I’m more or less a recreational player (Intermediate), play mostly with my buddies, I get around 4 hrs of court time a week. I never had formal training, been mostly a basketball player all my life but took up tennis a few years ago and loved it, I’m currently 32 years old. I’ll stop playing in the Winter time (I live in Canada), because it’s way too expensive to join a club. I have no idea my level of play (2.5 . . 3???) My game consists of mostly a baseline game, I can hit decent off of both wings (2hbh), don’t approach the net too much, and my serve is fair at best, not a lot of pace. Anyway long story short, and I’m sorry if this topic has been beaten to death but when I started to play tennis I started with a Head Radical TI Midplus (sorta stumbled upon it), then I went on to the Radical Liquidmetal MP (loved this one) and then on to the Radical Tour Twin Tube MP from ’98 I believe (loved this one even more – but recently cracked it) – so I’ve always used a Midplus for as long as I’ve played tennis, never an Oversize. Per session I’ll shank or mishit the ball about 5 times, against a heavier hitter I’ll mishit more obviously. My return of serve against a heavy serve with a lot of pace is the weakest part of my game. My question is, am I missing out by not using an Oversize, I love the control and feel, and manueverablity of the MP but I hate mishitting and not being able to hit a strong return of serve. Is it a question of just improving my technique, and over all game therefore just stay with the MP or should I start using an OS. For those that will suggest demoing I really can’t since that’s not possible where I live, and my budget is kinda tight so risking it and buying one is tuff – I would have to sell my MP’s to get an OS thus the dilemma. Any suggestions and input are welcome. Thanks.
Been having a dilemma lately: MP or OS (sorry if it's been beaten to death)
- Thread starter ry2k
- Start date
Oversized racquets are definitely more forgiving, allowing you to make more shots when under pressure. Their disadvantage is their lack of precision compared to a smaller head racquet. If you crave pinpoint accuracy and like to hit sharp angles, the oversize actually works against you there.
I have used both head sizes and have enjoyed them for what they were. I've tried the Prince Graphite OS, Prince Warrior OS, and the Donnay Pro One OS. They are all good racquets, but right now I seem to prefer something in the 98-100 sq inch size, which is still huge compared to midsize frames I learned tennis with.
I have used both head sizes and have enjoyed them for what they were. I've tried the Prince Graphite OS, Prince Warrior OS, and the Donnay Pro One OS. They are all good racquets, but right now I seem to prefer something in the 98-100 sq inch size, which is still huge compared to midsize frames I learned tennis with.
Thanks Python, I do enjoy the precision of an MP, I would rather control over power any day, what I am using now and have always used is 98 sq inches. I just can't stand mishitting and hitting weak returns. I am hoping that with more experience under my belt I'll be able to improve on that.
Orion
Semi-Pro
Ryk-
You definitely feel the difference in power with the OS frames. I grew up playing with Head frames in the late 80's/early 90's. I switched to a 98 over the winter and am still adjusting to the lack of power the frame has. I was hitting a few weeks ago and switched back to my fav OS- Head Agassi Rad LE and my partner commented on how much "quicker and harder" the ball was coming back. It's a tough choice. I found myself shanking volleys too with the OS in spite of loving the power. I added some lead to the 98 Dunlop 4D200 increase plow through and it feels like I've gained a little power. I'm experimenting with some full poly setups to see what kind of added pop I get.
new_tennis_player
Banned
I don't think anyone in my intermediate class is using a midplus. We're all at the same level you are at, up to about 3.5.
I've demo'ed many midplus rackets and it was pretty obvious after just a few swings that the OS allowed me to hit with a lot more power and pace.
I've demo'ed many midplus rackets and it was pretty obvious after just a few swings that the OS allowed me to hit with a lot more power and pace.
Indeed. Even 98 inch racquets seem to be becoming rarer at the courts. Most all of the casual players I seem when I am waiting to start my court time are using 102 or 110 racquets.
Python, I think a lot of your mis hitting is coming from your technique and not necessarily the head size of your racquet. I'm sure you'll find that you're going to mishit with an OS about as much as you would with a Midplus. Sure, an oversize might (and I stress "might") help you out when you mishit but you're really going to want to learn how to hit a tennis ball cleanly so you reduce the amount of mishits or when you do mishit, at least it's still a playable ball. I'm thinking that a racquet that's around 100 sq. in. would be a good fit - not quite an oversize but a larger midplus. Since you're having a hard time with hard hit serves, you'll want a frame with some weight to it - around 12 oz. - so it doesn't get pushed around.
Personally, I love the Volkl C10 pro and equally love the Pro Kennex 5G. Might want to think about demoing those frames. Oh, maybe also take a look at the Volkl V1, it's 102 Sq. inches and a very good racquet, it's been around forever.
Personally, I love the Volkl C10 pro and equally love the Pro Kennex 5G. Might want to think about demoing those frames. Oh, maybe also take a look at the Volkl V1, it's 102 Sq. inches and a very good racquet, it's been around forever.
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Thanks Don, I was thinking the same in regards to technique, I just brought up the OS issue because It always come down to technique and mechaniques but perhaps I can somehow compliment that by using an OS. Never thought of considering a 100 sq inch - Thanks. Also as I side question cause its something Im considering as a cheaper alternative, and again Im pretty much a beginner/intermediate so I never did this, if I wanted to add lead to my Head Radical Liquidmetal MP, where would I have to put it, and how much in order to achieve more power and more topspin to my groundstrokes.
kalic
Professional
Put OS over MP and you will see that OS is just a couple of millimeters bigger. But manueverablity will be noticeable worse (imo). That's why I have more mishits with OS than MP. Use OS if you like feel and power of OS. OS will not reduce mishits.
Try some MP racquets with big sweetspot, like Yonex...
Try some MP racquets with big sweetspot, like Yonex...
athiker
Hall of Fame
Take a look at these to links to get started; the first seems to explain some of the basics pretty well. Good luck.
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/LC/customize.html
http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/customization.php
lol I think I responded to the wrong guy... I thought you were Python. Sucks getting old
But anyway, yeah, your 32 years old and if you play basketball, you're probably a fairly decent athlete to begin with. So I don't see any problems with you using heavier, 98-102 square in. range of racquets. You'll adjust to them pretty easily since to have that athletic background. The key obviously is finding a racquet that feels good to you, and also one that can help you continuously get better. You're going to be playing for hours at a time, multiple times a week so if you hate your racquet, it's not exactly going to inspire you to play much less improve. You also want to be able to win a few sets too right? Nothing sucks more than losing and it sucks worse when you feel like you're being held back by your equipment. This is what you're experiencing right now when you have to deal with a big serving opponent.
As for adding lead, well you said you have a tendency to hit higher up on the stringbed right? so start by putting lead at the 10 and 2 positions. start with maybe a 4 inch strip of 1/4 in wide lead on both sides of the stringbed at 10 and 2. then see how it plays. (you can also buy the 1/2 inch wide lead tape and split it down the middle to make 2 1/4 inch wide strips). Add more strips until you get to where the racquet performs like you want it too.
BobFL
Hall of Fame
Haha, you must be my lost twin brother!
This is exactly my story! I used to play A LOT of basketball since I am aware of myself. I am following tennis for a looooong time but I started to play in January 2006...Back to your question- after a long demoing process I finally find my holy grail and it is an Oversize believe it or not. However, I must say that I absolutely hated every other racquet with 100+ head size but this one. It is the Head Radical FXP OS. This frame (Radical OS line in general) is very unique. It is relatively low powered with thin beam and dense string pattern compared to other OS on the market. I have tried YTOS and it was not good and MG was ok.
Bob
