Help with racket

[25-TENNIS]

Hi! I'm 15 years old and an agressive baseliner. Currently using a 270g Yonex DR Lite, but custom painted and added some lead at 3 & 9 and in the throat, so it is ±300g. But the problem is, it just feels a bit weird. So I bought a ex-demo Ai98 for €60 to look if this would feel better. I do like the way it flies through the air and the solid feel. But I can't spin enough and hit aggressive groundstrokes with the Ai 98. Maybe it's just too flexible.
I always play with Wilson Sensation Power & Comfort (26,5kg in Dr; 25,5 kg in AI).
What racket do you recommend? It must be armfriendly.

 

[henrytennisadelaide]

Wilson Blade. I am a high-level teenage player and recently made the switch from Yonez Ezone 98 to Blade. I string Volkl Cyclone at 23kgs. If you can handle the 320g static weight then go for it.

 

[25-TENNIS]

Wilson Blade. I am a high-level teenage player and recently made the switch from Yonez Ezone 98 to Blade. I string Volkl Cyclone at 23kgs. If you can handle the 320g static weight then go for it.

You played with the 2018 version of the Ezone? And do you use the 16x19 or 18x20?

 

[TagUrIt]

2020 Yonex EZONE 100

 

[25-TENNIS]

What do you think about the Vcore 98 or 100? Is it comfortable enough and is it good for groundstrokes?

 

[TagUrIt]

I just recently demoed 7 Yonex racquets. The VCORE 100 was a very close second choice to the new EZONE 100. I enjoyed playing with both, they played very similar to me. Serves, volleys and ground strokes were solid from both racquets. However the VCORE just felt a bit stiff. If you are able to demo, I highly recommend trying the newest Ezone and the VCORE.

 

[25-TENNIS]

And how about the Clash 100 and Prince TT 310?

 

[TagUrIt]

My previous racquet was the Wilson Clash Tour never hit with a Prince racquet. I think the Clash racquets are really good. They lost very differently because of the flex. Some people love it, some hate it. It’s hard to describe the Clash it’s firm on ground strokes and soft in volleys, super arm friendly too. I really enjoyed mine, I just wanted to try something new. I was always curious about Yonex, I demoed and fell in love with the 2020 EZONE 100.
Do some research about what you’re interested in and try to demo.

 

[WilPro]

The only answer I could give you is make it heavy. At least 385 gr.

I'd recommend 500gr or higher but people here would say I am a lunatic. Anyway that is the best racquet I am currently playing.

 

[25-TENNIS]

The only answer I could give you is make it heavy. At least 385 gr.

I'd recommend 500gr or higher but people here would say I am a lunatic. Anyway that is the best racquet I am currently playing.

Lol, I'm not that strong, so my arm would fall off.

My previous racquet was the Wilson Clash Tour never hit with a Prince racquet. I think the Clash racquets are really good. They lost very differently because of the flex. Some people love it, some hate it. It’s hard to describe the Clash it’s firm on ground strokes and soft in volleys, super arm friendly too. I really enjoyed mine, I just wanted to try something new. I was always curious about Yonex, I demoed and fell in love with the 2020 EZONE 100.
Do some research about what you’re interested in and try to demo.

Are there also older models, that I can find used. How's the Ezone 2018 compared to the Ai 98 in performance? I know it has a stiff feeling, but what if you inject silicone in the handle. It should stop the vibrations, right?

 

[joah310]

Lol, I'm not that strong, so my arm would fall off.

Are there also older models, that I can find used. How's the Ezone 2018 compared to the Ai 98 in performance? I know it has a stiff feeling, but what if you inject silicone in the handle. It should stop the vibrations, right?

I have more of a flatter stroke, but have recently been working on topspin strokes and the Prince original graphite is great for it. I like using a racket that is at least 330g strung with some exceptions, but I have fun customizing and leading up rackets. I like my sw in the 325-350 zone, enjoying closer to 340. I think you shouldn't have any issues with the AI, but if you're looking for a good topspin racket, I'd reccomend the prince I mentioned earlier. Or if you're looking for a new yonex I'd check out the vcore 98.

