Diary of a Racketaholic

ryushen21 said:
So, haven't posted in a while, anyone else feeling like the new PA98 is just a cheat code?

I'm continuing to be shocked by this racquet and how good it is and how it responds to literally everything. I could gripe about the feel, but it seems pedantic because everything else on this racquet is so good.
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I deemed it the 'cheat code' a few years ago. As long as you have a fast swing speed it is the best frame on the market. Mine's been up and down a bit lately so I've gone back and forth between it and the TF 305S. The PA98 though is better defensively and provides more power and spin offensively.
 
Vicious49 said:
I deemed it the 'cheat code' a few years ago. As long as you have a fast swing speed it is the best frame on the market. Mine's been up and down a bit lately so I've gone back and forth between it and the TF 305S. The PA98 though is better defensively and provides more power and spin offensively.
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Yeah, I could see that. I am specifically referring to the new one though. I didn't like the previous PA nearly as much as this one.
 
ryushen21 said:
Yeah, I could see that. I am specifically referring to the new one though. I didn't like the previous PA nearly as much as this one.
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Ah, my bad. How do you find the new one different or improved over the previous one? I've seen mixed review on it so I've decided to give it a pass. Plus I figure Carlitos is still playing with the last gen so I'll just stick with that - so I loaded up on extra grommets for it as well. Gotta end the vicious cycle at some point.
 
Vicious49 said:
Ah, my bad. How do you find the new one different or improved over the previous one? I've seen mixed review on it so I've decided to give it a pass. Plus I figure Carlitos is still playing with the last gen so I'll just stick with that - so I loaded up on extra grommets for it as well. Gotta end the vicious cycle at some point.
Click to expand...
That's adorable. The cycle never ends...

I like this one a lot. Feels a little clearer on impact and has a crazy performance level. It's so easy to use and generate a quality shot with.
 
Vicious49 said:
Ah, my bad. How do you find the new one different or improved over the previous one? I've seen mixed review on it so I've decided to give it a pass. Plus I figure Carlitos is still playing with the last gen so I'll just stick with that - so I loaded up on extra grommets for it as well. Gotta end the vicious cycle at some point.
Click to expand...
Im with @ryushen21. I switched to the new one, having never considered the 2023 model for a switch.
 
ryushen21 said:
That's adorable. The cycle never ends...

I like this one a lot. Feels a little clearer on impact and has a crazy performance level. It's so easy to use and generate a quality shot with.
Click to expand...
The 26PA98 demo I had a few weeks ago was strung with RPM of some sort I think and it was a meh-moment for me. It was a fun demo and it certainly does everything quite well.
Ultimately went back to the 20PAVS.
It would be a string issue. Can I ask which string type/set up do you prefer on the 26PA98?
 
konstantinos kalfountzos said:
A stringer from Dubai had told me that Tsitsipas was using the Pure Aero VS, whne he won the tournament.
Could they all be using the VA after all?
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Not sure. I think somewhere/someone recently posted “closer up” shots of Tsitsipas and Carlitos with 23PA98 (round centre mains grommets and non-VS stamped lower side grommet strips).
Other than that, I think FAA is still using the 16PAVS, in 26PA98 PJ. lol
 
SupahMan5000 said:
Carlos is back on VS
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I'm not shocked. Pros like what they like and usually stick to it. Although some of the younger gen are switching it up at near holic rates.

esm said:
The 26PA98 demo I had a few weeks ago was strung with RPM of some sort I think and it was a meh-moment for me. It was a fun demo and it certainly does everything quite well.
Ultimately went back to the 20PAVS.
It would be a string issue. Can I ask which string type/set up do you prefer on the 26PA98?
Click to expand...
I could see this one being string sensitive. I'm using Tour Status 1.20 mains and O-Toro Snap 1.23 crosses at 47/45.
 
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Have to say Wilson is killing it in so many ways right now. I don’t want the new blade, but the color is sick and they released it in gloss. Fantastic.

Python will be the rare tweener with actual feel to it. They are coming out with the 16x20 steam 100 as a pro labs release.

