Exo3 Tour 18x20 but heavier? Demo Suggestions

[aggietex08]

Background for looking to switch: I currently use the Exo3 Tour 18x20 and love the racquet. The problem I find is that it swings too light and am wanting to move to a heavier racquet. I have tried lead set ups on this and other racquets but have never preferred them over stock form, so only a stock racquet will do (big disappoint because I wanted to make the Wilson Pro Staff Six.One 95 work).

Little about myself and play style: I'm a very fit 26 year old and grew up playing soccer so my footwork is there. Within the last 4 years picked up tennis and currently play 4.0 USTA league. Will most likely play 4.5 next season if I can find a team in my area. My technique is improving and within the last 3 months switched to a 1HBH which was become more consistent than my forehand, though I still mainly slice angles to open up the court. Have also started to serve and volley more as I do have a bigger first serve that most opponents block back. With that being said, I still would not yet consider myself an all court player until my net play improves.

Looking for: Any string pattern, thin beam, ~12oz, ~8pt HL, ~330sw, soft feel/arm friendly

Posted before are previous demos in order of which I preferred them with a small note. Obviously none stood out enough to make me switch or I would not be posting this thread.

Dunlop Biomimetic 200 Tour Mid+ (10 less sw & 2-4 pts more hl from perfect)
Head YOUTEK IG Radical Pro (more weight and HL, odd grip shape)
Babolat P. Storm Tour GT 09 Mid+ (felt clunky?)
Wilson Juice Pro BLX (good specs but felt harsh)
PK Herit. Type C Redondo Demo Mid+ (felt too raw)
Yonex V Core 95 D (unique feel & not stable enough)
Dunlop Biomimetic 200 Lite Mid+ (same as below but slighty better feel)
Wilson Pro Staff Six.One 95 (way too light & unstable stock)

I am currently thinking about ProKennex QTour, Boris Becker Delta Core Melbourne, Dunlop Aerogel 4D/BIO 200, Volkl Power Bridge 10 Mid. The last being a racquet I have actually owned before. At the time I do not believe I was good enough to use and my arm hurt. This could be because of more frequent mishits and technique. I have since changed my technique from getting tips from my clubs pro.

If you managed to read all of that, thank you. I am basically looking to bounce the ideas off anyone willing to chime in. Other racquet suggestions are welcome. Though 3 out of the 4 racquets I listed above for possible next demo round are 18x20 I was wanting to go to an open string pattern, though it is not as important as proper weight, sw, hl balance and most importantly arm friendliness. I used to battle TE but now my arm only hurts after I play a lot of tennis (I frequently play 5-8 sets if I can line multiple people up to play in one day) or disc golf. I mainly think disc golf is what does my arm in now.

If it matters my string set up is Dunlop Black Widow 17g, ISOSpeed Control Classic 16g @ 54/58lbs

 

[Bartelby]

The new Yonex 97 tour sounds in your 'wheelhouse' and its getting good reviews if you ignore the noise about the mid version.

 

[Justin-JP]

The Bio 200 Tour is a nice all-round racket and particularly good from the baseline. Don't be scared of the SW or balance, they swing easy and you'd get used to the weight fairly quickly.

To echo the above as well, the Yonex Vcore Tour 97 (330g unstrung) is also worth a look. Static weight is quite a bit higher than 12oz; mine came in at 12.76oz (362g) with a change of grip (Pacific Classic) + over grip + dampner. Balance feels around 9-10pts HL and around 330-335 SW. I've yet to hit with it (tonight maybe), so I cannot recommend it anymore than that - but it feels good, albeit, the SW needs bumping up a with some lead at 12.

 

[aggietex08]

@Bartelby: Thank you for the suggestion, I hadn't thought of it. How is the Yonex VCORE Tour 97 in terms of arm friendliness? Stiffness of 66 is getting up there. Does it feel like the Vcore 95 D? I wasn't as found of that feel but I do remember playing with a RQiS 1Tour a long time ago that I was found of though.

@Justin-JP: I felt the Bio 200 Tour was a good stick at the baseline when prepared but if I was scrambling it wasn't very forgiving. I also did not like serving with this stick due to the balance not being HL enough.

Another racquet I forgot to mention was the Prince Rebel 95. I owned the previous model and ultimately felt it was just too low powered. I have heard the newer version is a faster playing stick. How does this extra racquet head speed translate?

 

[klementine]

^Depends how you string it.

While I did find the new Rebel95 to be easier to wield, it ultimately lacked the smudgen of plow that the previous version had. Although the vast improvement in feel made up for the power with touch.

Once the strings dropped tension, ~48-50lbs., it was very enjoyable in respect to ease of pace/spin. It's a winner though, the racquet that is.

