001 frames - no extra power but great feel/flex/control on all strokes.
 
D

Deleted member 25923

Guest
Awesome w/ spin, serves were not that great, though Kickers were pretty good. Volleyed fine. Overall good frame, but I needed a bit more oomph.
 

counterpuncher

Hall of Fame
Power wise it is about equivalent to the Ti 80 (maybe a touch more) and therefore down on the RDS. It is a very flexy frame with great spin, but it gives you nothing on flat serves. It is IMO the most comfortable of the frames mentioned and in the same category as the RQiS 1 Tour for me.
 

db379

Hall of Fame
A little customization can go a long way in increasing stability and pace on serves. If I was you, I would take it, and try to find the right string/weight/SW combo for you. I know many people here had problem serving with the mid as well, but I found it to be one of the best, most accurate serving sticks.
 

alfa164164

Professional
As others have already mentioned, I will affirm most of what has been said.
The RDX Mid feels and plays bigger than a 90, one of the best Mids out there.
The RDX MP (16x19) will be extremely comfortable on your shoulder BUT it is pretty anemic on serves (targeting and spin are great though).
The RDX HD (IMO) was the gem, a bit heavier than the MP, it had greater plow through and retained the buttery feel (I hit my absolute best drop volleys with that stick). The heavier static weight (about 10 grams more than the MP) allowed for bigger serves. The trick with the HD was lowering the tension due to the 18x20 string pattern. Strung too tight it felt like a board, strung correctly it is a gem (I wish I still had them).
I've been think about picking up the new MP as well (I know your source, thanks BTW), so if it is gone, you know who has them. The MP has a livelier string bed than the HD, but that is about the only advantage in my book.
The MP is basically a flexy, uber comfortable, and lower powered version of the RDS MP. Hope this helps.
 

basil J

Hall of Fame
I would have loved to try the MPHD version but that is not available from my source. I am on the fence. I have to play a 3 match round robin this sunday, 3- 10 game pro sets of singles between 9:00am and 2:00pm. If my shoulder is okay, I will probably forgo my pursuit of the RDX. If I am in pain, I may pick one up and see how it plays compared to the TI 80.
 

alfa164164

Professional
It's a super comfortable (most describe as buttery) frame with great control and spin, but lower powered, most noticeably on serve.
A special frame indeed that has / had a cult following. Given its lower static weight, I think 315 grams unstrung was the target, it is a nice platform for customizing. You could definitely get more oomph out of the frame with some well placed use of lead and lower string tensions, but not so much in stock form.
 

AndrewD

Legend
The ones I have access to are RDX 500 16 x 19. 11.7 ounces. 7 PTs HL. If it plays like the RDS MP then I will pass. IMO, that is the worst Yonex I have ever hit with. Too Light/stiff/ low powered. I liked the RDS mid, but not enough to switch to it. I am loving my Ti 80's but they do cause some tenderness in my arthritic shoulder If I play alot. I don't want to give up on them, just considering an easier "little brother" to it for when I have some soreness and need to play. The flex and weight look ideal on the RDX, but I have read that it is not s great serving frame. I'd be more interetsted in using it just to get out and hit groundies and volleys when I am not feeling 100%. If I could serve well with it, it would be an added bonus.

Basil,

I tried the RDX 500 MP (16x19) because I wanted something with more feel than the RDS 001 MP I was using. The RDX certainly has more feel and is considerably more comfortable/easier on the arm. Spin is exceptional, slice is biting and I find there is enough power to set up or finish a point. Haven't had any trouble serving with RDX although, these days (thanks to a shoulder problem) I rely more on slice and kick than sheer pace. If you decide that you'd like to go with it in the future, I've got one sitting in the closet that has barely been used.
 

basil J

Hall of Fame
Andrew, nice to hear from you. Would you entertain a trade for like new Black ace 98 5/8" leather grip? what grip size is your RDX?
 

AndrewD

Legend
Andrew, nice to hear from you. Would you entertain a trade for like new Black ace 98 5/8" leather grip? what grip size is your RDX?

Sorry to say, but I think it's just a 3/8.

Given that I'm now back to using oversize racquets I'd have been happy to trade for any old Prince os frame (currently using the TT Scream - yep, that's right, the Scream), certainly wouldn't want anything as nice as a Black Ace.
 

