help an old man out with a new racquet...

[askelly]

Hi, I'm 40 and just started playing again after almost 20 years off! Played competitively in high school and college, and used ProStaff 85's pretty much exclusively. Still pretty athletic, and after hitting today, still hit a VERY heavy one handed backhand. Forehands were rusty, sailing long or in the net-couldn't get the topspin dialed in. Volleys were very crisp, with the racquet feeling a little stiff and almost overpowered.

This was with a borrowed Yonex ezone xi 98. Switching to a demo Head Graphene XT Speed MPA, things were definitely different! It felt like a rocket with lots of pop, but a fraction of the control of the Yonex. And it felt and sounded terrible. It was easier to mail it in, so to speak, and just bump shots back with pace and minimal effort, but that's not my goal. I loved the control and accuracy of the Yonex, but would like it with a splash of the power of the Head... or, with even more control and tightness- I'll figure out the power later.

I know my ProStaff 85 days are behind me (sadly), but I'm making the big "to demo" list, and any thoughts would be greatly appreciated! I really prefer Yonex and Wilson racquets, but am open to anything. Thanks!

Also, I APOLOGIZE FOR THE LONG POST!

 

[McLovin]

Assuming you want to stay in the 95-98 sq in range, a few to consider are:

Yonex VCORE Tour 97 'G'. 310g or 330g is up to you.
Wilson PS97/RF97, again, depending on your weight preference
Pacific X Feel Pro 95
Babolat Pure Control Tour
ProKennex Redondo MP

If you want smaller headsize, then:

Yonex VCORE Tour 89
ProKennex Redondo Mid
Volkl Organiz 10 Mid

 

[TheStranger]

What were your string setups?

 

[inzone]

6.1 95, either version, but if you want a little more power go with the 16x18.

 

[corners]

In addition to the suggestions already offered, the Yonex Tour G, the lighter version with a little lead, might give you a similar feel as the PS 85, but be far more forgiving of rust, slowed reflexes and general age-related incompetence.

 

[askelly]

What were your string setups?

the borrowed Yonex was NRG2 16, middle of the road tension. The Head was a multifilament of some sort, felt a touch above midrange tension.

Thanks for the replies so far! Greatly appreciated!

 

[askelly]

...and general age-related incompetence.

It's true! My mind is still operating under the premise that the body is still 20 and in good shape.

 

[MisterP]

1. Pro Staff 97
2. Pure Strike Tour
3. VCore Tour G 330
4. Blade 93

 

[Seth]

Prince o3 Red and call it a day.

 

[oble]

Wilson Pro Staff 95 is very low powered, and cheap as chips right now.

Otherwise, I'm echoing the suggestions on Yonex Vcore Tour G or Wilson Pro Staff 97 for something more modern that has a good balance of power and control.

 

[Bona]

I have a similar background and was in a similar situation recently. What I discovered was that finding the feel of those old sticks with which I had done so many hours on court was decisive. That is, i found that many new frames performed well, but have so far found only one that gives me an extra edge of confidence because I know where I have the racquet and get that extra bit feedback off ball contact. I my case it was prince graphite ii in the 90ies and prince response 97 now. While I certainly acknowledge that everyone is different, I therefore think that the point raised by corners is a very important one; thus, in the long run it may turn out important to stick with a racquet that gives a feel most reminiscent of your prostaff 85.
Good luck!

 

[racquetreligion]

Prince are my favorite racquets for feel and I have some Prince Tour NXG Mid frames I keep aside my usual Willy Ultras but recently tried for a while the Yonex vc t89 vs babo PC tour which at 95 inches is strangely accurate of my single bh yet the 89 shined on BHs. If you are having a bad day the smaller frames can help you dial in your game again but this lastest PC tour is quite nice with some lead tape on the shaft and at the top of the head. The extra head size helps with serves and extra spin that the VCore cant produce without really making an effort. Both frames had Lux Ace touch which surprised me on the playability.

 

[MixedMaster]

Tennis Warehouse has a great Demo program. I would say demo, demo, demo. The right stick for you will pop up!!!

 

[The_Racketeer]

Give the Prince classic reissues a go: the Graphite 100 and the Response 97. Both very control oriented, low powered racquets with the classic feel you're used to.

 

[Gyswandir]

Hi askelly: I turned 40 this year too. I used to play competitively till I finished hi school. Played with a prince graphite pro 90. Also 1hbh.

Coming back in 2012, I first tried the APDGT, way too stiff for my old and out of shape tendons (had a long time without exercise due to job demands). Also tried the Head Extreme pro, while better than APD, still too stiff and somewhat heavy. After a lot of research, settled on the racket you tried EZone Xi 98. I used gut/poly and now testing gut/monogut zx. You may want to try that, as it may provide you with the extra power you're looking for.

If I were to look for another frame, here are the ones I'd look at:
6.1 95s
Pure strike (variants)
EZone Ai 98/100 (latter with lead for more HL balance)
Prostaff 97/RF
Extreme pro IG 2.0
Tour Pro 100 ESP
Prince Tour 100T ESP

Happy hunting

 

[robbo1970]

Give the Prince classic reissues a go: the Graphite 100 and the Response 97. Both very control oriented, low powered racquets with the classic feel you're used to.

