Can you help me search for an open pattern racquet?

[Pitti]

Hi. From now on, and probably until Christmas, I'm in the search of an open pattern racquet. I've always used closed 18x20 pattern racquets (currently an Ultra Tour), but I've found that I must be very precise in my timing and in my footwork to make them work, and also I must swing with all of my energy to get some power out of them. When I have an 'off' day in which my timing is worse, my energy levels are low and my footwork worsens considerably (at least 50% of my matches due to migraines), the closed pattern ends up making things even harder, and my shots are not deep, nor spinny, nor heavy. On such days, I think I would benefit from using a livelier racquet.

So I want to find an open pattern racquet that can provide me a little bit more of pop, power and spin. I'd like it to have a 95-97/98 in. head, a beam leaning to the thinner side, not a very high stiffness but enough stability to return heavy flat serves without it shaking in my hand.

I don't know which pattern would be best. 16x19 seems to be the most usual. 16x20 is more closed, right? And I've also seen some 16x18 racquets out there. I only know I want to stay away from the so-called spin patterns.

I have a preference for Wilson racquets, since I'm used to them and like their paintjobs. But I don't mind looking at other brands. Regarding Wilson I don't know what difference there is between a Blade, a Prostaff or a Clash in a 16x19. Regarding Babolat, I think the Pure Strike could be an option. I'm quite lost. An advantage of choosing a 18x20 racquet is that there are fewer options, so one ends up deciding quite fast!

What could you recommend me?

Thank you!

 

[esm]

Th Pure Strike 16x19 has 8 mains at the throat, so it wouldn't be as open as other 16x19 with 6 mains at the throat.
my recent experience with a rather open 16x19 is the Angell TC95 16x19 (6 mains at the throat) - the 63 RA version provides a nice level of comfort too.

 

[Lozannois]

Hi,

Angell K7 red 16x19
Angell ASL 2 16x19
Wilson Blade 16x19
Clash 98 16x19
Wilson Ultra Pro 16x19 (currently not available in Europe and only available on wilson.com)

Cheers

 

[Return_Ace]

I can't comment on how they play for your reference (very little/minimal Wilson experience), but I also echo the above posters that the Angell 16x19 pattern is super open with only 6 mains in the throat.

 

[landcookie]

Are you using the v2 Ultra Tour? It's a great racquet that one.

Any Yonex is a good bet if you're coming from that. The Prostaff 97 will feel stiffer and won't give you much of a bump in power, even though it is 16x19. Not sure what the Blades are like these days. Clash is easy power.

The Angell TC 95/100 63 RA also has a similar feel to the UT, but demo-ing isn't possible.

 

[blablavla]

I only know I want to stay away from the so-called spin patterns.

that is the entire point of the open patterns: to generate a tad more spin and pace.

open pattern: more pace and spin but less directional control
closed pattern: more directional control but less pace and spin

high stiffness: more pace and spin but less directional control
low stiffness: more directional control but less pace and spin

thick beam: more pace and spin but less directional control
thin beam: more pace and spin but less directional control

 

[Christoforos Giatzakis]

Diadem elevate. 16x20 open pattern, very very comfy, stable, wonderful spin with enough control. Sweet frame with low weight so you can customize to your taste.
The pattern is more open than blade, pro staff pure strike etc.

 

[Gee]

Since last year I have been playing with the UT as well. Great frame that you need to customize to your specs. However last few times I played with TC95 16x19 as I sometimes felt I want a little more forgiveness.

And boy,... the TC95 did deliver it! Much easier serves with more power and spin and the control is still great as long as you execute your strokes properly of course. I mean I can still hit my serves perfectly into the desired corners like with my UT. I can even serve easier with the TC95 close to the service line.
My groundstrokes are also more agressive because of the extra power. Besides it also helps with my defending game. For instance my lobs are easier to execute at the right dimension while these strokes with the UT were often just a little too short and a present for the opponent.

And,... indeed the TC95 and UT have a similar feel like @landcookie wrote. No wonder as they are both fully foam filled with a 63RA stiffness and an uniform flex.

