Haven't played for years till now - Need help in finding a new player's racquet

[ronin]

Since I can't demo racquets here I would be happy to get some recommendations on a new racquet choice

Didn't play for many years, and started to play again recently but feeling pains in my arm and shoulder with my current racquets.

About me:
I'm 37, former open level player, aggressive base-liner with one handed backend and mostly flat shots.
I used to really like my LM prestige mid (93) 18x20 for but now it's killing my arm. I'm looking for control, plow power, stability and buttery feel.
I also hold Prince original graphite 95" 16X18 which is lively and give me access to spin but I'm lacking confident with it I'm looking for something new.
I remember hitting back then sometimes with Wilson K factor 90 and love the serves, the stability and the plow but it is too demanding for nowadays.

I want a modern stick but still with classic feel and easy on my arm.
I was looking on Prince Phantom Pro 93P or Tour 100 (310gr) or Yonex VCORE pro 97 or Wilson Clash ?

Which racquets can suit me to your opinion ?

 

[Sander001]

If you’re coming from a long time off, it may be your arm fitness and not the equipment. Same thing happened to me; my arm felt fine but when it was time to play tennis, I got pain. Switching racquets and strings helped a little but not enough.

 

[ronin]

If you’re coming from a long time off, it may be your arm fitness and not the equipment. Same thing happened to me; my arm felt fine but when it was time to play tennis, I got pain. Switching racquets and strings helped a little but not enough.

I'm hitting the gym regularly so I think I might be stronger in terms of muscle gains

 

[Power Player]

I think you will like all those frames except the Clash. I’d substitute the Clash with the Blade v7 18x20. The Blade is awesome if you have been playing a long time but want something a little more modern in power.

Yonex HD 97 is pure butter feel, but lower powered. Great frame though and I am enjoying mine even if I will probably stay with the Blade full time.

Phantom 93 is pure nostalgia and incredible to play. I used mine over a year and still have 2. I love them, but my shoulder rages now when I swing a 360gram frame over and over.

 

[ronin]

That's why I'm afraid picking up a stick that will be too demanding to my game and especially to my arm and shoulders.
I'm not in my 20's and I don't think I could keep swing for long games with more than 320-330gr frame.

I can generate my own power but it's not fair now when I play against players with extra power racquets that don't even sweat to hit hard

 

[Power Player]

That's why I'm afraid picking up a stick that will be too demanding to my game and especially to my arm and shoulders.
I'm not in my 20's and I don't think I could keep swing for long games with more than 320-330gr frame.

I can generate my own power but it's not fair now when I play against players with extra power racquets that don't even sweat to hit hard

Blade v7 - feels like an old Head frame, hits like a modern one, its easy on the arm too. You will love it.

And I agree, tons of guys out there with Babs, so bringing a low powered control frame can make things tougher. The Blade evens the field - you get good power and good control. With open level skills, you will dictate play with it.

 

[ronin]

Cool. Sounds great.

Which Blade considers the best ?

 

[max]

A good starting point would be the Pro Kennex 5G.

Just as reliable as a Wilson Jack Kramer.

 

[Power Player]

Cool. Sounds great.

Which Blade considers the best ?

I’d try the new one and I like the 18x20 personally. The 2015’s are very good too but tougher to track down.

 

[max]

Try the PK 5G.

Good for your arm; plays like a nice firm players racquet. Good all-arounder, and you're used to the head size.

 

[MajesticMoose]

Yonex 97HD

 

[RogerShrederer]

Look at Ultra Tours?

 

[Anton]

Look at Ultra Tours?

Pffft, that is so last year.

