Help me find my new Racket?

[Newby]

Per @Fintft referral, I quickly skimmed through this thread and do have some suggestions. Here are my top 3 for you that I personally have recently owned/demo'd:

1. Pro Staff 97 V13 315 (not RF97A)
I saw that it was brought up a few times and from my brief read, the only concern you had was "doubting its spin potential." In my opinion, don't doubt it. It's no Pure Aero, but you can definitely get a lot of spin out of this thing. I personally hit huge out-wide kick serves with the PS97 when strung with poly at 48lbs. It's a very whippy racket if you have the strokes for it. I also play with a 2HBH but can hit OHBH and I actually preferred hitting my one-hander with it. BH slices are amazing as well as volleys.

2. Yonex VCORE 95 (only tried the 2023 version)
As many will tell you, the VCORE 95 feels more like a 98. You'll get the mobility you need for your one-hander but also the added forgiveness that you don't get with most other 95 sq in headsize rackets. It's a very plush feeling racket so easy on your wrists. As for spin, VCORE is Yonex's spin line. You really can swing out on this thing and get heavy topspin strokes without having to worry about taming the power. Oh but just beware that Yonex grip sizes nowadays run a little big.

3. Dunlop CX200
Very crisp. I got so much pop out of it when it was strung with poly at 53lbs but you have to be ok with low dwell time on strings. It's really maneuverable so great for your one-hander. Contact felt really solid and defined in comparison to the Head Extreme Tour which felt extremely muted (I was demoing these two side by side at the time). Spin access is definitely there even though it's not known as one of the spin monsters.

Honorable mention:
Babolat Pure Strike VS
Love the feel and ball pocketing from this thing. Solid all around though not spectacular in any particular category. A little underpowered but you mentioned you weren't looking for power. Spin access is there (it's a Babolat).

Yonex VCORE Pro 97
Similar to the Pure Strike VS to me. Very comfortable. A little underpowered but there's some room for you to experiment with lead tape considering you're used to the weight of the Duel G 330. Will allow you to swing for the fences.

Babolat Pure Aero 98
Haven't personally tried this but I have a hunch it would work in theory.

Lastly, if you just want something that'll feel quite similar to your VCORE Duel G 330 (I owned this recently), go with the Yonex VCORE PRO 97H. It's one of my favorites though not the best serving racket/spin racket.

Some rackets I don't think would be a good fit for you (I know others may feel very differently but this is just my opinion):

1. Head Extreme Tour (muted and hollow feeling)
2. Yonex Ezone 98 2022 (weird flex in strange places and low access to spin for a 16x19)
3. Yonex VCORE 98 2023 (really mushy feeling)
4. Wilson Blade (not really a one-hander's racket in my opinion due to the balance)
5. Dunlop CX200 Tour (a one hander's racket on paper but a little too demanding for the modern game in reality with its 18x20 string pattern+smaller headsize)
6. Head Gravity (I just think it's a weird head shape, esp for 1HBH)
7. Technifibre TFight ISO 305 (closer to even balance, string pattern prob not what you're looking for, strange rectangular grip shape)
8. Any Wilson Blade Pro with a high swingweight (def not a one-hander's racket)
9. Any 100 sq in headsize racket (I'm old school and think 98 is the absolute ceiling for one-handers)

 

[batikan]

Per @Fintft referral, I quickly skimmed through this thread and do have some suggestions. Here are my top 3 for you that I personally have recently owned/demo'd:

1. Pro Staff 97 V13 (not RF97A)
I saw that it was brought up a few times and from my brief read, the only concern you had was "doubting its spin potential." In my opinion, don't doubt it. It's no Pure Aero, but you can definitely get a lot of spin out of this thing. I personally hit huge out-wide kick serves with the PS97 when strung with poly at 48lbs. It's a very whippy racket if you have the strokes for it. I also play with a 2HBH but can hit OHBH and I actually preferred hitting my one-hander with it. BH slices are amazing as well as volleys.

2. Yonex VCORE 95 (only tried the 2023 version)
As many will tell you, the VCORE 95 feels more like a 98. You'll get the mobility you need for your one-hander but also the added forgiveness that you don't get with most other 95 sq in headsize rackets. It's a very plush feeling racket so easy on your wrists. As for spin, VCORE is Yonex's spin line. You really can swing out on this thing and get heavy topspin strokes without having to worry about taming the power. Oh but just beware that Yonex grip sizes nowadays run a little big.

