I can't play with 98's

burn1986

Banned
You might try the new Pro Staff 90. I came from using an IG and Youtek prestige mp for about 3 years. After demoing almost all the new racquets from 2013 - 2014, I picked up a BLX 90 almost for free. I'd had it in my bag and decided to try it. It felt heavy, but oddly great. I just started playing better with it.
 

PaulC

Professional
A racquet I would definitely recommend is the Head Youtek IG Prestige Pro. It is a real 95 square inch head, but my god does that stick play well.

Second that! (from a true 93 user who use the Prestige Pro regularly in doubles or during off days in singles!)

But I wish it's beam-width is slightly thinner.
 

thatguymattin

Semi-Pro
Just got home from swimming and playing two sets... played a 3.0 or 3.5 high schooler that was a pusher and lost 5-7... I was up 5-1 and then lost it mentally and physically. Then after I played a decent 4.0 player and won 4-1. He retired because he said he pulled his glute.

I recorded the match, and oh man. I don't like how I look like when I serve...
 

ShahofTennis

Hall of Fame
oh man. I don't like how I look like when I serve...


Ah the serve. It's the only part of my game I will never be happy with, yet I rely upon it the most. If I were you; I might gravitate towards a lighter racquet. I remember I started playing with my dads Pro Kennex Graphite 90's(A Colorful Assortment of Mids that he has held onto for twenty years now.) and the weight really hindered my serve. I didn't want to loosen my grip on the racquet in fear that it might fly out of my hand, and my death grip killed my serve. I played with lighter frames for about a year and got my serve and groundies right and transitioned to my Prestige Mids along with some weight training when I was ready.
 

thatguymattin

Semi-Pro
Ah the serve. It's the only part of my game I will never be happy with, yet I rely upon it the most. If I were you; I might gravitate towards a lighter racquet. I remember I started playing with my dads Pro Kennex Graphite 90's(A Colorful Assortment of Mids that he has held onto for twenty years now.) and the weight really hindered my serve. I didn't want to loosen my grip on the racquet in fear that it might fly out of my hand, and my death grip killed my serve. I played with lighter frames for about a year and got my serve and groundies right and transitioned to my Prestige Mids along with some weight training when I was ready.


It's fun when I get the serve right though. The only major problems with my serve are.... forward jump, back bend, shoulder rotation... EVERYTHING!!!!!!

Anyways... I feel like anything under 12 ounces doesn't do my style of play justice.
 

Jster

Professional
i am surprised that after almost 3 pages of discussion , no one mention
Yonex VCORE Tour 89 although the colour is a bit.... too loud. hahah
 

thatguymattin

Semi-Pro
i am surprised that after almost 3 pages of discussion , no one mention
Yonex VCORE Tour 89 although the colour is a bit.... too loud. hahah

I used to use the KPS88 and now use the XFeel Pro 95. Based on everything I have read here there is indeed a frame for you out there. The Yonex VCore Tour 89. I posted a review in the customer feedback section of the VCT89 on TW that compares it to the KPS 88 which was my prior frame at the time.

I am not surprised about you not actually reading all three pages.


A lot of people have suggested racquets with modifications that seem interesting.

Which racquet, if you guys don't mind helping, would play similarly to my K88s, but only tape can be applied under the grommets and/or in the handle? I'm really looking for a plush and smooth feeling. I would also like to add that I use a dampened as well. I wouldn't be able to use the racquet if it is too stiff.

My considerations so far are
- Pacific X Pro Feel 95
- Dunlop Biometric 200? (The Dunlop racquet line confuses me.)

My optimal string tension for my K88s are around 51-54lbs with poly.
 
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yangster007

Professional
To be frank, I don't think such a racquet currently exists. The KPS88 is about as solid feeling as it gets. Everything else is gong to feel pale in comparison, at least stock.