 

[25-TENNIS]

I have more of a flatter stroke, but have recently been working on topspin strokes and the Prince original graphite is great for it. I like using a racket that is at least 330g strung with some exceptions, but I have fun customizing and leading up rackets. I like my sw in the 325-350 zone, enjoying closer to 340. I think you shouldn't have any issues with the AI, but if you're looking for a good topspin racket, I'd reccomend the prince I mentioned earlier. Or if you're looking for a new yonex I'd check out the vcore 98.

And what do you think about Ezone 98 2018?

 

[joah310]

And what do you think about Ezone 98 2018?

I havent played with it, but from what I hear it needs some lead at 2 and 10, to get rid of some jarringness in the upper hoop. I'll tell you though look into the POG OS. Arm friendly, ultra spin friendly, a little on the heavier side of recent rackets, but not that high of swing weight. It has helped me generate so much more topspin, but then again, my favorite racket is a leaded up blx six.one 95 16x18, 363g, 345sw, strung. Imo, the six one might be out of your range, but if you gather to try it, I definitely reccomend. Polys are good, along with my current setup, ashaway crossfire zx, which is a kevlar, monogut zx hybrid, mines strung at 60x50. Even with kevlar ur is arm friendly. But seriously POG.

 

[25-TENNIS]

Some rackets that maybe suit me:
1. Clash 100
2. Prince TT 100 310
3. Ezone 98 2018
4. Ezone 100 2020
5. Head Extreme MP
6. Diadem Nova FS
7. Head Gravity MP or Your (maybe a bit underpowered)

I'll tell you though look into the POG OS.

Not really into oversized rackets and I can't demo that stick.

Any other rackets you recommend?

 

[joah310]

Some rackets that maybe suit me:
1. Clash 100
2. Prince TT 100 310
3. Ezone 98 2018
4. Ezone 100 2020
5. Head Extreme MP
6. Diadem Nova FS
7. Head Gravity MP or Your (maybe a bit underpowered)



Not really into oversized rackets and I can't demo that stick.

Any other rackets you recommend?

Maybe check out the clash. I have it and although a bit over powered for me, it was pretty good for all strokes, maybe needed a bit of lead though.

 

[lima]

My previous racquet was the Wilson Clash Tour never hit with a Prince racquet. I think the Clash racquets are really good. They lost very differently because of the flex. Some people love it, some hate it. It’s hard to describe the Clash it’s firm on ground strokes and soft in volleys, super arm friendly too. I really enjoyed mine, I just wanted to try something new. I was always curious about Yonex, I demoed and fell in love with the 2020 EZONE 100.
Do some research about what you’re interested in and try to demo.

Could you please compare Clash 100 vs Ezone 100 2020?

I'm interested in both but little scared od Ezone 69ra

Thanks!

 

[25-TENNIS]

Could you please compare Clash 100 vs Ezone 100 2020?

I'm interested in both but little scared od Ezone 69ra

Thanks!

I play with DR Lite (but plays like DR100), which is 69 Ra too. I don't feel any pain, probably because of the great vibration dampening technology. The DR and Ezone 2020 have similar dampening techs.

 

[25-TENNIS]

Maybe check out the clash. I have it and although a bit over powered for me, it was pretty good for all strokes, maybe needed a bit of lead though.

How is the stability on this racket? Does is have a solid feel?

 

[joah310]

How is the stability on this racket? Does is have a solid feel?

It wasn't that long of a hit, but I felt like stability was good especially for its weight. feel was interesting. It was odd and might not be for everyone. My dad couldn't use it cuz the feel was weird. it was maybe an odd kind of flex. felt pretty stiff when we hit with pace. but overall I'd say it felt solid. a little light too. Mainly cuz I like my swing weight in the 330-345 range.

