Feedback on these racquets? Looking for a player's frame. 1hbh.

[WhiskeyEE]

Looking for a player's frame with some flex, but not too much flex. Good balance between control and power, but leaning slightly toward control oriented. Good feel. Don't want a muted racquet. I don't even like using a string dampener.

I take fast full swings.

Considering:
Pure strike 98 one7 16x19
Blade 98
Pro Staff 97
Ezone DR 98
Ezone Ai 98
Vcore SV 98
Vcore Duel G 310 g

I need to rule some out. So it's helpful if you know one that would be a bad for for me.

So far I'm leaning toward the DR 98.

 

[briancheng]

Playing with the DR98 right now and it's working extremely well for my one hander. Actually, it's one of the few racquets where I find hitting a topspin one handed to be more natural than a slice one hander.

I also found the Blade 98s to be extremely one hander friendly - probably my favorite modern racquet to hit a one hander is the Blade 98 with some weight added to the handle. That said, felt that the DR 98 was more balanced for my game overall.

Also liked the PS97 for one handlers as well but didn't connect as well to the feel of the racquet.

I have always like Prestige MPs for one handers as well.

 

[WhiskeyEE]

Playing with the DR98 right now and it's working extremely well for my one hander. Actually, it's one of the few racquets where I find hitting a topspin one handed to be more natural than a slice one hander.

I also found the Blade 98s to be extremely one hander friendly - probably my favorite modern racquet to hit a one hander is the Blade 98 with some weight added to the handle. That said, felt that the DR 98 was more balanced for my game overall.

Also liked the PS97 for one handlers as well but didn't connect as well to the feel of the racquet.

I have always like Prestige MPs for one handers as well.

Thanks a lot. How would you say the DR98 out-performed the Blade?

 

[Anton H]

The p17 pure strike works well for a one hander after you put a leather grip on it or like 6 to 10 grams of lead under the grip at the top of the handle to make it slightly more head light. It's a bit Head heavy in stock form making the one hander a bit cumbersome. My 2 cent

 

[Noah Swift]

ps has always played well for 1 handers, and has good court penetration and control

 

[Tommy Haas]

From your list, I'd lean towards the heavier Yonex Vcores. The Ezone DR and Ai need added tail weight. Going a grip size smaller and using a leather grip is an easy mod.

Find a frame that has some heft and can cut through the air quickly. Usually more HL and lower SW rackets with a 95-98" sized head and thin beam will allow the good whip around necessary for a 1BH.

The 1BH is a long swing and you don't want to be caught late else TE, low power and control will result. It's not a shot that can be muscled over like a 2BH. You want to be out in front when making contact and need heft to absorb shock and add pace.

 

[SpinToWin]

From my short experience with them and the feedback I have Yonex racquets tend to be more muted. I'd certainly remove the Ai. And if you're leaning tiwards control I'd lean towards DR over SV. Not sure about the Duel G though.

The Blade to me always was a muted and dead frame. Never liked it, do not recommend it.

Pure strike 98 one7 16x19
Blade 98 (current or previous iteration)
Pro Staff 97 (current or previous iteration)
Ezone DR 98
Ezone Ai 98
Vcore SV 98
Vcore Duel G 310 g

Have you considered the Pro Staff 97S?

 

[WhiskeyEE]

From my short experience with them and the feedback I have Yonex racquets tend to be more muted. I'd certainly remove the Ai. And if you're leaning tiwards control I'd lean towards DR over SV. Not sure about the Duel G though.

The Blade to me always was a muted and dead frame. Never liked it, do not recommend it.

Pure strike 98 one7 16x19
Blade 98 (current or previous iteration)
Pro Staff 97 (current or previous iteration)
Ezone DR 98
Ezone Ai 98
Vcore SV 98
Vcore Duel G 310 g

Have you considered the Pro Staff 97S?

Yeah I've eliminated the SV 98 definitely. Way too many negative comments. And AI too since the DR is generally considered superior.

I don't really know what the difference is between the 97S and standard edition.

With regard to Yonex, I'm a little worried about the feel of the DR just because of its low flex rating, but people have generally commented positively about it that way.

 

[WhiskeyEE]

From your list, I'd lean towards the heavier Yonex Vcores. The Ezone DR and Ai need added tail weight. Going a grip size smaller and using a leather grip is an easy mod.