When the new Fed Pro Staff 97 comes out ! But it'll be a handful to maneuver compare to the KPS 88 :evil:
 

ShahofTennis

Hall of Fame
It's fun when I get the serve right though. The only major problems with my serve are.... forward jump, back bend, shoulder rotation... EVERYTHING!!!!!!


The good news is that you have a good serve, but you might have a bad toss every now and then, which causes you to adjust for time.
There's really two options: get a lighter racquet that swings faster in the same amount of time as a heavier racquet, this way you'll have leeway after some inadequate tosses. Or; for a heavier frame, emulate a pitchers throw but instead with a racquet, making sure to drop the racquet back loosely and swing it over your head as you would for your serve. I did this on a grass field so that if the racquet did fly out of my hand; the grass wouldn't hurt it as much as concrete would. Emulating a pitchers throw builds a reliance on the serve technique, it's only when you know what you're doing for the serve that you're able to toss the ball up in accordance. Often times we adjust our serve to our toss, but the serve shouldn't be compromised, the toss should be adjusted to our serve.
 
I am not surprised about you not actually reading all three pages.


A lot of people have suggested racquets with modifications that seem interesting.

Which racquet, if you guys don't mind helping, would play similarly to my K88s, but only tape can be applied under the grommets and/or in the handle? I'm really looking for a plush and smooth feeling. I would also like to add that I use a dampened as well. I wouldn't be able to use the racquet if it is too stiff.

My considerations so far are
- Pacific X Pro Feel 95
- Dunlop Biometric 200? (The Dunlop racquet line confuses me.)

My optimal string tension for my K88s are around 51-54lbs with poly.

You want to check out the Dunlop Biomimetic 200 tour (it is different than the regular Bio 200 which is more prestige-like, the Lite and Plus version are also different).

The XFeel pro95 is cool BUT it requires some lead at 3&9 + more in the handle.... it seems to be better as heavy spec'd but very headlite. Pick strings with a lil power to them... weiscannon scorpion is good poly-wise. Overall TheDunlop 200 tour willplay a lot more like the KPS88. The Pacific plays like a Fisher (because it is) which are unique and might surprise you as being more demanding than the KPS88 in some ways (flat drives and 1st serves should have more thump with the KPS88, seconds and returns will be better with XFP95 +more spin on groundies but it will make you work for that spin).

Also consider the Pacific X Forces... they aretrue 98's but like all Fishers have more control than the headsize suggests. Easier to play with than the XPF95 (which really does playlike a mid in many ways, mostly precision). I kinda thought the Wilson Prostaff 95 2013 boxbeam played pretty well too, check that out
 
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meltedsteam

Semi-Pro
You want to check out the Dunlop Biomimetic 200 tour (it is different than the regular Bio 200 which is more prestige-like, the Lite and Plus version are also different).

The XFeel pro95 is cool BUT it requires some lead at 3&9 + more in the handle.... it seems to be better as heavy spec'd but very headlite. Pick strings with a lil power to them... weiscannon scorpion is good poly-wise. Overall TheDunlop 200 tour willplay a lot more like the KPS88. The Pacific plays like a Fisher (because it is) which are unique and might surprise you as being more demanding than the KPS88 in some ways (flat drives and 1st serves should have more thump with the KPS88, seconds and returns will be better with XFP95 +more spin on groundies but it will make you work for that spin).

Also consider the Pacific X Forces... they aretrue 98's but like all Fishers have more control than the headsize suggests. Easier to play with than the XPF95 (which really does playlike a mid in many ways, mostly precision). I kinda thought the Wilson Prostaff 95 2013 boxbeam played pretty well too, check that out

As a current XFP95and former KPS 88 user here are my thoughts on the comparison:

Note:
I have barely hit with the XFP95 stock. I went in knowing I was used to heavier swingweight racquets. I leaded-up the hoop at first and was astonished at how the ball catapulted off the racquet; I found I had little control over put-away balls. I eventually took off all the lead and placed silicone in the inside of the pallet (it seems as though it was made for this sort of customization, having grooves sized perfectly for silicone or 1/4" lead tape). Anyone who has hit with a customized version of this stick agrees that it plays better with a bit a weight. Mine weigh 350 grams and are 8 Pts Headlight.

