Demoed 4 Racquets - My Thoughts

[ph0n33z]

Alright,

First, a preface. I am coming off of a seven year illness and so returning to the game I love. Due to health concerns, I am seeking out a very arm-friendly racquet (yes I realize this is difficult to determine due to each player's unique technique and needs). I also wanted something that I could grow into as I get more serious with the game. Basing my decision on recommendations from this forum, I chose the following racquets to demo first:

Head Microgel Mid+
Head Liquidmedal Mid+
Yonex 001
Volkl Dnx 10

Head Microgel Prestige Mid+
I was fairly pleased with this racquet. I liked the way it felt when I swung on groundstrokes. It was light enough to whip around in a tough spot but heavy enough to feel fairly solid. However, when getting into more intense rallies it felt like it was getting pushed around a bit. Like it needed some more weight. I also liked the vibration dampening and feel of the ball coming off of the strings.

Head LiquidMetal Mid+
I didn't like this racquet as demoed. The problem is I don't know if its the racquet or the strings, but it was way too springy for my liking. It made a funny rattling sound and it felt like the stringbed was a trampoline! The weight and feel was ok, but I preferred the microgel overall.

Yonex R001
I hated everything about this racquet lol. I didn't like the feel of the swing, the handle, or the control. It may be because I am not good enough for this small of a head, but I couldn't hit worth beans on this thing. So definitely not in the running.

Volkl DNX 10
After hitting just 2 shots with this racquet, I fell madly in love. I used to play with a Volkl C10 Pro and this brought me back to those days. The other racquets didn't even compare in the area of control, solidity and feel. I honestly felt no vibration or shock when hitting with this racquet. It was phenomenal. I also had exceptional control on my groundstrokes. I loved the swing weight and just about everything else.

So, knowing that I now love the Volkl DNX 10 (and it's TW price of only $110!), which other racquets should I demo?

As a side note, I know the owner of Babalot so I can get any of those racquets for free. Are there any of those that would be similar to the DNX 10 or at least worth demoing?

 

[ph0n33z]

Alright,

First, a preface. I am coming off of a seven year illness and so returning to the game I love. Due to health concerns, I am seeking out a very arm-friendly racquet (yes I realize this is difficult to determine due to each player's unique technique and needs). I also wanted something that I could grow into as I get more serious with the game. Basing my decision on recommendations from this forum, I chose the following racquets to demo first:

Head Microgel Mid+
Head Liquidmedal Mid+
Yonex 001
Volkl Dnx 10

Head Microgel Prestige Mid+
I was fairly pleased with this racquet. I liked the way it felt when I swung on groundstrokes. It was light enough to whip around in a tough spot but heavy enough to feel fairly solid. However, when getting into more intense rallies it felt like it was getting pushed around a bit. Like it needed some more weight. I also liked the vibration dampening and feel of the ball coming off of the strings.

Head LiquidMetal Mid+
I didn't like this racquet as demoed. The problem is I don't know if its the racquet or the strings, but it was way too springy for my liking. It made a funny rattling sound and it felt like the stringbed was a trampoline! The weight and feel was ok, but I preferred the microgel overall.

Yonex R001
I hated everything about this racquet lol. I didn't like the feel of the swing, the handle, or the control. It may be because I am not good enough for this small of a head, but I couldn't hit worth beans on this thing. So definitely not in the running.

Volkl DNX 10
After hitting just 2 shots with this racquet, I fell madly in love. I used to play with a Volkl C10 Pro and this brought me back to those days. The other racquets didn't even compare in the area of control, solidity and feel. I honestly felt no vibration or shock when hitting with this racquet. It was phenomenal. I also had exceptional control on my groundstrokes. I loved the swing weight and just about everything else.

So, knowing that I now love the Volkl DNX 10 (and it's TW price of only $110!), which other racquets should I demo?

As a side note, I know the owner of Babalot so I can get any of those racquets for free. Are there any of those that would be similar to the DNX 10 or at least worth demoing?

Yea, I'm an idiot. Lol. I demoed the Radical, not the Prestige. My bad! Oh, and yea, I know it's Babolat, not Babalot....

