Becker 11 Mid Review

[NoBadMojo]

Maybe I am ATYPICAL, but I did bust a couple of first serves today that probably were in the buck-twenty range, but I ALSO still sucked and lost the set. CC

Oh, and it was definitely NOT the racquet that was the problem.......

Oh yea? well I was clocked in the 140's. My shoulder was really sore that day and I was using someone elses racquet. Some of those Walmarket (that's southern) racquets just dont serve very well. I also think i could have picked up another 12mph if I wasnt serving with those Tretorn Pressureless Balls..oh..it was snowing out too and i had on a big parka cuz it must have been about 12 degrees out there

 

[samster]

I am jealous, guys. I think my fastest serve topped out at 89.995 mph with wind on my back.

Otherwise, it would have been 69.995 mph minus the wind.

 

[bad_call]

^^^ yea, but you served hard, and that is more important than winning.

J

lol. i learned that lesson long ago.

 

[Chauvalito]

They had a silly policy that the pallets are a Dealer installed thing..dont know if that has changed. you could contact a dealer and find out..maybe post something in the ask TW section of the forum..they're a Volkl/becker dealer aye? any Volkl/becker Dealer can get this stuff....whether they can sell it to you uninstalled I guess is another matter. as to the pallets, the beckers are def slightly more square than the volkl;s as well as slightly larger

Thanks for the info. NMMJ,
I will check on the possibilities that you suggested. The Becker pallets seem to be the right way to go. I have played with Volkl grips for nearly 10 years, but having changed my grips through the years I feel I am missing out on some stability off both wings.

 

[BounceHitBounceHit]

Oh yea? well I was clocked in the 140's. My shoulder was really sore that day and I was using someone elses racquet. Some of those Walmarket (that's southern) racquets just dont serve very well. I also think i could have picked up another 12mph if I wasnt serving with those Tretorn Pressureless Balls..oh..it was snowing out too and i had on a big parka cuz it must have been about 12 degrees out there

Come on Mojo. Come clean man. We all know when you busted those 140mph(+) serves with the Wallie World frame and pressureless balls you were, after all, wearing the 'crotch rocket' shorts to which you have alluded in times past. So, how much pressure was in/on those balls? Must have added AT LEAST 30 mph to your first and 30% more spin to your seconds. I on the other hand was sporting boxers today. Be well, CC

 

[10isDad]

Sorry to hear about your son's experience with his sticks. I have never had (nor heard of) any quality control issues with the pallets of the Beckers and Volkls I have purchased (10 sticks in total). I imagine that the company would replace them immediately if there was something faulty from the factory.

Took them to a local racquet shop yesterday. Turns out it was the buttcaps, not the pallets. Because of the hole in the center of the Becker buttcaps to accomodate the Serveman insert, the Becker buttcaps are significantly more prone to deforming than the Volkl buttcaps. If you have both in your hand (unattached buttcaps), you can virtually collapse the Becker buttcaps with relatively little force - something you can't do with the Volkl (much less the buttcaps from other companies that are hard plastic).

This tendency to deform under pressure can cause the staples to loosen and/or the holes in the buttcap made by the staples to enlarge such that the Buttcap twists.

At first he thought he might have to take out the insert and replace the buttcap, but he used some good double-sided tape and some extra staples and all seems to be well.


As for No Bad Mojo's comment about when my son got the racquets, he actually got a demo to try back in early February and received 2 sticks on February 27th. His 3rd stick didn't arrive until mid-March. The local rep really wanted a couple of the sticks out there visible, although there are only a still only a couple players in the southwest using Becker racquets.

 

[NoBadMojo]

Come on Mojo. Come clean man. We all know when you busted those 140mph(+) serves with the Wallie World frame and pressureless balls you were, after all, wearing the 'crotch rocket' shorts to which you have alluded in times past. So, how much pressure was in/on those balls? Must have added AT LEAST 30 mph to your first and 30% more spin to your seconds. I on the other hand was sporting boxers today. Be well, CC

Craig Craig We know you are the retro man around here....those boxers hanging out the bottom of your crotch rockets are quite a fashion statement.......

