Help me decide my racquet for 2024, and put an end to the racquetholism (for at least a year)

[curtstead]

Hello, TTW.

Just want to say I'm a huge fan of this forum, I spend a lot of time on it daily for a good time on breaks at work. Lots of laughs and good info passed around, and that won't change.

However, I have a problem. I played with the RF97 for two years from end of 2019 until 2021. It was my first two years of playing, didn't know anything about how some specs are WAY out of rec players ranges, etc. I was a huge Fed fan, and so I just enjoyed my time playing with the frame. There's even video of me using the Laver Cup Blue edition of the RF97, which I can paste below. This was back when I had just become a 3.5, and I have since moved up to 4.0. (I am DQ fed n00b, Fed fan that eats too much Dairy Queen)

However, I knew at the end of the 2021 season, after hitting some demos and discovering the forums, it was time to switch to something easier. It has been two years, and I just haven't been able to settle down on a stick. I have spent WAY too much money on frames I just haven't fully loved or wanted to commit myself to because something stands out that I just don't like, can't get over, etc. The holism got so bad, that I started to sometimes blame some close match results on equipment, which is really dumb. It's obviously me. In 2024, my goals are:

1.) to get more fit to compete with some of the higher level opponents I play against now

2.) to focus entirely on improvement with mechanics, fundamentals, and tactics, and leave the equipment question behind for the year. Money on lessons and courses would be way more valuable than any equipment.

3.) to have a racquet (and even strings although I don't mind messing around there for arm health reasons) that I play with for all of 2024 at least, and hopefully beyond. I almost want to view it as if I'm "signing an imaginary contract" with a racquet company, which is obviously silly, but anything to get my subconscious to commit to whatever racquet I end up choosing and just leave it at that.

Here's my plan:

A.) Decide on a frame by December 31st, 2023, and stick with it for the rest of the year.

B.) Update the thread on experiences with the frames I'm trying, match play notes, maybe video, etc.

C.) Once a frame has been decided upon, I will continue to post in the thread any experiences I have with the new Curtstead 2024 Autograph, and keep an eye out for any potential 2025 switches but only if necessary.

Any feedback will be welcomed, whether on the videos of me playing, my description of my game, etc. Many users have been awesome help, namely @Trip who I've had conversations with regarding a couple frames specifically at great length. I look forward to feedback from anyone willing to donate some of their time and help a fellow TTW/holic out and finally get past this two year never ending search for a holy grail that may not exist. Ready to be home with a new frame.

This is the end of my first post, and will be continued on my next few posts below so I don't run out of characters.

 

[curtstead]

Post #2:

Now, the crazy part. Here's a list of the frames I have either demo'd or owned over the last two years, along with any notes I have in memory from trying the frame. I'll Pro/Con any frames I've spent significant time with, and even post videos of frames I've played with on camera. I currently am a 4.0, aggro baseliner trying to convert to more all-court style. Eastern FH, and OHBH.

Yonex:

2021 Vcore 95 - mained this for a few months, modded, good frame, too demanding. Serving was great, but tough frame to use when I got tight. Just unforgiving, even if it's an "easy to use" 95.

2021 Vcore Pro 97 - Could never get this to work, just too flimsy and underpowered, even with mods fixing stability. I've heard Roman prokes state everyone could use this frame. I love Prokes's work, but I don't agree with this.

2022 Ezone 98 - Best serving racquet I've ever used, hands down. So many free points on serve compared to most frames I've used, but groundstroke UEs went up. The trajectory and launch angle was just weirdly (at the time of when I played it) low for a 16x19, and could obviously be the dense nature of the string pattern. Still own one, could certainly be open to trying again. Last tried it with Weiss Cannon Ultra Cable at 48#. Also.... hurt my wrist. :-(

2023 Vcore 98 - This one I still have two of, my most recent "main", at least for a few months. Felt like I could blast away when prepped early, thought the frame was very versatile. However, could just be too launchy and erratic. Also, the lack of feedback and muted feel is something I just can't seem to get along with. Here's footage of me playing a semi-final with the Vcore 98 a few months ago. I'm friends with the opponent, who played at a lower level D3 school, and it was just a very intense match. Forgive my outbursts, lol. It got pretty bad at times. RIP the Vcore 98 I threw at the wall after the match. I still own two of them. Totally a candidate to stick with.

Vcore 98 '23 match

Head:

2021 Radical Pro - Liked the plow, thought this one could really work but just wasn't for me.

2021 Head Boom Pro - This racquet SHOULD work. Enough plow, good stability, good power, felt nice on the one handed backhand, yet this frame just doesn't fully work for me. I still own one. Just... idk. Maybe the muted feel? Felt very disconnected, and the launch angle is something I find similar to the Ezone 98. So a few more errors than normal.

2019 Gravity Pro - Tried an underspec one for a few months. At times, I WANTED this frame to be it soooo bad. The huge sweetspot, the stability, the plow through power, the control, god it was so good. Yet, the sluggishness on the one handed backhand was just a bit too much, and 18x20 is a pattern I can't seem to figure out. So many balls fly on me with 18m, or I put in the net.

2022 Speed Pro - Tennisnerd actually recommended this to me, and I wanted to love it. Felt good on the one hander, too. In the end, felt too many balls were coming back, felt I wasn't really pressuring my opponents as much, and UEs crept up here, too. Good stick though, can tell it's just not for me.

2022 Speed MP - I own one, and like this stick a lot. However, it's very muted, and I don't love muted feel on frames. Gives me less confidence to swing out when I need to, especially in tight moments. Also didn't love the balance, feels very head heavy at times which I HATE on the OHBH, but this can obviously be fixed with some tungsten putty in the handle. Open to a revisit.

2023 Prestige MP-L - I'll condense the 2021 into this as well, as they play almost identical. This is definitely a candidate for 2024, as it's the ultimate platform stick on the market right now, IMO. I love the versatility of the frame, the spin is good, and launch angle is consistent. String bed plays pretty consistent. Yet, sometimes, balls fly where I feel like I get easier spin elsewhere. I currently have mine moded with a leather grip, OG, 5g in the buttcap, 1g at 12, and 2g at 3 and 9. Yet sometimes... I just feel like I'm missing something. I don't serve the best with it, sometimes power isn't as much as I want, etc. See match footage below from a few days ago. The feel itself is nice.

Prestige MP L match

2020 and 2022 Head Extreme Tour - Man, I wanted to love these frames. In many ways, I do. Pretty easy spin although lesser end for a "spin" frame, imo, control was pretty good, really comfortable. Felt like I played very consistent tennis. Just felt underpowered, little penetration through the court, at least in stock form. I know people have said this is a frame that's a sleeping giant with customization, but maybe I just never got there with it? Thought feel was okay, not great. I have footage with an Auxetic ET from a few months ago that you can find here. Really curious for people's thoughts on the Extreme Tour. Absolutely worth a revisit, especially with Head's 30% sale rn.

Head Extreme Tour 2022 match

Head Pro Tour 2.0 - You know, a part of me wants to be good enough to use this frame. How sick would it be to show up to a 4.0 match or whatever and just destroy opponents with this frame? I still own a few, and I'll certainly keep one to always have, but obviously just too demanding with 95sq inch head and dense 18m. Such an awesome frame though, have never played with anything that feels better than the PT 2.0. Good power, too for a frame like this, imo.

This is the end of Post 2, continued on Post 3.

 

[Purestriker]

Great goals! Look forward to seeing future updates and videos. Good luck!

 

[curtstead]

Post 3:

Wilson:

Pro Staff RF97 Autograph - I just don't have the strength to wield this and play consistently with it. Such an awesome frame though, my favorite of all time. Pinpoint control, awesome plow through power, rock solid stability, excellent feel, and amazing on the one hander. It feels as if it were made for it. It's just too much racquet, and I know that. If I somehow ever went from self taught noob to 5.0, I will hopefully be fit enough to 100% switch back. However, I'm soon going to be 33 and am not getting any younger. A switch back to this that makes sense is a pipe dream.

Pro Staff 97 - I own one of the V14s. Good frame. More power than the V13s, at least in my opinion. Awesome for the one hander. Does everything well, versatile. However, the swingweight is definitely higher than the V13. I am starting to wonder if I'm just not good enough for 97sq inch frames, as well. I'vbe progressively been moving to larger head sizes as time has gone on. Just enjoying the forgiving nature of bigger headsizes.

Blade Pro 98 16x19 - Awesome feel, good power, but just too cumbersome. I bought 7 from Wilson Pro Labs in hopes of getting an underspec one or two, and the SW was just too high for me to use on all of them. Holding out hope that TW will one day get to sell these just like the Ultra Pros and I could use the racquet services to get the specs I want, but I won't expect it to happen. Would be willing to revisit.

