JackB1's Top 10 Ultimate Tweener List

JackB1

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
In my recent racquet quest, I have realized the benefits of using a lighter, more powerful "tweener" and would like to list out the racquets I feel meet my criteria and see if you guys think I missed any. Like many here, I am a 3.5-4.0 player...middle aged...can handle a "player's stick" pretty well, but would like to get the additional benefits a tweener can give me, while stick using a racquet that has some "player" like characteristics. These racquets are ideally for 3.5-4.0 players, but could be used up to the highest levels. I know the Babolat Pure Drive is the poster child of this type of racquet, but it's too stiff for my 50 year old elbows :)

I will update you guys here on my findings...for now I am playtesting the EXO White and like it so far, despite the racquet being a major PIA to string.
I am getting used to the power and my 2HBH has really benefited from the extra pop. Hitting lots of 2handers in a row used to take a lot of effort and
tire me out quickly, but now I can swing smoothly and rally backhand crosscourts for a while. Hitting harder forehands you have to get good topspin and
really dial in that net clearance you need or balls can sail on you, as anyone who ever tired a Pure Drive can tell you. My serve has also benefitted...I can
now hit nice hard flat serves and also my kick and slice have more action on them due to it being easier to "whip" the lighter racquet through the air.

My criteria:
-around 11 oz strung weight
-around 315-325 swingweight
-"arm friendly"
-good power ("Pure Drive like")
-98-100" size stringbed
-open or semi open string pattern

Here is my list I came up with. I will edit the Top 10, if someone convinces me something else belongs here.
Bear in mind, these are not in any kind of order as of yet. I will rank them later.

1) Prince EXO3 White (LOTS of pop...might be hard to control for some)
2) Wilson BLX Pro Open (seems perfect in specs...my be too stiff?)
3) Head Youtek Instinct (nice blend of power / control)
4) Yonex RDiS 200 Lite (nice comfort in a all around tweener)
5) Yonex RDS 003 (good pop and Yonex quality)
6) Head Youtek Speed Elite (specs seem perfect)
7) Prince Hybrid Shark MP (older tweener template...LOTS of power)
8 ) Becker Pro (could be too stiff - 68 )
9) Prince White (older version of the EXO3 White)
10) Volkl Power Bridge 9 (a little less power than most of these)

There are some that are SLIGHTLY above this level, like the Radical MP or the Blade 98, but I would prefer to keep the list shorter and more precise.
 
Last edited:
Hey Jack, so which one is winning out?

Also, have you considered the Pure Storm GT? The swingweight is just a shade above the range you listed but it's a very good racquet. In fact, the BB London I ordered still hasn't come in and the date keeps getting pushed out further. I'm getting pretty anxious and am considering getting the GT instead (or at least re-trying it).
 
Dreamwalker said:
Hey Jack, so which one is winning out?

Also, have you considered the Pure Storm GT? The swingweight is just a shade above the range you listed but it's a very good racquet. In fact, the BB London I ordered still hasn't come in and the date keeps getting pushed out further. I'm getting pretty anxious and am considering getting the GT instead (or at least re-trying it).
Click to expand...

No one is "winning out" yet. I am testing the EXO3 White at this time and plan on also trying a BLX Open and Youtek Instict for an extended platest.

The PSGT is one of those "on the fringe" racquets like the Radical MP.
Great racquet, but I think it's still considered more a of "control, players racquet"? It is definitle a CLOSE call though and one worth trying if you are considering others on this list.
 
Before you write off the Pure Drive or APDGT based off numbers, try having a hit with a demo if you can get it strung at around 55#s or less. Seriously. I know a guy your age who swings relaxed and hits flat and loves the thing. He has no arm issues at all, and doesn't find it to be stiff. Most of the people on here who say that are making contact late constantly, whether they want to admit it or not.

If you are going to make an ultimate tweener list, a Babolat simply must be on it somewhere.
 
Could you change your name to JackB3? This because you've been appointed to the endowed TripleB Chair in Ruminative Racquet Demonstration. Until your racquet issue is resolved, you have no classroom responsibilities.
 