 

[jonestim]

Have you tried the Prince Tour Diablo Mid? 12.2 oz, 331 SW, 9 HL, 19mm beam, big sweet spot for a mid. Stiffness is 66, but it feels muted and not harsh. Worth a try. I actually enjoy hitting with mine more than the EXO3, but I'm not quite as consistent with it. I have it stock with BHBR17@48.

I also found the EXO3 Tours too light stock. I put them up to 12oz with a 330 SW by putting 4g at 3/9 and 8g lead at the top of the grip.

 

[Timbo's hopeless slice]

I played a lot of tennis with the BIO200 and can happily recommend it based on what you are saying about your game.

It is pretty flexy, lovely to volley with and buries the ball if you hit it clean.

Downsides are it will fall at your feet (the ball, at least!) if you don't hit it clean!
You need to generate your own power, too, but I imagine that would be true of any of the sticks in your selection.
You got a sore arm from a PB10 Mid? That's, umm, 'different'!

might be worth giving that another try as well..

good luck!

 

[beepee1972]

Have you tried the Wilson BLX SixOne 95 (either in 16x18 or 18x20). You just might like it....

 

[BC1]

Have you tried the Wilson BLX SixOne 95 (either in 16x18 or 18x20). You just might like it....

^^^^^ My vote as well. Specs seem to he perfect for you. And if you liked the PS version but wish it had more weight, this is probably as close as your going to get. Or even try the PS blx 90. Staticweight may be alittle higher then you want, but the rest is close.

 

[smirker]

Looking for: Any string pattern, thin beam, ~12oz, ~8pt HL, ~330sw, soft feel/arm friendly.

That will be the POG Mid then. Seems that TW still has a stash as well as the OS version but the mid seems to fit your specs better.

 

[aggietex08]

@klementine79: Would the new Rebel have about the same amount as power as the Tour? I didn't see anything saying you could get string holes in it. I have them versus the ports and find it to be a big, good, difference. Also could you contact Prince and tell them yellow is one of my least favorite colors and the stick is hideous... Though if it works so be it.

@jonestim & smirker: I am skeptical about the Diablo Tour Mid & POG Mid because they are older frames. The only older frame I have tried is the ProKennex Redondo Mid+ but I did not like the raw old school feel. Since I jumped into the game recently I have only used recent technology so I am accustomed to the more muted feel. I apologize if this is blasphemy to the traditionalist. (I know if someone told me to drive a car with an automatic transmission I would kindly tell them to remove themselves from my presence)

@beepee1972 & BC1: I have looked closely at the 6.1 95 but again the stiffness makes me worrisome. Since I am very active with other sports I think it might be too much. I already use the softest strings, minus gut, that will last me more than a few hours.

@Timbo's hopeless slice: I know it is odd the PB10 mid gave me a sore arm. It was early into my tennis playing so that is why I noted it being to technique. I have always until recently "armed the ball", as the pro calls it. I also did not rely on TW string stiffness ratings to pick the softest strings. Did you happen to play with the previous 4D version of the 200? It's higher swing weight appeals to me more so than the BIO version. Since the BIO has the same as my EXO3 Tour I am not sure I would feel much a difference in heft. If you have used the previous how would you compare them?

 

[Doc Hollidae]

Ozone Pro Tour

 

[li0scc0]

Prince Ozone Pro Tour.
330 SW. 12.2 ounces. 8 points headlight. 18x20 pattern. 65 flex. Perfection.

 

[smirker]

Last two posts also a good option. I play the regular Ozone Tour from time to time and it is certainly a nice stick but a little too muted and under powered for my tastes. Shame you don't like old school sticks. I have modern and old solid graphite and I know which one my arm prefers.

 

[tennis4josh]

Babolat Pure Storm Ltd GT meets most of your requirements. A small amount of lead tape at 3/9 or 2/10 will bring the balance and SW to your specs.

 

[NLBwell]

Have you tried the Wilson BLX SixOne 95 (either in 16x18 or 18x20). You just might like it....

I agree with this. Maybe try the 18x20 with a gut mains hybrid for your arm - it is a harsh racket. The 16x18 with gut will probably be hard to control. Might also try the Prestige MidPlus or Pro but again, you might need some weight to bump up the swingweight.

 

[ian2]

QTour was already on your list, and I highly recommend you try it. The specs fit right in with your preferences. It's an easier to use version of Redondo, with a more modern feel. It's definitely the most arm-friendly frame of the bunch (Yonex might be close). I'm also a 4.0 player, bought two QTours last month and really enjoying them. 353g/9 pts HL/~335 SW with overgrip and vibration dampener.

