Is it silly to consider a player's racquet as a 3.5?

[Turbo-87]

I have been using a Head Microgel Radical MP for a few years. From time to time I will hit with either a 2015 Pure Drive Tour or a Prince Textreme Tour 100t when I am just looking for a change. Yes, I am one of those guys who will change the racquet because I think that is what is causing me to play bad that day. A bulk of my time is still spent with the Radical with a 3g split at 3&9 and 3g in the handle.

I recently demo'd the Wilson Pro Staff RF97 (the red/black one, not the newer matte black autograph) just because it was the club's free demo of the week. I played three matches with it over three days. I found it to be a heavy racquet but I was able to take full swings and hit what my novice eye considers to be a heavy ball. I did enjoy the plow and the ability to drive through the ball. it gave a satisfying response for me. I did find that I need to make sure I am concentrating on when I am making contact because when I get lazy I tend to hit low on the string bed and this racquet doesn't like that too much. Overall, I did really enjoy playing with it. It didn't tire me out and I played well with it. I realize there is a honeymoon period and all.

I was thinking about trying a matte black autograph model because it is the one I would want if I choose to go this direction. I know it is even slightly heavier than the previous version.

Is the reason that the RF is recommended for 4.5+ players because you have to hit cleanly to get the most out of it? I am not a consistently clean hitter and am just entry level 4.0 caliber on my best days. Would it be dumb to get a racquet that I need to grow into to get the most out of it? Feel free to tell me to stick with what I have and save my money.

 

[nvr2old]

Head MG rad MP is not necessarily a newbie stick especially modified. I have as well as the OS and discontinued MG rad pro which is my favorite. I have many racquets but still play with my MG's often and don't feel I'm needing more when I do.

 

[TennisManiac]

In my opinion...no it's not dumb. When I started playing tennis about 13 yeas ago I would have considered myself a 3.0 at the time. I went out and bought a Pro Staff Tour 90 because that's what I thought Roger was using. lol! Boy was I dumb back then. But I'm glad I did that because in my opinion, learning right off the bat with a demanding players frame with a small sweet spot made me learn how to hit cleanly from the beginning. It forced me to learn how to hit properly with almost no room for error. I became better then all my friends who were on the same level as me at the time. After about 6 years of using those frames I started using slightly larger frames like the Prestige Pro and the PS97 and now hitting cleanly is a piece of cake. I basically can't miss now. So I would do the same if I were you. Stick to a players frame and stay away from tweener frames. They will only slow down your progress.

 

[beltsman]

I have been using a Head Microgel Radical MP for a few years. From time to time I will hit with either a 2015 Pure Drive Tour or a Prince Textreme Tour 100t when I am just looking for a change. Yes, I am one of those guys who will change the racquet because I think that is what is causing me to play bad that day. A bulk of my time is still spent with the Radical with a 3g split at 3&9 and 3g in the handle.

I recently demo'd the Wilson Pro Staff RF97 (the red/black one, not the newer matte black autograph) just because it was the club's free demo of the week. I played three matches with it over three days. I found it to be a heavy racquet but I was able to take full swings and hit what my novice eye considers to be a heavy ball. I did enjoy the plow and the ability to drive through the ball. it gave a satisfying response for me. I did find that I need to make sure I am concentrating on when I am making contact because when I get lazy I tend to hit low on the string bed and this racquet doesn't like that too much. Overall, I did really enjoy playing with it. It didn't tire me out and I played well with it. I realize there is a honeymoon period and all.

I was thinking about trying a matte black autograph model because it is the one I would want if I choose to go this direction. I know it is even slightly heavier than the previous version.

Is the reason that the RF is recommended for 4.5+ players because you have to hit cleanly to get the most out of it? I am not a consistently clean hitter and am just entry level 4.0 caliber on my best days. Would it be dumb to get a racquet that I need to grow into to get the most out of it? Feel free to tell me to stick with what I have and save my money.

It will make you a better player. But you might not win as much. Paradoxical.

 

[Turbo-87]

Interesting points. Thanks, guys.

I can see the value in using a racquet that demands that you hit cleanly.

 

[Simplicius]

Dear Steve, I consider myself 3.5 (and I "hope" to keep that level in the rest of my live, as I haven't free time to play often), but I use classic heavy & flexy player's racquets only. Contrary to your experience, I use to lose with them - I have far better lack with light & stiff "modern" sticks - but these classics are the only racquets that prevent me from injuries against my big-hitters regular opponents...
So, not silly for me, you either win or lose!!!

 

[darklore009]

dont let a number hinder you want you want to use. I seen players that play in the tour with the Gamma Bubba 137 and that didnt hold him back from what he really wants to use.

 

[Moonarse]

It will make you a better player. But you might not win as much. Paradoxical.

... in a short term run.

 

[beltsman]

... in a short term run.

Exactly. I played with my Pro Staff 90 for a long time with mediocre to bad results. But I was developing form and footwork. I switched to an Ai98, then other tweeners and I had fantastic results.

Heavy racquet = good form. Then you just need to keep that muscle memory.