Blade 98 v7 and v8 16x19 - Just a no for me. Underpowered and flimsy. Many love the Blade line, and I have hit with and enjoyed the v6 98 (no CV) but the 98 V8 just isn't for me. At the point I had tried it, I thought I'd just hate the Blade line forever after the V7 and V8 experiences. And then.... see below for what happened.

Blade 100 v8 - Out of absolutely nowhere, definitely right there with the Prestige MP-L as a 2024 candidate for me. SUPER interesting frame, and definitely something I could see myself playing 2024 with. I find this to do most of what the 98 does, yet provide more power, more forgiveness, just as much stability, same control, more spin. The only issues I have so far is the stability overall isn't the best, and I've only played with it with an OG and leather grip. Haven't done any mods in the hoop. Also, I feel like the ball can randomly just launch, and the stringbed can be a bit inconsistent at times (have noticed this with basically all 100sq in 16m frames I've tried), yet other times feel very dialed in. I wonder if thicker gauge and controlled strings would help with this? Lastly the one hander feels good with this frame, but the way 100sq inch frames flow with the one hander, it can feel not quite as quick. The Prestige MP-L being 99 sq inches helps with that, along with the shape of the hoop. This frame is still decent on the one hander though, I def don't hate it and I won't buy a frame that's only good on the one hander. Currently have tried 17g Solinco Confidential and Tecnifibre 4S 17g. I own two of these, and could certainly get more as the v9 is on the horizon and the v8 remains cheap... Went thinner gauge for the tighter nature of the 16m pattern, but maybe don't need to? Here's footage of me with the Blade 100 v8 recently:

Blade 100 v8 - match 1

Blade 100 v8 - match 2

Wilson Clash Line - NO. I know many people love the line, and I respect that. I just don't like the feel, the noodly sensation, and just wasn't fun to play with these.

Wilson Ultra Line - I don't love 100sq inch power frames, especially stiff ones. Thought I wouldn't like it, and I was correct. Very good power though. Not as stiff as the Pure Drive.

 

[Purestriker]

Post 3:

Wilson:

Pro Staff RF97 Autograph - I just don't have the strength to wield this and play consistently with it. Such an awesome frame though, my favorite of all time. Pinpoint control, awesome plow through power, rock solid stability, excellent feel, and amazing on the one hander. It feels as if it were made for it. It's just too much racquet, and I know that. If I somehow ever went from self taught noob to 5.0, I will hopefully be fit enough to 100% switch back. However, I'm soon going to be 33 and am not getting any younger. A switch back to this that makes sense is a pipe dream.

Pro Staff 97 - I own one of the V14s. Good frame. More power than the V13s, at least in my opinion. Awesome for the one hander. Does everything well, versatile. However, the swingweight is definitely higher than the V13. I am starting to wonder if I'm just not good enough for 97sq inch frames, as well. I'vbe progressively been moving to larger head sizes as time has gone on. Just enjoying the forgiving nature of bigger headsizes.

Blade Pro 98 16x19 - Awesome feel, good power, but just too cumbersome. I bought 7 from Wilson Pro Labs in hopes of getting an underspec one or two, and the SW was just too high for me to use on all of them. Holding out hope that TW will one day get to sell these just like the Ultra Pros and I could use the racquet services to get the specs I want, but I won't expect it to happen. Would be willing to revisit.

Blade 98 v7 and v8 16x19 - Just a no for me. Underpowered and flimsy. Many love the Blade line, and I have hit with and enjoyed the v6 98 (no CV) but the 98 V8 just isn't for me. At the point I had tried it, I thought I'd just hate the Blade line forever after the V7 and V8 experiences. And then.... see below for what happened.

Blade 100 v8 - Out of absolutely nowhere, definitely right there with the Prestige MP-L as a 2024 candidate for me. SUPER interesting frame, and definitely something I could see myself playing 2024 with. I find this to do most of what the 98 does, yet provide more power, more forgiveness, just as much stability, same control, more spin. The only issues I have so far is the stability overall isn't the best, and I've only played with it with an OG and leather grip. Haven't done any mods in the hoop. Also, I feel like the ball can randomly just launch, and the stringbed can be a bit inconsistent at times (have noticed this with basically all 100sq in 16m frames I've tried), yet other times feel very dialed in. I wonder if thicker gauge and controlled strings would help with this? Lastly the one hander feels good with this frame, but the way 100sq inch frames flow with the one hander, it can feel not quite as quick. The Prestige MP-L being 99 sq inches helps with that, along with the shape of the hoop. This frame is still decent on the one hander though, I def don't hate it and I won't buy a frame that's only good on the one hander. Currently have tried 17g Solinco Confidential and Tecnifibre 4S 17g. I own two of these, and could certainly get more as the v9 is on the horizon and the v8 remains cheap... Went thinner gauge for the tighter nature of the 16m pattern, but maybe don't need to? Here's footage of me with the Blade 100 v8 recently:

Blade 100 v8 - match 1

Blade 100 v8 - match 2

Wilson Clash Line - NO. I know many people love the line, and I respect that. I just don't like the feel, the noodly sensation, and just wasn't fun to play with these.

Wilson Ultra Line - I don't love 100sq inch power frames, especially stiff ones. Thought I wouldn't like it, and I was correct. Very good power though. Not as stiff as the Pure Drive.

I have a Wilson H22 and a blade Pro. When you say you were hoping to get an under spec unit what was it were you looking for? The layup is made to be customized and it would really only get heavier (you can make the swing weight lighter, but the static weight still goes up. Also, the spec range is supposed to be tighter since it is a lab model.

I have other rackets that I enjoy playing with besides the H22 and Blade Pro. I have several Ezone DR 98's, a Regna, 2 Ezone 100 (I like the current version better than the 98), v8 Blade 98, RF97 and a V11 Prostaff 97. All have their strengths and gaps, but I always go back to my H22 and the 2 100 EZones. They just do everything well vs. one area that is outstanding.

 

[curtstead]

Post 4:

Babolat:

Pure Strike 98 16x19 Gen 3 - There is so much about this frame that I love. Great power, good control, good spin, great stability in stock form. Yet the manueverability was always weird for me, as the ones I owned or tried were higher SW and felt very HH balanced. It feels very head heavy pretty much always, even in more HL versions I've got my hands on. Also feels like a club, and has a plastic like feel that I think @ACT has mentioned in his review. Also, it is SO muted. Too muted in my opinion. Lastly, not very comfortable. I cannot jive with the stiff Babolat feel. I have friends who love the current Strike, and I'll hit with their Gen 4s when they come out for sure, but if the feel doesn't get better, I just don't think I could ever do it. It sucks because there's SO much to like about the Strike. Was really bummed this one didn't work out for me.

Pure Aero VS and Aero 98 - A lot I liked, surprisingly. Don't think I quite got along with my stroke style, felt like I should be hitting loopier with it than I do. With the VS, it felt VERY stiff. My wrist was saying "Wtf are you doing with this Curtis" and I gave up on it pretty quickly. I liked the Aero 98, it felt more comfortable than the VS, but ran in to the same issues with it. Balls would just launch, didn't feel confident flattening out, etc.

Pure Drive - Way too stiff, didn't like it on the one hander, but this is a solid offering. Great power, not horrible control, but that Babolat feel... ehhhhh. Not for me.

Strike VS - MUCH better feeling stick, but under powered. Absolute top tier paint job, one of the best I've ever seen. Gave nothing for free though, and again, starting to wonder if 97 sq inch heads just don't work for me.

Prince:

ATS Tour 98 - I mained this for a few months and really thought this could be it. A lot of the same qualities as the Strike but more comfort. More maneuverability due to the balance. Good power, good control, good spin. After the below match happened, I thought I had finally found the one. Yet, muted feel, and started playing fairly poor with it at times. Weirdly felt subtly demanding at times? Super strange experience. Open to a revisit though, one of my favorite frames of the last couple years. I just couldn't get over that plastic and muted feel from this one, although it was better than the Strike 98.
ATS Tour 98 match

Textreme Tour 100, 310 - Wanted it to work, thought it would. Magical on slice, good spin, good overall frame. Hurt my arm a bit at times, and I liked the 2022 ATS version less than the 2019. Less feel.

CTS Synergy DB26 - This was a fun racquet to use, but I could never quite get the trajectory and low launch angle to work for me. VERY tight 16x18, had a lot of balls fly on me. The feel was awesome though, good power and plow through. Manueverable for its weight. Still, just a tad too heavy in static weight overall.