JackB1 said:
In my recent racquet quest, I have realized the benefits of using a lighter, more powerful "tweener" and would like to list out the racquets I feel meet my criteria and see if you guys think I missed any. Like many here, I am a 3.5-4.0 player...middle aged...can handle a "player's stick" pretty well, but would like to get the additional benefits a tweener can give me, while stick using a racquet that has some "player" like characteristics. These racquets are ideally for 3.5-4.0 players, but could be used up to the highest levels. I know the Babolat Pure Drive is the poster child of this type of racquet, but it's too stiff for my 50 year old elbows :)

I will update you guys here on my findings...for now I am playtesting the EXO White and like it so far, despite the racquet being a major PIA to string.
I am getting used to the power and my 2HBH has really benefited from the extra pop. Hitting lots of 2handers in a row used to take a lot of effort and
tire me out quickly, but now I can swing smoothly and rally backhand crosscourts for a while. Hitting harder forehands you have to get good topspin and
really dial in that net clearance you need or balls can sail on you, as anyone who ever tired a Pure Drive can tell you. My serve has also benefitted...I can
now hit nice hard flat serves and also my kick and slice have more action on them due to it being easier to "whip" the lighter racquet through the air.

My criteria:
-around 11 oz strung weight
-around 315-325 swingweight
-"arm friendly"
-good power ("Pure Drive like")
-98-100" size stringbed
-open or semi open string pattern

Here is my list I came up with. I will edit the Top 10, if someone convinces me something else belongs here.
Bear in mind, these are not in any kind of order as of yet. I will rank them later.

1) Prince EXO3 White (LOTS of pop...might be hard to control for some)
2) Wilson BLX Pro Open (seems perfect in specs...my be too stiff?)
3) Head Youtek Instinct (nice blend of power / control)
4) Yonex RDiS 200 Lite (nice comfort in a all around tweener)
5) Prince Hybrid 100 (Cheap $99! - best value and not too powerful)
6) Head Youtek Speed Elite (specs seem perfect)
7) Prince Hybrid Shark MP (older tweener template...LOTS of power)
8 ) Becker Pro (could be too stiff - 68 )
9) Prince White (older version of the EXO3 White)
10) Volkl Power Bridge 9 (a little less power than most of these)

There are some that are SLIGHTLY above this level, like the Radical MP or the Blade 98, but I would prefer to keep the list shorter and more precise.
Click to expand...

:shock:

WainCatimage014.jpg


Eventually, you will have demoed every racquet on the market.

May I ask how often you take lessons?
 
JackB1 said:
2) Wilson BLX Pro Open (seems perfect in specs...my be too stiff?)
3) Head Youtek Instinct (nice blend of power / control)

6) Head Youtek Speed Elite (specs seem perfect)
7) Prince Hybrid Shark MP (older tweener template...LOTS of power)
Click to expand...

Totally agree! You should also put the original APD on as well.
 
tennismonkey said:
yonex rds 003 should be on that list. good for a variety of players. and at $89 it's a good bargain.
Click to expand...

I forgot about that one! I actually almost bought one, but I thought it would be like the RDiS 300, which I already played for a while and wasnt crazy about it.
I added it to the list (took out the Prince Hybrid)
 
Last edited:
JackB1 said:
In my recent racquet quest, I have realized the benefits of using a lighter, more powerful "tweener" and would like to list out the racquets I feel meet my criteria and see if you guys think I missed any. Like many here, I am a 3.5-4.0 player...middle aged...can handle a "player's stick" pretty well, but would like to get the additional benefits a tweener can give me, while stick using a racquet that has some "player" like characteristics. These racquets are ideally for 3.5-4.0 players, but could be used up to the highest levels. I know the Babolat Pure Drive is the poster child of this type of racquet, but it's too stiff for my 50 year old elbows :)

I will update you guys here on my findings...for now I am playtesting the EXO White and like it so far, despite the racquet being a major PIA to string.
I am getting used to the power and my 2HBH has really benefited from the extra pop. Hitting lots of 2handers in a row used to take a lot of effort and
tire me out quickly, but now I can swing smoothly and rally backhand crosscourts for a while. Hitting harder forehands you have to get good topspin and
really dial in that net clearance you need or balls can sail on you, as anyone who ever tired a Pure Drive can tell you. My serve has also benefitted...I can
now hit nice hard flat serves and also my kick and slice have more action on them due to it being easier to "whip" the lighter racquet through the air.

