JackB1's 11oz Racquet Corner

[DustinW]

I picked up a Head Graphene XT Extreme MPA, and played 3 sets of singles this morning. Pretty nice. Really solid and comfortable. I was expecting it to feel stiffer, crisper, and more powerful than it did. It is over spec at 308g unstrung, and is only 2 points headlight strung... so it wasn't super fast feeling, but it wasn't really sluggish either. Serving was great, and it was definitely more solid feeling at the net than my GRadMP.

 

[JackB1]

I picked up a Head Graphene XT Extreme MPA, and played 3 sets of singles this morning. Pretty nice. Really solid and comfortable. I was expecting it to feel stiffer, crisper, and more powerful than it did. It is over spec at 308g unstrung, and is only 2 points headlight strung... so it wasn't super fast feeling, but it wasn't really sluggish either. Serving was great, and it was definitely more solid feeling at the net than my GRadMP.

Sounds good Dustin. Which pattern you using? Personally, the Extreme series is too open for me and I don't care for the round head shape, but it's a nice choice for some people. I really liked the Graphene Extreme MP Lite when I tried it a couple years back.

 

[DustinW]

Sounds good Dustin. Which pattern you using? Personally, the Extreme series is too open for me and I don't care for the round head shape, but it's a nice choice for some people. I really liked the Graphene Extreme MP Lite when I tried it a couple years back.

I have only tried the 16x19 so far but I do plan to try 16x16. The pattern on the new XT Extreme is pretty tight in the middle... actually, the crosses are slightly closer together than on my Radical MP. The round head shape is a bit weird but I don't really think it affects playability for me.

 

[JackB1]

I have only tried the 16x19 so far but I do plan to try 16x16. The pattern on the new XT Extreme is pretty tight in the middle... actually, the crosses are slightly closer together than on my Radical MP. The round head shape is a bit weird but I don't really think it affects playability for me.

The round head shape makes the sweetspot a little wider towards 3&9, but I also thought that made mishits towards 12&6 more noticeable.

 

[The_Racketeer]

The round head shape makes the sweetspot a little wider towards 3&9, but I also thought that made mishits towards 12&6 more noticeable.

I prefer a more oval head shape. While the round heads give a larger spin window I tend to miss-hit high on the stringbed so the oval shape is actually more forgiving for me.

 

[JackB1]

I prefer a more oval head shape. While the round heads give a larger spin window I tend to miss-hit high on the stringbed so the oval shape is actually more forgiving for me.

makes sense. everyone tends to miss more in a certain direction. I miss more low on the stringbed, so racquets with high sweetspots aren't the best for me personally.

 

[Devil_dog]

I'd like to throw in the mix the new Pure Aero Team. TW specs say 10.8 strung but once I complete it with an overgrip and a dampener, mine steps into the ring right at 11 ounces. Some really great attributes but notably lots of spin. And with the right string combo, power isn't bad either. Fairly stable racquet too.

 

[ptr]

Hi Jack!

I'm looking for new frame for my girlfriend. She is approx 3.5. She uses Yonex Ai98 Lite leaded up to 325g strung 1HL balance. 2nd frame is Blade 98s leaded a little bit too.

She needs frame with more little control that Ai98, and much more than 98s. More stable than 98s but with blended feel of Ai98 and 98s. She loves Wilson grip L2.

She does not like feel old Radicals, Yonex Tour F. She preferes Wilson feel and grip shape. Textreme 95 feel is nice for her but frame has to have some additional power.

My strikes are:

- Blade 98 16x19
- Pure Storm 16x19
- Radical G MP
- Speed G MP
- Prestige S G

Thanks

 

[fibonacci888]

Textreme 100T?

 

[ptr]

Textreme 100T?

Yes, true, I forgot about it!

 

[JackB1]

I'd like to throw in the mix the new Pure Aero Team. TW specs say 10.8 strung but once I complete it with an overgrip and a dampener, mine steps into the ring right at 11 ounces. Some really great attributes but notably lots of spin. And with the right string combo, power isn't bad either. Fairly stable racquet too.

