riptide120
New User
Reading back through the original set of reviews, I also feel like this is the first time anyone has ever described Pure Strike 98 gen3 as "too muted".
Help me decide my racquet for 2024, and put an end to the racquetholism (for at least a year)
- Thread starter curtstead
- Start date
LOL. I presume this is a joke? The PS gen3's are some of the most muted racquets ever made. Complete and utter rubbery/vague/plastic broom handle feel.
Haha what? Pure Strike is the deadest feeling frame I've ever come across. I fed one ball with the frame was immediately NOPE'ing it back into the bag. It's too muted even by modern standards!
riptide120
New User
Some of the most muted racquets ever? More muted than Clash? Or Head Boom Pro? Or anything Prince with O-ports?
I'll admit, I haven't tested every single racquet out there, but I'm genuinely curious: if there exists a frame out there that's roughly similar to PS3 specs/performance but less muted, I will demo it tomorrow.
Pure Strike Tour
Yep, it's right up there with all of those.
The challenge is finding something as firm yet raw/direct. I would say try a TFight ISO 300 or 315, which are dampened (from the foam fill) but not as muted, or if you did mind a platform stick and know how to customize, a Blade Team -- 99" mold very close to what was the Steam, with a 22/24/22mm beam and firm 69-70ish RA. Put some weight in the right places and you're in business.
riptide120
New User
Funny you mention that, I do own a TFight 305 XTC that I hit with sometimes. I do like how it sort of falls into "PS3 with more feel" category, but unfortunately I also feel that it's way more demanding to use than a PS3.
curtstead
Professional
Thank you all for over a months worth of awesome posts. I have appreciated them all, even the troll ones. I ain’t even lyin!
So after much consideration, court time, and thoughts from friends, I have decide to go with the Ezone DR98 for my 2024 year, and place everything else in the classifieds and/or the auction site. Please feel free to DM me for any of my stock, as I have plenty to get rid of. I’d rather TTW users who spent time to post in this thread get first crack at them for a discounted rate than some rando putting in a bid at a certain auction site. All grip sizes I own are 4 3/8 btw, aka L3.
What won me over with the DR98 is a lot of things. The consistency of the string bed, the power, the control, the SERVE (so good in this regard), the NON VDM CURRENT YONEX MUTED feel, the large sweetspot, the cool factor of having one of these things, but most importantly, fun! It’s just fun to be on court with the DR98. It gives you everything you put in to it.
However, this thread doesn’t end today. I will test strings and any potential customization before my next big singles season in February. I also have USTA STATE in 3.5 to look forward to for Georgia in a few months. All about getting prepped for that with my new weapon of choice. I’ll continue to post string updates and results in general.
Thank you all for your time, your help, and thoughts. This thread won’t die, and I hope other ‘holics use this thread as an idea to hold yourself accountable, have people you gotta answer to, and find your weapon of choice! Setting a deadline, even if arbitrary, helps with making decisions.
In regards to future, my “contract” states I am stuck with the DR98 until at least December 1st, 2024! So we’ve got 11 months until our “renewal” period. I’m sure I’ll post a signing day college football like photo for the lols soon.
Looking forward to my best year yet as a tennis player. Thanks to everyone in this forum for the help, as TTW is one of the best places in the world for tennis but especially for equipment. Thank you all, seriously!
-Curtis
So after much consideration, court time, and thoughts from friends, I have decide to go with the Ezone DR98 for my 2024 year, and place everything else in the classifieds and/or the auction site. Please feel free to DM me for any of my stock, as I have plenty to get rid of. I’d rather TTW users who spent time to post in this thread get first crack at them for a discounted rate than some rando putting in a bid at a certain auction site. All grip sizes I own are 4 3/8 btw, aka L3.
What won me over with the DR98 is a lot of things. The consistency of the string bed, the power, the control, the SERVE (so good in this regard), the NON VDM CURRENT YONEX MUTED feel, the large sweetspot, the cool factor of having one of these things, but most importantly, fun! It’s just fun to be on court with the DR98. It gives you everything you put in to it.
However, this thread doesn’t end today. I will test strings and any potential customization before my next big singles season in February. I also have USTA STATE in 3.5 to look forward to for Georgia in a few months. All about getting prepped for that with my new weapon of choice. I’ll continue to post string updates and results in general.
