Looking For Racket Recommendations

Fintft

G.O.A.T.
I am beginning to fail being able to contain my will to ask what motivates you so hard to get a Pro Stock Prestige on my hands, hahahaha. Are we sure you're not sponsored?
I think that Prestige or Radical are just paint jobs for prostocks, which overall are very solid and some also very easy to swing.

You probably never read the racquetholics thread?
Truth be told, even me, I've asked them once if the money won't be better spent on buying....their houses? The replied that prices of racquets hardly make a dent compared to houses, but I wonder...
Nevertheless a new racquet in US and Canada is over $200, not $120 like you spent.

I am happy that I've tried prostocks, 5 of them, in two models (extended to 27.25). Sold one, made 2 more my mains (same model, 293.1 perfectly matched, brand new and half price to what would be in US), will try to sell the remaining two (351.1), although they are my third racquet ( Shift 300 being my second).

Overall it was hard to switch from a heavy RF97A, two years ago, to lighter 300-315g racquets, b/c you simply can't demo in my town and my taste evolved (until I found a control racquet that is also powerful that I can still swing fast). I've tried about 7 models of lighter racquets and still own a dozen racquets in total, some so affordable that there is no point selling them for $90 (like the Artengo TR960 aka LeGads) or I keep the Prokennexes in case I develop tennis elbow.

Cheers!
 

batikan

Rookie
Update: Recently tried a TF40 16x19 and didn't enjoy the feel one bit. It was soft where it felt unpredictable even with a stiffer poly I knew well, and very mushy. I don't think I wanted to hit with it for more than 5 minutes. I've been seeing PSVS comparisons with it and I doubt if I want anything less predictable and/or more muted. Starting to learn I like a cleaner/crisper contact feel even if it is muted instead of my wrist receiving the vibrational translation of the word "swooooshhhh"
 

batikan

Rookie
Update: I've been mainly playing with my Aero VS for the majority of past winter. However recently I brought out my iPrestige MP for a few sessions (Strung 18x19 with MSV Focus Hex Soft) and I was ultimately surprised by the amount of spin+control I achieved both topspin and slice. That gets me wondering if I should start looking at the 63-65 RA range. Strike VS has been a frame I've been considering giving a try. Maybe an ISO 305? (I know it has a high SW but shooting in the dark here.)
 

batikan

Rookie
Update: The more I play with my VS (And sometimes my Vcore 98, ditched the PDVS) the more I feel limited with my slices and/or net game. I'll start modding both frames to see what would be their potential but I'm starting to wonder what would ideally be in between a 98 Spin frame (Aero VS, Vcore 98, Extreme Tour etc.) and a Pro Staff? I don't want to be required to hit all the topspin I can hit all the time. Although I do care about a high ceiling. Thinking of ditching shaped poly's for slicker round strings that'll still give me the ability to reach spin with better predictability. Not sure if that'd fix my problem with my PAVS or Vcore but I have my fingers crossed.
 

batikan

Rookie
Been considering trying a Boom Pro? Can anyone help me understand if it's what I'm seeking? I'm pretty happy with my VS except slices and touch/feel shots. Also if anyone tried an Ultra Tour 95 I'd like to know about their experiences as well.
 

Donmikan

Rookie
Been considering trying a Boom Pro? Can anyone help me understand if it's what I'm seeking? I'm pretty happy with my VS except slices and touch/feel shots. Also if anyone tried an Ultra Tour 95 I'd like to know about their experiences as well.
You are satisfied with your racket on 90% of the shots. Lets say slice is 9% and touch shots are 1%. I think you are better off putting in some good practice in these departments than getting a new racket in hopes of magically acquiring Federer slice and touch. Which, funny enough, he acquired through practice, not by getting a new frame. Also, slice and touch dont make or break a player like serve and groundies do.
 