Volkl:

C10 Pro 2019 and 2022 - God, man. I love this frame so much. It's like an easier to use RF97. In the end, it's just too heavy for me to use over the course of a match. Also, despite being a 98, it is a tad unforgiving and plays smaller than that, imo. Comfort, power, control, and spin are all great. Highly underrated frame that more players should use. Just too much stick for me in the end. Tried for a couple months with multiple setups.

VCell 10 320 - A weird racquet. Thought it would work specs wise, but it just doesn't for me. Not enough power, control is good but not great, and not the classic Volkl feel I've come to know.

Tecnifibre:

Tfight 315 ISO and RS versions - I wanted this to work. Felt like an easier to use Pro Staff. I just couldn't get this to work for me, and felt very stiff. Good frame though, easier to use players frame. imo.

TF40 315 and 305 - Both of these felt so awesome, but were just too underpowered, even with mods. Sweetspot also felt very small on the 315, weirdly.

 

[Soundbyte]

You're in a similar boat to many: you like control frames but want something lighter/easier to use.

Consider the Pure Aero 98, Diadem Elevate V3 or the Dunlop Sx300/Tour.

You've used the main racket lines from many brands, but Babolat is notably absent. Their frames are popular for a reason. It doesn't sound like your enjoy the feel of their stiffer frames, but Pure Aero 98 and Pure Strike VS are exceptions and worth trying.

Prince ATS Tour 98 is also a worthwhile frame.

Lastly, if you think you know your desired specs, consider Angell Tennis.

This goes to show you why tennis rackets are personal. Trip can get you a nice list of rackets with similar specs to your favorite frames, but it's no guarantee it'll fit your preferences or style of play.

Happy hunting!

EDIT: saw your post #4 update with more frames.

Give the ProKennex 5g/7g a try. They're cheap, classic frames with good feel.

 

[curtstead]

You're in a similar boat to many: you like control frames but want something lighter/easier to use.

Consider the Pure Aero 98, Diadem Elevate V3 or the Dunlop Sx300/Tour.

You've used the main racket lines from many brands, but Babolat is notably absent. Their frames are popular for a reason. It doesn't sound like your enjoy the feel of their stiffer frames, but Pure Aero 98 and Pure Strike VS are exceptions and worth trying.

Prince ATS Tour 98 is also a worthwhile frame.

Lastly, if you think you know your desired specs, consider Angell Tennis.

This goes to show you why tennis rackets are personal. Trip can get you a nice list of rackets with similar specs to your favorite frames, but it's no guarantee it'll fit your preferences or style of play.

Happy hunting!

Some good options in here, but check my last post right before you posted this one. I'm still going through some brands, although I'm almost done. Only so many words I can write per post, thanks TTW

 

[Soundbyte]

Some good options in here, but check my last post right before you posted this one. I'm still going through some brands, although I'm almost done. Only so many words I can write per post, thanks TTW

No this is great. It's nice to see you've hit some my recommendations and generally gelled with them or they didn't work. It'll help with future suggestions

Edit: Adding the Shift 300 to try, Whiteout 18x20 too

Edit 2: if your willing to add lead, the Ultra Pro or Dunlop Cx200 leaded up to add swingweight has great feel and control. But stock they're too anemic

 

[curtstead]

Post 5 (hopefully my last one as I cover some brands either smaller, or bigger ones that I've only used a few from)

Dunlop:

FX and SX lines - Have tried both the SX 300 Tour and FX500 Tour, and I just didn't feel connected enough with these to really give them much more of my time.

CX 200 - Better than the Blade 98 v8 16x19, but not by much. A little more free power, a little more control, a little more stability. I did like the feel a lot more though. Didn't love it, but recognized it's a good frame.

CX 400 Tour - I firmly believe this is the best frame in Dunlop's entire racquet line right now. It has good power, good control, just as much as the 200, good stability, feels nice on the one hander, and the Dunlop feel. I'm mostly nitpicking, this is in the top 5 of frames that I've tried in my racquet journey. Unfortunately, I couldn't ever get depth gauged right with this, and found a lot of my spin shots sailing long with a couple different string setups. I also found certain flatter balls to just fly randomly. Also, a couple that I got had silicone only in one half of the hairpin, which is really bad imo. You can feel the shift in weight from one side of the handle to the other. One of my best friends has since taken all of mine, and he loves it. Made the switch from the VCP 97. I don't think I would revisit this as I gave it a try for a couple months, but it's an awesome frame. I just don't think it's quite what I'm looking for.

Furi Sport:

Arma Pro 97 - Also in my top 5 of the journey, but there's certain things I just couldn't get past. MASSIVE power, on par with the Strike 98 imo, pretty good control. However, the stringed is very inconsistent. Balls will just launch in to space out of nowhere. It's also not very forgiving. Swings heavier than its listed SW, but maneuverability suffers as a result. I tried on and off with this frame, and as much as I love it, I know it's just not the one I'm looking for. Underrated frame.

Pro Kennex: (fyi, no issue from the kinetic bead noise for me, I weirdly have always liked it)

Black Ace Pro 97 - A lot about this frame that I liked. Really good control, really good comfort, good stability with its stock SW, but spin was just okay, and it wasn't powerful enough. Again, smaller headsize as well.

Ki Q+ Tour Pro 315 2021 - This should have worked. Good plow through, good control, nice comfort, pretty good spin. Yet, I weirdly wasn't consistent with this one, and I didn't love the feel either. It weirdly felt a bit muted? A lot to like surface level, but it just doesn't work for me.

Kinetic Pro 7G - In my top 5 I have tried in the journey. Absolutely awesome on serve, good power, VERY good feel (I love classic feel I guess? At least I love feedback, and you get a lot here), good power, and good consistency. However, my elbow didn't quite like the extra 0.5 inches on my one hander, although it was way better than the Solinco Whiteout 16m XTD, more on that in a bit. I love the 16x20 string pattern here, and think this could actually work. I don't love the manuverability on XLs, but with the balance, this one is the most manueverable on the XL spectrum I have tried, and I find it easier to use than the Gravity Pro in that category. I still own one of these, and am considering this for 2024, although the extra length feels cumbersome late in matches. I am considering requesting a slightly underspec one from TW matching service and seeing how that goes. There's also another XL I am considering to use above this one though...

Solinco:

Whiteout 305 18x20 XTD - Easily in my top 3 for best frames of the year. Good power, awesome control, consistent stringbed, the best spin I've ever had on an 18x20 frame, amazing on serve and slice, and good feedback. If I can get in position early, it also absolutely rips on the one handed backhand. Also, decent comfort. My elbow doesn't love it on the one hander and it feels cumbersome at times with the extra half inch just like the 7G, but I am not going to give up on this one yet. I recently got an underspec one, and am going to give that a try to see if that helps at all with any issues in maneuverability. Absolutely in the running for 2024 Curtstead racquet contract.

Whiteout 305 16x19 XTD - Just too powerful, and this was weirdly more cumbersome to me than the 18x20. It was hard to use on the one hander. However, massive plow through, stable, and just fun to use. Awesome on serves.

Diadem:
Nova - Too much like the Pure Drive for me, but this was a fun stick.

Elevate Tour v2 - I may have gotten an overspec one, but this was weirdly cumbersome with its weight and I think overspec balance, as in more head heavy. I liked the feel though. I have not tried the standard 305g 98 in V2 or V3.

Angell:

React MP Pro 99 (standard retail specs, not custom) - My first experience with an 18x19 ever, and I've had some light hits with it so far. Starting to wonder if 99sq inches is my favorite head size. Strung with Firewire Boost 18g at 52#. Feels WAY more solid than it's 61 RA. Sweetspot feels big, and I haven't gotten it measured yet, but I have a feeling my SW might be a tad overspec. It feels heavier than the low 320s it should be in. Closer to 330, but not crazy high. Very stable, good power, and good control. Spin is okay, 7/10 maybe, but the launch angle is close to the Ezone 98, maybe a tad higher. Maybe it's something I could get used to. Way too early to tell yet on this one, but it's a fun frame for sure. I love having one, and also wonder if a custom 305g/310mm or 310g/310mm balance would work better for me if I end up really liking it. So far, it's a really good racquet, hasn't won me over yet though other than in plow through. It is very stable for it's low flex and lower advertised swingweight. I intend to keep playing with it. I would consider it a sleeper for the 2024 contract, not out of the running by any means.

 

[EggSalad]

You're in a similar boat to many: you like control frames but want something lighter/easier to use.

