As an extreme example karue used a 15$ wallmart racquet vs winston du. The frame broke a little but his timing and strokes were so good he had no problems w stability or handling a 4.5 players pace. I cant recall the exact weight but it was definitely lighter than their usual frames
Intuitive Tennis Racket Search
- Thread starter Donmikan
- Start date
ChrisJR3264
Hall of Fame
And yet even karue has switched rackets twice in a little over a year.
So even with the results he got with a Walmart racquet basically bageling a 4.5 , it’s about feel and stability in your hand.
I hate the rectangular grip of the tecnifibres. But I had some good results for a while. Now I’m over them bc the racket feels uncomfortable. I was also happy with heavy rackets. Now I feel they’re tiring out my shoulder from serving deep into a match. So changes are made.
I’m finding myself playing on clay courts more often now as I play in leagues. Well I don’t move the best on clay so I’d like to have a racket with a larger sweet spot for when I’m late. I don’t have this issue moving on hard courts.
TheBoom
Hall of Fame
Yeah, he seems to have backtracked on his swing weight take, but I actually agree more with where he's going now. New stabilization "tech" or how they lay up the graphite IMO is largely the reason we're seeing this trend. I know a lot of people hate on it because it removes the feel, but for modern players with fast swing speeds it allows you to use the minimum amount of swing weight necessary, rather than needing to go as high as you can handle (as was his previous position.
I've begun coming to the same conclusion myself after demoing the new Pure Drive. I really appreciated the lower swing weight compared to my main stick. Since college I've always had my SW in the 330's (stock or with lead), but when I tried the Pure Drive I really liked how much lighter it felt. I felt over 2 or 3 sets it was easier to keep my swing speed up that made up for the lack of plow-through of my normal stick. I doubt I'll change rackets as it's still a manageable swing weight and I really love the racket, but it has gotten me thinking...
Grafil Injection
Hall of Fame
Nik's a coach right, who's not playing tournaments. Just like most coaches at my clubs, he wants something as lightweight as possible that still hits a reasonable ball, because swinging a racket for 6hrs a day, 6 days a week, is tiring.
If he were solely coaching advanced players, or going into tournaments himself regularly, I'm sure he'd have something in the 305-320g range.
If he were solely coaching advanced players, or going into tournaments himself regularly, I'm sure he'd have something in the 305-320g range.
ChrisJR3264
Hall of Fame
He’s also a former D1 player with great technique. He’s in his 40s. I’m sure he wants something he can swing for a few hours sure. But I don’t think he’d have a problem with whatever he ends up choosing. A lot of guys his age probably cannot compete with his level in his area too as you see him practicing with other players are look younger.
Grafil Injection
Hall of Fame
Yeah, indeed his best hitting was with the MAX 200G. Point is he's been coaching for a while, at least 6 years just on youtube, so it's not like he's looking for something to take into tournament play full time.
tecnifibre is making a deliberate talking point in the the 2025 tfight release around how over the last 20 years, average weights , swingweights, string density are all trending down, head sizes have been trending up. video below has their slide about specs over playing generations ~12:40
and that tracks with the forums' history. there was a time 330+ unstrung, 93/95 18x20 was a reasonable but marginal choice for club players and all the manufactures offered that spec. searching now there's exactly one 12oz+ racket strung weight with a dense pattern and even that one (the percept 97 h) has a bigger head than what you used to get.
and that tracks with the forums' history. there was a time 330+ unstrung, 93/95 18x20 was a reasonable but marginal choice for club players and all the manufactures offered that spec. searching now there's exactly one 12oz+ racket strung weight with a dense pattern and even that one (the percept 97 h) has a bigger head than what you used to get.
The Aceserver
Rookie
Nik just mentioned in his latest livestream that Tecnifibre sent him racquets, and that there is a good chance he may choose the 300S as his new racquet.
tele
Hall of Fame
I did not watch the entire livestream but caught a bit of it. I might have missed him discussing this, but from what I heard, he seemed to be oblivious to the significant effect that big variations in swingweight, which are common, can have on how racquets feel. I think that might be the reason why some of the 285g racquets "felt like" 300g racquets. I know he says he doesn't want to worry about customization, but I think his playtests would benefit from at least checking the swingweight of the racquets he is demoing.
the 300s seems to be winning a lot of fans. any time this guy from lafino really lays into one he doesn't miss and makes jokes about how he's going to buy/switch to one right this second (~10:25). lots of jokes about how it's got to be the glossy paint. they also talk about the surprisingly high launch angle off the 300/100, and the lower/much more direct launch angle off the 305
The Aceserver
Rookie
He’s an interesting bird for sure. He doesn’t mind customizing the racquet, but he said he has to “like the racquet first before he starts to mess around with customizing it.” I personally agree with him on that point. He is the only high level reviewer out there that I know of that is including the “light” version of racquets in his reviews, which is something I appreciate.
tele
Hall of Fame
Although I don't always agree, I value his often unorthodox opinions and, of course, respect his tennis level. I just think some of what he might be liking about the light racquets, especially when it comes to how they swing and how much power they have, could be dependent on the swingweight he randomly got rather than something inherent about the model itself.
