@curtstead - I know it shouldn't have to come to this just to get a paint job that lasts, but if worse came to worse, you could always send them to CTR in Florida to get re-painted (all-black glossy anyone?).
Help me decide my racquet for 2024, and put an end to the racquetholism (for at least a year)
- Thread starter curtstead
- Start date
curtstead
Professional
Oh I'd do it for sure!
Boubi
Professional
Well, you should try the Artengo LeGads or LeMonf
Tranqville
Professional
I'm really looking forward to the season's finale! And, maybe even the second season next year ;-)
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Just bought a cheap V8 100 to compare with the 98s
@curtstead - Thread bump. Closing in on a choice now Curtis? Will it be the Blade 100 v8, or otherwise? Looking forward to your write up(s), in whatever form.
curtstead
Professional
Alright, definitely time for an update. Sorry it's been a bit quiet in here from me, but I've been working on some things, trying to focus on what I like, and to keep testing. However, just to make it easier to make a decision, I decided that it's elimination day for a bunch of these frames. I'll post a list below at the bottom of this post that's both still in the running, and what has been eliminated. If I have any specific notes to add by a racquet in particular, I will add them.
In regards to frames that have been eliminated: The most important ones to start with are the Pro Kennex 5G and the Wilson PS Six.One 100. They are both nice frames, and I like them a lot. If I had a bit more time and no deadline calling, I think I could give them a lot more time and get more out of them, but as I said in the beginning, I have to make a decision!
Racquets Eliminated:
- Pro Kennex Kinetic Classic 5G: With the 5G, I'm just not getting the spin potential I had hoped for compared to others. In fact, I feel weirdly that I got more spin potential from the 7G than the 5G at times? Just to confirm this, I had my 7G strung up with the same string just to be sure, and that is what I was finding in the 30 minutes I hit with both, and my hitting partner confirmed it. I'm sure it's not the frame itself, probably just that I've spent some time with the 7G and really like that frame. So eliminations are needed. I also am finding the 5G to just lack a bit of power compared to the others, although not a ton. However, this is an awesome frame. We are fortunate to have PK still making both the 5G and 7G, and for those who haven't tried them who like 16x20, classic feel, but fairly versatile, you MUST try them. I find both of these frames to be better than a lot of far newer offerings on the market today, and believe me, if anyone knows that, it's me. RE the exhaustive list I posted at the beginning. Personally, I don't know if I would revisit the 5G down the line because I seem to simply like the 7G just a bit better. Don't let my words dissuade anyone though, these are vastly underrated frames that all holics should try, especially at that retail price.
- Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 100 v14 PJ: This one sucks for me to type. I find this frame to be whippy, fairly powerful, and good spin potential. Phenomenal on slice, one of the best racquets on slice that I've ever had. Good feel, too. However, I'm finding a bit of a launch tendency from the racquet at times. I also don't think it's the most forgiving sweet spot compared to the Blade 100 v8. Again, more time and less of a deadline means that this may have been remedied with more time, but we gotta make a decision! Awesome frame though, absolutely gorgeous paintjob, and I could actually see myself revisiting this again when my "contract" (lmao wtf) is up next December. I would be more likely to revisit this over the 5G.
(@Chairman3 like I said, first dibs on the Six.One 100 if you want it in 4 3/8! Feel free to PM me and I'm sure we can work something out that works for both of us, and I can get it shipped out as quickly as tomorrow.)
- Head Gravity MP Auxetic: Fairly easy to pass on this one for me.
- Wilson Shift 300: So full disclosure, I like this frame a lot. I have tried the Labs version of the Shift 315 as well, and I like the 300 much more than the 315. Easier launch angle, spin, power. However, the ball launched on me a LOT. This was the least controlled of everything I have tried up until this point. Also, However, I don't know how to describe it, all I can say is it just didn't "grab me" like the remaining sticks have. I'm sure others have had a similar experience when doing demos. I think I would need a fair bit of customizing to be done here to really get dialed in, and just no time. Definitely a revisit candidate.
- Yonex Ezone 98 2022: I pulled it out again just to be sure, and yeah, I can safely eliminate it. Good frame, I just don't think it jives all that well with my swing style as I put a lot of balls in the net, more than a lot of other frames. When I hit it right though, I hit it RIGHT and it's awesome with a great combo of good power and control. Serve is heavenly, and so is slice. I just can't quite get the consistency I want. It didn't hut my wrist that bad this time around, but comfort was meh.. However, another iteration of the Ezone may get mentioned later...