Edited: see QTour feedback for my review with more details: http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/feedback-PKIQT.html

 

[aggietex08]

@Doc Hollidae,li0scc0 & smirker: I used the Ozone Tour and ultimately had to get rid of them because strings lasted no longer than 2-4 hours. While I think the week to week and a half I currently go through strings is bad I simply could not afford that. Does the O ports in the Pro Tour do the same? Also would have to look in the forums and see how easy it would be to track down 3-5 of them. Would also mean I couldn't demo first before buying though.

@tennis4josh: I felt the PS ltd to be very underpowered and under stable. I'm sure lead would help with this but as I stated in the OP I haven't found much success with lead. With that being said my friend plays with it and I do enjoy and think it is the most control orientated stick I have played with. Just not my cup of tea for now.

@NLBwell: That fact I have heard that the 6.1 95 can be a harsh racquet for me just isn't worth the chance. Since I am a string breaker gut is out of the question. The Prestige Pro appeals to me but I would have to replace the leather grip (again blasphemy to traditionalist I am sorry) which would make the balance very off or have to lead, which again I haven't had success with. I wish I know my issue when it comes to leading racquet as it makes this process very difficult.

@ian2: Thank you for the comment and link to for the feedback. I am looking forward to hitting with this one more than any other. I am trying not to get too excited though because I want to go in with an open mind, not thinking it will be a dream then it not living up to an unrealistic expectation.

 

[klementine]

^ If you like the prince sticks with the string port inserts, I wouldn't recommend the Ozone Pro Tour. It's a really 'numb' feel. The exo3Tour100 stock with port inserts feels much more solid. The specs on the POPT are nice, but it has such a disconnect about it. You might like it though.

@klementine79: Would the new Rebel have about the same amount as power as the Tour? I didn't see anything saying you could get string holes in it. I have them versus the ports and find it to be a big, good, difference. Also could you contact Prince and tell them yellow is one of my least favorite colors and the stick is hideous... Though if it works so be it.

If I'm contacting Prince, it wouldn't be to complain about the yellow. It actually looks good with an og and it can double as make-shift flag in case of flooding or a capsized ship.

As far as power potential?...... I always played the exo3Tour100 modded. Both sticks stock,the rebel has more inherent power, due to the sheer weight, static and swing. I much prefer the exo3Tour100 modded in terms of feel, but the rebel has a nice solid and plush thing going on.

They do make string hole ports for the rebel95.

 

[aggietex08]

@klementine79

it can double as make-shift flag in case of flooding or a capsized ship.

Hah! How befitting since I live on a lake. I will have to throw the new Rebel in to the demo list. Since no one has commented on the Melbourne it seems like that is the one that should be dropped for now. Thank you for the reply.

 

[beepee1972]

@beepee1972 & BC1: I have looked closely at the 6.1 95 but again the stiffness makes me worrisome. Since I am very active with other sports I think it might be too much. I already use the softest strings, minus gut, that will last me more than a few hours.

Ehm... no complaints here. I use the previous BLX 6.1 95 in a 18x20 pattern with a pretty standard synthetic gut at 25K and have no complaints about possible TE. And in the past, I was suffering with TE, so I am always looking for a comfortable racket for my arm. I have tried it with poly mains en synthetic crosses, but didn't like it as much as full synthetic. And since I'm not prone to break strings (I usually restring every 4 weeks or so), this is not an issue for me. Good luck in finding the right racket!

 

[aggietex08]

@beepee1972: Hum, I might have to try it out since everything besides the stiffness are right in my specs. I know heavier weight helps transfer less vibrations all else equal so maybe it will equal out. It will be on the second round of demos if it comes to that.

When I come back from China in two weeks Demos are: Rebel 95, 4D 200, QTour, and PB10mid.

Second round: VCORE Tour 97, 6.1 96 16x18, Melbourne and ____. If I can not find another I might try both 6.1 95s to compare.

 

[sansaephanh]

I have 3 of the 2009 rebels for sale, email me if interested. Much more solid feeling then the 2012's.

I'm going to agree with the recommendations for all the prince sticks. The Diablo tour is a nice open 16x20 MID. Hard to find these days! Rock solid from the ground and produces a ton of spin.

Same with the rebel and the POG. The POG is more of a classic feeling graphite with a huge 14x18 string pattern for maximum spin and string killing performance. The rebel is a dense string pattern@18x20 with top notch comfort and low power to really let you swing out on your strokes.

The prince ozone pro tour is a great stick. A higher power racket for sure, but it can do everything you ask it to do. I really had to adapt my strokes for it though. Soft, powerful, and a tad uncontrollable for me, but i'm sure that was more me then anything.

Good luck man!

 

[flume]

I have looked closely at the 6.1 95 but again the stiffness makes me worrisome. Since I am very active with other sports I think it might be too much. I already use the softest strings, minus gut, that will last me more than a few hours.

The different versions have different stiffness. Try an old ncode maybe?