ChrisJR3264
Hall of Fame
He’s also using rackets new from like 2016-2017. Back when rackets were great
Cayenne321
Rookie
I found that while more weight = more stability in a vacuum, you end up with worse 'stability' if you can't get the racquet head in the right place with the right pace. My personal struggle is that I need 340+ swingweight for my slower strokes, but I can't keep up on faster strokes. If I drop down to ~320 SW I can play with faster strokes in the way I'd like to play, but I'm too unfit to keep swinging out all day. Do I want to keep playing like an old man or do I want to get fit?
tele
Hall of Fame
why not meet in the middle and get fitter and use a 330 sw? Have you messed around with string type/tension at all?
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
So my thoughts when people are seeking weight=stability, usually, they say "offcenter" shots, I want it more stable. But, if someone is chasing through equipment, the ability to still hit offcenter shots, how are they then using that benefit of weight stability to hit shots that beat the opponent, instead of just barely surviving with all the offcenter shots they plan on hitting against someone who I promise is using a tweener most likely and blowing them off the court?
In other words are they using the weight in both defense and offense for better kick serves, full body forehands, yada yada or to just bunt? Ie if you have a hard time getting the racket into place that is a 320 tweener, how is the SW 340 making you a better player, what points does that win? I guess it's defense versus offense and a compromise?
Cayenne321
Rookie
I'm working on it, slowly lowering sw and getting fitter so I can swing faster for longer.
Unfortunately messing around with strings isn't really an option until I buy a stringing machine myself, which might happen if I can stop buying rackets for a bit.
Went down this rabbit hole when this one guy joined our league who was at another level than anyone else. Felt like I was getting pushed around at 340SW and kept adding more trying to stop getting hit off the court. Ended up around 370 and everything but the bunt had fallen apart. That's when I realised I was using mass as a crutch.
tele
Hall of Fame
I don't know what you are stringing your racquet with and this may be old news to you, but, in general, going with a softer string or a lower tension can boost power on slower strokes and increase the sweetspot, though it won't do anything for plow.
May I suggest using a small racquet like the functional tennis to warm up your eye and footwork. I think it is the equivalent of baseball hitters warming up w weighted bats. Then w your racquet you are able to get in better spacing and contact.
SLionheart
New User
I haven't figured out the physics here yet - but I've noticed that I can volley a high speed passing shot with my heavier racquets without flinching. It just works. When I try the same with someting less than 315g (unstrung) I often mishit. Maybe that's not stability - but that's the best word I have for what I experience. It's volley's I'm using the extra stability and weight for primarily.
I don't notice any stability issues on groundstrokes. In fact I think I'd rather drop a little weight on the forehand to get a bit more whip. But the difference on volleys is night and day, whereas much smaller on groundstrokes.
Cayenne321
Rookie
This kind of backs up why there's no perfect racquet for every task. Modern baseline grinder wants something very different to a serve and volley / doubles player. At the rec level we just try to find something that will either cover our weaknesses, boost our strengths, or compromise on both.
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
Something interesting is going in with those volleys and opponents should be able to jam you easier or put the ball on your shoelaces.
I think a pure aero or ezone is perfect or something similar for every task.
Do you choose the 315 because you are always at the net? It shouldn't really hurt your FH.
SLionheart
New User
Oh to be sure - when I'm at the net there are plenty of shots I don't get my racquet on (angles, jams, etc). When I do get on a ball - the heavier racquets seem to 'stand ground' much better - and the lighter racquets seem to yield with an increasing response as the ball has more and more pace. I play with people that seem to prefer passing shots
Yes - I end up playing at the net a lot and prefer heavier racquets at the net. (Doubles, Drills, etc). I don't think 315 hurts my forehand - probably just trades a bit of revs for velocity.But the people I play with are not hitting D1 quality strokes - I would have expected the heavier balls Nick may be working with the weight to matter more on. (We haven't even touched static vs dynamic weight - yikes!0
For me some may be long held subconscious preferences. I learned on wood - and even though I now have modern techniques I'm perfectly comfortable at 12 ounces or more.
So, for those of you who were wondering how this would end up, here it is:
Somewhat interestingly, he chose the Wilson Shift 99, mainly because, even though the Shift doesn't serve as well as the PD+, nor does it help Nick create the most power on his backhand or forehand as the PD+ or TFight 300, he feels it will be the best at helping to stop the bleeding on his declining forehand, by allowing him more control through easier application of spin and shot curvature, allowing him to make more shots when he really starts to rip it. Plus he really likes it for coaching and net play. And he thinks it just feels good in the hand as well.
