Low power beginners racquet?

[Not Dave]

Hi all. I’ve got a Head Prestige PWR and whil I like some aspects of it, it feels too powerful and I can’t take much of a swing. I dont want to sacrifice head size as I am not that skilful and head size and the head not twisting on off centre shots and volleys is nice. I have used two other racquets “Volkl organic v1 pro” and “Head speed graphene youtek 315g 100sq 18x20” and am much less consistent with those.
is there a racket similar to the head that is less powerful and possibly a little heavier and approx 107 to 119 sq inch head.

 

[gbgTennis]

If going to a little smaller headsize would be an option for you, I've recently played with what I consider to be the best beginner/intermediate racquet I've ever played with.
Pacific X Fast Lite is the lighter version of the Pacific X Fast Pro and a somewhat powerful, still controlled racquet at around 290 grams.
What's special about however, is that it's extremely soft for a racquet of it's type, at 63 RA. So it's got a much better feel than most game improvement racquets, and will also not be quite as powerful.

 

[Lorenn]

Hi all. I’ve got a Head Prestige PWR and whil I like some aspects of it, it feels too powerful and I can’t take much of a swing. I dont want to sacrifice head size as I am not that skilful and head size and the head not twisting on off centre shots and volleys is nice. I have used two other racquets “Volkl organic v1 pro” and “Head speed graphene youtek 315g 100sq 18x20” and am much less consistent with those.
is there a racket similar to the head that is less powerful and possibly a little heavier and approx 107 to 119 sq inch head.

The issue the more power generated by the racquet the harder it is to develop your own strokes and power. So it is a balancing act. Without knowing your age, health and goals it is difficult to recommend. I will assume you are healthy and are serious. My suggestion would be to switch to a 100 inch frame and rebuild your confidence. The other question is should you go from a high powered racquet to one that is medium or medium low. You could also restring your existing racquet with low power strings or higher tension. I find the secret to high power racquets is not to add muscle and allow gravity and the racquet to do all the work. If I had to guess your main issue with the other racquets was likely timing related...not headsize.

~100 inch racquets for developing players
Head Speed MP
Head Instinct MP
Prince Textreme Tour 100T
Prince Beast 98 O3

Larger Racquets to consider
Head Microgel Radical OS
Prince Warrior 107
Prince Original Graphite 107
Prince O3 Legacy 110

Tons more to recommend but a reasonable short list. The only thing to consider is O3 racquets tend to be a little muted which can be a good or bad thing depending on the player.

 

[Dartagnan64]

The new Prince Phantom 107G might be an answer. Just bought one myself and it's got a generous head size but is low powered comfy frame. Lower SW than most Phantoms but still heftier than a light beginner's frame. It's more powerful than the average Phantom so it will offer some free power.

The POG 107 is beefy and might be a bit too heavy (especially the version on sale at TW). But it would otherwise be a solid choice. Head Microgel Radical OS is still on sale and is definitely a low powered frame. Might be almost too low powered.

 

[n8dawg6]

get a head gravity S and be done with it

 

[BumElbow]

I am also the owner of a Head Graphene XT Prestige PWR. It's very stiff and powerful; you won't get much spin or control or comfort with it. As I also like oversize frames, I have several Head Microgel Radical Oversize racquets. These are NOT for beginners or advanced beginners as the dense string pattern gives your shots a low trajectory over the net. I have to work very hard with this racquet and have been looking to replace it with something easier to play with that has only 16 main strings. Sadly, there are not a lot of player's oversize sticks on the market. Prince has just introduced a CTS Phantom 107G and this is probably your best bet. It's on my list to demo. It's a little over 11 ounces so it's not too light nor too heavy. And, it has a friendly RA/flex rating of 63. I cannot recommend the Price Oversize Graphite frame, it plays very stiff and is dated technology. You might also want to look at some frames in the 104-105 head size range. Good luck.

 

[Not Dave]

...Without knowing your age, health and goals it is difficult to recommend...

Hi Lorenn,
I played a little in my youth but was never much good but enjoyed playing. Now in my mid 40s, fit and healthy and after a 30 year gap have started back up. Also reasonably string so a heavier frame
I know im never going to be a good player. My local club has 4 teams and i think with practice over the next year or so i could get into the 3rd team but that is as far as i can see my standards improving!
Im a social player and while i know that for a younger player with some skill a 100inch frame is recommended, I think for my standard and aspirations a 107 allows more enjoyment. Maybe if i improve i could downsize but the two 100 rackets i have used have been frustrating for me, really showed up my inconsistency.

I may take a look at restringing my current racket and also browse **** for some of your suggestions. I quite like the sound of the POG 107, it seems like it may give me what i want. Only issue is that it seems to be quite desirable and not that cheap on ****.

If I had to guess your main issue with the other racquets was likely timing related...not headsize.

Timing ≡ Current Skill !

 

[Lorenn]

Timing ≡ Current Skill !

Always a balancing act, my theory was nicer racquets available in 100 size and that two weeks of frustration now would pay off later...still nothing wrong with getting a oversize racquet as you can use it later when you are helping someone with drills or if you want an easy day.(or to let someone new use)

Afffordable racquets.
Head TI S5 might work
Prince Warrior 107 has a nice price point.
Gravity S is a nice racquet as well.

My concern is mainly about when you start playing with heavy hitters...but then again you have to get there

 

[esgee48]

You can tame power with string and tension. Go up to 62# with Forten or Prince Nylon 15L. I would do this first before looking for a new frame. Either this or just learn to use your 100 in² frames.

 

[bleno567]

I think one of the OS princes or Microgel radical OS are the best bets, but you could also take a look at the Blade v7 104 or the SW Blade, especially if you don't mind or enjoy the extra length.

