I have tried almost EVERYTHING on TW, yet I still can't seem to find a racquet - help

F

fujitsu77

Semi-Pro
Racquets I have tried:

Babolat Racquets

Babolat AeroPro Drive - not enough control, too stiff
Babolat AeroPro Control - VERY stiff
Babolat Pure Drive Standard - very stiff, not enough control from the ground
Babolat Pure Drive Roddick - good control for groundies, but stiffness and volleys were a problem


Dunlop Racquets

Dunlop Aerogel 2Hundred - tight string pattern ment reduction of spin on slice serve and less topspin on groundies
Dunlop Aerogel 5Hundred Tour - didn't like the feel and too powerful
Dunlop M-Fil 200 - SW was high, tight string pattern
Dunlop 200G - not as stable as M-Fil, string pattern


Fischer Racquets

Fischer M Speed Pro Number One - didn't like the very muted feel, couldn't serve well with it


Head Racquets

Head MicroGEL Extreme Pro - my forehands flew with this racquet
Head Flexpoint Radical - string pattern, too light, liked the LM better
Head Flexpoint Radical Tour - gave me TE
Head Flexpoint Prestige - string pattern, didn't like feel that much
Head Liquidmetal Prestige - string pattern, had good feel but my slice serve just didn't have the same movement
Head Liquidmetal Radical - string pattern, too light
Head Liquidmetal Instinct - was OK, didn't like beam thickness, wasn't the best for my stroke


Prince Racquets

Prince O3 Speedport Red - too light, too little control
Prince O3 Hybrid Tour - never got into a groove w/ this racquet
Prince O3 Tour - couldn't get used to serving and vollying with this racquet
Prince O3 White - thickness, want something with a bit less power, light
Prince O3 Red - very light and stiff
Prince Tour NXG Graphite (Mid and OS) - hated the mid, the OS is OK but it lacks control and feel
POG (Mid and OS) - love the OS interms of feel, but its a bit too heavy
Prince Tour Diablo MP - felt "frail" in my hands, didn't like the extended length
Prince Shark - no control or feel


Tecnifibre Racquets

Tecnifibre TFight 335 (both string patterns) - same as 320 (a bit more plow - through but a bit heavier)
Tecnifibre TFight 320 (both string patterns) - OK racquet, didn't like the 18 x 20 but the other string pattern wasn't that bad


Wilson Racquets

Wilson K Factor KSix-One 95 (16 x 18) - felt stiff and like a board
Wilson nSix-One Tour 90 - didn't like the very mushy feel
Wilson nSix-One 95 (16 x 18) - not bad but I would like something with less power and a bit more menuverability
Wilson nPro Open - too light and unstable
Wilson nPro Surge - too light and unstable, also didn't like the feel


Yonex Racquets

Yonex RDS 001 (Mid and MP) - I didn't like the mid, but the MP was pretty good. I would have got it but it really lacked in plow-through, and thus, I could not be aggressive with this racquet
Yonex RDX 500 (Mid and MP) - Liked the mid better than the MP, has a good feel but serves were terrible



Well, as you can see, I have tried a lot of racquets, but I still have not found a racquet that suits me.

I am an aggressive baseliner who relies on a big serve (flat and slice) and placement to win points.

(I have a 2h backhand if this helps).


Also, I really love racquets with a solid, "old-school" feel.


Racquets that interest me:

RDS 002 Tour
nBlade
(That is it for now)


Please help!! I am desperate ;).

Thanks

fujitsu77
 
Last edited:
Solid old school feel, but you havent tried any Prokennex or Volkl.
You might find what you are looking for there.
 
What are some of the things that you like from those different racquet? Maybe if you take the positives from different racquets, then you can find one that has all of the features you like.
 
Fujitsu77,

Can you state what you like and donn't like of all those racquets. Or pros and cons of each racquet you've tried. If you like your old racquet better, maybe stick to that. What are you playing now? You've done your homework in demoing. Now just need to find a compromise or a racquet that suits all the aspects you like of the racquets you've demoed.
 
you haven't tried the 300 series from dunlop, they're great rackets

Also the fischer mspeed 98s a great racket as well, what didn't you like about it?

