I am playing mostly doubles these days due to aging legs. Since I'm volleying more and hitting less from the baseline I need to go from my 11.5 ounce racket to a lighter, maneuverable stick. I need recommendations for something around 9 oz, head size at least 100" with decent pop. What should I demo?
Maneuverable Racket for Mainly Doubles
- Thread starter overgrip
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redbirdone
New User
I had the exact same thought as you earlier this year and switched from a Ksix.one 95 to a Head Microgel Radical MP...ground strokes and spin are a little less powerful but my net play improved dramatically. The radical is only a 98sq in head though...
D
Deleted member 60695
Guest
FAR too dramatic of a change. A 9 ounce racquet will not have the stability you need for doubles, especially if you CAN wield an 11.5 ounce racquet.
My reco would be to try a roughly 10.8-11.2 ounce racquet with lesser swingweight and a headlight balance, something that has the stability for volleying but is mobile. One of the Yonex racquets or Dunlop racquets may fit the bill.
My reco would be to try a roughly 10.8-11.2 ounce racquet with lesser swingweight and a headlight balance, something that has the stability for volleying but is mobile. One of the Yonex racquets or Dunlop racquets may fit the bill.
chollyred
Rookie
I went pretty much the same way. I moved from an old Dunlop to a Head Radical Tour, then to a MG Radical OS, and finally to a Prince O3 Red.
I like the comfort and forgiveness of the MG Radical OS, but the low power hurt me on those quick stab or reflex volleys. The O3 Red gave me more power on those shots. It's 10.6 ounces strung and quite a bit stiffer than the Radical. So far, I've not had any arm issues with the stiffness.
I like the comfort and forgiveness of the MG Radical OS, but the low power hurt me on those quick stab or reflex volleys. The O3 Red gave me more power on those shots. It's 10.6 ounces strung and quite a bit stiffer than the Radical. So far, I've not had any arm issues with the stiffness.
fuzz nation
G.O.A.T.
It would be really helpful to know what that 11.5 oz. frame actually is. I agree with li0scc0 in that the transition you claim to be looking at is indeed a drastic one. If you haven't done much in terms of comparison, you may find that an alternative that's only a few tenths of an ounce lighter than your current frame may be lightning quick for you, especially if it's slightly more head-light in balance.
A 9 oz. racquet will probably have a less pop than your 11.5 oz. gear, even if it has more stiffness. Volleys are typically much more dependent upon a racquet's stability compared with ground strokes, which are driven much more by racquet swing speed. With "enough" heft to stand up to the ball, reasonable stiffness to enhance its pop, and enough head-light balance to furnish a comfortable degree of maneuverability, a good doubles racquet probably won't need to be feather-light to get the job done.
If all you need is some more maneuverability in the racquet you have now, you could also consider adding a little weight to its handle to increase its HL balance. My frames are 12.5 oz., but with lead on their handles, they balance at 10 points HL. They're heavy enough to be stable for me at the net, but also maneuver easier for me than some lighter frames I've tried that had a few points less HL balance.
At 62, I had your journey.
Went from 12 oz Dunlop200's to 10 oz 500's, but the ACTUAL SW of the 500 is more than it's advertised "308". 200 SW is about 340.
After a full year of using only the lighter racket, I spent 4 tries of 3 days each try using the old 200. Don't need more than 3 day trial because I hit OK right from the first hit with the 200's.
Conclusion?
I'll stick with the 500 for doubles up to 4.5, and all singles. I'm maybe 4.0.
For ambitous wishing, I could dream of using my 200's against 4.0+ doubles and singles guys, especially if they are hard hitters.
I hit better with the 200's.
I PLAY better with the 500's, by far.
And no, I never swing the same with both rackets, there IS a need for compensation going from one to another.
Went from 12 oz Dunlop200's to 10 oz 500's, but the ACTUAL SW of the 500 is more than it's advertised "308". 200 SW is about 340.