Pattern on the Pure Aero is a little too "open" for my liking, but I will probably get around to playtesting it soon.

 

[JackB1]

Hi Jack!

I'm looking for new frame for my girlfriend. She is approx 3.5. She uses Yonex Ai98 Lite leaded up to 325g strung 1HL balance. 2nd frame is Blade 98s leaded a little bit too.

She needs frame with more little control that Ai98, and much more than 98s. More stable than 98s but with blended feel of Ai98 and 98s. She loves Wilson grip L2.

She does not like feel old Radicals, Yonex Tour F. She preferes Wilson feel and grip shape. Textreme 95 feel is nice for her but frame has to have some additional power.

My strikes are:
- Blade 98 16x19
- Pure Storm 16x19
- Radical G MP
- Speed G MP
- Prestige S G

Thanks

Hard to believe the Ai98 Lite is not controlling enough for her? Try removing some of the lead, especially any near 12' on the hoop. Also try stringing tighter
or using a less lively string. Any of those you mentioned would also work, except maybe the Prestige S, which is pretty low powered.

 

[ptr]

Hi!

It was strung 55/53lbs (25/24kg). She is quite happy with that frame but she is searching for something more control oriented, but with the same power level but not stiff. This blade 98 looking perfect. ooo she was in the past happy with VCORE 98d but that time it was to heavy for her. Now she is OK with that weight (305g).

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

Hey Jack, long time no see. What're you using these days? Lately I really don't care what frame I'm using as long as the strings are fresh poly or a hybrid. Need to restring my pro open after breaking them on a serve...hope all is well

 

[FluidTennis]

@MikeHitsHard93 You're making me want to take my Wilson pro open out of the cupboard. I've moved to more control frames but am missing the pop a bit. What string set up do you like on the racquet? Do you use your pro open at stock weight?

@Jack, have you played with the pro open?

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

@MikeHitsHard93 You're making me want to take my Wilson pro open out of the cupboard. I've moved to more control frames but am missing the pop a bit. What string set up do you like on the racquet? Do you use your pro open at stock weight?

@Jack, have you played with the pro open?

I really liked cyclone 17 mains and psgd 16 crosses both at 55 pounds. That's been my favorite setup. I used to have 2 grams at 3&9 but now I play it stock weight with a Wilson pro overgrip. I've found that I can use just about any light frame. Overall weight of a frame affects me more than swing weight for some reason.

The pro open is a great frame! Take it out and brush the dust off

 

[JackB1]

Hi!

It was strung 55/53lbs (25/24kg). She is quite happy with that frame but she is searching for something more control oriented, but with the same power level but not stiff. This blade 98 looking perfect. ooo she was in the past happy with VCORE 98d but that time it was to heavy for her. Now she is OK with that weight (305g).

Its just that the Ai98 Lite is far from a powerful frame. I would just remove some of the lead and string a little higher. You can get the "same power" with more
control. Power and control and kind of negatively related to each other. The Blade 98 might work but is weighted differently from the others. Hard to believe
a 3.5 female is having these control issues. Something tells me she is hitting very flat.

 

[JackB1]

Hey Jack, long time no see. What're you using these days? Lately I really don't care what frame I'm using as long as the strings are fresh poly or a hybrid. Need to restring my pro open after breaking them on a serve...hope all is well

Yes I am not nearly into changing frames a lot myself lately. Have been using the Volkl SuperG 4 mostly and the Dunlop S 6.0 Lite a little on the side.

 

[JackB1]

@MikeHitsHard93 You're making me want to take my Wilson pro open out of the cupboard. I've moved to more control frames but am missing the pop a bit. What string set up do you like on the racquet? Do you use your pro open at stock weight?

@Jack, have you played with the pro open?

Yes I played with the Pro Open a bit a few years ago. Nice 300 gram tweener. Its a shame Wilson discontinued it, but it was kind of replaced with the Juice.
The Surge model is very similar too but a little lighter.

