JackB1's 11oz Racquet Corner

[JackB1]

Hi Jack,
You and I had similar experiences with the Angell TC100; just felt a bit clunky and wieldy though it sounds like you got a heavier used one than I bought new. I do like my TC97 and plan on keeping that for mostly singles; but I am looking for a 100 to use primarily in doubles and I know you've tried a quite a few 100-sized racquets recently. I think we both have similar spec ranges -- low to mid 11-ounces, SW in 320's, fairly headlight and maneuverable, flex in mid 60s, and though I normally play 16x19, I'm fine with 16x20 and 18x20 if in a good racquet -- and tennis ability: solid 4.0 player, middle age (low 55 for me), all-court player, more of a flat hitter (not into the big spin racquets), like both singles and dubs, USTA league play, and just enjoy getting out there.

Although you may still be looking for an ideal 100, I'd be interested in your brief thoughts to date on the 100's you've tried. I know you've been playing with the Prince and Yonex 100 frames a lot; any of those really stand out to you? I note that both the Yonex Ai and DR 100's are pretty high in SW (69) but you seemed to be ok with that. I know you also tried the new Donnay's but don't recall if you tried the 102 (I have a demo of that coming). So, I'd appreciate your "summary" to date of the 100's you've liked and disliked. Thanks.

Yes we do like the same specs in racquets. I've tried too many to list, but here are some of my favorites:

DR100 - great racquet. swingweight isn't too high. does everything well...power with control. only negative is the relatively high launch angle for me
Xi98 - stiffer feeling than the DR100 with less power. Needs a little tweaking with lead to bring up the sw. Biggest negative is the stiffness
Textreme 100P - My #1 right now, but sometimes I wish it had more power. When I use it I play for placement and lose some free points from faster serves
Graphene Speed MP - One of my all time fav's - Only negative is the very open string pattern. Harder to hit low skidding slices.
Bab Pure Strike 98 16x19 - Great all court racquet - does everything good - nothing great

For doubles play, I think the DR100 would be a great choice.

So, why did you like the TC97 more than the 100? Isn't it quite a bit lower powered? I also was expecting a better "feel" from the TC100 and it was just "meh" for me. I think Donnay has it beat in that dept.

My PERFECT specs are tough to find because I need something with good power and without a large open pattern. My biggest weapon is my backhand slice and my drop shot, so I need a racquet that doesn't float slices on me. I also like a nice feel off the stringbed and I don't like super thick beams or too large hoop sizes. Most 18x20 racquets are too low powered for me. The ony one's I found usuable were the 100P and the Dunlop F3.0.

 

[JackB1]

How arm friendly is the 100P? I am trying to recover from TE-woke up to an very swollen elbow this am. Hiatus is coming.

Very arm friendly....especially with full multi.

 

[PhxRacket]

Very arm friendly....especially with full multi.

I have to be patient and let my elbow heal. Until I play again, I am working on footwork, cardio and shadow swings. I demoed the 100P once, and I feel like the demo string was too tight. I like my racquet around 48#. Maybe I will give this one a try.

 

[sma1001]

swollen elbow

RICE needed!

 

[PhxRacket]

RICE needed!

Doing my best. As a teacher, my ability to immobilize an extremity is limited as I need both hands to work. I think that I must put extra torque on my dominant elbow as it seems worse some mornings and a little better by the afternoon.

 

[sma1001]

As a teacher, my ability to immobilize an extremity is limited as I need both hands to work. I think that I must put extra torque on my dominant elbow as it seems worse some mornings and a little better by the afternoon.

Good luck. Give it time.

 

[PhxRacket]

Good luck. Give it time.

Thanks! I had just gotten back into the swing of things after a 27 year break away from tennis. SMH! And I am learning old people DO NOT recover very quickly.

 

[392Hemi]

Very arm friendly....especially with full multi.

I was about to post the same. Couldn't agree more. I'm playing mine with PPC 16 @52 and it feels great.

I demoed one with poly (Prince Tour XC) and the comfort difference is night and day. I wish I could hit poly without being so sensitive to it because I feel more confident, but after an hour my 52 year old arm says NO

 

[PhxRacket]

I was about to post the same. Couldn't agree more. I'm playing mine with PPC 16 @52 and it feels great.

I demoed one with poly (Prince Tour XC) and the comfort difference is night and day. I wish I could hit poly without being so sensitive to it because I feel more confident, but after an hour my 52 year old arm says NO

You use a TT 100P?! Do you find it has enough pop? Spin? I currently use a BLX Blade 98 (black and gold) so 18x20 is no problem. I need something softer, a little more headlight.

