Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
The Vcore racquets usually have more weight in the throat than maybe some other models... this makes them feel both more solid but also more cumbersome, IMO. People will either like it or not.
Head Gravity
- Thread starter Liam Grennon
- Start date
The Vcore racquets usually have more weight in the throat than maybe some other models... this makes them feel both more solid but also more cumbersome, IMO. People will either like it or not.
ProRadTour
Semi-Pro
Haven't hit the Duel G, but the Tour G definitely had more weight in the throat. With the VCore Pro line, there isn't as much weight in that region and actually cuts through the air really nicely. I though the Tour G was to clubby. Those who like the Tour G think the current VCore Pro is not stable enough. For me the VCore Pro is kind of the perfect blend between stability and maneuverability.
Also have a Gravity Pro, to me this frame also has it's weight distribution around the throat region, that's why its so stable given its weight. However, it is relatively light for a players frame spec so it maintains it's maneuverability.
Also have a Gravity Pro, to me this frame also has it's weight distribution around the throat region, that's why its so stable given its weight. However, it is relatively light for a players frame spec so it maintains it's maneuverability.
stephenclown
Professional
That explains it, yeah I enjoyed hitting with it but it played much heavier than its weight. RF97 similarly plays like a log for its swingweight. 93P on the other hand, absolutely sublime, very manoeuvrable. I may have to try out the vcores again, they are interesting frames but labouring.
What are u using these days?
I’m sorry, that was against the Gravity Pro. The VCORE pro is faster trough the air then the Gravity Tour. But it’s an easy transition. Sorry for the mixup, I wasn’t very clear
parasailing
Legend
Another couple hours on the tennis court and this time I used both the MP and the Pro. A second day of the Pro confirmed my initial feedback. It is really wonderful on serves due to the thinner beam of 20mm vs 22mm on my current 2015 Blade 18x20.
The thinner beam allows you to move the racquet threw the air quicker allowing for more power and spin. I really enjoy serving with this racquet so far but still having issues with getting slices deeper into the court. I feel the plow is less than the 2015 Blade 18x20 at the same specs. Perhaps getting this strung with Head Hawk Touch 17g at lower tension at 46lbs mains, 42lbs crosses will open this racquet to more power and spin.
The Pro that I got came in around the same SW of 335 and 332 grams and about 5 to 6 pts HL. This is similar to how I spec'd out my 2015 Blade.
The thinner beam allows you to move the racquet threw the air quicker allowing for more power and spin. I really enjoy serving with this racquet so far but still having issues with getting slices deeper into the court. I feel the plow is less than the 2015 Blade 18x20 at the same specs. Perhaps getting this strung with Head Hawk Touch 17g at lower tension at 46lbs mains, 42lbs crosses will open this racquet to more power and spin.
The Pro that I got came in around the same SW of 335 and 332 grams and about 5 to 6 pts HL. This is similar to how I spec'd out my 2015 Blade.
Got my Tour yesterday.
The racquet looked like a mixture of Prince and Dunlop: Prince Phantom's hoop and Dunlop CX's body.
Mine is 310g unstrung (so I don't have to buy a Pro). Strung @48lb with Yonex PTGP 120.
Great feeling of strokes. As else said: solid, good control and buttery. But not that soft like Phantom Pro 93.
I could transfer the power to the ball firmly.
Kick serve high is easy by using it.
Nice racquet for one handed backhand. Though my backhand is awful but it indeed improved.
I don't like Graphene but this one is different.
The racquet looked like a mixture of Prince and Dunlop: Prince Phantom's hoop and Dunlop CX's body.
Mine is 310g unstrung (so I don't have to buy a Pro). Strung @48lb with Yonex PTGP 120.
Great feeling of strokes. As else said: solid, good control and buttery. But not that soft like Phantom Pro 93.
I could transfer the power to the ball firmly.
Kick serve high is easy by using it.
Nice racquet for one handed backhand. Though my backhand is awful but it indeed improved.
I don't like Graphene but this one is different.
dgoran
Hall of Fame
I agree it’s the best feeling head frame since probably intelligence series
djNEiGht
Legend
Added a leather grip which changed the weight from 317g w dampener to 324g. I can't really tell if the balance changed as I don't have a proper balance board. Eyeballed it balancing on an edge and tape measure the balance looks to be the same.
