Looking for help with a new racquet

[Pyroclasm]

Hey guys, I'm currently looking for a new racquet. I'm playing #1 singles on a high school team and my old head heavy, 9 ounce wilson isn't cutting it.

I'm looking for something control oriented and can give decent spin, while not going over 12 ounces. My net game is steadily improving, so I like to come to the net when I get the chance. I've got a one handed backhand and hit both slice and topspin on both sides.

I've just recently demoed the Aeropro Drive w/Cortex, Head MicroGEL Extreme, Dunlop AG500 Tour, and the Aerogel 300. Out of the four, I preferred the AG 300. I had a hard time finding a grove with my backhand with the APD. The others I found to be too powerful.

I'd like to demo a racquet before I buy it, and most of the other racquets I would like to try (nBlade, any of the kfactors, pure storm) are never in stock.

Any suggesions on which racquets I should demo? Or should I just go ahead and buy the Aerogel 300.

Thanks

 

[Thomas Bird-Itch]

I'm a Dunlop fan too, so I'm biased, but I liked the Aerogel 300 too. The 500 Tour was very powerful. I used a 300G for two years so the 300 worked nicely, with just a bit more weight (than the 300G) to stabilize it. I would've bought the AG300 but I'm looking for a rocket launcher right now b/c I'm mostly a baseliner.

The 300 is a good all around stick in my opinion, but you may want to look a little longer if you want to get something cheaper. At $180, you can buy two or three discontinued sticks and vary the strings, tensions, etc. That will help you on off days or keep you from having to resort to a completely different frame when your primary fails. Good luck in your quest!

 

[skraggle]

Just buy some M-Fil 300s and you'll be set.

 

[jonline]

I don't know if you found that any of those racquets were TOO heavy, but I'd recommend the Flexpoint Radical Team or the Instinct. The instinct hits a very heavy ball, but is only about 11 ounces. The Radical Team can be swung very quickly and is definitely not too powerful. Good maneuverability at net and pop on serve as well. At least give the Instinct a try--sounds like it might suit you better than it suited me. Good luck with your choice!

 

[300Gkid]

I'f you liked the Aerogel 300 you will probably like the M-fil 300 equally although i am a bit biased

 

[fuzz nation]

It's definately a drag if you can't get a hold of a demo.

You sound like you might really like the Volkl DNX-9, so if you are researching, you might want to see what info you can find on it. I'm stuck on racquets that are heavier, but I hit with that one and it really got my attention. Cheap ones in the classifieds aren't so rare that you couldn't find a good one for an "extended demo".

 

[Spector]

I've played with both the M-fil 200 and 300 and must say that the M-fil 200 gave me far more control. I found the M-fil 300 to give me too much power.

 

[hadoken]

I'd go N 6-1 95. I know you don't want to go 12+ oz., but you can handle it - it's just stupid marketing that has people convinced 12+ oz is too heavy. A well balanced 12 oz won't feel heavy at all. You are young and you're only going to get stronger and this is a frame that can grow with you.

 

[Spector]

I'd go N 6-1 95. I know you don't want to go 12+ oz., but you can handle it - it's just stupid marketing that has people convinced 12+ oz is too heavy. A well balanced 12 oz won't feel heavy at all. You are young and you're only going to get stronger and this is a frame that can grow with you.

He speaks the truth......currently I'm playing with a 13 oz racquet but due to the balancing it feels suprisingly light but stills play nice and solid like a heavy racquet should.

 

[Pyroclasm]

Thanks for your replies.

I just ordered some new demoes, the Fischer Mspeed Light, Volkl DNX-9, Head FXP Instinct, and on the heavier side, Dunlop Aerogel 200. Hopefully I can come to some kind of conclusion after this. I may also try and check a sporting goods store nearby, I remember last time I was there I think they had the n6-1 95 on clearance.

The only reason I'm kind of reluctant to go for a heavier racquet is the current racquet I'm using is soo light, it might be a tough switch.

 

[ktownva]

Go with a Prestige MP. It does everything well, and you won't outgrow it. Plus, you and your opponent will know that you are using one of the best racquets ever.

 

[pow]

I was in your shoes; took me awhile to adjust so be prepared to set aside a lot of practice time to get accustomed to the new racquet.

 

[A.T.S.]

I dunno.....same racket, control oriented string, lead tape.

 

[Hewitt Aussie]

try the head microgel radical midplus. I like the looks and sounds of that racquet

 

[Brett]

Get the Avery Control+

I will promise you that it will improve your game.

 

[Pyroclasm]

I've done some more demo testing since I've made this thread, I think I've got it down to the Pure Storm or Tecnfibre TFight 335 16x19.

The Pure Storm was awesome on serves. For the past few months I've had problems shanking my second serve off of the frame when trying to put spin on it. I think I've figured it out yesterday after hitting serves for an hour with this one. Both first and second serves were the best I've seen myself hit them. The TF 335 I didn't feel as comfortable with, but it might just take some time to become accustomed to the weight on serves.

Ground strokes were good as well with the storm, though my one handed backhand seemed a little more inconsistent than usual. This may have been due to the strings, as the tension seemed low and the strings looked worn on the demo. I felt the ground strokes with the TF 335 were much more solid and stable, especially on backhands.

I also tried the Yonex RDS 002 Tour, though that racquet seemed to demanding for whatever reason. I lost a set to this guy 7-5, who had been playing for 2 months (Though he was a complete junkballer, getting every thing back with weird sidespin/slice). I had some arm pain later that day as well. I think the Pure Storm felt like it was easier to pick up and play with than this racquet (lighter and more powerful I guess). I didn't get a chance to play this guy with the Tecnifibre, which is even heavier than the Yonex, so I'm kind of reluctant to getting it for fear of the same thing happening.

So, what do you guys think? I know the new Storms are coming out soon, and if that lowered the prices of the original model that could sway my decision.

Thanks.

 

[tennisboi]

dunlop mfil-200 but hope your can bare the weight. just kidding. you are use to a 9ounce racket.

 

[Aeropro master]

Aerogel 300 is pretty light for a "control oriented" racket. You should try the Pure Control and the Fischer M Speed pro No 1 98.

 

[Bundey]

AG 300 is a GREAT raquet. It is pretty light though. I think you should demo a few more so you can be sure you can get the best one for you. If I were you I would demo:
AG300 (again)
M-fil 300
PD standard cortex
Yonex RDS 001 Mid+

 

[Pyroclasm]

Hey guys, thanks again for the replies. I think the AG300 may be too light, now that I have tried heavier racquets such as the TF 335. I wouldn't be against getting a racquet slightly over 12 oz now...I remember getting ripped apart by some huge serves during the season with a light racquet.

Any comments on the Pure Storm or TF 335? I will probably end up getting one of these.

 

[VS_Power]

try a k95 team if you're still looking... its basically a players frame with a lighter package.