My criteria:
-around 11 oz strung weight
-around 315-325 swingweight
-"arm friendly"
-good power ("Pure Drive like")
-98-100" size stringbed
-open or semi open string pattern

Here is my list I came up with. I will edit the Top 10, if someone convinces me something else belongs here.
Bear in mind, these are not in any kind of order as of yet. I will rank them later.

1) Prince EXO3 White (LOTS of pop...might be hard to control for some)
2) Wilson BLX Pro Open (seems perfect in specs...my be too stiff?)
3) Head Youtek Instinct (nice blend of power / control)
4) Yonex RDiS 200 Lite (nice comfort in a all around tweener)
5) Yonex RDS 003 (good pop and Yonex quality)
6) Head Youtek Speed Elite (specs seem perfect)
7) Prince Hybrid Shark MP (older tweener template...LOTS of power)
8 ) Becker Pro (could be too stiff - 68 )
9) Prince White (older version of the EXO3 White)
10) Volkl Power Bridge 9 (a little less power than most of these)

There are some that are SLIGHTLY above this level, like the Radical MP or the Blade 98, but I would prefer to keep the list shorter and more precise.
Click to expand...
The BB Delta Core Pro replaces the older Becker Pro and the power level is rated at 66. It's more comfortable and stable but also has a slightly higher SW.
 
A few thoughts. I see your spec range but also notice you have already broken them with the EXO3 White as it has a SW of 329 so am going to stretch them a bit myself.

First, I liked the plain O3 white when I demoed. Specs were 100", 11.3 oz, 4HL, 322 SW, 65 stiff and 23-25-23 beam. It was kind of a mellower version of the APDC. It also has a lower SW and is slightly less stiff than the EXO3 White. I realize you are probably looking current, but notice you seem to have superior racquet shopping skills so may be able to find some good used ones.

Along the same lines I also liked the Prince Hybrid Comp at 102", 10.8 oz, 3HL, 318 SW, 63 stiff and 24 beam. This one is also a year or two out of production but a very good all-around racquet. The only thing that kept me from buying it was it felt light on return of serve. I see there are several current "Hybrid" models, but none with quite the same specs.

Okay, so a current racquet for you...but slightly "out-of-spec"...the ProKennex Ionic Ki 15 PSE. It comes in at 105" (Hey, you are looking for power right?), 11.5 oz (slightly high but still lighter than your previous leaded up racquets right?), 5HL, 327 SW (a touch over spec but lower than the EXO3 you are liking now), 66 stiff (reasonably stiff for power but not terribly high and in the renowned "arm-friendly" PK Ionic package), 25-22 beam (wide enough for tweener power but not crazy). As long as you are in racquet testing mode it might be an interesting demo. Oh, and the price is fairly reasonable new at $139 when you go to stock up. The reviews are also quite good.

You could try the non-PSE version but its a 27.5" stick vs 27.25" and a bit stiffer and quite light stock. I don't think I'd really notice a 1/4" extra but I have felt a bit of a difference trying 1/2" longer racquets. This one too has good reviews (read the one from Bobby at the very bottom!).

Good luck and enjoy the ride.
 
Between all these 100si 16x19 frames, the main difference here is the grommet tech, each has its own feel.
Princes and Babs give you a little more of a cushy/mushy/dwelly feel.
The white is probably the spinniest frame I've ever tried.
If you don't want that feel blx open or maybe head extreme are worth a look.
The outlier here is the instinct, which has a unique head shape and 18 mains. I'm curious to hear your thoughts on that one.
 