Consider the Pure Aero 98, Diadem Elevate V3 or the Dunlop Sx300/Tour.

I’m in this same boat. I love control frames but also like a little extra pop and spin. The Elevate v3 definitely checks those boxes.

The foam filling/feel is fantastic, solid feeling and arm friendly but is probably not for everyone. I’d definitely see if you can get your hands on one to demo. I liked the v2 but love the v3. I’m sticking with it for all of 2024.

 

[ohplease]

this is super exhaustive and the written version of what I think many of us go through when trying to find a frame that works.

if you really like that blade 100, and had nice things to say about the gravity pro and speed pro/mp, there are a bunch of adjacent rackets that you didn't mention:

pro staff x v14
gravity mp
radical mp
dunlop cx400 tour
vcore pro/precept 100
strike 100
beast 100/hydrogen whatever - they're all the same

on the 98 side, you hit most of the usual suspects, but didn't mention the solinco whiteout regular length or radical mp. given how many times you mention not liking muted frames, I'd specifically search out the x v14, gravity mp, cx400 tour, whiteout, and radical mp.

(on preview your cx400 tour comments are pointing to good feel but also firm with larger sweetspot - at this point x v14, reg length whiteout, radical, and beast are probably the only things you haven't tried. gravity mp and precept will both likely be too soft)

 

[curtstead]

Post 6 (and final one for the day)

So if you managed to read through all that and get all the way here, I thank you so much for your time. You didn't have to, and as if there wasn't a million other things happening in the world today, yet you spent some time here. I appreciate you.

I sense just by starting this thread, I am finally coming closer to the finish line of my long racquet journey. I am so ready to be done with this, believe me. I will finish up with what I think I'm looking for, and my current five considerations for my 2024 Tennis Year.

Power: I like power, I don't like anemic frames, but not too much of it. Think of something less powerful than the Pure Drive, but more powerful than a Blade 98 v8.

Control: I emphasize control more than power, but not by much. I love consistent stringbeds where I can confidently change directions and go for targets, but it doesn't have to be pinpoint level control either. Think less controlled than the Pro Staff 97/Gravity Pro, but more controlled than the Prince ATS Tour 100 310.

Feel: I NEED feedback. I cannot jive with muted feel. I can deal with slightly muted with string sensitivity, as Grapplesnake Tour Sniper brought more feedback out of the Vcore 98 '23 for example. I don't need Pro Tour 2.0 level feedback, but I need more than the Pure Strike/Pure Aero lines.

Maneuverability: Doesn't need to be super whippy, but not cumbersome either. More maneuverability than the Gravity Pro, but not as whippy as the Tecnifibre Tempo 298 IGA, for example.

Stability: As long as it's not flimsy, I can make it work. I don't mind customizing to help with this. Looking for more stability than the Blade 98 v8 16x19, but doesn't have to be anywhere near a Gravity Pro, Prestige Tour, RF97, for example.

Forgiveness / Ease of Use: I underrated this for far too long. I don't need an easy to use Ezone 100/Pure Drive level forgiving frame. I just need something where I can trust it to help me when I'm not playing my best. Nowhere near a Vcore 95 2021, RF97, TF40 315 2021, for example. A decent sized sweetspot or more would be nice.

Serve: This frame needs to be good on serve. Good power, good spin, versatility.

As I continue to field calls from all my local reps from the biggest retailers in the world (totally not sarcasm), I currently have five frames I am considering for next year. Based on my footage posted, I am curious if you all agree with that, if you have suggestions for frames I haven't tried or maybe gave up on too quickly (I did this many times.) If there's something I listed that I didn't love, I am open to trying literally anything again. I could have had the wrong string, the stock specs may have been bad cause we all know today's quality control is horrible, etc.

I am just very much looking forward to finally putting this journey to an end, at least for a year. I want to focus my time on court hopefully winning matches and improving my game. I hope you all can assist, as many posters seem very knowledgeable on this than most people I run in to in real life, including most Brick and Mortar tennis shop owners who get stuff wrong ALL of the time.

I look forward to posting more as the journey goes on. The Curtstead Thread. Thank you so much for your time and your help, and I look forward to deciding on my next frame basically for good.

My current 5 considerations, in as close an order as I can rank them, and 1 and 2 are basically tied for first:
1.) Head Prestige MPL 2023
2.) Wilson Blade 100 v8
3.) Solinco Whiteout XTD 18m
4.) Yonex Vcore 98 2023
5.) Pro Kennex 7G


Honorary Mention:
Angell React MPP 18x19

Regards,

Curtis

 

[socallefty]

This reads like you are a victim of the placebo effect and extremely suggestible - your notes on each frame read like the disadvantages of each frame mentioned by online reviewers including on TTW. It seems like you are unable to play and have your own opinion that is unaffected by what you read about a frame. Are you like that with movies, music etc. also where your experience somehow ends up mirroring that of critics and you never have an original opinion?

Use the RF97 or if you keep notes of which frames you won the highest % of matches with, use that one. Most good players pick a frame with specs they like, adapt to it, maybe tweak a stringjob or two to get the control/comfort/power they need and then stop thinking about their equipment. When the ball flies on them or into the net, they think about what they did wrong or what their opponent did right and don’t think that the racquet caused the error or the lack of power.

Just stop reading about frames and stop changing them. You are already a hopeless case that can’t be helped by others if you think there is a ‘magic grail’ racquet out there that is ‘perfect’ for you. A racquet is a stringed instrument where you can adjust the power/control/spin/comfort tremendously by changing the strings, gauges and tensions. With one stringjob, you just see a sliver of its performance range. If you string with stiff poly, soft poly, multi or gut; if you string at 40/45/50/55/60 lbs; if you play with 15/16/17/18 gauge etc., your experience will completely change with a racquet.

 

[curtstead]

I have a Wilson H22 and a blade Pro. When you say you were hoping to get an under spec unit what was it were you looking for? The layup is made to be customized and it would really only get heavier (you can make the swing weight lighter, but the static weight still goes up. Also, the spec range is supposed to be tighter since it is a lab model.

I have other rackets that I enjoy playing with besides the H22 and Blade Pro. I have several Ezone DR 98's, a Regna, 2 Ezone 100 (I like the current version better than the 98), v8 Blade 98, RF97 and a V11 Prostaff 97. All have their strengths and gaps, but I always go back to my H22 and the 2 100 EZones. They just do everything well vs. one area that is outstanding.

I was really looking for a stock unstrung SW of 300 or under. All of them were 309 or higher. You can make the SW lighter on those? Not to sound dumb but I thought you couldn't do that, I feel dumb for letting them go if that's the case.

 

[curtstead]

You're in a similar boat to many: you like control frames but want something lighter/easier to use.

Consider the Pure Aero 98, Diadem Elevate V3 or the Dunlop Sx300/Tour.

You've used the main racket lines from many brands, but Babolat is notably absent. Their frames are popular for a reason. It doesn't sound like your enjoy the feel of their stiffer frames, but Pure Aero 98 and Pure Strike VS are exceptions and worth trying.

Prince ATS Tour 98 is also a worthwhile frame.

Lastly, if you think you know your desired specs, consider Angell Tennis.

This goes to show you why tennis rackets are personal. Trip can get you a nice list of rackets with similar specs to your favorite frames, but it's no guarantee it'll fit your preferences or style of play.

Happy hunting!

EDIT: saw your post #4 update with more frames.

Give the ProKennex 5g/7g a try. They're cheap, classic frames with good feel.

7G is absolutely in the running. I really, really like that frame. Still has that cumbersome XL feeling, but not bad.

 

[Soundbyte]

Alright this is good...I've used most of the frames you have tried and can relate.
Give the Pro Kennex 5g. Its the standard length version....I think it'll solve most of the issues you had with the 7G.
Diadem Elevate V3 (Non-Tour). The V2 doesn't compare to the V3 IMO. I hated the V2, I loved the V3. Don't bother with the Tour...it's just extra weight that you can add yourself, and you're looker for an easier frame anyway.
Wilson Shift is closer to the Elevate here...but you might like it. Its somewhat unique. But I'd take the 5G or Elevate V3 over the Shift all day long.
Angell is still the wildcard here. If you think you know you preferred spec, still worth a try as your enjoying the React so far. Also don't sleep on the K7 Lime.
If I had to pick two of the above to demo for you, it'd be the PK 5G and the Angell K7 Lime.


I look forward to your next post where you detail that you've already tried all these suggestions lol!

 

[Rosstour]

I was really looking for a stock unstrung SW of 300 or under. All of them were 309 or higher. You can make the SW lighter on those? Not to sound dumb but I thought you couldn't do that, I feel dumb for letting them go if that's the case.

