Kal-El's Racquet Review Section

[Kal-El 34]

I have been a junior tournament players, division 1 college player, teaching instructor, high school coach, and now am playing futures again..

In my time, I have had the chance to hit with tons of racquets and decided I would start a forum reviewing the many racquets I have tried in my time...

The review page is shaping up nicely! Click the link below to be taken to a specific review, or just have fun scrolling through what is getting to be an awesome thread~!

LINK to my KPS88 Vs. Microgel Prestige MP comparison

K ProStaff 88 - reviewed pg 12 post #236
K6.1 95 18x20- reviewed pg 1 post #5
k-90 - reviewed pg 9 post #181
k Blade tour - reviewed pg 2 post #34
K Blade 98 - reviewed pg 2 post # 26
K Obra - so bad it does not even warrant a review.. GROSS
K Pro Open - reviewed pg 15 post #292
K Pro Tour - reviewed pg 16 post #311
6.6 Classic Stars and Stripes 95

Head Microgel Radical - reviewed pg 2 post #37
Head Microgel Radical Pro - reviewed pg 2 post #40
Head Microgel Prestige Pro - reviewed pg 3 post #50 Bad_Call's Review
Head Microgel Prestige Midplus - reviewed pg 5 post #91
Head Microgel Prestige Mid - reviewed pg 7 post #129 Drakulie's Review Click Here
Head Microgel Instinct - reviewed pg 1 post #16
Head Liquidmetal Radical - reviewed pg 14 post #270
Head Liquidmetal Radical TOUR - reviewed pg 19 post #362
Head Liquidmetal Prestige
Head Flexpoint Radical
Head Flexpoint Radical Tour - reviewed pg 19 post #366

Kneissl Red Star - reviewed pg 3 post #41

Babolat Pure Drive Roddick - reviewed pg 8 post #163
Babolat Aero Pro Drive Cortex - reviewed pg 1 post #6
Babolat Aero Storm Tour 1998- pg 6 post #115
Babolat Pure Storm - Reviewed pg 2 post #24 - reviewed by another poster in response pg. 4 post #76

Dunlop Aero Gel 300 - reviewed pg 1 post #20
Dunlop Aero Gel 200 - reviewd pg 8 post #162
Dunlop Aero Gel 100 - reviewed pg 13 post #252

Prince Precision Mono - reviewed pg 10 post #197
Prince RipStick Extender
Prince Original Graphite Mid
Prince Original Graphite OS
Prince ExO3 Graphite 93 - reviewed pg 11 post #215
Prince ExO3 Graphite 100 - pg 12 post #229
Prince Ex03 Rebel 95 - reviewed pg 11 post #217

 

[Kal-El 34]

these are not all the racquets I will reveiw either, I will dive into Prince and my older frames after the ones listed

 

[jessey]

Interested in Babolat APDC and PS.

 

[Kal-El 34]

ight I will hit the babolat section next. I wrote the K6.1 95 18x20 first as that is what I was hitting with last

 

[Kal-El 34]

K6.1 95 18x20 Review

Alright to begin this racquet is WAY stiffer than its Ncode predecessor. This racquet is heavy, and 12 pts headlight. In stock form it felt a little whippy for my tastes, as I have always played a more balanced frame. I added 4 strips of lead tape at 3:00 and 9:00 to balance out the frame a bit more. However, with stringing, dampener, and over grip, it brought the racquet up to 13.1 oz. with a 4 and ½ grip.

I was having trouble driving through the ball when I first had it. However, after the lead tape was applied, this racquet was pretty much the equivalent of a medieval battering ram. I felt like I was plowing through the ball very nicely, without having to swing very hard at all. The racquet is very demanding on the arm due to it’s stiffness. A lot of the stiffness feels like it is in the throat, which makes the racquet very difficult to hit on shots hit a little bit late.

The racquet definitely rewards great technique. On shots where I was in position, and had time to set up, this racquet was an absolute monster. I could get massive topsin, or drive the ball deep and flat with ease. However, as I stated previously, the racquet is pretty heavy. If you don’t have the arm strength to handle a 12 oz. + racquet, this racquet will absolutely eat you up. My forehand felt very big with this frame. However, I have had some trouble getting my two handed backhand going. I don’t know why this is, but I feel like the ball sails on me a lot with this frame on my backhand. This is usually a strong point of my game, so I did not like this aspect of the racquet.

Serves were awesome with the K6.1 95. I felt like the power was there, although I may have had to swing a little harder than usual at them. Precision and control are amazing with this frame. I could pick spots and really go after them. I almost felt like it was hard to miss serves with this racquet. Flat serves were big, and slice serves had really good bite on them. My kick serve had good action on it, but was not kicking up as high as it does with other frames I have tried out. All things said, this racquet felt very nice on serve and volley points.

Volleys were also very nice with this frame. The racquet is stiff, but offers a lot of power. Control with the volleys was very good, and the ball game off with a great deal of pace. Again, the stiffness in the throat of this frame made off center volleys and late volleys tough to get any pace on whatsoever though.

All in all I would give this racquet an 8/10. It does everything pretty well. Groundstrokes, volleys, serves, overheads all felt solid. Matter of fact, that’s what I call this racquet… SOLID. It feels very solid when hit correctly.

Be warned on this frame of the stiffness and the weight of this racquet. If you are looking for a heavy, stiff, beast of a players frame, this is for you. It will give you adequate power, but control is very nice with this frame.

 

[Kal-El 34]

Babolat Aero Pro Drive with Cortex Review

I hit extensively with the APDC strung with Babolat Hurricane 17G and a 4 and ½ grip.

I really enjoyed playing with this frame. Groundstrokes were amazing with this racquet. I almost felt like it was hard NOT to find the sweet spot on this frame. The APDC gave massive topspin potential, and my forehand felt very strong with the frame. I did have some trouble flattening out shots with this frame, but the topspin was so great that I did not complain here. I have a two handed backhand, and it felt very nice with this racquet. I could get very nice depth on the ball, and also rip short angle topspin angles for anyone daring to come to the net on me. Hitting deeper shots did take a little more effort than some frames I have played though. I have been playing currently with a k6.1 95, and this racquet I enjoyed a lot more. The frame is definitely more forgiving, easier on the arm, and easier to hit with that that frame. It’s a little bit lighter, which made swinging out on shots a breeze. Racquet felt very mobile from the ground, and I enjoyed feeling like I could free swing on most of my shots. Taking shots early, and stepping in on the ball gave me incredible feel on power on shots. I was extremely impressed with this racquet from the ground. Serve returns also get similar remarks from me as the groudstrokes. A very nice returning racquet. I felt I could be aggressive on my shots, and the ball got good spin and ample power. I did not feel a lot of shock on my arm on mis-hit returns, or balls I hit a little bit late. That was a nice change up from the k6.1 95.

I don’t know many people that are net players that use this racquet, so I was surprised at how well this stick performed at the net. For a lighter players racquet, this frame was incredibly solid and mobile at the net. Felt a little stiffer on volleys, but control was good and the racquet was comfortable. The power I felt on the groundstrokes was still there at the net. On volleys I caught well, and stepped in through, the ball penetrated deep in the court with plenty of pace. I had no problems putting away volleys, but also felt nice touch with the racquet. Drop volleys and soft angles also came off this frame very easily. I was definitely pleasantly surprised with this frame at the net.

