Ross, here's my low down, so bear with me.
I first started playing tennis when i was 7yo. played pretty consistently during the summer seasons (played badminton and football during winter) up until age 14-15. Living in New Zealand, the weather is pretty unforgiving for tennis during the winter time. I was pretty good as a kid compared to my peers, even if i say so myself (won a few regional and high school tournaments during 1999-2004).
i got back into tennis in 2010 when i was 20yo and picked up the original white youtek speed mp as my racquet of choice. i knew nothing about racquets in terms of SW and balance etc and didnt know what poly strings were. i chose the racquet because i thought it wouldsuit me, it looked good and i grew up playing head/idolized agassi lol. i also saw that rpm blast strings were what nadal played with so i got my speeds strung up with that.
I discovered this forum shortly after and although I'm not as much of a racquetholic as some, i have been through an rdis200mp, rdis100mp, and the gold blx blade as my playing racquets of choice, the blade being my current racquet.
i originally got a bit of a sore elbow after a while and looking back it was definitely a combination of not knowing anything (stringing rpm blast at 57 pounds), playing and leaving the strings in for MONTHS and not knowing why the feel when hitting a ball was becoming more and more dead, therefore trying to swing harder/losing form and playing too often without knowing what stress i was causing on my body due to equipment. which is why i looked into the yonex rdis 200 originally.
bottom line, the white youtek speed mp was too stiff/harsh for me especially in combination with my lack of tennis equipment knowledge at the time re strings/stringing. the anecdotal comments on the improvements in key areas of the IG version compared to the original re feel/stability/solidity/FLEX/DAMPENING/SOFTNESS has me deciding to save up to purchase a couple and call it a day. its a struggle to demo here and racquet prices locally are twice as expensive as the US or UK. Yes TWICE.
i have no qualms about my current blade. the only negatives i have found with any of my playing racquets of choice were stiffness/harshness from OG speed and rdis100. in terms of playing you will adapt to the racquet you like/choose.
My playing and the type of player ive always geared towards is strong groundstrokes from the baseline. combination of flat and various spins, opening up the court from the back of the court, taking the ball early, crushing forehand and a solid 2hbh that opponents know is not a weakness, and good serve power/placement/kick. i want a stick that brings out the best parts of my game that i want to bring forward in games/matches. the speed was the best in this and that is why i am going for the new IG speeds when i have enough funds. i like the looks, i like the head shape/size, i like the length, i like the grip. stuff demoing, go for what you like. doesnt mean you cant try/purchase what you want (ie the OG trysis260 OS, austrian leaded/siliconed pt630 that ive splashed out on). ofcourse this is a highly subjective and biased view but hey, most things are on the internet, this forum especially haha
edit: not really whats normally replied on this forum re firsthand experiences/recommendations with a racquet, hope you get what im trying to say in terms of choosing a racquet that highlights your strong points and what kinda game you want to bring and a racquet that you just like/want as your main playing racquet. then feel guilt free enjoying being a holic on the side FOREVER AND EVERRRRR! best of both worlds