batikan

Rookie
You are satisfied with your racket on 90% of the shots. Lets say slice is 9% and touch shots are 1%. I think you are better off putting in some good practice in these departments than getting a new racket in hopes of magically acquiring Federer slice and touch. Which, funny enough, he acquired through practice, not by getting a new frame. Also, slice and touch dont make or break a player like serve and groundies do.
oh don't misunderstand me I'm not trying to compensate for practice with my wallet. Ever since I've been past the beginner phase I've always been better at slices and touch&feel naturally. I'm just bothered by how my PAVS has me feeling limited by gear in those departments. For example to get an acceptable slice by my -high for myself- standards is tougher to achieve with it, it is good for me that I slice less and get more groundstroke repetitions in. Even when I know I'm doing it right.
Most other racquets in my journey I have been able to hit pretty nasty slices and/or drop shots with. At the end of the day probably what I need is a dialed in string/weight/balance setup but I like to dabble with different frames for the fun of it and the two I mentioned are ones I have my eyes on for the moment. So I'd greatly appreciate if you could give me an idea of what those frames are like because time I spend here isn't replacing court/play time. Not seeking any shortcuts. :)
 

Donmikan

Rookie
oh don't misunderstand me I'm not trying to compensate for practice with my wallet. Ever since I've been past the beginner phase I've always been better at slices and touch&feel naturally. I'm just bothered by how my PAVS has me feeling limited by gear in those departments. For example to get an acceptable slice by my -high for myself- standards is tougher to achieve with it, it is good for me that I slice less and get more groundstroke repetitions in. Even when I know I'm doing it right.
Most other racquets in my journey I have been able to hit pretty nasty slices and/or drop shots with. At the end of the day probably what I need is a dialed in string/weight/balance setup but I like to dabble with different frames for the fun of it and the two I mentioned are ones I have my eyes on for the moment. So I'd greatly appreciate if you could give me an idea of what those frames are like because time I spend here isn't replacing court/play time. Not seeking any shortcuts. :)
Yeah, sorry if it was a bit harsh, i was also talking to myself a bit in that message :)

In my expirience, both touch and slices are better with higher twistweight. I have expirienced best touch with stock swingweight, VERY low balance.
I slice primarily on defense, usually as a chip return, and it is much better with high swingweight. Offensive slices could benefit from lower swingweight, though.
 

batikan

Rookie
Yeah, sorry if it was a bit harsh, i was also talking to myself a bit in that message :)

In my expirience, both touch and slices are better with higher twistweight. I have expirienced best touch with stock swingweight, VERY low balance.
I slice primarily on defense, usually as a chip return, and it is much better with high swingweight. Offensive slices could benefit from lower swingweight, though.
Happens to the best of us man, no worries. Plus it never hurts when people say I should play more often. :)
That TW corelation is interesting. Two guys I know that like high TW are Wawrinka and Djokovic but I haven’t seen either of them slice in a way they looked forward to it. Of course each example is their own but thanks to you now I’ll start paying attention to that.
I can somewhat understand how a lower balance help it all, and I’ve always liked a headl-light whippy spec as well. The more variety I can have in my shot selection the better.
 

batikan

Rookie
Been considering trying a Boom Pro? Can anyone help me understand if it's what I'm seeking? I'm pretty happy with my VS except slices and touch/feel shots. Also if anyone tried an Ultra Tour 95 I'd like to know about their experiences as well.
anyone??
 

Trip

Hall of Fame
I'm starting to wonder what would ideally be in between a 98 Spin frame (Aero VS, Vcore 98, Extreme Tour etc.) and a Pro Staff? I don't want to be required to hit all the topspin I can hit all the time. Although I do care about a high ceiling. Thinking of ditching shaped poly's for slicker round strings that'll still give me the ability to reach spin with better predictability. Not sure if that'd fix my problem with my PAVS or Vcore but I have my fingers crossed.
@batikan - Sounds to me like you'd benefit from a drill pattern with slightly more dense center mains, but still very consistent across the face, along with perhaps a bit more of a hybrid box beam, for better and more predictable behavior on flatter strikes and slicing. While the Boom Pro might be a nice step in that direction, mainly from the constant beam and hybrid box cross-section, the feel is going to be fairly rubbery, and there may still be more inconsistency in the upper string bed than you may be able to deal with. I think a better choice might actually be a Strike 100, probably the 16x19 (with a leather grip), rather than the 16x20, whose balance point is so low and swing weight high enough, that it tends to be more recoil weight than most players ultimately want in stock form (very limiting on customization). The Strike 100 16x19 will provide more raw touch, a bit higher lateral stability and ball quality when off-center between 9 and 3, at the cost of just a bit less predictable flex from the longer neck and variable-width beam. Compared to the PAVS, power will be similar, flat striking performance will be better, ease of penetrating slice will be slightly better, while ease-of-maneuvering and speed through the air will probably a bit more sluggish.