Will do a couple more games with SG and then try out poly. Had a good serving nite yesterday. I could notice a few off centered hits would flutter a bit (as expected overall) but compared to other racquets (like my iPrestige) fluttered more.
Will do a couple more games with SG and then try out poly. Had a good serving nite yesterday. I could notice a few off centered hits would flutter a bit (as expected overall) but compared to other racquets (like my iPrestige) fluttered more.
MUFCbmwBear
Rookie
Got the Pro after a positive demo. I was also testing the Clash 98 but felt a bit more at home with the Gpro. The tour seems appealing as well.
Frans Bleker
Professional
My Pro demo was 349 I think
iceman_dl6
Professional
My Pro has a swingweight of 344
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
I'm sorry, but my juvenile mind is
I don't have a Pro... but I heard that's what the other guy said... not sure how he measured that. Seems the Pros have that kind of swing weight.
Better get to the gym
parasailing
Legend
2015 Wilson Blade 18x20 - 335 SW, 336 grams, about 6 pts HL, 22mm beam, strung with Head Hawk Touch at 46lbs mains/42lbs crosses
Head Gravity Pro 18x20 - 340 SW, 338 grams, about 6 pts HL 20mm beam, strung with Head Hawk Touch at 46lbs mains/42lbs crosses
Based on TWU power map utility, these two racquets are very close in power and almost comparable in most categories so I took both on them to the court to see which one I prefer.
The initial issue I had with lack of depth on slices was resolved when I changed out Head Lynx string strung at 51lbs to Head Hawk Touch at a lower tension. Most of TW's playtesters preferred a lower string tension so I opted to start with that and see how it felt.
Head did a great job with this racquet as it feels a lot softer than any Graphene line they have released. The best quality of this racquet is the control. I think it is one of the better control oriented racquets out there. The thinner beam width of 20mm allowed for it to cut through the air and was very easy to swing.
If I didn't use the 2015 Blade 98 18x20, this might have ended up being my racquet of choice. However, at the same specs, the Blade offers more power and plow thru than the Gravity Pro. On serves, the Blade provided more kick and power than the Pro. If Head offers a 98 sq. inch version, things might get interesting.
Overall, I enjoyed using the Gravity Pro and I think Head is going in the right direction with these new racquets but I am going to stick to my 2015 Blade.
Head Gravity Pro 18x20 - 340 SW, 338 grams, about 6 pts HL 20mm beam, strung with Head Hawk Touch at 46lbs mains/42lbs crosses
Based on TWU power map utility, these two racquets are very close in power and almost comparable in most categories so I took both on them to the court to see which one I prefer.
The initial issue I had with lack of depth on slices was resolved when I changed out Head Lynx string strung at 51lbs to Head Hawk Touch at a lower tension. Most of TW's playtesters preferred a lower string tension so I opted to start with that and see how it felt.
Head did a great job with this racquet as it feels a lot softer than any Graphene line they have released. The best quality of this racquet is the control. I think it is one of the better control oriented racquets out there. The thinner beam width of 20mm allowed for it to cut through the air and was very easy to swing.
If I didn't use the 2015 Blade 98 18x20, this might have ended up being my racquet of choice. However, at the same specs, the Blade offers more power and plow thru than the Gravity Pro. On serves, the Blade provided more kick and power than the Pro. If Head offers a 98 sq. inch version, things might get interesting.
Overall, I enjoyed using the Gravity Pro and I think Head is going in the right direction with these new racquets but I am going to stick to my 2015 Blade.
Does this TWU sweet zone tool is reliable?I dont understand why for example Gravity MP have much bigger sweetspot than MP Lite, someone can explain this?
Frans Bleker
Professional
Gravity Tour would maby also be a good comparison. It has a 22mm beam.
parasailing
Legend
Too bad they don't carry this in the US so no way for me to get a demo of it. I am on to the next Blade and will do a comparison between them once I get a hold of the racquet.
Wow such swingweights are not playable for most people. That is really crazy. 335 would be okay for me. But 350 I wouldnt be able to handle
Have demoed both but having a hard time deciding between the Pro and the Tour for purchase and a long time demo. Well actually the demos are quite limited due to my own time this summer (personal things coming up during my demo periods!) and also with the popularity of the sticks I couldn’t demo them together. Then string becomes the other issue.
This has always been what I envisioned what the Speed was supposed to be. Funny I only tried the YouTek and then again the Graphene XT which were too stiff. Apparently the IG was good..