 

[Harry_Wild]

No. Most tour player racquets are PJs! They do not play with the retail racquet version and sometimes, not even the brand they endorse! They play with the Pro Stock versions of the PJ they endorse. Many are internally made racquets that have never be offer for sale to the general public. Only tour players that are ranked in the top 100 usually have access to them!

 

[esgee48]

I would not consider the MG Radical MP to be a beginners' frame. It is 95 in^2, which is smaller than the RF97. Where the MG needs help is lead in the hoop and handle. Add 2 grams to the hoop and 2 grams to the handle to maintain balance. Play with the frame and then determine if you really need the RF97. The 18x20 pattern of the MP is also better for learning control. 3 ¢.

 

[justRick]

Never! Your racquet is your weapon. It's what you go into battle with regardless of your rating. Buy the best and be proud of it.

 

[Dolgopolov85]

Let's get beyond NTRP and look at where your game is and what a racquet can or cannot do. How fast can you doing the racquet (without hitting it out)? If your RHS is low, you may be better off with a tweener that will be easier to swing and help improve your strokes. If you already generate your own power, then yes, irrespective of real or perceived NTRP, you would do well with a player racquet. If you just enjoy playing with different racquets, NTRP is irrelevant.

 

[Wilhelm]

Is it silly? No, everyone deserves to play with a decent racquet. Enjoy!

 

[BlueB]

How well do you serve with the RF? How about after 2 hours?

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

 

[zalive]

A good recommendation for 'player's racquet', but not RF97, is PS97s. It looks sexy too in red, black and gold (2015) but with a player's racquet 19.5 mm beam.
I have the first gen 97s. Just tailweighted it for the better balance, this racquet has heaps of power, lots of stability, huge sweet spot. Excellent predictability too. No reason why a 3.5 player should avoid it.
I don't recommend RF97 because at its weight poor QC can deliver a barely playable racquet in your hands which you can't even customize.

 

[fuzz nation]

If it's fun to play with - enjoying the stability and response - I think that's justification enough. Hopefully the honeymoon lasts a good long time, right?

If using the RF 97 is rewarding your better technique, that also truly a good thing. I've used some very heavy mids in the past as "trainers" because they had the same effect on me. They were heavy enough that I couldn't just arm them or else my shoulder would wear out in about 15-20 minutes. But if I practiced early stroke preparation and engaged my legs and core to energize my swings, my shots were quite good. No argument against using a frame that reinforces good habits.

I'm an all-court player who goes to the net all the time and I've never been able to attack the net with much authority when using a frame that's not heavy enough for me. Your feeling for having "enough" plow-through in a racquet is up to you and lead tape can steady up any frame that's a little light feeling in the hoop. But the RF 97 is one of the few stock racquets around right now that has a lot of that authority right out of the box. If you recognize a lot of potential in this Wilson, add it to your bag and see how it goes.

For the record, I also keep a couple different racquet models in my bag. I've benefitted countless times from being able to grab something else when my game isn't quite clicking. I know it's not the racquet's fault when I'm not swinging it right, but I think that the switch can give my synapses a little bit of a jolt or something.

 

[Moonarse]

Exactly. I played with my Pro Staff 90 for a long time with mediocre to bad results. But I was developing form and footwork. I switched to an Ai98, then other tweeners and I had fantastic results.

Heavy racquet = good form. Then you just need to keep that muscle memory.

3 years straight with pt280. Grabbed a Pure Aero just now and I feel like dropping nukes.

 

[dgoran]

Pro staff 85 if you are still learning strokes if tactics is what's causing you to be at 3.0 level than switch.

 

[CopolyX]

only silly if you play silly....

use/choose what plays the best for you and your game..
don't limit yourself...
other frames may surprise you, be open..
demo...be patient and have fun...
the right frame will pick u...

 

[ext2hander]

A bit late, but I'll revive this thread, seldom discussed. Using player's racquets, my game, strokes, volleys, and serve have markedly improved since 65.

But had to get rid of tired old strokes, and work on stroke pattern for all. The prior 15 years I'd used primarily the 1993 Head Trisys 300 MP and 2004 Prince NXG Tour , MP -- for tennis elbow, but for power since they seemed to have none. The NXG was slightly stiffer, but heavily damped. Retirement gave time to rework strokes and serves via YouTube, and now these racquets have excellent power and control. All comes down to better stroke mechanics and improved serve motion. Heavy and flexible, with good swing weight, keeps one away from those short, choppy retiree strokes. Why not?

Also tried the 2002 Head YouTek Prestige MP, thinking its better than the Trisys 300 MP, per all the reviews. Maybe for 4.5-5.0 players, not for 3.5. The YouTek played extremely stiff and board-like, despite its low flex number. Finally dropped tension to improve hitting, but still not great. Discovered the YouTek had a low "twist weight" and swing weight vs my other racquets, so 0.4 oz head tape was added at 10, 12, and 2 and 0.1 at butt. Felt still better. At this point, with head protection tape the YouTek's weighed 12.6 oz, same weight, but still not same power as my Trisys and NXG. YouTek not designed for me! Even picked up a 1980 Prince Original Graphite in the closet, still dead hitting.