Guys....just a word. I am not going to be testing all these frames. I was mostly trying to compile a list for reference...for others in the same boat.

Today I got to hit a little with the BLX Pro Open and it felt a little lighter than the EXO3 I have been hitting with lately. I took them to the machine and the White had a 327 sw and the BLX 315. I will be testing these side by side the next few weeks, since I just picked up one of each. You can feel the more even balance in the White compared to the Open. I might add a LITTLE lead to the Open at 3/9 just to make it a little less whippy feeling. I noticed that a 11oz. racquet with a 320 sw feels noticeable lighter than a 12 oz. racquet with a 320 sw. It just shows you that swingweight isn't everything. I think it's the combination of both together that matters most.
 
Fed Kennedy said:
Between all these 100si 16x19 frames, the main difference here is the grommet tech, each has its own feel.
Princes and Babs give you a little more of a cushy/mushy/dwelly feel.
The white is probably the spinniest frame I've ever tried.
If you don't want that feel blx open or maybe head extreme are worth a look.
The outlier here is the instinct, which has a unique head shape and 18 mains. I'm curious to hear your thoughts on that one.
Click to expand...

I might try the Instinct, but I don't want to get caught up in another
merry-go round of racquets. If the EXO3 White or the BLX Open work out well for me, I might just go with one of them.
 
JackB1 said:
Guys....just a word. I am not going to be testing all these frames. I was mostly trying to compile a list for reference...for others in the same boat.

Bummer, I was looking forward to Stufflebean Racquet Quest rdux a la JackB1 :) Anyway...good luck w/ the mini-quest.

Today I got to hit a little with the BLX Pro Open and it felt a little lighter than the EXO3 I have been hitting with lately. I took them to the machine and the White had a 327 sw and the BLX 315. I will be testing these side by side the next few weeks, since I just picked up one of each. You can feel the more even balance in the White compared to the Open. I might add a LITTLE lead to the Open at 3/9 just to make it a little less whippy feeling. I noticed that a 11oz. racquet with a 320 sw feels noticeable lighter than a 12 oz. racquet with a 320 sw. It just shows you that swingweight isn't everything. I think it's the combination of both together that matters most.
Click to expand...

Hmm...I think TW actually lists the EXO3 White at 329 SW?
 
Jack,

Interesting list. As I am going through a similar "tweener" quest (as you know), I wanted to update you on a racquet on my short list (that is also on your list).

Becker Pro - may be too light for some. After an extended hit, the low static weight, coupled with the low swingweight, made it difficult to control. Although a completely different racquet, the continual "I wonder where the ball is going to go" reminded me of the O3 Speedport Black.

So, I'm back to two frames (Pure Drive GT+ or the Prince Hybrid 100) unless someone recommends a Yonex, Technifibre, Becker, or Pacific (frames not immediately available to demo here in WA) that are "better."

Once I demo these again, I'll string them both up with Tour Bite or Hurricane Feel and see which frame I feel more comfortable with, and then buy it. And then I'll probably demo some more...:)
 
athiker said:
Hmm...I think TW actually lists the EXO3 White at 329 SW?
Click to expand...

Interesting, on the Prince website the EXO3 White SW= 2901 (!).. they actually mean 290, looking at the other frames.
So that's a difference of almost 40. Goes for all rackets.. recently I saw SW 290 stamped somewhere on my 4 years old Shark MP (never paid attention to that before) and for a moment I thought I was conned by the site where I ordered the stick. But couldn't really believe it though because it felt way heavier. I got confirmation of that by visiting the Prince website: they consequently rate their stick's SW almost 40 g lighter than TW.. I wonder why's that.
 
Didnt you used to play with the fischer Mpro 105? I thought I recalled offering to buy one you had for sale but that may have been another Jack??

I'm of a similar vintage and my once cured tennis elbow is now flaring up again so Im looking at similar options.

I had settled on the fischer mpro98 but my elbow got worse and worse, even changing to a full multi provided little relief. Strangely my old nblade 98 with a poly hybrid felt softer than the multi strung fischer.