Pro labs in general is just rad. Only bummer is my learner frame is so rare that I may never get another of it. Apparently they were all just made for him and he wanted the matte so some of us got his gloss models. I’m not sure there is room in the silo for this frame to come out, which is a damn shame because it destroys about every 98 I have tried. But since Wilson is giving us a 100 and 98 python, I’ll probably be fine anyway.

Anyway, I haven’t touched my Bab 98s since getting the learner. And the Bab 23 98 is a keeper, an amazing frame that i definitely will bust out now and then. But we are approaching a true intersection of feel without compromise in playability, which is exciting stuff.
 
Power Player said:
Have to say Wilson is killing it in so many ways right now. I don’t want the new blade, but the color is sick and they released it in gloss. Fantastic.

Python will be the rare tweener with actual feel to it. They are coming out with the 16x20 steam 100 as a pro labs release.

Pro labs in general is just rad. Only bummer is my learner frame is so rare that I may never get another of it. Apparently they were all just made for him and he wanted the matte so some of us got his gloss models. I’m not sure there is room in the silo for this frame to come out, which is a damn shame because it destroys about every 98 I have tried. But since Wilson is giving us a 100 and 98 python, I’ll probably be fine anyway.

Anyway, I haven’t touched my Bab 98s since getting the learner. And the Bab 23 98 is a keeper, an amazing frame that i definitely will bust out now and then. But we are approaching a true intersection of feel without compromise in playability, which is exciting stuff.
Click to expand...
Great time to be a Wilson fan in 2026. Blade Pro 100 and Python are definite pickups
 
Power Player said:
Have to say Wilson is killing it in so many ways right now. I don’t want the new blade, but the color is sick and they released it in gloss. Fantastic.

Python will be the rare tweener with actual feel to it. They are coming out with the 16x20 steam 100 as a pro labs release.

Pro labs in general is just rad. Only bummer is my learner frame is so rare that I may never get another of it. Apparently they were all just made for him and he wanted the matte so some of us got his gloss models. I’m not sure there is room in the silo for this frame to come out, which is a damn shame because it destroys about every 98 I have tried. But since Wilson is giving us a 100 and 98 python, I’ll probably be fine anyway.

Anyway, I haven’t touched my Bab 98s since getting the learner. And the Bab 23 98 is a keeper, an amazing frame that i definitely will bust out now and then. But we are approaching a true intersection of feel without compromise in playability, which is exciting stuff.
Click to expand...
I'm really excited about the Blade Pro 100. I'm hoping I'm not overhyping it.
 
pico said:
If I could consistently flatten the ball with the PAVS, it would be my main stick!
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Break the "Taboo" and go for a 1.30 multi in the crosses strung higher than a round main poly string. RS New York is special. Textured like a rope, but special. Flat hitters like me don't need full-bed of poly. Next time out on the court, I'm bringing a Blade V5 16x19 with full-bed of TruPro Pure Rush R8zor and a Prince Tour 95 2015 with RS Paris 1.24 (m) x RS New York 1.30 (c) hybrid.
 
konstantinos kalfountzos said:
Break the "Taboo" and go for a 1.30 multi in the crosses strung higher than a round main poly string. RS New York is special. Textured like a rope, but special. Flat hitters like me don't need full-bed of poly. Next time out on the court, I'm bringing a Blade V5 16x19 with full-bed of TruPro Pure Rush R8zor and a Prince Tour 95 2015 with RS Paris 1.24 (m) x RS New York 1.30 (c) hybrid.
Click to expand...
so 1.25 round poly main and 1.30mm multi cross is your suggestion?
 
pico said:
so 1.25 round poly main and 1.30mm multi cross is your suggestion?
Click to expand...
yes, the multi in the crosses should be thicker and strung higher than the main poly string. I HATE multifilaments in the mains! I've tried them 4-5 times and they just play too erratic. In the crosses, I've only played with multi 2-3 times and will do next week and see what's what.
 
