Good 11 oz. racket - Head 360 Speed MP, Wilson Ultra Tour, Wilson blade 98, Ezone 98?

[bxr]

Trying to find a new racquet to replace existing Wilson Burn 100 CV (PTP 1.20 @ 50lbs).

Short-listed a few which I would try (I know other brands are popular also, but I’m more used to Head/Wilson/Yonex).
(300g-310g unstrung range or 11 oz.)

Head 360 Speed MP,
Wilson Ultra Tour (18x20),
Wilson Blade 98 (16x19),
Yonex Ezone 98 (305g).

Burn 100 CV is more on the powerful side and sometimes accuracy can compromise slightly. It is a great baseline racket.
I’m looking for something that provides "more" feel and control when attacking inside the baseline (flatten the ball), but still easy to generate topspin at the baseline and good power on the serves (a must).
I quite like the specs of Ultra Tour, but I’m sure it would play quite differently.
Can anyone share their experience with the above rackets and how they compare? (serves, serve returns, groundstrokes, volleys etc). Thanks.

 

[TennisHound]

If you used to the CV, you might like the Blade. If you coming from the Burn 100, I would think a logical choice would be the Ultra 100 CV.

 

[bxr]

If you used to the CV, you might like the Blade. If you coming from the Burn 100, I would think a logical choice would be the Ultra 100 CV.

though I haven't tried Ultra CV, I thought it would feel too similar to Burn CV, thus not worth the switch unless they play quite differently. Will definitely try Blade 98, thanks. Ever since playing CV version, I had to play with no string dampener to "feel" the ball. CV make the feel more comfortable.

 

[beltsman]

Trying to find a new racquet to replace existing Wilson Burn 100 CV (PTP 1.20 @ 50lbs).

Short-listed a few which I would try (I know other brands are popular also, but I’m more used to Head/Wilson/Yonex).
(300g-310g unstrung range or 11 oz.)

Head 360 Speed MP,
Wilson Ultra Tour (18x20),
Wilson Blade 98 (16x19),
Yonex Ezone 98 (305g).

Burn 100 CV is more on the powerful side and sometimes accuracy can compromise slightly. It is a great baseline racket.
I’m looking for something that provides "more" feel and control when attacking inside the baseline (flatten the ball), but still easy to generate topspin at the baseline and good power on the serves (a must).
I quite like the specs of Ultra Tour, but I’m sure it would play quite differently.
Can anyone share their experience with the above rackets and how they compare? (serves, serve returns, groundstrokes, volleys etc). Thanks.

So, those will all be very different from the Burn 100. You are really looking into a whole new area. The Blade, Ezone, and Ultra will all be more "player" frames. The Speed sits in between. It will feel and swing differently from your Burn, for sure. But I think it will have more forgiveness and power than the other three. I don't know, I haven't hit with the Ultra Tour, Blade 98, or newest Ezone 98 (I have the Ai 98). I can say that the Ai 98 is really nothing like the Burn 100.

I am biased, because I own one, but I would say to try the Speed MP. To be up front, it will have much less inherent power than the Burn. But it allows you to swing much faster with control and precision, which lets you unlock as much power as you want (based on your swing). It's a really nice medium, I think. The spin is just about perfect. It can hit spinny or flat. Give one a demo! Head really did something great with the 360 Speeds.

 

[bxr]

The Speed sits in between. It will feel and swing differently from your Burn, for sure. But I think it will have more forgiveness and power than the other three. To be up front, it will have much less inherent power than the Burn. But it allows you to swing much faster with control and precision, which lets you unlock as much power as you want (based on your swing). It's a really nice medium, I think. The spin is just about perfect. It can hit spinny or flat. Give one a demo! Head really did something great with the 360 Speeds.

Thanks for the tip, will try 360 Speed MP for sure, I'm looking for the slight change to gain that precision of control improvement while keeping the rest similar, it is hard. I agree, even with similar specs, Head plays very different to Wilson, and will take a few sessions to get used to. I have tried the older "Touch" Speed MP a few years ago, I found the normal baseline shot are quite solid (better than Burn I would say) with good spin, but after one hour of intense hitting, I couldn't quite manage the swing weight, Burn 100 CV felt more HL than the old Speed. Is 360 more HL than "Touch"? I also find in the old days, the new versions of the same model don't deviate so much from the old, but in recent years, they feel very different between versions.

