If you could switch frames for every shot in tennis...

[gino]

What would be your combination of frames?

Answer the question however you want ...

Serve (slice): Wilson 6.1 95
Serve (flat): Wilson Ultra Pro 18M
Serve (kick): Babolat Pure Strike Tour/HEAD Youtek IG Speed MP


Forehand (topspin): Wilson Blade Pro 18M
Forehand (flat): Wilson 6.1 95
Forehand (slice): HEAD Microgel Prestige MP/ Wilson Pro Staff K90


Backhand (topspin): Wilson Blade Pro 18M/Wilson Ultra Pro 18M
Backhand (flat): Wilson Blade Pro 18M
Backhand (slice): Wilson RF97


Forehand volley: Wilson 6.1 95
Backhand volley: Wilson RF97


Forehand half-volley: Wilson 6.1 95/HEAD Youtek Prestige MP
Backhand half-volley: Wilson 6.1 95/HEAD Youtek Prestige MP


Forehand swinging-volley: Babolat Pure Aero Tour 2019/Wilson 6.1 95
Backhand swinging-volley: Babolat Pure Aero Tour 2019/Babolat Pure Strike Tour

Forehand dropper: Wilson 6.1 95
Backhand dropper: Wilson Blade Pro 18M/Wilson K-Blade Tour 93

Overheads: Wilson 6.1 95

 

[socallefty]

2nd serve, slice shots (including dropshots) and volleys - Pure Strike VS
1st serves, topspin groundstrokes, returns, overheads and all other shots - Pure Strike Tour

 

[Fxanimator1]

What a fun thread! It’s like picking players for your dream-team.
This thread is the explanation for “Racquetaholicism”.

 

[KC!]

Serve-2022 Ezone 98+
Forehand-2021 Aero Vs moded
2 handed backhand-2022 Speed Pro
Backhand slice-Gravity Pro
Volley-2021 Prestige Pro

 

[Curtennis]

I could probably be happy with using a Babolat pure drive and an rf97 for just about everything.
My go to racquet is a heavily weighted Ezone 98. Something slotted right between these two guys.
Any serve: Bab Pure Drive (340 swing weight or so)
Any volley: RF
1HBH: RF
Slice: RF
Return of 1st serve : bab
R 2s: RF
Defensive, neutral forehand: Bab
Finishing forehand: RF
Spinning racquet to pick who serves first: RF
When opponent asks what racquet I use: Spalding Pancho Gonzalez.

 

[Fed Kennedy]

What would be your combination of frames?

Serve (slice): Wilson 6.1 95
Serve (flat): Wilson Ultra Pro 18M
Serve (kick): Babolat Pure Strike Tour


Forehand (topspin): Wilson Blade Pro 18M
Forehand (flat): Wilson 6.1 95
Forehand (slice): HEAD Microgel Prestige MP


Backhand (topspin): Wilson Blade Pro 18M
Backhand (flat): Wilson Blade Pro 18M
Backhand (slice): Wilson RF97


Forehand volley: Wilson 6.1 95
Backhand volley: Wilson RF97


Forehand half-volley: HEAD Youtek Prestige MP
Backhand half-volley: HEAD Youtek Prestige MP


Forehand swinging-volley: Babolat Pure Aero Tour 2019
Backhand swinging-volley: Babolat Pure Aero Tour 2019


Overheads: Wilson 6.1 95

Gino, talk to me about that Pure Aero Tour. Thats an outlier

 

[Holic]

Serve flat - Ezone 98
Serve kick - Extreme mp
Forehand(spin) - Rad Mp
Forehand(flat) - Rad mp
Backhand spin - Pure Aero
Backhand Flat - Ezone 100
Slices - Rad mp
Drop shot - Pavs
Volleys - Pure Strike Tour

 

[gino]

What a fun thread! It’s like picking players for your dream-team.
This thread is the explanation for “Racquetaholicism”.

Exactly what it was intended for

 

[gino]

I could probably be happy with using a Babolat pure drive and an rf97 for just about everything.
My go to racquet is a heavily weighted Ezone 98. Something slotted right between these two guys.
Any serve: Bab Pure Drive (340 swing weight or so)
Any volley: RF
1HBH: RF
Slice: RF
Return of 1st serve : bab
R 2s: RF
Defensive, neutral forehand: Bab
Finishing forehand: RF
Spinning racquet to pick who serves first: RF
When opponent asks what racquet I use: Spalding Pancho Gonzalez.

lol love the last part. What pure drive iteration are you using ?