 

[392Hemi]

You use a TT 100P?! Do you find it has enough pop? Spin? I currently use a BLX Blade 98 (black and gold) so 18x20 is no problem. I need something softer, a little more headlight.

Yes I just got a 100P. I had been playing a TT100T (modified to ~320g strung) for the past 6 months. Im not a heavy spin hitter but the 100P offers plenty for me.

The Prince power ratings say the 100T is more powerful than the 100P. That is not my experience. I find the added weight/plow of the 100P drives the ball harder than the 100T. The 100P is also more stable at the net and on defense/ returns

The only sort of weakness - I cant quite generate the same RHS on serve with the 100P, but again the plow makes up for it and slice serves are far easier with the P.

I'd say the 100T does just about everything well, and the 100P does everything better.

 

[PhxRacket]

Yes I just got a 100P. I had been playing a TT100T (modified to ~320g strung) for the past 6 months. Im not a heavy spin hitter but the 100P offers plenty for me.

The Prince power ratings say the 100T is more powerful than the 100P. That is not my experience. I find the added weight/plow of the 100P drives the ball harder than the 100T. The 100P is also more stable at the net and on defense/ returns

I'd say the 100T does just about everything well, and the 100P does everything better.

Good to know.

 

[skeeter]

Yes we do like the same specs in racquets. I've tried too many to list, but here are some of my favorites:

DR100 - great racquet. swingweight isn't too high. does everything well...power with control. only negative is the relatively high launch angle for me
Xi98 - stiffer feeling than the DR100 with less power. Needs a little tweaking with lead to bring up the sw. Biggest negative is the stiffness
Textreme 100P - My #1 right now, but sometimes I wish it had more power. When I use it I play for placement and lose some free points from faster serves
Graphene Speed MP - One of my all time fav's - Only negative is the very open string pattern. Harder to hit low skidding slices.
Bab Pure Strike 98 16x19 - Great all court racquet - does everything good - nothing great

For doubles play, I think the DR100 would be a great choice.

So, why did you like the TC97 more than the 100? Isn't it quite a bit lower powered? I also was expecting a better "feel" from the TC100 and it was just "meh" for me. I think Donnay has it beat in that dept.

My PERFECT specs are tough to find because I need something with good power and without a large open pattern. My biggest weapon is my backhand slice and my drop shot, so I need a racquet that doesn't float slices on me. I also like a nice feel off the stringbed and I don't like super thick beams or too large hoop sizes. Most 18x20 racquets are too low powered for me. The ony one's I found usuable were the 100P and the Dunlop F3.0.

Thanks for the response, Jack.

With the DR100, RA is listed at 69; not too high for you? Comfortable and easy on the arm? Also, you mentioned the Xi98; did you ever try the Ai100 (which I suspect is pretty darn similar to the DR100)?

TC97: doesn't feel near as clunky as the 100, much more HL and maneuverable IMO. I have gut/co-poly in it at lowish 50's and find it has plenty of power and great touch; stringbed seems tighter than the 100.

I demo'd the TT100P a while back but it felt lacking in the power department, especially on serves; could've been the strings but sounds like you have the same experience. But a decent racquet otherwise.

Yes, the specs you and I like are indeed hard to find, but not impossible; hence the quest.

 

[JackB1]

Thanks for the response, Jack.

With the DR100, RA is listed at 69; not too high for you? Comfortable and easy on the arm? Also, you mentioned the Xi98; did you ever try the Ai100 (which I suspect is pretty darn similar to the DR100)?

TC97: doesn't feel near as clunky as the 100, much more HL and maneuverable IMO. I have gut/co-poly in it at lowish 50's and find it has plenty of power and great touch; stringbed seems tighter than the 100.

I demo'd the TT100P a while back but it felt lacking in the power department, especially on serves; could've been the strings but sounds like you have the same experience. But a decent racquet otherwise.

Yes, the specs you and I like are indeed hard to find, but not impossible; hence the quest.

Does the TC97 give you enough power on serves? More than what you remember with the 100P?
Also, do you know what spec's you ordered and what is the strung weight, balance, sw now?

 

[skeeter]

Does the TC97 give you enough power on serves? More than what you remember with the 100P?
Also, do you know what spec's you ordered and what is the strung weight, balance, sw now?

Specs I ordered: 310g, 9HL; Paul said the SW came it at 292 unstrung.
Strung: 333g (with over grip, dampener); 8HL. Don't know the SW but guessing in the mid 320's.

For me, has more power on serves than the 100 did; may partially have to do with it being more maneuverable.

