College 2024 Racket Search

[mcnjr]

For the past four years I have used the Wilson Blade 98 v7, 18x20 with tour bite @53 and overall loved it and still love how it feels. However, as a now sophomore in college and a club tennis player (at a nationals qualifier I might add), I do not play as often as I was and am looking for a racket that offers a little bit more forgiveness without sacrificing too much control and feel. Long story short, I am going down the tennis racket search rabbit hole and the "Rackets I Want to Demo" list keeps on growing. I'm looking for some feedback on what people have thought of some rackets and if they are worth demoing. I thought I would keep track of my progress here at the same time.

A little background on me and my play style:

I am a high 4.0-mid 4.5 depending on how much I am playing during that time and primarily a doubles player. I'm not too tall so I don't have a big serve or groundstrokes but really good hands and feel around the court. From the baseline in singles, I usually am pretty aggressive and look to keep the points short (this in my opinion is partially a result of my racket and I would like to see change with a different racket and look to stay in points longer with a different ball flight). In doubles I serve and volley 95% of first and second serves and return and volley on a high percentage of points as well or look to come in.

My racket search started with three suggestions from one of my coaches who has more tennis rackets than is certainly healthy (200+): the Yonex VCORE 98, Yonex Percept 100D, and Tecnifibre ISO 305.

Now obviously the current blade that I play with is quite head heavy and with a dense string pattern. Again, I like several things with my blade, the stability and control primarily. My initial thoughts were something a little lighter (that I could add weight to if needed) and looking at some 100 sq. in. frames. Additionally, I think a big thing I want to consider is a racket that is less head heavy than the blade. Below are the rackets I would like to demo, with names in bold ones that I have already tried. I am really looking to eliminate some rackets from this list based on what people have thought playing with them.

DEMO LIST:

Yonex VCORE 100 - Not the model of the VCORE that I was looking to originally try (98), but I didn't mind how it felt. Groundstrokes felt very good and the ball flight was considerably higher off this racket. Only hit with it for probably 15 minutes and it did seem much lighter than the blade, possibly sacrificing some of the stability. I think this would be a racket to consider trying with a little weight or just more time using it.

Yonex VCORE 98 - A potential frontrunner based on playing with the VCORE 100, looking forward to trying this.

Yonex Percept - While 100D is the one that I was looking to demo first. I was wondering if I should try one of the 97 sq. in. models, or if this will end up feeling just like my blade and not really changing much. On the other hand, should I try the 100 and a little different string pattern. I think the 100D is probably an early front runner based on the specs and reviews that I have seen.

Head Speed 2024 - A racket I have played around with in the past with the previous model while coaching, I always thought the groundstrokes felt good and had decent stability but never tried in a very serious environment. This is one of the rackets I wonder if I should consider trying in either the PRO or MP iteration. Is the PRO going to have the same feel with its weight and string pattern as my blade.

Babolat Pure Aero 2023 - i got to hit with a pure aero 2023 demo months ago but only the 100L version. I was shocked with how it felt and so I would be interested in trying it more. Again, this comes down to a 98 vs 100 sq. in. decision in terms of which I demo.

While this may not seem like a ton of rackets, I need to order all demos online because I am at college and so trying 2-3 different types of each racket gets complicated. I will update this as I try more rackets with more detailed reviews and thoughts but would love some feedback on these rackets and what makes sense to try.

*I didn't include the blade v8 or v9 because I didn't like how the v8 felt but if this is something you think is worth trying, please let me know.

 

[Robbie2005]

For the past four years I have used the Wilson Blade 98 v7, 18x20 with tour bite @53 and overall loved it and still love how it feels. However, as a now sophomore in college and a club tennis player (at a nationals qualifier I might add), I do not play as often as I was and am looking for a racket that offers a little bit more forgiveness without sacrificing too much control and feel. Long story short, I am going down the tennis racket search rabbit hole and the "Rackets I Want to Demo" list keeps on growing. I'm looking for some feedback on what people have thought of some rackets and if they are worth demoing. I thought I would keep track of my progress here at the same time.

A little background on me and my play style:

I am a high 4.0-mid 4.5 depending on how much I am playing during that time and primarily a doubles player. I'm not too tall so I don't have a big serve or groundstrokes but really good hands and feel around the court. From the baseline in singles, I usually am pretty aggressive and look to keep the points short (this in my opinion is partially a result of my racket and I would like to see change with a different racket and look to stay in points longer with a different ball flight). In doubles I serve and volley 95% of first and second serves and return and volley on a high percentage of points as well or look to come in.

My racket search started with three suggestions from one of my coaches who has more tennis rackets than is certainly healthy (200+): the Yonex VCORE 98, Yonex Percept 100D, and Tecnifibre ISO 305.

Now obviously the current blade that I play with is quite head heavy and with a dense string pattern. Again, I like several things with my blade, the stability and control primarily. My initial thoughts were something a little lighter (that I could add weight to if needed) and looking at some 100 sq. in. frames. Additionally, I think a big thing I want to consider is a racket that is less head heavy than the blade. Below are the rackets I would like to demo, with names in bold ones that I have already tried. I am really looking to eliminate some rackets from this list based on what people have thought playing with them.