Maybe the Purestorm and the Prostaff 95/85 would work out for you.
 
Dude, I don't think most professionals go through that many racquets and still don't find one that they like.

Perhaps certain aspects of your game may be handicapping your judgement for racquets?
 
you might like the RDS 002 Tour version; sounds like a good fit for your game. Or you might try the Ti-80 that has a solid serve and groundies.
 
It's not the racquet then ... :). Advice...try some more Fischer and some Volkls. If you can't find anything after that...just pick one and play the game...or try a freaking Vantage if you know what type of specs you like (even though your demo list is all over the board in specs)
 
I think you're asking too much from a racquet as it sounds like you're expecting the racquet to do all the work for you and to win matches for you. When it really comes down to it, it's you that wins the matches and not your racquet, as long as you're using something reasonable and that you're accustomed to. More than anything else, it's strategy, mental toughness, and conditioning that wins matches.

With that said, why not give the PS 6.0 95 or even the K90 a try?
 
First off, thanks for all the quick responses. I really appreciate it.

Some of the things I like in a racquet:

Well, I really love control oriented racquets, such as my POG OS. The thing I don't like about my POG is the weight, and its lack of serving ability (especially for flat, hard serves). I want a racquet that I can bring around consistently for a good 2 to 2.5 hours (basically, I want a racquet in the 11.7oz to 12.2oz range). I also want this racquet to have a solid, stable feel. Also, I like racquets that put weight behind the ball (in other words, have a nice "plow through" effect - this is why I didn't like the RDS 001).

Also, this racquet has to allow me to hit good topspin forehands, but at the same time, allow me to flatten out and go for winners when the time is right (thus, I prefer a 16 x 19 string pattern).


Finally, the racquets above don't prevent me from winning matches. I play regularly and enojoy the sport to its fullest extent. I also have a coach and practice about 8 - 10 hours a week, so I don't think my technique is the problem. Its just that I don't like certain characteristics of many of these racquets, and thus don't like them :(.
 
Stick with one - Yes, stick with one!! Coming from someone like me that probably does not hold much water but I have been playing with only 2 racquets in the last few months, no changes and my game has pretty much gelled around what these frames can do for me. You can't dislike ALL of those racquets, pick the one you like the most and develop your game with it
 
Babolat Racquets:
Pure Control
(I'd also, just out of curiousity, try one of the extended length racquets)

Volkl Racquets:
DNX 10 Mid and MP

Wilson Racquets:
nBlade
PS 6.0 95
Hyper ProStaff 6.1 MP (still available in some places)

ProKennex Racquets:
Redondo (if ever available)
 
You didn't like the RDS 001's "plow through" ability? Not enough weight behind it?

wow, most people I let play with mine say it's too heavy for them. Why not just get the RDS 001 and add some lead to it?
 
jamauss said:
You didn't like the RDS 001's "plow through" ability? Not enough weight behind it?

wow, most people I let play with mine say it's too heavy for them. Why not just get the RDS 001 and add some lead to it?
Click to expand...

I tried this, but it didn't seem to effect the racquet much. That's why I like the idea of the 002 tour. It seems as if the tour is just a 001 w/ added weight.

( I'm coming off a 12.8 oz racquet, so the 001 feels VERY light to me).
 
If you do end up trying Volkl, as others have suggested, I'm curious to hear your comments about the Volkl BB10, which I recently started using. Most people rave about the DNX models, but I've found the BB10 to fit my game very well. Similar to you, I like a more open string pattern for generating good topspin, and I definitely like the "plough through" effect that a heftier racquet can provide. The Bab APC gave me great plough through effect, but yes, very stiff. Granted, the BB10 is only 11.2 ounces (about a half ounce lighter than your ideal range you stated), but it feels stable even against hard hitters, hard serves, off center shots, etc. And it's definitely comfortable for long hitting sessions, as most Volkl's are known to be arm friendly.
 
Unbelievable that you're still interested in demoing after all those...