Yes this, what he said ^^^

Old school feel and old school looks, but with a bit of modern forgiveness.

 

[TennisCJC]

Demo these:

1. volkl sg10 325
2. Wilson ps97
3. volkl v1 pro
4. Wilson blade 98
5. Wilson 6.1 95

You might need to tweak some of the above with a little lead.

 

[sma1001]

As a late returner to the game myself is recommend you try the Pacific X feel pro 95 and x force pro. They offer something different - and perhaps more familiar. Also Volkl C10 Pro and Organix 10. Arm friendly but great feel and characteristics.

 

[Rabbit]

Hi, I'm 40 and just started playing again after almost 20 years off! Played competitively in high school and college, and used ProStaff 85's pretty much exclusively. Still pretty athletic, and after hitting today, still hit a VERY heavy one handed backhand. Forehands were rusty, sailing long or in the net-couldn't get the topspin dialed in. Volleys were very crisp, with the racquet feeling a little stiff and almost overpowered.

This was with a borrowed Yonex ezone xi 98. Switching to a demo Head Graphene XT Speed MPA, things were definitely different! It felt like a rocket with lots of pop, but a fraction of the control of the Yonex. And it felt and sounded terrible. It was easier to mail it in, so to speak, and just bump shots back with pace and minimal effort, but that's not my goal. I loved the control and accuracy of the Yonex, but would like it with a splash of the power of the Head... or, with even more control and tightness- I'll figure out the power later.

I know my ProStaff 85 days are behind me (sadly), but I'm making the big "to demo" list, and any thoughts would be greatly appreciated! I really prefer Yonex and Wilson racquets, but am open to anything. Thanks!

Also, I APOLOGIZE FOR THE LONG POST!

Once upon a time, I played (like most everyone else) with the ProStaff 85.

6.1 95, either version, but if you want a little more power go with the 16x18.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I agree with this.

My short list is:

• Volkl C10 98
• Wilson six.one 95 16X18

I'm 56 and have been playing 4.5/5.0 for about 25 years.

I played with the C10 for about 11 years. I "decided" I needed technology to help my game and wasted about 5 years fooling around. I tried the six.one and loved it. But....you might ought to buy your six.ones quick if you're going to buy them as it looks like Wilson is D/C'ing them.

I may get my local pro shop to order some 4 1/4 pallets and butt caps and have another 11-12 year go with the C10.

 

[Fintft]

6.1 95, either version, but if you want a little more power go with the 16x18.

I second this and I would go for the latest BLX 6.1 95 (2013) 16X18 for:

a) Most control in the 6.1 95 BLX and Kfactor models (they become more head light in time, while the SW remained identical).

b) Least vibration (basalt molded into the handle etc).

c) Increased sweet spot due to parallel drilling.


All of those factor make it a winner also over R97A.

 

[speedysteve]

Being in a not too dissimilar situation to you I started off playing with similar sized racquets to those I last played with. These proved too stiff for my arm...

However I more recently realised I preferred the control of 18 x 20, a smaller head 90, 93 or 98 at max and the feel and power of nat gut (also very arm safe) and although expensive to start with, can work out cheaper in the long run as it's durable and doesn't lose tension much at all.
Less dense string pattern prob work better with less powerful strings or higher tensions (not something I am in a position to try just yet) - so it's horses for courses.

If you played well before with a smaller hoop I would not stray too far away from that personally.

As I have found out demoing will only get you so far.
If you are going to try different strings and weights it can take a good while to zero in.
For example, I didn't think much of the Pro Kennex Type C Redondo 93 at first with multis but with gut mains it is now my go to racquet, ahead of the C10 Pro, PK Q Tour and Prince tour.
I don't regret buying several great frames to try (some 2nd hand and some in the sale), and really getting to know them - still going on though.

It's a hobby - cheaper and better for you than golf

 

[ultradr]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I agree with this.

My short list is:

• Volkl C10 98
• Wilson six.one 95 16X18

I'm 56 and have been playing 4.5/5.0 for about 25 years.

What's the secret behind staying at that nigh level for so long?

By the way, don't you feel like you need Babolat Pure Drive type of frames
if you face much younger 4.5/5.0 with constantly heavy top spin groundies ?

 

[RalphJ]

You need the:

Graphene Radical Pro
Graphene Prestige MP

 

[BGod]

Try the Volkl Power Bridge 93.

The dampener is in the handle, which is great if you prefer playing without one on the strings. You have more power and longer reach but the width is the same as the PS85 and it's roughly the same accuracy, just pay attention to the power.

The PS85 feel is still the best though. It's basically that and the PS90 that gives me the most comfort. I'm 26 at 4.5 level.

 

[askelly]

Thank you VERY much for the replies! I am now armed with a big fat demo list. While waiting for the first round to arrive, I got my hands on a six.one 95S and a pro staff 100L, in addition to the original Yonex. Again, thanks all!

 

[RetroSpin]

Demos are tricky because the strings and tension will influence feel dramatically.

You can have fun and play around with a lot of different racquets. Or just get a PD Tour and be done with it.