Back to your quest, dunlop ag 500 either tour or standard is a nice stick which plays much softer than the rated 71, prince speedort 03 tour is another 98-100" head with lots of pop, a big sweetspot but somewhat lacking in control.

Fischer /pacific mag tour 100" ul and sl specs may also be worth considering. I have one of these I bought prestrung from tw but it was very low powered with the selected strings (prince silver something, nfi why I chose those:???:)
 
hawk eye said:
Interesting, on the Prince website the EXO3 White SW= 2901 (!).. they actually mean 290, looking at the other frames.
So that's a difference of almost 40. Goes for all rackets.. recently I saw SW 290 stamped somewhere on my 4 years old Shark MP (never paid attention to that before) and for a moment I thought I was conned by the site where I ordered the stick. But couldn't really believe it though because it felt way heavier. I got confirmation of that by visiting the Prince website: they consequently rate their stick's SW almost 40 g lighter than TW.. I wonder why's that.
Click to expand...

Most of the discrepancy between TW and Mfg. websites is b/c TW gives the SW for the racquet strung and the Mfg specs typically give the SW for the racquet unstrung. I seem to recall reading the difference is typically about 30g, but I can't find a source right now. I'm sure someone that knows will chime in.
 
Power Player said:
Before you write off the Pure Drive or APDGT based off numbers, try having a hit with a demo if you can get it strung at around 55#s or less. Seriously. I know a guy your age who swings relaxed and hits flat and loves the thing. He has no arm issues at all, and doesn't find it to be stiff. Most of the people on here who say that are making contact late constantly, whether they want to admit it or not.

If you are going to make an ultimate tweener list, a Babolat simply must be on it somewhere.
Click to expand...

+1. The APDC GT is the best racket i have ever owned.
It cant hurt to give it a try.

Regards
 
the Becker/Volkl V1 series needs to be on the list. it has almost identical specs and power levels to the Prince tweeners.
 
athiker said:
Most of the discrepancy between TW and Mfg. websites is b/c TW gives the SW for the racquet strung and the Mfg specs typically give the SW for the racquet unstrung. I seem to recall reading the difference is typically about 30g, but I can't find a source right now. I'm sure someone that knows will chime in.
Click to expand...

Ok thnx, that explains a lot.. 15 mg between strung/unstrung results in twice as much difference in SW then.
 
I guess a lot of you are choosing to ignore one of mu criteria, which is low stiffness. The EXO3 Black and 500 Tour are both +70 rated frames....way to stiff for me. May be good for some others, but not for me.

Here is my criteria again...copied from the 1st post in this thread:

-around 11 oz strung weight
-around 315-325 swingweight
-"arm friendly"
-good power ("Pure Drive like")
-98-100" size stringbed
-open or semi open string pattern
 
What about the exo graphite 100 or diablo mp? I know the weight of these is a bit heavier, but they fit most of your description. I tried the graphite with the ports and thought it sucked..no feel, but definitely arm-friendly. i hear it's way better with the hole inserts.
 
You guys think the Youtek Radical MP qualifies as a "tweener"? 98" head, 11oz., 21.5mm beam, only 2 pts HL balance.

I think it is in that grey area between players stick and tweener. Expecially since it has a 18x20 pattern and slightly narrow beam and semi-low power level. I tried it about a year ago and thought it was a pretty easy frame to play for a 3.5-4.0 level player. The only thing I would say that pulls it towards "player" level is the power level. It seems to have good pop right in the center of the sweetspot, but when you get a little outside it, it drops off.
 
doctor dennis said:
+1. The APDC GT is the best racket i have ever owned.
It cant hurt to give it a try.

Regards
Click to expand...

Agreed, the APDGT didn't feel stiff to me at all. I've tried the Pro Open, White, PureDriveGT, Yonex RDS003, RDS001MP and many others in my quest to find a racket. I decided on the APDGT in the end. Strung with XOneBiPhase at 58-60 lbs works great.
 