 

[esm]

Angell TC95 63RA

 

[dgoran]

Sound like you are 18x20 kind of guy. Luckily you are coming back when (finally) there are good 18x20 options:
I would demo
93p if you are more of a flatter hitter
Yonex HD if you are more of a flatter hitter
Ultra tour 18x20 (Monfils) inching towards modern style can be used flat or more modern style
Blade v7 18x20: more of a modern style of tennis but retains feel of calssics
Pure strike 16x19 or 18x20 now we are more in modern spin category but can be used flatter as well easy power and spin lots easier to play with and use than any of the above but slightly stiffer ala six one 95

 

[GripItNRipIt]

That's why I'm afraid picking up a stick that will be too demanding to my game and especially to my arm and shoulders.
I'm not in my 20's and I don't think I could keep swing for long games with more than 320-330gr frame.

I can generate my own power but it's not fair now when I play against players with extra power racquets that don't even sweat to hit hard

This is of course unsolicited advice, but I wouldn't worry too much about being able to swing a heavier stick, especially if you're doing strength training. Some of those listed above are fairly headlight and will swing much easier than the static weight would indicate. I've got 17 years on you and play the 93P just fine, including the one-handed backhand, just not at a "former open" level, lol.

The new Blade might be worth a serious look. It's a touch more headlight than the previous, and gotten good reviews so far.

 

[ronin]

Thanks guys you helped me...
I just wonder if the Clash 98 could be also a solid option to my style of game over the Blade v7.
I'll hit this weekend with the Pro Stuff 97 red and will see if my shoulder won't hurt

Prince 93P could be awesome according to reviews, but I do want to try play some modern style. I'm afraid Blade is too low powered compared to Pure Strike or Yonex Vcore pro 97

 

[Power Player]

Thanks guys you helped me...
I just wonder if the Clash 98 could be also a solid option to my style of game over the Blade v7.
I'll hit this weekend with the Pro Stuff 97 red and will see if my shoulder won't hurt

Prince 93P could be awesome according to reviews, but I do want to try play some modern style. I'm afraid Blade is too low powered compared to Pure Strike or Yonex Vcore pro 97

The Blade has more power than the Vcore 97. I have owned the 310/320 and 330. Only one close is the 330, but it's 25 grams heavier, so you wont get the same tip speed (hence less power).

 

[TennisHound]

I think you will like all those frames except the Clash. I’d substitute the Clash with the Blade v7 18x20. The Blade is awesome if you have been playing a long time but want something a little more modern in power.

Yonex HD 97 is pure butter feel, but lower powered. Great frame though and I am enjoying mine even if I will probably stay with the Blade full time.

Phantom 93 is pure nostalgia and incredible to play. I used mine over a year and still have 2. I love them, but my shoulder rages now when I swing a 360gram frame over and over.

This X2. Plus for fun I would add the new Pure Strike Tour.

 

[Steve Williams]

Prince Phantom Pro 100p is a nice compromise. Good control considering it is 18x16, comfortable with a wide range of strings. More forgiving 100 headsize than a 93p but still with the same lovely-to-hold thin box beam. Just a really nice racket to use. Worth a try. 59 stiffness rating but has some power. Good feel at net. My favourite phantom.

 

[ronin]

Did you tried the Textreme Tour 100P? Perhaps a better stick, no?

 

[Steve Williams]

I haven’t tried that one. Better in what sense? Tried most of the Phantom range: 100, 93p (18x16) and pro 100p. Not the pro 100

 

[flanker2000fr]

Prince Phantom Pro 100p is a nice compromise. Good control considering it is 18x16, comfortable with a wide range of strings. More forgiving 100 headsize than a 93p but still with the same lovely-to-hold thin box beam. Just a really nice racket to use. Worth a try. 59 stiffness rating but has some power. Good feel at net. My favourite phantom.

That's actually a sound advice to the OP. The 93P 18x20 is awesome but demanding, while the 93P 14x18 is easier to play but doesn't suit a mostly flat game. The PP100P offers the same kind of feel as either version of the 93P, with more forgiveness and power, at least on the groundstrokes. I think it would suit an aggressive all courter trying to get a bit more spin. It's a tad under powered on serve, but nothing that a couple of grams of lead at 12 won't solve.