 

[ptr]

Its just that the Ai98 Lite is far from a powerful frame. I would just remove some of the lead and string a little higher. You can get the "same power" with more
control. Power and control and kind of negatively related to each other. The Blade 98 might work but is weighted differently from the others. Hard to believe
a 3.5 female is having these control issues. Something tells me she is hitting very flat.

Yes, you are right she is flathitter. Only. She is 164cm height. Topspin only by mistake

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

Yes I am not nearly into changing frames a lot myself lately. Have been using the Volkl SuperG 4 mostly and the Dunlop S 6.0 Lite a little on the side.

I'm the same way. I really don't care anymore as long as I can play well. My game is more versatile now so I can use just about anything. Next purchase will be when I break a frame or they just get too worn out. I'm also done demoing. Been there done that

 

[The_Racketeer]

I'm also done demoing. Been there done that

I thought that once....

 

[JackB1]

I will always enjoy trying out new frames...its just that I now know what works best for myself and know exactly what specs I like.
I used to always think there was something better just around the corner, but I no longer think that way. I also enjoy the feeling you have
when you are very familiar with all the nuances of a certain frame. That familiarity is very valuable.

 

[LeeD]

F5T is currently my all around fav. I rotate thru 13 different rackets, maybe 7 different models, but with different stringing or tensions.

 

[Devil_dog]

I will always enjoy trying out new frames...its just that I now know what works best for myself and know exactly what specs I like.
I used to always think there was something better just around the corner, but I no longer think that way. I also enjoy the feeling you have
when you are very familiar with all the nuances of a certain frame. That familiarity is very valuable.

I'm similar that way too. I've had my share of racket-holism but I'm now more familiar with what specs of a stick works well for me and my game. So, if I do get bored and feel the urge of trying another stick, I tend to look for or want similar specs especially swing weight and static weight.

 

[n8dawg6]

yall have reached racquet nirvana

 

[Dgdavid]

Hey Jack, can you compare Super G4 with original Organix 4, Blade 104 and Textreme 107 (assuming all unmodded)? Did you try Tex 107T too or just regular 107?

 

[JackB1]

Hey Jack, can you compare Super G4 with original Organix 4, Blade 104 and Textreme 107 (assuming all unmodded)? Did you try Tex 107T too or just regular 107?

Hey David. Sure, be glad to...
I actually prefer the Organix 4 to the SuperG4. For some reason, the SG4 is a little "pingy" and vibrates when you bang it against the heel of your palm...the X4 does not. Don't know if it affects playability...probably not, but it bugs me a little.
The X4s also feel a little more solid and stable to me. The Blade 104 is more playerish feeling than the 4's. More control for sure and lower power. Thinner beam of course. The Tex107 reminded me a lot of the X4. A little weird due to the loooong head shape. It's as wide as a typical 100" but longer from 12' to 6'. About the same power and control as the 4s. Swings a bit heavier through the air and feels a bit bulkier to me.

 

[Dgdavid]

Thanks Jack. Did you try the 107T version of the Textreme 107 too?
Does the X4 have a feeling of mass in the hoop (due to balance etc)?

 

[ptr]

Its just that the Ai98 Lite is far from a powerful frame. I would just remove some of the lead and string a little higher. You can get the "same power" with more
control. Power and control and kind of negatively related to each other. The Blade 98 might work but is weighted differently from the others. Hard to believe
a 3.5 female is having these control issues. Something tells me she is hitting very flat.

I think I will buy/demo 3 racquets... Both Blade's 98 and both PS's

 

[JackB1]

Thanks Jack. Did you try the 107T version of the Textreme 107 too?
Does the X4 have a feeling of mass in the hoop (due to balance etc)?

Only tried the T briefly and it felt very similar to the regular 107....just weighted differently with more head heavy balance and lower static weight.