- Dunlop CX 400 Tour: Awesome frame, but gifted them to a friend who loves them and is helping me run my local league. The best of the CX line, IMO, and the 2024 update will hopefully wow a lot of people! I won't get to try it as I have a contract to honor, but jealous of those who do as the update comes out JUST AFTER I have to decide. Looking forward to hearing how the update plays.
- Angell React MP Pro 18x19: I do like this frame a lot, but it’s not grabbing me. Can tell it’s a good frame.
So we are down to the following frames that are still in the running:
- Wilson Blade 100 v8: I I will be using this frame in my doubles league final tomorrow, just keep finding myself pulling this frame out more than others. However, i think I have enough feel for this frame to now give more time to others before the deadline. Remaining time on court will be with the other contenders. This will be a "finalist" if you will by definition, and is likely the slight favorite as we start to hit the home stretch.
- Head Prestige MP-L Aux 2.0: has been in the running the whole time, more time on court to come.
- Yonex Vcore 98 2023: I have been on and off with this frame throughout the past year, it's only fitting I give it one last chance. Some of my best tennis of the year has been with this frame. It feels like a versatile weapon that I can do so much with. Underrated control, good power, good comfort, good spin. I dropped it off at my local stringer for restringing today with Grapplesnake Tour Sniper 16g at 50#, along with...
- Yonex Ezone DR 98: SURPRISE! Can't say I saw this one coming at all, yet I grabbed one secondhand when I saw it was available, and so far it's pretty awesome. I’m not in the “one of the best racquets of all time” camp just yet, but yeah a couple hours of hitting in and it’s great. I find this to play with way more stability in stock form than the Ezone 98 2022. I also find this weirdly to give a launch angle that’s just a BIT higher for me than the 22 Ezone 98. I also find it to flow better on the one handed backhand than the 22. I just love the feel of this frame, along with the comfort being better as well, at least for me. I wouldn't put it over the Vcore 98 '23 right now, but more time with this should be a lot of fun. Nice to have a wild card in the mix. Another reason to hesitate is that if I chose this, it’s hard to find more of them… that would be a problem at some point. However, super fun hit.
My plan for the remaining 13 days: Hit as much as possible. I am planning to hit at LEAST 20 hours, likely 30, to make sure I can confidently make a decision on what I'm going to stick with for 2024. My stringer also has a V6 NO CV Blade 98 that he thinks I would like due to higher stiffness and more power, but unless I just magically have more time than planned to give it a go, I said thanks but no thanks. It will be one of these 4 frames. We’re almost there.
That's all for now! Thanks!
-Curt
In regards to frames that have been eliminated: The most important ones to start with are the Pro Kennex 5G and the Wilson PS Six.One 100. They are both nice frames, and I like them a lot. If I had a bit more time and no deadline calling, I think I could give them a lot more time and get more out of them, but as I said in the beginning, I have to make a decision!
Racquets Eliminated:
- Pro Kennex Kinetic Classic 5G: With the 5G, I'm just not getting the spin potential I had hoped for compared to others. In fact, I feel weirdly that I got more spin potential from the 7G than the 5G at times? Just to confirm this, I had my 7G strung up with the same string just to be sure, and that is what I was finding in the 30 minutes I hit with both, and my hitting partner confirmed it. I'm sure it's not the frame itself, probably just that I've spent some time with the 7G and really like that frame. So eliminations are needed. I also am finding the 5G to just lack a bit of power compared to the others, although not a ton. However, this is an awesome frame. We are fortunate to have PK still making both the 5G and 7G, and for those who haven't tried them who like 16x20, classic feel, but fairly versatile, you MUST try them. I find both of these frames to be better than a lot of far newer offerings on the market today, and believe me, if anyone knows that, it's me. RE the exhaustive list I posted at the beginning. Personally, I don't know if I would revisit the 5G down the line because I seem to simply like the 7G just a bit better. Don't let my words dissuade anyone though, these are vastly underrated frames that all holics should try, especially at that retail price.
- Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 100 v14 PJ: This one sucks for me to type. I find this frame to be whippy, fairly powerful, and good spin potential. Phenomenal on slice, one of the best racquets on slice that I've ever had. Good feel, too. However, I'm finding a bit of a launch tendency from the racquet at times. I also don't think it's the most forgiving sweet spot compared to the Blade 100 v8. Again, more time and less of a deadline means that this may have been remedied with more time, but we gotta make a decision! Awesome frame though, absolutely gorgeous paintjob, and I could actually see myself revisiting this again when my "contract" (lmao wtf) is up next December. I would be more likely to revisit this over the 5G.
(@Chairman3 like I said, first dibs on the Six.One 100 if you want it in 4 3/8! Feel free to PM me and I'm sure we can work something out that works for both of us, and I can get it shipped out as quickly as tomorrow.)
- Head Gravity MP Auxetic: Fairly easy to pass on this one for me.
- Wilson Shift 300: So full disclosure, I like this frame a lot. I have tried the Labs version of the Shift 315 as well, and I like the 300 much more than the 315. Easier launch angle, spin, power. However, the ball launched on me a LOT. This was the least controlled of everything I have tried up until this point. Also, However, I don't know how to describe it, all I can say is it just didn't "grab me" like the remaining sticks have. I'm sure others have had a similar experience when doing demos. I think I would need a fair bit of customizing to be done here to really get dialed in, and just no time. Definitely a revisit candidate.
- Yonex Ezone 98 2022: I pulled it out again just to be sure, and yeah, I can safely eliminate it. Good frame, I just don't think it jives all that well with my swing style as I put a lot of balls in the net, more than a lot of other frames. When I hit it right though, I hit it RIGHT and it's awesome with a great combo of good power and control. Serve is heavenly, and so is slice. I just can't quite get the consistency I want. It didn't hut my wrist that bad this time around, but comfort was meh.. However, another iteration of the Ezone may get mentioned later...
- Dunlop CX 400 Tour: Awesome frame, but gifted them to a friend who loves them and is helping me run my local league. The best of the CX line, IMO, and the 2024 update will hopefully wow a lot of people! I won't get to try it as I have a contract to honor, but jealous of those who do as the update comes out JUST AFTER I have to decide. Looking forward to hearing how the update plays.
- Angell React MP Pro 18x19: I do like this frame a lot, but it’s not grabbing me. Can tell it’s a good frame.
So we are down to the following frames that are still in the running:
- Wilson Blade 100 v8: I I will be using this frame in my doubles league final tomorrow, just keep finding myself pulling this frame out more than others. However, i think I have enough feel for this frame to now give more time to others before the deadline. Remaining time on court will be with the other contenders. This will be a "finalist" if you will by definition, and is likely the slight favorite as we start to hit the home stretch.
- Head Prestige MP-L Aux 2.0: has been in the running the whole time, more time on court to come.
- Yonex Vcore 98 2023: I have been on and off with this frame throughout the past year, it's only fitting I give it one last chance. Some of my best tennis of the year has been with this frame. It feels like a versatile weapon that I can do so much with. Underrated control, good power, good comfort, good spin. I dropped it off at my local stringer for restringing today with Grapplesnake Tour Sniper 16g at 50#, along with...
- Yonex Ezone DR 98: SURPRISE! Can't say I saw this one coming at all, yet I grabbed one secondhand when I saw it was available, and so far it's pretty awesome. I’m not in the “one of the best racquets of all time” camp just yet, but yeah a couple hours of hitting in and it’s great. I find this to play with way more stability in stock form than the Ezone 98 2022. I also find this weirdly to give a launch angle that’s just a BIT higher for me than the 22 Ezone 98. I also find it to flow better on the one handed backhand than the 22. I just love the feel of this frame, along with the comfort being better as well, at least for me. I wouldn't put it over the Vcore 98 '23 right now, but more time with this should be a lot of fun. Nice to have a wild card in the mix. Another reason to hesitate is that if I chose this, it’s hard to find more of them… that would be a problem at some point. However, super fun hit.
My plan for the remaining 13 days: Hit as much as possible. I am planning to hit at LEAST 20 hours, likely 30, to make sure I can confidently make a decision on what I'm going to stick with for 2024. My stringer also has a V6 NO CV Blade 98 that he thinks I would like due to higher stiffness and more power, but unless I just magically have more time than planned to give it a go, I said thanks but no thanks. It will be one of these 4 frames. We’re almost there.