 

[roundiesee]

OP-
Just a thought- have you considered trying lesser known brands like the Gamma 340X and the Avery M3 Power? The Dunlop 4D 200 Tour might be worth a demo as well (just seemed you like solid, heavy sticks)

 

[Jinx]

if you like the dnx 10, you should give the pb10 mid a try as well.

 

[zumzool]

If your going for arm friendly racquets, I'm very surprised you demoed the yonex 001. That racquet has a pretty high stiffness.

if you can handle the weight, the Dunlop 4d 200 tour is a very nice racket. I would also recommend the head youtek prestige mid plus. The newer Youtek technology i think helped with the stability.

 

[Dreamcastin]

as far as babolat goes, the pure storm limited is worth you trying.

 

[ph0n33z]

As a side note, I know the owner of Babalot so I can get any of those racquets for free. Are there any of those that would be similar to the DNX 10 or at least worth demoing?
NO..........................LOL

Why do you say that? Lol.

 

[Gee]

Pro Kennex Black Ace 93 & 98

I second that.

Lately I tested my PK Black Ace 98 vs the Volkl PB10 Mid.
In spite of the many raving reviews about the PB10 Mid I must admit I have a lot more directional control and touch/feel with the BA98. I also prefer the soft plush feel of the BA98 above the firmer solid (but still soft) feel of the PB10 Mid.

BTW I put a leather grip+overgrip on the handle and I added 2 layers of lead (1/4" x 6") centered at 3 and 9. Through this the total weight of my BA98 is 354 grams.

 

[ph0n33z]

Also, would it still be wise to demo something more like the Head MG Radical Mid+ since I did enjoy it? I don't want to limit my options so that I miss out on a particular racquet that I may enjoy.

 

[ph0n33z]

I second that.

Lately I tested my PK Black Ace 98 vs the Volkl PB10 Mid.
In spite of the many raving reviews about the PB10 Mid I must admit I have a lot more directional control and touch/feel with the BA98. I also prefer the soft plush feel of the BA98 above the firmer solid (but still soft) feel of the PB10 Mid.

BTW I put a leather grip+overgrip on the handle and I added 2 layers of lead (1/4" x 6") centered at 3 and 9. Through this the total weight of my BA98 is 354 grams.

Thanks. I want to also mention again that I am still getting back into the game and therefore probably at the 3.5 level still.

 

[OldButGame]

OP Your post is interesting to me,....since i fairly recently (all within the past year)....purchased the MG Radical MP,.....the LM Radical MP,....and the RDS001 MP.
Personally i really like the 2 Head Radicals. I agree about the Yonex,.....i have a hard time with it,....i believe cuz of the stiffness,...
........I would also agree with the poster who recommended the Babolat Pure Storm Ltd,.....i bought 2 of those i liked the first one so much.
....I also have read a lotta GREAT things about the PK Black Ace and have looked at that real hard myself.....maybe to buy down the line a bit,.....

 

[JackB1]

How about the PB10 MP?

 

[alanl228]

How about ProKennex's Redondo?

 

[rodrigoamaral]

Alright,

First, a preface. I am coming off of a seven year illness and so returning to the game I love. Due to health concerns, I am seeking out a very arm-friendly racquet (yes I realize this is difficult to determine due to each player's unique technique and needs). I also wanted something that I could grow into as I get more serious with the game. Basing my decision on recommendations from this forum, I chose the following racquets to demo first:

Head Microgel Mid+
Head Liquidmedal Mid+
Yonex 001
Volkl Dnx 10

Head Microgel Prestige Mid+
I was fairly pleased with this racquet. I liked the way it felt when I swung on groundstrokes. It was light enough to whip around in a tough spot but heavy enough to feel fairly solid. However, when getting into more intense rallies it felt like it was getting pushed around a bit. Like it needed some more weight. I also liked the vibration dampening and feel of the ball coming off of the strings.

Head LiquidMetal Mid+
I didn't like this racquet as demoed. The problem is I don't know if its the racquet or the strings, but it was way too springy for my liking. It made a funny rattling sound and it felt like the stringbed was a trampoline! The weight and feel was ok, but I preferred the microgel overall.

