First ‘proper’ racket

P

phazis

New User
Hey all :)

I’ve been playing for about 4 months, having sort of learnt how to play as a child.

I’ve been playing about 4-6h a week, with it all being ‘improver-level’ group sessions - with some coaching, some rallying, some games etc. Joined a club so now going to try and find some hitting partners.

I’ve been playing with a Babolat Boost D - a 260g, 16x19, 102sq inch frame. The factory strings have been on it for about 4 years. I’m a 5’5” ~75kg adult male if that matters.

I’m looking for a new racket - something proper. I’ve got a bit of wrist pain which I think is due to the racket - strings are super dead and I feel absolutely every single shot in my wrist. I know I could just probably just restring but the restring would probably be more than the value of the racket at this point.

I’m thinking 300g - something with not too much power but maybe a bit kinder on the wrist? Would something like the tfight 300s be good? I’ve seen a a few of them for sale around me for pretty good prices barely used.

Thanks for the advice :)
 
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@phazis - Welcome to TT, and congrats on getting further into tennis.

First off, before even getting into racquets, we should address strings. If you intend on playing any more with your Boost D, I would absolutely get it restrung as soon as possible, with either a soft syn gut or a multifilament – NO POLY – at the recommended mid-tension value labeled on the racquet, or slightly below. That should help with comfort, in both the Boost D, and in any new racquet you get.

Now, onto racquets. At 18 years old, 5'5" and 75kg, it very likely makes sense to move up to a normal weight class frame (say, 295-305g), with medium swing weight (low 320's strung, max). And considering your wrist pain, I would probably err towards more dampened, possibly softer-flexing racquets. Any of the more popular 100" models that align with all of that would probably be fine. If you do look at 98's, I would only look at only those that are the most forgiving and have at least a moderate amount of power-to-weight ratio (example: Yonex EZone 98).

I'm sure you'll get tons of suggestions from others soon enough, but I would say a good one to start with would be the Head Boom MP – a very nice blend of power and control, with a sensibly-low (but not noodle-soft, either) 62 RA flex and good amount of dampening. That, combined with a soft, arm-friendly string should keep tennis comfortable and fun, while giving you a fairly high performance ceiling.

Hope that helps. Any questions, feel free.
 
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Demo a bunch of frames and focus on the flex number. I suggest hitting with frames 60-66ra with 97-100" head size. Many adult frames around the 305-310g range. Know that string material and tension count for a huge amount of frame performance. Hit with solid core syn gut if you can as it is very consistent and holds tension well (no.1 is natural gut however).
 
Trip said:
@phazis - Welcome to TT, and congrats on getting further into tennis.

First off, before even getting into racquets, we should address strings. If you intend on playing any more with your Boost D, I would absolutely get it restrung as soon as possible, with either a soft syn gut or a multifilament – NO POLY – at the recommended mid-tension value labeled on the racquet, or slightly below. That should help with comfort, in both the Boost D, and in any new racquet you get.

Now, onto racquets. At 18 years old, 5'5" and 75kg, it very likely makes sense to move up to a normal weight class frame (say, 295-305g), with medium swing weight (low 320's strung, max). And considering your wrist pain, I would probably err towards more dampened, possibly softer-flexing racquets. Any of the more popular 100" models that align with those weightings and more arm-friendly characteristics would probably be fine. If you do look at 98's, I would only look at only those that are the most forgiving and have at least a moderate amount of power-to-weight ratio (example: Yonex EZone 98).

I'm sure you'll get tons of suggestions from others soon enough, but I would say a good one to start with would be the Head Boom MP – a very nice blend of power and control, with a sensibly-low (but not noodle-soft, either) 62 RA flex and good amount of dampening. That, combined with a soft, arm-friendly string should keep tennis comfortable and fun, while giving you a fairly high performance ceiling.

Hope that helps. Any questions, feel free.
Click to expand...
Thanks for your awesome reply - so much info :)

Will sure take a bit of time later to properly understand your message and the info you’ve given me.

I will definitely get the babolat restrung in sun gut - probably PSGD as it’s fairly cheap - while I’m looking for a new stick.

I’m aware of the dangers of poly and thanks for the warning :)

Thank you SO MUCH for being so welcoming and helpful :)
 
@phasiz You will be bombarded with frame suggestions, some more useful, some less. Demoing for you is counterproductive. You do not yet have the experience in assessing and comparing frames, acounting for strings etc. It's like a horse race - if you have no experience at all, it makes sense to just bet on favorites. Start with some basic education:


Considering your height and weight, you're likely to develop a baseline grinder gamestyle, relying on speed, consistency, and long points to win matches. So expect to need such racquet down the road:


A comfortable 290-300g racquet with 100 sq.in. head is a great place to start. Go with a big mainstream brand (Head, Yonex, Wilson, Babolat) - that will make for easier transition in the future, as your play style develops, giving you a valuable reference point and familiarity with that brand's DNA. For example, starting with Yonex EZONE 100 allows for easy transition to any of their three silos: Ezone, Vcore, and Percept, as they all share same design philosophy and isometric headshape (for decades).