That's all for now! Thanks!
-Curt
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@curtstead - Wow Curtis. A whopper of an update. Thank you. All makes good sense based on how you've progressed, and a very interesting interjection of the DR. Only challenge with those is finding enough in clean-enough shape (and to a lesser extent, grommets) but if it's rocking your boat hard enough, anything can be done I suppose. As for the VC98, good choice on Tour Sniper @ 50 -- that will be a telling trial, I'm sure. As for the two standby's of Blade 100 and Prestige MP-L, I, too, am curious for you to get some more MP-L time, to see if it offers you anything that the Blade doesn't. Looking forward to your final take-aways and decision as it's coming up!
mhkeuns
Hall of Fame
I have always loved Prestige line of rackets, especially the MP - which is now the Pro. My holism started out with IG Prestige MP and pretty much ended with Auxetic Prestige Pro. Many, many years of trying too many rackets searching for the holy grail has finally ended. Babolat APD 2013 version was the reason I strayed away from the IG Prestige MP and kind of lost track of what I really enjoyed, which is controlling my opponent with shot placement - not overwhelm them with power and spin.
That said, I bought a couple of CX 200 Limited and CX 200 Tour 18x20 Limited because they look beautiful and the price is unbeatable. No longer searching for the holy grail but still buying player spec’d rackets if they look nice.
That said, I bought a couple of CX 200 Limited and CX 200 Tour 18x20 Limited because they look beautiful and the price is unbeatable. No longer searching for the holy grail but still buying player spec’d rackets if they look nice.
curtstead
Professional
Shorter update for today:
I've gotten a bit more time on court with the Ezone DR 98. I'm getting most of the same service qualities from the Ezone 98 2022, I'm getting close to the same power, the same control, and yet I'm also getting a bit higher launch and easier spin trajectory. I'm definitely getting more stability in stock form for sure. In comparison to the other sticks in the running, control seems a bit better with the DR98 than both the Blade 100 and the Prestige MP-L, and significantly better than the Vcore 98. All of that to say, man I love this frame. So much so, that it has passed the Vcore 98 '23 on my ranks. I get that eventually, my time with this frame will run out as they become harder and harder to find. However... at this rate, that could be a December 2024 problem, and we're still a year away from there.
Current ranks:
1.) Blade 100 V8
2.) Prestige MP-L Aux 2.0
3.) Ezone DR98
4.) Vcore 98' 23, which looks like it could be next on the chopping block by the end of the weekend...
Thanks!
-Curtis
I've gotten a bit more time on court with the Ezone DR 98. I'm getting most of the same service qualities from the Ezone 98 2022, I'm getting close to the same power, the same control, and yet I'm also getting a bit higher launch and easier spin trajectory. I'm definitely getting more stability in stock form for sure. In comparison to the other sticks in the running, control seems a bit better with the DR98 than both the Blade 100 and the Prestige MP-L, and significantly better than the Vcore 98. All of that to say, man I love this frame. So much so, that it has passed the Vcore 98 '23 on my ranks. I get that eventually, my time with this frame will run out as they become harder and harder to find. However... at this rate, that could be a December 2024 problem, and we're still a year away from there.
Current ranks:
1.) Blade 100 V8
2.) Prestige MP-L Aux 2.0
3.) Ezone DR98
4.) Vcore 98' 23, which looks like it could be next on the chopping block by the end of the weekend...
Thanks!
-Curtis
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@curtstead - Good stuff, Curtis. Is there anything, specifically, that the Blade 100 and/or MP-L are doing better for you than the DR98 to keep them top-of-list for the time being? Or is it just that you suspect the DR98 might be an eventual #1, but you need more time to confirm?
curtstead
Professional
Hey man, fast reply!
I would say there's a bit more forgiveness and ease of use with the MP-L and Blade 100 that's not QUITE there with the DR98. It's not too demanding to me, but the others are just a bit easier. I am valuing that a lot more with less demanding frames needing to help with my off days. I'd say all 4 of the finalists range from fairly forgiving to very forgiving, but that's just me.
The obvious elephant in the room is the inability to get any more of these in the future. I can definitely make 2 work for a couple years, hopefully, but with how much I play, man idk.... maybe I'll get lucky and find a couple more if I do in fact end up choosing the DR98. I just love playing with it, it's fun. That's definitely a big deal for me as well! We'll see.