Second the Volkl recommendation since you seem to have skipped them...DN9MP is definitely worth a look, and maybe the DNX 10 MP (10 is 18/20, but didn't keep me from generating spin). Tour10Gen2 as well. Those are my three fav Volkls, they all are very solid, and I think in the weight range you want.
 
fujitsu77 said:
I tried this, but it didn't seem to effect the racquet much. That's why I like the idea of the 002 tour. It seems as if the tour is just a 001 w/ added weight.

( I'm coming off a 12.8 oz racquet, so the 001 feels VERY light to me).
Click to expand...
Then the RDS 002 Tour will also feel very light to you. I found it to be too light for me even though my regular Asian nCode 90 is only 12.1 oz.
 
It says the POG is your holy grail right in your signature, this is a joke. Save some money and get some lessons.

"I tried this, but it didn't seem to effect the racquet much. That's why I like the idea of the 002 tour. It seems as if the tour is just a 001 w/ added weight.

( I'm coming off a 12.8 oz racquet, so the 001 feels VERY light to me).
__________________
POG OS - 12.8 oz - my Holy Grail


ALL OF US SHOULD PLAY WITH THE GAMMA BIG BUBBA!!! "
 
Avery M5. Everything your looking for. Solid old school feel in a 16 X 19. Easy spin as well as plow through.
 
Noveson said:
It says the POG is your holy grail right in your signature, this is a joke. Save some money and get some lessons.

"I tried this, but it didn't seem to effect the racquet much. That's why I like the idea of the 002 tour. It seems as if the tour is just a 001 w/ added weight.

( I'm coming off a 12.8 oz racquet, so the 001 feels VERY light to me).
__________________
POG OS - 12.8 oz - my Holy Grail


ALL OF US SHOULD PLAY WITH THE GAMMA BIG BUBBA!!! "
Click to expand...

First off, I do take lessons, as I said in an earlier post.

Also, I need to edit that out of my sig. I love the POG OS, its just too heavy.
 
at least he doesn't care about how the racquet looks. Some people do. I do too to a certain extent :)
 
I only buy pretty racquets... ;)

A friend took his girlfriend stereo shopping years ago...got home and he was absolutely fuming while she was very happy. Reason? He had negotiated an absolute killer price for her on a close-out system that he said was the deal of a lifetime.

She refused to get it. Why? She said it was the wrong color. She bought another lesser system for more money that matched her room's color scheme better. Completely happy.

Just so sad (yet so funny) to watch my buddy pulling his hair out about the incredible deal that got away... :)

Get off his case, folks. He's a demo addict, and will either find a 12-Step program or continue until he gets the right "high."
 
suggestion 1: don't waste much more money on demoing ;)
suggestion 2: you love your POGs but they are too heavy so maybe you might consider lifting some weights and build your upper body strength.
suggestion 3: buy another POG from tw and ask them to sell you the one most like their specs say.
suggestion 4: if you really want to get something else try the Volkl C10 Pro MP, Volkl DNX 10 MP (DNX9 was garbage)
 
PD+ or Aeropro Drive with Pro Hurricane Tour...that may help with stiffness...or lead tape can be your friend.
 
Fujitsu77,

I have some specs here for you.

Head Size: 95 sq. in. / 613 sq. cm.
Length: 27 inches / 69 cm
Strung Weight:
- With Bumper: 12.1oz / 344g
- Without Bumper: 11.7 oz/332g
Balance:
- With Bumper: 8pts Head Light
- Without Bumper: 11pts Head Light
Swingweight:
- With Bumper: 335
- Without Bumper: 310
Stiffness: 63
Beam Width: 20mm Straight Beam
Composition: 80% Graphite/20% Kevlar w/Hardwood Spine
Power Level: Low
Swing Speed: Fast
Grip Type: Perforated Synthetic
String Pattern:
16 Mains / 18 Crosses
String Tension: 52-68 pounds

If you thing the spec looks good and you don't choose rackets by the brand ...

That's the spec of the PK Core 1 #6. May be hard to find, but, for sure, PK's still in business.

It plays really nice. You can hit out. You can get serious spins. All-in-one package. Don't let the 335 SW scare you. It plays as easy as my 320 SW Redondo.
 