I had thought the Tour was perfect and had only demoed the Pro to tick the box and love the “let the racket do the work” with its plow through. Just can’t recall if the Tour can do that. Though while I’m used to heavy rackets the Pro is one of the few sticks where I was sometimes to balls. I’m not sure why. Static weight isn’t they bad and it it still is HL (by a bit).
Mainly for those who’ve hit both (non US) the Tour doesn’t get bullied at all right? I will say RHS potential may be better due to the weight. Or maybe I just need more time work the Pros weight. That hefty racket from the six.one says is really attractive.
Play with the 93P currently and a leaded up DR98 before that. Just looking for a solid
Tournament racket. Will probably still use the 93P for dubs but have always wanted 100 sq when I really competed. Thanks guys
This has always been what I envisioned what the Speed was supposed to be. Funny I only tried the YouTek and then again the Graphene XT which were too stiff. Apparently the IG was good..
I had thought the Tour was perfect and had only demoed the Pro to tick the box and love the “let the racket do the work” with its plow through. Just can’t recall if the Tour can do that. Though while I’m used to heavy rackets the Pro is one of the few sticks where I was sometimes to balls. I’m not sure why. Static weight isn’t they bad and it it still is HL (by a bit).
Mainly for those who’ve hit both (non US) the Tour doesn’t get bullied at all right? I will say RHS potential may be better due to the weight. Or maybe I just need more time work the Pros weight. That hefty racket from the six.one says is really attractive.
Play with the 93P currently and a leaded up DR98 before that. Just looking for a solid
Tournament racket. Will probably still use the 93P for dubs but have always wanted 100 sq when I really competed. Thanks guys
I have the same issue. My pro demo came in way over spec, very high swing weight. It still felt nice but I was often too late. I asked the shop to measure some frames, they have one that is almost exactly on spec (316 grams, 302 swing weight unstrung). But then I demoed the Tour and I really like it, lots of power and control. I would really like to demo a Pro that is on spec.
ls206
Hall of Fame
No, the tour definitely doesn’t get bullied. It’s very stable and has enough weight in the hoop that it’s not going to get pushed around.
My pro was over spec too on the swingweight and so I much preferred the Tour.
I also tested the 93p at the same time and thought it was the best of the bunch.
My pro was over spec too on the swingweight and so I much preferred the Tour.
I also tested the 93p at the same time and thought it was the best of the bunch.
Its funny, the demo Pro is actually lighter on the scale than the 93P... as well as my DR98s. So i'm not sure what's going on. Prob a bit higher in SW, though, I keep thinking and I know equipment is never to blame, but my results have always been most consistent with my heaviest sticks (leaded up Prestige MP, Six.Ones). So was suddenly slowly drifting towards the Pro but that's the problem with demoing, such short periods of time to settle.
Absolutely love the 93P. Will for sure still be using it to hit regularly and dubs, but I gelled with the Gravity much more than I expected to. Good to know on the Tour. Decisions decisions...Morning i woke up thinking I knew what I was leaning to (Tour due to being a bit more forgiving for weight) haha. But now I don't know. The Pro's SW makes me setup, which, is why I think my consistency was quite good. Just didn't play enough singles to confirm the same on the Tour.
HitTheBall
New User
Well I played with my Gpro for about two weeks before measuring the SW. I was playing with a Ultra Tour with a SW 335 measured with SwingTool app. My prediction was that if anything the SW would be lower on the Gpro: to my surprise it measured at SW 445 (on swing app). Not what I expected as it feels like it comes through the air faster. I wouldn’t want anything less on the single hander. Still loving this racquet. And the comfort persists. Haven’t noticed any downside yet!
have u had a chance to try the VCP 100 (300) ? I noticed that you enjoy the VCP 97 310 but get more forgiveness and easy power/spin with extreme mp. I jus got my VCP 100 and leaded up 6 grams at 10 n 2 each and it feels fantastic...forgiveness of a 100 sq in racquet and the control/precision/whippiness of a thin beamed frame. Try it out!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
It probably will be soon, what I heard from HEAD US.
No.
parasailing
Legend
If you coming from an ultra tour, the gravity pro will offer more power. The ultra tour is a very low powered racquet with great control and precision.
TennisHound
Legend
SW445?!
MajesticMoose
Hall of Fame
Yeah, wrong.
iceman_dl6
Professional
THE MOST stable racquet in the world!