 

[TheShaun]

Craig Craig We know you are the retro man around here....those boxers hanging out the bottom of your crotch rockets are quite a fashion statement.......

:shock::shock::shock:

i don't know what craig looks like, but i don't like the image it puts in my head.

 

[OnyxZ28]

Crotch rocket as in sportbikes, or crotch rocket as in Mr. Winky? :shock: If the latter, then Mojo's use of the plural form is very. very. disturbing.

 

[NoBadMojo]

:shock::shock::shock:

i don't know what craig looks like, but i don't like the image it puts in my head.

Crotch rocket as in sportbikes, or crotch rocket as in Mr. Winky? :shock: If the latter, then Mojo's use of the plural form is very. very. disturbing.

ha! sorry guys..bad visual..try not to think about it..remember...it was Captain Craig who brought it up......

 

[OnyxZ28]

Haha! Back to the Becker Mid, I lent it to my 3.5 friend last night after he snapped a string in his 4.7 EB Stretch OS. After he adjusted to the smaller head and standard length (believe it or not the Becker Mid has a lower SW than then 4.7), he was hitting fairly well with it from the baseline, barring a late mishit or two. Being on the wrong side of the frame, I was impressed with the extra spin he generated with the Becker (over a Stretch OS, no less). He has a compact takeback on both sides and takes the ball on the rise well, and the Becker seemed to suit him. He did say he wasn't used to the different trajectory of the ball -- he was getting more net clearance with the Becker.

 

[BounceHitBounceHit]

ha! sorry guys..bad visual..try not to think about it..remember...it was Captain Craig who brought it up......

Mine was merely a goal of education: stay loose when you serve and you'll get better results. YOU GUYS took it in a different, shall we say less seamly, direction. CC

 

[PeterFig]

Update on the 11Mid

So I've had the 11Mid now for a few weeks and have had a chance to hit with it in a few different situations. Overall I loved the beautiful balance and weight of this racquet. Felt so smooth to hit through the ball. It also produced some of the hardest serves I've ever hit. I liked it at net too.

However I have decided to stick with my Asian K90s. The reasons for this are:

1. I had trouble getting the same type of feel I had with my K90's
2. I consistently had problems with hitting the ball long, even after adjusting a few things I just could not seem to produce enough bite on the ball to pull it back into play.
3. Backhand slices were not as krisp as with my K90's
4. The vibration ping (even with damper) drove me crazy!!!! But that's more a personal preference than anything else.

Overall it's a very fine racquet - and a few friends I let hit with the racquet really loved it too - everyone remarked at it's nice balance. I'm just so used to, and frankly comfortable with, the feel of my K90's that I'm not really sure what the compelling reason for switching would be other than just for the sake of it.

I'm very glad I had a chance to try it though. It was a pleasant surprise even if it was not a good fit for me. Looks like it'll be on the "For Sale" section soon - but that's OK, it'll help pay for the two more Asian K90's I just ordered!!!

 

[TourTenor]

How refreshing! The typical TW poster boasts how he serves the ball on a dime and through the back fence at a buck-twenty, and here you are saying you played less than stellar..props man! and you didnt even blame the racquet!

Yeah, I can also come up with excuses with the best of them but in this case ... I was functioning on about 12 hours sleep in 4 nights (something I could do when I was 20). Can't blame the racquet for a second. This one is a beauty. The fact is that I have spent a lot of time studying what is best for my game, trying out different sticks, different strings etc. and, ... I am one happy camper. The BB11mid comes closest to meeting all my needs. But hey, the racquet can only support your game ... you still need your sleep to play well. That holds for everyone. I know I'm 'preaching to the choir' in telling you this. Later, Mojo.

 

[PeterFig]

Yeah, I can also come up with excuses with the best of them but in this case ... I was functioning on about 12 hours sleep in 4 nights (something I could do when I was 20). Can't blame the racquet for a second. This one is a beauty. The fact is that I have spent a lot of time studying what is best for my game, trying out different sticks, different strings etc. and, ... I am one happy camper. The BB11mid comes closest to meeting all my needs. But hey, the racquet can only support your game ... you still need your sleep to play well. That holds for everyone. I know I'm 'preaching to the choir' in telling you this. Later, Mojo.