DEMO LIST:

Yonex VCORE 100 - Not the model of the VCORE that I was looking to originally try (98), but I didn't mind how it felt. Groundstrokes felt very good and the ball flight was considerably higher off this racket. Only hit with it for probably 15 minutes and it did seem much lighter than the blade, possibly sacrificing some of the stability. I think this would be a racket to consider trying with a little weight or just more time using it.

Yonex VCORE 98 - A potential frontrunner based on playing with the VCORE 100, looking forward to trying this.

Yonex Percept - While 100D is the one that I was looking to demo first. I was wondering if I should try one of the 97 sq. in. models, or if this will end up feeling just like my blade and not really changing much. On the other hand, should I try the 100 and a little different string pattern. I think the 100D is probably an early front runner based on the specs and reviews that I have seen.

Head Speed 2024 - A racket I have played around with in the past with the previous model while coaching, I always thought the groundstrokes felt good and had decent stability but never tried in a very serious environment. This is one of the rackets I wonder if I should consider trying in either the PRO or MP iteration. Is the PRO going to have the same feel with its weight and string pattern as my blade.

Babolat Pure Aero 2023 - i got to hit with a pure aero 2023 demo months ago but only the 100L version. I was shocked with how it felt and so I would be interested in trying it more. Again, this comes down to a 98 vs 100 sq. in. decision in terms of which I demo.

While this may not seem like a ton of rackets, I need to order all demos online because I am at college and so trying 2-3 different types of each racket gets complicated. I will update this as I try more rackets with more detailed reviews and thoughts but would love some feedback on these rackets and what makes sense to try.

*I didn't include the blade v8 or v9 because I didn't like how the v8 felt but if this is something you think is worth trying, please let me know.

Any of new dunlop cx200 out this month. Probably cx200 tour 16x19.
Angell tc95. Is foam filled. Comfortable racket.In angell rackets .Get highest weight u feel comfortable swinging at 10 points headlight. So ir's whippy.A 315g headlight racket is easier than blade to swing .
Angell react pro 96 18 x 20 or pro 99 18x19.
They are good rackets with excellent control and feel.
Pure aero 98 i feel would b better than 100 . I have 98 and i sold my 100+ . 98 as alot better control.
I Preferred radical mp to speed mp. I'd try speed pro over mp. Mp's swing path is weird. It seems to rise high then fall at end of path. Pro will b much more predictable.

 

[tomkowy]

I’ve played with Blade 98 18x20 v8 and I’d try Head Radical MP and Yonex Ezone 98. Both will be easier to play than the Blade without sacrificing too much control.

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

I'd probably eliminate the Percept, if you already like the Vcores , and you are fairly young and can tame and use that power on the Vcores, plus they will give you that easier playing experience you mentioned when not playing as much as you would like.

 

[Yamin]

Good luck. That racket is the GOAT. I also disliked the v8, am still on the v7. Have heard good things about the v9... might be worth waiting the extra week to demo.

Pro Staff v14 or Clash 98 v2 might work but balance is quite different... you can jump between Blade, Clash, and Pro Staff without much change to your game.

ISO 305 is a very good racket in your list, but was a lot harder to finish points from mid court than the blade. Also didn't respond well to a fast arm without long strokes.

 

[Trip]

@mcnjr - Welcome to Talk Tennis.

Before looking at new frames, have you tried optimizing your Blades for doubles/S&V, ie. making them more head-light by adding handle weight, and/or tweaking strings, via thinner and/or more shaped polys, perhaps with a higher-powered hybrid cross or main, for a lighter-weight string bed and more explosiveness? If not, perhaps all of the above together could keep your Blades playable enough. If not, then maybe it's best to move on.

For a new frame, you could opt for another 97-98 player/pleener, just more head-light and open-patterned, or if you really would welcome the forgiveness, a more controlled, head-light 99-100+.

Easier-playing 97-98's:
- Head Radical MP (w/ handle weight) or Pro (could be playable in stock form)
- Yonex EZone 98 (w/ minimal added weight)
- Yonex Percept 97 (w/ handle weight + little weight at 10 & 2 or 12)

Quicker-handling 99-100+'s:
- Babolat 2024 Pure Strike 100 16x20 (only via matching service; too many are over-spec)
- Prince ATS Tour 100P
- Yonex Percept 100/100D
- Wilson Blade 100 v8/v9 (w/ handle weight + a little weight at 9 & 3)

All of the above will offer varying degrees more forgiveness, free power and spin/grip/launch-angle, while retaining at least a decent amount of touch, feel and control. And all are pretty stable in stock form, requiring minimal, if any customization.

Hope that helps. Any questions, feel free.

 

[jguttentag]

I have tried the blade and currently playing with the Percept 97D and the blade feels like a wet noodle in comparison, so I would definitely try the 97D if your are looking to maintain the control and want some more plow through and stability on defense.