Faris
Professional
If I start swinging right now I might even reach the ball by tomorrow morning to feel that stability
guilhermefdc
Semi-Pro
Shroud
G.O.A.T.
HE He. I only recall getting up to the 400sw range. But if its weight I was over 16 oz at one point.
Shroud mods EVERYTHING so I bet I would jack up the handle.
So despite my large post above on not being able to decide between the two..I ended up going for the Pro just because historically I've always played my best with a higher SW stick.
I'm lucky that I went this route though because the Tour would've been too light given the variance in weight..
I half jokingly asked them to try to choose a lighter stick than the demo (I really have no idea if the person heard though!!) but coming home and measuring, my GravPro is 332g. The Tour Demo was 327g and the Pro Demo was 342g!
With that said, it's NOT apples to apples.. I strung my racquet with Hyper G17 instead of the demo Hawk Touch 17... and I use Tourna Grip instead of Gamma Supreme. Shoudl it make that much difference? No idea.
But the Pro went from being almost too heavy (demo) to almost perfect and possibly on the slighter lighter side but that may just be because I was expecting the demo weight. I'm happy! May be a probelm if I decide on a second one though lol.
I'm lucky that I went this route though because the Tour would've been too light given the variance in weight..
I half jokingly asked them to try to choose a lighter stick than the demo (I really have no idea if the person heard though!!) but coming home and measuring, my GravPro is 332g. The Tour Demo was 327g and the Pro Demo was 342g!
With that said, it's NOT apples to apples.. I strung my racquet with Hyper G17 instead of the demo Hawk Touch 17... and I use Tourna Grip instead of Gamma Supreme. Shoudl it make that much difference? No idea.
But the Pro went from being almost too heavy (demo) to almost perfect and possibly on the slighter lighter side but that may just be because I was expecting the demo weight. I'm happy! May be a probelm if I decide on a second one though lol.
parasailing
Legend
I had a chance to customize the MP to SW of 332 and static weight of 333 grams and took it out for a spin. I think with specs being equal, the Pro, played better at these specs than the MP. It was easier to hit serves with the Pro due to the thinner beam which allowed the racquet to travel through the air quicker.
At the end of the day, the 2015 Blade 18x20 won out due to offering more power and plow at the same specs but Head did a great job with the Gravity series. I would be interested if they release a 98 sq inch one with spec'd similar to the Blade.
At the end of the day, the 2015 Blade 18x20 won out due to offering more power and plow at the same specs but Head did a great job with the Gravity series. I would be interested if they release a 98 sq inch one with spec'd similar to the Blade.
HitTheBall
New User
Haha oops typo 345 SW
Now played with the MP, Tour, and Pro. Both the Tour and Pro came in over spec for me which seems to be a common theme in this thread, actually found that the Pro was easier to swing and gave a nicer response but I struggled to serve with the pro especially during the second set of a singles match.
All three rackets felt nice on contact but the MP was too head heavy for my liking. The Tour was a mixed bag, I think I would gel with it if it came in on it's actual spec. The Pro was the best experience of the bunch but it was just too much racket to handle beyond 1 set, again if the specs were on point it would be my next purchase.
As things stand I will wait to see what the Blade and Pure Strike are saying later this month.
All three rackets felt nice on contact but the MP was too head heavy for my liking. The Tour was a mixed bag, I think I would gel with it if it came in on it's actual spec. The Pro was the best experience of the bunch but it was just too much racket to handle beyond 1 set, again if the specs were on point it would be my next purchase.
As things stand I will wait to see what the Blade and Pure Strike are saying later this month.
markwillplay
Hall of Fame
Am I wrong in thinking that the tear drop shape of this frame is VERY similar to the tear drop shape of my prince tour 100 s?
Bebe tennis player
New User
MP first impression.
I played a 4.0 practice match with the MP and my first impression is that I like it a lot. The control is the best I’ve experienced for a 100 sq inch head. I would prefer the racquet were heavier. 305 grams, 320 swing weight is usually my ideal spec.
I think the bottom line with this raquet is that the control is so good, that I am comfortable playing creatively whether it be a spin loaded ground stroke, flat serve, volley, push shot, etc. It is a very predictable racquet. The head shape helps my backhand.
I won my practice match. Areas that can improve are hitting balls with more velocity and doing better with quick reaction ground strokes and on the run ground strokes- I had a hard time accelerating the raquet head in those situations.
I am going to add a leather grip and maybe some lead/tungsten tape ( which I never have success with).