Some specific, very confident recomendations:

Head Speed MP (latest) - I recommended it often intermediate players and bought it for my beginner daughter. You can't possibly go wrong with this frame.

Yonex Ezone 100 (latest) - comfortable, powerful, and great introduction to Yonex isometric headshape. One of the best 100's in the market.

Yonex Vcore 100 (latest) - Spin-oriented frame to start you on a glorious grinder path.

On comfort - your wrist is perhaps healthy overall, and you do not need a special comfort frame like ProKenex or Clash. Playing with a dead string for months will destroy the healthiest of wrists. However, all the racquets I recommend are comfortable - string them with a good multifilament at medium tension and see your discomfort gone, hopefully, for many years to come.
 
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I second the Head Boom MP. Enough power, but not too much. Good flex for comfort on your wrist. Good weight and head size for a proper racket. Head makes great rackets with great feel and great technology.

I suggest stringing with Head Velocity 1.30mm in natural color. Great quality and consistency. And good price.
 
Pure Drive if you like Babolat.
Ezone 100 if you wanna try Yonex.
If you like Head, the Speed MP.

I would not recommend TF racquets as they do not have as much broad appeal.
And if you can demo them, that would be the easiest way to test them all.
 
Thanks everyone for the super detailed and considerate responses. I think I now know what I should be looking for:

~300g
100 in^2 frame
60-66 Ra
Something arm-friendly (definitely a must)

Thanks @Trip for the stringing info - will definitely go for a syn-gut or multi
Thanks @Tranqville for the video suggestions - I've enjoyed watching Beckett so far but always felt his videos were beyond my level. The chat with Jake was really informative and learnt some good stuff.

Its going to be about 4 weeks till I can get demoing (exam season atm :( ) but I'll definitely demo a couple of rackets (I know I won't really be able to tell which is better but hopefully I'll prefer one of them.

Options I think I'll look at:

- Speed MP
- Ezone 100
- Boom MP
- Vcore 100? I'm not sure about this one so far, don't know much about it. My coach has a vcore xi98 that I could try but I'm guessing its nothing like the current Vcore 100.

Thanks everyone :) Look forward to switching up rackets once exam season is done.
 
I’d actually recommend demoing something like a clash 100 or Prince Phantom 305x. Both have pretty good pop and forgiveness for someone learning how to play the game with decent spin potential too as you progress your groundstrokes and mechanics. They are both generous in headlight balance and low on the stiffness scale so your wrist and arm should feel pretty good using these frames. I was actually on the playtest here for the Phantom so let me know if you have any more questions for that one. But nonetheless demoing is always the way to go before committing to that first proper racquet.

Happy hitting! :)
 
Just wondering - how much of a difference is there between the current generation Ezone 100 and the previous generation? Last generation ones are on sale absolutely everywhere around me - I'm wondering if the current generation is enough of an upgrade for a novice like me to be worth the extra cost.
 
Just wanna add, string it lower in the hi 30 or low 40 to start with. It will make the racquet more forgiving which will help you to progress.
 
Alexh22 said:
Just wanna add, string it lower in the hi 30 or low 40 to start with. It will make the racquet more forgiving which will help you to progress.
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Isn't that extremely low for a syn gut or a multi? I don't want to make it sure launchy or trampoliney.
 
phazis said:
Just wondering - how much of a difference is there between the current generation Ezone 100 and the previous generation? Last generation ones are on sale absolutely everywhere around me - I'm wondering if the current generation is enough of an upgrade for a novice like me to be worth the extra cost.
Click to expand...
Absolutely not.
Feel free to go for the older one.
Most of the differences described here come down to the delusion of people who can't really play tennis.
 
phazis said:
Isn't that extremely low for a syn gut or a multi? I don't want to make it sure launchy or trampoliney.
Click to expand...
high 40s/low 50s should give you ample power and should be comfy enough with any syn gut or multi. In addition to getting launchier, low-tension multis can feel mushy.
 
Trip and Tranqville said it all really. Given your wrist problems, I would be careful with rackets with an RA of let's say > 65. Rather look for RA in the low 60s or maybe even high 50s. In addition, I would also consider (= test) 97/98 inch rackets. Many, including myself, usually find a 100-inch racket way too powerful. Also look at Dunlop (FX 500/500 tour, SX 300 and especially the CX 400 tour ) Good rackets and usually a lot cheaper than Head/Yonex/Wilson. The RA values of those rackets are pushing 70, so you can forget about them. Of the ones mentioned by others, the ones you should definitely consider are the Yonex Ezone 98 or 100 and Wilson Blade.
 