Find a frame that has some heft and can cut through the air quickly. Usually more HL and lower SW rackets with a 95-98" sized head and thin beam will allow the good whip around necessary for a 1BH.

The 1BH is a long swing and you don't want to be caught late else TE, low power and control will result. It's not a shot that can be muscled over like a 2BH. You want to be out in front when making contact and need heft to absorb shock and add pace.

Most of these racquets I think are around 11 oz, including the Vcores. And I think the DR 98 is 6 points head light.

 

[SpinToWin]

Yeah I've eliminated the SV 98 definitely. Way too many negative comments. And AI too since the DR is generally considered superior.

I don't really know what the difference is between the 97S and standard edition.

With regard to Yonex, I'm a little worried about the feel of the DR just because of its low flex rating, but people have generally commented positively about it that way.

I really liked the 97S on one handers, it plays really sweet on that shot for some reason. It is less crisp than the 97 but has more control and good feel.

 

[WhiskeyEE]

I really liked the 97S on one handers, it plays really sweet on that shot for some reason. It is less crisp than the 97 but has more control and good feel.

Looks like the difference is the open string pattern. I'd be worried about too much power honestly. I'm comparing two of my old racquets right now. Pure Drive Team and RDX 500. They are polar opposites in how they play. RDX 500 is super low powered and flexy, muted even. I'm looking for something more similar to that than the PD. It's just too flexy and low powered. And the feedback isn't great. I like swinging as hard as I can at the ball and not worrying about it sailing long (or hitting the fence). I also notice I can get much better angles with it compared to the Pure Drive. But I need a bit more pop for serves and when I'm playing against the wind.

 

[SpinToWin]

Looks like the difference is the open string bed. I'd be worried about too much power honestly. I'm testing two of my old racquets right now. Pure Drive Team and RDX 500. They are polar opposites in how they play. RDX 500 is super low powered and flexy, muted even. I'm looking for something more similar to that than the PD. I like swinging as hard as I can at the ball and not worrying about it sailing long (or hitting the fence). I also notice I can get much better angles with it compared to the Pure Drive. But I need a bit more pop for serves and when I'm playing against the wind.

Too much power with a not too stiff 19.5mm beam?

 

[slicendice]

Looks like the difference is the open string pattern. I'd be worried about too much power honestly. I'm comparing two of my old racquets right now. Pure Drive Team and RDX 500. They are polar opposites in how they play. RDX 500 is super low powered and flexy, muted even. I'm looking for something more similar to that than the PD. It's just too flexy and low powered. I like swinging as hard as I can at the ball and not worrying about it sailing long (or hitting the fence). I also notice I can get much better angles with it compared to the Pure Drive. But I need a bit more pop for serves and when I'm playing against the wind.

I'm going to recommend the Prince TT 100P again. I don't even play with this racquet but it is a diamond in the rough. You should think about demoing it if you're looking at the Yonex DR98.

The only reason why I'm not playing with the 100P is because for whatever reason the Prince grip shape hurts my wrist. I've actually heard other people complain of this problem. It's annoying because that is one sweet frame.

 

[WhiskeyEE]

Too much power with a not too stiff 19.5mm beam?

Yeah you're probably right. I've just always avoided the variants of the standard line. I should be demo'ing a few, but it would be a hassle and I'm too lazy/impatient right now.

The PS would be a stronger contender if the light version had the black PJ.

 

[SpinToWin]

Yeah you're probably right. I've just always avoided the variants of the standard line. I should be demo'ing a few, but it would be a hassle and I'm too lazy/impatient right now.

The PS would be a stronger contender if the light version had the black PJ.

AFAIK they're coming out with a CV PS which will also have the black PJ

 

[ace18]

I moved on from the Ai98 to the PS97 older version and feel that PS97 is easier for me to hit OHBH with the PS97 and the slice is much more penetrating with the PS97. I can't comment on the muted part since I like the muted feel, using the snake dampener on all racquets. I feel that the PS97 has nice control, good pop and very good stability. I can effectively hit topspin, slice or flatten out shots on my backhand. good luck

 

[WhiskeyEE]

I moved on from the Ai98 to the PS97 older version and feel that PS97 is easier for me to hit OHBH with the PS97 and the slice is much more penetrating with the PS97. I can't comment on the muted part since I like the muted feel, using the snake dampener on all racquets. I feel that the PS97 has nice control, good pop and very good stability. I can effectively hit topspin, slice or flatten out shots on my backhand. good luck

I actually found another thread comparing the PS97 to the DR98 and they mentioned the same thing wrt slice. Thanks. The users were also comparing the DR98 to a more flexy APD unfortunately.