 

[flanker2000fr]

Did you tried the Textreme Tour 100P? Perhaps a better stick, no?

I have, as one of my team mates in my club's double league plays with one. It's a great stick, but feels a bit too "modern" to my taste, meaning that it lacks a bit of feel. I could not really connect with it, same as for the Yonex DR98 I used to play with.

I much prefer the Phantom line and its more traditional box beam. As mentioned above, for what you're looking, you should give the Phantom Pro 100P a try.

 

[ronin]

What about the Dunlop Srixon CX 200 Tour 18x20 ?

 

[blai212]

VCP 100 (300g) is a nice control oriented racquet that provides the forgiveness of a 100” as well as control + maneuverability of a thin beamed frame. Since it’s only 300g, i lead it up at 10/2 with 2.5g and added wilson shockshield grip + head hydrosorb for weighing down the grip and shock absorption since i have the navy blue model. The new green VCPs have VDM vibration dampening mesh in the handle to supposedly soften the feel of the racquet. I have tried the VCP 97s RF97 ezone98 and decided that 100” frame is better for me because I was shanking so much. I still shank quite a bit with VCP 100 because it feels like a 98. The danger in using a frame that’s too small is that if you dont hit sweetspot, your shot suffers (possibly your arm as well)


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[ronin]

VCP 100 (300g) is a nice control oriented racquet that provides the forgiveness of a 100” as well as control + maneuverability of a thin beamed frame. Since it’s only 300g, i lead it up at 10/2 with 2.5g and added wilson shockshield grip + head hydrosorb for weighing down the grip and shock absorption since i have the navy blue model. The new green VCPs have VDM vibration dampening mesh in the handle to supposedly soften the feel of the racquet. I have tried the VCP 97s RF97 ezone98 and decided that 100” frame is better for me because I was shanking so much. I still shank quite a bit with VCP 100 because it feels like a 98. The danger in using a frame that’s too small is that if you dont hit sweetspot, your shot suffers (possibly your arm as well)


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thanks but I'm pretty used to midsize racquet (93-95) because I can find more control especially on my 1HB. I do want to adjust to a modern stick that offer some power and control but still stable and with that buttery feel

 

[blai212]

thanks but I'm pretty used to midsize racquet (93-95) because I can find more control especially on my 1HB. I do want to adjust to a modern stick that offer some power and control but still stable and with that buttery feel

VCP97 would probably be your best bet...i would go for a slightly lighter model that has weight spec just below your preference and lead it up (i like 10/2) and add weight to handle via leather or heavy replacement grip. Start with an inch and just keep incrementally adding an inch until you’re satisfied with plow through/stability/power/balance of racquet. VCP is relatively low powered control frame, hence why I believe lead is necessary. Best of luck!

 

[1HBHfanatic]

@ronin
the wil.ps.RF.97 is a real players modern racquet
the wil.ps.97 is a lighter more playable version, with surpricing stability, imo

the 90-93 head sizes are not very easy to use/find with this faster more modern game of the day
the 95-98 are very good options for the 1HBH
I personally like the 97s, because I can play with the plethora of poly strings,
the 95s for me are a bit finicky with polys

I would also look into the head.radical models, the PRO and/or MP might be surprising options for you
anyway, good luck with your racquet search

 

[ronin]

@ronin
the wil.ps.RF.97 is a real players modern racquet
the wil.ps.97 is a lighter more playable version, with surpricing stability, imo

the 90-93 head sizes are not very easy to use/find with this faster more modern game of the day
the 95-98 are very good options for the 1HBH
I personally like the 97s, because I can play with the plethora of poly strings,
the 95s for me are a bit finicky with polys

I would also look into the head.radical models, the PRO and/or MP might be surprising options for you
anyway, good luck with your racquet search

And forget about Vcore HD or Blade 18x20 v7 or Phantom 100P ? too bad I can't demo here at all...
I'll play with the PS97 red in the next few days just to get an impression...