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Stadjer said:
Trip and Tranqville said it all really. Given your wrist problems, I would be careful with rackets with an RA of let's say > 65. Rather look for RA in the low 60s or maybe even high 50s. In addition, I would also consider (= test) 97/98 inch rackets. Many, including myself, usually find a 100-inch racket way too powerful. Also look at Dunlop (FX 500/500 tour, SX 300 and especially the CX 400 tour ) Good rackets and usually a lot cheaper than Head/Yonex/Wilson. The RA values of those rackets are pushing 70, so you can forget about them. Of the ones mentioned by others, the ones you should definitely consider are the Yonex Ezone 98 or 100 and Wilson Blade.
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Demos here are quite expensive so probably won't demo both the Ezone 98 and 100 (even though I kind of want to but likely won't see enough of a difference between them at my level). Which blade would you suggest demoing? The 98 16x19 or the 100?
 
Tranqville said:
@phasiz You will be bombarded with frame suggestions, some more useful, some less. Demoing for you is counterproductive. You do not yet have the experience in assessing and comparing frames, acounting for strings etc. It's like a horse race - if you have no experience at all, it makes sense to just bet on favorites. Start with some basic education:


Considering your height and weight, you're likely to develop a baseline grinder gamestyle, relying on speed, consistency, and long points to win matches. So expect to need such racquet down the road:


A comfortable 290-300g racquet with 100 sq.in. head is a great place to start. Go with a big mainstream brand (Head, Yonex, Wilson, Babolat) - that will make for easier transition in the future, as your play style develops, giving you a valuable reference point and familiarity with that brand's DNA. For example, starting with Yonex EZONE 100 allows for easy transition to any of their three silos: Ezone, Vcore, and Percept, as they all share same design philosophy and isometric headshape (for decades).

Some specific, very confident recomendations:

Head Speed MP (latest) - I recommended it often intermediate players and bought it for my beginner daughter. You can't possibly go wrong with this frame.

Yonex Ezone 100 (latest) - comfortable, powerful, and great introduction to Yonex isometric headshape. One of the best 100's in the market.

Yonex Vcore 100 (latest) - Spin-oriented frame to start you on a glorious grinder path.

On comfort - your wrist is perhaps healthy overall, and you do not need a special comfort frame like ProKenex or Clash. Playing with a dead string for months will destroy the healthiest of wrists. However, all the racquets I recommend are comfortable - string them with a good multifilament at medium tension and see your discomfort gone, hopefully, for many years to come.
Click to expand...
Do you think its worth demoing Ezone vs Vcore vs Boom MP or should I just pick one and go for it? I kind of have decision paralysis lol.
 
ouch those strings have probably done more damage to your wrist than the racquet itself. At your level I would just demo a few and pick the one that you feel most comfortable with. You will know when it happens. When you get better and have a better understanding of what your game needs then you can go after specific specs. yes you will have to pay for demos but it's worth it to make sure you get one that fits you with how much racquets are these days. Not sure where you are located but some places will deduct some of the money you spent on demos off the price of the racquet you choose.
 
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Babolat Pure Drive 100 or Yonex Ezone 100 are always my go to suggestions for first proper racquet for an adult man. They will work and give you good platform to play. Some good quality strings like Head Hawk and ask to string them to 40-48lbs.
 
Managed to get a few hits in with a friend's pure drive roddick last night (315g 100 frame).

Did not love the feel - there was very little feel to it tbh and it didn't feel like it had much pop either - although those strings are likely long dead as it is a coaching loaner frame.
 
@phazis - Could have very easily been the strings. At least you got to try and feel what a 70+RA flex'ing frame felt like (although with as old and possibly worn as they might be, they likely lost a bit of that stiffness).

I know you said demo's are limited, but I would try and grab a hit with whatever amount of the following you can:

- Head Boom MP
- Wilson Blade 100
- Yonex EZone 100 (previous 2022 included)

Also, whatever you try, if anyone hands you something strung with poly, even in a hybrid, be careful. Either say thanks but no thanks, or if you try it, do so only long enough to get a general impression of how the frame swings and maneuvers, then hand it back. It's not worth tweaking your wrist on even a single ball.
 
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Trip said:
@phazis - Could have very easily been the strings. At least you got to try and feel what a 70+RA flex'ing frame felt like (although with as old and possibly worn as they might be, they likely lost a bit of that stiffness).

I know you said demo's are limited, but I would try and grab a hit with whatever amount of the following you can:

- Head Boom MP
- Wilson Blade 100
- Yonex EZone 100 (previous 2022 included)

Also, whatever you try, if anyone hands you something strung with poly, even in a hybrid, be careful. Either say thanks but no thanks, or if you try it, do so only long enough to get a general impression of how the frame swings and maneuvers, then hand it back. It's not worth tweaking your wrist on even a single ball.
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Awesome - I think I'll be able to demo at least two of them this weekend.