KPS88:
If you can get the weight moving this hits the bigger ball in terms of weight and pace. That being said, I don't know if this necessarily describes you. I ran across people who played pretty well with this stick at the 3.0/3.5 level, who wouldn't be able to use it at a higher level. No knock on them, they had solid mechanics, but were they not moving the racquet with a fast and long swing, more like a medium and medium swing, and they could line the ball up because it wasn't being hit sharply away from them. That being said, at the 4.5 and up level playing with the KPS88 is difficult becuase of the defensive situations in which you will find yourself. If you have good strokes and eye-hand coordination, this is the put away stick. The only thing you need to keep in mind if you do have those things, is that this brand of tennis is not as easy to pull off day in and day out.

XFP95:
It more forgiving, and any shortcomings this stick has in terms of power can be made up with customization. Some people who are used to more forgiving sticks than a 95s might have problems here, but my personal opinion is that they will adapt and their game will improve as a result. Because of the lower swingweight and larger head it is much easier to spin the ball than the KPS88; it is also harder to flatten out and put away the ball. I does not volley as well, this had to do with stability...it is still a stable stick, just not as stiff.

You long term gameplan might look something like this KPS88 to develop strokes >transition> Larger more forgiving racquet to further develop game >transition> back to the KPS88 now that you are able to mave very well and strike very well.
 

asifallasleep

Hall of Fame
Honestly, you are not going to be able to replicate the combined feel and power of the PS88. It's a thin beam and it has a massive and I do mean massive sweetspot. Almost the entire string bed. I currently have three of them in storage. I'd suggest sticking with it and stockpiling them. The pros just get paint jobs of the old frames they use and refuse to change. I know of a shop in the Los Angeles area that has a bunch of them for sale. Shoot me an email if you want the shop details: chamberlainfilms@gmail.com
 

thatguymattin

Semi-Pro
As a current XFP95and former KPS 88 user here are my thoughts on the comparison:

Note:
I have barely hit with the XFP95 stock. I went in knowing I was used to heavier swingweight racquets. I leaded-up the hoop at first and was astonished at how the ball catapulted off the racquet; I found I had little control over put-away balls. I eventually took off all the lead and placed silicone in the inside of the pallet (it seems as though it was made for this sort of customization, having grooves sized perfectly for silicone or 1/4" lead tape). Anyone who has hit with a customized version of this stick agrees that it plays better with a bit a weight. Mine weigh 350 grams and are 8 Pts Headlight.

KPS88:
If you can get the weight moving this hits the bigger ball in terms of weight and pace. That being said, I don't know if this necessarily describes you. I ran across people who played pretty well with this stick at the 3.0/3.5 level, who wouldn't be able to use it at a higher level. No knock on them, they had solid mechanics, but were they not moving the racquet with a fast and long swing, more like a medium and medium swing, and they could line the ball up because it wasn't being hit sharply away from them. That being said, at the 4.5 and up level playing with the KPS88 is difficult becuase of the defensive situations in which you will find yourself. If you have good strokes and eye-hand coordination, this is the put away stick. The only thing you need to keep in mind if you do have those things, is that this brand of tennis is not as easy to pull off day in and day out.

XFP95:
It more forgiving, and any shortcomings this stick has in terms of power can be made up with customization. Some people who are used to more forgiving sticks than a 95s might have problems here, but my personal opinion is that they will adapt and their game will improve as a result. Because of the lower swingweight and larger head it is much easier to spin the ball than the KPS88; it is also harder to flatten out and put away the ball. I does not volley as well, this had to do with stability...it is still a stable stick, just not as stiff.

You long term gameplan might look something like this KPS88 to develop strokes >transition> Larger more forgiving racquet to further develop game >transition> back to the KPS88 now that you are able to mave very well and strike very well.