3. Dunlop CX200
Very crisp. I got so much pop out of it when it was strung with poly at 53lbs but you have to be ok with low dwell time on strings. It's really maneuverable so great for your one-hander. Contact felt really solid and defined in comparison to the Head Extreme Tour which felt extremely muted (I was demoing these two side by side at the time). Spin access is definitely there even though it's not known as one of the spin monsters.

Honorable mention:
Babolat Pure Strike VS
Love the feel and ball pocketing from this thing. Solid all around though not spectacular in any particular category. A little underpowered but you mentioned you weren't looking for power. Spin access is there (it's a Babolat).

Yonex VCORE Pro 97
Similar to the Pure Strike VS to me. Very comfortable. A little underpowered but there's some room for you to experiment with lead tape considering you're used to the weight of the Tour G 330. Will allow you to swing for the fences.

Babolat Pure Aero 98
Haven't personally tried this but I have a hunch it would work in theory.

Lastly, if you just want something that'll feel quite similar to your VCORE Tour G 330 (I also owned both this and the Duel G 330), go with the Yonex VCORE 97H. It's one of my favorites though not the best serving racket/spin racket.

Some rackets I don't think would be a good fit for you (I know others may feel very differently but this is just my opinion):

1. Head Extreme Tour (muted and hollow feeling)
2. Yonex Ezone 98 2022 (weird flex in strange places and low access to spin for a 16x19)
3. Yonex VCORE 98 2023 (really mushy feeling)
4. Wilson Blade (not really a one-hander's racket in my opinion due to the balance)
5. Dunlop CX200 Tour (a one hander's racket on paper but a little too demanding for the modern game in reality with its 18x20 string pattern+smaller headsize)
6. Head Gravity (I just think it's a weird head shape, esp for 1HBH)
7. Any Wilson Blade Pro with a high swingweight (def not a one-hander's racket)
8. Any 100 sq in headsize racket (I'm old school and think 98 is the absolute ceiling for one-handers)

Hey, thanks for reading through a long thread and your suggestions. I'm definitely considering PS97's and V95's as the sticks I want to try. I'm not really sure about the CX200 but I'll definitely give it a go if I see one. (16x19 of course.) Pure Aero 98/VS is also on my list. And after the 3 of those, Vcore Pro 97 comes in the list. I just feel like it'll be a little too similar to my current Duel G.
Currently I'm about to get my hands on a Pure Drive VS. And I absolutely agree with you when it comes to Ezones, Blades, and 100 heads. I'll have another session later today with a friend and I'm sure while he will want to try my PT630, I'll try his Auxetic Extreme Tour again to . I tried Ezones and blades several times and could never get in a groove with them. Blade was definitely too head-heavy even when I added tons of weight in the handle. (304g CV 18x20) My wrists felt sore with a Blade before hitting 30 mins whereas I could play with various heavier rackets for much longer without any fatigue.

 

[Newby]

Hey, thanks for reading through a long thread and your suggestions. I'm definitely considering PS97's and V95's as the sticks I want to try. I'm not really sure about the CX200 but I'll definitely give it a go if I see one. (16x19 of course.) Pure Aero 98/VS is also on my list. And after the 3 of those, Vcore Pro 97 comes in the list. I just feel like it'll be a little too similar to my current Duel G.
Currently I'm about to get my hands on a Pure Drive VS. And I absolutely agree with you when it comes to Ezones, Blades, and 100 heads. I'll have another session later today with a friend and I'm sure while he will want to try my PT630, I'll try his Auxetic Extreme Tour again to . I tried Ezones and blades several times and could never get in a groove with them. Blade was definitely too head-heavy even when I added tons of weight in the handle. (304g CV 18x20) My wrists felt sore with a Blade before hitting 30 mins whereas I could play with various heavier rackets for much longer without any fatigue.

Yep, and if you play with a high swingweight Blade Pro your wrist will fall off after hitting a few one-handed backhands. CX200 or any Dunlop for that matter wasn't on my list of rackets to demo at all when I began my racket search a few months ago, but it was available at a local shop and I was pleasantly shocked by how well it performed. The VCORE Pro 97 (310) differs from your Duel G mainly in weight which does make it feel quite different (more plow-through and power from your 330, more racket head speed and access to spin with the 310), however I mainly recommended it because I felt that familiarity could possibly be a good thing.

Sounds like you like the Auxetic Extreme Tour, but I feel like there are plenty of other rackets more suited for a one hander than that. To be fair, I'm just knocking on it because I played some really terrible tennis with it haha.

 

[Newby]

Oh and with all that said, maybe add the Wilson Ultra Pro to your list. I haven't tried it yet but am planning on buying the V4 when it's released. I feel like the specs could work for you being that it's control-oriented. Apparently it's a great platform racket to customize up to your liking. Maybe some other UP users can chime in here...