Anyone else? Want to make a decision by tomorrow since the sale on DR98's ends by tomorrow night.

 

[Tommy Haas]

The Prince TT 100P with Head FXP Tour string pockets the ball really well. Since you wrote that you have a fast swing, it may not work out for you since fast swingers do better with stiffer rackets for the brushing effect. If you hit a flatter shot, swung slower, it would work out pretty good since you can ride the power and direct it.

The Prince grip shape is the most octagonal or symmetrical of all the racket brands. So it'll feel bigger in the hands since no matter how you are holding it, it feels the same. Have you tried a grip size smaller? Maybe lay some cardboard strips to make it more rectangular like the Wilson grip shape.

 

[WhiskeyEE]

The Prince TT 100P with Head FXP Tour string pockets the ball really well. Since you wrote that you have a fast swing, it may not work out for you since fast swingers do better with stiffer rackets for the brushing effect. If you hit a flatter shot, swung slower, it would work out pretty good since you can ride the power and direct it.

Honestly I just boycott Prince and Head because of their gimmicky marketing throughout the years.

I'm not sure I agree that stiffer frames are better for faster swings though.

 

[Blair]

I'm going to recommend the Prince TT 100P again. I don't even play with this racquet but it is a diamond in the rough. You should think about demoing it if you're looking at the Yonex DR98.

The only reason why I'm not playing with the 100P is because for whatever reason the Prince grip shape hurts my wrist. I've actually heard other people complain of this problem. It's annoying because that is one sweet frame.

I play the TT100P with 7gm added in the throat to keep the balance. I play it with VS/RPM with the gut in the mains. Love the stick.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[TennisManiac]

AFAIK they're coming out with a CV PS which will also have the black PJ

A CV version of the Pro Staff? Where did you hear this? And when will this likely happen. I'm veeeeery interested in this one.

 

[fundrazer]

DR98 good choice, seems like it ticks all the boxes you're looking for. Wouldn't worry about the low flex, it's a responsive racquet but not overly stiff.

Since somebody mentioned slice. I've had a bit of a more difficult time getting the bh slice consistently with it...Used to hit them really well when I was playing with Prestige MP, although at same time I've been making more conscious effort to hit more topspin backhands lately. It's either something with the launch angle (I dunno), or me just messing up the swing and opening up the racquet face and it floats up. Although when I do hit it well, the DR98 produces a great shot. Stays really low and skids through the court. Forced quite a few errors with that.

 

[WhiskeyEE]

DR98 good choice, seems like it ticks all the boxes you're looking for. Wouldn't worry about the low flex, it's a responsive racquet but not overly stiff.

Since somebody mentioned slice. I've had a bit of a more difficult time getting the bh slice consistently with it...Used to hit them really well when I was playing with Prestige MP, although at same time I've been making more conscious effort to hit more topspin backhands lately. It's either something with the launch angle (I dunno), or me just messing up the swing and opening up the racquet face and it floats up. Although when I do hit it well, the DR98 produces a great shot. Stays really low and skids through the court. Forced quite a few errors with that.

Launch angle is actually something I've been paying attention to when comparing my RDX and PD. If I switch from RDX to PD, my serves at first will sail almost to the baseline. I strongly prefer a lower launch angle. Slices are great with the RDX too.

 

[WhiskeyEE]

A CV version of the Pro Staff? Where did you hear this? And when will this likely happen. I'm veeeeery interested in this one.

CV = countervail?

 

[TennisManiac]

CV = countervail?

What else would it stand for?

 

[WhiskeyEE]

What else would it stand for?

At first I thought he meant custom version. I heard countervail for the first time yesterday.

 

[Tommy Haas]

DR98 didn't slice well for me due to the 16x19 pattern's higher launch angle, but the 100P sliced really well because it has an 18x20 string pattern. It also has cupping effects where you could hold onto the the ball slightly longer and carve under it for added depth. The stiff open string pattern rackets make slicing more like slashing than carving.

