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:
Hello everyone. I just became a member though I've been reading huge chunks of the forum already to dig up info I've failed to find anywhere else. I'm looking for a new racket. About me: I’m a 26 year old male, returned to playing tennis and have been playing actively (At least 2-3 times a week...
tt.tennis-warehouse.com
@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.