You're four years into the game, glory hunting with frames like this is absolutely the wrong thing to focus on.

You're obviously a very fine player with very good strokes but concerning yourself with swingweight grams and cycling through pro stock racquets is doing WAY too much.

 

[curtstead]

This reads like you are a victim of the placebo effect and your notes on each frame read like the disadvantages of each frame mentioned by online reviewers including on TTW. It seems like you are unable to play and have your own opinion that is unaffected by what you read about a frame. Are you like that with movies, music etc. also where your experience somehow ends up mirroring that of critics?

Just use the RF97 or if you keep notes of which frames you won the highest % of matches with, use that one. Most good players pick a frame with specs they like, adapt to it, maybe tweak a stringjob or two to get the control/comfort/power they need and then stop thinking about their equipment. When the ball flies on them or into the net, they think about what they did wrong or what their opponent did right and don’t think that the racquet caused the error or the lack of power.

Just stop reading about frames and stop changing them.

I fully agree with placebo effect. I think sometimes I would go in to a demo with preconceived notions about a frame, and would look to see if that were actually true. I think that was a source about giving up too quickly on some frames.

There's more frames I've tried that I didn't list because I at least have an idea of what I like, and what I like to play with. In regards to what you asked about mirroring critics viewpoints on other things like media, no, I am not like that. That part I get why you would ask the question, but no, I am not like that at all.

I have since used the RF97 and it is too much weight for me in long matches/practices as I've gotten higher up in level.

Fully agree with you on opponents and technique, not the racquet letting me down. It's what I'm trying to get rid of. In regards to reading posts and frames, I mean, that's kind of the whole point of my thread, man. Lol, I am definitely trying to stop. I appreciate your post, and it's a good one. I do enjoy hitting with other frames for fun though, but I am ready to put all of that behind me.

Your post is a challenging one for me, and a good one. I appreciate it. I've seen your posts around, thanks for your time.

 

[curtstead]

You're four years into the game, glory hunting with frames like this is absolutely the wrong thing to focus on.

You're obviously a very fine player with very good strokes but concerning yourself with swingweight grams and cycling through pro stock racquets is doing WAY too much.

Yes, I agree. Certainly not looking to go back to Pro Stocks.

 

[curtstead]

Alright this is good...I've used most of the frames you have tried and can relate.
Give the Pro Kennex 5g. Its the standard length version....I think it'll solve most of the issues you had with the 7G.
Diadem Elevate V3 (Non-Tour). The V2 doesn't compare to the V3 IMO. I hated the V2, I loved the V3. Don't bother with the Tour...it's just extra weight that you can add yourself, and you're looker for an easier frame anyway.
Wilson Shift is closer to the Elevate here...but you might like it. Its somewhat unique. But I'd take the 5G or Elevate V3 over the Shift all day long.
Angell is still the wildcard here. If you think you know you preferred spec, still worth a try as your enjoying the React so far. Also don't sleep on the K7 Lime.
If I had to pick two of the above to demo for you, it'd be the PK 5G and the Angell K7 Lime.


I look forward to your next post where you detail that you've already tried all these suggestions lol!

The only shop around here that I trust is run by a good friend of mine, and he carries Diadem. I will try the Elevate v3. Will also add the 5g to the list, although I've heard it's underpowered? More maneuverability would be worth the trade off, though. For sure.

What sucks is I can't get a demo of Angell to the states, you basically have to blind buy and hope it works out. It's what made me hesitant to ever try the TC line, the K7 Red, etc. Have seen plenty on the K7 Lime but never pulled the trigger.

Thanks @Soundbyte

 

[Soundbyte]

There is truth to @socallefty in regards to picking the frame you win the most matches with. I enjoy trying frames, and I'm not playing for money. I could honestly grab any of the frames I own on a given day and be completely happy with. But as I told my main hitting partner recently, I know which frame I'd pick if money was on the line. It may not be my "favorite frame", but I know it gets me the best results.

But for some of us, chasing the dragon of a perfect frame is a never ending journey.

 

[Soundbyte]

The only shop around here that I trust is run by a good friend of mine, and he carries Diadem. I will try the Elevate v3. Will also add the 5g to the list, although I've heard it's underpowered?

5g is "underpowered" relative to the 7G, but it's still has good pop.

 

[socallefty]

I am ready to put all of that behind me.

Just buy a Pure Strike Tour, string it with poly in the low forties or a gut/poly hybrid in mid-forties, cut up all your credit cards, ask TTW to ban you for a year and come back in 2025 with a 4.5 rating!

Follow the advice in post#14 or this one - your tennis will be fine either way.

 

[curtstead]

There is truth to @socallefty in regards to picking the frame you win the most matches with. I enjoy trying frames, and I'm not playing for money. I could honestly grab any of the frames I own on a given day and be completely happy with. But as I told my main hitting partner recently, I know which frame I'd pick if money was on the line. It may not be my "favorite frame", but I know it gets me the best results.

But for some of us, chasing the dragon of a perfect frame is a never ending journey.

I envy this, haha. I hope to feel the same, too. Although I have at least narrowed it down after all this time.

There is truth to @socallefty in regards to picking the frame you win the most matches with. I enjoy trying frames, and I'm not playing for money. I could honestly grab any of the frames I own on a given day and be completely happy with. But as I told my main hitting partner recently, I know which frame I'd pick if money was on the line. It may not be my "favorite frame", but I know it gets me the best results.

But for some of us, chasing the dragon of a perfect frame is a never ending journey.

Oh I 100% have felt like Randy Marsh in South Park chasing the dragon

 

[curtstead]

5g is "underpowered" relative to the 7G, but it's still has good pop.

I will get out there with the 5G asap. Especially at that price point. How do you find it in terms of forgiviness? I feel like the 7G is fairly forgiving, and has a large sweetspot. If the 5G is too, then yeah I'm definitely interested.

 

[Soundbyte]

I will get out there with the 5G asap. Especially at that price point. How do you find it in terms of forgiviness? I feel like the 7G is fairly forgiving, and has a large sweetspot. If the 5G is too, then yeah I'm definitely interested.

It's very forgiving. The 5G/7G are the "players Pure Drive". Good power, way better control and infinitely better feel.

I first heard those comparisons 20+ years ago. But I was naive back then and refused to play with some niche brand known as "Pro Kennex."

Boy was I stupid back then. PK is a fantastic company with great rackets

 

[Rosstour]

The only shop around here that I trust is run by a good friend of mine, and he carries Diadem. I will try the Elevate v3. Will also add the 5g to the list, although I've heard it's underpowered? More maneuverability would be worth the trade off, though. For sure.

What sucks is I can't get a demo of Angell to the states, you basically have to blind buy and hope it works out. It's what made me hesitant to ever try the TC line, the K7 Red, etc. Have seen plenty on the K7 Lime but never pulled the trigger.

Thanks @Soundbyte

I would advise against ProKennex

I can already tell you have a "gear addict" side and ProKennex will never make you feel cool when looking at it or playing with it.

 

[rustyheadcsse]

Have you tinkered with lead or leather grips or tungsten putty or any other modifications? You’ve tried almost everything. There has to be something you’ve tried that is close enough that a few small tweaks can get it over the line.

The other option here is sort of a cop out to your question - but you could simply get something of a platform frame that you like the feel of, and instead of tinkering among different frames just get deep into added weights, grips, strings, etc.

I’m sort of doing this right now with a weighted up 200CX OS. Which I might also recommend you try, but do it as a purchase and not a demo. It needs added weight to be anything like it’s best. It’s a blast to play with, doesn’t feel anything like an oversize frame, retains all kinds of control and feel that I associate with players racquets with way more pop and forgiveness than most players sticks. My other frames are Pure Controls and Radical Pros and Prestige MPs and the Dunlop OS is what I’m pulling for matches these days. I’m a good 4.5 who can hang with 5.0s on the doubles court.

 

[curtstead]

I would advise against ProKennex

I can already tell you have a "gear addict" side and ProKennex will never make you feel cool when looking at it or playing with i

Lol

It's very forgiving. The 5G/7G are the "players Pure Drive". Good power, way better control and infinitely better feel.

I first heard those comparisons 20+ years ago. But I was naive back then and refused to play with some niche brand known as "Pro Kennex."

Boy was I stupid back then. PK is a fantastic company with great rackets

Exactly how I felt about the 7G. It’s an awesome frame. Awesome company.

Have you tinkered with lead or leather grips or tungsten putty or any other modifications? You’ve tried almost everything. There has to be something you’ve tried that is close enough that a few small tweaks can get it over the line.