Why don't you replace the bumper on your POG with individual grommets? You'll have a lighter racquet that will also allow you to place weight in the hoop of the frame, giving the plow-through that you require.
How long do you demo each racquet? I sometimes spend 10 hours or more with a racquet before rejecting it.
Have you also tried different string and/or weight setups?
 
Based on everything you have said, here are my recommendations:

Gamma Ipex 7.0 - would fit you perfectly

Avery m3 or m5

ProKennex Ki5 or 5g

Also it appears that racquets strung below the midrange would also suit you better--that allows for a more of an "old school" feel.
 
fujitsu77,
first i'd recommend you try the nblade, either the 98 or the 106. my personal feeling tells me you'd like the 106 more (as i did by the way).
point i want to make is that while it is generally true that a 16mains stringbed offers better access to spin, there are quite a few racquets out there with 18mains that play all the spin you want - i have an extreme topspin style (my strings last max. 8hrs. with stringsavers!) and get perfectly along with the nblade 106. the stringpattern will give you 5% more spin with the same technique at the best. if you go to a pure drive, you need more spin to keep the ball in the court, but then you change the hitting technique, it's not the stick that makes the spin.
just give it a try. from the baseline i think you'll feel familiar with it right from the first hit, at the net you might want some 6g of lead added to the hoop for absolute stability (also improves baseline hitting - i have gone to 12g, but added a leathergrip, therefore i recommended 6g of lead).
 
fujitsu77 said:
Racquets I have tried:

Babolat Racquets

Babolat AeroPro Drive - not enough control, too stiff
Babolat AeroPro Control - VERY stiff
Babolat Pure Drive Standard - very stiff, not enough control from the ground
Babolat Pure Drive Roddick - good control for groundies, but stiffness and volleys were a problem


Dunlop Racquets

Dunlop Aerogel 2Hundred - tight string pattern ment reduction of spin on slice serve and less topspin on groundies
Dunlop Aerogel 5Hundred Tour - didn't like the feel and too powerful
Dunlop M-Fil 200 - SW was high, tight string pattern
Dunlop 200G - not as stable as M-Fil, string pattern


Fischer Racquets

Fischer M Speed Pro Number One - didn't like the very muted feel, couldn't serve well with it


Head Racquets

Head MicroGEL Extreme Pro - my forehands flew with this racquet
Head Flexpoint Radical - string pattern, too light, liked the LM better
Head Flexpoint Radical Tour - gave me TE
Head Flexpoint Prestige - string pattern, didn't like feel that much
Head Liquidmetal Prestige - string pattern, had good feel but my slice serve just didn't have the same movement
Head Liquidmetal Radical - string pattern, too light
Head Liquidmetal Instinct - was OK, didn't like beam thickness, wasn't the best for my stroke


Prince Racquets

Prince O3 Speedport Red - too light, too little control
Prince O3 Hybrid Tour - never got into a groove w/ this racquet
Prince O3 Tour - couldn't get used to serving and vollying with this racquet
Prince O3 White - thickness, want something with a bit less power, light
Prince O3 Red - very light and stiff
Prince Tour NXG Graphite (Mid and OS) - hated the mid, the OS is OK but it lacks control and feel
POG (Mid and OS) - love the OS interms of feel, but its a bit too heavy
Prince Tour Diablo MP - felt "frail" in my hands, didn't like the extended length
Prince Shark - no control or feel


Tecnifibre Racquets

Tecnifibre TFight 335 (both string patterns) - same as 320 (a bit more plow - through but a bit heavier)
Tecnifibre TFight 320 (both string patterns) - OK racquet, didn't like the 18 x 20 but the other string pattern wasn't that bad


Wilson Racquets

Wilson K Factor KSix-One 95 (16 x 18) - felt stiff and like a board
Wilson nSix-One Tour 90 - didn't like the very mushy feel
Wilson nSix-One 95 (16 x 18) - not bad but I would like something with less power and a bit more menuverability
Wilson nPro Open - too light and unstable
Wilson nPro Surge - too light and unstable, also didn't like the feel


Yonex Racquets

Yonex RDS 001 (Mid and MP) - I didn't like the mid, but the MP was pretty good. I would have got it but it really lacked in plow-through, and thus, I could not be aggressive with this racquet
Yonex RDX 500 (Mid and MP) - Liked the mid better than the MP, has a good feel but serves were terrible



Well, as you can see, I have tried a lot of racquets, but I still have not found a racquet that suits me.