Thank you all for your time, your help, and thoughts. This thread won’t die, and I hope other ‘holics use this thread as an idea to hold yourself accountable, have people you gotta answer to, and find your weapon of choice! Setting a deadline, even if arbitrary, helps with making decisions.
In regards to future, my “contract” states I am stuck with the DR98 until at least December 1st, 2024! So we’ve got 11 months until our “renewal” period. I’m sure I’ll post a signing day college football like photo for the lols soon.
Looking forward to my best year yet as a tennis player. Thanks to everyone in this forum for the help, as TTW is one of the best places in the world for tennis but especially for equipment. Thank you all, seriously!
-Curtis
curtstead
Professional
I’ll post a signing day photo soon haha
curtstead
Professional
I appreciate you man but no the hell it won’t, lol! We are done until at least December 1st, 2024. However… we’ll talk more in December about those 4-5 sticks!
curtstead
Professional
Bro, WHAT
optic yellow
Legend
What we are all expecting as spectators here:
"@curtstead Journal Entry January 2, 2024:
This past 48 hours have been trying. Despite my dedication and allegiance to the DR98, I find my heart strings being tugged constantly. Is it FOMO? Is it the new Blade Cosmetic? Or perhaps the allure of the double orange stripe of the new Pure Strike Line? Alas, it may prove too much for any man to endure.
My wallet has been locked away for safekeeping, to prevent my fragile self from succumbing to temptation.
What's worse, I fear I may already be cracking. For I, shamefully must admit, that I have drafted and thrice deleted a new thread called "Help me find my racket for February 2024"
God, Deity, Mother Earth...whomever the higher power may be...give me strength."
"@curtstead Journal Entry January 2, 2024:
This past 48 hours have been trying. Despite my dedication and allegiance to the DR98, I find my heart strings being tugged constantly. Is it FOMO? Is it the new Blade Cosmetic? Or perhaps the allure of the double orange stripe of the new Pure Strike Line? Alas, it may prove too much for any man to endure.
My wallet has been locked away for safekeeping, to prevent my fragile self from succumbing to temptation.
What's worse, I fear I may already be cracking. For I, shamefully must admit, that I have drafted and thrice deleted a new thread called "Help me find my racket for February 2024"
God, Deity, Mother Earth...whomever the higher power may be...give me strength."
curtstead
Professional
I'd agree with you on paper, you'd think I would love it but idk... I just didn't? I didn't love the PS97 v13 either, same with v12 fwiw. Regardless, I'm pretty happy with where I'm at the DRs, they work for me! It's all I can say, ya know?
YES I know...my gravity pro shouldn't work for my ohbh either but I do better with GP then with my DR OR ezone...I'm trying aero98 even though I hate babolat feel...I sold off all my rackets except for GP , DR98, 22 ezone and aero98....GP should have been sold off but when I lose the first set I take out the GP and win most of the matches...ONLY thing and is a BIG thing that keeps the GP FROM being only racket in my bag is it SUCKZ BALLZ on my slice n kick serves .. I am only good as my 2nd serve cause my shoulder damage keeps me from hitting hard flat 1st serves ...so my 1st and 2nd serve is either slice or kick and I still win with GP CAUSE it's perfect for my game except serve
curtstead
Professional
Blade Pro 16m w/ v8 PJ, probably closest I've come to that.
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Probably just wanting to keep that kind of stuff in the Classifieds. Understandable.
Curious, Curtis, if you could share even just a few sentences, what made the MP-L fall short of the Blade 100 v8 for you, and that, in turn, fall short of the DR98? Thanks!
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
If you read the Racquetholics thread, there are people there (such as Richard Pioline ) that might help you get affordable ones from Europe at way lower prices than in US. I got 3 from him, 2 models, but one model in two itterations, the last one with lower SW and that's the one I love.
Speaking of which I do have 2 351.1 at 27.25", close enough to the BP v8 16M, but with a tad heavier SW, the ones he calls Sumos that I could part with. Very solid, powerful and controlled. 334g strung with tape guard, big dampener and overgrip. Before they had a leather grip and were at 341-348g static and 344SW. I got one of those left as well.
(Finally, I found a tad heavier 293.1, 343g strung, but with lower SW that I use instead).
Happy New Year!
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
Racquetholics would know, please ask them! I am noob, never replaced grommets(although I do stock them at times), plus I always use a tape guard on all my racquets.