An interesting decision, especially for those on the forum who wonder whether it's better to pick something that helps address your biggest weakness(es), versus enhance your biggest strength(s). In this case, Nick chose the former, and I can certainly empathize with him as to why, considering his situation.
That said, I personally thought he would have chosen the P100, TF300 or even '21 PD+ (as anti-climactic as that would have been) before the Shift, mainly due to the others being closer to home, more consistent for him in other ways, and the dual flex of the Shift in my eyes being possibly a bit too incompatible with some of his mechanics/tendencies. But hey, what do I know. He's the coach, expert and the one who will play with it. And he arrived at that decision by seemingly sticking to his process and no one else's, even to the point of walking away from a free Tecnifibre sponsorship and collaboration (though we don't really know what kind of arrangement he might have with Wilson, either). Regardless, an entertaining series. I will be keen, though, to see if he still feels the same way about the Shift once he gets enough play time under his belt with it. We'll see!
(I was going to hide my thoughts behind a Spoiler tag, but then I thought "screw it; if someone quotes my writing later it will just expose it anyways", so I just made it viewable. Hope that doesn't ruin anyone's suspense.
Somewhat interestingly, he chose the Wilson Shift 99, mainly because, even though the Shift doesn't serve as well as the PD+, nor does it help Nick create the most power on his backhand or forehand as the PD+ or TFight 300, he feels it will be the best at helping to stop the bleeding on his declining forehand, by allowing him more control through easier application of spin and shot curvature, allowing him to make more shots when he really starts to rip it. Plus he really likes it for coaching and net play. And he thinks it just feels good in the hand as well.
An interesting decision, especially for those on the forum who wonder whether it's better to pick something that helps address your biggest weakness(es), versus enhance your biggest strength(s). In this case, Nick chose the former, and I can certainly empathize with him as to why, considering his situation.
That said, I personally thought he would have chosen the P100, TF300 or even '21 PD+ (as anti-climactic as that would have been) before the Shift, mainly due to the others being closer to home, more consistent for him in other ways, and the dual flex of the Shift in my eyes being possibly a bit too incompatible with some of his mechanics/tendencies. But hey, what do I know. He's the coach, expert and the one who will play with it. And he arrived at that decision by seemingly sticking to his process and no one else's, even to the point of walking away from a free Tecnifibre sponsorship and collaboration (though we don't really know what kind of arrangement he might have with Wilson, either). Regardless, an entertaining series. I will be keen, though, to see if he still feels the same way about the Shift once he gets enough play time under his belt with it. We'll see!
(I was going to hide my thoughts behind a Spoiler tag, but then I thought "screw it; if someone quotes my writing later it will just expose it anyways", so I just made it viewable. Hope that doesn't ruin anyone's suspense.
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I don't follow him or his videos, but does he normally say most rackets are "the best I've ever used". He seemed to use hyperbole to describe all 5 of the rackets in the video.
But I am satisfied with his reasoning: "this one felt the best in hand". Sometimes that's all that matters
But I am satisfied with his reasoning: "this one felt the best in hand". Sometimes that's all that matters
The Aceserver
Rookie
No, he definitely shares his real thoughts. He’s very honest in that regard and he doesn’t hold back his opinion. In fact, he stated that TF was willing to do a sponsorship deal with him, bit he didn’t want to go that route of using a racquet he wasn’t all-in on.
Blade_X
Professional
Such an honest guy. My respect for him is now even more. He didn’t "bend the knee" to the offered sponsorship.So, for those of you who were wondering how this would end up, here it is:
Somewhat interestingly, he chose the Wilson Shift 99, mainly because, even though the Shift doesn't serve as well as the PD+, nor does it help Nick create the most power on his backhand or forehand as the PD+ or TFight 300, he feels it will be the best at helping to stop the bleeding on his declining forehand, by allowing him more control through easier application of spin and shot curvature, allowing him to make more shots when he really starts to rip it. Plus he really likes it for coaching and net play. And he thinks it just feels good in the hand as well.
An interesting ultimate decision maker, especially for those on the forum who wonder whether it's better to pick something that helps address your biggest weakness(es), versus enhance your biggest strength(s). In this case, Nick chose the former, and I can certainly empathize with him as to why, considering his situation.
That said, I personally thought he would have chosen the P100, TF300 or even '21 PD+ (as anti-climactic as that would have been) before the Shift, mainly due to the others being closer to home, more consistent for him in other ways, and the dual flex of the Shift in my eyes being possibly a bit too incompatible with some of his mechanics/tendencies. But hey, what do I know. He's the coach, expert and the one who will play with it. And he arrived at that decision by seemingly sticking to his process and no one else's, even to the point of walking away from a free Tecnifibre sponsorship and collaboration (though we don't really know if Wilson approached him behind the scenes, either). Regardless, an entertaining series. I will be keen, though, to see if he still feels the same way about the Shift once he gets enough play time under his belt with it. We'll see!