For me lack of sleep more than almost anything messes up my game, especially my footwork.

I don't think I'm a good enough player to blame my racquet
There are enough faults in my game to find blame in to last me for a few years to come until I'm good enough to blame my racquet!

 

[Old_Crow]

I'm very glad I had a chance to try it though. It was a pleasant surprise even if it was not a good fit for me. Looks like it'll be on the "For Sale" section soon - but that's OK, it'll help pay for the two more Asian K90's I just ordered!!!

Peter - your experiences with the BB11 Mid very closely mirror mine but I'm planning on sticking with it a bit longer.

One question - if you are in the US, where are you sourcing the AK90? I tried the standard version and liked it but the SW was just a bit too high. I have family in Japan so I could get AK90's from them quite easily but the pricing is very expensive.

Thx!

 

[TourTenor]

For me lack of sleep more than almost anything messes up my game, especially my footwork.

I am with you, footwork and racquet prep.

 

[PeterFig]

Peter - your experiences with the BB11 Mid very closely mirror mine but I'm planning on sticking with it a bit longer.

One question - if you are in the US, where are you sourcing the AK90? I tried the standard version and liked it but the SW was just a bit too high. I have family in Japan so I could get AK90's from them quite easily but the pricing is very expensive.

Thx!

Hi
I found the swingweight of the US version a little heavy too, so that's why I really like the Asian version - same nice feel but easier to handle.

BreakPoint gave me a contact in Asia. Roughly $200US/racquet shipped. I got 2 about one or two months ago and ordered 2 more just recently. Let me know if you want the contact info and I can PM or email you.

 

[wally]

Crotch rocket as in sportbikes, or crotch rocket as in Mr. Winky? :shock: If the latter, then Mojo's use of the plural form is very. very. disturbing.

I believe the term crotch rocket being referred to are those very short tennis shorts of yester year (Johnny Mac wore them)

Now if one were to mix the boxers with the crotch rocket shorts Mr. Winky just might make an appearance however I would think either one or both of the "boys" would pop out first hence Mojo's use of the plural.

Now we know Dr. Craig is very probably not going to make that sort of fashion statement when hitting with his former D-I FEMALE partner (at least we hope so)

 

[J011yroger]

For me lack of sleep more than almost anything messes up my game, especially my footwork.

Funny how that works. When I don't get enough rest, I feel absolutely fine standing there talking and whatever, but I play like a bag of wet monkey feces.

Took me some time to make the correlation, because I really felt fine, but couldn't play to save my life.

J

 

[PeterFig]

Funny how that works. When I don't get enough rest, I feel absolutely fine standing there talking and whatever, but I play like a bag of wet monkey feces.

^^ there you go, I was trying to find a good word to describe the feeling - but those 3 words (wet monkey feces) say it so well ... if not eloquently

 

[bagung]

i called the proshop in hong kong asking for the bb11mid, and they said that all the 11 mid are sold out.... even the agent ran out of stock...
seems to be the bb11 mid is doing well in hong kong...

 

[NoBadMojo]

I believe the term crotch rocket being referred to are those very short tennis shorts of yester year (Johnny Mac wore them)

Now if one were to mix the boxers with the crotch rocket shorts Mr. Winky just might make an appearance however I would think either one or both of the "boys" would pop out first hence Mojo's use of the plural.

Now we know Dr. Craig is very probably not going to make that sort of fashion statement when hitting with his former D-I FEMALE partner (at least we hope so)

Craig should thank you for bailing HIM out of that one! these kids..you gotta explain everything to them :O But I'm still getting a really bad visual..ack.

Speaking of dress up....I'm sportin' the Becker stripe overgrips....they're like going to the courts in a pin stripe suit and very cool I think. They're a hair thicker and slightly more cushioned than the Wilson Pros and similar tack.