 

[batikan]

Yep, and if you play with a high swingweight Blade Pro your wrist will fall off after hitting a few one-handed backhands. CX200 or any Dunlop for that matter wasn't on my list of rackets to demo at all when I began my racket search a few months ago, but it was available at a local shop and I was pleasantly shocked by how well it performed. The VCORE Pro 97 (310) differs from your Duel G mainly in weight which does make it feel quite different (more plow-through and power from your 330), however I mainly recommended it because I felt that familiarity could possibly be a good thing.

Sounds like you like the Auxetic Extreme Tour, but I feel like there are plenty of other rackets more suited for a one hander than that. To be fair, I'm just knocking on it because I played some really terrible tennis with it haha.

Oh no I really like Dunlop as a brand! I like the price point they want to sit along with their QC and grip shape. It is just that they are a little harder to find over here with less retailers and I usually try to get used rackets when I'm buying so if I can't gel with one I can get my money back. Major shame that demos are not a thing here. I like some aspects of the Auxetic ET that being manoeuvrability and spin access but had problems with the consistency, stability (flex, not twist weight), and feel was a little off for me. But since it fits that "spin-friendly and not too powerful" territory I keep giving it chances to see what exactly about it bothers me so I can have a better idea of what to look for. Another reason I can keep trying it is that a friend of mine that I regularly hit with has one and we both are into rackets. If I can find a 16x19 Ultra Pro I'll definitely be interested in it, but most I saw were 18x20 versions. I'll keep my eyes open for a VCP 97 though my priorities for now would be Vcore95, PS97 v13, Ultra Pro 16x19, Pure Aero VS/98, CX200 and VCP97. Besides these I'll always be curious about a Vcore 98, especially the all-red version.

 

[Newby]

Oh no I really like Dunlop as a brand! I like the price point they want to sit along with their QC and grip shape. It is just that they are a little harder to find over here with less retailers and I usually try to get used rackets when I'm buying so if I can't gel with one I can get my money back. Major shame that demos are not a thing here. I like some aspects of the Auxetic ET that being manoeuvrability and spin access but had problems with the consistency, stability (flex, not twist weight), and feel was a little off for me. But since it fits that "spin-friendly and not too powerful" territory I keep giving it chances to see what exactly about it bothers me so I can have a better idea of what to look for. Another reason I can keep trying it is that a friend of mine that I regularly hit with has one and we both are into rackets. If I can find a 16x19 Ultra Pro I'll definitely be interested in it, but most I saw were 18x20 versions. I'll keep my eyes open for a VCP 97 though my priorities for now would be Vcore95, PS97 v13, Ultra Pro 16x19, Pure Aero VS/98, CX200 and VCP97. Besides these I'll always be curious about a Vcore 98, especially the all-red version.

I think with the Auxetic Extreme Tour, it's a problem with the layup. I really liked the feel of it in my hand, the way it shadow-swung and the headshape, but the moment I hit the ball it just felt like a lot was lacking in terms of the feel. It wasn't plush but it also wasn't crisp. It was just very vague and muted. It def is a little hard to describe.

And one thing I want to add is don't be completely closed off to all 18x20s. I used to rule them out because, like you, I need a lot of access to spin. However, the dense string pattern works very well in certain rackets and you actually won't notice too much of a drop off in spin potential. Sometimes it just tames the power and allows you to brush the ball violently without having to worry about it sailing. I kinda like that and it's one of the reasons I almost settled on the Blade V8 18x20 as my main. You might the wow factor with balls that jump like crazy off the court, but with the right swing you can arc it the way you normally do with 16x19s.

Bringing all this up because an avid Ultra Pro user advised me to steer clear of the 16x19 and go for the 18x20 version when I get mine. Says the lack of stringbed stiffness in the 16x19 version wasn't a good thing and he actually got more power out of the 16x19. I think with a thin beam, that extra boost in power is necessary. Apparently there's a reason why there are more 18x20 Ultra Pro users...

 

[batikan]

I think with the Auxetic Extreme Tour, it's a problem with the layup. I really liked the feel of it in my hand, the way it shadow-swung and the headshape, but the moment I hit the ball it just felt like a lot was lacking in terms of the feel. It wasn't plush but it also wasn't crisp. It was just very vague and muted. It def is a little hard to describe.

And one thing I want to add is don't be completely closed off to all 18x20s. I used to rule them out because, like you, I need a lot of access to spin. However, the dense string pattern works very well in certain rackets and you actually won't notice too much of a drop off in spin potential. Sometimes it just tames the power and allows you to brush the ball violently without having to worry about it sailing. I kinda like that and it's one of the reasons I almost settled on the Blade V8 18x20 as my main. You might the wow factor with balls that jump like crazy off the court, but with the right swing you can arc it the way you normally do with 16x19s.