Last fall, player on adjacent court told me to demo his Head i-Prestige MidPlus (which he got in trade of several racquets, but sticking with his Head PT280), as he'd seen me warming up with my red flexible Trisys. Wow! What a stick. It quickly became my favored racquet for hitting and serves. Solid power, stable, damped, well balanced. $100 on the court. Weight with protect tape is 12.85 oz. No damper needed. RDC Flex is ~63. Trisys is 56, NXG 63. The new Bab's I tried seemed light stiff -- to me, could re-injure my elbow.

Thus, if willing to work on your strokes, i.e. longer strokes and finish, give the player's racquets a try. Worked for me, as old guy last 6 years.

 

[CosmosMpower]

Nah I’m a 3.5 and use a TC95 18x20 and it’s easy to handle

 

[Ronaldo]

BITD a players racquet was all we had

 

[n8dawg6]

i dont buy into the idea that a player’s racquet will make you a better player bc you have to work harder to use it. ive never seen that happen with my own eyes.

but i think you should play what youre comfortable with. youll enjoy the game more. ive also never seen a player jump from 3.5 to 4.0 bc they switched to a tweener ...

 

[PMChambers]

The RF97A plays just like its specs indicate, no surprises with this one. Plays like it's weight and balance, stiffness and string pattern.
Only issues for beginner / intermediate is hard to accelerate the mass with a modern ATP forehand so can result in more WTA style, which I personally don't see an issue with if your not going ATP Pro. And the stiffness is moderately high so timing mistakes can result in pain especially when late, it's not buttery. It's a little erratic off the string bed, this racquet needs good topspin to control safety, it's not a scalpel.
It's a very good racquet but not really like a PS90 or 85. Or PS95 which was very different to the 85 & 90. Which seemed to annoy the PS85/90 players expecting a more buttery and connected racquet.

 

[shamaho]

I did find that I need to make sure I am concentrating on when I am making contact because when I get lazy I tend to hit low on the string bed and this racquet doesn't like that too much.

I find that to be the main benefit of those types of rackets - it makes you focus on what you're doing, how you're positioned to address the ball, good weight transfer, etc.

Depending on the user's attitude, it can make one improve greatly (over time) due to that or make him go back to "easier" rackets because it's not his focus to improve but to get the job done in whatever way.

 

[Co_Poly]

Not at all. I play primarily at a 3.5 level and I prefer 'players' frames. I've played with tweeners before (Pro Aero, Pure Drive, Head Extreme line) and while I do like the extra power, I found those frames give me shoulder/arm issues. A softer, more flexible frame keeps me playing, so that's what I go with.

 

[time_fly]

Not at all. I play primarily at a 3.5 level and I prefer 'players' frames. I've played with tweeners before (Pro Aero, Pure Drive, Head Extreme line) and while I do like the extra power, I found those frames give me shoulder/arm issues. A softer, more flexible frame keeps me playing, so that's what I go with.

Yup. A flexible, control-oriented racquet keeps my arm happy and keeps more of my mistakes in the court. If I were a 20 year old phenom my arm would never hurt and I would be too good to ever hit the ball out, so I'd appreciate a stiff tweener more.

 

[tmc5005]

A flexible control oriented racquet is what you need to prevent tennis elbow if you need more power string it looser. My top 10 list of arm friendly racquets currently includes.
Yonex EZone DR 98
HEAD XT Graphene Prestige MP
PACIFIC BXT X Tour Pro 97
Wilson Ultra Tour
Volkl Vsense 10 325g
Pro Kennex Q+ Tour Pro
Pro Kennex KI5 320
Head Graphene Touch Speed Pro
Wilson Countervale Blade 98 18×20
Dunlop Srixon Rev CX 2.0 Tour

 

[Matthew Lee]

According to the USTA rankings chart, a 3.5 equals someone who plays High school Varsity singles...at least for someone at my age. That's my situation at the moment, so that's what I'll consider myself. To be fair, I couldn't care less what type of racket I used. I could go with a Pure Aero with no lead and use it, or I could use an RF97 or a Duel G 330 and I'll also play fine. The racket is just a tool in your arsenal, and they aren't always what make you a good player. 3.5 with an RF97? No biggie. As long as you think you can use it effectively, no problem

 

[Tommy Haas]

Don't be disquaded if you want to use a racket meant for more advanced players, you can and it could help you get better only if you're willing to work hard and receive proper instruction from someone who's more advanced than you. Sometimes you need to take a step back to take two steps forward. But don't try it on your own without help because then you'll just develop bad habits and worse injury.

 

[Guts]

every racket is elite if used properly

 

[Attila_the_gorilla]

A player's racket is not one that's difficult to play with.
It is simply a racket that has good accuracy, decent swing speed on offer but at the same time sufficient stability, and a lot of controllable power. Such rackets are better suited to playing quality tennis with.

You need to forget about the myth of "players rackets" being difficult to wield. That's silly. A good player's racket makes it easier to play advanced tennis. That's all.