 

[25-TENNIS]

It wasn't that long of a hit, but I felt like stability was good especially for its weight. feel was interesting. It was odd and might not be for everyone. My dad couldn't use it cuz the feel was weird. it was maybe an odd kind of flex. felt pretty stiff when we hit with pace. but overall I'd say it felt solid. a little light too. Mainly cuz I like my swing weight in the 330-345 range.

Did the stiff feeling felt uncomfortable?

 

[joah310]

Did the stiff feeling felt uncomfortable?

Maybe a little. Idk the whole racket felt odd, but responded pretty well. Didnt leave my elbow sore either

 

[25-TENNIS]

Has anyone played with the Head Extreme MP? Looks like a good baseliner racket.

 

[Shroud]

Hi! I'm 15 years old and an agressive baseliner. Currently using a 270g Yonex DR Lite, but custom painted and added some lead at 3 & 9 and in the throat, so it is ±300g. But the problem is, it just feels a bit weird. So I bought a ex-demo Ai98 for €60 to look if this would feel better. I do like the way it flies through the air and the solid feel. But I can't spin enough and hit aggressive groundstrokes with the Ai 98. Maybe it's just too flexible.
I always play with Wilson Sensation Power & Comfort (26,5kg in Dr; 25,5 kg in AI).
What racket do you recommend? It must be armfriendly.

For me I never understood why EVERYONE seems to say put lead at 3&9. It ALWAYS felt weird when I put weight there. 10 & 2 or even 12 would feel better. And the throat is just a waste for me. So yeah I don't doubt it feels weird. What happens if you take the lead off? Maybe put half the weight at 10 &2?

 

[TagUrIt]

Could you please compare Clash 100 vs Ezone 100 2020?

I'm interested in both but little scared od Ezone 69ra

Thanks!

copied this from my other thread.

I still consider the Clash to be an amazing racquet. Keep in mind I had the Clash Tour, a bit heavier than the regular Clash. To me, Yonex has more feel, they both have the same swing weight, but I seem to be able to swing the Yonex faster. I’m an aggressive baseliner and I hit VERY flat (inches over the net), however with the beam being thinner in throat I generate topspin effortlessly. The more I play with the EZONE the more I realize it was a good switch. It’s not as bulky as the Clash Tour, but still has a nice weight to it. It’s still stock, my original plan was to add weight to the 10 and 12 o’clock positions, but I’m finding that I don’t need it. It sounds crazy, but I actually bend the ball more with the Yonex.

 

[Anthony Kirk]

Try a stock Tecnifibre Tfight XTC 305, Try the blade 16x19 v7. It sounds like you want more swingweight, keep in mind TW can customize any racquet you buy to what balancing you want.

 

[25-TENNIS]

Try a stock Tecnifibre Tfight XTC 305, Try the blade 16x19 v7. It sounds like you want more swingweight, keep in mind TW can customize any racquet you buy to what balancing you want.

According to TW Review the Tecnifibre performs pretty good on groundstrokes. Good stability and plow-through. Not sure if it's armfriendly enough for me.
Blade 16x19 v7 is a bit underpowered for me I think. The Blade 98S v7 might be better?

 

[fuzz nation]

According to TW Review the Tecnifibre performs pretty good on groundstrokes. Good stability and plow-through. Not sure if it's armfriendly enough for me.
Blade 16x19 v7 is a bit underpowered for me I think. The Blade 98S v7 might be better?

According to TW Review the Tecnifibre performs pretty good on groundstrokes. Good stability and plow-through. Not sure if it's armfriendly enough for me.
Blade 16x19 v7 is a bit underpowered for me I think. The Blade 98S v7 might be better?

My strong recommendation is to make your string choice priority #1 when trying to get an arm-friendly setup. As long as you have a racquet that you can wield comfortably enough, the string type and tension will make the biggest difference in terms of how comfortable a ride you get with it on the courts. This is based on what I've seen first hand after about 15 years of stringing, teaching, and coaching.