After a full year of using only the lighter racket, I spent 4 tries of 3 days each try using the old 200. Don't need more than 3 day trial because I hit OK right from the first hit with the 200's.
Conclusion?
I'll stick with the 500 for doubles up to 4.5, and all singles. I'm maybe 4.0.
For ambitous wishing, I could dream of using my 200's against 4.0+ doubles and singles guys, especially if they are hard hitters.
I hit better with the 200's.
I PLAY better with the 500's, by far.
And no, I never swing the same with both rackets, there IS a need for compensation going from one to another.
Captain Tezuka
Rookie
Hm a lighter racquet? Try the Yonex VCORE 100 S, Head Microgel Radical MP or the Wilson BLX Pro Open.
-Tezuka
-Tezuka
Chyeaah
Professional
^ Sorry. Pro Open. Not for doubles.
The V-Core 100S is pretty sweet on volleys, big sweetspot and very maneuverable and on par with the Puredrives at the baseline. You can create cool angles with the spin.
The Pro Open is more of a baseline basher racquet.
Captain Tezuka
Rookie
Hm well ok but I'm sure some people use it as a doubles stick. I doubt people will have two stick one for singles one for doubles but you never know. Hm yeah Lopez = Baseline Basher!
-Tezuka
Maneuverable Racket
Thank you all for the suggestions. One of you asked what I am currently using; Dunlop 300 Aerogel (98) and switching off with 500 Tour (100). Also trying Pro kennex Kinetic (100) a bit heavier and longer, but none of these are what I want. I will try to demo some of the sticks your guys mentioned.
Thank you all for the suggestions. One of you asked what I am currently using; Dunlop 300 Aerogel (98) and switching off with 500 Tour (100). Also trying Pro kennex Kinetic (100) a bit heavier and longer, but none of these are what I want. I will try to demo some of the sticks your guys mentioned.
fuzz nation
G.O.A.T.
Cool. It's not hard to check the balance of any racquet yourself by simply balancing it on the edge of a counter-top. If you keep track of the differences in balance points among your different demos, you may have a bit of a revelation.
Yes, a racquet can be too head-light, especially if it isn't too hefty overall. In that case, it will likely feel rather twitchy and unpredictable - at least it does for me like that. Much of a frame's maneuverability comes from the "right" balance for you. If you get a chance to compare let's say a 5-6 pt. HL racquet with another that's maybe 9 pts. HL, their handling should feel significantly different (assuming static weights are similar). The one with more HL balance should be quicker under fire, up at the net, etc., but the less HL frame may feel more stable and solid for ground strokes.
Yes, a racquet can be too head-light, especially if it isn't too hefty overall. In that case, it will likely feel rather twitchy and unpredictable - at least it does for me like that. Much of a frame's maneuverability comes from the "right" balance for you. If you get a chance to compare let's say a 5-6 pt. HL racquet with another that's maybe 9 pts. HL, their handling should feel significantly different (assuming static weights are similar). The one with more HL balance should be quicker under fire, up at the net, etc., but the less HL frame may feel more stable and solid for ground strokes.
mikeler
Moderator
moonballer1
New User
Definitely demo the Prince O3. I have the Blue Edition and love it. Plenty of power available, along with spin. Stability can be an issue from the baseline at times. If you're going to be playing doubles, you should be alright though.
BHStennis09
New User
Babolat Pure Storm Team
SteveI
Legend
Did you share your rating, swing speed/length and playing style in this thread? That might help with some of the feedback you are getting.
A 9 oz frame is really.......light. 10.5 is about as low as I can go. The Wilson BLX Pro Lite is a new frame about that weight with overgrip and vibration dampener (102 Head Size). Think TW just dropped it from their line up.. but others are still selling it. I enjoyed playing with it..
Steve
My mistake Ki 15 is 10.2 ounces stock, a little heavier than you are looking for.