 

[Pitti]

Thank you everyone. From the current Wilson offerings in Europe... would the blade be like an Ultra Tour in an open pattern (with more spin and power)? And what's the difference between the current version and the prior one, besides the paintjob?

I love my Ultra Tour, but it's a difficult racquet sometimes and puts me on the defensive side more often than I'd like...

Custom angels also seem quite interesting!

 

[slal1984]

wilson v7 16x19

 

[blablavla]

Thank you everyone. From the current Wilson offerings in Europe... would the blade be like an Ultra Tour in an open pattern (with more spin and power)? And what's the difference between the current version and the prior one, besides the paintjob?

I love my Ultra Tour, but it's a difficult racquet sometimes and puts me on the defensive side more often than I'd like...

Custom angels also seem quite interesting!

no.
Blade is a thin beam, control oriented frame, in the direction of Head Radical and Pure Strike.
Ultra is a thick beam, very stiff, open pattern. So more like Babolat Pure Aero / Pure Drive, Head Extreme, Instinct.

probably the Blade S, 18x16 would be close to your Ultra.

take a look at Head Extreme. The new extreme got very positive feedback.

 

[McLovin]

Have you taken a look at TW's Racquet Finder?

http://www.racquetfinder.com/​

You can enter in your desired pattern & headsize. That should narrow things down a bit for you.

 

[Lorenn]

When I have an 'off' day in which my timing is worse, my energy levels are low and my footwork worsens considerably (at least 50% of my matches due to migraines), the closed pattern ends up making things even harder, and my shots are not deep, nor spinny, nor heavy. On such days, I think I would benefit from using a livelier racquet.

I don't know which pattern would be best. 16x19 seems to be the most usual. 16x20 is more closed, right? And I've also seen some 16x18 racquets out there. I only know I want to stay away from the so-called spin patterns.

I have a preference for Wilson racquets, since I'm used to them and like their paintjobs. But I don't mind looking at other brands. Regarding Wilson I don't know what difference there is between a Blade, a Prostaff or a Clash in a 16x19. Regarding Babolat, I think the Pure Strike could be an option. I'm quite lost. An advantage of choosing a 18x20 racquet is that there are fewer options, so one ends up deciding quite fast!

Thank you!

Trying to figure out what you are really looking for...On days you are at about 50%? You would like a racquet which generates more power and is a bit forgiving. (basically you want a racquet which allows less motion to have the same effect as your current racquets when you feel well) The issues I am having is most 16x19 racquets are actually more demanding(timing wise) then 18x20. I would also suggest allowing up to 100 inches . Larger sweet spot will help with most issues you are mentioning. A slightly muted racquet with more plow would work well. The option is when your power is down to play a more finesse oriented game. Just worried with a migraine that is not the time you are in the mood to think more. Really depends on how they effect you.

1) Changing the string on one of your existing racquets to allow more power. Maybe one with extra weight to increase plow. Basically if you slow down your swing extra mass helps.
2) Getting a slightly more forgiving/powerful/modern 18x20
3) Getting a control oriented 16x19 racquet(more strings in the hit area)

Racquets I would start with...Head Gravity Pro, Babalot Pure Strike Gen 3. Head Radicial 360+ when it comes out. Mentioned Yonex and Angell racquets will work really well. Head Pro Tour 2.0 has a little weight and plow that might help. Prince has a few racquets which will work well. Normally I prefer the non ported, but for a migraine racquet the ported will muted the feel a little which imho would help. Basically I find with Migraines you really want a muted feel so you don't over think shots.

 

[esgee48]

A,so look at the Pro Kennex 5G or 7G variants. They are 16x20 100 in² and provide plenty of spin and power.

 

[Pitti]

Thank you everyone!

@Lorenn On those silly days, I am not in the best condition to try and play an intelligent game. I even have thought on getting a completely different racquet, in the style of the 16x18 blade 99 (former steam as I read). The extra power and spin would probably help there... but I am not really sure.

 

[Lorenn]

Thank you everyone!

Lets us know what you get and if it helps. I admire your bravery for playing regularly under such conditions. I can only relate to personal experiences which may be different. For me I would either get a powerful tweener stick. Shorten my swing and let the racquet do more work. The other option is to get a more forgiving stick, maybe the Gravity Pro and to try and relax and let the stick do more work as well, but still swing fully. Will be interesting to see if you come up with a superior option.