A lot of players who like something like a Babolat Pure Drive (or Head Extreme, etc.) might feel like they can't get enough control with let's say a full bed of multifiber. That seems to be an unfortunate circumstance where some folks feel like they can't play with those frames without stringing them with perhaps a poly hybrid just to get them under control. If you need arm comfort and you can't get the control (and comfort) you want with a certain frame strung with a bed of syn. gut, that racquet probably won't work for you.

Also keep in mind that many frames with a little extra weight can be very easy to handle if they have enough head-light balance to work for you. On the other hand, a relative middle-weight racquet can feel pretty sluggish and clumsy if its balance is several points less head-light than a layout that would give you a more natural fit. Once you figure out your preferred recipe of static weight, balance, and flex, tracking down a racquet that will fit you well or require only minimal tuning should become rather straightforward.

 

[25-TENNIS]

My strong recommendation is to make your string choice priority #1 when trying to get an arm-friendly setup. As long as you have a racquet that you can wield comfortably enough, the string type and tension will make the biggest difference in terms of how comfortable a ride you get with it on the courts. This is based on what I've seen first hand after about 15 years of stringing, teaching, and coaching.

A lot of players who like something like a Babolat Pure Drive (or Head Extreme, etc.) might feel like they can't get enough control with let's say a full bed of multifiber. That seems to be an unfortunate circumstance where some folks feel like they can't play with those frames without stringing them with perhaps a poly hybrid just to get them under control. If you need arm comfort and you can't get the control (and comfort) you want with a certain frame strung with a bed of syn. gut, that racquet probably won't work for you.

Also keep in mind that many frames with a little extra weight can be very easy to handle if they have enough head-light balance to work for you. On the other hand, a relative middle-weight racquet can feel pretty sluggish and clumsy if its balance is several points less head-light than a layout that would give you a more natural fit. Once you figure out your preferred recipe of static weight, balance, and flex, tracking down a racquet that will fit you well or require only minimal tuning should become rather straightforward.

Currently playing with synthetic gut (Wilson Sensation) at 26.5 kg. My arm wouldn't like a poly though. What's a frame with a bit extra weight in your opinion? 320g?

 

[fuzz nation]

Currently playing with synthetic gut (Wilson Sensation) at 26.5 kg. My arm wouldn't like a poly though. What's a frame with a bit extra weight in your opinion? 320g?

You're smart to be avoiding poly - many arms don't like it.

If you're 15 and playing with a 270g frame, I'd say it's time to make the jump to something up around the 310g-320g range. That should give you at least some degree of heft and stability in your racquet to better command the ball, both in terms of hitting with pace and also generating decent spin. Your arm won't fall off - you'll probably only need a brief adjustment period to learn a little more efficient stroke preparation with a different frame.

If you're used to Yonex, I'd say look there first. That way you'll be playing with a familiar grip shape.

If you're unsure of what might be right for you in terms of more weight along with a comfortable balance, you can experiment on your current frame with some lead tape. Remember that if you stabilize the head by adding weight up there, you'll probably also need to counterbalance - add weight to your handle. When I do that, I place 1/2" lead tape under my grip, but 1/4" lead tape is better for applying to the inner surface of the head.

Lead tape is much less expensive than new racquets, so those tuning experiments can be a smart first step. If you don't get the improvements you're looking for after some trial and error with home tuning, you can just peel it off and go back to the stock layout.

 

[Ashtonbrewer94]

My opinion is to go with a control oriented frame and drop the tension slightly for added power. Power frames have their advantages (easy power and spin), but also disadvantages (less string durability, less comfort, have to string tighter which means the tension drops out sooner if you use poly, less control). Maybe go with something like the Head Prestige 360+ Tour. Really easy to play with, good control, not super low powered. String it lower than you usually do and this will aid in comfort as well. Just my two cents!