 

[ey039524]

I would suggest that you look into a more head light frame, which allows you to still use a heavy frame for stability, but feels light and quick at the net for volleys (since you're a doubles player). My teenage son (dubs player) uses the VCP 97 w/ leather grips and putty in the handle, weighted to 350 g.

 

[Circa 1762]

Another vote for you to try the current Radical MP. Tight 16x19 pattern, so it won’t be too much of an adjustment from your current 18x20. You may find the feel to be pretty different - more direct, less muted like a Blade - but it’s worth a demo. It would be a less-drastic switch for you than the Speed MP, which has a more open pattern, higher launch angle, a lot more power, etc.

 

[mcnjr]

Lots of interesting responses so far and thank you everyone for the feedback. Just a few responses for now:

Pure aero 98 i feel would b better than 100

Curious if others had this same opinion - I think the pure aero is the least likely of rackets I will end up with but you never know.

Head Radical MP and Yonex Ezone 98

I've tried these in the past and while I thought they were decent I don't think they'll get another round of demos. While writing this another review an endorsement for the Radical MP so maybe I'll have to give that a shot. Further down the rabbit hole we go...

I'd probably eliminate the Percept,

This was an interesting response and perspective - I'll still be trying the percept 100 and 100D (demos are on the way already), but I think this is worth keeping in mind.

Good luck. That racket is the GOAT. I also disliked the v8, am still on the v7. Have heard good things about the v9

I go back and forth between just buying new v7s to have for years to come and then trying new rackets. I did just watch some reviews for the new blades and while they do sound interesting, I worry they are a little too similar to mine in the fact that they require an aggressive playstyle more. I think it's likely that I will wait for them to come out and try them as well though.

Pro Staff v14 or Clash 98 v2

I haven't loved the clash in the past but the pro staff was one that i was looking at as well. I was trying to decide between that or a pure aero for a 3rd demo spot in a future batch of three so something I need to think about for sure.

Before looking at new frames, have you tried customizing the frame and/or tweaking string setup, to optimize for double/S&V, ie. adding handle weight for more head-lightness and a bit more "see-saw"/polarized swing physics, to help add round out your swing motion and add more arc to your ball flight, and/or on the strings, try thinner and/or more shaped strings, perhaps with a higher-powered hybrid cross or main, for a lighter-weight string bed, and more grip, lift, spin and power? If not, perhaps all of the above together could keep your Blades playable enough. If not, then on we go.

I have done some customizing before, mainly at 3 and 9 for even more stability when playing in high school and then in the through briefly. In the end I prefer having no tape as I think the racket was heavy enough as it is and adding tape while it can affect the play just took to much away in terms of maneuverability unfortunately. I do string rackets as a business as well so I've gone too far down that hole as well and tried just about every combination string and kept coming back to tour bite. I think that maybe an open pattern blade could be something interesting but I will probably end up trying both the blade v9s if possible to figure out that problem after the responses so far.
Of the frames you mentioned, I have tried and not liked the pure strike in the past, but the gravity is an interesting one that I think could merit some more thought at the very least. As well as the CX200 which has been mentioned a couple of times here as well.

I would suggest that you look into a more head light frame, which allows you to still use a heavy frame for stability, but feels light and quick at the net for volleys (since you're a doubles player).

This is definitely what I'm looking for. That being said I tried a friends VCORE Pro 97 and didn't like it much at all. I think a percept at this point which is the new vcore pro line is potentially a better option but not sure if I would go to 97 in.

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

Another vote for you to try the current Radical MP. Tight 16x19 pattern, so it won’t be too much of an adjustment from your current 18x20. You may find the feel to be pretty different - more direct, less muted like a Blade - but it’s worth a demo. It would be a less-drastic switch for you than the Speed MP, which has a more open pattern, higher launch angle, a lot more power, etc.

Your teenage son is a unicorn, is he huge or just likes super heavy sticks? If you paid me $1,000 to find a teenager using a 350g I couldn't find you one, well that, and people might think I was strange asking a bunch of tennis teens what weight their racket was, they might not even know.

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

@mcnjr with the percepts, always best to try yourself before believing online responses from others, so good strategy, they just don't give much extra to players and are super controlled, a huge generalization but tweeners are probably something you could gel with easier and give your game more power without taking away too much control.

 

[grungebob]

i know this is a bit of a "cop out" reply but sharing:
i came across this thread randomly in the bottom suggestions, but at the level you're at, you're good enough to know your game better than any strangers on the internet, so i'd just be patient with getting demos (i know what it's like, i had to be super price adverse in college and ended up getting prince graphites cause i knew they'd be affordable) and take your time with it

 

[Rosstour]

Good luck. That racket is the GOAT. I also disliked the v8, am still on the v7. Have heard good things about the v9... might be worth waiting the extra week to demo.

Pro Staff v14 or Clash 98 v2 might work but balance is quite different... you can jump between Blade, Clash, and Pro Staff without much change to your game.

ISO 305 is a very good racket in your list, but was a lot harder to finish points from mid court than the blade. Also didn't respond well to a fast arm without long strokes.

I loved the v8 but I hit with a 98 16/19 not an 18/20