 

[beltsman]

Thanks for the tip, will try 360 Speed MP for sure, I'm looking for the slight change to gain that precision of control improvement while keeping the rest similar, it is hard. I agree, even with similar specs, Head plays very different to Wilson, and will take a few sessions to get used to. I have tried the older "Touch" Speed MP a few years ago, I found the normal baseline shot are quite solid (better than Burn I would say) with good spin, but after one hour of intense hitting, I couldn't quite manage the swing weight, Burn 100 CV felt more HL than the old Speed. Is 360 more HL than "Touch"? I also find in the old days, the new versions of the same model don't deviate so much from the old, but in recent years, they feel very different between versions.

Roger that. I don't have much great info for you to add. But I wish you luck.

 

[dr. godmode]

The Ultra Tour will be a very tough transition for you. If you are interested in a softer feel Yonex VCore line offers much plusher feel. Even the 100 I found pretty comfy despite the reviews. The Ezone 98 feels faster through the air than the Speed, but both are worth a try.

 

[hurworld]

Suggest to give Prince Beast 98 a look.

 

[mad dog1]

Trying to find a new racquet to replace existing Wilson Burn 100 CV (PTP 1.20 @ 50lbs).

Short-listed a few which I would try (I know other brands are popular also, but I’m more used to Head/Wilson/Yonex).
(300g-310g unstrung range or 11 oz.)

Head 360 Speed MP,
Wilson Ultra Tour (18x20),
Wilson Blade 98 (16x19),
Yonex Ezone 98 (305g).

Burn 100 CV is more on the powerful side and sometimes accuracy can compromise slightly. It is a great baseline racket.
I’m looking for something that provides "more" feel and control when attacking inside the baseline (flatten the ball), but still easy to generate topspin at the baseline and good power on the serves (a must).
I quite like the specs of Ultra Tour, but I’m sure it would play quite differently.
Can anyone share their experience with the above rackets and how they compare? (serves, serve returns, groundstrokes, volleys etc). Thanks.

The Ultra Tour needs to be leaded up to a minimum of 11.8 oz before it has decent power. It’s a great racquet but probably not the best one for you if you are trying to stay closer to 11.0 oz.

 

[Brickhouse8198]

I switched from the blade 2015 to the ultra tour when my last blade cracked. I think the CV blade has absolutely no feel and is a major step back in the line. But the ultra tour is what I wanted the new blades to be. Maybe I got a higher swing weight batch but I don’t struggle for power on this racquet usually. Sprinting stretch shots maybe, but I’m not sure any racquet would help significantly on those shots. If you can generate your own pace this racquet is amazing, but if your looking for a racquet that is going to do a lot of the work for you I’d look elsewhere.

 

[bxr]

The Ultra Tour needs to be leaded up to a minimum of 11.8 oz before it has decent power. It’s a great racquet but probably not the best one for you if you are trying to stay closer to 11.0 oz.

Thanks. I like hitting casually with heavier rackets (pro staff), but not for matchplay yet.

 

[bxr]

.... But the ultra tour is what I wanted the new blades to be. Maybe I got a higher swing weight batch but I don’t struggle for power on this racquet usually. Sprinting stretch shots maybe, but I’m not sure any racquet would help significantly on those shots. If you can generate your own pace this racquet is amazing, but if your looking for a racquet that is going to do a lot of the work for you I’d look elsewhere.

I heard lots of good feedback about Ultra Tour, amazing classic feel etc. It does sound like a collectors item to own one. Did you find spin hard to generate with 18x20 pattern? would be good if they also make 16x19 I think.

 

[mad dog1]

I heard lots of good feedback about Ultra Tour, amazing classic feel etc. It does sound like a collectors item to own one. Did you find spin hard to generate with 18x20 pattern? would be good if they also make 16x19 I think.

The Ultra Tour is a platform stick designed to be customized with lead. In stock form the low swingweight makes it challenging to hit a heavy penetrating ball. It generates sharp angles and spin easily due to the whippiness. Also it lacks some stability due to the light static and swing weight especially on volleys. The feel and control are fantastic though.