Don't Let It Bounce

Hall of Fame
I tried the RDX 500 MP (16x19) because I wanted something with more feel than the RDS 001 MP I was using. The RDX certainly has more feel and is considerably more comfortable/easier on the arm.
Andrew, I demo'd the RDS 001 MP and loved its feel but had arm pain afterward, and so the RDX 500 MP has my attention too. The words that describe feel (buttery, crisp, more/less feel, muted, comfortable, dead, feedback) are frustratingly subjective, so I am having trouble learning whether the RDX 500 is really the arm-friendly RDS I'd hope for. Discounting flex and speaking only of feel, it sounds like you and the TW reviewer below (who is talking about the Mid, but they can't be that different in feel) would agree that the RDS is more like a current Prince (comfortable, cushioned, muted, etc), while the RDX is more like a K-Factor or n-Code Wilson player's racquet (more feedback, crisp, etc). How close is that guess?

TW Review of RQiS 1 Tour said:
"This racquet (RQiS 1 Tour) is not really like its predecessor (RDX 500 Mid) at all. The other racquet was very crisp feeling, where this one has more of that 'buttery' response that is, I think, more comfortable. The power level is extremely low, but there is enough heft to still be stable through contact even on well hit, heavy serves. Spin is very good. Overall a really good racquet if you've got the swing for it."
 

AndrewD

Legend
Andrew, I demo'd the RDS 001 MP and loved its feel but had arm pain afterward, and so the RDX 500 MP has my attention too. The words that describe feel (buttery, crisp, more/less feel, muted, comfortable, dead, feedback) are frustratingly subjective, so I am having trouble learning whether the RDX 500 is really the arm-friendly RDS I'd hope for. Discounting flex and speaking only of feel, it sounds like you and the TW reviewer below (who is talking about the Mid, but they can't be that different in feel) would agree that the RDS is more like a current Prince (comfortable, cushioned, muted, etc), while the RDX is more like a K-Factor or n-Code Wilson player's racquet (more feedback, crisp, etc). How close is that guess?

The stiffness of the 001 MP seems to be a problem for a lot of people. I had fantastic results with it and, for whatever reason, my forehand really improved dramatically. However, I can honestly say that I never really enjoyed the experience of hitting with it (the feel off the string bed).

Feel is, naturally, subjective but, when you get the same type of description from so many different people there's a good chance not all of them can be wrong.

In terms of the response off the string bed, the RDS I found to be very crisp, not necessarily jarring but the stiffness was very apparent. Off the string bed, the RDX provided a much softer response, the ball seemed to stay on the strings a bit longer and it was significantly more comfortable.

I think you've got the around the wrong way. You could compare the RDS-001 MP to the Wilson line, but not the RDX. If anything, the RDX would be more like a Head Prestige. It isn't flexy like a Volkl 10 series but it isn't a stiff racquet. The overall response is comfortable and controlled (like the Prestige) but with the added bonus of spin.
 

In D Zone

Hall of Fame
Here's another thought.... give the old RQiS 1 Tour 95 a try. I really enjoy playing with this model, better than Ti 80 (Red/blue).

I found the RDX500 to be too low on power (that's my only complain) , I remembered reading this old Tennis.com racquet chart.
 

Rysty

Rookie
I can only speak of the mid, but I disagree with that TW reviewer.

I don't think RDX mid is a "crisp" racquet. It has firm hoop but flexy throat, and the overall feel is flexy, often discribed as "buttery".

This is not only me - I really can't recall a single RDX mid user describing this racquet crisp. Of course, it is possible that it is string sensitive, meaning its feel is very dependable on strings/tension.
 

Don't Let It Bounce

Hall of Fame
The stiffness of the 001 MP seems to be a problem for a lot of people. I had fantastic results with it and, for whatever reason, my forehand really improved dramatically. However, I can honestly say that I never really enjoyed the experience of hitting with it (the feel off the string bed).

Feel is, naturally, subjective but, when you get the same type of description from so many different people there's a good chance not all of them can be wrong.

In terms of the response off the string bed, the RDS I found to be very crisp, not necessarily jarring but the stiffness was very apparent. Off the string bed, the RDX provided a much softer response, the ball seemed to stay on the strings a bit longer and it was significantly more comfortable.