Besides the prostocks were brand new and equally matched in a proshop, not only static weight, but SW, ballance ( a benefit that can't be ignored)....
Fighting phoenix
Professional
I literally am trying to do the same thing as the OP, as I've been a chronic racquetaholic for the last year plus, but given that I'm focused on improving my game and winning league and tournament matches, I'm trying to narrow a current list of eight racquets down to one by Feb 15th, so I can focus on kicking butt on the court and stick with one frame to do so. Should I post here, or create a separate thread? Looking for advice and help from others on these boards!
curtstead
Professional
Join in! Feel free to use this thread. Fun one to keep going, plus it means maybe someone else besides me can get trolled, lol.
As a now recovering racquetholic, happy to help where I can on input.
Fighting phoenix
Professional
All right, here's my dilemma: 52 yrs old, former junior and college D1 player, played sporadically between the ages of 29-45, then picked up again with a Pure Strike and a partner I played with once a week. Two years ago, I decided to dive into getting back in gear and joined a few USTA teams, self-rated at 4.0, and have been obsessed with playing since then (3-4X/week at least). About 6 months into it, the Pure Strike started giving me major shoulder issues, and after a basic demoing of a handful of sticks, settled into a Radical MP (orange cone, Graphene 360+) and switched to poly for the first time in my life. Went to nationals playing mostly singles on a 40+ team, didn't get bumped to 4.5, and because of chronic tennis elbow and the need for more power, played with an Extreme Auxetic MP for a couple of months, then a Wilson Shift Pro Labs 315. Then jumped on the PA98 bandwagon, kicked butt at sectionals the following year (again, mostly singles), but then decided it was slightly too unforgiving of a racquet and didn't always enjoy the feel, and started using the Extreme Tour modified with a leather grip and lead in the hoop to increase sw and stability.
I didn't get bumped to 4.5 again, mostly cause I'd play through injuries stupidly and lost a few matches I shouldn't have, but I was just on the cusp and guys I beat got bumped (I'm now a 6.55 UTR). After accumulating a variety of sticks I think would suit my game, and modding them with RW in mind (I'm 5'10" with longish arms, so ~165 RW probs ideal), my preferred specs of a head light racquet in the 320-325sw range, and my age and playing style (all court, lefty kick serve, top spin forehand, mostly slice backhand, loving being consistent from the baseline and then attacking given the opportunity), I've seeded 8 racquets to be in my quarterfinals and am playing them against each other in practice and match play when I can. Current contenders in my racquet tournament bracket:
PA 98 (1 seed) - had my best results with this despite not loving the feel, squaring up against the 8th seeded Aux Radical Pro - although the Pro is probably too low powered and high level for me and what I'm trying to accomplish, I'm drawn to the feel of it and want it to be great. Likely the PA 98 will win this match up. I recently played with the PA 98 at a tournament and again was kicking butt with it.
Shift 300 (4 seed) vs. Extreme Tour (5 seed). I'm intrigued by the regular 16x20 shift (w/ leather grip, a little weight in the hoop), since I loved the Pro, and given my age and playing style I probably need something more forgiving and powerful, but still spin friendly. The Extreme Tour has served me well, but against bigger hitters I think it's slightly too unstable - really fun to play with and love the feel, but not sure it will help me elevate my game.
React MP Pro (3 seed) vs. the Vcore 100 (6 seed) - I know, very different racquets, but I'm really intrigued by both - Angell will likely win out in control and feel, and the Vcore 100 is an admitted wild card as I'm excited about the power potential, but not sure it will provide me the control that I still need (the main issue I had with the Extreme MP)
PA (100) 2 seed vs. the Rafalito (Pure Aero Rafa, 290 gram version, with leather grip and a little lead at 12 to get swing weight above 320) - this is the match-up I'm currently in, and I really love them both strung up with Toroline Caviar, but likely the PA will win this round and be my top contender vs. the PA98. I know, kind of a sell out, but love the easy power and maneuverability, rock hard stability at net, no real weaknesses so far.
