Just can't find the right racket...

rafafan20

rafafan20

Professional
Previously used the APD+ but due to it being a little too hard on my shoulder and a little too uncontrollable (esp. on the backhand) I am trying to find a new racket.

I am a 4.0-4.5 player. My biggest weapon is my first serve. I mix up a lot of kick, flat and slice serves. I try to hit the forehand as much as possible both to push opponent back and to put the ball away. I have a one handed backhand and use a lot of slice from that side. I try to come to the net fairly often. My biggest weakness is definitely my return game which is pretty terrible.

I would like a racket with a headsize between 97-100 and generally like an open string pattern. Ideal weight would be between 11.5-12.

I have tried these rackets

Prince Rebel 98 (liked it except not enough control and too much power)
Prince Tour 16x18 (loved it for serving and groundstrokes but found it flimsy on returns/volleys)
Dunlop Bio 200+ didn't work for me at all
Dunlop Bio 400 Tour too flimsy at net
Head Radical Youtek IG MP didn't work for me at all
Yonex RDiS 200 Solid but would like a racket w/ more weight behind it for serves
Yonex ezone xi 98 favorite so far but lots of misshits because of frame shape
Wilson Juice Pro too powerful

The following demos are in the mail
Yonex Vcore tour 97
Head youtek ig extreme pro
Tecnifibre TFight 320 VO2 Max
Volkl Organix 10

Anything I'm missing? I have never liked Wilson rackets so I'd rather steer clear there.
 
Hi Rafafan20,

I feel your dilema.

I had exactly the same issues as you.

My weaknesses were as you described yours.

I have been through a dozen or so racquets.

I finally found the one. It is the Dunlop Bio 400Tour.

I see you found it flimsy at the net. I did too until
I added 6 grams of lead tape to the hoop. I was surprised how much of a difference it made. I added it at 12, 2 & 10. It's like a different racquet that keeps all the good traits of the 400 tour and ads that extra punch and stability at the net.

If possible it may be worth another play test with the lead added. If it is a demo you could ad electrical tape under the lead so as not to remove any paint.

Cheers,
Ben
 
I actually did use lead tape but I didn't like the balance on serves... the 400 tour is a great racket though.

I'm sure I could have better technique, I use a super soft multi (yonex 850) at 54... from about age 12-18 I took about 10-15 hours of lessons a week so I would hope the shoulder pan isn't from terrible technique... I play a lot of baseball as well which is the more likely cause (+ the tennis)
 
rafafan20 said:
I actually did use lead tape but I didn't like the balance on serves... the 400 tour is a great racket though.

I'm sure I could have better technique, I use a super soft multi (yonex 850) at 54... from about age 12-18 I took about 10-15 hours of lessons a week so I would hope the shoulder pan isn't from terrible technique... I play a lot of baseball as well which is the more likely cause (+ the tennis)
Click to expand...

It sounds like the baseball may be the culprit for your shoulder issue though you're the only one that can test the theory. Are you a pitcher/outfielder? As far as the control issue; Until you find something you like, try different lead setups. Adding tape at 3,9, and counterbalancing that with weight inside the butt.
 
Well, we certainly can't fault you for lack of trying! That's a lot of racquets. I had the same problems with the APDGT myself. If the next batch of racquets doesn't work out, two more you can add to that list are the Pro Kennex Ki 5 and Pacific X Force Pro. They are both in your spec range, very easy on the arm, and I liked both of them when I demoed racquets. If you like extended length, you can try the Pro Kennex Ki 5x or 7G.
 
Last edited:
Ramon said:
Well, we certainly can't fault you for lack of trying! That's a lot of racquets. I had the same problems with the APDGT myself. If the next batch of racquets doesn't work out, two more you can add to that list are the Pro Kennex Ki 5 and Pacific X Force Pro. They are both in your spec range, very easy on the arm, and I liked both of them when I demoed racquets. If you like extended length, you can try the Pro Kennex Ki 5x or 7G.
Click to expand...