The long term game plan does sound like it would be good for me. I know for sure I am at least a 3.5, no doubt about that. But I think I have 4.0 or 4.5 strokes. My swing is fast and smooth, but I have yet to experience a consistent amount of play against 4.5's or in general. The only times I get to hit with someone are when an older gentleman who is a 3.5 is available to hit with. In order to improve, I need to play against many people who are better than me, and I just don't have that around me. Not until tryouts in the fall for college.
 
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thatguymattin

Semi-Pro
Honestly, you are not going to be able to replicate the combined feel and power of the PS88. It's a thin beam and it has a massive and I do mean massive sweetspot. Almost the entire string bed. I currently have three of them in storage. I'd suggest sticking with it and stockpiling them. The pros just get paint jobs of the old frames they use and refuse to change. I know of a shop in the Los Angeles area that has a bunch of them for sale. Shoot me an email if you want the shop details: chamberlainfilms@gmail.com

I have three myself, and I don't want to necessarily buy more. I'm still trying to find the best string setup. I created this thread in order to get suggestions for the future in case I truly need a new racquet.
 

thatguymattin

Semi-Pro
No reason to stray from the Tour 90 area...considering you love the K88s so much.

I don't love it per say, rather, it is one of the better racquets I have tried out so far.

I would like to expand my horizon on racquets because I don't want to be single minded. But I can't use 98 square inch racquets for the life of me.
 
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tarkowski

Professional
Honestly, you are not going to be able to replicate the combined feel and power of the PS88. It's a thin beam and it has a massive and I do mean massive sweetspot. Almost the entire string bed. I currently have three of them in storage. I'd suggest sticking with it and stockpiling them. The pros just get paint jobs of the old frames they use and refuse to change. I know of a shop in the Los Angeles area that has a bunch of them for sale. Shoot me an email if you want the shop details: chamberlainfilms@gmail.com

Hey asifallasleep, how are you liking the blades? Not to derail the thread but I'm a 90 user and am intrigued by the 2013 blade. Seeing your signature - how does it compare to the rest of your sticks? Thanks!
 
As a current XFP95and former KPS 88 user here are my thoughts on the comparison:


XFP95:
.... it is also harder to flatten out and put away the ball. I does not volley as well, this had to do with stability...it is still a stable stick, just not as stiff.

Everyone hits differently but I have absolutely no problem flattening my XFP95 out at all... backhand or forehand my flat shots DTL or otherwise all are stronger with the XFP95 than almost any stick Ive played with (I used the Max 200G in the 80's and that IS better...but that is the doom log and the best flat crushing racket of all time).

I also find it is one of the very best volley and overhead sticks I have ever used and I S&V even on second serves when things are flowing. But you are absolutely correct it really begs to be customized... the thing about the 12.5+ oz sticks isthey dont have as much room.... and yes I have very little lead on the hoop... Just a little at 3 and 9. The rest is in the handle.
 

BreakPoint

Bionic Poster
I don't love it per say, rather, it is one of the better racquets I have tried out so far.

I would like to expand my horizon on racquets because I don't want to be single minded. But I can't use 98 square inch racquets for the life of me.
I guess I still don't understand why that's a problem? If you can't use them then don't use them, right? Seems pretty simple to me. :)
 

thatguymattin

Semi-Pro
I guess I still don't understand why that's a problem? If you can't use them then don't use them, right? Seems pretty simple to me. :)

Haven't you ever had something that you wanted to achieve, but the steps leading to that achievement is really difficult?

Even though all the 98 square inch racquets I have tried so far don't work for me, does not mean I want to give up on trying them.

And the suggestions people have suggested on this thread have been very interesting. Everyone has been very informative without being highly critical unlike what I'm used to on the rest of the forum.
 
i am surprised that after almost 3 pages of discussion , no one mention
Yonex VCORE Tour 89 although the colour is a bit.... too loud. hahah

I was thinking along the same lines. The new V Core Tour G 330 should come close to the heft and solidity of the K88 but with a more forgiving 97 sq in. head.
 

thatguymattin

Semi-Pro
I was thinking along the same lines. The new V Core Tour G 330 should come close to the heft and solidity of the K88 but with a more forgiving 97 sq in. head.