Once you lead it up, it completely changes the characteristics of the stick. More penetration and heaviness without compromising the great maneuverability. Stability is improved. Feel is still awesomely pro stockian - smooth as butter. One of the best racquets ever when it comes to control for me. The phrase, extension of your arm and hand, really applies here. The tight 18/20 string pattern feels really consistent and instills a lot of confidence. There are never any “what’s this racquet doing?” moments. My partners always comment that my topspin has a lot more movement and action on the ball than other sticks. Slices deep or short are easy to control and place.

Most people on the board seem to be adding ~3-7g in the hoop based on what I’ve read and adding weight to the handle.

I have mine set up with:

4g of lead at 12
1.5g each of lead running from 9-11 and 1-3
Replaced the grip with leather and added 5g of putty and lead under the trapdoor of the buttcap.

I switched to it from the IG Prestige MP and graphene Prestige MP.

 

[TennisHound]

I would echo @beltsman by saying to give the Speed 360 MP a serious look. It responds well to added weight and is an excellent power control racquet. Play with it like it is or add weight.

 

[FedGR]

The answer to your question is called 2015 Blade 98 18x20. Hard to find but definitely worth it. For me (and for many other users), it ticks all the boxes as it does everything. Hitting serves with this thing can't be more fun. I also recently bought a G360 Speed MP and I really really like it. Swings fast, plenty of power and spin. Not sure I prefer it to the Blade yet but definitely a great racket.

I have tried the Ultra Tour and the DR98 and found them both great rackets but coming from the Burn, you will suffer to get power unless you add a ton of lead.

Other rackets I would suggest are the IG Radical MP(18x20) and Pro(16x19). Very under-appreciated rackets.

 

[mad dog1]

The answer to your question is called 2015 Blade 98 18x20. Hard to find but definitely worth it. For me (and for many other users), it ticks all the boxes as it does everything. Hitting serves with this thing can't be more fun. I also recently bought a G360 Speed MP and I really really like it. Swings fast, plenty of power and spin. Not sure I prefer it to the Blade yet but definitely a great racket.

I have tried the Ultra Tour and the DR98 and found them both great rackets but coming from the Burn, you will suffer to get power unless you add a ton of lead.

Other rackets I would suggest are the IG Radical MP(18x20) and Pro(16x19). Very under-appreciated rackets.

A lot of truth in this post. Spot on about the 2015 blade and ultra tour

 

[Brickhouse8198]

I heard lots of good feedback about Ultra Tour, amazing classic feel etc. It does sound like a collectors item to own one. Did you find spin hard to generate with 18x20 pattern? would be good if they also make 16x19 I think.

I have spent alot of time in my life developing my strokes, so I naturally hit a spinny ball. For me I can definitely create my own spin just fine with the ultra tour, but if you struggle producing your own spin the ultra tour will do you no favors.

 

[bxr]

I suppose it comes down to is the dense pattern offers similar RPM to a 16x19 with the similar stroke and effort, and a bit of give and take for more consistency, control and feel. I'd say my spin is moderate on the forehand and less spin on the 2 handed backhand. The only area I need more power from a racquet is on the serves, which plays a big part in a match. Can't comment yet until I try each of them. More pros use open patterns today.

 

[Brickhouse8198]

I personally don't like the launch angle and erratic shots a 16x19 provides at times. I have to play both singles and doubles in our college lineup and that high launch angle on returns and standard groundstrokes makes poaching easier for my opponent and wind seems to play more of a factor with that high launch angle here in the *******. Vollies and serves seem more accurate with a denser pattern to me, not necessarily 16x19 vs 18x20 but string spacing in general, so I lean towards the controlled aspect of the 18x20.

 

[mad dog1]

I suppose it comes down to is the dense pattern offers similar RPM to a 16x19 with the similar stroke and effort, and a bit of give and take for more consistency, control and feel. I'd say my spin is moderate on the forehand and less spin on the 2 handed backhand. The only area I need more power from a racquet is on the serves, which plays a big part in a match. Can't comment yet until I try each of them. More pros use open patterns today.

A lot of pros are using 18x20 patterns, too. Lots of blade 18x20s, Ultra Tours, and Head 18x20s being used at the Newport Beach challengers a few weeks ago.

More power on serves honestly sounds like it can be obtained through some improvements in technique.