Serves were also nice with this racquet. The frame felt pretty light to me, but I still had no problems driving through the ball. This frame excelled on spin and kick serves. Go figure from a Nadal racquet that the frame excels on shots across the board with spin. With my k6.1 I enjoy flattening out my serves a little bit more. However, with this one, I felt I could generate the same pace with a little bit more action on the ball. I felt my serve was actually tougher with this frame. On serves to me, it did not feel a whole lot different from the Pure Drive Roddick standard length. Good power, spin, and consistency.

Overall – 8.5 or 9/10 on this frame. If I didn’t get free Wilson racquets I would buy this one for sure.. I definately recommend it for big baseline players. Serve and volley players don't snub this one because it surprised me in a good way at the net

 

[bad_call]

a little more specifics on your playing equipment/style

appreciation for your reviews - in advance. could you be more specific about the specs you like in racquet? you mentioned balanced but not a range like 8 pts HL or 2 pts HH. also what type of player most describes your style. finally what racquets have worked for you in the past.

thanks. and apologies for so many questions. MG instinct comments?

 

[Kal-El 34]

appreciation for your reviews - in advance. could you be more specific about the specs you like in racquet? you mentioned balanced but not a range like 8 pts HL or 2 pts HH. also what type of player most describes your style. finally what racquets have worked for you in the past.

thanks. and apologies for so many questions. MG instinct comments?

yea no problems. I played the radical series my whole life growing up. I went from the bumblebee, to the 1998, to the Ti, to the LM to the LM tour, to the FXP tour.

I like a heavier racquet, and one that is more balanced. Somewhere in the 6pts Hl to 1pt HL range.

I was a big baseliner growing up, and that is what my game is all about. However, as a more experienced player, and at 6'6" tall I have gotten more into the serve and volley game. I am definately still a baseliner, but do enjoy coming to the net more now as well. My serve is big, and is probably my biggest weapon.

I was a big fan of the LM Rad tour. Was not the biggest fan of the MG radical or pro (a little too dampened IMO), but and definately diggin' the MG Prestige Pro right now. I have been on Wilsons team for about 9 months now, and like the k6.1 the best, but have not found a wilson k series racquet I am completely comoftable with after using the radical series from Head for so long. I am in some talks with a few head reps currently and am probably looking to switch to the prestige pro here very soon...

feel free to comment / ask questions on anything you like dislike about my reviews.. I will work on some more tonight, so the more critique I get will only make my future reviews better for everyone

Thanks

 

[DavidGarcia]

Interested to hear your views on the Aerogel 300.

 

[Kal-El 34]

will post that next for you.. I will be on court from 2-7 today training for the weekend, but will post in order of request when I get back.. Thanks for all replies / questions / comments

 

[bad_call]

don't forget the Head MG Instinct. thanks.

 

[Kal-El 34]

Yup my bad.. MG Instinct, followed by AG300... this evening. Possibly even a third tonight if I get time to write another

 

[snoopy]

It's always fun to read racquet reviews from a knowledgable reviewer, so thanks!

I really liked the APDC. If I could swing it fast enough I might be playing it. The same goes for the Head Radical Pro. The APDC and Pro are similar, although the Pro is probably a little better all-around frame. On the other hand, I find the APDC has a bigger sweet spot. If only I was born with a greater ability to swing a racquet fast, I would have so many more racquet options.

 

[jessey]

Babolat Aero Pro Drive with Cortex Review

I hit extensively with the APDC strung with Babolat Hurricane 17G and a 4 and ½ grip.

I really enjoyed playing with this frame. Groundstrokes were amazing with this racquet. I almost felt like it was hard NOT to find the sweet spot on this frame. The APDC gave massive topspin potential, and my forehand felt very strong with the frame. I did have some trouble flattening out shots with this frame, but the topspin was so great that I did not complain here. I have a two handed backhand, and it felt very nice with this racquet. I could get very nice depth on the ball, and also rip short angle topspin angles for anyone daring to come to the net on me. Hitting deeper shots did take a little more effort than some frames I have played though. I have been playing currently with a k6.1 95, and this racquet I enjoyed a lot more. The frame is definitely more forgiving, easier on the arm, and easier to hit with that that frame. It’s a little bit lighter, which made swinging out on shots a breeze. Racquet felt very mobile from the ground, and I enjoyed feeling like I could free swing on most of my shots. Taking shots early, and stepping in on the ball gave me incredible feel on power on shots. I was extremely impressed with this racquet from the ground. Serve returns also get similar remarks from me as the groudstrokes. A very nice returning racquet. I felt I could be aggressive on my shots, and the ball got good spin and ample power. I did not feel a lot of shock on my arm on mis-hit returns, or balls I hit a little bit late. That was a nice change up from the k6.1 95.

I don’t know many people that are net players that use this racquet, so I was surprised at how well this stick performed at the net. For a lighter players racquet, this frame was incredibly solid and mobile at the net. Felt a little stiffer on volleys, but control was good and the racquet was comfortable. The power I felt on the groundstrokes was still there at the net. On volleys I caught well, and stepped in through, the ball penetrated deep in the court with plenty of pace. I had no problems putting away volleys, but also felt nice touch with the racquet. Drop volleys and soft angles also came off this frame very easily. I was definitely pleasantly surprised with this frame at the net.

Serves were also nice with this racquet. The frame felt pretty light to me, but I still had no problems driving through the ball. This frame excelled on spin and kick serves. Go figure from a Nadal racquet that the frame excels on shots across the board with spin. With my k6.1 I enjoy flattening out my serves a little bit more. However, with this one, I felt I could generate the same pace with a little bit more action on the ball. I felt my serve was actually tougher with this frame. On serves to me, it did not feel a whole lot different from the Pure Drive Roddick standard length. Good power, spin, and consistency.

Overall – 8.5 or 9/10 on this frame. If I didn’t get free Wilson racquets I would buy this one for sure.. I definately recommend it for big baseline players. Serve and volley players don't snub this one because it surprised me in a good way at the net

Awesome stuff, keep it going
Can't wait for your review on Babolat Pure Storm~

 

[a-naik.1]

love the thread... i'm glad to see this going up! i'm kind of interested in someone other person's take on the K90.

 

[Kal-El 34]

well rain has put a delay on my afternoon training so here is another review as promised

Head Microgel Instinct Review

I hit for about a week with the MG Instinct strung with Technifbre X-1 Biphase at 60lbs. Size 4 and ½ grip.

First off let me say that this is my favorite racquet in the Instinct line. My little brother plays the Instinct series, so I have hit with both the LM and the FXP Instinct before this. I was playtesting this racquet with him when he was looking to switch, and had about 12-14 hours on court with it. My brother, as a 4.0 rated 13 year old junior and I both agreed that this was the best one yet.