I think you've got the around the wrong way. You could compare the RDS-001 MP to the Wilson line, but not the RDX. If anything, the RDX would be more like a Head Prestige. It isn't flexy like a Volkl 10 series but it isn't a stiff racquet. The overall response is comfortable and controlled (like the Prestige) but with the added bonus of spin.
Thanks for the response, Andrew; it is helpful. To be sure, the differing flexes of the two racquets will be the dominant factor in what they feel like, and that seems to be what you are describing. I'm hoping that someone can differentiate between their respective flex ratings and respective [other factors that go into "feel"]; the latter is what I'm especially interested in, since there is a whole range of racquets that my arm will tolerate but only a few that make me go "Ahhhh" when I hit a ball!

The "crisp" description was, I suppose, a red flag; it seems sometimes to be a compliment paid to a frame by players who have different preferences than mine. It is encouraging to learn that it may not apply.
 

db379

Hall of Fame
I would agree with the above poster about the rdx mid being soft, flexy. I wouldn't say it is crisp either.
 

AndrewD

Legend
Thanks for the response, Andrew; it is helpful. To be sure, the differing flexes of the two racquets will be the dominant factor in what they feel like, and that seems to be what you are describing. I'm hoping that someone can differentiate between their respective flex ratings and respective [other factors that go into "feel"]; the latter is what I'm especially interested in, since there is a whole range of racquets that my arm will tolerate but only a few that make me go "Ahhhh" when I hit a ball!

The "crisp" description was, I suppose, a red flag; it seems sometimes to be a compliment paid to a frame by players who have different preferences than mine. It is encouraging to learn that it may not apply.

I think, if you went through all of the early posts regarding the RDX, you'd find that the term 'buttery' (which I hate - it is a pointless description because something can't feel like a taste or a flavour. It can be silky, it can be smooth, but it can't be 'buttery'; that's just stupid) used. So, when someone chimes in with the term 'crisp', it should throw up a red flag.

Regardless, given that your arm is the final 'word' in all this, I really think it's a waste of time you doing anything else except demoing racquets. The RD Ti80 would probably be the best thing in the Yonex range and I would also think that the Volkl C10 is worth a try. While it wasn't exactly my cup of tea I did find it very comfortable (one of the most comfortable I've used) with a soft flex that seemed to be consistent all the way through the frame (eg; as opposed to a firm throat and flexy head, etc.)
 

JediMindTrick

Hall of Fame
If you try the RDX 500 MP, don't string the mains higher than the crosses, because that will make the sweet spot shorter, hence all the complaining about the upper hoop, and weak serves.
 

basil J

Hall of Fame
Well I got my hands on some "new Old stock" 200GMW's this month, hoping that my old flame could be my go to frame if my TI80's kept inflaming my shoulder. The dunlops were much lower powered than I remember and after using one in a few matches I decided to move them along and give the RDX 500MP a shot. If it plays close to the TI 80 with the benefits of comfort and lower weight then I should be happy. The 200GMW is just too demanding for me to enjoy as an old fart. The feel is unique and addicting but compared to the TI 80, spin and power were too weak to use it seriously in competitive matches and I just don't have the time or desire to work up to a racquet these days. Either I like it or I don't.
If I played 5 days a week and had a good shoulder, I would probably stick with it, but since I don't, I won't. I really like the yonex feel and versatility these frames offer to rec. players. Everyone who has tried my TI's liked them quite a bit. I just wish they swung a little lighter..
 

getsby

Semi-Pro
On feedbacks on TW many compare RDX 500 mp and RDIS 100 mp.I not used RDIS( although I look closely to this racket and think to buy), but on RDX-very good groundstrokes, but problem on a serve and especially on the return of strong serves.Probably really from after to enhanceable flexibility.From RDS 001 mp similar problems it was not. But RDS very stiff and low-powered.In my opinion, if to judge on specs and feedback on TW,RDIS 100-optimal choice
 

tennismonkey

Semi-Pro
ti-80s, rdx 500 mp, rds 001 mp, rdis 100 mp. each was at one point my primary stick.

rds 001 mp -- the most power of these 4 sticks. stiff racquet but not uncomfortable. easy to generate a lot of racquet head speed. spin is about the same as the rdis 100. best stick of the 4 for flat serves.