I'm trying to go through a pairing like this on a weekly basis, with a declared winner by mid Feb before the Spring and Summer seasons kick into gear. Pretty nerdy stuff, I know! I don't really want to be a chronic racquet switcher this year, as it won't help my game and is expensive, and I've got a real shot to be a solid 4.5 before I get to my mid 50s and begin the slow decline that comes with aging ;-)
I didn't get bumped to 4.5 again, mostly cause I'd play through injuries stupidly and lost a few matches I shouldn't have, but I was just on the cusp and guys I beat got bumped (I'm now a 6.55 UTR). After accumulating a variety of sticks I think would suit my game, and modding them with RW in mind (I'm 5'10" with longish arms, so ~165 RW probs ideal), my preferred specs of a head light racquet in the 320-325sw range, and my age and playing style (all court, lefty kick serve, top spin forehand, mostly slice backhand, loving being consistent from the baseline and then attacking given the opportunity), I've seeded 8 racquets to be in my quarterfinals and am playing them against each other in practice and match play when I can. Current contenders in my racquet tournament bracket:
PA 98 (1 seed) - had my best results with this despite not loving the feel, squaring up against the 8th seeded Aux Radical Pro - although the Pro is probably too low powered and high level for me and what I'm trying to accomplish, I'm drawn to the feel of it and want it to be great. Likely the PA 98 will win this match up. I recently played with the PA 98 at a tournament and again was kicking butt with it.
Shift 300 (4 seed) vs. Extreme Tour (5 seed). I'm intrigued by the regular 16x20 shift (w/ leather grip, a little weight in the hoop), since I loved the Pro, and given my age and playing style I probably need something more forgiving and powerful, but still spin friendly. The Extreme Tour has served me well, but against bigger hitters I think it's slightly too unstable - really fun to play with and love the feel, but not sure it will help me elevate my game.
React MP Pro (3 seed) vs. the Vcore 100 (6 seed) - I know, very different racquets, but I'm really intrigued by both - Angell will likely win out in control and feel, and the Vcore 100 is an admitted wild card as I'm excited about the power potential, but not sure it will provide me the control that I still need (the main issue I had with the Extreme MP)
PA (100) 2 seed vs. the Rafalito (Pure Aero Rafa, 290 gram version, with leather grip and a little lead at 12 to get swing weight above 320) - this is the match-up I'm currently in, and I really love them both strung up with Toroline Caviar, but likely the PA will win this round and be my top contender vs. the PA98. I know, kind of a sell out, but love the easy power and maneuverability, rock hard stability at net, no real weaknesses so far.
I'm trying to go through a pairing like this on a weekly basis, with a declared winner by mid Feb before the Spring and Summer seasons kick into gear. Pretty nerdy stuff, I know! I don't really want to be a chronic racquet switcher this year, as it won't help my game and is expensive, and I've got a real shot to be a solid 4.5 before I get to my mid 50s and begin the slow decline that comes with aging ;-)
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
I like the pairings. You've mentioned that you like HL racquets, played well with the PA98, but not crazy about the feel... try putting silicone in the handle, instead of the leather grip (which would make it firmer feeling - transmit more info and vibrations to your arm). If you put a similar amount (around 10g - I have maybe 15g), it won't be any heavier, but might make a difference in comfort and vibration transmission.
The same could be said about the Shift 99/300 (regular)... which would then match the weight of the Shift Pro, but be that 16x20 string pattern.
Just a thought.
I'm looking forward to your thoughts and experiences with all the racquets.
I've got a large number of those racquets, but experiences are individual. For example, I don't have any issues against heavy hitters with my G360+ Extreme Tour (modified), and I have the G360+ Extreme Pro (modified), which has the tighter string pattern and more weight in stock form, so I have no issues with control (in fact, I find it very controlled for what it is, and play amazingly well with it - only weaker area compared to the Extreme Tour, is the volleys and net game).
Keep us posted. Also not sure if you want more suggestions of racquets, or you're set on these, and just want to whittle them down.
The last bit I just want to mention... maybe adopt a different mindset on what will happen after your mid-50s... just keep trying to be in shape and good conditioning, and don't think about the numbers, etc. I'm about to turn 49, and am still giving the 25/26 year olds at my level a run for their money. In fact, I'm going to get even fitter and better conditioned (if I can), and then start whooping their butts.
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Fighting phoenix
Professional
Great ideas - I did really like the PA98 more recently when I played with it in a tourney, but I might try going back to the regular soft overgrip and adding silicone in the handle. Also w/r to the Extreme Tour, recently I added more weight in the hoop - at 10 and 2, and at 12, and at 340 grams static (leather grip and some extra weight in the handle) it plays much firmer than it did. I also agree that it volleys very well, which was one of the reasons I liked it so much.