I liked the setup of this racquet. It was a little light for my tastes, but I prefer a heavier racquet usually. The specs on this racquet don’t lie. SPIN FRIENDLY haha. I had no problems whatsoever accessing spin with this frame. Topspin was heavy, and slice had incredible bite o the ball. As with the MG series, this racquet felt a little more dampened. What I didn’t like about the more dampened feel of the MG radical, seemed to work well with this frame. I got shots that would float on me with previous version, but the extra dampening actually seemed to help with shot accuracy on this frame. Racquet head speed was good, and power was very nice when I caught the ball on the sweetspot. However, the sweetspot is not as large as like an APDC. This racquet really excelled to me on short balls, approach shots, and attacking shots. Taking a shorter swing from mid-court really gave me excellent power and heavy spin. Definitely the kind of racquet I like to come into the net behind…better yet...finish short balls off with authority

Serve returns were a strong point of this racquet. I felt, like I did with the APDC that I could be very aggressive on my returns and not worry about hitting the ball long. I felt like I was putting my returns a little deeper in the court than usual too, which was a nice feeling to me. The light feeling makes it a very maneuverable racquet on returns, which comes in handy when playing a big server. I still wished for a little more weight on this one, as I caught a lot of balls earlier than I normally do. I felt sometimes I had to wait on the ball, or I would catch it too far in front of me. My little brother found this racquet to be “sweet” in his terms on service returns. He loves the weight of this frame, and felt confident with his returns. I was hitting serves at him as hard as I could, and he was getting shots back that he had sometimes struggled with in previous models of the racquet.

I think with a little lead tape on this one, giving it some more weight, this racquet would be very nice for adults who like heavier players frames. In stock form, maybe not as good. My little borther loves the frame AS IS, and says he will do no modifications to the racquet at this time. He starts high school next year, so I will be interested to see what he does with this as he gets a little stronger.
This racquet also excelled to me at the net. The light weight I did not care much for at the baseline I liked at the net. This made the racquet very maneuverable and crisp. The MG really added to the crisp feeling at the net. The LM and FXP were not as solid at the net in my opinion. The headsize on this frame made reflex volleys easier than those with smaller heads, and control was not sacrificed. Frame had a solid feel at impact, with little or no vibration to my arm too. I used the racquet for teaching purposes as well and really enjoyed the weight of the racquet and feel at the net for that purpose as well. I have actually been using this frame as my teaching racquet since playtesting it.

Serving was where I was not as crazy about this frame. The light feeling of this racquet made me feel like I had to put way too much extra effort on my swing to get my normal pace on the ball. The spin factor was still there for sure. I had big access to slice and kick serve. I felt I had very nice control with this racquet, even though I was not able to hit the ball as hard. My arm got tired of serving with this racquet after awhile, and I do not usually experience that feeling. HOWEVER… my little brother LOVES serving with this racquet. He feels the power is perfect for him and he felt he had the same control and spin access I was talking about in my review. SO, maybe this racquet is a bit light for me at 6’6” 215 pounds, but seems to be a great fit for a top level junior player, high school player, or someone who wants a players racquet with not as much weight.

Overall I gave this frame a 6.5 or 7/ 10. It excelled in a couple parts, but the negatives in playtest outweighed the positives for me in considering this racquet. The racquet made a “ping” noise that was odd to me, but was cleared up when I put my normal shocked face dampener on the racquet. The light weight of this frame does leave a good amount of room for customization which I like.

My brother gave the frame at 9/10. Of all the racquets he has played with, he thinks this is his ideal racquet at this point and time. He hates the stock Head grip though… which I agree with. They do not hold up at all, but a good overgrip solves this problem. I have always played Wilson Pro Overgrip anyways, so the stock grip does not mean much to me personally.

 

[Kal-El 34]

It's always fun to read racquet reviews from a knowledgable reviewer, so thanks!

I really liked the APDC. If I could swing it fast enough I might be playing it. The same goes for the Head Radical Pro. The APDC and Pro are similar, although the Pro is probably a little better all-around frame. On the other hand, I find the APDC has a bigger sweet spot. If only I was born with a greater ability to swing a racquet fast, I would have so many more racquet options.

strengthening your fast twitch muscles is a great way to increase your ability to swing a racquet

 

[jhusein]

I have been a junior tournament players, division 1 college player, teaching instructor, high school coach, and now am playing futures again..

In my time, I have had the chance to hit with tons of racquets and decided I would start a forum reviewing the many racquets I have tried in my time...

I don't have time to get the reviews on here right now, but I am going to adding to this forum over the next couple of weeks! Check back for reviews on:

K6.1 95,
k Blade tour
K Blade 98
K Pro Open
K Pro Tour
6.6 Classic Stars and Stripes 95

Head Microgel Radical
Head Microgel Radical Pro
Head Microgel Prestige Pro
Head Microgel Prestige Mid
Head Microgel Instinct
Head Liquidmetal Radical
Head Liquidmetal Prestige
Head Flexpoint Radical
Head Flexpoint Radical Tour

Kneissl Red Star

Babolat Pure Drive Roddick
Babolat Aero Pro Drive Cortex
Babolat Aero Storm

Dunlop Aero Gel 300...


Ok I have to run for now, but will be back later this evening to start my reviews. Any votes for which one you want first?

Would love to hear your thoughts about the Prestige Mid and the Prestige Pro. Thanks

 

[nationals]

strengthening your fast twitch muscles is a great way to increase your ability to swing a racquet

and how would one do that

 

[Kal-El 34]

Dunlop Aero Gel 300 Review
Had this for a week in size 4 and ½ grip with Babolat Tonic string
This racquet was an interesting play for me personally. At first I HATED this frame. This was a huge contrast from what I am currently using, as it is very powerful and very light. I got frustrated at first and threw it back into my bag because it was so different from what I am using. HOWEVER, I picked it back up because to get a good impression of the racquet, I had to give it some time. Plus, I had some of my high school players asking me about it so I wanted to give it its due shot…
Groundstrokes at first felt odd to me. I normally played the radical growing up, and am now swinging a k6.1. SO this racquet being so light made the racquet feel like I was swinging nothing at all. I was mis-timing everything, and usually way out in front of the ball. Because of this, the frame felt unstable to me and caused me great frustration. THEN I GAVE IT A FAIR CHANCE.
Upon really giving this frame a chance I came to appreciate what this racquet has to offer. It actually is a great frame for groundstrokes if you like lighter weight player type frames. It felt to me like a more powerful version of the LM Instinct personally, with a little touch of the old’ school radical feel once I got used to it. Spin access was very nice with this frame, and when the timing is right the access to power in incredible. It took me until the latter part of the week to really get going with this frame, but once I got used to it I was hitting a very nice ball.
I ended up adding 4 strips of lead tape at 3:00 and 9:00 and it made the frame feel more stable on groundstrokes to me. I ended up really enjoying my baseline time with this frame. I actually liked this frame on service returns better than my K6.1. I was able to do more with the ball, and get the racquet around a little quicker. I could get nice pace, and depth on the ball, and feel like this racquet excelled on the serve return with the lead tape. Without it, I felt that it was a little shaky and I had trouble putting pace and depth on the return.