rdis 100 mp -- not as stiff as the rds 001 mp but firm. definitely not uncomfortable at all unless strung with poly which makes it boardy. really good feedback on all shots. about the same spin and a smidge less pop than the rds 001 mp.

rdx 500 mp -- extremely comfortable even with a leather grip. maybe one of the most comfortable racquets i've ever hit with. lots of flex. power level is low but not as low as the ti-80. spin is ridiculous and the best of the 4. control and touch at both the net and baseline are excellent. flat serves with this racquet are probably 10 mph less than say the rds 001 mp. if you hit spin serves and/or you rely on placement rather than sheer pace -- you'll do fine.

ti-80 -- the lowest powered racquet i've ever hit with. probably the best controlled racquet i've ever hit with. but for such a low flex rating -- it's not the most comfortable racquet. spin is better than the rds 001 and rdis 100 -- likely because it's easier to generate more racquet head speed. even with lead and leather grip and low string tensions -- really have to swing out on just about everything.

basilj -- figure if you switch to the rdx 500 mid, mp or hd -- you'll gain a bit more power with less effort. you'll gain more spin by far. and it's for sure more comfortable. to match the specs of your heavy ti-80 at 12.5 oz -- you will need lead. or try it bone stock and be able to play longer without getting tired. definitely worth a shot i think.
 

JediMindTrick

Hall of Fame
I think NoBadMojo gave the RDX 500 a review and concluded that it is the best groundstrokes racquet he ever used, but he complained about the flat serve and the volleys.

I know that most people complain about power on the first serve, but I don't agree, to me it serves harder than most other players racquets like MG Prestige MP, O3/Ozone Tour and many others, and a lot harder than notorious weaklings like KBlade Tour and other junk like that. In fact I think it serves harder than the RDIS 100, but the strings were not the same, so I'm not sure.

That being said, the racquet is a spin monster, not a serve monster, there are player racquets that serve better, like the AG 200 16x19, but then most Dunlops serve up a storm, I don't know why is that.

I'm also not convinced about the sliced backhand especially when returning serves, I liked the PST GT much better on that shot.

Just don't follow the old Yonex recomendation to string the mains higher that the crosses. That will make the sweetspot shorter and will deaden the upper hoop, hence problems with the serve and the volleys.
 

basil J

Hall of Fame
Thanks for the info guys. The TI80 for me, has the perfect power level. I can use the weight of the frame and keep my strokes relaxed and still generate tons of pace and spin. It's if I serve in a long match that the frame can cause me issues. I still can crank them in at over 100mph so I think the power level for the TI 80 is just right for me, and agree with TM above it is not the most comfortable frame I have ever hit with, but pretty comfortable, control is outstanding, spin is great and I get more net clearance with a high level of shots staying in with this frame than I have never gotten with any other racquet, so if the RDX 500 is a softer lighter version of the TI 80 then I think I will give it a whirl..
 

steve728

Rookie
Looking forward to your thoughts on the RDX500! I have a RDiS100 MP which I like, but it's definitely crisp.
 
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Bartelby

Bionic Poster
I've always presumed the weaker serve was due to the flexible shaft and that stringing crosses lower increased the sweet spot, so I'm a bit surprised that you've observed that this actually shortens the sweet spot.

I've also presumed that the dead upper hoop, which I can't say troubled me, was due to either low swing weight or weight distribution or both.



Just don't follow the old Yonex recomendation to string the mains higher that the crosses. That will make the sweetspot shorter and will deaden the upper hoop, hence problems with the serve and the volleys.
 

basil J

Hall of Fame
I won't know how the RDX 500 MP comapres to the TI 80 in terms of power, but I have no problem generating good pace and spin with the TI 80, so if the RDX 500 has more power than the TI 80, then I should be happy serving with it.I use the weight of the TI pretty effectively, providing excellent plow through on all shots so my only concern may be that the RDX 500 feels whippy compared to the TI, much like thye Black ace felt compared to the Redondo. It should be here by tommorow. I will post once I get out and hit. Thanks for all of the input and info. It is greatly appreciated.
 