I am an aggressive baseliner who relies on a big serve (flat and slice) and placement to win points.

(I have a 2h backhand if this helps).


Also, I really love racquets with a solid, "old-school" feel.


Racquets that interest me:

RDS 002 Tour
nBlade
(That is it for now)


Please help!! I am desperate ;).

Thanks

fujitsu77
Click to expand...

Did you ever think that it's NOT the racquet? You should take few steps back and re-evaluate your game.
 
fujitsu77 said:
First off, thanks for all the quick responses. I really appreciate it.

Some of the things I like in a racquet:

Well, I really love control oriented racquets, such as my POG OS. The thing I don't like about my POG is the weight, and its lack of serving ability (especially for flat, hard serves). I want a racquet that I can bring around consistently for a good 2 to 2.5 hours (basically, I want a racquet in the 11.7oz to 12.2oz range). I also want this racquet to have a solid, stable feel. Also, I like racquets that put weight behind the ball (in other words, have a nice "plow through" effect - this is why I didn't like the RDS 001).

Also, this racquet has to allow me to hit good topspin forehands, but at the same time, allow me to flatten out and go for winners when the time is right (thus, I prefer a 16 x 19 string pattern).


Finally, the racquets above don't prevent me from winning matches. I play regularly and enojoy the sport to its fullest extent. I also have a coach and practice about 8 - 10 hours a week, so I don't think my technique is the problem. Its just that I don't like certain characteristics of many of these racquets, and thus don't like them :(.
Click to expand...

Try the Aerogel 300, it is a great racquet, and it sounds like it fits your game.
 
Hey I would take a look at some of the "old school" Pro Kennex rackets like the Type S. Solid racket that offers some big serves and good maneuverability at net as well as being control oriented.
 
Wow, thanks for all the responses everybody. I really appreciate all these suggestions. I guess I still need to try some more racquets! ;)

(Though I don't think I should waste too much more money ;))

I'll definitely try out the nBlade, a couple Volkls, and ProKennexs.

Also, I might just pick a racquet from those that I have already tried and stick with it. Plus, I might have not liked most of the racquets I tried b/c of the strings (most were strung w/ wilson nxt). These strings really made it difficult for me to get a feel for these frames, for all the frames just felt too powerful.

I think that if I string some of these racquets up w/ my own strings, then things might just work out.

Thanks again,

fujitsu77


(On a side note, how would the RDX 500 Mid/MP suit an aggressive baseliner?)
 
to me it sounds like you want a midplus racquet with lead weight added to the hoop (9 and 3 and 12 -or- 10 and 2 o'clock). that will give you spin and plow through i think. i like the same thing--its difficult because manufacturer's tend to make mid plus lighter than mid. sometimes their formulas for raquet manufacturing can be quite annoying.
 
ne1410is said:
to me it sounds like you want a midplus racquet with lead weight added to the hoop (9 and 3 and 12 -or- 10 and 2 o'clock). that will give you spin and plow through i think. i like the same thing--its difficult because manufacturer's tend to make mid plus lighter than mid. sometimes their formulas for raquet manufacturing can be quite annoying.
Click to expand...