 

[whomad15]

the new prince phantom 107g would be an option as mentioned. It's oversized but lower powered (relative to most OS frames).
ProKennex Ki 15 (300) would be another, lighter than the 107g, heavier than your head graphene. ProKennex frames are super arm friendly, which is nice.

 

[Not Dave]

If going to a little smaller headsize would be an option for you, I've recently played with what I consider to be the best beginner/intermediate racquet I've ever played with.
Pacific X Fast Lite is the lighter version of the Pacific X Fast Pro and a somewhat powerful, still controlled racquet at around 290 grams.
What's special about however, is that it's extremely soft for a racquet of it's type, at 63 RA. So it's got a much better feel than most game improvement racquets, and will also not be quite as powerful.

Hi @gbgTennis , unfortunately that racket doesn't seem to be available here in the UK.

 

[Not Dave]

The new Prince Phantom 107G might be an answer. Just bought one myself and it's got a generous head size but is low powered comfy frame. Lower SW than most Phantoms but still heftier than a light beginner's frame. It's more powerful than the average Phantom so it will offer some free power.

The POG 107 is beefy and might be a bit too heavy (especially the version on sale at TW). But it would otherwise be a solid choice. Head Microgel Radical OS is still on sale and is definitely a low powered frame. Might be almost too low powered.

Thanks @Dartagnan64,
Is there an equivalent / similar older version of the Phantom 107G? Im trying to get my rackets used on **** while I'm trialling to save costs.
Ive added the Head Microgel Radical OS and POG 107 to my **** searches

 

[Lorenn]

Thanks @Dartagnan64,
Is there an equivalent / similar older version of the Phantom 107G? Im trying to get my rackets used on **** while I'm trialling to save costs.
Ive added the Head Microgel Radical OS and POG 107 to my **** searches

The sales on Tennis Warehouse EU looks tempting and I am quite jealous.

Head Gravity Pro 130 Euros(limited handle sizes)(~120 pounds)(155 US dollars)
Head Gravity MP 130 Euros
Head Gravity S 100 euros or about 90 pounds. (104 size head versus 107)

Not sure if that is pre VAT.

 

[Dartagnan64]

Thanks @Dartagnan64,
Is there an equivalent / similar older version of the Phantom 107G? Im trying to get my rackets used on **** while I'm trialling to save costs.
Ive added the Head Microgel Radical OS and POG 107 to my **** searches

The Phantom line is fairly new so not a lot of used stuff especially the G's that were just released this fall. The Old Microgel Radical OS would be the closest old school frame but it is very low powered for an OS . I also don't find it as plush as the Prince frames and I'm all about comfy rackets

The POG 107 is anything but a beginner frame IMO. Its got a beefier SW than an RF97 so you need some of your own power to get that thing moving. If you can swing it, it's a great frame but I'd consider it the advanced players OS.

I would say that at $200 the 107G is $50 cheaper than the Wilson Clash and it does everything a Clash does with better feel and stability. And better cosmetic. So there is money to be saved right there.

 

[Not Dave]

A few have mentioned the gravity s. It is currently outside my budget, but is there an older Head model that you would recommend that i can search the local ads for?

 

[Dartagnan64]

Microgel Radical OS.

 

[Turbo-87]

Microgel Radical OS.

I second this. It was a nice, inexpensive racquet that comfortably did everything I wanted it to. I never had any arm problems with it at all. I didn't like the OS model as much as the Mid Plus so you may want to try both. The OS just felt too big for me.

 

[BumElbow]

Microgel Radical OS.

I own several Microgel Radical OS. If you opt to go this route, I suggest you string it with a 17 gauge string for improved playability. I put a little lead tape at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions to improve stability and power. I don't get a lot of clearance above the net with it but it is very comfortable.

 

[Lorenn]

A few have mentioned the gravity s. It is currently outside my budget, but is there an older Head model that you would recommend that i can search the local ads for?

Old Radicals might be a great choice...Microgel, Liquid metal or Youtek.

Gravity S was mentioned because it was 90 pounds sterling, Gravity Mp 130 pounds sterling for a new racquet. That is an exceptional deal.

 

[Dartagnan64]

I own several Microgel Radical OS. If you opt to go this route, I suggest you string it with a 17 gauge string for improved playability. I put a little lead tape at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions to improve stability and power. I don't get a lot of clearance above the net with it but it is very comfortable.

Would agree with this thinner gauge strings will open up that string bed some and raise the launch angle. Too bad the OP is on a budget because I think the Phantom 107G really is the spiritual successor to the POG OS and Radical OS. Its got all that feel and comfort and stability of a players frame in an easier to swing package.

 

[Garro]

I used to use the Warrior 107 racquet and would probably advise against it because it just doesn't have much control at all, probably not much more than your Prestige PWR.

As others have mentioned, I would recommend the Gravity S or maybe the Prince Premier 105, slightly smaller head size but I doubt they would be much harder to use.

But if it does have to be >=107 inches head size try the Phantom 107G or maybe the Clash 108

Edit: Actually the Warrior 107 might be worth a shot because it's at a really good price now and I know of at least some higher level players who have liked it, even though I personally had a hard time controlling the ball with it.
Although it looks like it's not on the site anymore. The Head Graphene Touch Instinct Lite is another racquet that would fit the ball if you can find one, as it's an oversize racquet that's lowered powered than you'd expect given its spec.

 

[Simplicius]

.
Yonex EZone Rally is a VFM beginner's racquet if you live in Europe...
Low power, nice & soft feel and very forgiving!
It's a mix of graphite hoop and aluminium shaft if I rembember well.