 

[bxr]

More power on serves honestly sounds like it can be obtained through some improvements in technique.

haha. I'm sure that will definitely make a difference, I do need more leg drives.

 

[Brickhouse8198]

A lot of pros are using 18x20 patterns, too. Lots of blade 18x20s, Ultra Tours, and Head 18x20s being used at the Newport Beach challengers a few weeks ago.

More power on serves honestly sounds like it can be obtained through some improvements in technique.

Be careful when you see pros playing and assuming they use the racquet that the paintjobs imply. String pattern you can obviously see, but the frame itself can often times be a mystery. More power on serve if you like your racquet can be attained through improving technique and doing some simple strength training. If you are doing those things but seeing no improvement then maybe a racquet switch is necessary, but if the racquet feels amazing on everything else it would be more cost effective to analyze technique and strength train.

 

[mad dog1]

Be careful when you see pros playing and assuming they use the racquet that the paintjobs imply. String pattern you can obviously see, but the frame itself can often times be a mystery. More power on serve if you like your racquet can be attained through improving technique and doing some simple strength training. If you are doing those things but seeing no improvement then maybe a racquet switch is necessary, but if the racquet feels amazing on everything else it would be more cost effective to analyze technique and strength train.

Yes, I’m aware of the paint jobs that go on. Challenger level players generally don’t have the same access to the pro room racquets like the top players do. A lot of them are recent college players so if they’re swinging a blade, it’s most likely a retail blade. There was an exception. I can’t remember who i saw swinging the babolat apd with the latest yellow and black pure aero pj. The string pattern was the giveaway. The grommets also gave it away.

 

[mad dog1]

haha. I'm sure that will definitely make a difference, I do need more leg drives.

Like brickhouse8198 mentions, hit the gym, too, if you haven’t already. Abs, lower back and glutes. Also shoulders.

 

[Brickhouse8198]

Like brickhouse8198 mentions, hit the gym, too, if you haven’t already. Abs, lower back and glutes. Also shoulders.

You'd be amazed what some squats, deadlifts, and TRX bands will do for your game and overall fitness.

 

[mad dog1]

You'd be amazed what some squats, deadlifts, and TRX bands will do for your game and overall fitness.

Yup. I do lots of deadlifts. One of the best full body exercises. Very beneficial to adding more power to one’s tennis game.

 

[Brickhouse8198]

Yup. I do lots of deadlifts. One of the best full body exercises. Very beneficial to adding more power to one’s tennis game.

That's a staple in our team workouts during the week.

 

[mad dog1]

That's a staple in our team workouts during the week.

What do you do to improve agility, balance and footwork?

 

[Brickhouse8198]

Our strength coach is somewhat of a genius for what he does. We do a lot of cone/agility ladder type drills with med ball and core workouts. Yesterday we did a cone drill that started with 4 bunny hops over cones, into diagonal sprint/breakdowns 4 on each side, then a suicide shuffle with 5 cones, then 4 more diagonal sprint/breakdowns, and then a full speed sprint back to the start, followed by medicine ball slams and planks, then back to the agility course. It is a lot of specific get up to full speed but then breakdown to a stop efficiently and quickly so you can change directions quickly.

 

[bxr]

Can't do competitive tennis without fitness training these days. Modern games require so much more physical strength & speed. You still need amazing mental toughness along with great techniques and tactical understanding. What can be tougher sport to master than this one? But it's the sport we all got ourselves into, so let's just enjoy the tough learning process... and a good stick will help a bit...

 

[parasailing]

A lot of truth in this post. Spot on about the 2015 blade and ultra tour

I think @Brickhouse8198 and @mad dog1, we share the same assessment about the Ultra Tour and 2015 Blade 18x20. While I love the paint job of the Ultra Tour, it is under powered in stock form and given Wilson poor quality control, adding weight in the hoop seems to make the racquet even higher in SW that the stock Blade 98 thus not a good racquet for me.

The Blade 98 is just perfect after adding static weight in the handle making it a 12oz, 338 SW racquet for me. The Ultra tour is definitely easier to maneuver and great on volleys but lacks power.