Bringing all this up because an avid Ultra Pro user advised me to steer clear of the 16x19 and go for the 18x20 version when I get mine. Says the lack of stringbed stiffness in the 16x19 version wasn't a good thing and he actually got more power out of the 16x19. I think with a thin beam, that extra boost in power is necessary. Apparently there's a reason why there are more 18x20 Ultra Pro users...

Yes I agree about the Auxetic ET. I heard from some reviewers that the previous version was better, stiffer and more consistent, so I might check one of them out eventually. But I'm in no rush. I tried some 18x20's and yeah a few have been extremely board-y and lacking in spin, on top of the slice feeling weird. I still don't know what makes a racket better for slicing, some say rackets like Pure Aeros or Pure Drives are great at it, and then someone else mentions a Prestige which are just polar opposites of each other.

 

[Newby]

Yes I agree about the Auxetic ET. I heard from some reviewers that the previous version was better, stiffer and more consistent, so I might check one of them out eventually. But I'm in no rush. I tried some 18x20's and yeah a few have been extremely board-y and lacking in spin, on top of the slice feeling weird. I still don't know what makes a racket better for slicing, some say rackets like Pure Aeros or Pure Drives are great at it, and then someone else mentions a Prestige which are just polar opposites of each other.

The backhand slice is by far my favorite and most secure shot. With that said, I generally find it easier to slice with headlight rackets that also have a good amount of weight to them so I personally wouldn't consider Pure Aeros or Pure Drives natural rackets for slicing. I'll still be able to slice relatively well with those rackets that are a little more head heavy (by that I mean something that's closer to even-balance), but it definitely requires a little intuitive adjustment in technique where I have to control the pace of the racket head as it goes through the ball more since it's quite easy to have too much racket head speed and over-slice. A strong slice is definitely a feel-based shot that requires a good balance of medium-paced punching and not overdoing the underspin otherwise you'll lose all the pace/it'll float and becomes more like a bad drop shot. Whenever I'm trying to help someone who slices with too much underspin or sidespin and not enough punch, I usually tell them to think of the slice as a deep backhand placement volley from the baseline so they develop more penetration with it.

Therefore in terms of rackets, I believe that whatever works well and feels natural for volleys should also translate to working well and feeling natural for the slice. Most would tend to agree that heavier, more headlight rackets are better for volleying and will give you more stability, but that doesn't mean that there aren't people who prefer to volley with Babolats! In fact, Maxime Cressy, who is basically the only serve and volleyer in the ATP Top 100, uses a Pure Aero. To each their own I guess. All I know is my slices were crazy good with the PS97 V13.

 

[bobeeto]

I've been looking at VCP 97's but from some reviewers I heard it being better suited towards flatter strokes than topspin and it is a key element for me. Besides that I was sure that'd be no-brainer of a switch. Have tried a Pure Strike, the Black one with Red accents, I think it was 18x20, couldn't gel with it whatsoever. Felt somewhat sterile. Plus, 70RA I see online is an immediate dealbreaker.

VCP 310 has tons of spin

 

[batikan]

The backhand slice is by far my favorite and most secure shot. With that said, I generally find it easier to slice with headlight rackets that also have a good amount of weight to them so I personally wouldn't consider Pure Aeros or Pure Drives natural rackets for slicing. I'll still be able to slice relatively well with those rackets that are a little more head heavy (by that I mean something that's closer to even-balance), but it definitely requires a little intuitive adjustment in technique where I have to control the pace of the racket head as it goes through the ball more since it's quite easy to have too much racket head speed and over-slice. A strong slice is definitely a feel-based shot that requires a good balance of medium-paced punching and not overdoing the underspin otherwise you'll lose all the pace/it'll float and becomes more like a bad drop shot. Whenever I'm trying to help someone who slices with too much underspin or sidespin and not enough punch, I usually tell them to think of the slice as a deep backhand placement volley from the baseline so they develop more penetration with it.

Therefore in terms of rackets, I believe that whatever works well and feels natural for volleys should also translate to working well and feeling natural for the slice. Most would tend to agree that heavier, more headlight rackets are better for volleying and will give you more stability, but that doesn't mean that there aren't people who prefer to volley with Babolats! In fact, Maxime Cressy, who is basically the only serve and volleyer in the ATP Top 100, uses a Pure Aero. To each their own I guess. All I know is my slices were crazy good with the PS97 V13.

