How can I know if I like a demo racquet?

[Benn]

I have been demoing a lot of racquets recently. With every single racquet I've tried so far, I still play better with my usual racquet. The problem, is that I'm not sure if the problem is the racquet, or if it's because I'm just not used to it, and that the strings are standard synthetic gut when I usually use a poly/multi hybrid.

Should I just stick with my usual racquet, or just pick one I like almost as much as my usual and hope it performs better when I get used to it?

My usual racquet is the Head Graphene Touch Speed Pro, but I'm looking for a bit more power. I've tried the Blade 98 and the Pure Strike 98 recently, both with 16x19 string patterns. Also the Pure Aero.

 

[rchjr2091]

I changed from a AeroPro to a ProStaff 97s to a PureAero ...
Honestly I probably played just as well with my AeroPro as I do with my PureAero but part of the fun is trying new things!
The smartest option in my opinion is to keep your racquet and do different string combos.

 

[n8dawg6]

racquets are like women .... *analogy breaks down*

 

[2HBH-DTL]

the most effective way to demo a racquet or set of racquets is to re-string them yourself with whatever string you typically use so you can figure out if you like it or not under a true test. obviously this gets expensive and not a lot of folks, including myself, can do this and we just typically demo the racquet with what TW puts in it.

 

[fundrazer]

When demoing it probably helps to ask your friends/hitting partners if they notice a difference. When I played on my high schools team, friend broke a string so I gave him my pure drive roddick to use. Noticed right away that his shots got a lot heavier.

 

[Long Face]

Some racquet customizing can be done to demo racquets, too, if you usually do things like leather grips or lead tapes. This will help in having a more familiar swing weight so you can tell where the differences are.

You remove the personal touches after you are done, and return the racquet to its original look before you return it.

 

[Allcourtguy]

I have a demo from TW now, is it OK for me to restring it or do I have to get permission? How does that work?


I use my own hybrid.

Nevermind, I found in another forum where TW does NOT want us to restring demos.

 

[2HBH-DTL]

Nevermind, I found in another forum where TW does NOT want us to restring demos.

oh really? i was thinking you could. that kinda defeats part of the reason to demo in some cases. a lot of folks use hybrids. not to mention they string demos with either cheap multi or cheap poly.

 

[Liam Grennon]

Why switch rackets? Keep it the same, change strings and tension, or add lead tape....
Seems like you don't have an issue with the frame, just a need for more power. Why buy a new stick when you can do some changes?

 

[Crocodile]

I believe Liam has given the correct advice here. You are using a current model and I assume you like the feel of the frame. Yes lower tension and softer strings can increase your power and definately adding some weight will too.
The other thing, is yes the 2 Babolats are very powerful but they are much stiffer and you will lose a fair bit of arm comfort which I wouldn't risk at all.
The Wilson you mentioned suffers from inconsistent swingweights, some that I sampled were very high so I don't think I would like that at all.

 

[CopolyX]

with great power comes..you know...

Now it depends on your game and style, swing. How much more power do you think you can create on your own?
With a new golden stick, what do you think the difference will be? Is power the main target for your game.
Stay in the realm of your game and grow/improve on it.
You stated:
I've tried the Blade 98 and the Pure Strike 98 recently, both with 16x19 string patterns. Also the Pure Aero.
Results?????
I understand they have sync on them? But you still need to decryption it.
TW does offer some with a poly choice or have it string with your strings.
Or you will truly never know..
Just dont rush..

 

[ace18]

My best advice is to demo a racquet during a real match. Don't set it down, use if for the entire match. You should know, based upon that match, if it deserves more play or if its a NO. After playing 2 or 3 sets, you should know if its a racquet thats worth more of your attention.

 

[nvr2old]

I've recently found 3 frames that I purchased on sale that are my basis for further customization with different string combos. Each is slightly different yet similar in feel, flex, etc. I plan to try different string setups in each until I find the preferred combo. Ken

 

[Lucas2015]

You shouldnt try specific racquet models.

The best is you try one or two brands of each "style" :
-hammer like balance
-OS
-stiff tweeners (100)
-control oriented midplus (95-98 thin beam), both strings pattern
-heavy mids (90-93)
-other styles (?).

The bad thing is that you need to try each style in a complete match , not just in a light warm up- unless you hate the style from the very beginning-.
And on different surfaces. (I use tweeners for hard courts and heavy ones for clay)

For me, strings and lead thing is the last step. You could get crazy, there are hundreds of them And MILLIONS of hybrids possible.


The more obssesive you are, the longer the journey of choosing one with your favourite setup

 

[Lucas2015]

Note: I bet no one uses the same racquet for ever.
As you play better, you may change to the mids but after honeymoon you may prefer midplus and when you get lazy , a tweener and when you get old, a hammer-OverSize... and when you hurt your elbow, back to the heavy mids .

You can see that choosing a racquet could be a never ending hobbie.

Dont forget to play real tennis (technique, footwork, winning ...)

 

[movdqa]

My approach on racquets is to look for specs that I think that would suit my game and then just buy the racquets and spend a few months trying to work with them. This includes trying out different strings and string tensions, adding or removing weight (if possible). If, after that effort, things don't work out, then they don't work out. But I can say that I gave it a good shot. I've used my current frames since 2011 and I'm very happy with them.

I've only play-tested the RF97 - and I did like the frame and have no doubt that I could play well with it but I'm happy with my old frames and have enough of them to keep me going for a while. If I do break one or two, then it will be time to start shopping again.