I was curious to how it played, but because I played with the different iterations of the 98, I feared that the result would be the same.

How well does the tour 97 pocket the ball? I'm into a solid plush feeling kind of racquet that doesn't feel too springy; which is different from a crisp feeling. Although the "crisp" feeling isn't bad as long as the racquet doesn't feel too stiff.
 

BreakPoint

Bionic Poster
Haven't you ever had something that you wanted to achieve, but the steps leading to that achievement is really difficult?

Even though all the 98 square inch racquets I have tried so far don't work for me, does not mean I want to give up on trying them.

And the suggestions people have suggested on this thread have been very interesting. Everyone has been very informative without being highly critical unlike what I'm used to on the rest of the forum.
OK, but in tennis there's no requirement to have to use a 98 sq. in. racquet, so why is there a need for you to "achieve" using a 98? :confused:

Why not just continue using the racquet that you know works for you?
 

OTMPut

Hall of Fame
I was curious to how it played, but because I played with the different iterations of the 98, I feared that the result would be the same.

How well does the tour 97 pocket the ball? I'm into a solid plush feeling kind of racquet that doesn't feel too springy; which is different from a crisp feeling. Although the "crisp" feeling isn't bad as long as the racquet doesn't feel too stiff.

Tour G 330 feels solid and plush. Check my sig for my current config.

BTW, i am a long time kps88 user. I think tour G 330 is a a softer, flexible and easier to handle version of kps88 (well that makes it unlike, but the weight distribution is quite similar).
 

meltedsteam

Semi-Pro
Everyone hits differently but I have absolutely no problem flattening my XFP95 out at all... backhand or forehand my flat shots DTL or otherwise all are stronger with the XFP95 than almost any stick Ive played with (I used the Max 200G in the 80's and that IS better...but that is the doom log and the best flat crushing racket of all time).

I also find it is one of the very best volley and overhead sticks I have ever used and I S&V even on second serves when things are flowing. But you are absolutely correct it really begs to be customized... the thing about the 12.5+ oz sticks isthey dont have as much room.... and yes I have very little lead on the hoop... Just a little at 3 and 9. The rest is in the handle.

I think the XFP95 does a fine job on the flat ball, but that doesn't mean that the KPS88 doesn't hit this kind of ball better. The KPS88 has a flatter trajectory from the stringbed, weighs an ounce and a half more, and is quite a bit more stiff with a higher swingweight. I believe the KPS88 to be one of the best flat crushing racquets, and probably the best stock racquet for this produced in the last decade.
 

thatguymattin

Semi-Pro
OK, but in tennis there's no requirement to have to use a 98 sq. in. racquet, so why is there a need for you to "achieve" using a 98? :confused:

Why not just continue using the racquet that you know works for you?

The thing about using 98s was just a thread title. This thread is really about obtaining a racquet that plays similarly to my k88, that has a larger head size in order to be future proof and/or a replacement if my 88s become unplayable. Modifications and suggestions are always welcomed
 

thatguymattin

Semi-Pro
Tour G 330 feels solid and plush. Check my sig for my current config.

BTW, i am a long time kps88 user. I think tour G 330 is a a softer, flexible and easier to handle version of kps88 (well that makes it unlike, but the weight distribution is quite similar).