This is gonna be a tough one...in the end I'll probably have to go with my gut and stick it out with something. I am open to suggestions if you feel like I"m missing out on something I haven't yet tried.
@Fighting phoenix - Thanks for the background info.
My first question would be: is the tournament format really necessary, even favorable? On the one hand, I can see how doing it may add perceived ease and speed to your decision making, but quite simply, the best frame for you may not end up winning (due to siloed segregation). Instead, I would keep the focus on you at the forefront -- all aspects of you, your game, your preferences and your goals -- and use that as a singular filter through which you feed all racquets as a whole group, all at once, rinsing and repeating until a winner is picked -- a winner which is and always has been considered against all other remaining candidates, at all times. IMHO, a much more complete way to come to a true best choice for you, yet not really any more complicated or lengthy a process, provided you keep your criteria laser clear.
That established, and all things considered, I would point you towards the most forgiving, naturally-stable, highest power-to-weight ratio frame that still delivers the baseline level of control and comfort required. Approaching it this way assures you that you're not making tennis any harder on yourself that it needs to be, while still delivering the non-negotiables on performance and comfort. Using that, plus your writeup, as our "filter", to me it seems pretty clear that the Pure Aero 2023 (with proper customization, recoil weight tuning and string setup -- all for adequate comfort) comes out in front. You could certainly go PA98, but as you know, it demands a certain level of non-negotiable intensity, a level that you wouldn't always have to exhibit if you went PA23, yet at the same time the PA23 is not that much less controlled IMHO (for example, the center-most mains are actually tighter than the PA98, so the PA23 may actually be more controlled for certain things such as varying types of flatter contact, even certain slices, depending on your technique).
So that's how I'd approach this. Hope at least some of that helps.
My first question would be: is the tournament format really necessary, even favorable? On the one hand, I can see how doing it may add perceived ease and speed to your decision making, but quite simply, the best frame for you may not end up winning (due to siloed segregation). Instead, I would keep the focus on you at the forefront -- all aspects of you, your game, your preferences and your goals -- and use that as a singular filter through which you feed all racquets as a whole group, all at once, rinsing and repeating until a winner is picked -- a winner which is and always has been considered against all other remaining candidates, at all times. IMHO, a much more complete way to come to a true best choice for you, yet not really any more complicated or lengthy a process, provided you keep your criteria laser clear.
That established, and all things considered, I would point you towards the most forgiving, naturally-stable, highest power-to-weight ratio frame that still delivers the baseline level of control and comfort required. Approaching it this way assures you that you're not making tennis any harder on yourself that it needs to be, while still delivering the non-negotiables on performance and comfort. Using that, plus your writeup, as our "filter", to me it seems pretty clear that the Pure Aero 2023 (with proper customization, recoil weight tuning and string setup -- all for adequate comfort) comes out in front. You could certainly go PA98, but as you know, it demands a certain level of non-negotiable intensity, a level that you wouldn't always have to exhibit if you went PA23, yet at the same time the PA23 is not that much less controlled IMHO (for example, the center-most mains are actually tighter than the PA98, so the PA23 may actually be more controlled for certain things such as varying types of flatter contact, even certain slices, depending on your technique).
So that's how I'd approach this. Hope at least some of that helps.
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Tranqville
Professional
Fighting phoenix
Professional
Actually, I don't disagree with your points about the tournament format - I've kind of been doing that the last couple weeks as I've eliminated a few and bumped up some others (ie my resuscitation of the PA98). I also have the sneaky suspicion that I might land on the Pure Aero 23 vs. the 98 when all is said and done - I really don't think there are any flaws with the frame, and it suits my play style well, especially if I start playing more doubles (I'm not a naturally powerful player and need a little extra help on half volleys and put away shots in dubs). Playing with that now at 322 sw strung w/ toroline caviar (1.20), leather grip as the only modification, it feels great...I'm clearly gravitating away from 98s or more "players" frames given my age (hence no Prestiges, Pro Staffs, or Percepts made my list). Thx for your insight!
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
I have silicone in the handle of my Extreme Tour and Pro, and it has only made them better and more solid against harder hitters (again leather grips make racquets feel stiffer sometimes, as they transmit more info and vibrations through the handle - so I'd avoid that with mid to high RA racquets).