I am not on the TW play test, so I am posting in this forum. I bought the racquet. The “PRO” is too heavy for me. Why Head would not release the “TOUR” in the US is inexplicable.
I intend to continue playing with this racquet.
I played a 4.0 practice match with the MP and my first impression is that I like it a lot. The control is the best I’ve experienced for a 100 sq inch head. I would prefer the racquet were heavier. 305 grams, 320 swing weight is usually my ideal spec.
I think the bottom line with this raquet is that the control is so good, that I am comfortable playing creatively whether it be a spin loaded ground stroke, flat serve, volley, push shot, etc. It is a very predictable racquet. The head shape helps my backhand.
I won my practice match. Areas that can improve are hitting balls with more velocity and doing better with quick reaction ground strokes and on the run ground strokes- I had a hard time accelerating the raquet head in those situations.
I am going to add a leather grip and maybe some lead/tungsten tape ( which I never have success with).
I am not on the TW play test, so I am posting in this forum. I bought the racquet. The “PRO” is too heavy for me. Why Head would not release the “TOUR” in the US is inexplicable.
I intend to continue playing with this racquet.
Hit 'em clean
Semi-Pro
I have to post about this racquet. Anyone seriously looking for that blend of control, power, touch, and spin in a comfortable frame... the Gravity Pro is a must try. I've been a 4.5/5.0 player most of my life. At 48 I still play and hit with college level players. Although I still seem to have the strokes to hang with a lot of them the court movement these days isn't what it needs to be. I've always been an aggressive baseliner, controlling the point and hitting with power and spin is my game. Over the years I've played more doubles and developed a lot more touch, angles, etc. but I'm still perfectly happy ripping shots from both wings sending opponents side to side for better or worse until I hit a a winner or I miss.
Never had much in the way of TE issues, but it has popped up here and there and have always recovered quickly from it. The last few years I have some general soreness and new my time was limited unless I found something easier on my arm. I've always suffered somewhat from being a racketholic... always looking for a little more control or power or spin, etc. Recently my TE has gotten pretty bad with numbness in my ring and pinky finger which is bad. I've decided to forego poly strings and moved back to some multi-filaments... to my surprise it hasn't been a disaster. I was so hooked on the spin/grip and consistent strike/feel from poly strings that I thought no way a multi or syn gut would be a playable option for me again.
I've tried a lot of racquets over the years and usually stick with something for 1-2 years if I really like something. PS 6.0 95 was and still is to me one of the greatest racquets ever (for my game). Never got on with 85sq in version. I've gamed the Pure Drive, AeroPro+, Radical (Microgel, Graphene and XT), Hyper Pro Staff 6.0 (Europe version, why I sold them I'll never know), Dunlop Srixon CX 2.0, Dunlop 200g Muscle Weave and many others for extended periods over the years. I'm currently gaming the Dunlop CX200+ and experimenting with the Speed Pro 360, Yonex Vcore Pro 97 310 (tried 330, but too heavy). I like the CX200 tour 16x19, but it requires a lot of input and isn't so forgiving, but a great stick and easy on the arm, just a little short on power that I look for. CX200+ has good plow, good power/control, forgiving, but lacking on drop/touch shots (due to power). With a multifilament string, the CX200+ is pretty comfy and I keep gravitating back to it. Previously I was playing CX 2.0 weighted to 11.8 (8-9pts HL) which was great, but still bothering my arm a little even with natural gut/poly combo.
I have to say though that the Gravity Pro might be one of those classic racquets that we get nostalgic about for a long time to come. Got a demo this past weekend and it was strung with Wilson syn gut power 16ga. Normally I would hate that, but it actually played really well. I also normally don't gel with 18x20 patterns, but the spin on this GPro is very accessible to a surprising amount. Hit for 2.5 hours Sunday with crazy control and spin... really heavy balls that even the college players were remarking about. No live fire playing with serving and returns, but we were playing points off the ground, king of the hill drills, etc.. Was really impressed with the spin, easy depth and touch I had.
Tuesday I was excited to get out again. I played doubles and wondered about a honeymoon period or that I had a freak good day with it on Sunday. I barely finished the first set with it and was a little disappointed, crashing down to reality I thought. Couldn't get the same spin and control, power was lacking and things didn't go well so I switched to my CX200+ and played great. Returns were a problem (sluggish movmement), serve was okay but a bit erratic and I thought okay CX200+ is what I should stick with and was more manageable.