Can you compare it to ezones ai /xI 98
 

Noisy Ninja

Semi-Pro
The thing about using 98s was just a thread title. This thread is really about obtaining a racquet that plays similarly to my k88, that has a larger head size in order to be future proof and/or a replacement if my 88s become unplayable. Modifications and suggestions are always welcomed

Give the Babolat Pure Strike Tour a try.
I played with the KPS88 since its introduction and recently switched to the Babolat PS Tour after demoing various frames over the winter as a replacement for my KPS88's.
Nothing is going to totally replace the feel and plowthrough of the KPS88 but the Bab PS Tour comes pretty close with the added benefit of more forgiveness, precision (18X20 string pattern), and less heft.
I didn't need to make any modifications other than to add leather grips. Assimilating from the KPS88 to Bab PS Tour didn't take very long at all; adjusting to a tighter string pattern was probably the biggest adjustment for me. However, I'm really liking the 18X20 pattern now; a lot more control and strings last forever compared to how often I was breaking strings on the KPS88 before.
 

thatguymattin

Semi-Pro
Give the Babolat Pure Strike Tour a try.
I played with the KPS88 since its introduction and recently switched to the Babolat PS Tour after demoing various frames over the winter as a replacement for my KPS88's.
Nothing is going to totally replace the feel and plowthrough of the KPS88 but the Bab PS Tour comes pretty close with the added benefit of more forgiveness, precision (18X20 string pattern), and less heft.
I didn't need to make any modifications other than to add leather grips. Assimilating from the KPS88 to Bab PS Tour didn't take very long at all; adjusting to a tighter string pattern was probably the biggest adjustment for me. However, I'm really liking the 18X20 pattern now; a lot more control and strings last forever compared to how often I was breaking strings on the KPS88 before.

I tried out a pure strike when an acquaintance of mine demo'd from tw, and it was either the 98 or 100 sq in versions. I didn't like it because it felt like a frying pan. It didn't pocket the ball at all.
 

BreakPoint

Bionic Poster
The thing about using 98s was just a thread title. This thread is really about obtaining a racquet that plays similarly to my k88, that has a larger head size in order to be future proof and/or a replacement if my 88s become unplayable. Modifications and suggestions are always welcomed
There are still a lot of people using the PS 6.0 85 which came out over 30 years ago so I wouldn't worry about having to "future proof" your KPS88 nor it becoming "unplayable". That thing will still be a monster when you're 60. :)
 

Noisy Ninja

Semi-Pro
I tried out a pure strike when an acquaintance of mine demo'd from tw, and it was either the 98 or 100 sq in versions. I didn't like it because it felt like a frying pan. It didn't pocket the ball at all.

Ball pocketing has more to do with string and tension than the racquet. The tighter string pattern does feel stiffer but can be mitigated with the right string and tension. I"m using TF NRG2/Lux 4G hybrid and finding pretty good dwell time.
 

thatguymattin

Semi-Pro
There are still a lot of people using the PS 6.0 85 which came out over 30 years ago so I wouldn't worry about having to "future proof" your KPS88 nor it becoming "unplayable". That thing will still be a monster when you're 60. :)

I would like to eventually frame my racquets when I'm that age, if I even reach that age. Heck, I don't think I would play with a 12.8 ounce racquet at that age.
 

thatguymattin

Semi-Pro
Ball pocketing has more to do with string and tension than the racquet. The tighter string pattern does feel stiffer but can be mitigated with the right string and tension. I"m using TF NRG2/Lux 4G hybrid and finding pretty good dwell time.

Hmm I've found that 51-54 lbs with poly is good for my k88s
 

BreakPoint

Bionic Poster
I would like to eventually frame my racquets when I'm that age, if I even reach that age. Heck, I don't think I would play with a 12.8 ounce racquet at that age.
Why not? As I've gotten older I keep adding more weight to my racquets as I want the racquet to do more of the work for me. 15 years ago I was using an 10.4 oz. racquet. Now I'm old and using a 13.1 oz. racquet. :)
 

movdqa

Talk Tennis Guru
I would like to eventually frame my racquets when I'm that age, if I even reach that age. Heck, I don't think I would play with a 12.8 ounce racquet at that age.

Check out my specs.