The other option here is sort of a cop out to your question - but you could simply get something of a platform frame that you like the feel of, and instead of tinkering among different frames just get deep into added weights, grips, strings, etc.

I’m sort of doing this right now with a weighted up 200CX OS. Which I might also recommend you try, but do it as a purchase and not a demo. It needs added weight to be anything like it’s best. It’s a blast to play with, doesn’t feel anything like an oversize frame, retains all kinds of control and feel that I associate with players racquets with way more pop and forgiveness than most players sticks. My other frames are Pure Controls and Radical Pros and Prestige MPs and the Dunlop OS is what I’m pulling for matches these days. I’m a good 4.5 who can hang with 5.0s on the doubles court.

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, the Prestige MPL kinda fits that bill, with both low enough stock and swingweight to really make it your own. It’s an awesome frame I’m playing with now. Have modded it a bunch, as I have 5g in the hoop right now, and another 10-15g in the handle.

 

[dr. godmode]

How do we feel about standard length Whiteout and dropping tension 5-10% to alleviate elbow concerns?

 

[DropvolleysRhard]

Whoa, that is a crazy read. I agree with the others who’ve said way too much research and reading. Hit some frames and see what ya like. Also I’ve found the more I say this is my frame for X amount of time I changed even quicker. In February I was playing 4 PS V14, in April it was 3 VCore 95, in June it was 4 PA98, September brought 5 Dunlop CX 200 tours to replace the ones I sold in February when I bought the PS. Right now my bag has a PC 2.0, 2 YT Prestige mids, 2 YTIG prestige mp’s and two black edition Speed Pros in it. Point is hit what you like and have fun.

 

[TwinCinema]

I’m curious if you’ve considered the Pro Staff 6.1 100. It seems like it alleviates the issues you have with the sledgehammer RF97, but with a more connected feel (and more power) than a Blade. If control is an issue, string it a bit tighter with a rough poly like Alu Rough. The static weight should feel good and hopefully it’s stable enough. If not you can just add a bit of lead at 3 and 9.

 

[Chairman3]

So two obvious choices you missed/overlooked/ignored:
Pro Staff X
Pro Staff Six.One 100 (I think this will be the one for you, personally)

Percept 100D, I really liked this and am going to demo again at some point.

 

[PRS]

Lol, every time I began to think of a suggestion I'd see a new post that you've tried it. The only ones I can think of that I would recommend that are left:

Solinco Whiteout non-extended (can try 16x19 or 18x20)
Solinco blackout non-extended (only if you think the whiteout needs more power)
Yonex Percept 100 or 100D

Sounds like you're on the border of a few things. Solinco Whiteout is a control frame but felt a little more powerful than some of the others. Blackout is more powerful but had better feel than other powerful frames to me. I know you tried the XTD versions, but I find extended frames oftentimes feel a little slow through the air, particularly on a one-hander. Same can be said of 100" frames sometimes, but the 100D felt surprisingly good when I tried it, probably the only 100" frame I've ever really liked. But the 18 main might provide too low of a launch angle/not enough spin, so the regular 100 might be worth a try as well.

Best of luck in your search!

 

[TwinCinema]

Percepts are pretty low-powered. IMO it’s in a good way, since you can swing out and keep the ball in, but Curt is clearly looking for a frame more powerful than even a TF40 305 or a Blade, so no chance he thinks Percept has enough juice.

 

[ohplease]

Whoa, that is a crazy read. I agree with the others who’ve said way too much research and reading. Hit some frames and see what ya like. Also I’ve found the more I say this is my frame for X amount of time I changed even quicker. In February I was playing 4 PS V14, in April it was 3 VCore 95, in June it was 4 PA98, September brought 5 Dunlop CX 200 tours to replace the ones I sold in February when I bought the PS. Right now my bag has a PC 2.0, 2 YT Prestige mids, 2 YTIG prestige mp’s and two black edition Speed Pros in it. Point is hit what you like and have fun.

Yeah it's probably too much. I'm kind of the opinion that racquets are pretty homogenized right now. They're all about 285-315 grams, swingweight is like 300-330, stiffness is like 62-68, etc.

Given that - it should be possible to play with just about anything in the 98-100 sqin, 300-315g weight range and go to work. That's like a prestige 98 18x20 on one end and I dunno a pure drive on the other? As I've gotten older I've sort of moved to the point where it's like what's on sale? The blade v6, iga (today's doorbuster), 360+ rad, cx200, cx400 tour, etc. are all SCREAMING deals right now and you could easily buy 3 of any of them for what you'd pay for just one of any of these other full price sticks. For sure there are players at your club or park right now that could take any one of those dead stock and off spec and beat most of us easy

Also - if you turn around and spend that $600 you saved on rackets on some quality lessons instead? You'll ultimately probably be well ahead of the game once the dust settles.

 

[AmericanTwist]

Dude I applaud the enthusiasm! Many of us have gone through a similar discovery process. When you compare frames what do you string with and at what tension? I recommend some basic syn gut (nylon) string at mid tension (but really depending on ambient temps but you gotta have some set metric). Also, I recommend adding weight to many of the frames. Give frames more than a month. As your skills improve your optimal frame may also change. Take some lessons.

You wrote that you wanted less control than a pro staff (66ra) but more control than a prince 98 ATS (62ra) in a previous post. There is no such frame as less control implies more power and stiffness. At the other end of the spectrum more control than the 98 ATS means going lower in flex which is the opposite direction. So something in your judgment is inconsistent. No such frame I repeat. This should tell you that you like something stiffer than 60ra (blade) but softer than a pure drive (68ra). That range has a lot of frames in it.

Try to nail down your preferred flex by using only the same nylon strung at mid tension for example then compare. See how small a head you can use effectively. The balance and weight you can customize later so these are not as important as the first two factors. I assume you are using the optimal grip size? Lol....

String up your RFAs in several different tensions and keep playing with them (ideal to have at least 3 frames but 4-6 is best once you settle on your optimal frame). These are excellent frames. I have a buddy who wields this frame very skillfully. He kicks my ass every time but I am improving quickly. This frame teaches you early swing prep and rewards you with stability and power. Don't rush to make a decision on your next frame. Btw, in my own journey I dismissed the UT/UP 2x before finally coming to the realization that I really like this frame. I play with this and the Dunlop cx 200 Tour 18x20 now exclusively. The Yonex HD/D would be up there too if it weren't for my desire to extend all my standard frames. I really like the yonex head shape, however. No brand makes the best at everything so you have to compromise somewhere.

Ok good luck!

 

[Ryebread]

what was your RF spec with OG and strings?

 

[GermanBeast]

Try to reduce the weight of the RF.
Change the leather grip for a light synthetic one and also you could use thinner polys to reduce the swingweight.
Here is also a thread, where you can see how the weight of a string affects the swing weight.

 

[Tranqville]

Let me start with a promise - I will not suggest a racquet for you. But I will try to offer my perspective on your selection process.

Trying and discussing different racquets gives you a dophamine surge. It's enjoyable. But it's not helping you with your objective of finding the right frame. I think your process is a bit chaotic and lacks system. Try to narrow down the racquet category and key characteristics you search in the racquet. As I understand, you want a control-power racquet with good feel. Perhaps the most popular racquet in that category is Speed Pro.

You need to narrow down the specs that fit your anthropometrics - SW, recoil weight, MGRI, static weight, polarization etc. In a very practical sense, try to find the racquet that swings naturally, and that could be a staritng point.

People will suggest all kinds of racquets, and that will not help you.

What I'd do instead if I were you - I'd book a one day session with legendary Roman Prokes and ask him to pick a racquet for you - and modify it if necessary. That will save you time and money.

https://rpnytennis.com/services/consultation/

If that or similar experience is not possible, I would narrow down to several candidate frames in control-power category with good feel - based on reviews, your past experiences, and most importantly, the right specs, get one of each, and spend a couple of months in testing and comparing. Controlling for the strings. Making sure that you understand how the racquet performs in a long match.

Here's my own process:

Inputs:
Game style - agressive baseliner
Limitations - moderately sensitive elbow and wrist
Ideal racquet category - control/power
Specs: 315g-320g static, 5-6 HL strung, 170 RW, MGRI 20.3-20.8, SW 330-335, controlled 16x19, RA 65, 22mm beam, headsize 97-98
Requirements: good for OHBH, unfiltered raw feel, thuddy, stable, moderately firm with decent pocketing

Output:

Candidate racquets:
Tfight ISO 315, ProStaff 97 v14, Radical Pro (2023), Prestige Tour (2021)

Hope this helps, and good luck on your tennis journey!

