looking for racquet suggestions

[GrandPixel]

I am looking for a racquet for myself and one for a friend. I would like for them to be from the same line. I am an advanced intermediate player, and my friend is beginning intermediate but wants a racquet to grow into.

One question: Generally speaking, should a typical racquet for a man of normal strength be somewhat heavier than a typical racquet for a woman of normal strength. For instance, men should be around 11-12 oz and women 10-11 oz. I know balance and swing weight are factors also. Not much is said about this, but it would make sense. Any input on this?

I have done some racquet research and so far have a handful of options. I would really like some unbiased input from some experienced players who have hit with various racquets and can give me anything to help me decide. My selections based on spec:

Babolat Aero Storm Cortex
98 sq. in. / 27 in. / 11.1 oz / 4 HL / 325 swing / 65 stiff / 21/19 beam / low power / fast swing / 16/20 strings / 50-62 lbs
Babolat Aero Storm Tour Cortex
98 sq. in. / 27 in. / 12.1 oz / 6 HL / 340 swing / 66 stiff / 21/19 beam / low power / fast swing / 16/20 strings / 52-62 lbs

Babolat Pure Storm GT
98 sq. in. / 27 in. / 11.0 oz / 1 HL / 327 swing / 63 stiff / 21 beam / low power / fast swing / 16/20 strings / 55-65 lbs
Babolat Pure Storm Tour GT
98 sq. in. / 27 in. / 12.1 oz / 6 HL / 333 swing / 64 stiff / 21 beam / low power / fast swing / 16/20 strings / 50-62 lbs

Dunlop Aerogel 4D 300
98 sq. in. / 27 in. / 10.9 oz / 3 HL / 320 swing / 60 stiff / 21 beam / low-med power / fast swing / 16/19 strings / 55-65 lbs
Dunlop Aerogel 4D 300 Tour
98 sq. in. / 27 in. / 11.3 oz / 5 HL / 318 swing / 63 stiff / 20 beam / low-med power / fast swing / 18/20 strings / 55-65 lbs

Dunlop Aerogel 4D 500
100 sq. in. / 27 in. / 10.2 oz / 1.2 HL / 300 swing / 66 stiff / 23/25/23 beam / low-med power / fast swing / 16/18 strings / 55-65 lbs
Dunlop Aerogel 4D 500 Tour
100 sq. in. / 27 in. / 11.3 oz / 2 HL / 325 swing / 71 stiff / 23/25/23 beam / low-med power / fast swing / 16/18 strings / 55-65 lbs

Head Youtek Speed Elite
100 sq. in. / 27 in. / 10.7 oz / 2 HL / 315 swing / 65 stiff / 22 beam / low-med power / med-fast swing / 16/19 strings / 52-62 lbs
Head Youtek Speed 16x19
98 sq. in. / 27.2 in. / 11.8 oz / 7.8 HL / 322 swing / 63 stiff / 20 beam / low power / fast swing / 16/19 strings / 52-62 lbs

Wilson K Factor KSurge
100 sq. in. / 27 in. / 10.3 oz / 1 HL / 301 swing / 68 stiff / 23/25/22 beam / med power / med-fast swing / 16/19 strings / 53-63 lbs
Wilson K Factor KBlade 98
98 sq. in. / 27 in. / 11.1 oz / 3 HL / 325 swing / 67 stiff / 20 beam / low power / fast swing / 18/20 strings / 50-60 lbs

Not all of these are available for demo, for instance the Aero Storm racquets. I think there is a place to demo locally but I'd like to order from **************. Also if you noticed I am looking at sale racquets and are likely not 2011 models.

 

[whomad15]

I'd like to order from Tennis Warehouse

Fixed

many babolats can kill your arm if you have poor technique.
Honestly Volkl/Yonex/PK make some of the friendliest frames out there.

 

[PandaKing]

If you dont order from tennis warehouse. Than some may have a problem. But, Volkl PB10. Much better than most $150+ rackets I've used.

 

[GrandPixel]

I don't know where I got **************. I meant Tennis Warehouse of course. The PB10 midplus and light for my friend may be an option.

 

[tennis-kid]

Fixed

many babolats can kill your arm if you have poor technique.
Honestly Volkl/Yonex/PK make some of the friendliest frames out there.

I agree. Volkl/PK kinetic/ Prince are the most arm friendly so far. I am not sure about Yonex though. I had one before and it was not so arm friendly. It maybe was improved nowadays.

 

[vndesu]

if u want a deal on the 4d 300s shoot me a email

 

[hunter121]

Thanks guys.

 

[GrandPixel]

Any other input on this? I have seen pb10 spoken a lot in the forums. I'd love to hear some more opinions.

 

[ATP100]

Best bet, demo a lot of racquet's.
Also, use the heaviest you can handle, a lot easier on the arm.

Try this site: http://racquetresearch.com/

 

[PandaKing]

Personally, when I bought my head flexpoint when it was whopping 200 X_X! (what a mess) it had amazing feel etc. But, too heavy to swing like a bullet. Grabbed the PB10 without demoing. At first it seemed like their was almost no feel. Until you continue playing and aiming for the sweet spot. Its like heaven you feel it and watch as your opponent crumbles. Feels like this racket should be priced higher but isn't. Or you can train to hit a smaller frame like the PS 6.0 85 coming out !!!!

 

[The Djoker]

Personally, when I bought my head flexpoint when it was whopping 200 X_X! (what a mess) it had amazing feel etc. But, too heavy to swing like a bullet. Grabbed the PB10 without demoing. At first it seemed like their was almost no feel. Until you continue playing and aiming for the sweet spot. Its like heaven you feel it and watch as your opponent crumbles. Feels like this racket should be priced higher but isn't. Or you can train to hit a smaller frame like the PS 6.0 85 coming out !!!!

And by "coming out", don't you mean "that already came out, sold out, and went away"?:shock:

 

[PandaKing]

It was abused like a little kids panda doll. Still got it with ALU Power 16L/Head (something) but has a ton of chips and such Great racket, but I wasn't up to the level and had some problems with it.