Volleys were very nice with this frame. The lightweight feeling that kept me off timing a little bit on my groundies made this frame very maneuverable at the net. Reflex volleys were easy, and even off center volleys got good stick on my volleys. I also felt like I could angle volleys off short, and hit serious drop volleys with ease. Very nice racquet if you serve and volley and like lightweight frames.
I have mixed emotions about the frame on the serve. At first, the racquet felt strange to me on serves. It rattled a bit when I would catch one off center… more-so than with other frames. I felt I had to swing really hard to put anything on the serve, and my control also suffered. The lead tape turned this racquet completely around on the serve for me. The frame felt more solid, I was getting better control and drive through the ball. I don’t know why, but this frame was both really good and really bad haha.
I enjoyed this racquet more with the lead tape on it, but appreciated it for what it was even without it after I got used to it. I will say this racquet is more unstable than other racquets in its category, so mind that when you try it out, however it ranks up among the top when struck on the sweetspot.
Overall I give this racquet a 6.5 / 10. It’s pretty decent once you get to know it, but I don’t like having to give a frame that much time before I feel like I have a good idea of how it plays. The lead tape on the frame bumps it to a 7.5 / 10 in my opinion. These racquets can be found a very good prices, and Dunlop does offer high school players and college players VERY nice priced packages to order frames. With that being said I think this is a great racquet for a high school player trying to improve their game. For the price they can get them at, I would definitely recommend this frame to them, as well as the AG 200. FOR SURE worth a demo if you like the lightweight players feeling frame.

 

[Kal-El 34]

and how would one do that

strengthen your wrist, forearm, core, shoulders, rotator cuff.

good article on rotator cuff strenghtening
http://www.aafp.org/afp/980215ap/980215a.html

generally, doing about 2-6 reps at a time at about 80-85% of your 1 rep max (lower if this is too much weight) with strengthen your fast twitch fibers in your muscles.

The muscles are also very lean muscles, which is good for tennis, a sport where bulky muscles aren't always the best.

I read some great stuff called "futuremetrics" which is a great way of strengthening your muscles all around for the sport. You can try searching for them, or purchase a book called "recipes for a tennis players soul" by dave rineberg.

 

[Automatix]

Interesting reviews... it's nice that a user with a bit more racquet experience commits to do reviews of so many racquets. I'll be monitoring this thread for the upcoming Red Star review

Cheers!

 

[Ross K]

Agree with comments already posted, ie it's nice to hear some informed thoughts from a newer member in this format. Keep up the good work! I'm looking forward to hearing what you think re various Babs (and your APD review was v/interesting) and the MG Rad Pro.

 

[Kal-El 34]

Babolat Pure Storm Review

Used this frame for 2 weeks in 4 and ½ grip strung with Babolat Pro Hurricane 17G

Let me first say the one thing I really like about Babolat racquets is the grip shape. After using a lot of different kind of frames, I like Babolat and Kneissl grip shapes the best I think. The Babolat Pure Storm, before hitting just feels like a good racquet when picked up… Like a fine piece of surgical equipment haha.

I really enjoyed my time with this racquet. It is on the lighter side of a players racquet frame, but has great feel and power. I can see why Fernando Gonzalez enjoys this frame. I had a tendency to want to bomb serves, and run around shots and crack forehands with this one. Groundstokes were POWERFL, with very nice access to spin. I was placing the ball deep in the court, and where I wanted to. This frame felt very nice on my 2 hand backhand as well. This racquet is better on my backhand than the Tour version of this racquet which I will review at a later time in my opinion.

The one thing I did not like doing with this racquet is playing defense, and serve returns. I had real trouble with this frame on shots where I did not get my full swing and set-up on the ball. I felt very uncomfortable immediately during points where I had to play defense. This is a serious power game / attacker style frame.

Volleys were great with this racquet. I said the frame felt like a nice piece of surgical equipment because I was knifing stuff with this like I was on Nip Tuck. Volleys came off extremely crisp, with very nice pace. I really liked hitting inside out slice backhand volleys with this while I was attacking low balls with this. The ball would really bite into the court and bounce to the outside catching my opponent off guard or wrong-footing them at times. This frame is extremely maneuverable and really excels at the net in my opinion.

Another area where this frame felt natural to me was on the serve. I generally play a heavier type of racquet but this one instantly felt comfortable to me. Excellent access to power, especially from a lighter players frame. I was getting amazing jump on my kick serve with this one, and my slice was also feeling pretty lethal. I do not think my flat serve was as good with this one, but it felt better than normal on my spin serves.

Overall I think this is one solid frame from Babolat. I know three people I train with that use this stick and they all are obsessed with it. It is a great frame if you are a big hitting baseliner, or a serve and volley racquet. If you are an all around player, or a defensive player… you may be better off going in a different direction.

I give this racquet a 7.5/10 very enjoyable experience with this frame!

 

[A_Instead]

These are GREAT reviews, Keep them coming. Many Thanks!
Do the Kblades next.

 

[Kal-El 34]

K-Blade 98 Review
I was trying to find a Wilson racquet that I liked, and spent 2 weeks getting to know the Wilson K-Blade 98. I tried it out with a 4 and ½ grip and had it strung up with Wilson Reaction 16, and also tried a Signum Poly Pro / NXT Hybrid.
Let me first say that I truly believe this racquet to be a hate it or love it kind of racquet. I know a ton of people that absolutely love this stick, but I just couldn’t acquire a taste for it. Believe me, I tried because the specs were along the lines of what I like and I think the paint-job on this racquet is incredible.

Now, the groundstrokes on this racquet are a mixed bag for me. I felt the racquet in stock form to feel incredibly whippy on my forehand, and I was constantly swinging too early at the ball. I added my usual four strips of lead tape at 3:00 and 9:00 to balance the racquet out a bit. This helped my timing but did not make me like the racquet a ton more. I will say that this racquet has a pretty generous sweet-spot, and does not rattle at all in hand when hit. However, I really had trouble finding good pace on my forehand. I was able to get lots of topspin, but the forehand, a weapon of mine just was not there. This racquet did feel incredible on my backhand. My backhand is a little flatter, and I felt like I could free swing and really pound my backhand with no worries of the ball sailing on me. I like to hit big on the baseline most of the time, but felt like if I played a defensive game or counter-punch game from the baseline that this racquet would excel. It felt a little like the AG300 to me, but not quite. If I had to compare it to something that would be it I guess. My serve return was comfortable with this frame. I felt I could take good cuts at the ball but half swings and counterpunches also had nice depth to them that came in handy on the return game. I did feel pretty confident in my return against big servers with this frame.

Volleys were nice with this frame. TOUCH volleys were amazing. I could drop volley and wrong foot my opponent no problem. I almost felt like the ball stayed on the strings a split second longer than with other racquets. That part I didn’t like on my groundstrokes, I enjoyed at the net. I did have a little trouble generating good pace on my volleys, but depth and control were very good while play-testing.

I have good and bad things to say about this frame on the serve. On one hand, the power just was not there. It still felt very whippy on the serve in stock form, but a bit better (but still not great) with the lead tape addition. I could take big swings at the serve, and they would go it, but they just felt a bit dead to me. The pace was ok to me, but not great. Where this frame really was solid was in the control I was able to get with my serve. Excellent access to spin, and I felt I could place a stack of quarters on the court and nail it haha. If my serve wasn’t a big as it is, and I went more for the accurate spin serve more I think I would like this frame more. The feel also seemed to be lacking a bit on the serve to me. I could hit accurately but it was just a strange feeling on the serve to me.

