getting back into the game. had dunlop 200g hotmelt - looking for something similar!

[austennis81]

hi all
ive had a break of a number of years and getting back in the game.
im now looking for a racquet or two.

i played a number of years when i was younger (played for about 8 years non stop)

i ended up using the dunlop 200g hot melt a number of years ago and loved the frame. before that i used heads with the larger sized head - but as soon as i changed to the dunlop my game definitely improved.

now im searching for a new racquet (something i can buy more than one of - in case something breaks) - and have been researching like crazy over the past week or so.

there are a few but ive narrowed my choice down to a head youtek IG prestige MP (Mid plus) which spec wise (and feel from when i went into a shop) feels pretty similar.

The others i have been thinking about:

Yonex vcore 89
Wilson One 90
prince exo95 rebel
head youtek prestige mid
dunlop 200 tour
dunlop 200
volkl 10 power bridge

initially i was set on the dunlop 200 tour - but after more reviews and thoughts im now heading towards the head. but the more reviews i look at the more racuqets i find which could be similar!!

if anyone else has made the move from the hotmelt i would be keen to hear what you think!!
thanks in advance!

the specs on the racquet are as follows: (hotmelt 200g that i have)

Technical Specifications
Length 27 inches 69 centimeters
Head Size 95 square inches 613 square centimeters
Weight 11.9 ounces 337 grams
Balance Point 12.875 inches
33 centimeters 5pts Head Light
Construction 20 mm
Straight Beam
Composition Hot Melt
Braided Graphite
with Elastomer
and Kevlar Yoke
String Pattern 18 Mains / 20 Crosses
Babolat RDC Ratings
Score Grade
Flex Rating 60 Range: 0-100
Swing Weight 316 Range: 200-400
Manueverability 0

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

I switched from a Hotmelt 200g to an i.Prestige Mid back then. And I thought the two was similar enough, but by then I had acquired the taste for mid-sized frames.

Try the current Prestige Mid model, you may like it!

 

[corners]

The current version of the Head Prestige Midplus, the IG, is widely regarded around here as the best Prestige MP in many years. It is also the closest match to your 200g's specs around today, is also a 95 (despite Head listing it as a 98)...

 

[austennis81]

hi guys thanks for the response.
two other racquets have now caught my attention -

Volkl power bridge mid plus (325g) (12 ounces, 320 swing weight, 64 stiffness)

other is:

babolat pure storm ltd, 11.8 ounces, 305 swing weight, 62 stiffness)

both of those also look pretty good.

if anyone has any opinions of those that would be great also!

 

[db10s]

I used the HM 200G, and still have 2 in my bag. I use the Bio Max 200G with lead. The new M 2.0 (classic) is exactly like the HM 200G. I got a chance to hit with a prototype recently.

 

[hoodjem]

I used the HM 200G, and still have 2 in my bag. I use the Bio Max 200G with lead. The new M 2.0 (classic) is exactly like the HM 200G. I got a chance to hit with a prototype recently.

db,

Where do put the lead (and how much) on the 200 Bio Max?

 

[db10s]

db,

Where do put the lead (and how much) on the 200 Bio Max?

6 grams in the handle, 1 gram at the 12.

 

[slowfox]

the dunlop aerogel 4d 200 (not tour) has similar specs to your hm200. 4d has higher swingweight though.

 

[goosala]

I say go with the Bio 200 Tour or Aerogel 200 Tour.

 

[austennis81]

Hmmm good points. What about the heqd prestige pro? The babolqt pure storm ltd is one I'm thinking about seriously as well. Hmmmm....

 

[austennis81]

The 200 tour was the very first one I had my eyes on actually. After researching my options have opened!

 

[austennis81]

ok so today had a hit with some demos.
wilson one 90
head prestige pro
head prestige mp
babolat pure drive

didnt like the babolat straight away. head mp felt too light. prestige pro felt like too much weight towards the head. wilson one 90 i really liked in ground strokes. only slight negative with it was serve. but i was super consistent straight away with it. i tried to like the head racquets but every time i went back to the wilson was better.

im definitely i think after the smaller head size for sure.
i might try the dunlop 200 tour.........what do you guys think??

 

[fuzz nation]

I absolutely adored that HM 200 back in the day - picked one up 2nd hand, but never stocked up on more of them before they were gone...

Sounds as though you're already on the right track, but you may want to try a test drive with some of the "10 Series" options from Volkl. Their midplus models are 98" frames, but they seem to play rather lean for their hoop size. I've settled in nicely with their C10, but this is a peculiar racquet that's certainly not for everyone. Just throwing this idea into the mix, since I hold a torch for that old Dunlop, too.

Not sure if any of the current Donnay models would have what you're looking for, but many of those are designed along the same "old school" lines as the older Dunlops.

 

[db10s]

ok so today had a hit with some demos.
wilson one 90
head prestige pro
head prestige mp
babolat pure drive

didnt like the babolat straight away. head mp felt too light. prestige pro felt like too much weight towards the head. wilson one 90 i really liked in ground strokes. only slight negative with it was serve. but i was super consistent straight away with it. i tried to like the head racquets but every time i went back to the wilson was better.

im definitely i think after the smaller head size for sure.
i might try the dunlop 200 tour.........what do you guys think??

The 200 Tour is a beast of a frame, but if you can wield the Wilson 90, you should love the 200 Tour. For the people who can handle it, it's perfect.

 

[kaiser]

I can second that, it's a great hit when you've got a long and relaxed stroke.