 

[gino]

Gino, talk to me about that Pure Aero Tour. Thats an outlier

hahah was hoping someone would notice. I’ve always loved the way the aero line comes through on swinging volleys, just RHS galore.

The 2019 is my favorite looking and feeling pure aero, but APD 2008 a VERY close second. Loved that 2008 frame my little brother used it for ages. Cortex v1 was awesome

 

[gino]

Serve flat - Ezone 98
Serve kick - Extreme mp
Forehand(spin) - Rad Mp
Forehand(flat) - Rad mp
Backhand spin - Pure Aero
Backhand Flat - Ezone 100
Slices - Rad mp
Drop shot - Pavs
Volleys - Pure Strike Tour

Which rad and PA iteration have you used ?

 

[buttercluck]

From a sample of about 10-15 rackets over the years.

Serve flat - Ezone 98 or RF97
Serve kick - PAVS 2020 or Angell TC95 16x19
Forehand(spin) - PAVS 2020
Forehand(flat) - Angell TC97 18x20
Backhand spin - Yonex Vcore 95D
Backhand Flat - Yonex Vcore 95 2021
Slices - Angell TC97 18x20
Drop shot - PAVS 2020
Volleys - RF97

I currently play with PAVS as it suits my style of playing

 

[Holic]

Which rad and PA iteration have you used ?

360+ Rad mp and Pa 2013(Apd)

 

[mixtape]

This sounds fun and I got time to waste...

Serve (slice): Prince Phantom 100P
Serve (flat): Prince Warrior 107
Serve (kick): Prince Response 97

Forehand (topspin): Prince Phantom 100P
Forehand (flat): Prince CTS Approach OS
Forehand (slice): Prince Phantom 100P

Backhand (topspin): Prince POG OS
Backhand (flat): Prince CTS Approach OS
Backhand (slice): Prince Phantom 100P

Forehand volley: Prince POG 90
Backhand volley: Prince Response 97

Forehand half-volley: Prince POG OS
Backhand half-volley: Pro Kennex Ki Q +5 Pro

Forehand swinging-volley: Prince Response 97
Backhand swinging-volley: Prince POG 90

Overheads: Prince Warrior 100

 

[gino]

This sounds fun and I got time to waste...

Serve (slice): Prince Phantom 100P
Serve (flat): Prince Warrior 107
Serve (kick): Prince Response 97

Forehand (topspin): Prince Phantom 100P
Forehand (flat): Prince CTS Approach OS
Forehand (slice): Prince Phantom 100P

Backhand (topspin): Prince POG OS
Backhand (flat): Prince CTS Approach OS
Backhand (slice): Prince Phantom 100P

Forehand volley: Prince POG 90
Backhand volley: Prince Response 97

Forehand half-volley: Prince POG OS
Backhand half-volley: Pro Kennex Ki Q +5 Pro

Forehand swinging-volley: Prince Response 97
Backhand swinging-volley: Prince POG 90

Overheads: Prince Warrior 100

ha that's the spirit!! I appreciate a brand loyalist. I am to Wilson as you are to Prince. Any favorite prince frame?

 

[basil J]

Serve: Yonex RDS 002 tour
Forehand Ncode 6.1 18 x 20
Backhand: Becker Melbourne
Volleys: Becker Melbourne
Return of serve: Tie-Becker Melbourne, C10 pro

 

[am1899]

Great thread.

Serve Flat: APD GT or Ezone 100
Serve Kick: Pure Aero
Forehand Spin: Pure Aero
Forehand Flat: 93p
Backhand Spin: Pure Aero
Backhand Flat: 93p or Ultra Tour
Slices: Ultra Tour
Drop Shot: Ultra Tour
Volleys: Ultra Tour

 

[AgassiGrafFan]

Serve: Pure Aero 16
Forehand Topspin: Pure Aero 19
Forehand Flat: Gravity Tour/APD13 (Radical OS Candy Cane)
Backhand: Gravity Tour
Volley: Don’t hit them often but APD13
Return: Gravity Tour

Best for Offensive Gameplan: Pure Aero 19
Best for Consistent Gameplan: Gravity Tour
Best Balance: G360+ Extreme MP/APD13

 

[Curtennis]

lol love the last part. What pure drive iteration are you using ?

I think the new 21 pure drive is absolute perfection for what it is.

 

[mixtape]

ha that's the spirit!! I appreciate a brand loyalist. I am to Wilson as you are to Prince. Any favorite prince frame?

Tough to choose, but the iconic POG 90/110 is my favorite.

