I'm looking for a heavier, flexier, more head light "player's" frame

[erik-the-red]

I have the following ~ $100 frames in mind:

Wilson Prostaff Tour 95
Volkl Tour 10 Midplus
Head i.Radical Oversize

...and the following slightly more expensive frames:

Prince Original Graphite Oversize
Prince NXG Oversize
Prince Shark Midplus
Head Liquidmetal Radical Oversize

I'm currently using a Prince Triple Threat Bandit Oversize with sixteen gauge Gosen OG-Micro Sheep.

1. Are any of the ~ $100 frames I've listed bad for the arm? I've never played with the Tour 95 or the Tour 10, but I've hit with a Ti.Radical Oversize before and I liked the feeling.

2. Are there any appreciable differences between the Ti.Radical, i.Radical, and Liquidmetal Radical? By that, I mean stiffness, flex, heft, and so forth.

3. What are some differences in feeling between the NXG and the Original Graphite?

4. How arm friendly is the Shark Midplus?

Thanks in advance. Obviously, I'd have to demo a frame before purchase, but I'd like to know your opinions.

 

[AndrewD]

The Volkl T10mp might be a good bet and if you want to make it a bit lighter you could send out a message to NoBadMojo on this board. He used to use it and had modified them quite a bit to play lighter.

Differences between the LM Rad and the other two Radicals and the NXG and Original Graphite come down to comfort levels. The POG has a more comfortable feel but a higher weight. Check out the TW review for some more info and do a search on this board for comparisons between the three Head models.

 

[MarkOzi]

Head LM Prestige MP !

 

[Bhagi Katbamna]

Try the PS 6.0 95. Head and Volkl have a rectangular grip shape that is really different than Prince, Wilson, and Dunlop.

 

[louis netman]

Of the MPs, The volkl t10 may feel too heavy, the PS tour 95, too light...Try the PS 6.0 95. Despite it's rated stiffness of 67, the hoop is quite flexy and it hasn't hurt my tender arm... There are many new condition rackets in the classified section of this forum from guys (like me) who continually experiment with their own setups because they (I) find the demo strings and tensions too harsh......

 

[Swingman]

Both the tour 95 and Tour 10 are nice sticks. I think if you can handle the slightly heavier weight of the Tour 10 it's a better racquet. It has a bigger sweetspot and is more stable. The I.radical is an oversize so obviously it'll feel closest to your current stick. I think it's one of the best OS sticks out there. I used to have the I.radical OS and eventually swtiched to the Ti Radical OS for its softer feel. My stint with LM Radical ended quickly finding it too powerful and not too kind on the elbow. If you have short to medium swingss the power issue may not concern you. The LM felt the heaviest of all the Radicals mentioned but not by much. The I.radical was so-so on my elbow. To me there is tradeoff between the Irad and the Ti Rad. I can be more precise with the Irad due the stiffer feel but my arm would get sore if playing a lot. If you can handle the weight and slightly lower power of the POG OS it would be a better choice over the Radicals. I say that because I infer from your comments that you are concerned about arm safety. Haven't tried the Shark - it's not a players frame. Players that I know that use it like it though.

 

[brian.sat]

If you can handle 95 in. 18 X 20 pattern, 60 RA, and 11.8 oz weight. Go for a Dunlop HM200G. It fits your requirements perfectly, $99.9 at TW, if you really mean that. Most of your stated racquet should called "Tweener" only.

 

[donnyz89]

nxg is a great racquet, quite heavy however but definitly arm friendly, and super head light.

 

[mverdugo]

I went through elbow problems and was looking at 3 racquets VolklGen2 10, Yonex rdx 500mp, and Fischer Pro. No. 1. For my game which is all court mostly doubles, I settled on the Fischer and am extremely happy with this choice. Very low swing weight and I thought the sweetspot was bigger--many may dispute this. Great "feel" racquet yet still able to generate plenty of pop. Strongly recommend a demo of this racquet and you can still get the 2003 version for around $100--I don't believe TW has this version any more, not to take business away from them. Finding a demo may be a challenge.

 

[mctennis]

Volkl, great weight and no vibration in the handle. You'll love it.

 

[BreakPoint]

I also say try the PS 6.0 95. It meets all of your requirements of a "heavier, flexier, more head light players frame". It's also elbow friendly, as it cured my tennis elbow.

The PS Tour 95 will probably be too light and too stiff and may give you elbow trouble in the long run.

 

[djones]

I think you should wait for the Flexpoint Radical Tour to be released!
It has a 100 Square inch headsize, 16-19 string pattern and a 58 Flexibility rating.