Demo Recommendations please

[Vendetta]

Need some demo recommendations - trying to keep it to Head, Prince, Wilson as I've got a contact that can get me a really good price with these companies.

I'm a 3.0/3.5 player. Started off playing with the Prince Graphite OS but developed tennis elbow so moved to the Vendetta mid. Love it from the baseline, but struggle a bit with it at the net so looking for something a tad more headlight in balance (Vendetta is 2 pts headlight).

So far I've tried:

Wilson n6.1 (16x18) - hit with this two times. First time loved it - second time couldn't keep in the court from the baseline. Racquets felt pretty different so may be running into some quality control issues there as some other have.

Head FXP Prestige MP XL - loved it for serves and baseline rallies. Struggled with the extra lenght at the net

Head FXP Prestige MP- loved it at the net, but couldn't find the groove serving and baselines shots didn't have the same umph to them

Prince O3 White, Hornet Hybrid, Shark Hybrid- all just way too muted and didn't care for any of them overall.

THinking about trying the following - any more suggestions:

Wilson n6.1 (18x20)
Wilson nPro Open
Head Radical MP Tour
Prince Diablo mid
Prince Diablo MP

On the Diablos, seems most people really prefer the mid but at my skill level am I going to be able to use a 93 square inch racquet? Right now I use a 98.

Thanks.

 

[eahls]

If you didnt have enough pop with the standard legnth prestige definetly try the radical. I would also recommend the npro and nblade as demos as well as the Dunlop 200g and 300g. The dunlops are good racquets and although you don't have a contact with them they will probably still be cheaper because they are under $100

 

[texcoug]

It is going to depend:

1. Do you hit a flat ball? If so, go for the Pro Staffs, n6-one, Babolat PCZ 360 Z (you can get these cheap), Pure Storm, or Yonex RDS 003.

2. If you like spin, consider the Cat 8 VE (my preference), FXP Radical Team (spin machine), FXP Radical, 03 Red, Wilson nCode nPro Open, FXP 4, DNX 8.

3. If you play mostly doubles, keep into consideration how much time you spend at the net. A lighter, bigger frame is helpful in rapid exchanges or for poaching.

4. If you have a 2hbh, consider an extended length (like 27.25).

 

[Vendetta]

I play about 50/50 singles vs. doubles. The Vendetta list on the TW site as 10.9 ounces I think - don't want to go lighter than that. My only concern with the Radical Tour is the flex at 58 vs. my current 71 and how I'll like that.

Semi-Western forehand with moderate spin. Two-handed backhand.

 

[Vendetta]

anyone else?

Anyone else have suggestions?

 

[pham4313]

how about: babolat pure control std, LM instinct tour XL, babolat aeropro drive and wilson 6.0 95
those are monster beast rackets with controlled power...you ll like them

 

[ravemaster806]

u should try the yonex rdx 500 mid, good for 2hbh and great control racquet, i prefer the mid size over mp, give it a try

 

[texcoug]

The problem with the Diablo is its weight can slow it down at the net in doubles. It is a great stick otherwise. Of those you mention, take the nPro Open out on a test drive. This is an update over the nSurge. Check out Netman's review. People are raving about this frame. I recently demod it -- loved it, but prefer more flex so went with the Cat 8. My partner, however, loved it so much he bought one. It defines "crisp."

Also, check out the 03 Red. It has some extended length (.25) for your 2hbh and is a solid all around frame. You can lead it up above your specs.

 

[jturpin4]

I am right around your NTRP level and I am currently demoing the Head Liquidmetal 4, Wilson N4 Force and Prince Shark DB OS. You seriously need to try out the Prince Shark DB. It has my my game go up to another level.

 

[Rasta]

Prince Graphite OS I wouldn't think would be the cause of tennis elbow.

Try the Wilson nSix-One 95 18x20 string pattern. Should give a nice even response from the string bed and shouldn't be too harsh on your arm.

 

[Vendetta]

nPro Open

Hit a little with this stick yesterday and it's a spin machine...a little lighter than what I was going for but impressed so far with it - might could lead it up a little to add a little more punch.

Rasta - thing with the POG is that if you miss the sweet spot enough like I do, it can be harsh.

Tex - tried to O3 read and couldn't keep it in the court.

Thanks for all recommedations everyone. Going to try a few more sticks but going to be hard to beat the nPro Open right now.

 

[texcoug]

My doubles partner just switched to the nPro Open and I am glad -- because he plays a notch better than with his 03 White. My only concern would be with arm problems -- weight of racquet vs. its stiffness.

 

[big_banger]

head liquidmetal is the best in the whole wide world!

 

[sebastiange]

Considered Fischer M Speed Pro Nº1 98?

Very spin friendly, absolute control (won´t get long shots as with the ncode 95 which made it hard for me to keep the ball in court) just like the Diablo (the classic Diablo, not the XP), 340 gr. strung, and veeeery flex.

But of course, u have to try it and see for yourself.

Good Luck and tell us which was your final choice.

 

[jackofromalsager]

demo the wilson tour 90 its a right beast but has no power

 

[marcus_alsager]

if you want power i would go for a wilson n3/n1 or a bit of control get a wilson n5/n6. personally i hate wilson, i use babolat and the pure drive is amazin

 

[brucie]

demo the wilson tour 90 its a right beast but has no power

Bit of an oxymoron Jacko!

anyhow hes 3.0 not 7.0 try looking at "tweener" rackets on tw

 

[marcus_alsager]

bruce dat aint lta rating u no! it is ntrp or summit the amerian version

 

[jackofromalsager]

wat u on about bruce wats a oxymoron ?

 

[brucie]

wat u on about bruce wats a oxymoron ?

saying its good but crap! Or in your case its a beast (has power) but has no power

Also I no the nrpt ratings id be around 4.5 maybe 5.0, 3.0 like little tom!