Thanks for the poly warning again. Will be aware.
 
Managed to try the following against the hitting wall at the store:

- PD100
- PD98
- PA100
- Speed MP
- EZ100

Just didn't love the PA100 or the Speed MP - the hitting feel just didn't feel good for me.

I liked the feel of the PD100, 98 and the EZ but could tell the PD98 wasn't going to be forgiving enough for me, 305 is also probably pushing it a bit with the weight.

I'm going to order the PD100 and the EZ100 for demo, both likely with velocity or PSGD so I can get a baseline feel and not have to worry about the strings.

I'm not too worried about the wrist pain etc that I mentioned a while ago above - I think it was a combo of the terrible strings on my cheap old racket and also some element of RSI from exam season (my writing technique is horrific).

Kind of forgot to demo the Boom MP but not too worried about that any more given that I've enjoyed the PD100 and the Ezone 100.
 
@phazis - Awesome; well done. Either one of those frames would be a solid choice, and can take you as far as you want to go, with no skill level ceiling whatsoever. Once you've had your "playoff" with both, please do come back and let us know which you favored and why. Best of luck!
 
Yonex Vcore 100
Yonex Ezone 100
Prince ATS TT 100 290 only 290 grams but swing weight is high enough around 318 to play real tennis. This is a truly soft and comfortable racket.

These are all good. I like the Prince the best.
 
I tried the pure aero but just didn't enjoy it. Pure drive was recommended by some (but most avoided recommending it due to its stiffness and the fact that I had mentioned wrist pain). I actually enjoyed the pure drive and am going to demo one. All the places in the UK which allow you to demo the ez100 have run out of stock so I'm going to have to wait a couple of weeks before I can demo.
ariwibowo said:
I guess people don't recommend Bab Pure Aero or Drive anymore.
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Been using the PD100 2025 for about a month now and love it.

Got it strung with velocity mlt in natural but am no longer loving the string. My cousin has the pd98 in ptp blue and I like the feel of that but obviously don’t want to go poly. I also know feel doesn’t translate as his is a 98.

Any suggestions?

Thanks :)
 
I'd say stick with the PD100 and just focus on your game. You can change to another multi, if you really don't like the Velocity.
 
@phazis - Well done picking your frame. I would agree with @AlexKangaroo: now you just commit to it and focus on game improvement.

As for Velocity, can you identify what you're not liking about it? If it's a general performance thing, you might be able to account for most of that by adjusting tension and/or gauge. Beyond that, there are a lot of other synthetics out there to choose from as well, which will primarily give you a different feel on contact, maybe little more pop/power than Velocity as well.
 
phazis said:
Been using the PD100 2025 for about a month now and love it.

Got it strung with velocity mlt in natural but am no longer loving the string. My cousin has the pd98 in ptp blue and I like the feel of that but obviously don’t want to go poly. I also know feel doesn’t translate as his is a 98.

Any suggestions?

Thanks :)
Click to expand...
Triax 1.33. I string that for a friend in his ‘21 PD at 52lb. It’ll remain playable for much longer than PTP.
 
phazis said:
Velocity is visually still in good condition but it just feels a bit lacking in terms of feeling. It felt much more alive when it was fresh.
Click to expand...
Gotcha. Aside from stringing it at a bit higher initial tension, I would say potentially switching to something that feels more crisp/firm throughout the life of the bed will keep it feeling more "alive".

I would agree with @ogscarlettjohansson and say give Tecnifibre Triax 1.33 a try. In addition to a bit lower power level and potentially higher spin application, Triax should offer a more crisp/connected feel and should hold that feeling more or less throughout the life of the string job. For a similar level of power vs control as you have with Velocity right now, I would tension Triax 2-3 pounds lower.
 
Trip said:
Gotcha. Aside from stringing it at a bit higher initial tension, I would say potentially switching to something that feels more crisp/firm throughout the life of the bed will keep it feeling more "alive".

I would agree with @ogscarlettjohansson and say give Tecnifibre Triax 1.33 a try. In addition to a bit lower power level and potentially higher spin application, Triax should offer a more crisp/connected feel and should hold that feeling more or less throughout the life of the string job. For a similar level of power vs control as you have with Velocity right now, I would tension Triax 2-3 pounds lower.
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Absolute legend. Thank you. Will give Triax 1.33 a go.
 
Started feeling a twinge in my arm over the weekend so thought it was probably overdue to get the velocity out of the racket.

Just had it restrung with Triax. Unfortunately they didn’t have 1.33 so I’ve got 1.28 in it.

What effect will a thinner string have?

Look forward to
 
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