I find it hard to give an overall number camparison for this racquet. To me, I would give It a 6 or a 7, but I could EASILY see how people would absolutely love this frame. I have seen a lot of people using it, and had heard a lot of good things about the frame. Simply because I didn’t enjoy it personally, does not mean that the frame isn’t a GOAT for someone else.

 

[NickC]

Hey Kal-El, this isn't a request for a review but it's a question I've been wanting to ask someone like you for a while.

How did you get involved in teaching? Are you working at a club or something like that? How did that end up (as in, how did you get that gig?). And how did you get hooked up with Wilson?

The reason I ask is because I'm around a 5.0-ish player, and I have aspirations to play in college next year (I'm doing a gap year at the moment, and while I'm not playing regularly, I have hit with some very good kids around here, and a few who took part in the local challenger tournament), and during the summers and for a few years after college I really want to do some teaching and stuff like that. I've taught my friends to play, and I really enjoy the teaching experience, and wouldn't mind doing that for a job.

 

[Staiger]

Dunlop Aero Gel 300 Review
Had this for a week in size 4 and ½ grip with Babolat Tonic string
This racquet was an interesting play for me personally. At first I HATED this frame. This was a huge contrast from what I am currently using, as it is very powerful and very light. I got frustrated at first and threw it back into my bag because it was so different from what I am using. HOWEVER, I picked it back up because to get a good impression of the racquet, I had to give it some time. Plus, I had some of my high school players asking me about it so I wanted to give it its due shot…
Groundstrokes at first felt odd to me. I normally played the radical growing up, and am now swinging a k6.1. SO this racquet being so light made the racquet feel like I was swinging nothing at all. I was mis-timing everything, and usually way out in front of the ball. Because of this, the frame felt unstable to me and caused me great frustration. THEN I GAVE IT A FAIR CHANCE.
Upon really giving this frame a chance I came to appreciate what this racquet has to offer. It actually is a great frame for groundstrokes if you like lighter weight player type frames. It felt to me like a more powerful version of the LM Instinct personally, with a little touch of the old’ school radical feel once I got used to it. Spin access was very nice with this frame, and when the timing is right the access to power in incredible. It took me until the latter part of the week to really get going with this frame, but once I got used to it I was hitting a very nice ball.
I ended up adding 4 strips of lead tape at 3:00 and 9:00 and it made the frame feel more stable on groundstrokes to me. I ended up really enjoying my baseline time with this frame. I actually liked this frame on service returns better than my K6.1. I was able to do more with the ball, and get the racquet around a little quicker. I could get nice pace, and depth on the ball, and feel like this racquet excelled on the serve return with the lead tape. Without it, I felt that it was a little shaky and I had trouble putting pace and depth on the return.

Volleys were very nice with this frame. The lightweight feeling that kept me off timing a little bit on my groundies made this frame very maneuverable at the net. Reflex volleys were easy, and even off center volleys got good stick on my volleys. I also felt like I could angle volleys off short, and hit serious drop volleys with ease. Very nice racquet if you serve and volley and like lightweight frames.
I have mixed emotions about the frame on the serve. At first, the racquet felt strange to me on serves. It rattled a bit when I would catch one off center… more-so than with other frames. I felt I had to swing really hard to put anything on the serve, and my control also suffered. The lead tape turned this racquet completely around on the serve for me. The frame felt more solid, I was getting better control and drive through the ball. I don’t know why, but this frame was both really good and really bad haha.
I enjoyed this racquet more with the lead tape on it, but appreciated it for what it was even without it after I got used to it. I will say this racquet is more unstable than other racquets in its category, so mind that when you try it out, however it ranks up among the top when struck on the sweetspot.
Overall I give this racquet a 6.5 / 10. It’s pretty decent once you get to know it, but I don’t like having to give a frame that much time before I feel like I have a good idea of how it plays. The lead tape on the frame bumps it to a 7.5 / 10 in my opinion. These racquets can be found a very good prices, and Dunlop does offer high school players and college players VERY nice priced packages to order frames. With that being said I think this is a great racquet for a high school player trying to improve their game. For the price they can get them at, I would definitely recommend this frame to them, as well as the AG 200. FOR SURE worth a demo if you like the lightweight players feeling frame.

brilliant review , exactly what I thought of the racket as well. The racket is abit lightweight to the one on the list but after 10g of lead tape , this racket does transform into a beauty. Personally for me, I added 10g of lead tape on the throat and it plays brilliantly. and this stick is great for an all-rounder like myself and like to S&V. It does struggle alot with the control on groundstrokes , serve and returning big flat serve without the lead. But once the racket bulked up it is a dream ..

 

[zidane339]

I'd like to vote for the KBlade Tour review next...Keep up the good work, I'm enjoying the reading..

 

[roundiesee]

Thanks Kal-El for taking the time to do all these reviews for us, appreciate it. If you have time, please let us know what life is like playing in the futures. Thanks again.

 

[shell]

Kal El, thanks so much for the time and effort put into your reviews. It is nice to hear from someone who has played these racquets with a consistent review format in mind.

I totally agree with your AG 300 review and also the Bab Pure Storm. You hit it on the money with both.

I look forward to hear your thoughts on racquets I have not hit with yet, as I can see you review them consistently (with me at least - which of course makes them right )

Thanks for your efforts.

 

[Kal-El 34]

Hey Kal-El, this isn't a request for a review but it's a question I've been wanting to ask someone like you for a while.

How did you get involved in teaching? Are you working at a club or something like that? How did that end up (as in, how did you get that gig?). And how did you get hooked up with Wilson?

The reason I ask is because I'm around a 5.0-ish player, and I have aspirations to play in college next year (I'm doing a gap year at the moment, and while I'm not playing regularly, I have hit with some very good kids around here, and a few who took part in the local challenger tournament), and during the summers and for a few years after college I really want to do some teaching and stuff like that. I've taught my friends to play, and I really enjoy the teaching experience, and wouldn't mind doing that for a job.

Well your first step should be deciding what area you would like to teach. Then you need to see if where you want to teach requires ceritifcation. I definately recommend getting your USPTA certification, or at least your PTR. This will give you credibility, as well as liability insurance while out on the court. A lot of places wont hire if you don't have this, because it's too risky if someone gets hurt. I started my teaching back in my hometown where I grew up in, so getting started was very easy for me. My current gig I actually sought out the place, and contacted them via phone. After talking about my playing past, certification, and prior experience in the sport, they had me down for a sit down and an on-court interview. They must have liked what they saw, because I got the job. Make sure it's a place where you will get the hours you want, and be able to teach the level of tennis that you want. The tennis job can be very frustrating if the area / type of teaching you are doing is not what you had in mind.

 

[Lendl and Federer Fan]

I have been a junior tournament players, division 1 college player, teaching instructor, high school coach, and now am playing futures again..

In my time, I have had the chance to hit with tons of racquets and decided I would start a forum reviewing the many racquets I have tried in my time...

I don't have time to get the reviews on here right now, but I am going to adding to this forum over the next couple of weeks! Check back for reviews on:

K6.1 95 - reviewed
k Blade tour
K Blade 98 - reviewed
K Pro Open
K Pro Tour
6.6 Classic Stars and Stripes 95

Head Microgel Radical
Head Microgel Radical Pro
Head Microgel Prestige Pro
Head Microgel Prestige Mid
Head Microgel Instinct - reviewed
Head Liquidmetal Radical
Head Liquidmetal Prestige
Head Flexpoint Radical
Head Flexpoint Radical Tour

Kneissl Red Star

Babolat Pure Drive Roddick
Babolat Aero Pro Drive Cortex - reviewed
Babolat Aero Storm
Babolat Pure Storm - Reviewed

Dunlop Aero Gel 300 - reviewed
Dunlop Aero Gel 200
Dunlop Aero Gel 100...