Oh yeah I get that, I switched from a two hander to a OHBH when I came back to tennis and the first 6-9 months were slicing on my backhand side %90 of the time. I always liked a head-light balance so I get what you mean. Also that's a good crash course on a BH slice. I honestly like to use a variety of shots as that's just way more fun than an endless baseline rally.

 

[Fintft]

Oh yeah I get that, I switched from a two hander to a OHBH when I came back to tennis and the first 6-9 months were slicing on my backhand side %90 of the time. I always liked a head-light balance so I get what you mean. Also that's a good crash course on a BH slice. I honestly like to use a variety of shots as that's just way more fun than an endless baseline rally.

@Newby most probably knows better than me when he states that " 4. Wilson Blade (not really a one-hander's racket in my opinion due to the balance) ", but he is...lightweight and I maintain my suggestion for you to try the Blade Pro v8 16x19, including for the 1HBH.
I am not sure that it was easier to execute drive 1HBHs with the RF97A, on the contrary.

I also stand by my second suggestion, Artengo, LeGads (as in my sig), again 16x19.

Cheers!

 

[Fintft]

Oh yeah I get that, I switched from a two hander to a OHBH when I came back to tennis and the first 6-9 months were slicing on my backhand side %90 of the time. I always liked a head-light balance so I get what you mean. Also that's a good crash course on a BH slice. I honestly like to use a variety of shots as that's just way more fun than an endless baseline rally.

Right now, I just did again mainly the X-drill that starts with me returning a DTL 1HBH (same for my partner). Drive. Slice only when defending or on high balls. Of course the feeder only hits CC and again those are drive 1HBHs.

 

[Newby]

@Newby most probably knows better than me when he states that " 4. Wilson Blade (not really a one-hander's racket in my opinion due to the balance) ", but he is...lightweight and I maintain my suggestion for you to try the Blade Pro v8 16x19, including for the 1HBH.
I am not sure that it was easier to execute drive 1HBHs with the RF97A, on the contrary.

I also stand by my second suggestion, Artengo, LeGads (as in my sig), again 16x19.

Cheers!

Haha yep I def am a smaller guy. If @batikan had access to a demo program, I would def say give the V8 BP a shot just because it’s such a nice feeling racket all-around. But since his options are limited, I really wanted to narrow it down to safe choices that I know would feel natural for his one-hander right off the bat without too much of an adjustment period. I also snubbed the RF97A because I think the standard PS97 is just a better option for us rec players. If it turns out to be too light for him, he can always mod to bring up the specs closers to the RF97A.

 

[Fintft]

Haha yep I def am a smaller guy. If @batikan had access to a demo program, I would def say give the V8 BP a shot just because it’s such a nice feeling racket all-around. But since his options are limited, I really wanted to narrow it down to safe choices that I know would feel natural for his one-hander right off the bat without too much of an adjustment period. I also snubbed the RF97A because I think the standard PS97 is just a better option for us rec players. If it turns out to be too light for him, he can always mod to bring up the specs closers to the RF97A.

A BP v8 will sell pretty fast if one doesn't like. Right now the racquetholics can't even find an L2 in stock at Wilson Labs, although there is an L4 for sale in the forum here.

 

[batikan]

Honestly I see no reason to get a 320g+ unstrung racket especially when I have my Duel G, and PT630. I also owned a LM Radical Tour for a short while to try it. I can easily mod anything and beef it up myself unless it is at like 290 and/or below. I briefly tried an RF97 when I was still getting back on track with my tennis, it felt like a damn brick. I was not really healthy on that day so it could be the reason but even holding it in while sitting down I could feel it would be demanding and tough to wield for longer sessions. I could find a setup I'd like with what I own currently but the fact that I want something lighter and faster swinging will also help me with being able to play more which is something I want. I can not understand why it was mentioned this many times but no thank you I won't deal with international payments, customs, and hefty shipping prices to get a racket. I have tried enough to know that no stick will be worth all the trouble.

 

[Newby]

Honestly I see no reason to get a 320g+ unstrung racket especially when I have my Duel G, and PT630. I also owned a LM Radical Tour for a short while to try it. I can easily mod anything and beef it up myself unless it is at like 290 and/or below. I briefly tried an RF97 when I was still getting back on track with my tennis, it felt like a damn brick. I was not really healthy on that day so it could be the reason but even holding it in while sitting down I could feel it would be demanding and tough to wield for longer sessions. I could find a setup I'd like with what I own currently but the fact that I want something lighter and faster swinging will also help me with being able to play more which is something I want. I can not understand why it was mentioned this many times but no thank you I won't deal with international payments, customs, and hefty shipping prices to get a racket. I have tried enough to know that no stick will be worth all the trouble.