 

[Tommy Haas]

DR98 good choice, seems like it ticks all the boxes you're looking for. Wouldn't worry about the low flex, it's a responsive racquet but not overly stiff.

I would not consider the DR98 as a flexible racket. It's not stiff either, but right in between. In fact, most describe it being crisp. Now the DR98's predecessor, the Ai98 is flexible frame. The 1 RDC point difference is deceiving because the flex is in the throat which can be felt more than flex in the hoop.

 

[Tommy Haas]

Launch angle is actually something I've been paying attention to when comparing my RDX and PD. If I switch from RDX to PD, my serves at first will sail almost to the baseline. I strongly prefer a lower launch angle. Slices are great with the RDX too.

16x19 usually results in higher launch angles and 18x20 lower launch angles, but is harder to generate topspin. 16x20 is the compromise and works well for me.

 

[WhiskeyEE]

I would not consider the DR98 as a flexible racket. It's not stiff either, but right in between. In fact, most describe it being crisp. Now the DR98's predecessor, the Ai98 is flexible frame. The 1 RDC point difference is deceiving because the flex is in the throat which can be felt more than flex in the hoop.

Would you say that the AI is more control oriented than the DR with lower launch angle without lacking power? The TW reviewers said it's great for serving, but at the same time it's really flexy.

I would almost like to get the Duel G 310, but I would have to order from TW with Canadian exchange rate... I can find deals on DR, AI, PS97, etc. here.

I can get a Tour G 330 for cheap, but I really don't want a racquet that heavy.

 

[PhxRacket]

What else would it stand for?

Curriculum Vitae?

 

[Pleb123]

Why not throw the Prince Textreme Tour 95 into the mix. 16 x 19 but with great control. Solid. Nice feel and flex. String it low and/ or with a hybrid and/ or add lead at 12 o'clock for a little extra pop.

 

[Tommy Haas]

The DR98 and Ai98 are both control oriented, but depending on your swing style and grip preference, it'll plays pretty different.

As I said the DR98 is more flexible in the hoop and the Ai98 is more flexible in the throat. The DR98 is more crisp feeling and the Ai98 is more muted, but both frames would be considered more muted than typical crisp frames.

It's muted because of all the technologies Yonex added to the frame to absorb shock and vibrations. The DR98 is more powerful than the Ai98 and I think would be better hitting harder serves.

The DR98 is better suited for fast and explosive swings while the Ai98 is more suited for slower controlled swings because the ball stays on the Ai98 longer. They both have high same launch angles. The frames have the same mold and string pattern and even share the same grommet sets. High launch angles suit full western played better than other swing styles.

If you prefer using pencil grips such as size 1 or 2 and go with the Ai98, you'll need to get your correct grip size or only one size lower. Many have complained of frame flutter from the flexible throat and feel the racket isn't stable, but that's because they were using really small grips where getting good purchase on the handle isn't possible.

I've also hit with the Prince Textreme Tour 95 and it's a very demanding frame. You'd need to be at least a solid 4.5 to use it effectively because it's extremely low powered. I would leave the weight as is because you don't want to increase SW as sufficient RHS is necessary to generate pace. I'd use a powerful string to compensate for the lack of pop.

 

[Crocodile]

Duel G and DR 98 is probably your best bet out of the ones you listed.

 

[Stupendous1HBH]

I guess if I had to pick one out of the list it'd be the dual g 310.

But when I read your title and saw "player's frame" and "1hbh" my thoughts went to my racquet: the RF97

 

[WhiskeyEE]

I guess if I had to pick one out of the list it'd be the dual g 310.

But when I read your title and saw "player's frame" and "1hbh" my thoughts went to my racquet: the RF97

It has a sweet PJ. And, the older and better I get, the more I care about style points and the more I try to play like Roger. But I tested the ncode n6.1 back in high school and remember not liking how heavy and hard to swing it was.

 

[Stupendous1HBH]

Well the RF97 is even harder to swing than any of the prostaff 90 Fed iterations. Those racquets swung faster through the air but you feel every bit of the weight in the RF97 on every stroke but it's so rewarding.

 

[ONgame]

I would pick PS97 over DG97 for the better feel.
imo PureStrike 16*19 is actually terrible.

I have demoed all three

 

[WhiskeyEE]

I would pick PS97 over DG97 for the better feel.
imo PureStrike 16*19 is actually terrible.