I went 2 grams total at 3 and 9 with leather grip

So I’m at 346 static, 32.2 cm, 332 sw

So far feels solid but a little weird on launching the ball straight if I don’t swing up enough
 
Hi everyone!
Man, this took soooo long. After 9 weeks with the cast and hardly any movement in the wrist, I got the nail removed. With the nail, there was no movement or physio allowed, but now we start. Nail got removed on Thursday, and had physio with JGads' physio via online consultation in the evening. She is so good, thank you so much, my friend!
On Friday and Saturday I played some tennis with my 7-year-old son. So fun! We actually use the padel courts, as the outdoor courts aren't ready yet, but the padel courts are for free in our club which is great! Still hardly any movement in the wrist possible, but I can play short court with these kids' balls. Backhand is OK as long as I hit it in front. Slices are no problem at all.
I tried some set ups with my White Shame (Sand Beige VC98). Stock (317SW), stock with 330SW, or leather grip and 330SW plus dampener. Heaviest set up felt by far the best! It is about 348g, 335SW. Feels so good to just let the racquet do the work, anything else feels so hard to handle for the wrist. I have minus racquet head speed now! But really, this is the specs that feel home to me, and I usually play my best with anyway, so I will go on play this set up for now.
Strings are VS mains and 4G Soft crosses. 21x20. I think it is the first time I am using gut, but it feels great!
I hope to be able to play some more in May and June, and maybe join practice by the end of the summer season... But really, even if I just play like once or twice a week with lower level guys, if the wrist doesn't allow to play higher level, that would be totally fine.
 
Richard Pioline said:
Hi everyone!
Man, this took soooo long. After 9 weeks with the cast and hardly any movement in the wrist, I got the nail removed. With the nail, there was no movement or physio allowed, but now we start. Nail got removed on Thursday, and had physio with JGads' physio via online consultation in the evening. She is so good, thank you so much, my friend!
On Friday and Saturday I played some tennis with my 7-year-old son. So fun! We actually use the padel courts, as the outdoor courts aren't ready yet, but the padel courts are for free in our club which is great! Still hardly any movement in the wrist possible, but I can play short court with these kids' balls. Backhand is OK as long as I hit it in front. Slices are no problem at all.
I tried some set ups with my White Shame (Sand Beige VC98). Stock (317SW), stock with 330SW, or leather grip and 330SW plus dampener. Heaviest set up felt by far the best! It is about 348g, 335SW. Feels so good to just let the racquet do the work, anything else feels so hard to handle for the wrist. I have minus racquet head speed now! But really, this is the specs that feel home to me, and I usually play my best with anyway, so I will go on play this set up for now.
Strings are VS mains and 4G Soft crosses. 21x20. I think it is the first time I am using gut, but it feels great!
I hope to be able to play some more in May and June, and maybe join practice by the end of the summer season... But really, even if I just play like once or twice a week with lower level guys, if the wrist doesn't allow to play higher level, that would be totally fine.
Click to expand...
Glad to hear!
But what had happened to your wrist?
I have a friend who has a similar problem on his FH (but not on his serve) and he mentioned "having the wrist too tight"...I tried to ask him if he's actively engaging the wrist in coming over the ball, instead of "throwing the racquet at the ball" and going thru 3-4 imaginary aligned balls, before coming over?

What tension did you string the gut at? Is it 17g?

Sorry to hear about "having minus racquet head speed now", but you do what you can, letting the increased SW do the work for you....

Welcome back!
 
Richard Pioline said:
Hi everyone!
Man, this took soooo long. After 9 weeks with the cast and hardly any movement in the wrist, I got the nail removed. With the nail, there was no movement or physio allowed, but now we start. Nail got removed on Thursday, and had physio with JGads' physio via online consultation in the evening. She is so good, thank you so much, my friend!
On Friday and Saturday I played some tennis with my 7-year-old son. So fun! We actually use the padel courts, as the outdoor courts aren't ready yet, but the padel courts are for free in our club which is great! Still hardly any movement in the wrist possible, but I can play short court with these kids' balls. Backhand is OK as long as I hit it in front. Slices are no problem at all.
I tried some set ups with my White Shame (Sand Beige VC98). Stock (317SW), stock with 330SW, or leather grip and 330SW plus dampener. Heaviest set up felt by far the best! It is about 348g, 335SW. Feels so good to just let the racquet do the work, anything else feels so hard to handle for the wrist. I have minus racquet head speed now! But really, this is the specs that feel home to me, and I usually play my best with anyway, so I will go on play this set up for now.
Strings are VS mains and 4G Soft crosses. 21x20. I think it is the first time I am using gut, but it feels great!
I hope to be able to play some more in May and June, and maybe join practice by the end of the summer season... But really, even if I just play like once or twice a week with lower level guys, if the wrist doesn't allow to play higher level, that would be totally fine.
Click to expand...
Welcome back RP. You’ve been missed!
 
ryushen21 said:
So, haven't posted in a while, anyone else feeling like the new PA98 is just a cheat code?