Several racquets that might be interesting for you:
Prince Phantom 97P - thin beamed, extremely comfortable, excellent feel, and if you use thicker gauge strings, very good on both spin and flat shots. Minimal modifications, if any are needed, and it plays well and if able to hang with heavy hitters, and currently at very good prices (may not be available in future - so maybe get some grommets at the same time, if you get it)
Dunlop Srixon SX300 Tour (2019) - excellent racquet that is a more comfortable PA100, excellent control, huge power, thicker beam, awesome spin, stable as anything, and super comfortable... but only try to source the 2019 version, as the current model has changed and the feedback is not as good.
I don't want to add too many options as it will only get confusing, but those two (from my perspective) are excellent, but on opposite sides of the spectrum when it comes to beam thickness and power.
Hope that helps.
Glad to hear you've kept an open mind to just simply look at the whole list you have in front of you, all in one go. I think it will just make for a better decision overall.
Happy to help. Based on your writings, it seems like know yourself and your game pretty well. That said, you still have a few weeks to confirm. I would just make sure to try and play both (or more) frames in as many identical situations as possible, so you can really see "does ____ frame really give me what I need/want in _____ situation, like _____ frame does?" and vice-versa. Seems like you're almost at the end of that process, but hopefully you can use the remaining few weeks to eliminate any doubts. If you did pick the PA23, I can tell you that you could certainly do a heck of a lot worse. As I said in my post from the TW playtest, coming from flatter-hitting player's frames (like you are/were), Babolat did one heck of a job at making something as universally playable/welcoming as possible with this iteration of Aero. It's one h*ll of a stick.
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I vote Shift 99 300. Almost as much spin as PA, great feel, control, stability. The tech in it is amazing.
Fighting phoenix
Professional
That’s going on the stringer next - I’m thinking Alu power ocean blue
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
I don't think that you should disregard the Prestiges, but that's just me.
Shift 300 ProLabs is great with about 6g added at 12 (plus overgrip and dampener), making it 333g and about 325SW.
Fighting phoenix
Professional
Yeah I think mine is a higher swing weight than that stock, I'll string it and see where it's at, but I'll want it to be around that spec. I was tempted to try the new Prestige Pro, and maybe the MP-L, but not sure if either of those would be an upgrade to what I'm already looking and/or help me win points.
curtstead
Professional
Sorry to be away from the thread for a while. Here's an unfortunate update...
My 2nd DR98 arrived, got it strung up, and then I went to hit with it... I haven't gotten it measured yet, but it feels WAY overspec. Yonex QC is usually the best of them all by far, and I'm assuming it was good back in 2015 as well. Yet, my god, this 2nd one feels like an absolute log. It feels similar/harder to swing than some of the heaviest sticks I've ever tried. It plays nowhere near as fast as my other DR98, which I had to switch back to last night.
This is depressing. I'll go get it measured, as I'm curious as to what the specs are, but assuming my gut feeling is accurate, SW is way overspec and I won't drop that one on the classifieds unless someone here really wanted it. I wonder if this is equivalent to a Yonex version of a Lemon. I mean it feels that heavy and that sluggish. It swings like the Vcore Pro 97H, if you want an idea of how it feels, but maybe even heavier than that. It'll go on the bay, and then my search for another one will begin, as I don't want to rely on a single DR98 in 2024 because that limits testing strings out, etc. A 2nd frame that plays at least relatively similar is necessary imo for testing and having a safe backup for string breakage, etc. Ugh, this SUCKS.
Fwiw, my other DR98 that I started out with, I am just in love with. It is absolutely the right frame for me. This second one is not.
-Curtis
My 2nd DR98 arrived, got it strung up, and then I went to hit with it... I haven't gotten it measured yet, but it feels WAY overspec. Yonex QC is usually the best of them all by far, and I'm assuming it was good back in 2015 as well. Yet, my god, this 2nd one feels like an absolute log. It feels similar/harder to swing than some of the heaviest sticks I've ever tried. It plays nowhere near as fast as my other DR98, which I had to switch back to last night.