The pacific looks very good, thanks
 
You might want to try customized racquet at reasonable prices? Just check the threads here and you'll surely find out.
 
Deuce Bag said:
Hi Rafafan20,

I feel your dilema.

I had exactly the same issues as you.

My weaknesses were as you described yours.

I have been through a dozen or so racquets.

I finally found the one. It is the Dunlop Bio 400Tour.

I see you found it flimsy at the net. I did too until
I added 6 grams of lead tape to the hoop. I was surprised how much of a difference it made. I added it at 12, 2 & 10. It's like a different racquet that keeps all the good traits of the 400 tour and ads that extra punch and stability at the net.

If possible it may be worth another play test with the lead added. If it is a demo you could ad electrical tape under the lead so as not to remove any paint.

Cheers,
Ben
Click to expand...

It's flimsy at net because of it's low sw and static weight combined with a very head light balance. I would add 8g to the hoop (8" of 1/4" tape) starting at 3/9 and extending upwards. That should up the sw and change the balance enough to make it more stable and hit a heavier ball. I personally think the 600Tour is a better racquet in sock form.
 
Would check out Angell racquets. I've found the 11 ounce 100 sq.in. frame (about 11.6 strung) to handle the power/control compromise extremely well.
 
rafafan20 said:
... ... ... ...
I would like a racket with a headsize between 97-100 and generally like an open string pattern. Ideal weight would be between 11.5-12.

... ... ... ...

The following demos are in the mail
Yonex Vcore tour 97
Head youtek ig extreme pro
Tecnifibre TFight 320 VO2 Max
Volkl Organix 10

Anything I'm missing? I have never liked Wilson rackets so I'd rather steer clear there.
Click to expand...

Pro Kennex Qtour is missing .... it is an 18x20 pattern, but it is a plus not a minus ...... only minus I've noticed are the grommets (very weak and easily damaged) ... strung with dampeners and overgrips mine weigh in at 12.3oz
 
Looks the pure storm tour deserves at least a demo. Little softer, open string pattern, stable at net etc
 
Yes I'm an awful player, regardless I'd like a racket that fits my awful game and feels comfortable on my awful arm.
 
red rook said:
Looks the pure storm tour deserves at least a demo. Little softer, open string pattern, stable at net etc
Click to expand...

I agree with this one, I like the way the pure storm tour plays. Don't be turned off by the the fact that it is a Babolat. The pure storm line in general is not like the 'typical' APDGT or PDGT. I used to own a couple and played well with them, I just couldn't get over the shoddy craftsmanship. Don't get me wrong, they are still serviceable for usage, but I personally can't stand peeling paint jobs.

I'd also like to add what I consider a very underrated (relatively new) brand in general: Pacific. For your listed preferences I'd say try the X Force Pro. I just picked up 2 of the X Feel Pro 95's and they are very solid for my game. Both of these sticks are Fischer carryovers that are built with their trademark manufacturing expertise. They are still on the less stiff side of the spectrum, but are a little stiffer than older Fischer rackets, to keep up with the modern style. Good luck bru!
 
I'll def give the x force pro and the 5x pro kennex a try. I'm just not crazy about babolat because of the variations in their weight/feel within the same model. That always bothered me since I like to carry 3 of the racket I use.
 
Head IG Radical Pro should fit what you are looking for.

RDiS 200 MP is also worth a long term demo for only $89.
 
I like the RDiS 200 MP but prefered the 98 xi. Both are great rackets though just not perfect. Out of all the rackets those are my two favorites.
 
rafafan20 said:
Previously used the APD+ but due to it being a little too hard on my shoulder and a little too uncontrollable (esp. on the backhand) I am trying to find a new racket.

I am a 4.0-4.5 player. My biggest weapon is my first serve. I mix up a lot of kick, flat and slice serves. I try to hit the forehand as much as possible both to push opponent back and to put the ball away. I have a one handed backhand and use a lot of slice from that side. I try to come to the net fairly often. My biggest weakness is definitely my return game which is pretty terrible.