I'm continuing to be shocked by this racquet and how good it is and how it responds to literally everything. I could gripe about the feel, but it seems pedantic because everything else on this racquet is so good.
Click to expand...
I feel the same way about the 2026 Aero 98. I purchased 2 of them & it may be my last racquet purchase for 2026. It suits my game perfectly! I haven’t had the urge to hit anything else since.
 
I have been using the PA 2023 now for 3 weeks and have been playing with the custom to find ideal set up. Despite the higher unstrung SW, I landed to 2.4g split at 2&10.

Wow, this is a great racquet. Such a combo of power, spin and control with that awesome tight string bed. Stability (with custom) is good. I love it. The feel is direct and gives that sense of power that makes you feel confident. I love it.

Strung with RPM Power 125 brown at 44/42, 2 pieces. Lovely combo.
 
Getting close to a full year with the 2023 Dunlop FX500. Funny how I did all the research in the world and theorycrafted a bunch of racquets on what should be my go-to. Ended up with Dunlop which was the initial recommendation by my older brother :D . He just said 2 years ago "Dunlop is good and the price is lower than others". So I did end up buying it based on those lines.

I have reached the state where I don't really even think about what my racquet is doing to the ball. Just hit the ball a bit different (spin/power) if you want the ball to stay on the court. Power racquet not being the best usually for tennis elbow problems was fixed with soft multifilament string. Don't mind those these days either and I don't really need the super performance from poly strings, and would hate restringing them constantly.
 
I believe it.
KC! said:
I feel the same way about the 2026 Aero 98. I purchased 2 of them & it may be my last racquet purchase for 2026. It suits my game perfectly! I haven’t had the urge to hit anything else since.
Click to expand...
Dude, I know. It's got me questioning everything. I haven't even picked up the BPs lately.
 
Any body else intrigued by the new BP 100? Seems like a worthy platform racket. 16x20 and 27.25 with a 23mm beam seems like it could check off a lot of boxes. That being said, I've got my ET Avo dialed in and am really enjoying it. Also, maybe I'm just experiencing some long racket fatigue. The thought of testing out new rackets at the moment just does not spark joy. Maybe I should get some bloodwork done.
 
Nollid said:
Any body else intrigued by the new BP 100? Seems like a worthy platform racket. 16x20 and 27.25 with a 23mm beam seems like it could check off a lot of boxes. That being said, I've got my ET Avo dialed in and am really enjoying it. Also, maybe I'm just experiencing some long racket fatigue. The thought of testing out new rackets at the moment just does not spark joy. Maybe I should get some bloodwork done.
Click to expand...
I've been intrigued by it but the more I've read about people's experiences, along with the TW review, makes me feel like it won't be for me personally. It seems like a great alternative to the Speed MP for someone who wants a firmer response and more direct ball path, which I think would be quite a few people honestly.
 
Saw the Blade 100 (standard) in the wild yesterday and it looks awesome in person. Pics do not do it justice; one of my favorite Blade PJs yet. I'll want to demo the 100 Pro and the standard 98 16m, though my hunch is it isn't all that different from the v9 98 16m. The guy playing with the 100 yesterday had the RG/rust-colored ALU in it and was playing great; lots of confidence and fast swinging.
 
Hey guys, how you all going? Been a while since I've posted, got pretty depressed lately and disillusioned with tennis. Been training on autopilot and feels like this year I've taken 3 steps backward with my game.

Switched from my Percept 97 to Wilson Ultra 100 V4 in mid jan. Got that initial boost playing some ladder matches that made me think it worked out. After that it all went downhill though. Feels like every single stroke has become an unreliable mess. OHBH either goes long or sprays all over, can't even get a safe topspin forehand stroke properly anymore. Too thick to slice properly. The racket feels hollow, dead and gives me no feedback, I have no idea how to fix anything and every adjustment I try to make seems to make it even worse.