This is depressing. I'll go get it measured, as I'm curious as to what the specs are, but assuming my gut feeling is accurate, SW is way overspec and I won't drop that one on the classifieds unless someone here really wanted it. I wonder if this is equivalent to a Yonex version of a Lemon. I mean it feels that heavy and that sluggish. It swings like the Vcore Pro 97H, if you want an idea of how it feels, but maybe even heavier than that. It'll go on the bay, and then my search for another one will begin, as I don't want to rely on a single DR98 in 2024 because that limits testing strings out, etc. A 2nd frame that plays at least relatively similar is necessary imo for testing and having a safe backup for string breakage, etc. Ugh, this SUCKS.
Fwiw, my other DR98 that I started out with, I am just in love with. It is absolutely the right frame for me. This second one is not.
-Curtis
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If you bought it used from someone, it is possible that they had customized it without telling you. I know I have purchased a used stick that had eight added to it, sometimes in places that aren't immediately obvious just by looking at it. It may not be the case, just something to consider. Hopefully you find one more similar to your first!
@curtstead - Ahh, that sucks, but it's often an unfortunate byproduct of going through the used market. I've had it happen with a select few used frames myself, and in response, I've made it a personal standard to list the full unstrung spec of all frames that I sell (via Briffidi SW1), so the buyer knows exactly what he/she is getting.
On that note, I would highly, highly recommend getting a Briffidi SW1 (with optional twist weight adapter), a balance board and a kitchen scale with a weight range good for racquets, so that you can know the exact spec of your frames, and aside from gaining the reassurance of knowing how on/off spec any given frame is, also open up the world of customization to yourself.
For starters, you could measure the unstrung static, balance and swing weight of the DR98 that you love, so you'd be able to establish that as your "baseline target spec" that you're shopping for, and if along the way you meet a would-be-seller who knows the unstrung spec of his/her DR98, it could prove its worth right there.
Anyways, I hope you find the duplicate spec you're looking for, whatever it turns out to be.
On that note, I would highly, highly recommend getting a Briffidi SW1 (with optional twist weight adapter), a balance board and a kitchen scale with a weight range good for racquets, so that you can know the exact spec of your frames, and aside from gaining the reassurance of knowing how on/off spec any given frame is, also open up the world of customization to yourself.
For starters, you could measure the unstrung static, balance and swing weight of the DR98 that you love, so you'd be able to establish that as your "baseline target spec" that you're shopping for, and if along the way you meet a would-be-seller who knows the unstrung spec of his/her DR98, it could prove its worth right there.
Anyways, I hope you find the duplicate spec you're looking for, whatever it turns out to be.
Fighting phoenix
Professional
Yeah, this is basically why I eliminated any older racquets that aren't readily available in retail form from my list of candidates to be my main stick - no TW matching service, no ordering five and sending back three, etc.. The good news is you found one, you realistically only need one more, and you're only committing through '24, at which point a new Ezone model might be on the horizon and lo and behold it turns out to be an awesome update and that's what you switch to ;-)
curtstead
Professional
Yeah man, I need to get one. Been on my list for a bit. Thanks for the help as always. This is such a pain!
curtstead
Professional
Yeah, I knew the risks when I signed up. Its just SUCH a good frame though, I had to do it. Assuming Yonex likes money, they simply need to bring this back. I feel like if they made small to moderate reproductions of the 95D, the DR98, and the Vcore SV 95, they would all sell out in a week. Easily.
Based on my experience with the current rendition of the Ezone, I'm just not that hopeful that it'll catch my eye. I have simply been unable to gel with the current edition at all other than serve. It feels like an entirely different frame. I know a lot of people love the 22 Ezone 98 and believe me, I wanted to so bad and I did on serve. Nothing else gelled, sadly. However, not fair to compare to the (hopefully) '25 Ezone 98, if it does in fact launch in 2025. Will need to go in to that with an unbiased approach.
....
Or Yonex could just do what their fans want and RE-RELEASE THE DR 98.
Re release will NEVER be the same as the OG... that's why I decided to keep my new OLD stock DR 98s... I thought about selling one getting a regna... I also had the 95d and DR is MUCH better, which is why I sold the 95d n loaded up on DRs...when the junk 2020 ezone came out the DR was put on firesales
Problem is, even though it would be a fair amount of "rinse, lather, repeat", there would be still be some pretty significant cost to put all that back into production, and unless the run and ensuing campaigns were large enough, I doubt it would be profitable enough. I know, that's a very boring, business school type answer, but, unfortunately Yonex is a business.
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