Another option might be the Wilson RF 01 300g (not the Pro - too heavy), with some hoop lead and handle counter-balance. Feedback is very early stage right now, though, so might want to wait to see what the take is on overall playability.
 

batikan

Rookie
@batikan - Sounds to me like you'd benefit from a drill pattern with slightly more dense center mains, but still very consistent across the face, along with perhaps a bit more of a hybrid box beam, for better and more predictable behavior on flatter strikes and slicing. While the Boom Pro might be a nice step in that direction, mainly from the constant beam and hybrid box cross-section, the feel is going to be fairly rubbery, and there may still be more inconsistency in the upper string bed than you may be able to deal with. I think a better choice might actually be a Strike 100, probably the 16x19 (with a leather grip), rather than the 16x20, whose balance point is so low and swing weight high enough, that it tends to be more recoil weight than most players ultimately want in stock form (very limiting on customization). The Strike 100 16x19 will provide more raw touch, a bit higher lateral stability and ball quality when off-center between 9 and 3, at the cost of just a bit less predictable flex from the longer neck and variable-width beam. Compared to the PAVS, power will be similar, flat striking performance will be better, ease of penetrating slice will be slightly better, while ease-of-maneuvering and speed through the air will probably a bit more sluggish.

Another option might be the Wilson RF 01 300g (not the Pro - too heavy), with some hoop lead and handle counter-balance. Feedback is very early stage right now, though, so might want to wait to see what the take is on overall playability.
Well I'm very much willing to get my hands on an RF 01. (Major Roger fan.) Hesitant to move up to a 100 head due to RHS concerns, also an 8-main throat which I've never *liked*. Shame that Booms (Especially heavier variations of any racket line.) are very unpopular so I haven't even seen one in person. If I can get those to work for me that might be it. I've seen some people call them a bit more controlled than an Aero VS, and that box beam might help with my slices to bring my game to right where I want it to be. I've been slicing less and less with my current setup and I miss the weapon it was for me.
 

gfwp

New User
OK, time to chime back in. First off, a read through @batikan's latest previous thread will help give context as well, especially the last page on his latest thoughts:
@batikan, try keeping all new posts from here forward in this thread, instead of making new ones; info will be easier to find and track over time, and if you want to bump the thread, just post an update.

After gathering all your thoughts, overall, my take is that you're gravitating towards semi-firm "pleeners" that at or under 320 stock swing weight, with a balance that's at least 4-5pts HL strung, if not 6pts or more, and finally a string bed that isn't too high in launch angle. The main issue is those qualities tend to be opposed. Add to that the other specs:
- Head Size: 97-99"
- Weight: <=320g stock unstrung
- Flex: medium-firm or more so (>= ~64RA)
- Beam: thin-ish, medium-thick as most (<24mm, ideally <23)
- Strung Balance: >=4pts HL, ideally >=6pts HL
- Strung Swing Weight: <320-ish
- String Pattern: tighter 16-mains pattern, or open 18x20
- Feel: Raw/unfiltered (versus muted/muffled)

Then you factor in your preferences, dislikes and what's actually available to you in Turkey:

Preferences:
- Launch: low
- Spin: high
- Stability: high
- Maneuverability: high

Dislikes:
- Any Head racquet (TK-82S just doesn't feel right)
- White colored racquets

Brands Available: really only the big four, plus maybe Dunlop

After all that, we're really splitting hairs on racquets.
- Babolat Pure Drive 98
- Dunlop CX 200 - customized
- Wilson Pro Staff 97 v13
- Wilson Pro Staff 97L v13 - customized
- Wilson Pro Sfaff 97L v14 - customized
- Wilson Pro Staff 97UL v14 - customized
- Wilson Shift 99 (if you can stomach the paint job)

Racquets I've left out:
- Babolat Pure Strike VS - probably going to be flexier than you want, otherwise would be worth a try
- Babolat Pure Aero 98 - too polarized, stock swing weight too high, going to be too sluggish for you, I'm just telling you now
- Solinco WhiteOut 18x20 - again, stock swing weight too high for you, plus too hard to source
- Yonex VCore 95 - not a consistent enough string bed down low. I think you should just trust me on that one, but try it for yourself and see
- Yonez EZone 98 - you already tried and didn't like multiple EZ98's
- Volkl V-Cell 10 320 - I would say try it, but Volkl is apparently tough to come by, so another one scratched