JediMindTrick

Hall of Fame
I've always presumed the weaker serve was due to the flexible shaft and that stringing crosses lower increased the sweet spot, so I'm a bit surprised that you've observed that this actually shortens the sweet spot.

I've also presumed that the dead upper hoop, which I can't say troubled me, was due to either low swing weight or weight distribution or both.

This is valid for all racquets. If you string the mains higher than the crosses, then the sweet spot becomes shorter an wider and the upper hoop becomes deader. If you string the crosses higher, then the sweet spot becomes narrow and long.

Stringing the crosses lower is an old Yonex recommendation from back when their racquets were narrow. Newer Yonex racquets are not narrow anymore, the RDX 500 MP is as wide as the Pure Storm or any other 98" racquet. Yonex doesn't recomend this anymore, but it's comming back to haunt them, because people keep stringing the crosses lower, and then they complain about the dead upper hoop.

The RDX 500 MP already has a wide sweet spot, there is no need to string the crosses lower. If you don't string the mains higher, the RDX doesn't even have a dead upper hoop, it's as lively as any other racquet.

That doesn't mean that the RDX will serve like a Pure Drive or anything close to that. It will just serve as well as any low power player racquet similar to it.
 
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Bartelby

Bionic Poster
I'll give it a go. The only time I've strung the crosses tighter in other racquets I found the feel off the string bed stiffer, but that might also work in this racquet's favour as well given its softer feel.



This is valid for all racquets. If you string the mains higher than the crosses, then the sweet spot becomes shorter an wider and the upper hoop becomes deader. If you string the crosses higher, then the sweet spot becomes narrow and long.

Stringing the crosses lower is an old Yonex recommendation from back when their racquets were narrow. Newer Yonex racquets are not narrow anymore, the RDX 500 MP is as wide as the Pure Storm or any other 98" racquet. Yonex doesn't recomend this anymore, but it's comming back to haunt them, because people keep stringing the crosses lower, and then they complain about the dead upper hoop.

The RDX 500 MP already has a wide sweet spot, there is no need to string the crosses lower. If you don't string the mains higher, the RDX doesn't even have a dead upper hoop, it's as lively as any other racquet.

That doesn't mean that the RDX will serve like a Pure Drive or anything close to that. It will just serve as well as any low power player racquet similar to it.
 

skeeter

Professional
I won't know how the RDX 500 MP comapres to the TI 80 in terms of power, but I have no problem generating good pace and spin with the TI 80, so if the RDX 500 has more power than the TI 80, then I should be happy serving with it.I use the weight of the TI pretty effectively, providing excellent plow through on all shots so my only concern may be that the RDX 500 feels whippy compared to the TI, much like thye Black ace felt compared to the Redondo. It should be here by tommorow. I will post once I get out and hit. Thanks for all of the input and info. It is greatly appreciated.

How would you compare the Redondo to the Ti80? They seem to have similar specs in terms of static weight, swingweight, and balance, with the Redondo having a tighter string pattern.
 

basil J

Hall of Fame
The redondo has an 18 x 20 string pattern and is less spin friendly than the TI 80. IMO the TI 80 at the same tension as the redondo has way more pop, and has that put away power that the redondo desperately could use. I loved the Redond, my only complaint with it was that no matter how hard or easy I swung, the pace and weight always seemed to be the same. It was like I had one speed of shot and that was it. It is an OK serving frame, but nothing like a BB 11MP or a 200G. The TI 80 allows the user to shift gears constantly in a rally and I can really use the heft of the frame to amp up power while keeping my strokes loose. Control with both frames is superb.
I also get as much if not more pop on serve with the Yonex and tons more variety. the redondo is much more comfortable on the joints, but the yonex isn't bad.
 

basil J

Hall of Fame
Well the RDX showed up today and I got a chance to hit for 2 hours in very windy conditions. It came strung with wilson reaction 16g at 58#.
I am less than overwhelmed.The power level was much lower than my TI 80. It had noticeably less heft and "plow". Spin production was good, control was good, but it was lacking some serious pop off the ground. The frame feels a little hollow compared to my TI 80's and "buttery" would not be a term I would use to describe this frame. More like flexible yet muted. I am hoping it's the strings more than the frame. I am using it in a match tomorrow. I like the weight and balance, but honestly, first impressions- it felt like a toy compared to my TI 80's. Reminded me of a softer RDS 100MP. I am going to use it at least 5-6 hours before making any conclusions. Better than the BA 98 for sure. I went to the TI 80 for the last 1/2 hour and immeditely saw an increase in depth and power. Also could feel the added weight behind every shot. I am torn to if I should use a poly hybrid or stick with softer string. Ona positive note, I served great with it right out of the box. I like the lighter swingweight and got some extra snap into my serves.
 