The “tough to wield for long sessions” is a very valid concern that I resonate with. There’s a reason you don’t see too many offerings on the heavy side (330+ unstrung) nowadays with our modern spin-oriented game. Unless your fitness is at the level of a pro’s, hitting windshield wiper strokes that require high racket speed using a beefy racket can lead to arm fatigue relatively quickly.

Fed came from a more classic era where power was attained primarily through high static weight and high swingweight. His change to a 97 sq in headsize was an adaptation to the modern game, but the high weight of the RF97 is still something from the classic era. It’s just what he was used to. He’s also got relatively classic strokes compared to NextGen and can drive through the ball a lot more naturally so the weight worked for him.

That era was obviously followed by the big paradigm shift where power was then attained through racket stiffness (rackets became much lighter so you could swing faster but the thicker beams and high stiffness prevented a huge dropoff in power i.e Babolats). You could now get away with using low swingweight rackets while hitting loopy, spinny, high racket head speed strokes all day long without getting as tired. Nowadays the trend is all about adding comfort to the lighter rackets hence the lowering of flex ratings across the board for big brands’ flagship lines combined with the lowering of poly string tensions on these rackets.

 

[Newby]

The “tough to wield for long sessions” is a very valid concern that I resonate with. There’s a reason you don’t see too many offerings on the heavy side (330+ unstrung) nowadays with our modern spin-oriented game. Unless your fitness is at the level of a pro’s, hitting windshield wiper strokes that require high racket speed using a beefy racket can lead to arm fatigue relatively quickly.

Fed came from a more classic era where power was attained primarily through high static weight and high swingweight. His change to a 97 sq in headsize was an adaptation to the modern game, but the high weight of the RF97 is still something from the classic era. It’s just what he was used to. That era was obviously followed by the big paradigm shift where power was then attained through racket stiffness (rackets became much lighter so you could swing faster but the thicker beams and high stiffness prevented a huge dropoff in power i.e Babolats). You could now get away with using low swingweight rackets while hitting loopy, spinny, high racket head speed strokes all day long without getting as tired. Nowadays the trend is all about adding comfort to the lighter rackets hence the lowering of flex ratings across the board for big brands’ flagship lines combined with the lowering of poly string tensions on these rackets.

Sorry I got a little carried away, didn’t mean to get into the whole history of racket technology on a forum full of racket experts where I got most of my knowledge haha

 

[batikan]

The “tough to wield for long sessions” is a very valid concern that I resonate with. There’s a reason you don’t see too many offerings on the heavy side (330+ unstrung) nowadays with our modern spin-oriented game. Unless your fitness is at the level of a pro’s, hitting windshield wiper strokes that require high racket speed using a beefy racket can lead to arm fatigue relatively quickly.

Fed came from a more classic era where power was attained primarily through high static weight and high swingweight. His change to a 97 sq in headsize was an adaptation to the modern game, but the high weight of the RF97 is still something from the classic era. It’s just what he was used to. He’s also got relatively classic strokes compared to NextGen and can drive through the ball a lot more naturally so the weight worked for him.

That era was obviously followed by the big paradigm shift where power was then attained through racket stiffness (rackets became much lighter so you could swing faster but the thicker beams and high stiffness prevented a huge dropoff in power i.e Babolats). You could now get away with using low swingweight rackets while hitting loopy, spinny, high racket head speed strokes all day long without getting as tired. Nowadays the trend is all about adding comfort to the lighter rackets hence the lowering of flex ratings across the board for big brands’ flagship lines combined with the lowering of poly string tensions on these rackets.

Yeah as much as I like the stability and momentum a heftier stick brings, I still want my game to be a little bit more varied than old days'. Earlier today I hit some with my PT630 and managed to get some great defensive slices/returns while I was on the run. I love being able to make someone regret they tried attacking against me. After trying the Extreme Tour a little again, I don't think I like a high launch angle as it starts worrying me about overhitting immediately since I don't want to feel like I must add lots of spin to each shot. I like being able to increase the amount of spin along with my trajectory to keep everything proportioned. Whether it is a high&heavy ball to push someone behind the baseline or a more driven shot where it just makes it over the net and dips in. I wasn't that comfortable flattening out on the ET and I think that'll bring me to look for a Vcore 95 or PS97 after I try the Pure Drive VS for a while and see what I think of it.