 

[JackB1]

Specs I ordered: 310g, 9HL; Paul said the SW came it at 292 unstrung.
Strung: 333g (with over grip, dampener); 8HL. Don't know the SW but guessing in the mid 320's.

For me, has more power on serves than the 100 did; may partially have to do with it being more maneuverable.

Thanks. Is the pattern very open? Are you able to keep slices low and penetrating?

 

[Backhanded Compliment]

Specs I ordered: 310g, 9HL; Paul said the SW came it at 292 unstrung.
Strung: 333g (with over grip, dampener); 8HL. Don't know the SW but guessing in the mid 320's.

For me, has more power on serves than the 100 did; may partially have to do with it being more maneuverable.

That makes sense since serve power is determined by racquet head speed. I think that's why many hit their best 1st serves with mids. MP is a good compromise and these 97 inch frames do make a lot of sense.... they seem to offer a lot in for servers.

Thanks. Is the pattern very open? Are you able to keep slices low and penetrating?

My hitting partner is very interested in the TC97 and the low slices are his main criteria... so very curious about this answer.

 

[skeeter]

Thanks. Is the pattern very open? Are you able to keep slices low and penetrating?

I'd say it fits in the "just right" category; not too open (I don't like open-patterned racquets) and not too dense. As with many/most racquets, it's a bit more dense in the center of the racquet.

As far as slices go, for me it does just what I ask: low and deep when needed, angle slices, and touch droppers. I have a OHBH and in addition to drives and topspins, I rely on slices quite a bit and as long as I have a good take back and follow-through, I have had no issues with slice backhands; and some decent forehand slices here and there as well.

 

[bigburn]

How arm friendly is the 100P? I am trying to recover from TE-woke up to an very swollen elbow this am. Hiatus is coming.

Hit the courts after a 2 month hiatus due to TE. Play with Bab PS 16x19 with full multi. Keeps it comfortable, yet plenty of pop and control. Looking at buying a backup, after a round of "softer" demo setups this week, but the PS might prevail. During the downtime, as pain existed, heavy ice, no tennis play. As soon as pain decreased, all heat and PT exercises (Flexbar is amazing). Stayed consistent with PT and arm feels stronger. After yesterday's hit for 1.5 hrs, arm feels pretty good, besides some non-tennis use soreness. I could play the next day, so that's a promising sign.

Take some time off and abide the PT and it will pay off. Good luck!

 

[PhxRacket]

Hit the courts after a 2 month hiatus due to TE. Play with Bab PS 16x19 with full multi. Keeps it comfortable, yet plenty of pop and control. Looking at buying a backup, after a round of "softer" demo setups this week, but the PS might prevail. During the downtime, as pain existed, heavy ice, no tennis play. As soon as pain decreased, all heat and PT exercises (Flexbar is amazing). Stayed consistent with PT and arm feels stronger. After yesterday's hit for 1.5 hrs, arm feels pretty good, besides some non-tennis use soreness. I could play the next day, so that's a promising sign.

Take some time off and abide the PT and it will pay off. Good luck!

Thanks bigburn

 

[SpinToWin]

Yo @JackB1 have you tried the Dunlop Revolution R3.0? Every time I see the frame I think it may be a good fit for you.

 

[JackB1]

Yo @JackB1 have you tried the Dunlop Revolution R3.0? Every time I see the frame I think it may be a good fit for you.

The specs do look very good, but I don't think the Revolution line is available here in the States. Not sure why? The R3.0 seems like the M3.0 with 15 extra grams of weight.

 

[n8dawg6]

yall should try the XT Rad Pro. really not even joking. i cant use it with a harsh string, but with arm-friendly laces it is a super forgiving and easy to use frame. not too light, not too heavy. theres no way it is a 98 ... or maybe it is, and the IG or microgel rad is more of a 95. either way, it has similar string bed space to a 100.

 

[SpinToWin]

The specs do look very good, but I don't think the Revolution line is available here in the States. Not sure why? The R3.0 seems like the M3.0 with 15 extra grams of weight.

It also has a more open string pattern:

http://m.imgur.com/nCr4kZI

 

[JackB1]

I have to say, a funny thing has happened to "JackB1's 11oz racquet corner". I have discovered that I get easier power from heavier frames. I used to be anti heavier racquets, because when you immediately switch to one, they feel slow and sluggish because it's just what you aren't used to yet. But once you play with them for a while you can be just as quick with them and they give you more power with a slower medium swing. I recently have been playing with a 320 gram Prince Textreme 95 and it's supposed to be a "low powered, control oriented players frame" but strung with full multi I can get tons of power out of this frame due to the extra mass into the ball. In fact, I am having to restring with a hybrid or go up in tension because the power is a little too much right now. I can't believe I am even saying that.