 

[gino]

From a sample of about 10-15 rackets over the years.

Serve flat - Ezone 98 or RF97
Serve kick - PAVS 2020 or Angell TC95 16x19
Forehand(spin) - PAVS 2020
Forehand(flat) - Angell TC97 18x20
Backhand spin - Yonex Vcore 95D
Backhand Flat - Yonex Vcore 95 2021
Slices - Angell TC97 18x20
Drop shot - PAVS 2020
Volleys - RF97

I currently play with PAVS as it suits my style of playing

Diverse list… what’s your go to frame these days ?
TC97 over rf97 on slice makes me want to check out that frame bad - I used to have a tc95 and it was lovely. Just couldn’t get on with the grip shape it had

 

[gino]

Serve: Yonex RDS 002 tour
Forehand Ncode 6.1 18 x 20
Backhand: Becker Melbourne
Volleys: Becker Melbourne
Return of serve: Tie-Becker Melbourne, C10 pro

Always brings a smile to my face when a 6.1 95 gets a spot on someone’s list

 

[gino]

Great thread.

Serve Flat: APD GT or Ezone 100
Serve Kick: Pure Aero
Forehand Spin: Pure Aero
Forehand Flat: 93p
Backhand Spin: Pure Aero
Backhand Flat: 93p or Ultra Tour
Slices: Ultra Tour
Drop Shot: Ultra Tour
Volleys: Ultra Tour

93p in there on a few so awesome … I do love the ultra tour or pro on a flat BH too…which pure aero you prefer ?

 

[gino]

Serve: Pure Aero 16
Forehand Topspin: Pure Aero 19
Forehand Flat: Gravity Tour/APD13 (Radical OS Candy Cane)
Backhand: Gravity Tour
Volley: Don’t hit them often but APD13
Return: Gravity Tour

Best for Offensive Gameplan: Pure Aero 19
Best for Consistent Gameplan: Gravity Tour
Best Balance: G360+ Extreme MP/APD13

I like the 3 categories you added at the end, might edit something similar into the OP…

I also really enjoyed the PAtour 16 on serves. All types of serves had A perfect blend of control and power

LOLd at your volley note

 

[KungfuTennis]

Serve: Vcore Pro 97 330
Forehand: G360 Speed Pro
2 handed backhand: G360 Speed Pro
1 handed backhand: Prince Diablo Tour Mid
Volley: Prostaff 97

 

[gino]

Serve: Vcore Pro 97 330
Forehand: G360 Speed Pro
2 handed backhand: G360 Speed Pro
1 handed backhand: Prince Diablo Tour Mid
Volley: Prostaff 97

how do you like vcore 97 vs rf97? scpecifically on serve? enjoyed reading your list.. diablo tour mid is a great one

 

[KungfuTennis]

how do you like vcore 97 vs rf97? scpecifically on serve? enjoyed reading your list.. diablo tour mid is a great one

That's a really good question, rf97 is more club like while the vcore swings a bit faster. If I'm taking the ball real early and being aggressive I really do like the rf97, but I cant use that stick for my 2HBH for some reason, just can't make it work. If I had to play a match right now I'd choose the vcore over the RF. And yes the Diablo Mid is so utterly fantastic, the new 93p doesn't quite feel the same!

 

[Fintft]

I'd switch my Blade Pro from my right hand to my left hand

 

[gino]

I'd switch my Blade Pro from my right hand to my left hand

hah I respect the loyalty. Honestly the blade pro is my favorite hit at this point. It’s just so complete in all aspects. I don’t think I’ve ever used a more well rounded frame. It’s also incredibly comfortable and stable. A true gem

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

I think the new 21 pure drive is absolute perfection for what it is.

I don't understand why everyone loves that racquet when I demo'd it just seemed solid at everything nothing special

 

[Holic]

I don't understand why everyone loves that racquet when I demo'd it just seemed solid at everything nothing special

Well at serves, it isnt just solid!

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

From a sample of about 10-15 rackets over the years.

Serve flat - Ezone 98 or RF97
Serve kick - PAVS 2020 or Angell TC95 16x19
Forehand(spin) - PAVS 2020
Forehand(flat) - Angell TC97 18x20
Backhand spin - Yonex Vcore 95D
Backhand Flat - Yonex Vcore 95 2021
Slices - Angell TC97 18x20
Drop shot - PAVS 2020
Volleys - RF97

I currently play with PAVS as it suits my style of playing

PAVS BETTER THAN PSVS KICK SERVING?