I would like a racket with a headsize between 97-100 and generally like an open string pattern. Ideal weight would be between 11.5-12.

I have tried these rackets

Prince Rebel 98 (liked it except not enough control and too much power)
Prince Tour 16x18 (loved it for serving and groundstrokes but found it flimsy on returns/volleys)
Dunlop Bio 200+ didn't work for me at all
Dunlop Bio 400 Tour too flimsy at net
Head Radical Youtek IG MP didn't work for me at all
Yonex RDiS 200 Solid but would like a racket w/ more weight behind it for serves
Yonex ezone xi 98 favorite so far but lots of misshits because of frame shape
Wilson Juice Pro too powerful

The following demos are in the mail
Yonex Vcore tour 97
Head youtek ig extreme pro
Tecnifibre TFight 320 VO2 Max
Volkl Organix 10

Anything I'm missing? I have never liked Wilson rackets so I'd rather steer clear there.
Click to expand...

I think the Extreme Pro might be the one for you. I would also suggest the Prestige Pro...beefy with good control.
 
rafafan20 said:
I like the RDiS 200 MP but prefered the 98 xi. Both are great rackets though just not perfect. Out of all the rackets those are my two favorites.
Click to expand...

I'm not familiar with the 98 Xi, but the RDis 200MP is a really nice stick and the price is hard to beat ...... however the best Yonex I have ever hit with is the RD Ti 80 (SL) ...hard to find tho, luckily I just acquired 2 of them.... it is a flat hitter's dream.
 
You mentioned a racquet being too powerful.

How about putting some more weight and reducing the head size? More control and stable-ness.

Find a racquet with 95 head size and 16x19 string bed.
weight around 11.6~12.3 or so.

Wilson blx pro staffs are good racquet and so are head prestige lines. My personal favorites.
 
Almost all players I know who previously used the APDGT have migrated to the ProKennex 5i line, either the 295g or the 315g version. This is usually because of a sore arm or shoulder. Nevertheless, now that they use the PK 5i they would never think about going back. I personally think the PK 315g version is a great racquet even for those that don't have arm problems. It has just the right balance between power and control.

The Pure Storm Tour is an interesting racquet as it has about the same power as the APDGT but offers noticeably more control and a more plush ride.

Anyway, my advice is to think about your next racquet in terms of where you are now and where you want to be in a few years. As a quasi 4.5 you are probably starting to hit with a lot more pace and are starting to notice the need to control and place the ball. At this point you may need a lower powered racquet (since you are probably generating a lot more power with the body) with a more HL balance and maybe a denser string pattern for control, while a little more heft will be nice if you plan to play against harder hitters.
 
Hello rafa fan20!,

I read you form here as you try so many rackets. i see you was a racket in 97-100 i think you should try Head rackets. I see you going to try Extreme pro from head it is a good racket, but i think head prestige pro be better for you or the radical pro. i'm more on the prestige u might like tho. AND!! what kind of forehand u hold?


rafafan20 said:
Previously used the APD+ but due to it being a little too hard on my shoulder and a little too uncontrollable (esp. on the backhand) I am trying to find a new racket.

I am a 4.0-4.5 player. My biggest weapon is my first serve. I mix up a lot of kick, flat and slice serves. I try to hit the forehand as much as possible both to push opponent back and to put the ball away. I have a one handed backhand and use a lot of slice from that side. I try to come to the net fairly often. My biggest weakness is definitely my return game which is pretty terrible.

I would like a racket with a headsize between 97-100 and generally like an open string pattern. Ideal weight would be between 11.5-12.