Looking at things as objectively as possible, why not try the new Pure Drive 98 if you can (maybe it will offer you something the previous one didn't). Also, despite your concerns over comfort, I think you need to try and get your hands on a Dunlop CX 200, and try it with a bit of lead at 9 & 3. And lastly, any/all Pro Staffs you can muster from the v13 line, or the "L" or "UL" from the v14 (the regular 97 v14 with its increased swing weight will be too much for you, I can almost guarantee it). Perhaps a spec'd up 97L/UL might do the trick for you, provided the beam doesn't feel too thick (23.5mm). And lastly, maybe the new Shift 99. Between all those, I'd hope you could find something.

Beyond that, there are potentially a few more options, but they're all brands that you're have to go a fair amount out of your way to get access to (Angell, Prince, etc.).

Worse comes to worse, just stick with your 2018 VCore 98 or PDVS and persist through the hardships by optimizing strings and customization as best you can.

Hope that helps again. Any further comments, feel free.
I'd give a try also to PS X
 

Trip

Hall of Fame
@batikan - Got it. Then I would probably shelve the Strike idea for now (also, IMHO the 98's will be too clubby and unwieldly for you) and go with the RF 01 300g, and expect to have to customize a bit (which IMHO is a good thing, as the low-ish spec will allow for some absorption of quality control variance, which is to be expected with Wilson).

As for the Boom Pro, why not give it a try. But do know that like all Auxetic 2.0 frames, it's going to be fairly muted and devoid of finer-grained feel, so I would put in the most crisp strings possible -- silver/gray poly's, nat gut, multifeel, micronite, syn guts with foil wraps (ex: Dynawire), etc. etc. That will help drive as much feel through to the handle as possible.

Will be interested to see your takeaway on both.
 

batikan

Rookie
@batikan - Got it. Then I would probably shelve the Strike idea for now (also, IMHO the 98's will be too clubby and unwieldly for you) and go with the RF 01 300g, and expect to have to customize a bit (which IMHO is a good thing, as the low-ish spec will allow for some absorption of quality control variance, which is to be expected with Wilson).

As for the Boom Pro, why not give it a try. But do know that like all Auxetic 2.0 frames, it's going to be fairly muted and devoid of finer-grained feel, so I would put in the most crisp strings possible -- silver/gray poly's, nat gut, multifeel, micronite, syn guts with foil wraps (ex: Dynawire), etc. etc. That will help drive as much feel through to the handle as possible.

Will be interested to see your takeaway on both.
More than willing to try both, I’d probably find a used Boom Pro in Auxetic 1 instead of the newer version. About the RF I’d have to sell some frames first, shame the local market is completely dead.
 

batikan

Rookie
Update: while trying to work out a trade deal I made a friend, who was nice enough to let me borrow his Auxetic Gravity MP for a while. Strung with Lynx Tour at low twenties range in kg's.
First Hour:
I could easily tell it had the Vcore 95 problem people mentioned about the lower hoop but in the way that it launched the ball up high at the wrong parts of the stringbed. Also it is an L2 which is too small for me, I had stability concerns (Used to L4 or built up L3's) on harder balls. I know most of those are from the grip size, it felt a little tinny feelwise; good pocketing but I felt like the RA was a little too low for me.
Second Hour:
Now that I had an idea about the frame, I immediately added 6 grams of lead right up at 12, and 4 grams under the trap door. It did feel a lot more solid, didn't have to swing out like a mad man to return or redirect fast balls. Spin potential also increased although I had to flatten my OHBH a little which is not the end of the world. Pretty sure it was a little too brush-up'y under the Aero VS's influence. I could see my balls dipping around where I wanted, served some crazy aces but had some consistency issues where it is more about me getting used to the head shape&the way is moves. Slices might be my favorite part with this frame, I could see so many angles and get pretty crafty whether it was returns or using them to ghost up to the net. Also the paintjob felt great to the touch, where it is a matte finish but not too chalky. On top of looking absolutely great.
Third Hour:
Will be tomorrow.