On an unrelated side note, I think I've decided to drop down and use grip size 2 in Yonex frames if I happen to commit to one. Grip 2 on my DR98 feels much better than the Grip 3 on my Vcore 98 '23. Way less bulky. I would say I have to agree with the folks who recommend going down a size on Yonex grips, as at least in this instance, I agree.
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Gotcha. Very fair assessment, especially at this stage. I would call your "predicament" a nice one. Any one of those frames will more than suffice, I'm sure of it. The question is which one will you simply enjoy playing with the most, is what it sounds like it's coming down to... If that's the DR, so be it. I'm fairly certain with your level of resourcefulness and determination, you'd be able to find at least one if not more than one in clean-enough shape off the forums, The Bay, etc. as the year progresses. So I would simply focus on whichever frame wins all of the above in the here and now for you, and if it's the DR, so be it. We live in the most materialistically-available country ever known to man; I'm sure you can find more if you really need to.
soulfree914
Rookie
1. I don’t like this thread… I was about to be sober for almost a month without buying or demoing a new racquet.
2. @curtstead Have you tried the Yonex VCore Pro 100? Chris Edwards at TW claims it as his favorite Yonex racquet for the past year or two, and the spec looks to be similar to the Blade 100. I haven’t tried either, but now that I HAVE TO try the Blade 100, it makes me wonder how the VCore Pro 100 compares.
2. @curtstead Have you tried the Yonex VCore Pro 100? Chris Edwards at TW claims it as his favorite Yonex racquet for the past year or two, and the spec looks to be similar to the Blade 100. I haven’t tried either, but now that I HAVE TO try the Blade 100, it makes me wonder how the VCore Pro 100 compares.
curtstead
Professional
STAY SOBER MY FRIEND!!!
I haven’t tried the VCP 100, but a friend of mine has and loves it. He moved to the 100 from the 97 and hasn’t looked back. My gf is also playing with the Vcore Pro 100L, and I actually really liked it?? Too light for me but fun to swing with. Speaking of Yonex…
curtstead
Professional
Big update, not necessarily in length but in the sense of a shift in the ranks, and closer than ever to making a decision.
I played with a friend last night, had the Blade 100 and MP-L with me, and it didn’t matter. I put them back in the bag because I just wanted to play with the DR98. It’s just so much fun to hit with. I love how solid it is, yet how fast it is as well. Serve is just amazing, along with near pinpoint control from everywhere on court. The only issue I’m having is sometimes I find myself hitting just a bit short off the ground. I feel like this could be remedied with strings, so I’m not worried about it. When I made errors, it was just me, wasn’t the frame. Most importantly compared to the Ezone 98 ‘22, it feels so much better on the one hander. It’s not even close.
So much so, that I found a 2nd one on the bay from someone I’ve bought from before and grabbed it. I get the tough issues on eventually finding grommets, replacing the racquet at all in the future, but it’s just so fun to hit with that it doesn’t matter. At least not for 2024.
Current ranks:
Ezone DR98
Blade 100 V8
Prestige MP-L
Vcore 98 ‘23
At this rate, this could be wrapped up by this weekend and I just call it early. I’ll likely still give more time to others, but we are very close.
All I have to say to wrap up today is YONEX! RERELEASE THIS RACQUET!!! FFS!!
-Curtis
I played with a friend last night, had the Blade 100 and MP-L with me, and it didn’t matter. I put them back in the bag because I just wanted to play with the DR98. It’s just so much fun to hit with. I love how solid it is, yet how fast it is as well. Serve is just amazing, along with near pinpoint control from everywhere on court. The only issue I’m having is sometimes I find myself hitting just a bit short off the ground. I feel like this could be remedied with strings, so I’m not worried about it. When I made errors, it was just me, wasn’t the frame. Most importantly compared to the Ezone 98 ‘22, it feels so much better on the one hander. It’s not even close.
So much so, that I found a 2nd one on the bay from someone I’ve bought from before and grabbed it. I get the tough issues on eventually finding grommets, replacing the racquet at all in the future, but it’s just so fun to hit with that it doesn’t matter. At least not for 2024.