Ok I have to run for now, but will be back later this evening to start my reviews. Any votes for which one you want first?

Nice reviews so far, thanks for the efforts and time.

 

[Kal-El 34]

K-Blade Tour Review

I had this racquet in my posession for 2 weeks strung with Technifibre X-1 Biphase and 4 and ½ grip

OK - - So the K-Blade 98 wasn’t for me. I still had very high hopes for the K-Blade tour. After all… it IS Djokovic’s paintjob so it has to be good right?? Haha. Nah, actually much of the same from me on this review. I actually feel like this racquet plays very similar to the OLD stars and stripes 6.6 prostaff 95. Somebody may contradict me on this but I feel they are very similar frames.

This racquet has the nice, surgical instrument feel when picked up… However, that did not transfer to the same results with my playtest. I honestly feel this frame is another “hate it or love it” frame.

Groundstrokes were not too bad with the K-Blade tour. I still felt that this frame had that “whippy” feel I complained about with the K-Blade 98. I was impressed with the accuracy in which I was able to hit my shots. In fact, I feel on groundstrokes, this is where the K-Blade family really excells. A little more heft to the racquet than the 98 gave it a little more plow through the ball, but I still felt the need to add my usual four strips of lead tape at 3:00 and 9:00. I found my best results were achieved when dropping string tension in this racquet down about 6 pounds from what I normally string at. This frame has a very unique feel to it, which I believe contributes to my hate it or love it frame statement.

When hitting my groundies with this frame, I felt like the ball would impact the strings, and almost sit on the strings before it sailed back over the net. Because of this, I was able to nail spots on the court with very good precision. However, the racquet just felt a little too flexible for my preferences for a players frame with this much weight. The dense string pattern on this made me feel like I couldn’t get that great spin that I was getting with the 98 either. The power was there on shots where I had time to really set up and swing at, but I wasn’t getting the same solid response while playing defense with this tour version of the blade. This frame reward great technique, but punishes bad technique far more than it should in my opinion. As an all court player, I sometimes will find myself playing defensive points and need something that feels comfortable on these points. If I was a constant attacker, the blade tour I think would be pretty sweet.

I felt this frame less maneuverable on serve returns that I did with the blade 98. Control was still pinpoint, but the frame does not feel good at all on shots not hit in the sweetspot. Well struck returns did feel amazingly well though on the arm. I had trouble getting enough depth on the ball, and when I did get the depth I felt the ball sailed a bit on me. I needed the spin I was getting with the 98 back on this frame.

Volleys were very nice with this frame. Touch volleys are where I felt this racquet was very good. I also liked the control I could get at the net. I was not in need of much spin at the net, so my volleys were coming off the racquet with nice pace, accuracy, and depth when going for deeper volleys. I found the racquet comfortable to yield at the net, so maneuverability was not an issue here. The headsize was also not an issue, as I had full confidence that I was going to stick my volleys with this frame. The instability I felt on mis-hit groundies was not here at the net. Racquet felt solid from all angles here.

Serves were much of the same. Control, control, control… However, like it’s 98 verison, the power just wasn’t there for me. I felt like I was taking healthy cuts at the ball, and could place them wherever I wanted to, but could not get my normal pace on the serve no matter what I did. Spin access didn’t seem to be a problem here for me. My kick-serve was getting good jump, but my slice felt a little weaker than normal. I was a little worried that I would not be able to get this amount or spin with the blade tour, but not a big issue. My flat serve felt dead again. I like plowing through my serve and bombing a flat one quite a bit, so this was a big let down for my game. Control was still good with my flat one, but it was WAY less effective without that big heat I generally produce.

Overall I give this frame the same rating as the K-Blade 98. It wasn’t a racquet for me, and I don’t want to dog it by giving it a lower rating than it probably deserves. If you are a doubles player, or a serve and volleyer, this racquet may be very nice for you. If you are a counterpuncher, or a defensive player look elsewhere. However, it is definitely worth a demo based on what I have seen or heard about it from other players…

 

[roundiesee]

Kal, have you played with the Prince NXG Mid before? If so, can I have your impressions? Thanks.

 

[jessey]

Thanks for the awesome reviews~ and keep them coming

And that's exactly what I felt about the K-blade 98. Just swings funnily for me, wasn't a very solid feel. But yes, I also noted that it seemed to help my 2hbh, was able to take aim and hit the ball more easily with it.

Very interested in your opinion about the Head MG Radical series and the Prestige series.

 

[Kal-El 34]

Head Microgel Radical Midplus Review

Well I had always used the Radical series growing up, so when these came out I was very excited about them. The paint job IMO is very nice on this frame, and kind of looks something alike Cincinatti Bengals or something (even though I do not like the Bengals).

I had this frame for about a month, along with the Pro strung with Babolat Tonic 16G and 4 and ½ grip

Groundstrokes felt pretty good with this frame. The thing that I noticed immediately from the first ball that I hit was that this was DEFINITELY a more control oriented Radical than in years past. It was a different feeling with this one as it felt both stiff and flexible at the same time to me if that makes any sense at all. I think anyone that has hit the frame will know what that means though. The Liquidmetal was my racquet of choice in college, and this is for sure a more dampened version of that racquet. You lose a little bit a pop off the strings, but you gain a TON of control with this one. I felt I could take big swings at the ball, and had confidence that I was not over-hitting. I tried this frame with a more lively feeling string, and the control was defiantely still there. I usually string the frame pretty tight, but I think if I were to play this one I may drop the tension a bit from my normal radical tension of 62 pounds. Because the frame is more dampened, there is not much shock on the arm. I had a little more trouble putting my shots deep in the court with this one compared to previous models, and I also had trouble getting my usual topspin. I had to make a conscious effort to put a little more “umph” on the ball to get it nice and deep with big topspin. If I wanted to flatten out the ball and drive my opponent off the court this frame felt great. This was also true on my serve returns. The control was still very nice. I was not ripping winners off the return as much as I normall like, but my accuracy was improved. I liked short angle returns with this as well, like when someone would try and serve and volley on me. Again, my big problem with returns was getting that depth on my shots. If it would have been there, this racquet would have been my frame for sure.

This is a very nice feeling radical at the net. My main complain with the radical series in the past was how poorly in felt with net play. This Radical has the most feel at the net in my opinion. I felt this one was a little more maneuverable than previous models, and volleys felt crisp and precise. This frame does have a more dampened feel to it. Just because it performs a little better does not mean it had better feel. I had good control and touch volleys were very nice, but the frame had a noticably dampened feel, rather than feeling smooth. I found the frame to be forgiving, even on off-center volleys. Pretty nice at the net I thought.