I have demoed all three

Yeah I have no doubt Babolat shelled a few bucks for that TW review. People aren't really raving about it like they are.

 

[WhiskeyEE]

One more question... would the AI 98 be the racquet that's easiest on the arm? I'm injury prone and I notice that the RDX is a lot easier on my shoulder than the PD.

And are the PS97 and Duel G arm friendly racquets? This might be the tie breaker.

 

[ONgame]

DG97 is easier on the arm than PS97.

when I demoed both racquets were strung with multis 2lbs above mid reference tension, DG97 had some Yonex multi with a number in its name, PS97 had Wilson NXT.

 

[Tommy Haas]

Between the DR98 and Ai98. The Ai98 is the softer and I would say easier on the arm frame. You'll be giving up some power in return for more arm protection. The DR98 has an extra technology to dampen shock than the older Ai98, but I don't think that added tech trumps the Ai98's more flexible throat. Do you hit using a full western? These open patterned high launch angle frames are best suited for full western. I'm semi-western and prefer a denser string pattern.

 

[Stupendous1HBH]

Bigger sweetspot in the Yonex frame as well with the isometric head. Should allow for maybe a little more consistency in general for the 1 hander. If you have good timing in general then it probably won't make much difference.

 

[SpinToWin]

One more question... would the AI 98 be the racquet that's easiest on the arm? I'm injury prone and I notice that the RDX is a lot easier on my shoulder than the PD.

And are the PS97 and Duel G arm friendly racquets? This might be the tie breaker.

Definitely test the 97S. Arm friendly for sure in my book.

The 97 can be a bit jarring IMO.

The Ai98 would be comfortable, but as I said, you won't like the feel.

Perhaps check out the PK Q+5 Pro?

 

[Tommy Haas]

I hit with a 16x20 PK5G and 18x20 Prince TT 100P. So you can see me being SW, I like denser patterns, but not so dense as 18x20 on a 95 head. The PK5G and 100P are both 100".

They are both relatively arm friendly, but nothing beats a sub 60 flex frame. Those stiff and heavy frames are usually safe for TE if you have the strength to wield them. 12oz plus frames absorbs a lock of shock.

If you go lighter between 11oz and 11.5oz, the flex rating does matter. If you go into the 10oz range, then I don't know what's good other than added weight, so you're back to the 11-12oz frames.

 

[WhiskeyEE]

Between the DR98 and Ai98. The Ai98 is the softer and I would say easier on the arm frame. You'll be giving up some power in return for more arm protection. The DR98 has an extra technology to dampen shock than the older Ai98, but I don't think that added tech trumps the Ai98's more flexible throat. Do you hit using a full western? These open patterned high launch angle frames are best suited for full western. I'm semi-western and prefer a denser string pattern.

I hit with a 3/4 western on both sides (on backhand the racquet is more perpendicular to arm). So pretty extreme grips and still prefer lower launch angle.

My RDX 500 has a 16/19 string pattern on a 98 in^2 head and the launch angle still seems pretty low. Especially compared to the PD. I've never really used a denser string pattern though.

Anyway, the more I play with the RDX, the more I want something like it. I was testing it against the PD serving earlier today and I served like 5 balls with the PD before putting it down. I'm even liking the muted 'smooth' feel of it now and feel I can go really big on 2nd serves without worrying about it going out. And the precision on ground strokes is unreal. It's a great form improvement stick and my serve motion is definitely better because I have to go bigger.

I really just need a bit more juice for 1st serves and when playing against the wind/pushed back.

 

[Tommy Haas]

The Ai98's feel would probably be best described as disconnected. Disconnection from all the Yonex tech and flex. The DR98 is almost the same, but a little more crisp. They are not night and day differences. The DR98 was made for people who complained the Ai98 was too mushy.

There are three ways to make an arm friendly racket. The Ai98 makes use of numbers 2 and 3. The DR98 make more use of number 2 and less of number 3.

(1) weight
(2) tech
(3) flex

 

[WhiskeyEE]

The Ai98's feel would probably be best described as disconnected. Disconnection from all the Yonex tech and flex. The DR98 is almost the same, but a little more crisp. They are not night and day differences. The DR98 was made for people who complained the Ai98 was too mushy.

That makes sense. I remember hating the PD cortex.

Right now it's narrowed down to the DR98 or DuelG310.