Current ranks:
Ezone DR98
Blade 100 V8
Prestige MP-L
Vcore 98 ‘23
At this rate, this could be wrapped up by this weekend and I just call it early. I’ll likely still give more time to others, but we are very close.
All I have to say to wrap up today is YONEX! RERELEASE THIS RACQUET!!! FFS!!
-Curtis
@curtstead - Had a feeling that post was coming. Congrats on the breakthrough. And yes, you can probably remedy the lack of depth with a combination of a tiny bit of lead at 10 & 2 (the place where EZones tend to best accept it, for whatever reason) and/or a slightly more explosive string bed (higher-power poly, maybe the right hybrid). I would say, give yourself a few more sessions to confirm, and then pull the trigger!
I had the Ai98 and DR98 before my first big break from tennis (for grad school). When I came back into tennis and wanted new gear I listed the Yonex frames and was crazily shocked by the demand and outbidding for them.
They're great frames, and im still surprised they have as much as a cult following as they do.
Although I personally feel cheated that you settled on an older generation, not readily available frame. I feel like you need a APDO and Pure Control Swirly to be fair to yourself, and also an POG!
Good luck with the DR heading into 2024
Duel G and the DR see very different feeling. I didn't like the Duel G 97 (thought it was log like). DR is very fast feeling. But the DR is one of the prototypes (IMO) of the "powerful control frames"
It's better than the Pure Drive, but not a Prestige. Now there's dozens of frames that fall somewhere near that spot in the spectrum
I hope he didn't add it because of Mark Sansaits video. I can't stand that guy's videos.Breh you added another racquet and one that's discontinued just cause some youtuber posted a video on it. Might as well just delete this thread and become a regular in diary of a racketholic thread.
I don't mind him on the Real/Essential tennis content, but his channel is cringey.
curtstead
Professional
As you can tell, I am not shy from disclosing my massive racquetholism to complete strangers on the internet, so you'll just simply have to take my word for it when I say no, Mark Sansait's video had nothing to do with me grabbing a DR98. Not to mention I grabbed it over a week before his video posted. I don't have proof of that other than a receipt screenshot, but I really don't have any reason to deny this cause fwiw, I like a lot of Mark's content, but have friends who don't, along with obviously a lot of people on TTW that I respect who do not.
The trolling on here is fine, I knew what I opened myself up to when the thread was posted, so it is what it is.
The trolling on here is fine, I knew what I opened myself up to when the thread was posted, so it is what it is.
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curtstead
Professional
Regardless of my decision or not, I would argue if it won't cost you too much, it's definitely worth it to grab one just to have. A day will come where they are gone for good. I searched for fun a year and a half ago, and it felt like there were a LOT more available on auction sites than there are now, especially since I'm a bit more active in my search today than I was back then.
No, I didn't. I would in general almost always prefer something more readily available especially with grommets over a discontinued racquet, at least that's how I came into this with. However, I just enjoy hitting with the DR98, it's fun, and I value that. I didn't even expect to like it this much when I got it, it's surprising how much it grabbed me. I like to think everyone's racquet journey is different, and I am certainly not competing at a high level. So, why not just choose what's fun and works for me, I guess?
Again, this is not official yet. I am weighing using something more readily available with grommets over this. Still a little over a week to decide. As charitable as I've been to brands and TW through holism, I don't feel like donating an additional $500 to charity per my bet a couple pages ago, so yeah, a decision must be made and stuck to, lol. Just trying to update as constantly as I can, per the original post.
Also, you've had a lot of feedback in this thread and to me in general before, and I've always appreciated it @Soundbyte, just fyi. @Trip @Chairman3 @Tranqville also. You guys are awesome, thanks.
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I'm going to hold on to hope that the good ol 7G sneaks into your bag just so I can say I called it, even though I was wrong!Regardless of my decision or not, I would argue if it won't cost you too much, it's definitely worth it to grab one just to have. A day will come where they are gone for good. I searched for fun a year and a half ago, and it felt like there were a LOT more available on auction sites than there are now, especially since I'm a bit more active in my search now.
No, I didn't. I would in general almost always prefer something more readily available especially with grommets over a discontinued racquet, at least that's how I came into this with. However, I just enjoy hitting with the DR98, it's fun, and I value that. I didn't even expect to like it this much when I got it, it's surprising how much it grabbed me. I like to think everyone's racquet journey is different, and I am certainly not competing at a high level. So, why not just choose what's fun and works for me, I guess?