(I was going to hide my thoughts behind a Spoiler tag, but then I thought "screw it; if someone quotes my writing later it will just expose it anyways", so I just made it viewable. Hope that doesn't ruin anyone's suspense.
jimdontcare
Semi-Pro
It's so funny to have an 8-month process and one of the biggest deciding factors something as simple as that. It's funny because it's so relatable. Sometimes you just need to be able to look down at what's in your hand and be like "yep, that is a racquet."
He should have gone w TF. Not just for sponsorship but to have access to their players to make videos.
I also thought he wanted to play open level tournaments and video iit, but it sounds like the racquet is just for teaching? I guess he does hit w high level students?
Trip summarized his reasoning: Forehand spin/control was his main factor.
It's interesting that TF is making a big push to the YouTubers (first Karue, who was invited to Europe to meet w their main racquet customizer). Maybe Felix next?
Honza
Professional
One of the biggest deciding factors for an 8 month journey is, that he is a bad youtuber and needs to stretch the content as much as possible.
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SpinToWin
Talk Tennis Guru
Lol honestly good for felix if it happens, get those dollars (and also ditch that weird dunlop, I have no idea how he makes it work lmao)
ChrisJR3264
Hall of Fame
Skill over racket. Lol but seriously it is all dependent on play comfortability.
I used to love the tfights now I’m not happy with their direction.
Some say gravity pro is too demanding, but to me seems easier than the prestige MP, blade. Lol so idk
SpinToWin
Talk Tennis Guru
Yeah skill over racquet for sure, I’m not entirely serious anyhow haha. But I will say that dunlop was one of the oddest frames I’ve used. Felt good I suppose but the ball would go nowhere and it needed so much weight added to the hoop to feel playable.
ChrisJR3264
Hall of Fame
That’s what I feel about the prestige MP. It’s 310 grams 18x19 so it’s attractive.
However the weight distribution should be 31.5-32.0 cm unstrung. The beam should be 22mm and implement more aero technology. It’s too sluggish at 33.4 strung and auxetic muted what’s already in my opinion a soft lineup.
One thing I'd like to add: I thought it was kind of odd that here we have this guy, who is open to trying all these different racquets, which is great, yet he'll only play one string (Kirschbaum Orange, previously Super Smash Orange) at one reference tension (42 lbs), then says his main reason for dismissing the TFight 300 is not really anything about playability, which many of us spend years trying to get to, no, rather it's just too raw in feel... He does know that there's more than one kind of string out there in the world, including a flotilla of co-poly's that could potentially do a better job at dampening/muting the feel? Holy moly. That said, I get that he probably wanted to limit the variables, only pick a frame that would feel right with his string of choice, etc. But of all things to dismiss a frame over – something that is actually desirable by many players, and aside from that, very adjustable with string selection. Oh well. He probably knows best, but still. I thought that to be a bit strange.
ChrisJR3264
Hall of Fame
I think he didn’t want a sponsorship to compromise this new racket journey.
I mean hearing what he gave up - he had to really think it through to potentially “selling out” but could’ve done work with pros especially since he lives in an area where most train or close to where they train in del ray and Miami.
I feel this is typical. Most players have a preferred string, and they aren't constantly trying every combination of string and tension for every racket. Heck, most people if they even demo a frame, end up using whatever junk/dead string is sent to them in the demo.
I think it does the his average viewer a disservice to suggest that one has to "unlock a frame" with the perfect string and tension combination.
Might he have loved the Percept 100D for example with natural gut? Sure, but that's not what he wants to play with.
Yeah I'm sure there are multiple factors that went into it, many of which that went unexplained, so it makes his process look a bit thick-headed in certain ways, when in fact, it's pretty even-keeled overall.
All very valid counterpoints. I get that there was probably more value in just keeping the string constant, which would keep the emphasis on the racquet journey, and that alone.
KC!
Hall of Fame
It sounds like he had a very hard time deciding between the Shift, TFight 100 & PD+
He even took extra time to make his decision. It sounds like all 3 were close but the Shift was the one that helped him the most with his biggest weakness. He had lost confidence in his forehand & the Shift helped him the most with it. He also really liked the feel of it which we all know is a big deciding factor in a racquet.
He even took extra time to make his decision. It sounds like all 3 were close but the Shift was the one that helped him the most with his biggest weakness. He had lost confidence in his forehand & the Shift helped him the most with it. He also really liked the feel of it which we all know is a big deciding factor in a racquet.