I demoed Youtek Radical MP recently along with some other frames and i liked it most from the bunch.
I did not switch from my Dunlop 300T, but it was close.
I think it's lightweight rank it amongst tweeners, but it have smaller head size
(actual size is 95 inch.) and pretty tight string pattern which is not common amongst tweeners.
Power level is on the lower side too (lower than prestige MP for example).
My friend (3.5-4 rating) switched to radical MP from APDC and his game is now more consistent with better control.
 
un6a said:
I demoed Youtek Radical MP recently along with some other frames and i liked it most from the bunch.
I did not switch from my Dunlop 300T, but it was close.
I think it's lightweight rank it amongst tweeners, but it have smaller head size
(actual size is 95 inch.) and pretty tight string pattern which is not common amongst tweeners.
Power level is on the lower side too (lower than prestige MP for example).
My friend (3.5-4 rating) switched to radical MP from APDC and his game is now more consistent with better control.
Click to expand...

How would u compare the power level of the Rad MP to the 300 Tour?
 
JackB, I just bought the frame you are looking for. Its the Pro Kennex Advance Destiny 290. It fits all of your criteria except for the stiffness. It is rated at 68 but I can tell you that it plays less stiff. I have RPM Blast in it at 54lbs and it plays very comfortable and has good pop and spin. Have a look.
 
JackB1 said:
I might try the Instinct, but I don't want to get caught up in another
merry-go round of racquets. If the EXO3 White or the BLX Open work out well for me, I might just go with one of them.
Click to expand...

This is one of the funniest things I have read on the boards in a while!!:)
 
JackB1 said:
In my recent racquet quest, I have realized the benefits of using a lighter, more powerful "tweener" and would like to list out the racquets I feel meet my criteria and see if you guys think I missed any. Like many here, I am a 3.5-4.0 player...middle aged...can handle a "player's stick" pretty well, but would like to get the additional benefits a tweener can give me, while stick using a racquet that has some "player" like characteristics. These racquets are ideally for 3.5-4.0 players, but could be used up to the highest levels. I know the Babolat Pure Drive is the poster child of this type of racquet, but it's too stiff for my 50 year old elbows :)

I will update you guys here on my findings...for now I am playtesting the EXO White and like it so far, despite the racquet being a major PIA to string.
I am getting used to the power and my 2HBH has really benefited from the extra pop. Hitting lots of 2handers in a row used to take a lot of effort and
tire me out quickly, but now I can swing smoothly and rally backhand crosscourts for a while. Hitting harder forehands you have to get good topspin and
really dial in that net clearance you need or balls can sail on you, as anyone who ever tired a Pure Drive can tell you. My serve has also benefitted...I can
now hit nice hard flat serves and also my kick and slice have more action on them due to it being easier to "whip" the lighter racquet through the air.

My criteria:
-around 11 oz strung weight
-around 315-325 swingweight
-"arm friendly"
-good power ("Pure Drive like")
-98-100" size stringbed
-open or semi open string pattern

Here is my list I came up with. I will edit the Top 10, if someone convinces me something else belongs here.
Bear in mind, these are not in any kind of order as of yet. I will rank them later.

1) Prince EXO3 White (LOTS of pop...might be hard to control for some)
2) Wilson BLX Pro Open (seems perfect in specs...my be too stiff?)
3) Head Youtek Instinct (nice blend of power / control)
4) Yonex RDiS 200 Lite (nice comfort in a all around tweener)
5) Yonex RDS 003 (good pop and Yonex quality)
6) Head Youtek Speed Elite (specs seem perfect)
7) Prince Hybrid Shark MP (older tweener template...LOTS of power)
8 ) Becker Pro (could be too stiff - 68 )
9) Prince White (older version of the EXO3 White)
10) Volkl Power Bridge 9 (a little less power than most of these)

There are some that are SLIGHTLY above this level, like the Radical MP or the Blade 98, but I would prefer to keep the list shorter and more precise.
Click to expand...

Dunlop M-fil 400
Dunlop AG 500T
Dunlop 4D 500T
 
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