 

[bxr]

I personally don't like the launch angle and erratic shots a 16x19 provides at times. I have to play both singles and doubles in our college lineup and that high launch angle on returns and standard groundstrokes makes poaching easier for my opponent and wind seems to play more of a factor with that high launch angle here in the *******. Vollies and serves seem more accurate with a denser pattern to me, not necessarily 16x19 vs 18x20 but string spacing in general, so I lean towards the controlled aspect of the 18x20.

Thanks for sharing this. I can see the advantage of 18x20 pattern over 16x19 in doubles and net play. What about in singles?

 

[mad dog1]

Thanks for sharing this. I can see the advantage of 18x20 pattern over 16x19 in doubles and net play. What about in singles?

My groundstrokes have a lower trajectory, tightly wound spin with 18x20s that translate into more forward kicking penetration that takes time away from opponents. I get a higher trajectory with 16x19s and still a lot of spin. The feedback from my regular hitting partners is that the spin from the 18x20 pattern is tougher for them to deal with than the high launch angle + spin of the 16x19. YMMV.

 

[om panda]

Head G360 Speed MP has low swingweight compared to older version, and it also feels less polarized

 

[TforTommy]

Id personally try out the pure strike. Great racquet, awesome power and I love the feel on contact, a must demo if you haven't already.

 

[Brickhouse8198]

Thanks for sharing this. I can see the advantage of 18x20 pattern over 16x19 in doubles and net play. What about in singles?

I still prefer 18x20 because it kind of forces you to not shave up the ball too much to spin it like a 16x19. Good topspin and heavy shots come from a stroke that really swings through the ball a lot and the follow through gives you that spin. A 16x19 I can get away with not hitting as clean a ball and hitting it thin, but an 18x20 exposes that thin shot and makes you swing through it to get that cleaner more penetrating spin.

 

[Brickhouse8198]

Can't do competitive tennis without fitness training these days. Modern games require so much more physical strength & speed. You still need amazing mental toughness along with great techniques and tactical understanding. What can be tougher sport to master than this one? But it's the sport we all got ourselves into, so let's just enjoy the tough learning process... and a good stick will help a bit...

I think you’d be hard pressed to find a “bad” racquet on the market these days, every brand offers something good. Any of the more control sticks you mentioned would serve you well, I personally only use Wilson so I can only give you my experience with the Wilson sticks.

 

[bxr]

I still prefer 18x20 because it kind of forces you to not shave up the ball too much to spin it like a 16x19. Good topspin and heavy shots come from a stroke that really swings through the ball a lot and the follow through gives you that spin. A 16x19 I can get away with not hitting as clean a ball and hitting it thin, but an 18x20 exposes that thin shot and makes you swing through it to get that cleaner more penetrating spin.

I see. To be able to hit every ball clean with confidence in a match situation, it requires great skills and hard work (>UTR 11 I would imagine), not easy at all. Low & fast penetrating ball with heavy spin is very tough to deal with, forces opponents to make mistakes.

 

[Brickhouse8198]

I see. To be able to hit every ball clean with confidence in a match situation, it requires great skills and hard work (>UTR 11 I would imagine), not easy at all. Low & fast penetrating ball with heavy spin is very tough to deal with, forces opponents to make mistakes.

The UTR threshold is probably lower than that, but people don’t have to hit crazy high to hit topspin.

 

[Crocodile]

From s personal POV I like the ultra tour and Ezone from what you have nominated just because of the feel they have.

 

[bxr]

Just to provide some feedback after testing a few demos.

Wilson Ultra Tour (18x20) - Nice feel, great penetrating power/control, just a bit lack of bite on the serves. (again, maybe my techniques)
Wilson Blade 98 (16x19)- maybe above my pay grade or just bad strings, couldn't get much power with my usual strokes.
Wilson Clash - stiff at the net, very powerful from the baseline, lots of spins. Good feel.
Head 360 Speed MP - perhaps easier for next transition in all areas combined, good controllable power, swings fast and easy at the net.
Yonex Ezone 98 - Great feel, right mix of control and power, frame shape is something to get used to (does affect the contact). great for slices.
Pure Strike One7 - Plays quite similar to Speed MP in my personal opinion, except Speed swings a bit faster, Strike provides more (pro-staff) feel at contact.

Again, very hard to find a "bad" racquet as some of you suggested. Just need to find something that is suitable for your game.