Thoughts:
I can see myself really playing with this, I'd build up the grip size and add a leather grip, then string it up with some Enso Pro, maybe O-Toro once they release monochrome colours (Yeah I'm that picky hahaha.) I'll keep experimenting with my Aero VS but ladies and gentlemen we have a contender. Especially knowing that they're going to release a Gravity 98 in Auxetic 2, can't wait to try one of those.
 

batikan

Rookie
Gravity MP Third Hour Update:
I believe I started to feel the grip size being too small more as the honeymoon period of the first 2 hours were over. From now on I don't think I can't provide any extra feedback without changing the string setup or building the grip size up. Compensating for the smaller grip had me squeezing the handle more than neccessary, leading to unstability and lower racket head speed, if the racket had like 65> RA I'd probably feel some discomfort. Also on the racket had a Yonex Super Grap on, easily made into my top 3 overgrips.
 

batikan

Rookie
Recently had the chance to try an Ezone DR100 strung up with Kirschbaum Max Power and a little bit like Extreme Tour's I couldn't exactly understand the racket's power curve. It was similar to what I felt with an Ezone 98 as well -obviously, same racket family-. Obviously the lower launch angle started to get me worried about hitting the net with my already SW grip which was an instant no. Maybe with much lower tensions it could work better, I don't think I'll be bothering to find out. Might try extending it for a Casper Ruud experiment, otherwise I think I'll let it go.

Tried a Strike 100 in 16x20 with a Hybrid of Velocity MLT and Lynx Tour (Can't remember which way), one of the most cumbersome rackets I've tried. Even for the slowest balls I feel like I'm late and the contact I make is somewhat influenced by the racket more than the ones I like. It is as if my slow balls are sped up a little and the faster ones are not the way I am used to them being because the frame changes my swing and I don't get the results I know I normally get with my results.

Tried an Artengo Control Tour 960 16x19 that was customized by my friend. Enso Pro at low twenties (kg) range. A few grams at 12 and once he added a leather grip it all came to life, I played great with that frame. Much better than the way it was before he changed the strings and added the leather grip. I'm pretty sure if I didn't have access to all the big brands I'd surely settle with a pair of those and call it a day.
 
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batikan

Rookie
Update: while trying to work out a trade deal I made a friend, who was nice enough to let me borrow his Auxetic Gravity MP for a while. Strung with Lynx Tour at low twenties range in kg's.
First Hour:
I could easily tell it had the Vcore 95 problem people mentioned about the lower hoop but in the way that it launched the ball up high at the wrong parts of the stringbed. Also it is an L2 which is too small for me, I had stability concerns (Used to L4 or built up L3's) on harder balls. I know most of those are from the grip size, it felt a little tinny feelwise; good pocketing but I felt like the RA was a little too low for me.
Second Hour:
Now that I had an idea about the frame, I immediately added 6 grams of lead right up at 12, and 4 grams under the trap door. It did feel a lot more solid, didn't have to swing out like a mad man to return or redirect fast balls. Spin potential also increased although I had to flatten my OHBH a little which is not the end of the world. Pretty sure it was a little too brush-up'y under the Aero VS's influence. I could see my balls dipping around where I wanted, served some crazy aces but had some consistency issues where it is more about me getting used to the head shape&the way is moves. Slices might be my favorite part with this frame, I could see so many angles and get pretty crafty whether it was returns or using them to ghost up to the net. Also the paintjob felt great to the touch, where it is a matte finish but not too chalky. On top of looking absolutely great.
Third Hour:
Will be tomorrow.

Thoughts:
I can see myself really playing with this, I'd build up the grip size and add a leather grip, then string it up with some Enso Pro, maybe O-Toro once they release monochrome colours (Yeah I'm that picky hahaha.) I'll keep experimenting with my Aero VS but ladies and gentlemen we have a contender. Especially knowing that they're going to release a Gravity 98 in Auxetic 2, can't wait to try one of those.
I acquired the Gravity MP from that friend and after building the size up with 1mm Balsa wood around the handle, I added a leather grip. Then an overgrip. Strung up with Enso Pro Gray at 24-22 kg's. Took the 4 grams off the trap door and added it back up at 12 o'clock. With this new setup I am getting great feel, good spin potential with shots that loop enough to dip in without having to play with max spin at all times. Luckily with all the extra weight slices are still as enjoyable and effective, on top of all that I'm managing great returns and starting to add variety to my serves. My friends tried the setup and were suggesting a bump in twist weight, which I don't feel the need for at all. With all the customizations I feel like this setup is faster through air than the Strike I mentioned up above.