 

[OnyxZ28]

I believe the term crotch rocket being referred to are those very short tennis shorts of yester year (Johnny Mac wore them)

Now if one were to mix the boxers with the crotch rocket shorts Mr. Winky just might make an appearance however I would think either one or both of the "boys" would pop out first hence Mojo's use of the plural.

Now we know Dr. Craig is very probably not going to make that sort of fashion statement when hitting with his former D-I FEMALE partner (at least we hope so)

Haha, thanks wally! Your explanation made my day :lol:

 

[db379]

I'm very glad I had a chance to try it though. It was a pleasant surprise even if it was not a good fit for me. Looks like it'll be on the "For Sale" section soon - but that's OK, it'll help pay for the two more Asian K90's I just ordered!!!

Peter,

I know this is not the right place for buying stuff but I am interested in your bb11 if you're getting rid of it. Let me know, my email is: drb379@gmail.com

 

[PeterFig]

Peter,

I know this is not the right place for buying stuff but I am interested in your bb11 if you're getting rid of it. Let me know, my email is: drb379@gmail.com

Email sent

 

[NoBadMojo]

OK, I will score some when I drop bats off to be strung this saturday.

Just e-mail me your mailing address, I already have craigs.

I will score two full sets so you each can take a stab with one tension, then adjust with the second one, and also because I would rather not be uncoiling and cutting and recoiling in my house.

J

The string came this day via intracoastal dolphin courier...thanks man..you're a man of his word.

The stuff has a $39.95 price tag on it...i hope that is installed??? you live in the land of retail plus 20! What did you do, shoplift this?? ;O,,i'm just messin w. you

So I string this like a normal poly..10% lower and no attampt at a prestretch?

I just installed the new IsoSpeedPro as a x w. the Klip Legend and will post something in the string section after I spent some time with it. i've a feeling this string is getting an unessarily bad rep. if I like it, it may be a while before I get to try the Recoil

thanks again J-Man

 

[J011yroger]

Boy of his word.

Yea that is installed.

I don't steal, I have this problem with taking stuff that doesn't belong to me. I dunno, I guess I am wierd that way.

When prince wanted me to review it, I thought I should string it at my normal multi tension, and they said to string it at my poly tension.

They strung it at my normal poly tension, and it was definately looser than I would have liked.

So I would advise you to string it at whatever you would string a premium multi at for your first shot.

Then again tight strings are like a security blanket for me.

I dunno if you took it out of the package yet, but you will see, it is VERY limp and soft, and it stretches like crazy when you string it.

I would say string at normal multi tension, no prestretch. (I am not big on prestretch anyhow, and all my stuff gets done on a high end constant pull electric machine.)

No problem bud, just fire up a review when you get around to testing it out. I am thinking I will give the blend a shot myself.

J

 

[NoBadMojo]

Boy of his word.

Yea that is installed.

I don't steal, I have this problem with taking stuff that doesn't belong to me. I dunno, I guess I am wierd that way.

When prince wanted me to review it, I thought I should string it at my normal multi tension, and they said to string it at my poly tension.

They strung it at my normal poly tension, and it was definately looser than I would have liked.

So I would advise you to string it at whatever you would string a premium multi at for your first shot.

Then again tight strings are like a security blanket for me.

I dunno if you took it out of the package yet, but you will see, it is VERY limp and soft, and it stretches like crazy when you string it.

I would say string at normal multi tension, no prestretch. (I am not big on prestretch anyhow, and all my stuff gets done on a high end constant pull electric machine.)

No problem bud, just fire up a review when you get around to testing it out. I am thinking I will give the blend a shot myself.

J

odd duck this string. i see the package also says to string 10% lower.

 

[BounceHitBounceHit]

odd duck this string. i see the package also says to string 10% lower.

Hey Mojo,

Just wanted to let you know the Isospeed went out the door today. Sorry for the delay, I'd intended to get it in the mail Monday but my week kinda got away from me. Enjoy man.

CC

 

[NoBadMojo]

Hey Mojo,

Just wanted to let you know the Isospeed went out the door today. Sorry for the delay, I'd intended to get it in the mail Monday but my week kinda got away from me. Enjoy man.