 

[Happi]

Angell racquets

TC95 16x19 for groundstrokes
TC95 18x20 for volley and slice
TC100 16x19 for serve.

 

[Deleted member 775108]

PAVS BETTER THAN PSVS KICK SERVING?

Is it surprising that a spin orientated frame (PAVS) be better than a frame that is slightly more old school (PSVS)?

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

Is it surprising that a spin orientated frame (PAVS) be better than a frame that is slightly more old school (PSVS)?

No Im asking because I've seen a lot about the PSVS being great at kicking the ball up so im wondering which is better

 

[morten]

Great topic... !!

 

[gino]

Great topic... !!

appreciate the sentiment there. i feel like its more suited for the racketaholic crowd as many people who peruse this subforum are committed to specific frames/brands and just contribute within their interests.

all that being said I think its an interesting question to consider. i certainly noticed a few things about my preferences going through it

 

[morten]

Yes i have about 120 rackets, and have been a racketaholic for almost 30 years now, tennis is not like golf where you can and must switch clubs(not that i play golf..) there is certainly not one racket that beats all the other rackets for all the strokes...

 

[Grafil Injection]

I did genuinely consider various modern rackets, however:

Serve (slice): Yonex RQ-180
Serve (flat): Slazenger Pro Braided
Serve (kick): still learning!

Forehand (topspin): Prince POG 90
Forehand (flat): MAX 200G ('my favorite shot')
Forehand (slice): MAX 200G

Backhand (topspin): MAX 200G
Backhand (flat): Slazengen Phantom IMF (my 2nd favorite shot)
Backhand (slice): MAX 200G

Forehand volley: MAX 200G
Backhand volley: Yonex RQ-180

Forehand half-volley: Prince POG 90
Backhand half-volley: MAX 200G

Forehand swinging-volley: MAX 200G
Backhand swinging-volley: never atempted!

Overheads: Wilson PS85

 

[Grafil Injection]

Great topic... !!

I think it's a great topic, because in golf you are forced to consider each club's attributes to optimise your whole bag, but in tennis I'm not sure if people consider the different features of different sticks when choosing which is best for them.

For example, the RQ-180 has a relatively long hoop for it's size, but the overall length is 0.25'' shorter, so you feel very close to the ball when serving, which makes it feel easier to manipulate the ball. And the Pro Braided is relatively head-light for its weight, but is very stiff, so the flat serve feels very direct.

 

[Dartagnan64]

If comfort was not an issue, purely performance:

Serve: 2015 PD+
FH: PD+ 2015 or APD 2013
2HBH: POG 107 or Blade 104 SW
BH Slice: Phantom 93P
Volleys: Phantom 100P 18x20
OHs: Phantom 107G

 

[J D]

This seems like a futile exercise since you can’t actually switch frames during points, but it does show that every frame is a compromise. There is no perfect frame for every stroke. You have to figure what attributes help your game the most or hurt it the least. Also, a list like this can help you figure what directions to go in making mods to improve certain strokes.

Serve (flat): PD+ (multiple models, though the 21 standard is close to these)
Serve (slice): PA 2016
Serve (kick): Chang Longbody MP

Forehand (topspin): PD 2018
Forehand (flat): Blade 18x20 2012

Backhand (topspin): PA 2019
Backhand (drive): PD 2018
Backhand (slice): Blade 18x20 2012

Volleys (all): PA 2016

Overhead: PA 2016/PD 2021

Looking at my list, you would think the PA 2016 would be my perfect doubles frame, but there is just a bit too much lack of depth control on returns and groundstrokes.

 

[gino]

I did genuinely consider various modern rackets, however:

Serve (slice): Yonex RQ-180
Serve (flat): Slazenger Pro Braided
Serve (kick): still learning!

Forehand (topspin): Prince POG 90
Forehand (flat): MAX 200G ('my favorite shot')
Forehand (slice): MAX 200G

Backhand (topspin): MAX 200G
Backhand (flat): Slazengen Phantom IMF (my 2nd favorite shot)
Backhand (slice): MAX 200G

Forehand volley: MAX 200G
Backhand volley: Yonex RQ-180

Forehand half-volley: Prince POG 90
Backhand half-volley: MAX 200G

Forehand swinging-volley: MAX 200G
Backhand swinging-volley: never atempted!

Overheads: Wilson PS85

Making me want to track down a MAX 200G - sweet list. Love the POG 90 in there & PS85. Chuckled at your BH SW note lol

 

[gino]

I think it's a great topic, because in golf you are forced to consider each club's attributes to optimise your whole bag, but in tennis I'm not sure if people consider the different features of different sticks when choosing which is best for them.

