Did you buy a new racquet in 2021!

[Crocodile]

Well it’s almost the end of 2021 and I have to say it’s been a tough year. The price of new racquets have certainly got expensive to buy. $259 US plus stringing and shipping plus exchange rate for some is getting up there for a Head Prestige Pro just recently released.
Anyway, just wondering if any of you switched to a new 2021 model? Which one did you buy? Perhaps you bought one of the new Blades or Yonex V Core Pros for example, or something else.
Did any of the new releases this year that you tried or demoed stood out as candidate for the best racquet release of the year?

 

[TagUrIt]

I purchased 5 of the new VCore 95's in 2021. I will definitely stick with the VCore for a few years. I also searched for deal or a coupon code btw to avoid the $239 retail price.

 

[Crocodile]

I purchased 5 of the new VCore 95's in 2021. I will definitely stick with the VCore for a few years. I also searched for deal or a coupon code btw to avoid the $239 retail price.

Did you switch from the previous VCore 95 or another frame ?

 

[TagUrIt]

Did you switch from the previous VCore 95 or another frame ?

I had the 2020 Ezone Tour (which I loved) but it was giving me some minor golfer's elbow. Demoed the VCore 98 and 95 couldn't put the 95 down. After ball machine, hitting practice, practice match and league matches, I pulled the trigger on 3 VCore 95's and added a fourth later. Sadly one broke sent it in on a warranty claim (September of this year still waiting) so I got another one to make it 4 in the bag. Total of 5.

 

[chrischris]

I bought NOS Wilson Pro Staff Classic 95 18/20 , 3 in all. Nice rackets.
Also got my hands on some Head MIA rackets and a few nice Dunlop and Slazenger rackets from yesteryear.
Imo, rackets from the past are a way better deal than the mainly Chinese made that this thread maybe wants to promote..pollution issues etc.
The atp pros prolly would agree..
PT57A etc.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Well it’s almost the end of 2021 and I have to say it’s been a tough year. The price of new racquets have certainly got expensive to buy. $259 US plus stringing and shipping plus exchange rate for some is getting up there for a Head Prestige Pro just recently released.
Anyway, just wondering if any of you switched to a new 2021 model? Which one did you buy? Perhaps you bought one of the new Blades or Yonex V Core Pros for example, or something else.
Did any of the new releases this year that you tried or demoed stood out as candidate for the best racquet release of the year?

It's been a great year.

I acquired quite a few racquets... they just might not be 2021 releases. I got the G360+ Speed Pro, Gravity Pro, Prestige MP, Extreme Tour, Yonex VCP 97HD, VC95 (2018), Dunlop SX 300 Tour, Wilson Blade Pro 16x19, Ultra Pro 16x19, and Prince Phantom 97P.

I also bought a ton of strings, and a Gamma Progression II 602 FC Pro Drop Weight Stringing Machine (which I'm ecstatic about).

I feel tired just writing it down.

 

[McLovin]

I switched from the 2018 VCORE 98 + to the 2021 version in the spring. I was actually part of the playtest a year ago, and even though I playtested the normal length, I knew right away I was going to switch.

I have 4 now, with 2 more on the way, so this will be my frame for at least 2-3 years, although that won't stop me from demoing others as they are released.

For example, I snagged an Extreme Tour over the summer to goof around with (bought new pallets and extended it), and will likely try something else in 2022 (if Babolat releases any of the VS line in an extended version, I'll give that a go). But, for the near future, to quote Private Pyle:

This is my VCORE 98 +.​

There are many others like it, but this one is mine.​

My VCORE 98 + is my best friend. It is my life.​

I must master it as I must master my life.​

Without me, my VCORE 98 + is useless.​

Without my VCORE 98 +, I am useless.​

 

[Crashbaby]

I switched from the 2018 VCORE 98 + to the 2021 version in the spring. I was actually part of the playtest a year ago, and even though I playtested the normal length, I knew right away I was going to switch.

I have 4 now, with 2 more on the way, so this will be my frame for at least 2-3 years, although that won't stop me from demoing others as they are released.

For example, I snagged an Extreme Tour over the summer to goof around with (bought new pallets and extended it), and will likely try something else in 2022 (if Babolat releases any of the VS line in an extended version, I'll give that a go). But, for the near future, to quote Private Pyle:

This is my VCORE 98 +.​

There are many others like it, but this one is mine.​

My VCORE 98 + is my best friend. It is my life.​

I must master it as I must master my life.​

Without me, my VCORE 98 + is useless.​

Without my VCORE 98 +, I am useless.​

I bought two Regna’s, a 2021 Vcore 95 and an Ezone tour and that was after two Blade Pro’s in late 2020. I wish could a settle on one stick, I’m truly Jealous! I know i should seek help. But I also know that the line for said help is long, judging by what I read in here.