Where I loved this racquet was on the serves. It really set itself apart from other Radicals with it’s control. The power on the serve may have been alittle less, but not enough to make my serve less intimidating. I felt I could really let go, and free swing with the serve, and that the ball was going right where I wanted every time. You have to supply your own power with this one, but I did not have a problem with that. If you can bring it, you will get it with this one. It won’t take away power like I felt the K-Blades did a little bit. My double faults decreased noticeably with this one compared to my k6.1, which I really enjoyed.

Overall I give this frame a 7.5/10. I still think I like the LM radical Tour the best for my game of all the radicals, but this is still a solid frame. I think I felt the same way about this frame as I did with the i.Radical when it came out. I was trying to switch from the Ti. Radical and just felt it was a little too dampened feel. It’s just a preference thing. People that enjoyed the i.radical generally did not enjoy the LM version, for the same reason the Ti. Users enjoyed it. BUT, that’s why head does this, so the Radical series continues to reach a very broad range of users. There aren’t many frames you can see a beginning tennis player improve with, decent to top level high school players wield, college players dominate with, and pros use as well. It is a very versatile frame, and the MG radical is definitely worth a look.

 

[Kal-El 34]

Kal, have you played with the Prince NXG Mid before? If so, can I have your impressions? Thanks.

I had a college teammate who used this frame briefly. I hit with it for about an hour and was simply not a fan. He did not stick with the racquet for very long either and he switched to a flexpoint prestige at the time.

I did not spend enough time with it to give you an accurate and honest review of the frame. Sorry

 

[auzzieizm]

I gotta say: great reviews!!! I have felt similarly about most of these frames, and agree about the "sleeper" nature of the Pure Storm. It was a fun hit in stock form on offense, but could get me in trouble defensively. However, when I added copious amounts of lead to it, it performed phenomenally... reminiscing almost makes me want to play with that frame again, except I just bought some frames

 

[Kal-El 34]

Head Microgel Radical Pro Review

Had this one for 3 weeks, strung with lux/nxt hybrid, x-1 biphase, stamina, and all lux with a 4 and ½ grip

I actually tried this one out before I tried out the MP version. I was given it to demo by a Head rep a few weeks before it was released to the public. I loved the LM Radical Tour, enjoyed the FXP Radical Tour, so though that this one was going to be right up my alley. 100 sq. inch head is a little larger for me (98 is a about as high as I like to go) but not a huge issue. The open string pattern 16x19 would give me the spin that I was looking for. The increased weight would make this one perfect for me since I like to add weight to lighter frames. RIGHT?? Well… yes and no haha

I loved this racquet on groundstrokes. In my opinions the Radical Pro is the best feeling of all of the MG Rads. This is one of the better frames for groundstrokes I have tried out. The spin I had trouble finding with the MP was not there with the Pro. I could swing freely, and confidently on both my forehand and my two handed backhand and this thing felt sweet. Heavy topspin and biting slice were very accessible, and I had an easier time putting the ball deep in the court. Power level is again a bit lower than with previous models, and even a little less compared to the MP I thought. One thing that I got frustrated with, and that I felt frustration with the FXP Radical Tour was that I could not keep strings in this racquet. Even with a full polyester string pattern, I was snapping strings after about a set and a half / 2 sets of play. As much as I like stringing racquets all the time (NOT.. matter of fact I will give my stringer to anyone who wants to string my frames for free for life haha j/m) I just don’t think I could switch to a frame where I could not keep strings in the frame. I don’t know why this was either, because I haven’t had the same problem with the Prestige Pro, which is my main reason for liking that racquet better (along with the 98 sq. in. headsize)

My serve returns felt solid, and precise with the MG Radical Pro. The extra weight, and 100 sq. inch headsize made me feel like I could freeswing for power on any and all returns. I looked forward to breaking my opponent, rather than serving him off the court (which was a feeling I hadn’t had since I developed my big serve). Depth on returns was good, and I had excellent access to spin. This also felt good on defensive returns. I could take the pace of a big server, and just block it back nice and deep and work myself into points. Very good combination of maneuverability and ball control here. Again, you will have to supply your own power here and this frame does not give you a whole lot.

This racquet was very similar to the MP at the net. I enjoyed it here, but not as much as the MP version. It felt very crisp and precise, but the 100 sq. inch head just made it feel a little less maneuverable for me to connect on volleys. When I had time to set up, and really stick one, this frame felt very nice for a Radical at the net. Again, as I said in my MP review, the MG radicals feel like th ebest volleying radicals to date. Volleys were very precise. I felt I could hit my spots, and had good control on short volleys and touch / drop volleys. With some racquets I feel limited in what kind of volleys I can hit, but with this one I felt I had many options from wherever I was on the court. I could get aggressive and had no fear of the balls sailing deep. The racquet did not feel the best on reflex volleys and off center volleys. I think the MP has a better feel on these, but it was not a huge concern of mine either.

Control was the big plus I felt I experienced with the serve. The open string pattern really made my kick serve and slice serve feel utterly nasty. I tend to favor a flatter serve on my first, but noticed while hitting with this frame I had almost completely abandoned that serve all-together. The added weight gave me a little bit more power than I eventually experience with the MP, but it was still not there. Not a major issue because my control felt much improved, but just another thing that I noticed with this one. I took this frame to a tournament while I was trying it out, and only used it for one match before I went back to my LM tours. I noticed that my velocity on my serve was drastically decreasing during the course of my match… something I do not experience on court, especially in a local first round match that I will dominate haha.

Overall I give this frame an 8/10. I enjoyed it similarly to the MP version, but it did offer some strengths in a couple of different areas. I liked the increased weight, did not enjoy the bigger headisze. I liked the amazing spin potential, but did not like that I could not seem to keep strings in the frame. A pretty solid frame all around and if you play an offensive game, and want a forgiving frame you can swing freely with then you should check this out

 

[Kal-El 34]

Kneissl Red Star Racquet Review

I own one of these in size 4 and ½ grip strung with Kneissl Poly-Tech 16 G string

Now, as you have read in my previous review, I was a pretty big fan of the LM radical when it came out. It was my racquet of choice throughout my college career. If you were a fan of that frame, or maybe even the LM Instinct, you will like this frame. Pretty similar, maybe even a little better in my opinion. The only thing that kept me from switching to this was the extended length. I have been recommended to the Tom’s Machine… but that’s bright green and hideous in my opinion haha. I may check it out at some point though.

This is an awesome racquet for groundstrokes. AWESOME. I really did not even notice the extra half inch of length on this frame while grinding from the baseline. Very forgiving feeling frame, with good power level as well. I like that the grip is molded as 1 piece with the frame. This really does reduce vibration to the arm, and creates a very comfortable feel while in play. I had great access to power, but I did notice my topspin to increase, and felt like I was hitting spots very consistantly. The big thing I liked about this frame was found in the slice. WOW. I don’t really slice all the much, but found myself knifing out slices with great authority from the baseline, as well as loving slice approach shots with this racquet. This frame felt very nice from the first shot that I hit. It was comfortable, low impact on the arm, gave you some nice pop, and great access to spin and depth in the court.

I felt the same with my serve return. This frame was very nice. I could swing out and aggressively, and rip passing shots or winner returns no problem. Also felt this frame was solid on defensive returns and off center hits. This is one of the most comfortable frames I have hit with on off-center shots. The frame does not rattle, and the ball still comes off pretty clean. This is a similar feeling to that which I had with the LM radical and LM radical tour. Great frame for returning against anybody.