Yonex R001
I hated everything about this racquet lol. I didn't like the feel of the swing, the handle, or the control. It may be because I am not good enough for this small of a head, but I couldn't hit worth beans on this thing. So definitely not in the running.

Volkl DNX 10
After hitting just 2 shots with this racquet, I fell madly in love. I used to play with a Volkl C10 Pro and this brought me back to those days. The other racquets didn't even compare in the area of control, solidity and feel. I honestly felt no vibration or shock when hitting with this racquet. It was phenomenal. I also had exceptional control on my groundstrokes. I loved the swing weight and just about everything else.

So, knowing that I now love the Volkl DNX 10 (and it's TW price of only $110!), which other racquets should I demo?

As a side note, I know the owner of Babalot so I can get any of those racquets for free. Are there any of those that would be similar to the DNX 10 or at least worth demoing?

thanks for your review! im just ordered some demos to try and im gonna try out the radical, hope i like it as well!

 

[ph0n33z]

How about the PB10 MP?

Do you think that and the other similar racquets mentioned (ProKennex Black Ace, Dunlop AG 4d 200 Tour, Babolat Storm Ltd., etc.) are a bad choice for someone just starting out? The thing is, I really liked playing with the Volkl DNX 10 even though I know it is a player's racquet. Should I avoid these since they are more generally for better players or stick with it since I enjoyed hitting with them?

 

[OldButGame]

Do you think that and the other similar racquets mentioned (ProKennex Black Ace, Dunlop AG 4d 200 Tour, Babolat Storm Ltd., etc.) are a bad choice for someone just starting out? The thing is, I really liked playing with the Volkl DNX 10 even though I know it is a player's racquet. Should I avoid these since they are more generally for better players or stick with it since I enjoyed hitting with them?

I kinda think You answered Your own question my friend,....You play to have fun right?.....If it works...then its its irrelevant what its called....'players stick' or otherwise,....if it works for You and You have fun with it,....theres Your answer!!!

 

[Gee]

Thanks. I want to also mention again that I am still getting back into the game and therefore probably at the 3.5 level still.

I think you should play with a frame that has the following:

• a headsize as small as possible you still can hit the sweetspot frequently and
• the highest swingweight you still handle comfortably during a match for the best power and control combination and the best stability. Or maybe you should choose the most maneuverable racquet that's still solid enough for your game. That depends on your game style.
• the best feel/touch for your game.

So... if you can hit well with the DNX 10 at your level go for it.

I noticed the mid size is just a tad too demanding for my game style. I mean I am able to hit well with a Head MG Mid or PB10 Mid but I can hang into a fast rally better with a midplus. I just can handle difficult shots a little easier with it.

 

[Ross K]

After hitting just 2 shots with this racquet, I fell madly in love. I used to play with a Volkl C10 Pro and this brought me back to those days. The other racquets didn't even compare in the area of control, solidity and feel. I honestly felt no vibration or shock when hitting with this racquet. It was phenomenal. I also had exceptional control on my groundstrokes. I loved the swing weight and just about everything else.

So why not check it out again? :wink: ... imo the C10 Pro = one of the goat!

 

[GPB]

If you can get a Babolat for free, check out the Pure Storm Tour and the Pure Storm Limited. Chances are, you'll like one of them!

But don't be scared of a racket being "above your level." Play with what feels good!

 

[ph0n33z]

If you can get a Babolat for free, check out the Pure Storm Tour and the Pure Storm Limited. Chances are, you'll like one of them!

But don't be scared of a racket being "above your level." Play with what feels good!

Thanks. I will try those out.

 

[ph0n33z]

So why not check it out again? :wink: ... imo the C10 Pro = one of the goat!

What does "one of the goat" mean? Lol.

 

[ph0n33z]

Alright based on recommendations here is my tentative demoing plan:

Second Round (Ordered today)

    Volkl DNX 10

     Volkl PB10 Mid

     ProKennex Black Ace 98

     Babolat Pure Storm Ltd 

Third Round

     Volkl DNX 10/PB10 (depending on which I like more from previous round) 

     Head YOUTEK Radical Mid (or Mid+)

     Dunlop Aerogel 4D 200

- Most liked from Second Round -

Fourth Round

     Volkl DNX 10/PB10

- Most liked from previous round -

     - Most liked from previous round -

Volkl C10 Pro

 

[Ross K]

What does "one of the goat" mean? Lol.