Sorry I got a little carried away, didn’t mean to get into the whole history of racket technology on a forum full of racket experts where I got most of my knowledge haha

Hahahaha happens to the best of us. I'm sure everyone here could relate to just getting carried away with all that we have learned about these wonderful swingy things.

 

[tele]

After trying the Extreme Tour a little again, I don't think I like a high launch angle as it starts worrying me about overhitting immediately since I don't want to feel like I must add lots of spin to each shot. I like being able to increase the amount of spin along with my trajectory to keep everything proportioned

you really might like the vcore pro 97hd.

 

[batikan]

you really might like the vcore pro 97hd.

What about its spin potential? I can see myself rather trying the 16x19 version.The weight at 320g unstrung sounds a little too heavy for what I aim for currently.

 

[tele]

What about its spin potential? I can see myself rather trying the 16x19 version.The weight at 320g unstrung sounds a little too heavy for what I aim for currently.

I did not find it lacking in spin at all - I really felt like I got out of it what I put in, but not less as it can sometimes feel with tighter patterns. It isn't going to give the same spin as an open 16x19, but then again, you will need to add more spin with those racquets to keep the ball in. I think many others found it surprisingly spin friendly for an 18x20 (there is a pretty big thread on it). I loved it, but I was one of the seemingly very few people who ended up with tennis elbow while using it. It is hard to say if the racquet was a contributor, but I didn't want to risk it, so I ended up selling both of mine. I have not played with the 16x19, but the precision of the HD was my favorite thing about it, so I wasn't that interested. If you want to go lower than 320, however, that would indeed be an issue, and the 310 might be more fitting. Too many racquets, too little time. . .

 

[Anton]

Hello everyone. I just became a member though I've been reading huge chunks of the forum already to dig up info I've failed to find anywhere else. I'm looking for a new racket.
About me:
I’m a 26 year old male, returned to playing tennis and have been playing actively (At least 2-3 times a week, Singles %95 of the time) for the last year. I’m fairly bulky (And 6 foot 3 inches) with good understanding of whipping the racket on my strokes. (Playing between the ages of 12-14 help.) Play stylewise, I guess I'm somewhere in between an All-Courter and Counterpuncher.
So power is not something I need help about in a racket. My forehand being in between Eastern and Semi Western, I’m definitely more about topspin than I’m about power. Playing with a one handed backhand, I like a head-light balance that allows me to keep high Racket Head speed. Sadly demoing rackets is not a thing where I am and I have to rely on research and advice of you awesome people to shorten my path to the right setup. From both sides, I slice fairly often and love using a variety of shots to close a point. (Like to be at the net as well.) To save my wrists, and need less restrings (Not a string breaker) I use Head Velocity MLT (Hi Natural 17 Gang!!) thanks to its tension maintenance and comfort (I’m a musician so I won’t take any risks about my wrists.)
Anyhow, I have been using a Yonex Duel G 330 lately and my complaints are that I tend to overhit quite a bit, I want something that gives me more access to spin and on off-center hits I get this brassy feel from the racket that bothers me. So what I want is a consistent string bed, good (if not great) spin potential and less power so I can confidently swing for the fences as it is one of my favorite things to do on the court. Also, I want something faster through the air than my Duel G.
The most common advice I hear is the Head Extreme Tour, which I tried (Auxetic) with added lead at 12 o’clock and the handle. (My friend’s setup, also Velocity MLT) I liked the amount of spin it allowed but had problems with the stringbed consistency, and stability in a way that lead at 3-9 wouldn’t solve. (I think it is the flex that bothered me. Felt somewhat weird.) Besides the Head grip shape I disliked.
I have been looking at rackets such as the Yonex Vcore 95, Artengo TR960 Control Tour 16x19 and maybe the Vcore 98 and my only chance to try them all would be to actually buy them, far from ideal I know. Any help will be greatly appreciated! I'm hoping I can find a setup that allows me to enjoy rallying even more!

Edit: Adding The List of Rackets I have tried and my thoughts on them

Duel G 97 330: Low racket head speed and I felt limited in the spin I could generate, I felt forced to play a flatter game. Also felt brassy on off-center hits. 2 overgrips without main grip and head protective tape. No dampener.
Pure Strike 18x20 Black with Orange/Red accents: Nothing stood out to me it just felt okay (or meh) in every category
Ezone Tour: Too powerful, spin was okay; not good. Whenever I hit with it I felt a thud that I disliked. Also I believe I was not happy about the racket head speed I was allowed.
Head Auxetic Extreme Tour: Great manoeuvrability. Subpar stability, good spin but inconsistent stringbed, the flex felt weird that I couldn't figure if I was going to barely make it over the net or aim for the stars. It is still the closest to what I am looking for.
Head LiquidMetal Radical MP Tour (320-ish unstrung version that I extended .25 inches): Spin is not too bad, control is decent with 95 head but I dislike Head's grip shape, and I think I'd prefer a bit more feel, power was not too much but I still wasn't confident that I wouldn't overhit (Yeah I swing big)
Pro Staff V13 290g 16x19: Loved the stability. Loved the feel. It had old strings so I can't speak much for the spin but I know there is good power there, maybe a little too much for me; I liked that it wasn't flexing much I felt like I could predict the outcome better. Will update this once my friend gets it restrung.