CC

primo! thanks man..in the nick of time. the new Iso didnt make the cut and I'm out of Classic. thanks to you, i can maintain my string habit

the new becker stripes overgrips are a keeper however. Thought they would be too thick and tacky and cushioned for me, but they quickly smashed down and i think they look pretty cool...something different

 

[TheShaun]

mojo,

how is the sweat absorption of the stripes overgrip compared to a tournagrip? also, you don't strike me as the pic posting type but if you can it would be cool to see how the grip looks on a racquet.

 

[nikkhasnis]

Didn't have time (or patience) to through the 30 + pages of posts, so might be asking aquestion already asked.

How is the Becker 11 mid compared to the nSix95 (18*16) US version? Pro/Cons please.

 

[NoBadMojo]

mojo,

how is the sweat absorption of the stripes overgrip compared to a tournagrip? also, you don't strike me as the pic posting type but if you can it would be cool to see how the grip looks on a racquet.

hi..i never liked tournagrip so am saying these are all around much better..seriously, once you play them for a few minutes, they feel like the Wilson pro's and I would say are similar w. the sweat. if you go to the Becker website, they may have pictures..the grips are white and have double black stripes on top and bottom....the one side gets covered up when you wrap them. they're a nice overgrip

 

[SamSung]

The dnx10 mid is like $100 cheaper than the Becker 11 mid. If youre the kind of guy who has to be budget conscious but still needs a couple of good sticks could you buy the dnx10 mid instead of the 11 mid and not lose out too much on the deal?

 

[J011yroger]

Didn't have time (or patience) to through the 30 + pages of posts, so might be asking aquestion already asked.

How is the Becker 11 mid compared to the nSix95 (18*16) US version? Pro/Cons please.

Funny, you don't have the time to look through, so somebody else should take their time and type out an answer for you.

J

 

[TheShaun]

The dnx10 mid is like $100 cheaper than the Becker 11 mid. If youre the kind of guy who has to be budget conscious but still needs a couple of good sticks could you buy the dnx10 mid instead of the 11 mid and not lose out too much on the deal?

i'm wrestling with this myself.

 

[nikkhasnis]

J011yroger

Touché.

I do go through other people's posts. But I was looking for something specific ie comparision between Becker 11 and nSix95. Readnig 35 pages of posts seemed a bit too much for that, don't you agree?

 

[nikkhasnis]

SamSung,

I checked Volk 10 and it's specs are identical to BB11 mid. But what about the way it plays? Is it similar?

 

[NoBadMojo]

Didn't have time (or patience) to through the 30 + pages of posts, so might be asking aquestion already asked.

How is the Becker 11 mid compared to the nSix95 (18*16) US version? Pro/Cons please.

Funny, you don't have the time to look through, so somebody else should take their time and type out an answer for you.

J

I've hit both the Becker11Mid and the nSix95 but dont have the time nor patience to compare the two

Seriously, these two frames vastly differ. If you know your target swingweight, you likely can eliminate one of these right off the top. the 11Mid swings much easier

 

[J011yroger]

J011yroger

Touché.

I do go through other people's posts. But I was looking for something specific ie comparision between Becker 11 and nSix95. Readnig 35 pages of posts seemed a bit too much for that, don't you agree?

HAHA, sorry bro, just bustin your horns.

Probably in a pissy mood because I feel like I just gave anal birth to a rabid hedgehog dipped in tabasco sauce.

I put down more 3 mile island wings and pepper/horseradish/hotsauce laden oyster shooters last night than any man ever needed to put down!

J

 

[sargeinaz]

Seriously, these two frames vastly differ. If you know your target swingweight, you likely can eliminate one of these right off the top. the 11Mid swings much easier

The 11 mid swings easier than the n95? Nice, I would have never guessed that. Seems like people are still using/enjoying the frame even after the honeymoon period which is a good thing.
________
Vaporizer Wiki

 

[TourTenor]

The 11 mid swings easier than the n95? Nice, I would have never guessed that. Seems like people are still using/enjoying the frame even after the honeymoon period which is a good thing.

The BB11mid swings a tad easier than the DNX10mid, as well. There is some discussion about this early on in this thread.