We'll see what happens, but right now I am really liking the extra weight of the TT95 and also am using a 100P weighted up to 345 grams like the 95.

 

[SpinToWin]

LOL you're swinging heavier racquets than me? Times change hahaha

 

[JackB1]

LOL you're swinging heavier racquets than me? Times change hahaha

I'm not up to your swingweight though. I like the TT95s 12 oz static weight, with a sw of around 325

 

[n8dawg6]

i need a little weight for timing my shots. too light and i'm just swatting at the ball. also when youre hitting against more pace it becomes a matter of just re-directing the pace, and you need a little mass to do that.

 

[sma1001]

Try the Graphene Radical Rev (with some Blu tack in the handle). Light but good swingweight and good plow.

 

[JackB1]

Try the Graphene Radical Rev (with some Blu tack in the handle). Light but good swingweight and good plow.

Got enough racquets right now! Don't really need more choices at the moment

 

[skeeter]

I'm not up to your swingweight though. I like the TT95s 12 oz static weight, with a sw of around 325

Any idea of the SW of your modded 100P? And with both of them leaded up, are you finding the 100P as maneuverable and as powerful as the 95?

 

[skeeter]

I'm not up to your swingweight though. I like the TT95s 12 oz static weight, with a sw of around 325

And since you've played with both the TT100P and the Yonex DR100, and comparisons between the two? Sounds like you enjoy the 100P over the DR?

 

[skeeter]

Double post

 

[Ganyboy]

Did you try AI 98 or DR 98 Jack? Any thoughts on them?

 

[danbrenner]

I'm not up to your swingweight though. I like the TT95s 12 oz static weight, with a sw of around 325

So at this point in time u nay want to consider a name change to the 12oz racquet corner!

 

[Grigore Petre]

Yes we do like the same specs in racquets. I've tried too many to list, but here are some of my favorites:

DR100 - great racquet. swingweight isn't too high. does everything well...power with control. only negative is the relatively high launch angle for me
Xi98 - stiffer feeling than the DR100 with less power. Needs a little tweaking with lead to bring up the sw. Biggest negative is the stiffness
Textreme 100P - My #1 right now, but sometimes I wish it had more power. When I use it I play for placement and lose some free points from faster serves
Graphene Speed MP - One of my all time fav's - Only negative is the very open string pattern. Harder to hit low skidding slices.
Bab Pure Strike 98 16x19 - Great all court racquet - does everything good - nothing great

For doubles play, I think the DR100 would be a great choice.

So, why did you like the TC97 more than the 100? Isn't it quite a bit lower powered? I also was expecting a better "feel" from the TC100 and it was just "meh" for me. I think Donnay has it beat in that dept.

My PERFECT specs are tough to find because I need something with good power and without a large open pattern. My biggest weapon is my backhand slice and my drop shot, so I need a racquet that doesn't float slices on me. I also like a nice feel off the stringbed and I don't like super thick beams or too large hoop sizes. Most 18x20 racquets are too low powered for me. The ony one's I found usuable were the 100P and the Dunlop F3.0.

You should try Babolat Pure strike tour... very powerfull

 

[time_fly]

I have to say, a funny thing has happened to "JackB1's 11oz racquet corner". I have discovered that I get easier power from heavier frames. I used to be anti heavier racquets, because when you immediately switch to one, they feel slow and sluggish because it's just what you aren't used to yet. But once you play with them for a while you can be just as quick with them and they give you more power with a slower medium swing.

I agree, I always go back and forth between heavier and lighter rackets. I currently have a Response 97 and RF97 in my bag along with the Textreme Tour 100P. I played the RF pretty consistently for a couple of months. I find playing a heavier racket naturally lengthens my contact zone and gives more depth for free; with light rackets I sometimes whip them too much and end hitting shorter spinners. I also like heavier rackets when returning big serves or defending against big shots in general for the stability and counter-punching ability. But I do have an easier time serving (especially spin serves) with the lighter rackets; I also hit fewer shanks under pressure and of course reflex volleys in doubles are a lot easier. It's a tough decision for me.

 

[n8dawg6]

this thread has become a travesty for 11oz lovers everywhere

 

[JackB1]

this thread has become a travesty for 11oz lovers everywhere

lol.

Who knows if it's a phase, but I am really liking the easy power I get from the extra weight. It's not a huge difference we are talking about here...going from 330 grams strung, to 345.
But it does make noticeable difference to me at this time. But its really all about what you get used to.

 

[SpinToWin]

lol.