Didn't want to give up on the GPro completely so I restrung with Technifibre Multifeel 16ga at 51lbs. My TE has been getting better with the multis and I'm trying to back off a little when playing. Tonight it was more sore having played so much on Sunday and then playing on Tuesday. I know I should rest, ice, stretch, etc. but I love to play. Played doubles again tonight (Thursday) and was going to try the Vcore 97 again (strung with multi at 50lbs). Warm up with the Vcore I had pain right away. Still getting some vibration, racquet flutter, etc. even with the multi and it was bothering me. So I pulled the GPro after just a few minutes into the warmup and instant relief. The plow and comfort of this GPro frame is awesome, virtually no discomfort or pain. I also noticed with the multi feel string instead of the syn gut I had better pop, control/spin was back, feel was excellent. I proceeded to play great... even better than the first outing. Serves had very nice pop on flat and great spin on second serves to the point where it didn't matter if I hit a first or second serve... my opponents struggled to even get the return back in the court. Groundstrokes and volleys were awesome, topspin lobs, you name it I was coming up with shots and hitting them, it was really fun. I still missed some shots, especially on returns, but not so bad that I felt that I couldn't get better with this frame.
The demo racquet I have is 10.9oz unstrung. Strung it comes in at 11.7/11.8 and 7-8pts HL. I went from really liking, to doubting, to really considering switching over the last 6-7 hours of on court playing time I've had. It's definitely between this and the CX200+. For arm comfort alone I would pick the GPro hands down. With a fairly tender elbow I was able to play full out without hesitation, comfortably. And when we finished my arm felt good,
I would like to try the Tour, but I would end up weighting it up close to the GPro spec anyway. I'm trying to remain calm, I'm in the afterglow of a great night of playing great tennis. Maybe its' just coincidence and I'm playing well regardless of what I have in my hands. But even if I ultimately decide it's a little too unwieldy and go with the lighter CX200+... this is still a great racquet, of that I'm sure. The combo of things it does well is really impressive... and all while being super arm friendly. I forgot to mention that the large sweet spot on the GPro is such a great and unique thing in a player spec racquet. It's big part of what makes this racquet so fun. Normally players spec racquets can really penalize you outside the sweet spot. Miss the sweet spot and there is a severe lack of pace, depth, spin, etc... all of which lead to the dreaded sitter in the short court that your opponent can rip for a winner. It's hard to miss the sweet spot on this thing so you get the control of a player racquet, but forgiveness of a tweener... it's really nice. Instead of a week, short sitter you still get good depth and spin, etc. on much higher percentage of shots. Sweetspot is huge! Awesome offering from Head, super kudos on this one.
Never had much in the way of TE issues, but it has popped up here and there and have always recovered quickly from it. The last few years I have some general soreness and new my time was limited unless I found something easier on my arm. I've always suffered somewhat from being a racketholic... always looking for a little more control or power or spin, etc. Recently my TE has gotten pretty bad with numbness in my ring and pinky finger which is bad. I've decided to forego poly strings and moved back to some multi-filaments... to my surprise it hasn't been a disaster. I was so hooked on the spin/grip and consistent strike/feel from poly strings that I thought no way a multi or syn gut would be a playable option for me again.
I've tried a lot of racquets over the years and usually stick with something for 1-2 years if I really like something. PS 6.0 95 was and still is to me one of the greatest racquets ever (for my game). Never got on with 85sq in version. I've gamed the Pure Drive, AeroPro+, Radical (Microgel, Graphene and XT), Hyper Pro Staff 6.0 (Europe version, why I sold them I'll never know), Dunlop Srixon CX 2.0, Dunlop 200g Muscle Weave and many others for extended periods over the years. I'm currently gaming the Dunlop CX200+ and experimenting with the Speed Pro 360, Yonex Vcore Pro 97 310 (tried 330, but too heavy). I like the CX200 tour 16x19, but it requires a lot of input and isn't so forgiving, but a great stick and easy on the arm, just a little short on power that I look for. CX200+ has good plow, good power/control, forgiving, but lacking on drop/touch shots (due to power). With a multifilament string, the CX200+ is pretty comfy and I keep gravitating back to it. Previously I was playing CX 2.0 weighted to 11.8 (8-9pts HL) which was great, but still bothering my arm a little even with natural gut/poly combo.