Greatest of all time.

 

[Gee]

Alright based on recommendations here is my tentative demoing plan:

Good luck! Let's know your experiences.

 

[ph0n33z]

Alright,

I just got 4 new demo racquets in from TW. They are:

Volkl DNX 10 Mid
Volkl PB10 Mid
ProKennex Black Ace 98 Mid+
Babolat Pure Storm Ltd. Mid+

I am going to test them out this afternoon. I will let you guys know my thoughts.

 

[OldButGame]

Alright,

I just got 4 new demo racquets in from TW. They are:

Volkl DNX 10 Mid
Volkl PB10 Mid
ProKennex Black Ace 98 Mid+
Babolat Pure Storm Ltd. Mid+

I am going to test them out this afternoon. I will let you guys know my thoughts.

I'll be interested to hear about the BA98 because ive been following that stick,....and what You think of the PSL since i have 2 of those and really like it.

 

[ph0n33z]

Alright,

I just got 4 new demo racquets in from TW. They are:

Volkl DNX 10 Mid
Volkl PB10 Mid
ProKennex Black Ace 98 Mid+
Babolat Pure Storm Ltd. Mid+

I am going to test them out this afternoon. I will let you guys know my thoughts.

I went and did some hitting with these on Saturday afternoon. I don't want to say too much because I haven't been able to give each racquet their due, so I will just give some general first impressions.

As to which racquet(s) had the best first impression, that goes to the Volkls. Great swing weight and feel, cushioned contact, and solid no matter the stroke. I didn't like the Babolat or ProKennex at first so I need to spend more time with them. Couldn't find the sweetspot on the Babolat and the PK felt strange on contact.

I do have a questions after demoing these, however. I am starting to think that the small head size of the Volkls (93 and 95 I believe) are too small for me. I hit them ok most of the time, but when I get tired, I seem to not be able to hit anything decent. The longer I play, the worse I get. lol. I am guessing this is due to the head size, but it may also be the weight.

I am going to play more today so I will give further, more detailed thoughts then.

 

[ph0n33z]

I didn't get to play yesterday because I was sick. I am going later this afternoon instead.

Also, what do you guys think about the Prince O3 Shark and similar racquets? No one has ever recommended a Prince to me.....just curious as to why that is.

 

[Don't Let It Bounce]

Volkl DNX 10
After hitting just 2 shots with this racquet, I fell madly in love. I used to play with a Volkl C10 Pro and this brought me back to those days. The other racquets didn't even compare in the area of control, solidity and feel. I honestly felt no vibration or shock when hitting with this racquet. It was phenomenal. I also had exceptional control on my groundstrokes. I loved the swing weight and just about everything else.

So, knowing that I now love the Volkl DNX 10 (and it's TW price of only $110!), which other racquets should I demo?

There are a lot of good racquets out there, and many have been suggested in this thread. However, The Racquet Gods clearly smote you with a deep and instant love for a racquet that is on sale for a great price. If you ignore this thunderbolt, you risk angering them, and neither perpetual demo'ing nor lead tape will save you from their wrath.

 

[ph0n33z]

There are a lot of good racquets out there, and many have been suggested in this thread. However, The Racquet Gods clearly smote you with a deep and instant love for a racquet that is on sale for a great price. If you ignore this thunderbolt, you risk angering them, and neither perpetual demo'ing nor lead tape will save you from their wrath.

egads! I did not know the gods were showing favor to me! Forgive me, oh fuzzy greenish ones! Have mercy on such a fool as I! For the sale shall not last into eternity!