For example, the RQ-180 has a relatively long hoop for it's size, but the overall length is 0.25'' shorter, so you feel very close to the ball when serving, which makes it feel easier to manipulate the ball. And the Pro Braided is relatively head-light for its weight, but is very stiff, so the flat serve feels very direct.

This was my conceptual train of thought. I play a lot of golf and one of my favorite elements of that sport is the gear as a conduit to shotmaking. They almost are directly correlated if your swing elements remain static (Club head speed, ball speed, etc). It’s been fun reading how everyone has ended up interpreting the exercise. Totally different for everyone in this thread who’s participated

 

[gino]

If comfort was not an issue, purely performance:

Serve: 2015 PD+
FH: PD+ 2015 or APD 2013
2HBH: POG 107 or Blade 104 SW
BH Slice: Phantom 93P
Volleys: Phantom 100P 18x20
OHs: Phantom 107G

Phantom 93P in there an awesome choice. Any other midsize frames you have enjoyed over the years ?. What’s your main frame if you have to choose one? 107G maybe?

 

[gino]

This seems like a futile exercise since you can’t actually switch frames during points, but it does show that every frame is a compromise. There is no perfect frame for every stroke. You have to figure what attributes help your game the most or hurt it the least. Also, a list like this can help you figure what directions to go in making mods to improve certain strokes.

Serve (flat): PD+ (multiple models, though the 21 standard is close to these)
Serve (slice): PA 2016
Serve (kick): Chang Longbody MP

Forehand (topspin): PD 2018
Forehand (flat): Blade 18x20 2012

Backhand (topspin): PA 2019
Backhand (drive): PD 2018
Backhand (slice): Blade 18x20 2012

Volleys (all): PA 2016

Overhead: PA 2016/PD 2021

Looking at my list, you would think the PA 2016 would be my perfect doubles frame, but there is just a bit too much lack of depth control on returns and groundstrokes.

Fun list - really enjoyed combing through.

RE thread title/concept. The intention was to see who aligns with each other on frames for types of shots, more than an exercise to theorize about an alternate reality where it’s possible to ACTUALLY switch frames between shots.

Back to your list. Chang long body a sweet shout. I also really enjoyed the 2016PA but it had some shortcomings I could not get past, namely feel. It was comfortable but too muted for me to play my game. PD+ iterations makes a ton of sense on serves. Roddick energy on that one. Bab/Wilson loyalties pretty evident. Any love for any HEAD frames ?

 

[Grafil Injection]

Making me want to track down a MAX 200G - sweet list. Love the POG 90 in there & PS85. Chuckled at your BH SW note lol

I have a OHBH, so I can't really conceptualise a swinging volley. I think I'd get tangled-up in an attempted hitch-kick!

You really should try a MAX 200G. Ideally around 365g, 32cm balance, but up to 375g and 32.5cm balance should be fine.

 

[Grafil Injection]

This was my conceptual train of thought. I play a lot of golf and one of my favorite elements of that sport is the gear as a conduit to shotmaking. They almost are directly correlated if your swing elements remain static (Club head speed, ball speed, etc). It’s been fun reading how everyone has ended up interpreting the exercise. Totally different for everyone in this thread who’s participated

Yes and a MAX 200G allows you to hit a high draw on a dog-leg hole, fade a 7 iron to a right side pin from 175yds, hit a flop-shot off a tight lie, and putt a double-breaker with confidence.

 

[puppybutts]

Flat Serve: Yonex VCP 330 2019
Slice Serve: Yonex VCP 97HD
Kick Serve: Wilson ProStaff v13
Forehand: Head Radical MP
Forehand Slice: Wilson ProStaff RF v13
2H Backhand: Babolat Pure Strike 18x20
Volleys: Yonex VCP 330 2019
Short balls below net: Tecnifibre TF40 315 16x19
To look at between points: Wilson Ultra v4

 

[gino]

I have a OHBH, so I can't really conceptualise a swinging volley. I think I'd get tangled-up in an attempted hitch-kick!

You really should try a MAX 200G. Ideally around 365g, 32cm balance, but up to 375g and 32.5cm balance should be fine.

I can only recall Gaston Gaudio hitting one. Maybe Guga Keurten?

Yes and a MAX 200G allows you to hit a high draw on a dog-leg hole, fade a 7 iron to a right side pin from 175yds, hit a flop-shot off a tight lie, and putt a double-breaker with confidence.

LOL - this is awesome