 

[hurworld]

thanks but I'm pretty used to midsize racquet (93-95) because I can find more control especially on my 1HB. I do want to adjust to a modern stick that offer some power and control but still stable and with that buttery feel

How about the VCore 95?

 

[1HBHfanatic]

And forget about Vcore HD or Blade 18x20 v7 or Phantom 100P ? too bad I can't demo here at all...
I'll play with the PS97 red in the next few days just to get an impression...

in my 30s I would have been all over the vcore.hd, but now I am happy with something that wont make me work as hard
the blade.v7 18/20 is also a good option,
vcore.hd is a 97
w.blade.v7 is a 98
both these racquets are good control frames!. I tried both, liked both, (with the right setup and tension),
the vcore.hd is more low powered of the two, but it feels better on the 1HBH
i dont know much about prince or babolat frames!

 

[AJvR]

thanks but I'm pretty used to midsize racquet (93-95) because I can find more control especially on my 1HB. I do want to adjust to a modern stick that offer some power and control but still stable and with that buttery feel

I would also try to demo a TF40.

 

[MayorGorman]

I fell in love with the Dunlop Srixon CX200 Tour 18x20, was soft on the arm yet had a crisp feel, decent power, and great spin for an 18x20. Tried many players racquets and I would say in order of preference Id go
1. CX200 Tour
2. Head Graphene MP
3. Yonex 97 330
4. Prince 93
5. RF97 Autograph

 

[Hit 'em clean]

From rackets I’ve played with I can recommend in no particular order. I have my preference but they are all very good.

Yonex Pro 97 330
Wilson RF 97
Dunlop CX 200 tour 16x19
Head Gravity Pro

Dunlop has a fairly tight 16x19, but you might try the 18x20 as well... I’ve just never hit with it.

Given the reviews/hype the new Blade should also be considered.

 

[fuzz nation]

thanks but I'm pretty used to midsize racquet (93-95) because I can find more control especially on my 1HB. I do want to adjust to a modern stick that offer some power and control but still stable and with that buttery feel

I have a pair of LM Prestige mids that I pretty much used as trainers some years ago. I put a bit of lead tape on their handles to get a more comfortable balance and they ended up at around 13.4 oz. They pushed me to use quick preparation and sound mechanics, but I didn't really use them for match play. Those mid sized rigs are magical - I also have a couple of old Yonex MP Tour mids and my Prince NXG mids are staying in my collection forever. They probably keep me in touch with my roots when I was playing with wood frames as a kid.

One of the best blends of classic and modern that I like to play with is the Volkl C10. It's a cozy hitter with a narrow beam and a bit of hoop flex, but it's hefty and stable - VERY nice for a one-handed backhand - and its 98" head size brings a little free zip to the equation. While I love these racquets forever amen, I've always noticed that they more readily produce power than easy spin with my shots. I can spin the ball with my C10's, but it seems to demand a more deliberate effort than with some of my other frames (including my other Volkls).

I'm a happy Volkl fan and I also have a couple other models on hand, including their V-Sense 10 325g. These weigh around 12.1 oz. with string and an overgrip and they're about as light as I can tolerate - also cozy hitters for me strung with 16 ga. syn. gut. By comparison, I sampled a pair of the 2015 Wilson Blades last year and their lighter weight didn't work for me at all. I actually stressed my shoulder pretty badly after playing with these - over-swinging to make up for the lighter weight and diminished power. I'm 53, but I'm sticking with the heavier options that give me a better fit.

I haven't tried the Prince Phantom 93, Yonex VCore 95, or the Dunlop Srixon CX 200 Tour, but these might be worth some research. If you stick with a mid, I'd bet that the Phantom 93 could work pretty well.

 

[ProRadTour]

In addition to the Blade v7, I would add the Head Gravity Pro to the demo list.