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Bartelby

Bionic Poster
The racquets have broadly similar swing weights, but the TI is 20 grams heavier so that's got to make a big difference.



Well the RDX showed up today and I got a chance to hit for 2 hours in very windy conditions. It came strung with wilson reaction 16g at 58#.
I am less than overwhelmed.The power level was much lower than my TI 80. It had noticeably less heft and "plow". Spin production was good, control was good, but it was lacking some serious pop off the ground. The frame feels a little hollow compared to my TI 80's and "buttery" would not be a term I would use to describe this frame. More like flexible yet muted. I am hoping it's the strings more than the frame. I am using it in a match tomorrow. I like the weight and balance, but honestly, first impressions- it felt like a toy compared to my TI 80's. Reminded me of a softer RDS 100MP. I am going to use it at least 5-6 hours before making any conclusions. Better than the BA 98 for sure. I went to the TI 80 for the last 1/2 hour and immeditely saw an increase in depth and power. Also could feel the added weight behind every shot. I am torn to if I should use a poly hybrid or stick with softer string. Ona positive note, I served great with it right out of the box. I like the lighter swingweight and got some extra snap into my serves.
 

counterpuncher

Hall of Fame
power level

I think it's the string and the tension. I used an RDX for about a year and and an Ti80 for about a month. I wouldn't say that the RDX had less power.

I personally used a co-poly in it at about 52 lbs. I believe I was alternating between BB Ace and SPPP at the time. Give it another shot and by all means add a little lead, you have a lot of room for customisation coming from your Ti 80, to add some power and still be at less static and swing weight.
 

corners

Legend
I think it's the string and the tension. I used an RDX for about a year and and an Ti80 for about a month. I wouldn't say that the RDX had less power.

I personally used a co-poly in it at about 52 lbs. I believe I was alternating between BB Ace and SPPP at the time. Give it another shot and by all means add a little lead, you have a lot of room for customisation coming from your Ti 80, to add some power and still be at less static and swing weight.

I agree. Lead the RDX up to match the Ti80, then you can compare the frames directly. (If you were trying the RDX because you wanted something lighter then disregard!)
 

basil J

Hall of Fame
I was looking for something lighter that will be easier on my shoulder. I have added 3" 1/4" lead tape at 3:00 & 9:00. I would like a little more heft but not as much as the TI 80. I have strings coming later this week. I have my TI's strung in the 56-58# range. The RDX will probably be around the 52-55# range. Off to work!
 

JediMindTrick

Hall of Fame
Interesting that you like the racquet on the serve but you didn't like it on the groundstrokes. It's usually the other way around.

Anyway you cannot compare Ti-80 strung with VS gut with the RDX strung with Reaction. Strung with the same string and tension the RDX will probably have more pop.
 

basil J

Hall of Fame
I have one with gut and one with Klip detonater and they both have much more pop than the RDX. I liked the RDX on groundstrokes, but my shots lacked weight. It was very windy yesterday. Today will be a better test.
 

basil J

Hall of Fame
Played a match tonight and was still quite dissapointed with the RDX. I added the lead tape which gave it a bit more of a solid feel on the hoop, but I am still tremendously dissapointed in this frame.
I put it down after 4 games and went back to my TI 80 to finish the match.
 

counterpuncher

Hall of Fame
Apart from the new strings which you are still waiting on, can I make a suggestion with regards to lead tape position ?

I have found this racquet, as per some other Yonexes (namely the RDS001, RDS002 Tour and the Ti80) to respond tremendously well to lead tape (even as little as one strip of 1/4 inch), positioned from 10, through 12, to 2 o'clock. Or at least strips either side of 12 at 10 to 11 and 1 to 2.

The racquet feels far more solid with lead in these positions, than at the usual 3 and 9. It's worth a try, as it's only lead tape and should take 5 whole minutes of your time.
 
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