 

[emhtennis]

I've enjoyed reading this thread - and I can also relate!

The earlier reply that gave you some "tough love" is a good one. I am not going to pile on, but I will say that you should pick the frame that gives you the most joy/dopamine-hit per ball strike and then dial it in with string and spend the money on lessons.

I will sit on a mildly high horse (Shetland pony) and say that if you had kept your first frame after the RF and then spent all that racket money on private lessons from a good pro you would be a much different player today. Even if you've done both, all the racket changes have held you back.

Find a racket, find a string, and then focus one your actual game in 2024 - which it sounds like what you want to do! When you truly commit to a frame it frees your brain to focus more on playing, moving, watching the ball, etc. And some of this is small and subtle - but it compounds!

Now, to actually help with some recommendations, I am somewhat similar in needing some help with spin from a string and liking a racket that helps on defense but is not a rocket launcher. I think the 5G could get you very close with the right string. The Elevate v3 is also very good, but the spacing is a little open which will make it more string sensitive.

I'm a big fan of Mayami strings. Love Hit Pro and Tour Hex, Big Spin is also very good. They all feel great and are on the softer side. They would pair very well with the 5G and many of your other choices.

For the Elevate, I'd recommend Diadem ProX in 1.25 or 1.20. It is stiffer but not harsh, but this is needed to cut thru all the foam filling to provide feel and feedback on the ball.

If you drift back towards more powerful rackets a "deader" poly that still feels good is Kirschbaum Orange 1.23mm. It would tame a Pure Drive or your Nova but not kill it.

In tighter frames like the Ezone 98 a thinner string 1.20 or less is what i like. Tru Pro Black Knight 1.18 is my favorite, Volkl Cyclone 1.15mm is also very good. Both create great spin with good power and control.

Good luck!

 

[heavyD]

I would probably stick with your top 2 frames (Prestige MPL 2023 & Blade 100 v8) and start experimenting with strings and weight to narrow it down between the two. I don't believe in Goldilocks frames as there's no perfect frame out there and it's a matter of finding one that complements your game and sticking with that for consistency sake and from there fine tune with different strings and tension.

 

[Trip]

Curtis! Wow, what a journey. Sure, it's total overkill in many ways, but if the process is what it ultimately took to give you these insights, then it's been worth it. For that, and for being this publicly vulnerable (videos included), I applaud you.

As for what to do from here, aside from all the excellent advice above, and short of being able to deduce your ideal anthropometrics or book a day with Roman Prokes (with all due respect to @Tranqville), I think it's best to start by confirming what you know: 1) your preferences, 2) the frames that will possibly work (and, by deduction, all of those that won't). That will allow to have a shortlist of true candidates, with which you can conduct final testing and make a decision. You have to make a pact, though, to trust your intuition and don't doubt yourself after the fact.

First off, your preferences, based on numerous mentions, and piggy-backing off of @Tranqville's notes above:

- Head Size: 98-105" (I wouldn't exclude 102's to 105's, even though you'll probably end up with a 98-100)
- Stock Unstrung Weight: 290-305g (for a platform) 310-320g (played closer to stock)
- Stock Unstrung Balance : >=4-5pts HL strung (in most cases)
- Mid-Beam: >=21mm, <23mm
- Average Stiffness: 63-67 RA
- Feel: direct, connected, unfiltered
- String Pattern/Density: controlled 16-main, open/friendly 18-main (ie. open enough for easier lift, but dense enough for reliable trajectory on flatter contact)
- String Bed Behavior: consistent, composed, predictable, more static / less dynamic
- Sweet Spot: on the larger side

Below is a full account of all possibilities thus far. Any brand/model/silo with a "no" or not mentioned is either outside your preference envelope or a confirmed no-go by you, with reasonable certainty. I'm not going to bother explaining any virtues of racquets you've already covered, as it would be redundant, but I will add in places you haven't tried yet, to help you save on wasted energy/time, if nothing else:

- Babolat: probably no (PA23 might work, but you OHBH stands a chance of not liking it, more so than liking it)
- Diadem: probably no (Elevate pattern too open for what you need -- you'll have issues similar to the PA98; I'm just telling you now)
- Dunlop: possibly CX 200 OS
- Head: Aux Gravity MP, Aux 2.0 Prestige MP-L, Auxetic Radical MP (maybe)
- Prince: no
- ProKennex: Kinetic 5G, Ki Q+ 5, Ki Q+ 5 Pro
- Solinco: WhiteOut 18x20 (non-XTD)
- Tecnifibre: no
- Volkl: no
- Wilson: Blade 100 v8, Pro Staff X v14, Six.One 100 v14
- Yonex: Percept 100, Percept 100D
- Direct-order brands (Angell, etc.): For now, I'd avoid. Might be more viable once your game stabilizes and/or you're more certain of your optimal strung spec.

*Addendum: I'd dump the extended stuff, full stop. The allure of that extra .5-1 inch isn't worth adding in yet another variable (having to jump between different-distance fulcrums), and by all accounts above, you (or at least your elbow) had a tough time with them anyways. Focus on 27", standard-length stuff, at least for now.

That leaves the contenders (in alphabetical brand/model order):
- Dunlop CX 200 OS
- Head Auxetic Gravity MP
- Head Auxetic 2.0 Prestige MP-L
- Head Auxetic Radical MP
- ProKennex Kinetic 5G
- ProKennex Ki Q+ 5
- ProKennex Ki Q+ 5 Pro
- Solinco WhiteOut 18x20
- Wilson Blade 100 v8
- Wilson Pro Staff X v14
- Wilson Pro Staff Six.One 100 v14
- Yonex Percept 100
- Yonex Percept 100D

So, apart from a single 98 and a single 105, I think it's pretty clear the type of stick you're headed towards: 99-100", balanced pattern (a few 100" 16x20's), 22mm-ish beam, mid-60's RA, good-sized sweet spot.

For the sake of moving this forward even further, I'm going to weed out frames I consider to be "on the fringe" (with the reason(s) why), which would be the CX 200 OS (head size too large), as much as I want to keep it in, the Six.One 100 (sweet spot likely too small, although maybe not), Percept 100 (feel; possibly too open; constant 23mm) and 100D (feel; probably too low a launch; constant 23mm). That leaves:

- Head Auxetic Gravity MP
- Head Auxetic 2.0 Prestige MP-L
- Head Auxetic Radical MP
- ProKennex Kinetic 5G
- ProKennex Ki Q+ 5
- ProKennex Ki Q+ 5 Pro
- Solinco WhiteOut 18x20
- Wilson Blade 100 v8
- Wilson Pro Staff X v14

As for what you already own:
- Prestige MP-L - The long(ish) center mains and "snow shoe" shape are what accounts for any of the loose-ness/launchy-ness (I feel it, too, especially when a string job is strung too low, the string is too soft, or gets too old). Stringing thicker/lower-power poly/higher-tension/more often can address the issue, but may still not be enough for you. You'll just have to try and see, and keep customizing to your ideal recoil weight as well.
- Blade 100 v8 - Similar MP-L control anecdote applies here as well, and as for improving lateral stability/forgiveness, I would try some lead at 9 and 3, per how Jonas's buddy Henrik has modified his (which he absolutely loves, by the way).

On one hand, you probably have enough of an "answer" in the MP-L and Blade 100 to conduct a final play-off and make a choice, just between those two. That said, if a 100" 16x20 PK left you that enthused, then I think you bring in one of them, probably the 5G (with a little lead at 12 or 10 & 2, to bump swing weight and open up the sweet spot to a more 7G level). Beyond that, if you really feel you want a 98 in there, do the regular-length WhiteOut 18x20, which will probably give a bit bigger sweet spot than the Aux Rad MP, but the Rad might be worth it if you have a chance to hit one locally. I could probably take or leave the Pro Staff X (potentially too much twist weight to make your OHBH truly happy/free) and/or Gravity MP (will probably require a lot of customizing). You could add them, too, but that would total up to 6 racquets, and with only 5 weeks left in the year, I'm not sure that's enough time to get solid-enough insight on all of them, and/or not just confuse/overwhelm yourself even more by trying to move through them too fast.

In closing, I think it may be best to bring in only maybe one more stick, at a maximum two (5G and WO 18x20), otherwise just stick with the MP-L and Blade 100, then string all racquets with the same string setup, at similar-enough dynamic tension, bring them to similar/identical strung spec, and have a play-off between now and December 30. Then make a decision and sign your "contract" on the 31st.

Hope that helps Curt! I know it flies in the face of many here wanting you to immediately simplify and just make a choice, but you've come this far, so why not honor the process and close it out, with no stones left unturned (within reason, anyways). Any questions, feel free.

