Can anyone compare the RDS 001 and 002 Tour?

[TonyB]

Looking for comparative feedback on the differences between the RDS 001 and 002 Tour racquets.

Or just a small review on the RDS 002 Tour would be helpful as well.

Thanks.

 

[TonyB]

I guess what I meant was: Please, nobody respond to this request.

Sorry for the error.

 

[auzzieizm]

I demoed the RDS 001 MP on vacation a year and a half ago. I owned the RDS 002 tour for about 2 months. I am currently demoing the RDS 001 MP again to see if my initial impression was off. I can give you some info hopefully soon.

 

[Vitaly Evchenkov]

you might want to use the SEARCH feature. those racquets have been out for a long time and with their similar specs, you are probably not the first to be interested in comparing them.


EDIT: ahhh, nevermind. with the character limit on TT searches, it is hard to get info on RDS models....

I'll post my experiences later.

 

[auzzieizm]

I love Yonex racquets, and I never really clicked with the RDS 002 tour. I got decent pop from the frame. I was expecting more control than I got from the frame. I was also expecting more spin. I could not really spin the ball around like I usually like to. The RDS 002 Tour seemed to be more of a straight shooter. I could bang serves down. I could go for big winners with great success. But when I wanted to just move the ball around and mix up the play, I was not as successful. I had to kind of hit through shots alot more than I normally prefer to. Touch and feel were definitely lacking compared to almost all the other Yonex racquets that I have tried and played with. I added lead to 3, 9, and just a tiny strip at 12, and strung the frame with Gosen Polylon mains and Gosen OG Micro crosses. Will get back to you with some thoughts on the RDS 001 MP.

 

[basil J]

That's funny because I had the exact same experience with the RDS001Mp. I found it to swing very light, it was stiff and most of my shots lacked pace. With the rds002 tour, I get more feel, spin and pace and it serves very well as well. I use VS gut at mid tension and it plays beautifully. I used gosen and poly on the 001MP when I had it and it felt very boardy. It might have played better with gut. These frames are unique and should be playtested. People either love them or are indifferent to them. It took me a few sessions just to get comfortable with the 001, and I was immediately comfortable with the 002 tour. I like 12+oz frames, but the 002 tour plays lighter than it's posted weight. You need to try both if you can and decide for yourself.

 

[Vitaly Evchenkov]

i agree w/ Basil... The 002 Tour is solid.
Maybe it doesn't give loopy topspin that a lighter Babolat might have, but it can spin the ball and when you do, it is a driving spin.
I can't really arm the ball like I used to with lighter racquets, which while might not produce the fancy winners, has reduced my bad errors too.

To me, it feels like a "pro's racquet", that needs no alteration to play at top levels. You get all you have into a serve with it, and it will take flesh off your opponent!

I was using all poly on the 002Tour and did notice a lack of feel on droppers, but that was just the string. I've switched to a hybrid, and now it is just about perfect.
As long as I can heave a 12.3oz racquet, I think it will be the 002Tour.
I used to switch racquets all the time, but I have "connected" with this one and feel no need to change.... ever.

 

[TennezSport]

Me too...........

I have to agree also with the RDS002T. I have always liked heavy racquets for their ability to drive through the ball; I can supply all the spin I need and the RDS002T works in all areas for me. We are always testing string here and I like this racquet with NG the best, but it also works well with full poly and hybrids as long as you get the tension right.

Overall the best Yonex since the RD7 in my book.

TennezSport

 

[MCN]

rds 002 Tour feels much more solid to me than 001, and like others have said, really does create that 'heavy' ball. The string tension makes a big difference - 60lbs was a bit too stiff and board-like for my style of play. A good multifilament at 55lbs will generate good topspin with that heavy shot we're talking about here, but you do have to swing smoothly and have good timing and let the racquet do the work. Since I switched to the 002 Tour, some of my regular opponents have commented on the extra penetration I've been getting into the corners without needing big cuts at the ball. Perhaps lighter racquets do give a bit more topspin, but the 002 Tour has that good blend of spin and heavy shot.