 

[n8dawg6]

for the migraines, i would suggest drinking more IPAs during your matches to dull the pain. but im no doctor

second, for a true open pattern racquet, think about Speed MP, Extreme MP, Pure Aero, and Textreme Warrior. i would throw in Blade 98S if they still distributed em in the US.

 

[Return_Ace]

no.
Blade is a thin beam, control oriented frame, in the direction of Head Radical and Pure Strike.
Ultra is a thick beam, very stiff, open pattern. So more like Babolat Pure Aero / Pure Drive, Head Extreme, Instinct.

probably the Blade S, 18x16 would be close to your Ultra.

take a look at Head Extreme. The new extreme got very positive feedback.

Isn't the Ultra Tour the outlier in the Ultra line up?

Don't get too much thinner/flexier than 21mm / 63RA in today's modern rackets.

 

[esm]

Thank you everyone!

@Lorenn On those silly days, I am not in the best condition to try and play an intelligent game. I even have thought on getting a completely different racquet, in the style of the 16x18 blade 99 (former steam as I read). The extra power and spin would probably help there... but I am not really sure.

Good point on those “off” days. I can relate.
if you go down the TC95 16x19 63RA route, then a good companion for those “off” days could be a TC100 16x19 63RA. That extra 5 sq inches does wonders.
just a suggestion.

 

[socallefty]

I think every player has an optimal range of SW, stiffness and beam width to play their best tennis, but I don’t think string pattern is that important as it is easy to adjust within 2-3 weeks. If you are not getting enough power in long matches, is it because your racket head speed (RHS) is getting slower? If so, you might want to look at racquets with slightly lower SW, or slightly higher stiffness. My recommendation would be to try higher stiffness first - maybe mid-sixties RA.

If you are really set on a more open pattern, demo the latest Blade and Pure Strike Tour.

 

[pyrokid]

Isn't the Ultra Tour the outlier in the Ultra line up?

Don't get too much thinner/flexier than 21mm / 63RA in today's modern rackets.

Yeah, @Power Player probably has better insight into blade vs UT than me, but I was under the impression the UT was in the same ballpark as the blade.

 

[Power Player]

I think he was confused. The regular ultra is a wide beam more open frame. The op has the ultra tour which definitely is not.

Personally, it looks like im going from the UT to the pure strike 16x19 or pure drive 2021.

 

[ichaseballs]

Hi. From now on, and probably until Christmas, I'm in the search of an open pattern racquet. I've always used closed 18x20 pattern racquets (currently an Ultra Tour), but I've found that I must be very precise in my timing and in my footwork to make them work, and also I must swing with all of my energy to get some power out of them. When I have an 'off' day in which my timing is worse, my energy levels are low and my footwork worsens considerably (at least 50% of my matches due to migraines), the closed pattern ends up making things even harder, and my shots are not deep, nor spinny, nor heavy. On such days, I think I would benefit from using a livelier racquet.

So I want to find an open pattern racquet that can provide me a little bit more of pop, power and spin. I'd like it to have a 95-97/98 in. head, a beam leaning to the thinner side, not a very high stiffness but enough stability to return heavy flat serves without it shaking in my hand.

I don't know which pattern would be best. 16x19 seems to be the most usual. 16x20 is more closed, right? And I've also seen some 16x18 racquets out there. I only know I want to stay away from the so-called spin patterns.

I have a preference for Wilson racquets, since I'm used to them and like their paintjobs. But I don't mind looking at other brands. Regarding Wilson I don't know what difference there is between a Blade, a Prostaff or a Clash in a 16x19. Regarding Babolat, I think the Pure Strike could be an option. I'm quite lost. An advantage of choosing a 18x20 racquet is that there are fewer options, so one ends up deciding quite fast!

What could you recommend me?

Thank you!