I like VCORE 95 over head extreme tour - it's similar but has more true stringed you can trust.

 

[batikan]

I like VCORE 95 over head extreme tour - it's similar but has more true stringed you can trust.

Not gonna lie I love the sound of that!

 

[batikan]

Too many racquets, too little time. . .

Couldn't agree more! Honestly I like how differences in play characteristics are perceived by the players and either worked around, or taken as dealbreakers. It sounds decent for an 18x20 but already having tried head-light rackets at around 320 unstrung with spin-capable 18x20 patterns. I'm left wanting more. So rather than the Auxetic ET I tried, I'd rather pick the 2023 Aero which felt more consistent and I worried less about where the ball was going to end up. Lots of signs are pushing me toward that Pure Aero VS and/or Vcore 95 direction. We'll see once I can get to try them.

 

[batikan]

Update: I grabbed a Pure Drive VS and have been using it mainly ever since. I am having stability issues although TWU says it has almost the same twist weight with my Duel G but besides I'm loving the racket head speed lighter weight and thin beam allows me! For the first time in my life I have started to crack max power forehands and they land in (Not all the time, but still) as winners. I'm struggling to get my OHBH to work with it thanks to the instability but I'm not sure if I want to sacrifice RHS to fix that. My journey is stil not over but for the time being I'm enjoying it. On my radar in no particular order: Pro Staff v13 (Maybe 14 idk), Vcore 95 AND 98 (Probably Gen 5), and Pure Aero VS.

Edit: I think I'd want to end up with something with a higher spin potential than the PS. And maybe maybe a bigger sweet spot.

 

[batikan]

Update: With the help of a friend I got a Vcore 98 All red (5th Version) and been playing with that lately to really understand what I feel about it. Feels somewhat stiff even though the RA isn't that high at 65. I'm not sure what I like about it yet but I struggle to hit the forehand winners I used to hit with PDVS. Completely because of the RHS I'm able to generate. It is as if Vcore 98 is much heavier than PDVS even though they are roughly the same weight. I don't think I'll stick with the V98 but I got a deal and had to try and experience myself. I don't know if this is even a word but V98 feels too solid for me. I had problems with PDVS in terms of stability even though when I look up twist weights it is higher than V98. I simply want/need something faster through the air than V98 because I felt like I had to try hard to hit those same forehands I love hitting and it would become tiring sooner leading me to play less tennis; which is a NO. I guess Pure Aero VS seems like my best bet for now even though I'm still curious about a Vcore 95 and Pro staff V13. Have too many rackets right now though, would have to a few first to get new ones.

 

[batikan]

Another Update: I recently got the chance to try out a Pure Aero VS. First with RPM Blast, then with my preferred string on it. It definitely had none of the hollowness that I get from the Pure Drive VS, which wasn't much for me to begin with. Even though they are the same weight, PAVS allowed for a slower swing; or required more power for the same RHS than the PDVS. It was way more stable and I had better control of my slices along with the stability helping my OHBH. It felt more head-heavy so I need/want to try if extra weight in the handle will fix it. I don't think I'd be as happy with it stock. Also I ended up adding around 4g-5g to the PDVS in total. 6 equal strips that are all less than a gram as 2 in 12 o'clock and the other 4 in 3-9 to help with the instability. Current Swing Weight coming at 320, which I believe is around PAVS' stock SW. But I'm starting to feel like balance is everything.

 

[batikan]

Summer Update: Been playing a lot with the Vcore 98 5th gen, and I liked it much better now that I've tried it with my preferred string setup. Auxetic Extreme Tour has been another one that I started to hit better with. I feel like 2 things I'm prioritizing are becoming a low launch angle and high spin potential. So that I can swing out with confidence which is one of my favorite things to do, along with its complete opposite; those finesse driven volleys and slices. Key for both happens to be predictability from all the experience I've been gathering. Those Solinco Whiteout's have been catching my eye on top of the both PS97 and Vcore 95 I've been wanting to try for a long while. Hopefully will try them all and commit to one as my main causing major damage with it.