In my coaching session this morning I decided to experiment with a 2HBH for the first time. It was terrible but the few balls that I managed to drive properly made me think about selling my soul and making the switch.

I've called it and decided to sell the Ultra.

So far I've got 4 possible choices I'm thinking about:

a) Going back to Blade V4 16x19
b) Buying and trying a Gravity MP 16x20 (23)
c) Buying and trying a 23 PA98
d) Borrowing and demoing a friend's PA Rafa Team (don't think I'll do this really)

KC! said:
I feel the same way about the 2026 Aero 98. I purchased 2 of them & it may be my last racquet purchase for 2026. It suits my game perfectly! I haven’t had the urge to hit anything else since.
Click to expand...
ryushen21 said:
Dude, I know. It's got me questioning everything. I haven't even picked up the BPs lately.
Click to expand...
It's been like a year that I've been getting the itch to try the PA98 to see if it works out for me. Can you offer any feedback?
 
FlatShot_V said:
I've called it and decided to sell the Ultra.

So far I've got 4 possible choices I'm thinking about:

a) Going back to Blade V4 16x19
b) Buying and trying a Gravity MP 16x20 (23)
c) Buying and trying a 23 PA98
d) Borrowing and demoing a friend's PA Rafa Team (don't think I'll do this really)
Click to expand...

If you're looking for more feel and something like the older Blades, I might recommend either the T-Fight or the TF40. They're foam-filled but very connected and solid/stable. Great control, easy to tame, but also some pop for free. Worth a try at least.
 
TwinCinema said:
If you're looking for more feel and something like the older Blades, I might recommend either the T-Fight or the TF40. They're foam-filled but very connected and solid/stable. Great control, easy to tame, but also some pop for free. Worth a try at least.
Click to expand...
I had a previous model TF40 for the shortest time. Really solid racket, felt a lot like a Blade. I have no idea why I sold it as I really enjoyed it, probably on a whim.
 
FlatShot_V said:
Hey guys, how you all going? Been a while since I've posted, got pretty depressed lately and disillusioned with tennis. Been training on autopilot and feels like this year I've taken 3 steps backward with my game.

Switched from my Percept 97 to Wilson Ultra 100 V4 in mid jan. Got that initial boost playing some ladder matches that made me think it worked out. After that it all went downhill though. Feels like every single stroke has become an unreliable mess. OHBH either goes long or sprays all over, can't even get a safe topspin forehand stroke properly anymore. Too thick to slice properly. The racket feels hollow, dead and gives me no feedback, I have no idea how to fix anything and every adjustment I try to make seems to make it even worse.

In my coaching session this morning I decided to experiment with a 2HBH for the first time. It was terrible but the few balls that I managed to drive properly made me think about selling my soul and making the switch.

I've called it and decided to sell the Ultra.

So far I've got 4 possible choices I'm thinking about:

a) Going back to Blade V4 16x19
b) Buying and trying a Gravity MP 16x20 (23)
c) Buying and trying a 23 PA98
d) Borrowing and demoing a friend's PA Rafa Team (don't think I'll do this really)



It's been like a year that I've been getting the itch to try the PA98 to see if it works out for me. Can you offer any feedback?
Click to expand...
What I’d do is go back to the Percept 97 and then just have some side flings with those other racquets to see how they work.

I made my own random detour with the VC95 and PA98 but I keep my Dunlop FX Tours ready for real matches because they are so reliable and my strokes for that weighting well. I keep trying to replace it but haven’t been successful yet. PA98 is close to detouring them.
 
dr. godmode said:
Yeah, I thought last year was quite excellent for releases as well but this year has more variance and more risk taking with molds.

Pretty hard to beat 2026.
Click to expand...
personally I would like to see a bit wider options with specs. I am coming from a heavy/headlight combo and most frames are now almost the opposite 300-305g with 31.5 - 32 balance. But I also understand why it wouldnt be profitable to add / sell more "demanding" specs. Yonex Tour models are way too far on the other side so it's not like I just want a heavy racquet ;p
Speeds from the past (360+) were quite balanced with 310g/31.5 balance.
 
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