Again, this is not official yet. I am weighing using something more readily available with grommets over this. Still a little over a week to decide. As charitable as I've been to brands and TW through holism, I don't feel like donating an additional $500 to charity per my bet a couple pages ago, so yeah, a decision must be made and stuck to, lol. Just trying to update as constantly as I can, per the original post.
Also, you've had a lot of feedback in this thread and to me in general before, and I've always appreciated it @Soundbyte, just fyi. @Trip @Chairman3 @Tranqville also. You guys are awesome, thanks.
Dr98 is smaller then my 22 ezone and vcore pro 97....DR98 is smaller then 98 and it plays like a 95...check by overlapping rackets and check inside of the hoop...it's not even close that you can see it very easyRegardless of my decision or not, I would argue if it won't cost you too much, it's definitely worth it to grab one just to have. A day will come where they are gone for good. I searched for fun a year and a half ago, and it felt like there were a LOT more available on auction sites than there are now, especially since I'm a bit more active in my search now.
No, I didn't. I would in general almost always prefer something more readily available especially with grommets over a discontinued racquet, at least that's how I came into this with. However, I just enjoy hitting with the DR98, it's fun, and I value that. I didn't even expect to like it this much when I got it, it's surprising how much it grabbed me. I like to think everyone's racquet journey is different, and I am certainly not competing at a high level. So, why not just choose what's fun and works for me, I guess?
Again, this is not official yet. I am weighing using something more readily available with grommets over this. Still a little over a week to decide. As charitable as I've been to brands and TW through holism, I don't feel like donating an additional $500 to charity per my bet a couple pages ago, so yeah, a decision must be made and stuck to, lol. Just trying to update as constantly as I can, per the original post.
Also, you've had a lot of feedback in this thread and to me in general before, and I've always appreciated it @Soundbyte, just fyi. @Trip @Chairman3 @Tranqville also. You guys are awesome, thanks.
leojramirez
Rookie
Jeeeezuz this guy is a real racketaholic…
I have to say that I bought a Blade v8 100 out of a whim and was about to return it but strung it…. And This is some serious racket.
Im 36 and have never played with a 100. Past few years ive been playing with yonex vcores 98s and 95s until the latest release of the vcore 98 gave me a serious case of tennis elbow. While recovering i played with the noodle vcore pro 97. I moved on to the boom pro which plays great on the forehand but backhand is suspect due to the handle weight. I was happy but Ive been getting discomfort from it lately on the elbow after an hour play. I play tested the blade v8 98 when switching from the vcore. I remembered that it gave me bearable discomfort on the elbow when i was fighting the TE and was a candidate. I decided to try it again but if im not properly positioned the forehand suffers. Its demanding compared to what im used to. Enter the blade v8 100. More comfortable than the 98 as its more forgiving. By the way, i never understood the term forgiveness until playing with this frame. I can now see how a 100 is more forgiving than a 98. Anyway, it gives me confidence to sometimes push the backhand and also blast it flat and topspin. It also lets me feel like i can dictate with the forehand as with the boom pro. I did add 6 grams of lead at 3 and 9. Lovely racket.
Good luck yall on your racketholism and enjoy tehe holidays.
I have to say that I bought a Blade v8 100 out of a whim and was about to return it but strung it…. And This is some serious racket.
Im 36 and have never played with a 100. Past few years ive been playing with yonex vcores 98s and 95s until the latest release of the vcore 98 gave me a serious case of tennis elbow. While recovering i played with the noodle vcore pro 97. I moved on to the boom pro which plays great on the forehand but backhand is suspect due to the handle weight. I was happy but Ive been getting discomfort from it lately on the elbow after an hour play. I play tested the blade v8 98 when switching from the vcore. I remembered that it gave me bearable discomfort on the elbow when i was fighting the TE and was a candidate. I decided to try it again but if im not properly positioned the forehand suffers. Its demanding compared to what im used to. Enter the blade v8 100. More comfortable than the 98 as its more forgiving. By the way, i never understood the term forgiveness until playing with this frame. I can now see how a 100 is more forgiving than a 98. Anyway, it gives me confidence to sometimes push the backhand and also blast it flat and topspin. It also lets me feel like i can dictate with the forehand as with the boom pro. I did add 6 grams of lead at 3 and 9. Lovely racket.