I have tried these rackets

Prince Rebel 98 (liked it except not enough control and too much power)
Prince Tour 16x18 (loved it for serving and groundstrokes but found it flimsy on returns/volleys)
Dunlop Bio 200+ didn't work for me at all
Dunlop Bio 400 Tour too flimsy at net
Head Radical Youtek IG MP didn't work for me at all
Yonex RDiS 200 Solid but would like a racket w/ more weight behind it for serves
Yonex ezone xi 98 favorite so far but lots of misshits because of frame shape
Wilson Juice Pro too powerful

The following demos are in the mail
Yonex Vcore tour 97
Head youtek ig extreme pro
Tecnifibre TFight 320 VO2 Max
Volkl Organix 10

Anything I'm missing? I have never liked Wilson rackets so I'd rather steer clear there.
Click to expand...
 
alright I'll try to get my hands on a prestige.. never tried a donnay before so I'll give that a trial. Will let everyone know outcome.
 
rafafan20 said:
alright I'll try to get my hands on a prestige.. never tried a donnay before so I'll give that a trial. Will let everyone know outcome.
Click to expand...

the Donnay P1 is a very powerful racquet. Seems like you didn't like others that were similarly high powered. Just warning ya.
 
KenC said:
Almost all players I know who previously used the APDGT have migrated to the ProKennex 5i line, either the 295g or the 315g version. This is usually because of a sore arm or shoulder. Nevertheless, now that they use the PK 5i they would never think about going back. I personally think the PK 315g version is a great racquet even for those that don't have arm problems. It has just the right balance between power and control.

The Pure Storm Tour is an interesting racquet as it has about the same power as the APDGT but offers noticeably more control and a more plush ride.

Anyway, my advice is to think about your next racquet in terms of where you are now and where you want to be in a few years. As a quasi 4.5 you are probably starting to hit with a lot more pace and are starting to notice the need to control and place the ball. At this point you may need a lower powered racquet (since you are probably generating a lot more power with the body) with a more HL balance and maybe a denser string pattern for control, while a little more heft will be nice if you plan to play against harder hitters.
Click to expand...

Winner. Ramon suggested the Pro Kennex ki5 to me and it instantly clicked. A month later and I'm dialed in with it and ripping winners and maintaining rally balls with so much more consistency than with my Prestige MP. Pro Kennex just really flys under the radar - I get asked a lot what it is I'm playing with. I think because it's so arm friendly that maybe its developed a reputation for just that when actually its a pretty stellar racquet for an all-court player. I've played other racquets that do certain things better, but it one that does all elements so well.
 
Why not use the Rafa racket? or Head extreme pro 2.0?



rafafan20 said:
Previously used the APD+ but due to it being a little too hard on my shoulder and a little too uncontrollable (esp. on the backhand) I am trying to find a new racket.

I am a 4.0-4.5 player. My biggest weapon is my first serve. I mix up a lot of kick, flat and slice serves. I try to hit the forehand as much as possible both to push opponent back and to put the ball away. I have a one handed backhand and use a lot of slice from that side. I try to come to the net fairly often. My biggest weakness is definitely my return game which is pretty terrible.

I would like a racket with a headsize between 97-100 and generally like an open string pattern. Ideal weight would be between 11.5-12.

I have tried these rackets

Prince Rebel 98 (liked it except not enough control and too much power)
Prince Tour 16x18 (loved it for serving and groundstrokes but found it flimsy on returns/volleys)
Dunlop Bio 200+ didn't work for me at all
Dunlop Bio 400 Tour too flimsy at net
Head Radical Youtek IG MP didn't work for me at all
Yonex RDiS 200 Solid but would like a racket w/ more weight behind it for serves
Yonex ezone xi 98 favorite so far but lots of misshits because of frame shape
Wilson Juice Pro too powerful

The following demos are in the mail
Yonex Vcore tour 97
Head youtek ig extreme pro
Tecnifibre TFight 320 VO2 Max
Volkl Organix 10

Anything I'm missing? I have never liked Wilson rackets so I'd rather steer clear there.
Click to expand...
 
Bigger grip for more solid volleying.
Smaller grip for whippier groundies.
Pick a pro's racket, at least you'll know it's not YOU.
 
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