Demo the Blade, Clash, Pure Strike, Ezone.
4 different feeling racquets that are all excellent at 16x19

 

[burzum]

Hi,
what about Pure Drive VS ? I am looking for a slightly lighter replacement for my Organix 10 325g, that I am playing for several years.
Do You think 18/20 is generally more demanding than open string ? I was playing Volkl Power Bridge right before Organix and it was perfect - that's why I was thinking of rather Aero VS. Now I think that I may be wrong.

best regards,

Piotr

 

[Miki 1234]

Hi. From now on, and probably until Christmas, I'm in the search of an open pattern racquet. I've always used closed 18x20 pattern racquets (currently an Ultra Tour), but I've found that I must be very precise in my timing and in my footwork to make them work, and also I must swing with all of my energy to get some power out of them. When I have an 'off' day in which my timing is worse, my energy levels are low and my footwork worsens considerably (at least 50% of my matches due to migraines), the closed pattern ends up making things even harder, and my shots are not deep, nor spinny, nor heavy. On such days, I think I would benefit from using a livelier racquet.

So I want to find an open pattern racquet that can provide me a little bit more of pop, power and spin. I'd like it to have a 95-97/98 in. head, a beam leaning to the thinner side, not a very high stiffness but enough stability to return heavy flat serves without it shaking in my hand.

I don't know which pattern would be best. 16x19 seems to be the most usual. 16x20 is more closed, right? And I've also seen some 16x18 racquets out there. I only know I want to stay away from the so-called spin patterns.

I have a preference for Wilson racquets, since I'm used to them and like their paintjobs. But I don't mind looking at other brands. Regarding Wilson I don't know what difference there is between a Blade, a Prostaff or a Clash in a 16x19. Regarding Babolat, I think the Pure Strike could be an option. I'm quite lost. An advantage of choosing a 18x20 racquet is that there are fewer options, so one ends up deciding quite fast!

What could you recommend me?

Thank you!

Tecnifibre 300 rs has the best control out of any frame in 16x19 range.
Good power , comfort as well.
Beats pure strike and any wilson with ease.
You need to demo it for sure.
Or ezone 98 tour if you need something heavier.
Still control goes to rs300 with ease.

 

[PURETENNISsense]

Hi. From now on, and probably until Christmas, I'm in the search of an open pattern racquet. I've always used closed 18x20 pattern racquets (currently an Ultra Tour), but I've found that I must be very precise in my timing and in my footwork to make them work, and also I must swing with all of my energy to get some power out of them. When I have an 'off' day in which my timing is worse, my energy levels are low and my footwork worsens considerably (at least 50% of my matches due to migraines), the closed pattern ends up making things even harder, and my shots are not deep, nor spinny, nor heavy. On such days, I think I would benefit from using a livelier racquet.

So I want to find an open pattern racquet that can provide me a little bit more of pop, power and spin. I'd like it to have a 95-97/98 in. head, a beam leaning to the thinner side, not a very high stiffness but enough stability to return heavy flat serves without it shaking in my hand.

I don't know which pattern would be best. 16x19 seems to be the most usual. 16x20 is more closed, right? And I've also seen some 16x18 racquets out there. I only know I want to stay away from the so-called spin patterns.

I have a preference for Wilson racquets, since I'm used to them and like their paintjobs. But I don't mind looking at other brands. Regarding Wilson I don't know what difference there is between a Blade, a Prostaff or a Clash in a 16x19. Regarding Babolat, I think the Pure Strike could be an option. I'm quite lost. An advantage of choosing a 18x20 racquet is that there are fewer options, so one ends up deciding quite fast!

What could you recommend me?

Thank you!

I'm a 5.0+ player, played college tennis and Mens National opens/Futures qualies just a few years ago. Currently still competing with local tennis friends at a high level training for tennis.


I currently use the PS97 CV and really like the racket. It has awesome feel and with the right strings/tension makes every stroke feel effortless with a loose swing path.

You listed the blade and strike. Those will feel different than the PS for sure and will ultimately depend on your preference with balance/weight. The PS is super Headlight and will give you a ton of whip on the ball. Great for players with swings preferable for that. Not all swings are meant for a 10pt HL racket though. So if you swing more through the court and a bit flatter, the Blade would be a better choice.

In terms of string pattern they offer similar specs. Anything 16x19 now days will feel pretty solid for spin and speed as long as its not strung too tight on the 97/98 size rackets.