 

[25-TENNIS]

You're smart to be avoiding poly - many arms don't like it.

If you're 15 and playing with a 270g frame, I'd say it's time to make the jump to something up around the 310g-320g range. That should give you at least some degree of heft and stability in your racquet to better command the ball, both in terms of hitting with pace and also generating decent spin. Your arm won't fall off - you'll probably only need a brief adjustment period to learn a little more efficient stroke preparation with a different frame.

If you're used to Yonex, I'd say look there first. That way you'll be playing with a familiar grip shape.

If you're unsure of what might be right for you in terms of more weight along with a comfortable balance, you can experiment on your current frame with some lead tape. Remember that if you stabilize the head by adding weight up there, you'll probably also need to counterbalance - add weight to your handle. When I do that, I place 1/2" lead tape under my grip, but 1/4" lead tape is better for applying to the inner surface of the head.

Lead tape is much less expensive than new racquets, so those tuning experiments can be a smart first step. If you don't get the improvements you're looking for after some trial and error with home tuning, you can just peel it off and go back to the stock layout.

I do already have some lead in my racket. 3g in the throat, and a few grams (I don't know how much) at 3&9. Also, the frame is custom painted which made is a bit heavier. Now it is 318 grams strung + overgrip. I don't have weight in the handle to counterbalance it, I could experience with it, but I doubt if it will change that much.

 

[25-TENNIS]

My opinion is to go with a control oriented frame and drop the tension slightly for added power. Power frames have their advantages (easy power and spin), but also disadvantages (less string durability, less comfort, have to string tighter which means the tension drops out sooner if you use poly, less control). Maybe go with something like the Head Prestige 360+ Tour. Really easy to play with, good control, not super low powered. String it lower than you usually do and this will aid in comfort as well. Just my two cents!

Just wondering, do you consider the Yonex Ezone Ai98 as a control-oriented racket? I'm not sure if a such a racket would suit me, since it's very different than my current frame.

 

[Ashtonbrewer94]

Just wondering, do you consider the Yonex Ezone Ai98 as a control-oriented racket? I'm not sure if a such a racket would suit me, since it's very different than my current frame.

I would consider the Ai98 a players frame with power; not an all out power frame, but not a control frame either. Probably on the middle. Maybe demo a more controlled racket just to see if it’s something you like! If not, stick with what works! I’d suggest the Gravity Tour, Head Prestige 360+ tour, Technifibre XTC 305, Yonex VCore Pro 97 (310), the new Babolat Pure Aero VS when that comes out. All of those are control oriented with some having more power than others. Another stick you could try is the Prince Phantom 100X 305. I haven’t personally played it, but it has rave reviews and is supposed to be a frame many types of players can use.

 

[25-TENNIS]

I think the Prince Textreme Tour 310 would suit my game well. There's also a O3 version. It has a bit lower SW (2) and a slightly smaller beam. Do you feel any differences between those versions?

 

[25-TENNIS]

•Yonex Vcore Pro 97 310
•Prince Phantom 100x
•Wilson Blade 98 V7 16x19
•Wilson Clash 98
•Head Gravity Tour
•Prince Textreme Tour 100 310
•Wilson Clash 100
•Yonex Ezone 98 2020
Could you order these from least to most power, control and spin? And what rating (1-10) would you give them?

 

[1HBHfanatic]

-sorted for power first!; rating 1-5 (best/worse of the 5x rakets)

•Wilson Clash 100 16x19, control: 5,spin: 4,
•Yonex Ezone 98 2020 16x19, control: 3,spin: 3,
•Wilson Clash 98 16x19, control: 4,spin: 5,
•Wilson Blade 98 V7 16x19, control: 2,spin: 1,
•Yonex Vcore Pro 97 310 16x19, control: 1,spin: 2,

•Prince Phantom 100x - ???????
•Prince Textreme Tour 100 310 - ???????
•Head Gravity Tour - ???????