 

[sargeinaz]

The BB11mid swings a tad easier than the DNX10mid, as well. There is some discussion about this early on in this thread.

Oh well that I knew, but the swingweight on my N95 is 323. Perhaps its the thinner beam and smaller head along with a lower swingweight that aid in how easy it swings. Either way I'm dying to hit with one for fun.
________
AVANDIA LAWSUIT

 

[NoBadMojo]

Oh well that I knew, but the swingweight on my N95 is 323. Perhaps its the thinner beam and smaller head along with a lower swingweight that aid in how easy it swings. Either way I'm dying to hit with one for fun.

i would think the sw of the n95 is 330 or so or maybe more.

contrast the 11Mid which is much lower...320 sw is my max and i'm not having trouble swinging this one fast enough for long enough having nothing to do with the beam width and smaller head. it's all about the highly tweaked very thoughful weight distribution. the n95 swings far more sluggishly.

 

[sargeinaz]

i would think the sw of the n95 is 330 or so or maybe more.

contrast the 11Mid which is much lower...320 sw is my max and i'm not having trouble swinging this one fast enough for long enough having nothing to do with the beam width and smaller head. it's all about the highly tweaked very thoughful weight distribution. the n95 swings far more sluggishly.

I know my specific N95 is 323 because it was measured at the shop, but maybe it's Wilson's quality control haha. It does swing a little sluggish, I suppose I'm kind of used to it though especially the juice it has. I also read that you said the sweetspot is larger than the sweetspot on my N95 even though the head of the BB11 mid is slightly smaller which is impressive. Either way I really want to hit with the BB11 mid, once schools out I'm having TW send me a demo.
________
WENDIE 99

 

[nikkhasnis]

I am currently demoing the BB 11mid and K95 X(81*16). Thee BB11 no doubt plays great. Serves are good, vollyies are controlled. But its much more flexible than the K95, so more power is required, which is OK at the start. But as I get tired, I find the weight of the K95 giving me more power and I don't have to swing as hard. BB 11 is definitely better on the arm than K95. I am thinking of getting myself nSix 95 (18*16).

 

[SamSung]

SamSung,

I checked Volk 10 and it's specs are identical to BB11 mid. But what about the way it plays? Is it similar?

I don't know, I havnt found a BB11 mid to demo yet. I read in this thread that the BB is easier to swing but its still $100 more expensive and Im not the smallest guy out there so maybe if the performance of both is on a par I can deal. I saw they got the vengine midsize as well. Its easier to swing than the dnx or the BB but it is 18x20 not 16x19. I like 18x20 better on groundstrokes and volleys but 16x19 or something open on serves. Maybe have to toss a coin and see what happens.

 

[BounceHitBounceHit]

Didn't have time (or patience) to through the 30 + pages of posts, so might be asking aquestion already asked.

How is the Becker 11 mid compared to the nSix95 (18*16) US version? Pro/Cons please.

In comparison to the Wilson n/k 95 16x18, the BB 11 Mid swings more easily, is noticeably more nimble at net, and hits every bit as big a ball. Both are monsters on the serve. I hit better kicks w/the Wilson but got more 'heat' with the BB 11 mid. Though I am a die-hard Wilson fan, if faced with this decision, it would be the BB 11 Mid all the way. CC

 

[BounceHitBounceHit]

The dnx10 mid is like $100 cheaper than the Becker 11 mid. If youre the kind of guy who has to be budget conscious but still needs a couple of good sticks could you buy the dnx10 mid instead of the 11 mid and not lose out too much on the deal?

The Tour 10 VE mid and DNX 10 mid share the family lineage, but play very differently than the BB 11 mid. The biggest single difference is noticed at net, where the Becker frame is very manuverable and offers more 'stick' on the volley.

I would favor the BB 11 mid for s/v or all court players. Baseliners might be equally happy with the DNX 10, but the 10 VE Mid has 'hot spots' in the string bed and does not serve as well (especially spin serves) in comparison either of the other two. Further the Tour 10 VE Mid DEFINITELY doesn't provide the same kind of bomb launching capacity of the Becker 11.

CC