 

[cortado]

I bought 5 Graphene 360+ Prestige Mids, all matched.
Just trying to decide whether I prefer the Mid over Yonex VCore HD/D.

 

[faded_lines]

I purchased a few racquets this year. I like to purchase in pairs so I can try out different string setups.

3x Prince Phantom 100X 305
2x Diadem Nova FS
2x Diadem Elevate FS
2x 2021 Yonex VCore 95
2x 2021 Yonex VCore Pro 97 310
2x 2021 Head Radical MP

Not a racquet, but my favorite purchase of the year... Tourna ES-700.

 

[faded_lines]

I bought two Regna’s, a 2021 Vcore 95 and an Ezone tour and that was after two Blade Pro’s in late 2020. I wish could a settle on one stick, I’m truly Jealous! I know i should seek help. But I also know that the line for said help is long, judging by what I read in here.

I would love to pick up a pair of Regnas. Jealous. Maybe next year.. haha

 

[graycrait]

I acquired a number of new to me rackets this year but the only "new" one was a used Prince Twistpower X97 Tour from TW's used list.

 

[USMC-615]

Mainly a few ProKennex racquets...see sig.

...and a new Gamma Progression ST II machine with Wise 2086 (v14) setup.

 

[McLovin]

I bought two Regna’s,

If they had been offered in a '+', I might have snagged one just for the hell of it. But I'm glad they didn't. I have waaayyyy too many frames as is. I need to list my 2018 VCORE 98 +s in the classifieds...

 

[Kozzy]

The quest for the holy grail continues. I bought a couple Regna 98s, a couple used Pure Aero VS's, a couple used Head Prestige Microgel Mids, and then a couple Volkl "player stock" frames. The Volkls are my favorites so far, and give me hope that I might just have found a frame I can stick with - amazing feel and performance.

 

[Crocodile]

I bought the 2021 Pro Kennex Q Tour 325 in the bright green from TW and an extra PB 10 Mid. With the PK I still prefer one iteration before the racing car cosmetic. While I like the cosmetic of the new green one I’m not completely at home with the SW, it feels a little clunky, definitely compared to the PB 10 mid. It is more powerful and robust but less connected for sure. The current C10 has also gone this way as well. It’s something you need time to adjust to.
The best thing about the PK line is the comfort and value for money. At $169 US it’s affordable. I think the other good buy would by the Head Pro Tour 2.0.

 

[Crocodile]

Did anyone switch to the 2021 Yonex V Core Pro H?

 

[Crocodile]

The quest for the holy grail continues. I bought a couple Regna 98s, a couple used Pure Aero VS's, a couple used Head Prestige Microgel Mids, and then a couple Volkl "player stock" frames. The Volkls are my favorites so far, and give me hope that I might just have found a frame I can stick with - amazing feel and performance.

If Yonex offered some larger grip options for the Regina 98, then that would be good.

 

[Rosstour]

I bought four TF40 and one PS85. It was an expensive year for racquets lol.

 

[Crocodile]

As far as very late releases Tecnifibre is meant to release the update to the TF 40 but looks like we may not see it until January 22. It’s a very good frame and high quality construction.
A new E Zone is also around the corner.

 

[Crocodile]

It was a quiet year on the Babolat front. I’m hoping they could do a reissue of their storm or control line up. Having a racquet with a lower RA and box beam again, even as a limited run, would be good.

 

[Crocodile]

Did anyone buy a Prince this year, and in particular a Vortex frame ?

 

[Tranqville]

I fell in love with Yonex this year. I bought VC 95 and VCP 310. I have not committed to long-term setup just yet, thinking of buying a VCP D as well.

 

[smithie]

I switch from the Wilson Ultra Tour/Pro to the Head Gravity Tour. I was close on switching to the Blade 18x20 but preferred the overall feel of the Gravity series (both Tour & Pro).

 

[Turbo-87]

I tried out a lot but only ended up buying three. A pair of Prince Hydrogen Chrome 100 (300g) and a Prince Phantom 100x (290g). I was really thinking about picking up a Prince Twistpower x97 Tour during the 25% off sale but ended up deciding to wait for the next sale. Christmas is an expensive time to be splurging on myself.

 

[Goof]

PT2.0

 

[5.0 in 3.0 Body Guy]

I bought six frames in 2021:
- two TF40 305’s which I gave to my bro
- two 97 HDs which I still have, but am not using
- two 2021 Vcore Pro 97 310’s which I’m now using

 

[Yamin]

Tried out 20+ rackets this year (19-21 model years) and purchased 5 different rackets to long term demo.

Kept an 18x20 blade v7 and clash 98.

