Chris, Andy, Michelle something between the PS-97 and the APD?

[pfrischmann]

Hi Guys,
I'm looking for a racquet between the Aero pro drive and the PS-97. I've been using a weighted up APD-GT for a while. It's 11.7 with a SW of 322. The weight is an attempt to get easier depth and increase stability on volleys. Even weighted up, I feel I have to be pretty rigid to keep the APD-gt from fluttering. I play a lot of doubles but still play singles when I can.

I switched to the PS-97 as it is more stable and gives me more feel, especially on volleys but ground strokes are much flatter. I miss that beautiful arc I get on my groundies and dipping the ball.

I'm looking for a few demo suggestions that might:
Give me spin more like my APD (I know i'll likely never find something as spin friendly)
Provide me with the feel of my Ps-97
Provide the stability of my PS-97
Flat serve of My PS-97
Kick serve of my APD
A grip that fits in my hand more like the APD (there's something about the shape when I use my semi-western FH) When I try to do it with the Wilson, it seems like i'm stuck between bevels

I realize this is an impossible list but I figured I'd throw out a "wish list" just the same.

Here's the list I've comprised
Babolat Pure Aero Tour
Yonex DR98
Yonex DR100
Pacific x tour pro-97
Anything else?

Thanks,
Paul

 

[Doc Hollidae]

Sounds like you'd like the Pure Aero Tour.

 

[TW Staff]

Hi Guys,
I'm looking for a racquet between the Aero pro drive and the PS-97. I've been using a weighted up APD-GT for a while. It's 11.7 with a SW of 322. The weight is an attempt to get easier depth and increase stability on volleys. Even weighted up, I feel I have to be pretty rigid to keep the APD-gt from fluttering. I play a lot of doubles but still play singles when I can.

I switched to the PS-97 as it is more stable and gives me more feel, especially on volleys but ground strokes are much flatter. I miss that beautiful arc I get on my groundies and dipping the ball.

I'm looking for a few demo suggestions that might:
Give me spin more like my APD (I know i'll likely never find something as spin friendly)
Provide me with the feel of my Ps-97
Provide the stability of my PS-97
Flat serve of My PS-97
Kick serve of my APD
A grip that fits in my hand more like the APD (there's something about the shape when I use my semi-western FH) When I try to do it with the Wilson, it seems like i'm stuck between bevels

I realize this is an impossible list but I figured I'd throw out a "wish list" just the same.

Here's the list I've comprised
Babolat Pure Aero Tour
Yonex DR98
Yonex DR100
Pacific x tour pro-97
Anything else?

Thanks,
Paul

You've got a good list of demos already! I'd recommend trying the Pure Aero Tour, Yonex EZONE DR 98 and 100, Wilson Steam 99S and Prince Tour 100P.

Andy, TW

 

[TW Staff]

The Prince Classic Response 97 is also worth a hit. Very solid and stable with great access to spin. At only $69 it is a stupidly good deal and a great way to have multiple sticks in your bag for not much $$.

I'd also recommend trying the Pure Drive Tour, Head Graphene XT Extreme Pro and the Radical Pro (launches 10/30 for pre-sale). Just be aware the Head handles are quite a departure from the Babolat shape you like.

Cheers,
Chris, TW

 

[pfrischmann]

Thanks guys. I tried the Response 97. It was the best volleying stick I've ever used (RF-97 a close second) It felt strange on groundies, too dampened almost rubbery. The Steam 99S isn't quite versatile enough for me. I'm not a fan of that open of a pattern. I find with spin sticks, the high launch angle requires me to slice my volleys to keep them from popping up. A good strategy in general but It creates a bad habit of cutting at the volley. It just puts me too much in one camp. the 6.1 95s was much better but 95 is a little under powered for me in general.

I'll give the heads a try. Incidentally, the RF-97 and the Blade 18X20 both sit in my hand when hitting a forehand better than the PS-97. I like the 18X20 but it's a little light and I feel I have to work too hard to get spin and depth. It's a volley machine though!

Thanks again!

 

[TW Staff]

I was going to chime in and say the RF97 But that doesn't really fall into what you were looking for in terms of weight and plow, but I like it. I'll echo Chris and agree the Pure Drive Tour and new Rad Pro are worth a look as well! Check out the Yonex DR 98 too, it feels great from all areas of the court!

Michelle, TW

 

[pfrischmann]

Thanks Michelle,
It's always good to hear from you!
I L-O-V-E the RF-97! I won quite a few matches with one. Ultimately, I don't have the fitness to control it to the degree I'd like though. It's a bit heavy on kick serves, especially once I get past the 90 minute mark in a match and I don't have full control over the racquet tip. That's why I went with the RF-97jr (PS-97) but it's really a very different stick imo..

 

[TW Staff]

Thanks Michelle,
It's always good to hear from you!
I L-O-V-E the RF-97! I won quite a few matches with one. Ultimately, I don't have the fitness to control it to the degree I'd like though. It's a bit heavy on kick serves, especially once I get past the 90 minute mark in a match and I don't have full control over the racquet tip. That's why I went with the RF-97jr (PS-97) but it's really a very different stick imo..

Completely agree!

I've also really been enjoying the PS97S (with weight in the handle)! Maybe it's the gold paint or something, but I like it a lot more than I thought I would!

And I'm going to go back and edit myself, I would choose the Graphene Rad Pro over the one that is coming out -- which makes it easier to demo as well

Have a good weekend!

Michelle

 

[pfrischmann]

Quick question for Andy. Regarding the AI/DR 98. I heard you customize your personal stick a bit. My guess is you add a little weight to get it up closer to 12 ounces, possibly a little more head light.

 

[avocadoz]

Completely agree!

I've also really been enjoying the PS97S (with weight in the handle)! Maybe it's the gold paint or something, but I like it a lot more than I thought I would!

And I'm going to go back and edit myself, I would choose the Graphene Rad Pro over the one that is coming out -- which makes it easier to demo as well

Have a good weekend!

Michelle

Michelle,

Can I ask why you prefer the Graphene Radical Pro to the new GrapheneXT that's coming out? Thanks.

 

[TW Staff]

Michelle,

Can I ask why you prefer the Graphene Radical Pro to the new GrapheneXT that's coming out? Thanks.

avocadoz,

We are filming the review this week and the written review will follow, so I don't want to give too much away. But I prefer the feel and stability of the previous version over the XT. I really loved that racquet when it first came out and with this update, I had a chance to go back and hit that racquet again and I remember why I loved it -- just a great blend of control and power for me. It's stable on returns and when I need to be defensive. The newer one feels a bit unforgiving and I just didn't feel connected to the ball in the way I do with the previous Graphene version. But that's just my personal preference!

Michelle, TW