The X4 is 3 pts HL so it just feels well balanced to me. Weight isn't noticeable in the hoop or handle. It doesn't feel flimsy to me either.
I mean a 300 gram strung racquet is not going to feel solid on every hit, but comparatively speaking, the X4 and the Prince feel very solid for their weight.
I play them both stock and rarely notice any twisting or instability issues.

 

[JackB1]

I think I will buy/demo 3 racquets... Both Blade's 98 and both PS's

if she likes the Ai98 Lie, why wouldn't you try and fiddle with that first? Up the tension and try some different string setups and lose some of the lead tape.
She also might want to work on getting under the ball a little more...hitting flat is not great at the rec level. Leads to too many UEs.

 

[ptr]

if she likes the Ai98 Lie, why wouldn't you try and fiddle with that first? Up the tension and try some different string setups and lose some of the lead tape.
She also might want to work on getting under the ball a little more...hitting flat is not great at the rec level. Leads to too many UEs.

I'n general she is happy with AI98 but there is a but. She is telling me that there is a time for something new, to check, not to change. Have you tried 16x19 vs 18x20 in Blade's and Pure Storme's? Or Babolat Pure Strike 100 + lead ?

 

[JackB1]

I'n general she is happy with AI98 but there is a but. She is telling me that there is a time for something new, to check, not to change. Have you tried 16x19 vs 18x20 in Blade's and Pure Storme's? Or Babolat Pure Strike 100 + lead ?

Sorry, I don't try many 18x20s...but for a flat hitter they may work better and give more control. I have tried the 16x19 Pure Strike and its a fantastic racquet.

 

[RollTrackTake]

Tried out the Pure Aero and took the Pro Staff 97 out for another test drive yesterday. The Pure Aero may be the racquet of that line with the best feel. Seemed to strike a good balance of crisp & muted strung with a syn guy/ poly hybrid. The feel wasn't that much different than the last version but still noticeably a little more refined imho. Power was outstanding as always with the Aero's. I got a lot more depth and power with the same or less effort. I just had issues adjusting my swing to get the ball to not flying long consistently. I did find that when I took a little off my swing I had more control and consistency. It was nice to try but don't think I'll be giving it another go. More on the Pro Staff 97 later.

 

[prjacobs]

Tried out the Pure Aero and took the Pro Staff 97 out for another test drive yesterday. The Pure Aero may be the racquet of that line with the best feel. Seemed to strike a good balance of crisp & muted strung with a syn guy/ poly hybrid. The feel wasn't that much different than the last version but still noticeably a little more refined imho. Power was outstanding as always with the Aero's. I got a lot more depth and power with the same or less effort. I just had issues adjusting my swing to get the ball to not flying long consistently. I did find that when I took a little off my swing I had more control and consistency. It was nice to try but don't think I'll be giving it another go. More on the Pro Staff 97 later.

I'm a 2013 APD user and it seems that the Pure Aero is really made for a high spin game only. The general consensus is that flat shots fly. I think the PS97 is a pretty good frame. I also liked the dreaded GRadPro but it doesn't get much love on the forum. It's very solid - more so than the PS97, to me.

 

[JackB1]

Yes, not really interested in the Pure Aero, since I'm not a topspin baseliner, but I can't deny how great the 2013 APD was.
Tried the PS97 a few times and it just lacks feels for me...too boardy. Also not forgiving enough for me, but if your're into frames like the Blade, Ai98, Rad Pro, etc. then the PS97 should be on your demo list.

 

[JackB1]

latest update...

been switching between the SuperG4 and the Dunlop S 6.0 Lite and seem to prefer the Dunlop lately. It just offers a bit more control than the Volkl, but the 2 frames have almost the same specs. Feels a little weird to be favoring an oddball racquet such as the S 6.0 Lite

 

[n8dawg6]

my 'holism has been narrowed down to the graphene speeds lately. I really think I prefer them to the XTs. I do best with the MP, but really like the weight and balance of the S. I just seem to end up having timing issues with the S because it's so light. but it's so easy to whip up spin with it, and it's quick at the net.