Bought 2 more clash 98

I've never liked Wilson in the past but Blade Pro 16x19, Clash 98, Blade v7 18x20 and Yonex Ezone 98+ were my favorites of all the demos.

 

[BenC]

I bought a number of the previous Dunlop CX200s that were used or on clearance.

 

[omegaman]

After six years of play with my 2015 TT100P's and a summer of demoing I finally pulled the trigger on two V8 16x19's with a third on the way for my birthday.

 

[esm]

Bought quite a few this year so far, but I think the only 2021 models were the 2 x VCore 100s.
( not sure if the 360+ Extreme MP is the 2020 or 2021 model though..,)

 

[Songs For A Dead Pilot]

RACKETS
2x Head TGT293.2 (YouTek Innegra Prestige)
2x Head TGT293.2 (Graphene XT Prestige)
4x Tecnifibre Tf40 (305)
BOUGHT 2020 – PLAYED 2021
1x Head FlexPoint Prestige MP

I have tested many rackets, but still have VCore Pro 97 and VCore 95 on my list, Tecnifibre RS305g, pro stock Wilson Six.One.
Really disappointed by the new G360+ Radicals and Gravity Pro. Don't think Blade v8 is any better from kBlade or 2015 Blade.
Tested Auxetic Prestige Pro, not bad – but not sure it is worth it for me to leave TGT293.

BALLS
After a few years with Wilson US Open balls I have been testing three new – Babolat Team (great from the start), Tecnifibre X-One (perfect after a short while) and Dunlop Fort.

BASEMENT GRIP
I have been using Head Hydrosorb Pro for ages – but most recently discovered Wilson Feather Thin which could be a great option for me.

OVERGRIP
I have tested also two new overgrips – Tecnifibre Pro Contact and Tourna Mega Tac. Still will be using Gamma Supreme or Pacific X-Tack Pro.

 

[Loki77]

I bought two G360+ Radicals Pro, G360+ Speed mp and PK Black ace 315 (will play with it today.. Can't wait.. If it will do what I hope will do then most probably will sell Radicals and Speed or maybe trade one of them for PK BAP)

And for my older son Head Gravity junior..

 

[Songs For A Dead Pilot]

I bought two G360+ Radicals Pro, G360+ Speed mp and PK Black ace 315 (will play with it today.. Can't wait.. If it will do what I hope will do then most probably will sell Radicals and Speed or maybe trade one of them for PK BAP)
And for my older son Head Gravity junior..

Not sure I am right, but I guess these PK Black Aces could be very similar to Fischer Pacific X-Feel Tour/X-Force line of racquets. Comfort feel and control – but a bit missing more power and a bit better feedback from HEAD prostocks or older Prestiges and Radicals (Ti/Liquidmetal/Microgel/IG).

 

[socallefty]

Do those of you who buy 4-5 new racquets every year play a lot of matches or do you only do rally sessions? Curious because I like having the same racquet/string/tension to play all my matches and keep equipment-related adjustments (only to account for different hours of each stringjob) to a minimum. Doesn’t your win/loss record suffer against good opponents if you change racquets so often?

 

[PMF]

In 2021, I purchased four new racquets:

1, 2020 Yonex Ezone 100
2. 2021 Yonex Vcore Pro 95
3. 2020 Head Graphene 360+ Prestige MP
4, 2020 Yonex Ezone 98+

I ended up selling or swapping 1-3, so only the Ezone 98+ remains in my bag. In retrospect, I probably should have kept the Vcore 95. I let a friend have it.

 

[Goof]

Do those of you who buy 4-5 new racquets every year play a lot of matches or do you only do rally sessions? Curious because I like having the same racquet/string/tension to play all my matches and keep equipment-related adjustments (only to account for different hours of each stringjob) to a minimum. Doesn’t your win/loss record suffer against good opponents if you change racquets so often?

I'm with you. I like to pick one and run with it. With that said, I do like to demo a ton and make a change every 5 years or so. But then I generally don't touch a different racquet for the next 5 years. I've been in this forum a lot lately because I'm making a change after my current USTA season ends at the end of the year. Deciding between the PT2.0, Gravity Pro, and 360+PMP/2021 Prestige Pro.

 

[chrischris]

The quest for the holy grail continues. I bought a couple Regna 98s, a couple used Pure Aero VS's, a couple used Head Prestige Microgel Mids, and then a couple Volkl "player stock" frames. The Volkls are my favorites so far, and give me hope that I might just have found a frame I can stick with - amazing feel and performance.

Are the Regnas worth the cost? Do they Play 50 to 75 percent better than rackets cisting that percentage less?
Or is it more of a Prestige /status thing to own a few?