 

[Connor35]

No this is great. It's nice to see you've hit some my recommendations and generally gelled with them or they didn't work. It'll help with future suggestions

Edit: Adding the Shift 300 to try, Whiteout 18x20 too

Edit 2: if your willing to add lead, the Ultra Pro or Dunlop Cx200 leaded up to add swingweight has great feel and control. But stock they're too anemic

I second the 300 Shift

 

[Znak]

Hot diggity dang, that's a list of racquets! You said you like the C10 Pro but found the weight too cumbersome, you should try the C10 Evo (might need some doctoring). Also sounds like the Shift might be the sweetspot of your list.

 

[emhtennis]

Curtis! Wow, what a journey. Sure, it's total overkill in many ways, but if the process has shown you what you've needed to see (ultimately, anyways), then it's been worth it to come to the insights you have. For that, and for being this publicly vulnerable (videos included), I applaud you.

As for what to do from here, aside from all the excellent advice above, and short of being able to deduce your ideal anthropometrics or book a day with Roman Prokes (with all due respect to @Tranqville), I think it's best to start by confirming what you know: 1) your preferences, 2) the frames that will possibly work (and, by deduction, all of those that won't). Then, we'll weigh and rank the shortlist, from which point you can conduct final testing and making a decision. You have to make a pact with yourself, though, to trust your intuition and don't doubt yourself after the fact.

First off, your preferences, based on numerous mentions, and piggy-backing off of @Tranqville's notes above:

- Head Size: 98-105" (I wouldn't exclude 102's to 105's, even though you'll probably end up with a 98-100)
- Stock Unstrung Weight: 290-305g (for a platform) 310-320g (played closer to stock)
- Stock Unstrung Balance : >=4-5pts HL strung (in most cases)
- Mid-Beam: >=21mm, <23mm
- Average Stiffness: 63-67 RA
- Feel: direct, connected, unfiltered
- String Pattern/Density: controlled 16-main, open/friendly 18-main (ie. easier lift, but consistent enough for flatter contact)
- String Bed Behavior: consistent, composed, predictable, more static / less dynamic
- Sweet Spot: on the larger side

Below is a full account of all possibilities thus far. Any brand/model/silo with a "no" or not mentioned is either outside your preference envelope or a confirmed no-go by you, with reasonable certainty. I'm not going to bother explaining any virtues of racquets you've already covered, as it would be redundant, but I will add in places you haven't tried yet, to help you save on wasted energy/time, if nothing else:

- Babolat: probably no (PA23 might work, but you OHBH stands a chance of not liking it, more so than liking it)
- Diadem: probably no (Elevate pattern too open for what you need -- you'll have issues similar to the PA98; I'm just telling you now)
- Dunlop: possibly CX 200 OS
- Furi: no
- Head: Aux Gravity MP, Aux 2.0 Prestige MP-L, (Rad MP: likely no, for too small a sweet spot, not forgiving enough)
- Prince: no
- ProKennex: Kinetic 5G, Ki Q+ 5, Ki Q+ 5 Pro
- Solinco: WhiteOut 18x20 (non-XTD)
- Tecnifibre: no
- Volkl: no
- Wilson: Blade 100 v8, Pro Staff X v14, Six.One 100 v14
- Yonex: Percept 100, Percept 100D
- Direct-order brands (Angell, etc.): For now, I'd avoid. Might be more viable once your game stabilizes and/or you're more certain of your optimal strung spec.

*Addendum: I'd dump the extended stuff, full stop. The allure of that extra .5-1 inch isn't worth adding in yet another variable (having to manage and bio-adapt to a completely different fulcrum), and by all accounts above, you (or at least your elbow) had a tough time with them anyways. Focus on 27", standard-length stuff, at least for now.

That leaves the contenders (in alphabetical brand/model order):
- Dunlop CX 200 OS
- Head Auxetic Gravity MP
- Head Auxetic 2.0 Prestige MP-L
- ProKennex Kinetic 5G
- ProKennex Ki Q+ 5
- ProKennex Ki Q+ 5 Pro
- Solinco WhiteOut 18x20
- Wilson Blade 100 v8
- Wilson Pro Staff X v14
- Wilson Pro Staff Six.One 100 v14
- Yonex Percept 100
- Yonex Percept 100D

So, apart from a single 98 and a single 105, I think it's pretty clear the type of stick you're headed towards: 99-100", balanced pattern (a few 100" 16x20's), 22mm-ish beam, mid-60's RA, good-sized sweet spot.

For the sake of moving this forward even further, I'm going to weed out frames I consider to be "on the fringe" (with the reason(s) why), which would be the CX 200 OS (head size too large), Six.One 100 (sweet spot too small), Percept 100 (feel; possibly too open; constant 23mm) and 100D (feel; probably too low a launch; constant 23mm). That leaves:

- Head Auxetic Gravity MP
- Head Auxetic 2.0 Prestige MP-L
- ProKennex Kinetic 5G
- ProKennex Ki Q+ 5
- ProKennex Ki Q+ 5 Pro
- Solinco WhiteOut 18x20
- Wilson Blade 100 v8
- Wilson Pro Staff X v14

As for what you already own:
- Prestige MP-L - The long(ish) center mains and "snow shoe" shape are what accounts for any of the loose-ness/launchy-ness (I feel it, too, especially when a string job is strung too low, the string is too soft, or gets too old). Stringing thicker/lower-power poly/higher-tension/more often can address the issue, but may stull not be enough for you. You'll just have to try and see, and keep customizing to your ideal recoil weight as well.
- Blade 100 v8 - Similar MP-L control anecdote applies here as well, and as for improving lateral stability/forgiveness, I would try some lead at 9 and 3, per how Jonas's buddy Henrik has modified his (which he absolutely loves, by the way).

On one hand, you certainly have enough of a potential answer in the MP-L and Blade 100, to conduct a final play-off and make a choice, just between those two. That said, if a 100" 16x20 PK left you that enthused, then I think you bring in one of them, probably the 5G (with a little lead at 12). Beyond that, if you really feel you want a 98 in there, do the regular-length WhiteOut 18x20. I could probably take or leave the Pro Staff X (potentially too much twist weight to make your OHBH truly happy/free) and/or Gravity MP (will probably require a lot of customizing). You could add them, too, but that would make 5 racquets, and with only 5 weeks left in the year, I'm not sure that's enough time to truly give them enough an evaluation to get solid-enough insight, and/or not just confuse yourself even more so by trying to move through them too fast.

In closing, I think it may be best to bring in only maybe one more stick, at a maximum two (5G and WO 18x20), otherwise just stick with the MP-L and Blade 100, then string all racquets with the same string setup, at similar-enough dynamic tension, and have a play-off between now and December 30. Then make a decision and sign your "contract" on the 31st.

Hope that helps Curt! I know it flies in the face of many here wanting you to immediately simplify and just make a choice, but you've come this far, so why not honor the process and close it out, with no stones left unturned (within reason, anyways). Any questions, feel free.

Great reply, only frame I would add that wasn't mentioned is the Dunlop CX 400. It is a great box beam all around frame that may fit well with what he's after.

 

[Fintft]

I second the 300 Shift

I third.

 

[Trip]

Great reply, only frame I would add that wasn't mentioned is the Dunlop CX 400. It is a great box beam all around frame that may fit well with what he's after.

Thank you! The 400 is a possibility, especially at closeout pricing, but on the flip side, the string pattern is eerily close to the 400 Tour, and stiffness is even higher, beam even clubbier, and Curtis had enough depth control issues with the Tour as it was, so I'm not sure how the regular 400 would help to alleviate that issue. I'm open to being enlightened, though!

I second the 300 Shift

I third.

With all due respect, no. It's beyond proven that Curtis has gravitated towards much more classically-behaving, conventionally-flexing frames, and needs something that hits flat very predictably. That's not really the Shift, as much as it would be a Prestige, Blade and company. It's a great stick in its own right, but I'd hedge my bets on what he's already gravitated towards for this go around.

 

[Tronco20]

Anyone else noticed how the guy-in-the-blue-T-shirt's serve is much better than the rest of his game? I don't know if it's you, Curtis, or you're the other one (in red), but the serve is such a joy to watch! Perfect timing, ball toss, hitting point, technique. Reminds me of Sinner's, Lopez' or Karlovic's in a way.

As for the racquet, so far I've found the best blend of power and control and feel etc. in the Pure Strike 100. Either it's such a complete racquet or it suits me specifically but I've stuck to it for over a year now and that's something for me