Good luck yall on your racketholism and enjoy tehe holidays.
curtstead
Professional
Never say never, I still love my 7G!
curtstead
Professional
Oh I know it's bad. Agree with everything you said on the Blade 100, it's awesome.
Enjoy your holidays, too!
I played the Wilson Blade 100 yesterday ! Head Lynx Tour 54 lbs, 2 g at 3 oclock and 2 g at 9 oclock!
I promise you, its the best racket with this setup i have ever played!
Its the best double handed backhand ive ever played! So much power and control, unbelievalbe!
No Babolat racket has any chance against this magic stick!
I will buy me 3 more for teh next years!
I tried 5 string setuop, and head lynx tour is the best wirt 54 lbs
and you really have to put 4 g to 3 and 9, so stable, but also fast in the air.
I promise you, its the best racket with this setup i have ever played!
Its the best double handed backhand ive ever played! So much power and control, unbelievalbe!
No Babolat racket has any chance against this magic stick!
I will buy me 3 more for teh next years!
I tried 5 string setuop, and head lynx tour is the best wirt 54 lbs
and you really have to put 4 g to 3 and 9, so stable, but also fast in the air.
@curtstead - Hope you had a nice Christmas! Any further developments as we close in on "contract day"? Going all in with the DR? Or playing it more safe/forgiving with the Blade 100 or MP-L? Or otherwise? Curious minds would love to know!
Holy crap that’s too many rackets. Read the first couple of posts and we have very similar taste and similar game/strokes. I thought I had settled with my Speed MP until I tried the Percept 100.. give that one a try if you haven’t.
PS: so many good things about the Blade 100.. thinking of getting one, although there’s no reason to since I’m really gelling with the Percept 100
PS: so many good things about the Blade 100.. thinking of getting one, although there’s no reason to since I’m really gelling with the Percept 100
optic yellow
Legend
Fun to hit with should be the number one factor used when selecting a racquet.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Read all the posts... you rejected what I would have suggested.
Good luck with your search. The DR98 is fabulous. Looking forward to your final choice.
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curtstead
Professional
Decision coming shortly, less than 24 hours. We are down to the Blade 100 and DR98. Sadly eliminated one of my favorites on market, the MP-L. That won’t be a fun one to put on the classifieds, but that’s where it must go.
@Classic-TXP-IG MID just a heads up, I’ll be down your way in a few weeks! Not sure where in Australia you are, but I’ll be in Melbourne for 4 nights and Sydney for 3 of them. GF and I going to the AO for a couple days. If you’re in either city, would love to hit with the legend himself!!
@Classic-TXP-IG MID just a heads up, I’ll be down your way in a few weeks! Not sure where in Australia you are, but I’ll be in Melbourne for 4 nights and Sydney for 3 of them. GF and I going to the AO for a couple days. If you’re in either city, would love to hit with the legend himself!!
@curtstead - Good stuff Curtis. Would love to know more about what lead to the elimination of the MP-L, as you have time.
Keen to see whether it's the Blade or DR that becomes the 2024 Curtis Autograph ©™.
Keen to see whether it's the Blade or DR that becomes the 2024 Curtis Autograph ©™.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
I'm on the Sunshine Coast (1.5 hrs from Brisbane), which is in Queensland. However, I'm visiting Melbourne for the AO, and will be there from 14-19 Jan. When are you in Melbourne?
Same here, do you know anywhere that can measure swing weight on the central sunny coast area?
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
No idea. I would go to a bigger tennis centre/ club.
I used to take my racquets to a syringe in Brisbane, and he had all the gear. But since I started stringing myself, I've just gone by feel and strung weight (I have a pretty good idea of what I like and what it feels like). I go by that.
Sorry
riptide120
New User
SW seems a bit on the low side, so how much plowthrough does it really have?
Stock plow-through is moderate. But that's where hoop lead comes in. Slap a little on at 9 and 3 and problem mostly solved.
Torps
Semi-Pro
Percept 100D
Based on Curtis's take-aways throughout the thread, I'd wager the 100D wouldn't have enough launch angle for him. At this stage of the game, though, it's really too late to find out, as he's about to make a decision between Blade 100 v8 and DR98, which, all things considered, is not such a bad place to be.