The Pro is more predictable than the other two, but less spinny. It's also less comfortable and that 18x20 pattern can feel like a board. Maybe I'll grow into it ... or sell it.

Still love the Rev Pro but had to put it away and quit fooling around with it during a league match last night. When I'm "on" I'm wielding it like a champ. when I'm a little off ... 100 sq in headsize feels like a huge difference in terms of forgiveness.

I'm more or less sold on 100 sq in and really don't see any benefit to something smaller ('cept the rev pro, cause it's sexy).

 

[n8dawg6]

latest update...

been switching between the SuperG4 and the Dunlop S 6.0 Lite and seem to prefer the Dunlop lately. It just offers a bit more control than the Volkl, but the 2 frames have almost the same specs. Feels a little weird to be favoring an oddball racquet such as the S 6.0 Lite

Jack, that dunlop 6.0 lite is REALLY light. you playin 4.0 level tennis with that thing?

 

[RollTrackTake]

I hit with a fairly high amount of topspin for an intermediate rec player but I guess I would need to hit with more spin for the Pure Aero to work. Or adjust my swing path. Not going to change either so the Pure Aero will not work.
On to the Pro Staff 97. The feel of this racquet I liked more than the Pure Aero. It has that Wilson feel. Crisp with good feedback. However, the Pro Staff 97 did not feel super solid. I wanted to put just a little weight in the hoop and I think it would have been great feel and solid feeling. I served really well with it. Speed was not as high as the Pure Aero but I was hitting spots much easier and with more spin. Ground strokes were average for me. Less power than the Pure Aero, my Graphene Speed MP and my Donnay Pro One. If I had to choose between the 2 I would go with the Pro Staff 97. I'll stick with my current racquets.

 

[g4driver]

I hit with a fairly high amount of topspin for an intermediate rec player but I guess I would need to hit with more spin for the Pure Aero to work. Or adjust my swing path. Not going to change either so the Pure Aero will not work.
On to the Pro Staff 97. The feel of this racquet I liked more than the Pure Aero. It has that Wilson feel. Crisp with good feedback. However, the Pro Staff 97 did not feel super solid. I wanted to put just a little weight in the hoop and I think it would have been great feel and solid feeling. I served really well with it. Speed was not as high as the Pure Aero but I was hitting spots much easier and with more spin. Ground strokes were average for me. Less power than the Pure Aero, my Graphene Speed MP and my Donnay Pro One. If I had to choose between the 2 I would go with the Pro Staff 97. I'll stick with my current racquets.

Jack

Wanted to pass my thanks to you for selling that Speed MPA to RollTrack who sold it TroutSC who sold it to me for $90. Loving that frame for doubles.

All it needed was a Volkl leather grip and some lead at 12 and now it is 340 grams/ 7 points HL / 325 swingweight.

The next three I buy will be 4 1/4 grips - and I will sell the 4 3/8 one.

 

[JackB1]

my 'holism has been narrowed down to the graphene speeds lately. I really think I prefer them to the XTs. I do best with the MP, but really like the weight and balance of the S. I just seem to end up having timing issues with the S because it's so light. but it's so easy to whip up spin with it, and it's quick at the net.

The Pro is more predictable than the other two, but less spinny. It's also less comfortable and that 18x20 pattern can feel like a board. Maybe I'll grow into it ... or sell it.

Still love the Rev Pro but had to put it away and quit fooling around with it during a league match last night. When I'm "on" I'm wielding it like a champ. when I'm a little off ... 100 sq in headsize feels like a huge difference in terms of forgiveness.

I'm more or less sold on 100 sq in and really don't see any benefit to something smaller ('cept the rev pro, cause it's sexy).

I have no doubt that I prefer the Graphene Speeds to the XTs.

 

[JackB1]

Jack, that dunlop 6.0 lite is REALLY light. you playin 4.0 level tennis with that thing?