That is exactly what I want (and I agree, their formulas for racquet manufacturing can be quite annoying ;))

I think I might just get a good racquet and then add a ton of lead at the 12 or 10 and 2.
 
fujitsu77 said:
Racquets I have tried:

Babolat Racquets

Babolat AeroPro Drive - not enough control, too stiff
Babolat AeroPro Control - VERY stiff
Babolat Pure Drive Standard - very stiff, not enough control from the ground
Babolat Pure Drive Roddick - good control for groundies, but stiffness and volleys were a problem


Dunlop Racquets

Dunlop Aerogel 2Hundred - tight string pattern ment reduction of spin on slice serve and less topspin on groundies
Dunlop Aerogel 5Hundred Tour - didn't like the feel and too powerful
Dunlop M-Fil 200 - SW was high, tight string pattern
Dunlop 200G - not as stable as M-Fil, string pattern


Fischer Racquets

Fischer M Speed Pro Number One - didn't like the very muted feel, couldn't serve well with it


Head Racquets

Head MicroGEL Extreme Pro - my forehands flew with this racquet
Head Flexpoint Radical - string pattern, too light, liked the LM better
Head Flexpoint Radical Tour - gave me TE
Head Flexpoint Prestige - string pattern, didn't like feel that much
Head Liquidmetal Prestige - string pattern, had good feel but my slice serve just didn't have the same movement
Head Liquidmetal Radical - string pattern, too light
Head Liquidmetal Instinct - was OK, didn't like beam thickness, wasn't the best for my stroke


Prince Racquets

Prince O3 Speedport Red - too light, too little control
Prince O3 Hybrid Tour - never got into a groove w/ this racquet
Prince O3 Tour - couldn't get used to serving and vollying with this racquet
Prince O3 White - thickness, want something with a bit less power, light
Prince O3 Red - very light and stiff
Prince Tour NXG Graphite (Mid and OS) - hated the mid, the OS is OK but it lacks control and feel
POG (Mid and OS) - love the OS interms of feel, but its a bit too heavy
Prince Tour Diablo MP - felt "frail" in my hands, didn't like the extended length
Prince Shark - no control or feel


Tecnifibre Racquets

Tecnifibre TFight 335 (both string patterns) - same as 320 (a bit more plow - through but a bit heavier)
Tecnifibre TFight 320 (both string patterns) - OK racquet, didn't like the 18 x 20 but the other string pattern wasn't that bad


Wilson Racquets

Wilson K Factor KSix-One 95 (16 x 18) - felt stiff and like a board
Wilson nSix-One Tour 90 - didn't like the very mushy feel
Wilson nSix-One 95 (16 x 18) - not bad but I would like something with less power and a bit more menuverability
Wilson nPro Open - too light and unstable
Wilson nPro Surge - too light and unstable, also didn't like the feel


Yonex Racquets

Yonex RDS 001 (Mid and MP) - I didn't like the mid, but the MP was pretty good. I would have got it but it really lacked in plow-through, and thus, I could not be aggressive with this racquet
Yonex RDX 500 (Mid and MP) - Liked the mid better than the MP, has a good feel but serves were terrible



Well, as you can see, I have tried a lot of racquets, but I still have not found a racquet that suits me.

I am an aggressive baseliner who relies on a big serve (flat and slice) and placement to win points.

(I have a 2h backhand if this helps).


Also, I really love racquets with a solid, "old-school" feel.


Racquets that interest me:

RDS 002 Tour
nBlade
(That is it for now)


Please help!! I am desperate ;).

Thanks

fujitsu77
Click to expand...

(IMO) DO NOT TRY ANY MORE RACQUETS!!! The game of tennis is 90% fitness/strategy/talent & footwork(part of fitness I guess). You have tried enough racquets. Please do yourself a favor and pick one of them that is comfortable and gave you decent results........and spend all of this "racquet" time on your GAME. My god man, there is not a frame out there that will work well with your game any more than a stick that you have already hit with. Worry about all of the other important stuff........not the racquet. I am not being a wise guy but please trust me on this one.
 
John Galt said:
(IMO) DO NOT TRY ANY MORE RACQUETS!!! The game of tennis is 90% fitness/strategy/talent & footwork(part of fitness I guess). You have tried enough racquets. Please do yourself a favor and pick one of them that is comfortable and gave you decent results........and spend all of this "racquet" time on your GAME. My god man, there is not a frame out there that will work well with your game any more than a stick that you have already hit with. Worry about all of the other important stuff........not the racquet. I am not being a wise guy but please trust me on this one.
Click to expand...

I would guess closer to 95%:D Given that you have a racquet that is at least somewhat suited to you(not a Gamma Big Bubba or K90).
 
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