 

[Jack2010]

Alright,

First, a preface. I am coming off of a seven year illness and so returning to the game I love. Due to health concerns, I am seeking out a very arm-friendly racquet (yes I realize this is difficult to determine due to each player's unique technique and needs). I also wanted something that I could grow into as I get more serious with the game. Basing my decision on recommendations from this forum, I chose the following racquets to demo first:

Head Microgel Mid+
Head Liquidmedal Mid+
Yonex 001
Volkl Dnx 10

Head Microgel Prestige Mid+
I was fairly pleased with this racquet. I liked the way it felt when I swung on groundstrokes. It was light enough to whip around in a tough spot but heavy enough to feel fairly solid. However, when getting into more intense rallies it felt like it was getting pushed around a bit. Like it needed some more weight. I also liked the vibration dampening and feel of the ball coming off of the strings.

Head LiquidMetal Mid+
I didn't like this racquet as demoed. The problem is I don't know if its the racquet or the strings, but it was way too springy for my liking. It made a funny rattling sound and it felt like the stringbed was a trampoline! The weight and feel was ok, but I preferred the microgel overall.

Yonex R001
I hated everything about this racquet lol. I didn't like the feel of the swing, the handle, or the control. It may be because I am not good enough for this small of a head, but I couldn't hit worth beans on this thing. So definitely not in the running.

Volkl DNX 10
After hitting just 2 shots with this racquet, I fell madly in love. I used to play with a Volkl C10 Pro and this brought me back to those days. The other racquets didn't even compare in the area of control, solidity and feel. I honestly felt no vibration or shock when hitting with this racquet. It was phenomenal. I also had exceptional control on my groundstrokes. I loved the swing weight and just about everything else.

So, knowing that I now love the Volkl DNX 10 (and it's TW price of only $110!), which other racquets should I demo?

As a side note, I know the owner of Babalot so I can get any of those racquets for free. Are there any of those that would be similar to the DNX 10 or at least worth demoing?

I've heard that the ProKennex rackets are the most arm friendly for tennis elbow. The Ki20 and Ki30 would be reasonable to try, I think.

 

[roundiesee]

I went and did some hitting with these on Saturday afternoon. I don't want to say too much because I haven't been able to give each racquet their due, so I will just give some general first impressions.

As to which racquet(s) had the best first impression, that goes to the Volkls. Great swing weight and feel, cushioned contact, and solid no matter the stroke. I didn't like the Babolat or ProKennex at first so I need to spend more time with them. Couldn't find the sweetspot on the Babolat and the PK felt strange on contact.

I do have a questions after demoing these, however. I am starting to think that the small head size of the Volkls (93 and 95 I believe) are too small for me. I hit them ok most of the time, but when I get tired, I seem to not be able to hit anything decent. The longer I play, the worse I get. lol. I am guessing this is due to the head size, but it may also be the weight.

I am going to play more today so I will give further, more detailed thoughts then.

I would suggest going for a "bigger" head if possible; generally using a small headed racket tends to be more difficult, and it doesn't help when you get tired after a long match.

 

[NLBwell]

On sale is good. Free is really good. But good is not good unless the racket is good.
Unless you are a starving artist, or starving college student, or something similar get the racket you think best for you. Hopefully, whatever racket you pick, you'll be happy with for several years. Keep demoing.

 

[ph0n33z]

I would suggest going for a "bigger" head if possible; generally using a small headed racket tends to be more difficult, and it doesn't help when you get tired after a long match.

Are there any racquets you would recommend that are similar to the Volkl PB10 and DNX 10 but have a larger head size?

 

[Gee]

Are there any racquets you would recommend that are similar to the Volkl PB10 and DNX 10 but have a larger head size?

I think you should try Volkl C10 Pro and PB10 MP or PB10 Light. However I didn't hit with these ones so I cannot tell you how they compare with PB10 Mid.

 

[roundiesee]

Are there any racquets you would recommend that are similar to the Volkl PB10 and DNX 10 but have a larger head size?

I can't personally recommend because I rarely play with anything bigger than 95 (the rackets I'm using at the moment are about 90). However, from friends who have dabbled with a few rackets, and from reading reviews from the good people of TT, I think the following might be worth considering-

Gamma T7
Pacific X Force Pro and X Force
Vantage Rackets- you can custom these but pick the 100 sq in version with an RA of 63, (eg the VT321)

The above should be "soft" feeling rackets, and whilst they may not be exactly similar to Volkl, they should be all very good sticks in ther own right