I think my racket bag will be my Aero VS and Gravity for a while. I did add a leather grip on my VS as well but haven't been able to test that as I keep forgetting to get overgrips...

For future Demos and such, I'm sure I want to try the new RF 01, Gravity 98 once released and even if I don't like them I feel pretty confident with my current quiver.
 

Trip

Hall of Fame
Tried a Strike 100 in 16x20 with a Hybrid of Velocity MLT and Lynx Tour (Can't remember which way), one of the most cumbersome rackets I've tried. Even for the slowest balls I feel like I'm late and the contact I make is somewhat influenced by the racket more than the ones I like. It is as if my slow balls are sped up a little and the faster ones are not the way I am used to them being because the frame changes my swing and I don't get the results I know I normally get with my results.
Not entirely surprising. Per my previous post on an appropriate MGR/i and RW combo for you, you apparently seem to like racquets whose weight distribution is more even, recoil weight is medium-low for your height (6'3"), so probably in the 160's, as opposed to 173+, and also a higher MGR/i, which means more linear Federer-type mechanics, and less loopy Zverev-esque. Plus, you also like more firm flex. So on flex alone, the 100 16x20 was probably the wrong choice. But to add to that, chances are you encountered a Strike 100 16x20 that was over-spec on swing weight, and combined with its fairly low balance point, you were probably swinging a big RW, plus a low MGR/i, which wants to swing very loopy and late. And together, you've got the definition of "cumbersome", for sure. Then add in the flexiness of the frame, and it will be a mess for a player such as yourself (who likes firm, crisp, whippy, quick-striking frames). The only way an S100 16x20 might possibly be workable for you, is if you got one via matching service with an unstrung SW of probably no higher than 290, otherwise upper 280's. And those samples are definitely fewer in number – the low-volume left end of the bell curve. Then, on top of that, you'd have to put either thin full-bed poly in it, or a hybrid, to keep face weight down. So, unfortunately, probably not the best choice for you. Sorry to have mislead you if my suggestion played a big part in you trying the frame.
 

batikan

Rookie
Not entirely surprising. Per my previous post on an appropriate MGR/i and RW combo for you, you apparently seem to like racquets whose weight distribution is more even, recoil weight is medium-low for your height (6'3"), so probably in the 160's, as opposed to 173+, and also a higher MGR/i, which means more linear Federer-type mechanics, and less loopy Zverev-esque. Plus, you also like more firm flex. So on flex alone, the 100 16x20 was probably the wrong choice. But to add to that, chances are you encountered a Strike 100 16x20 that was over-spec on swing weight, and combined with its fairly low balance point, you were probably swinging a big RW, plus a low MGR/i, which wants to swing very loopy and late. And together, you've got the definition of "cumbersome", for sure. Then add in the flexiness of the frame, and it will be a mess for a player such as yourself (who likes firm, crisp, whippy, quick-striking frames). The only way an S100 16x20 might possibly be workable for you, is if you got one via matching service with an unstrung SW of probably no higher than 290, otherwise upper 280's. And those samples are definitely fewer in number – the low-volume left end of the bell curve. Then, on top of that, you'd have to put either thin full-bed poly in it, or a hybrid, to keep face weight down. So, unfortunately, probably not the best choice for you. Sorry to have mislead you if my suggestion played a big part in you trying the frame.
Oh it wasn't you misleading at all, no worries. The friend I got the Gravity MP from was using it and was surprised how I couldn't play with it. We had a few sessions together. Since he was into gaming I tried to explain it like a two-handed battle axe and I was more of a dual blade user, hahaha. Not you Wilson Blade. It was a casual 5 minutes of experience I had with it which was more than enough. I was talking non-stop to my friend about high MGR/i after trying his Artengo Control Tour. I want to see how my Aero VS works with a setup like that and I'll have a much better idea of what I'm happy with. I thought I was a low MGR/i player after all with my over the head follow through Nadal-on-a-budget forehands phase but as I started to prioritize consistency and predictability those took a step back.
 
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