Who knows if it's a phase, but I am really liking the easy power I get from the extra weight. It's not a huge difference we are talking about here...going from 330 grams strung, to 345.
But it does make noticeable difference to me at this time. But its really all about what you get used to.

Go down to 330 strung with a higher swingweight (330 say) and be amazed at the easy power

 

[sma1001]

Go down to 330 strung with a higher swingweight (330 say) and be amazed at the easy power

The perfect combination!

 

[DustinW]

The Wilson Pro Staff 97 LS is pretty darn good. Compared to my Graphene Radical MP, I am getting a bit more spin and power and a slightly firmer/crisper feel. There is lots of power and spin on serve, and my groundstrokes consistently stay nice and deep and really jump off the court. Not a single complaint about the 97 LS so far.

Full disclaimer: I added some weight to it to get it up around 300g unstrung.

 

[JackB1]

The Wilson Pro Staff 97 LS is pretty darn good. Compared to my Graphene Radical MP, I am getting a bit more spin and power and a slightly firmer/crisper feel. There is lots of power and spin on serve, and my groundstrokes consistently stay nice and deep and really jump off the court. Not a single complaint about the 97 LS so far.

Full disclaimer: I added some weight to it to get it up around 300g unstrung.

Not really into SPIN pattern racquets myself. Doesn't fit my game.

 

[DustinW]

Not really into SPIN pattern racquets myself. Doesn't fit my game.

Fair enough, but the 18x16 pattern on a 97 sq in head plays totally different than say a 16x16 pattern on a 100 sq in head. I am not a fan of the super open patterns, but I liked the Six.One 95S (also 18x16) and I like this one too.

 

[n8dawg6]

The Wilson Pro Staff 97 LS is pretty darn good. Compared to my Graphene Radical MP, I am getting a bit more spin and power and a slightly firmer/crisper feel. There is lots of power and spin on serve, and my groundstrokes consistently stay nice and deep and really jump off the court. Not a single complaint about the 97 LS so far.

Full disclaimer: I added some weight to it to get it up around 300g unstrung.

dustin ... are you abandoning the rad MP? noooooooooooo

 

[JackB1]

Fair enough, but the 18x16 pattern on a 97 sq in head plays totally different than say a 16x16 pattern on a 100 sq in head. I am not a fan of the super open patterns, but I liked the Six.One 95S (also 18x16) and I like this one too.

True and I have not tried the PS97LS. I did try the regular PS97 and thought it felt boardy and too firm...no feel. I'll check out the 97LS if one crosses my path.

The 97S looks interesting also. It's got one more cross (16x17) and more weight (11.5 oz) but its got a very high swingweight (336) and a super thin beam.

 

[DustinW]

dustin ... are you abandoning the rad MP? noooooooooooo

Not yet. The GRadMP has been my go-to for over a year. It will take something special to dethrone it from its position at the top. Although... the PS97LS shows more potential than anything else that I have tried.

 

[danbrenner]

True and I have not tried the PS97LS. I did try the regular PS97 and thought it felt boardy and too firm...no feel. I'll check out the 97LS if one crosses my path.

The 97S looks interesting also. It's got one more cross (16x17) and more weight (11.5 oz) but its got a very high swingweight (336) and a super thin beam.

the 97s is an 18x17 just to clarify. not exactly a spin monster.. quite the opposite in fact
but anyway.. i wanted your opinion. i know u are a string/racquet junkie. like myself. so i used a demo the other day that had blast in it.. fresh. i played with it. .felt crisp, and firm, and yet comfy.. and perfect snap back. so when i got home i went to go check the string up close so i could order the right gage. it turned out to be Head Velocity. a multi. i ccouldnt believe it. have u tried this string? what did u think? this is truly a unique multi.

 

[SpinToWin]

True and I have not tried the PS97LS. I did try the regular PS97 and thought it felt boardy and too firm...no feel. I'll check out the 97LS if one crosses my path.

The 97S looks interesting also. It's got one more cross (16x17) and more weight (11.5 oz) but its got a very high swingweight (336) and a super thin beam.

Don't listen to Dan, the PS 97S produces huge spin if you have the strokes to produce it.

It does however need sophisticated and fluid strokes to make effective use of it.

 

[JackB1]

Don't listen to Dan, the PS 97S produces huge spin if you have the strokes to produce it.

It does however need sophisticated and fluid strokes to make effective use of it.

Well then I'm out

 

[n8dawg6]

velocity has a thick coating on it that gives it some poly-like characteristics. the coating wears off though. i found it a little difficult to control depth with velocity, but thats a problem i have with all multis.