I have to say though that the Gravity Pro might be one of those classic racquets that we get nostalgic about for a long time to come. Got a demo this past weekend and it was strung with Wilson syn gut power 16ga. Normally I would hate that, but it actually played really well. I also normally don't gel with 18x20 patterns, but the spin on this GPro is very accessible to a surprising amount. Hit for 2.5 hours Sunday with crazy control and spin... really heavy balls that even the college players were remarking about. No live fire playing with serving and returns, but we were playing points off the ground, king of the hill drills, etc.. Was really impressed with the spin, easy depth and touch I had.
Tuesday I was excited to get out again. I played doubles and wondered about a honeymoon period or that I had a freak good day with it on Sunday. I barely finished the first set with it and was a little disappointed, crashing down to reality I thought. Couldn't get the same spin and control, power was lacking and things didn't go well so I switched to my CX200+ and played great. Returns were a problem (sluggish movmement), serve was okay but a bit erratic and I thought okay CX200+ is what I should stick with and was more manageable.
Didn't want to give up on the GPro completely so I restrung with Technifibre Multifeel 16ga at 51lbs. My TE has been getting better with the multis and I'm trying to back off a little when playing. Tonight it was more sore having played so much on Sunday and then playing on Tuesday. I know I should rest, ice, stretch, etc. but I love to play. Played doubles again tonight (Thursday) and was going to try the Vcore 97 again (strung with multi at 50lbs). Warm up with the Vcore I had pain right away. Still getting some vibration, racquet flutter, etc. even with the multi and it was bothering me. So I pulled the GPro after just a few minutes into the warmup and instant relief. The plow and comfort of this GPro frame is awesome, virtually no discomfort or pain. I also noticed with the multi feel string instead of the syn gut I had better pop, control/spin was back, feel was excellent. I proceeded to play great... even better than the first outing. Serves had very nice pop on flat and great spin on second serves to the point where it didn't matter if I hit a first or second serve... my opponents struggled to even get the return back in the court. Groundstrokes and volleys were awesome, topspin lobs, you name it I was coming up with shots and hitting them, it was really fun. I still missed some shots, especially on returns, but not so bad that I felt that I couldn't get better with this frame.
The demo racquet I have is 10.9oz unstrung. Strung it comes in at 11.7/11.8 and 7-8pts HL. I went from really liking, to doubting, to really considering switching over the last 6-7 hours of on court playing time I've had. It's definitely between this and the CX200+. For arm comfort alone I would pick the GPro hands down. With a fairly tender elbow I was able to play full out without hesitation, comfortably. And when we finished my arm felt good,
I would like to try the Tour, but I would end up weighting it up close to the GPro spec anyway. I'm trying to remain calm, I'm in the afterglow of a great night of playing great tennis. Maybe its' just coincidence and I'm playing well regardless of what I have in my hands. But even if I ultimately decide it's a little too unwieldy and go with the lighter CX200+... this is still a great racquet, of that I'm sure. The combo of things it does well is really impressive... and all while being super arm friendly. I forgot to mention that the large sweet spot on the GPro is such a great and unique thing in a player spec racquet. It's big part of what makes this racquet so fun. Normally players spec racquets can really penalize you outside the sweet spot. Miss the sweet spot and there is a severe lack of pace, depth, spin, etc... all of which lead to the dreaded sitter in the short court that your opponent can rip for a winner. It's hard to miss the sweet spot on this thing so you get the control of a player racquet, but forgiveness of a tweener... it's really nice. Instead of a week, short sitter you still get good depth and spin, etc. on much higher percentage of shots. Sweetspot is huge! Awesome offering from Head, super kudos on this one.
Great review! Thx! The pain in the pinky and ringfinger might be carpal tunnel syndrom! Have a doctor, handsurgeon, look at it! Wishing you a speedy recovery! Stay healthy!
guilhermefdc
Semi-Pro
Actually, it might be because of compression of the ulnar nerve (sometimes associated with medial epicondylitis/golfer’s elbow) - carpal syndrome is from a compression of a different nerve (medial), although the mechanism is kind of the same
iceman_dl6
Professional
After a few other practice sessions with the G Pro, I finally found a first knock! I found I get jammed more easily than my RF97, due to the roundish head (similar issue as when using an extended racquet). Better footwork is definitely needed in those situations (i.e body serve return or any hard shot close to the body). Maybe the honeymoon period is coming to an end? Lol!
