Getting back into playing tennis.. looking for advice on a new racquet

[Echoes27]

I haven't played tennis in about 3-4 years and really want to get back into it but in those 4 years lost all of my racquets so I am looking for a new one. I used to be a very decent 4.5 player and played with a Wilson Prostaff 6.1. I was thinking of hitting up **** to find some used 6.1s but thought I would ask for some suggestions first. I remember disliking oversized and super light racquets.. but I also remember the 6.1 occasionally giving me elbow problems.
Cheers!

 

[corners]

Some people say the Yonex Vcore 95d plays like a slightly lighter, more comfortable 6.1 95. That said, the newest 6.1 95 is flexier and has a lower vibration frequency than the past few iterations. I'd demo both and throw in the Becker Melbourne and Vcore Tour 89 to fill up the box.

 

[Echoes27]

Thanks Corners, I think I will try to demo a few racquets as you suggested using the TW demo program. Do you (or anyone else) have any thoughts on the Dunlop Aerogel 4D 200 Tour? I read a few reviews saying it felt like a more flexible 6.1 classic and the price is definitely attractive. And also, which of the newer 6.1 95 should I demo, there seems to be a few models (hyper pro staff and BLX)?

 

[corners]

Thanks Corners, I think I will try to demo a few racquets as you suggested using the TW demo program. Do you (or anyone else) have any thoughts on the Dunlop Aerogel 4D 200 Tour? I read a few reviews saying it felt like a more flexible 6.1 classic and the price is definitely attractive. And also, which of the newer 6.1 95 should I demo, there seems to be a few models (hyper pro staff and BLX)?

I haven't hit the 4D 200 Tour, so I can't comment on that one. It is definitely flexier than the 6.1 classic, though, by a mile. Lots of devoted 200 Tour players out there. But if you're looking to hit with a lot of spin be aware that Dunlop's headshape is very narrow compared to other brands.

As far as the 6.1 lineage:

The Hyper was pretty stiff, but a little softer than the classic.

The NCode version, which can still be found on auction, is softer, around 65 flex, and is a big favorite of some posters here.

The K version was very stiff (70) again and generated a lot of sore arm complaints.

The black/red/white BLX version was very nice, around 68 flex, but I thought it felt pretty arm-safe.

The new red BLX is softer, around 67 flex but the vibration frequencies (dynamic stiffness) measured by TW University for this frame suggests it plays more like 64-65.

So if you're looking for a flexier 6.1 I would check the NCode and red BLX versions. Also note that, at least with the two BLX versions, Wilson's quality control is really pretty bad, especially with swingweight, so you could try two frames of the same model and have quite different swing and impact feel between them.

 

[Ramon]

My favorite racquet several years ago was the Pro Staff 6.1 Classic 95. I probably played my best tennis with that racquet. When I went back to playing tennis after a long layoff, I gave the BLX Blade 98 a try. I was disappointed. It felt like I was playing with a lifeless board. I've tried several other racquets since then, and I settled on the Pro Kennex Ki 5x. It actually reminds me the most of my old PS 6.1 Classic.

 

[4sound]

I did not like the new BLX Pro Staff Six.One (white). The BLX Six.One (red) felt a lot better and to me (the 18x20 version felt the best). With that said, neither of them felt like the old Pro Staff Classic 6.1 95.

I personally wouldn't try to get something that matches the Classic 6.1 95. Your strokes adjust to something with similar specs. Demo a few rackets with similar specs and see what feels good for you. Strings and tension can also make a racket feel totally different. String type is probably the biggest difference in todays rackets versus the days of the 6.1 Classic 95. Back then, Pro Blend with Kevlar just came out and there wasn't poly type string quite yet.

Dunlop felt really stiff to me for some reason. I play with Head Prestige MP but a lot of people don't like the grip shape coming from Wilson. If that doesn't bother you, you may want to give that a try.

 

[Echoes27]

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone.. I am going to go ahead and try a few frames and will report back. Cheers.

 

[sansaephanh]

Thanks Corners, I think I will try to demo a few racquets as you suggested using the TW demo program. Do you (or anyone else) have any thoughts on the Dunlop Aerogel 4D 200 Tour? I read a few reviews saying it felt like a more flexible 6.1 classic and the price is definitely attractive. And also, which of the newer 6.1 95 should I demo, there seems to be a few models (hyper pro staff and BLX)?

I'm playing one right now.. It feels the same as a PSC6.1. A few changes here and there. It really hits big and is a tad heavy to swing. I definitely cant see me playing a 5 setter with it haha. But it really does have great feel and plow like the psc, but its a tad more muted.

I had a shoulder problem for a few days, but i'm pretty sure some random 5.0 came by and made me tweak my serve. Granted i'm getting more consistent results, but its hard to get used to swinging the way he asked me to...

ALL IN ALL. great stick if you like the heavier classic feeling sticks. the non tour is also on sale if you like dense string patterns.

 

[sunof tennis]

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone.. I am going to go ahead and try a few frames and will report back. Cheers.

You might also tru the new Head IG Prestige. In my opinion, a definite improvement over the Youtek version.
I currently play with the new Wislon ProStaff 95. It is a box beam like the old Pro Staff from the 90's. It is lighter and problably more flexible. You might give it a try. Most people, myself included, feel it plays better with lead applied.

 

[UCSF2012]

If you came from a 6.1, then you should stay 6.1 until you find a reason to otherwise. If you want used, the nCode 6.1 95 is quite a treat. Stay away from K6.1 95, because it'll kill your arms it's so stiff. The BLX FEELS completely dead, but it's an acquired taste.