The KPS88 is SW 345. I'm hitting with SW 386 - the KPS88 would feel like a feather to me. I'm in my mid-50s.
 

thatguymattin

Semi-Pro
Why not? As I've gotten older I keep adding more weight to my racquets as I want the racquet to do more of the work for me. 15 years ago I was using an 10.4 oz. racquet. Now I'm old and using a 13.1 oz. racquet. :)

Actually I was thinking around 12.5 would be good. Don't know why I was afraid of it earlier. I've always liked heavier racquets
 

thatguymattin

Semi-Pro
Check out my specs.

The KPS88 is SW 345. I'm hitting with SW 386 - the KPS88 would feel like a feather to me. I'm in my mid-50s.

A part of me would like to modify my K88's, but another part of me is against it because it feels nice stock. If anything, I would add lead in the handle to make it a bit more maneuverable.

It is a shame that grommets are hard to come by... There are some in the bay, but they cost 20 or 30 dollars without shipping. I think that's ridiculous!! Unless someone knows how to modify an existing grommet to fit the K88.
 
Actually I was thinking around 12.5 would be good. Don't know why I was afraid of it earlier. I've always liked heavier racquets

Yeah people get afraid of heavy sticks but I feel like they enforce good habits and I find that change of direction and return of serve are so enhanced by 12.25+ oz racquets. Having a strong return of serve keeps you competitive for a long time... Agassi and Connors anyone?
 

thatguymattin

Semi-Pro
Yeah people get afraid of heavy sticks but I feel like they enforce good habits and I find that change of direction and return of serve are so enhanced by 12.25+ oz racquets. Having a strong return of serve keeps you competitive for a long time... Agassi and Connors anyone?

I think I've become accustomed to heavier racquets with a moderately higher swing weight. Things do not feel right whenever I use racquets from low 10 to high 11 ounce racquets. I'd probably do better if used a lower swing weight racquet though. The stability is hard to give up though.
 

thatguymattin

Semi-Pro
Try the RF97 Autograph

I have a pet peeve against Wilson's new paintjobs, including the new pro staff line. I'd try it if a blacked-out version is released. Right now, I'm looking to go back into the Wilson 90 line, specifically the BLX Pro Staff 90 released in 2012. If Wilson releases a Blade 93 or 95 with an open string pattern, I'd go with that too.
 

Muppet

Legend
Have you tried the Wilson 6.1 16x18? You would get more head size and you can always add weight.
 

thatguymattin

Semi-Pro
Oh so it turns out that I am able to play quite well relative to how I play normally with a mid sized racquet. After I dabbled in different grips, I have discovered that I can play pretty good with 98's and 97's if I play using a semi-western forehand, instead of my usual modified eastern. Anyone know how to explain this technically? How I have more success in 97's and 98's specifically when using a more 'modern' forehand than I do with a more traditional play style. Or is it just a lot of different variables...
 

sma1001

Hall of Fame
Oh so it turns out that I am able to play quite well relative to how I play normally with a mid sized racquet. After I dabbled in different grips, I have discovered that I can play pretty good with 98's and 97's if I play using a semi-western forehand, instead of my usual modified eastern. Anyone know how to explain this technically? How I have more success in 97's and 98's specifically when using a more 'modern' forehand than I do with a more traditional play style. Or is it just a lot of different variables...

Forum experts will intervene here. I'm not on of those but, in my simple terms, I think what you are finding is that the larger heads both have more potential power generation and a bigger "spin window" - that is the area on the stringbed available to brush up the back of the ball. SW forehands encourage that swing shape and that allows you to generate more topspin which helps in harnessing the power that a larger stringbed provides (more trampoline). It is harder on a mid to brush up (not impossible but there is a need to be more precise). So for both reasons a mid encourages a flatter hit and an eastern grip. The tighter stringbed provides more control. I find the same as you - I tend to vary my grip depending on the racquet and launch angle. 16*19 patterns have much the same effect (for me). Neither is "better" - just some suit certain players more than others. I enjoy both: once you know what to expect and are happy with a bit a variety, its quite fun.:)
 
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