 

[xlv]

bought 2x 360+ Speed MP. Sold 1
bought 2x 360+ Extreme tour.
bought 360+ Radical MP
bought Babolat PA rafa for my GF
did demo for blade V8 but skipped it.
Also looking for Blade pro and ultra pro 16x19

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Did anyone switch to the 2021 Yonex V Core Pro H?

I'm looking to demo it in order to see just how much of a beast it is, but the waiting times here in Oz are just ridiculous at the moment, so it might be some time before I have an answer to that.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

It was a quiet year on the Babolat front. I’m hoping they could do a reissue of their storm or control line up. Having a racquet with a lower RA and box beam again, even as a limited run, would be good.

They're releasing the Pure Strike VS early next year which will be 62RA. I'm looking forward to demoing that one when it comes out. I tried the Pure Aero VS and was impressed, but it was just a smidge firmer than I'd prefer... and I discovered the Dunlop SX 300 Tour. If the SX 300 Tour had the beam thickness of the PAVS, instead of that of the Pure Aero Tour, it would be game over for this type of racquet. That is where I'm hoping the Pure Strike VS will come in. Then, I have the Pure Aero equivalent with a 62RA (the SX 300 Tour), and a thinner beam version in a low RA (PSVS).

The Pure Strike VS looks awesome... so let's hope it feels and performs that way too. Fingers crossed.

 

[Tranqville]

I'm looking to demo it in order to see just how much of a beast it is, but the waiting times here in Oz are just ridiculous at the moment, so it might be some time before I have an answer to that.

I was offered a demo in-store and refused in, having taken a few swings with the racquet. My arm almost fell off, and I'm coming from Dunlop 200G 350 strung. The H is a beast!

 

[mhkeuns]

I bought a few and liked them all. However, one stood out (*maybe two) above others, which was the Black Ace Pro. The second was the Blade Pro 18x20. I'd vote for the BAP for the 2021 racket of the year.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

I was offered a demo in-store and refused in, having taken a few swings with the racquet. My arm almost fell off, and I'm coming from Dunlop 200G 350 strung. The H is a beast!

I think with this one it might be a good idea to get the specs checked. There seems to be some variance and I think it may come down to the distribution of material within the racquet. I don't work well with heaps of weight in the throat, but if it was in the handle, it might be more manageable.

The only way to know is to try. I'm not set on the 97H. If it works great... if it doesn't but I like the feel... maybe I'll get the 97D or the 97 (310g). The feel is the thing.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

I bought a few and liked them all. However, one stood out (*maybe two) above others, which was the Black Ace Pro. The second was the Blade Pro 18x20. I'd vote for the BAP for the 2021 racket of the year.

What are you doing to me! I will have to pretend I did not just read this. I DO NOT need another racquet... I do not need another racquet...

A sad dejected mess, he sits in the corner, mumbling incoherently, rocking back and forth...

 

[Sweatii_yetii]

This thread is definitely making me feel better for buying double digit frames this year. Some of them were later sold and some are absolute gems to play with.

2022 I will try and remain more frugal and have told myself just the pure aero and head speed pro. We’ll see how that goes! Lol

 

[Sweatii_yetii]

What are you doing to me! I will have to pretend I did not just read this. I DO NOT need another racquet... I do not need another racquet...

A sad dejected mess, he sits in the corner, mumbling incoherently, rocking back and forth...

C’mon what’s just 1 more!! Haha

 

[JOSHL]

Did anyone buy a Prince this year, and in particular a Vortex frame ?

I bought a vortex 300. It’s amazing. May not be the frame of the year but underrated frame of the year for sure. It’s currently battling the 360+ radical mp for top spot.

 

[TennisManiac]

I purchased 2 Head Graphene 360+ Speed Pros last month. I finally made the switch from the Pro Staff 97s. The 360+ Speed Pro is the nicest racket I've ever hit with in terms of power, control and stability all in one package. And I've demoed about 25 frames in the past 5 years. Definitely racket of the year imo.

 

[Kozzy]

Are the Regnas worth the cost? Do they Play 50 to 75 percent better than rackets cisting that percentage less?
Or is it more of a Prestige /status thing to own a few?

I did not buy them for the prestige of ownership. I was honestly just intrigued. And, I would say the quality is very high - the paint job is kind of amazing, even if it's not for everyone. Subtle, but beautiful. They are interesting frames because I think they really do play best in stock form, with an overgrip, or equivalent. I usually like a heavier stick, but didn't enjoy them as much once weighted up. They are pretty low powered also, so I strung them pretty loose with something fairly lively. I have found them pretty easy on the arm as well, though I don't think that's universal. They are neither flexy nor stiff. Kind of interesting. I don't regret buying them, even if I may end up letting them go sometime soon.