Originally I felt this frame was awesome on volleys. However, after more time spent with the racquet, this is where my gripes with the extra half inch came out. If I weren’t 6’6” I may not have a gripe with it, but I really do not need an extended length frame. Volleys the I hit the strings with vere crisp, and felt pretty comfortable. The ball did tend to sail on me occasionally, because there may be a little too much given power for my play-style with this one. I found myself mis-hitting a lot of volleys, because of the extra half inch I think. This frame does have an incredibly smooth feeling sweetspot though, and if you like the extended length frame this racquet will feel like butter up at the net.


I really enjoyed serving with this racquet as well. I feel the extra length gave me a little extra juice on my serve with the red star. I gained back my big pace that I had lost a little bit with my k6.1. My flat serves felt huge, and I sacrificed NO control whatsoever. I get a little better control I think with my k6.1, but not much more I don’t think. I could bring big heat with my flat serve, but my kick serve had huge jump on it, and my slice serve was eating into the court very nicely. My slice serve out wide on the duece side was as dangerous as it has ever been. Really enjoyed serving with the frame.

Overall I give this frame an 8/10. If you like the extended length, you might even find a higher rating for yourself. I think this frame may go down as one of the most under-rated racquets in the history of the game. I am really, really surprised that I did not see more people hitting with this growing up. Quality is amazing, paint-job is great, and play was very nice.

Also worth noting is how awesome I felt the Kneissl Poly-Tech string was. It did not even feel like a polyester string to me. Holds up very well, with amazing feel and touch. Not stiff at all, but still gives you that nice crisp feel of an upper scale poly string. Loved it. I don’t know where one can get it, but if you can I also recommend trying this out.

I would also love to hear other people’s thoughts on this frame, as well as any of my other racquets reviewed! Thanks guys

 

[Automatix]

Question about the Red Star... how many hours did you spend playing it? And did you ever play it strung with something different than Kneissl Poly-Tech?

 

[bad_call]

appreciate your reviews. look forward to the MG Prestige Pro review.

 

[Kal-El 34]

I couldn't tell you exactly how much I've hit with it. Probably 20-22 hours in total since I have had it. I have had it strung with Wilson Stamina, and also Technifibre X-One Biphase. The racquet seems to play better with a polyester string to me, as the more powerful strings seem to take away a bit of control for me.

 

[Kal-El 34]

there she is with the poly-tech strings

 

[jessey]

I've been a Wilson player for years and now I'm considering switching to either Head or Babolat, but I'm really worried that I won't get used to the different grips. Seeing that you're very experienced in that department, what are your thoughts on that?

ps, patiently waiting the Prestige series reviews, and the Aero Storm review

 

[A_Instead]

VERY Impressive. 2 day old post and has 47 replies and 1127 views.
As you can see, People enjoy this stuff. Keep up the good work!.
Thanks again.

 

[Kal-El 34]

I've been a Wilson player for years and now I'm considering switching to either Head or Babolat, but I'm really worried that I won't get used to the different grips. Seeing that you're very experienced in that department, what are your thoughts on that?

ps, patiently waiting the Prestige series reviews, and the Aero Storm review

Yea I agree. I have not found that the transition from Head grips to Wilson grips was that drastic. That being said, while I have started hitting with head racquets again I have really noticed my preference for the head shaped grips. Babolat grips feel a little short to me and that is my only gripe with them

 

[jessey]

Yea I agree. I have not found that the transition from Head grips to Wilson grips was that drastic. That being said, while I have started hitting with head racquets again I have really noticed my preference for the head shaped grips. Babolat grips feel a little short to me and that is my only gripe with them

So I guess it wasn't really that big a deal for you (at least not to the point of negatively influencing your game)?

Perhaps beefing up the Head grip with a heat-shrink-sleeve will do, or I may simply just have to suck it up and get used to them.

 

[Kal-El 34]

Head Microgel Prestige Pro

I feel this will be the racquet I am soon carrying in my bag. I am going to use the Midplus version a little bit more, but I really like this frame. I have been spending a couple hours a day with it on court for about 2 weeks now. I have had it strung with a lux / nxt hybrid, all x-1 biphase, and all signum pro poly. I have been using a 4 and 3/8 and a 4 and ½ grip with this frame

I was a little worried when I picked this one up that I would not be able to keep strings in this frame. I was popping them very fast in the MG Radical Pro, and felt that this would be no different. I do not know why this is, but I have not had the same problem with this racquet. I like the feeling of the Prestige frame with a more open string pattern. What I found was a very nice combination of power, control, comfort, and spin. The swingweight on the racquet was very maneuverable on all types of shots from the baseline. I can take very healthy cuts at the ball, and get big topspin. I feel it quite a bit easier to flatten the ball out with this Pro rather than the MG Radical Pro as well. I was also getting good stick and good depth of defensive balls. This racquet feels like it has a little bit of extra pop in it compared to the other Prestiges in this line; probably due to the more open string pattern. Of center shots were not as comfortable as with the midplus, but when this racquet is struck well it is money. I really enjoyed hitting passing shots, and approach shots with this frame as well. I had excellent control going up the line from both sides, and could also snap a short angle with no problems.

I felt equally confident returning serve with the Prestige Pro as well. I liked the extra pop on this frame on the return, and feel like I got a little more pace, a little more depth, and didn’t sacrifice control compared to the other Prestiges in this line. You have to take a full swing at this ball, or really black it back squarely to get anything on the ball. Half swings don’t go anywhere, so if you catch a lot of shots late, or don’t have a somewhat powerful swing, this may not be exactly right for you. I felt I was getting a little extra topspin on my forehand return, which kept the ball landing deep in the court and kicking up high off the bounce.

I really volleyed well with this racquet, as I have with other Prestige family lines. The little extra power level with this frame really made putting away volleys at the net easy. It was also very forgiving on reflex volleys and ones I was catching a little late, and the frame was very maneuverable up at the net as well. I was really driving volleys deep in the court, and found a really comfortable blend of touch on drop volleys and angle finishing volleys. The Prestige Pro felt incredibly stable at the net, and I got now frame rattle if I didn’t catch the ball perfectly. The frame really set itself apart on put away volleys though.

The extra power gave me great results with my serve. Who doesn’t like a little extra power when serving with a frame of this heft? Very nice! Control was spot on. I have been setting up cones and serving at them the past couple of days during training and have been knocking them down way faster than I normally do. I served the best with the Prestige Pro than I have noticed with the other Prestige family lines. On the serve I was faintly reminded of my old LiquidMetal Radical TOUR frames with this one. Anyone who has ever hit that frame please tell me if you experienced a similar feeling. There was nothing not to like on the serve with this frame. Excellent access to spin on both kick serve and slice, while no problems flattening it out and bombing one up the T.

Overall I give this frame an 8.5/10… After playing with a Wilson racquet for some time now, the transition back to a head racquet has been fun. This racquet felt very good in my hands right when I picked it up. I think the more time I spend with this one, the more I like it. Great all courters racquet. It is also good for big, aggressive players, serve and volleyers, and doubles players. If you are a counterpuncher, who does not generate a lot of your own power, maybe check out the instinct, or like a k-pro open, or a pure drive roddick or something along those lines…