Yep I was hesitant at first, but once you get used to it, it's very much like any 300 gram racquet. TW recommends this racquet for 3.5-4.5 players. http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Dunlop_Biomimetic_S60_Lite/descpageRCDUNLOP-DS60L.html
The 6.0 Lite has the same specs as the SuperG4 I have been playing with, so I was already used to the lighter weight. Haven't had any issues at all with instability or getting "pushed around" and the lighter weight helps me get more racquet speed and is quicker around the net.
I have found many more benefits to less weight than the other way around.

 

[JackB1]

I hit with a fairly high amount of topspin for an intermediate rec player but I guess I would need to hit with more spin for the Pure Aero to work. Or adjust my swing path. Not going to change either so the Pure Aero will not work.
On to the Pro Staff 97. The feel of this racquet I liked more than the Pure Aero. It has that Wilson feel. Crisp with good feedback. However, the Pro Staff 97 did not feel super solid. I wanted to put just a little weight in the hoop and I think it would have been great feel and solid feeling. I served really well with it. Speed was not as high as the Pure Aero but I was hitting spots much easier and with more spin. Ground strokes were average for me. Less power than the Pure Aero, my Graphene Speed MP and my Donnay Pro One. If I had to choose between the 2 I would go with the Pro Staff 97. I'll stick with my current racquets.

No need to adjust your swing to accommodate the racquet. With so many racquets out there, find the one that works with your swing "as is". If I had to pick from your choices, I would go with the GSpeed MP or the Donnay. Two wonderful racquets.

 

[JackB1]

Jack

Wanted to pass my thanks to you for selling that Speed MPA to RollTrack who sold it TroutSC who sold it to me for $90. Loving that frame for doubles.

All it needed was a Volkl leather grip and some lead at 12 and now it is 340 grams/ 7 points HL / 325 swingweight.

The next three I buy will be 4 1/4 grips - and I will sell the 4 3/8 one.

Its like the "Brotherhood of the traveling racquet" Wonder who will get it next?
I did like the MPA and it really came alive with lead in the hoop. I preferred lead at 3/9 to minimize
the instability issues and widen the sweet spot.

 

[Knife]

The round head shape makes the sweetspot a little wider towards 3&9, but I also thought that made mishits towards 12&6 more noticeable.

I felt I could hit the most vicious backhand slices with that round head shape.

 

[n8dawg6]

Haven't had any issues at all with instability or getting "pushed around" and the lighter weight helps me get more racquet speed and is quicker around the net.
I have found many more benefits to less weight than the other way around.

yeah, same here. The Speed S was really working well for me this morning. good action on my serves, quick at the net, easy to hit spinny groundstrokes. great slice n' dice tool.

 

[RollTrackTake]

Put both of my 11oz-ish racquets to use last night. My club just had Playsight systems installed on all 8 indoor courts. I always thought I thumped bigger serves with the Donnay Pro One and spinnier serves with the Graphene Speed MP. Played a singles match for an hour. I was surprised to see not much difference in the two. I was also surprised to see how fast, or slow, my serves actually are! I'm still learning how to use Playsight and I messed up a few things but I really like the system. No sensors to attach and it records video of your match that you can watch on your smartphone if you download their app. Not to mention all the data. However, the data did not breakdown averages by 1st & 2nd serve. It just averaged all my serves at 71mph. I was routinely hitting my 1st serves with the Graphene Speed Mp in the low 90's. I topped out at 94. With the Pro One I was into the mid 90's and fastest serve clocked at 96mph. My second serves all hovered around 70mph. Armed with this info and watching the video, I'm going to practice my first serves with more knee bend, snap & pronation in my wrist to see if I can crack 100mph. I'm not sure how/if Playsight throws out balls hit or thrown over the net after a point has ended because my forehand avg speed it shows as 39mph but when I watched the match on video most forehands recorded in-play were between 55-65mph. I also notice I'm not bending me knees nearly as much as I thought on return of serves which I can fix easily. Gotta luv technology!

 

[n8dawg6]

oh man, please dont tell me the racquet only has a minor impact on my game. you will ruin my 'holism