Multiple Racquets - Same or Different Models?

[Jason_Pierce]

To give folks a bit of background, I consider myself a newcomer to tennis at 33 . Although I played a bit of recreational tennis in my teens and a year of varsity tennis in high school (which was merely a function of how little interest there was in the team, not a reflection of my skill), I never fully appreciated the game back then. This summer, my wife and I messed around with her parents' racquets on a whim, and we immediately caught a bad case of tennis obsession and found an awesome coach a few days later.

After demoing about 12 racquets in my first month, I ultimately fell in love with the GXT Prestige Pro and purchased one. Not to be overly dramatic, but it feels like the racquet chose me. I immediately felt more natural and confident on every stroke, which translated into rapid improvement. I'd consider myself much better than the average 2.5 player, but probably not at the 3.0 level yet (primarily because of my inconsistent serve). I'm at the point now where I want to buy 1-2 backup racquets, but I don't know whether I should commit to the Prestige or try something else. Part of my hesitation in just picking up a couple additional Prestiges is that I feel that I might not have exhausted my search for the perfect racquet (e.g., I demoed mostly "power" racquets like the Pure Aero, Pure Drive, Burn etc. before trying the Prestige), and I also think my ability to discern racquet strengths/weakness is far better than it was when I purchased my first racquet. I actually just ordered another set of four demo racquets, which I'm waiting to receive because some aren't in stock: (1) the Pure Strike 16x19; (2) the RF97 Autograph; (3) the EZONE DR 98; and (4) the VCORE Duel G 97 (330g).

My question is this -- if I like one of the new demos, should I buy a pair of that racquets or just stick with my Prestige? Do you think it's better to purchase multiple racquets that are the same model (for consistency) or different models (for variety)? What did you do when you started adding to your bag?

Sorry for the long tangent -- I just wanted to provide context to my question.

 

[styksnstryngs]

Of course, it's human nature to want to experiment and keep searching. That's half the fun. But I told myself that I'd stick with the same setup and play with it until it became part of my arm, and then until they broke. Sure, you might find a racquet that seems slightly better during the honeymoon period, but there will be tradeoffs no matter what, so is it really worth it to change racquets when you're just about to know your prestige really well? I'd stay with it and learn it really well, it'll make you a better player through work and practice and not a racquet.

 

[heninfan99]

You're doing an extensive search. Def. buy two of whichever is your favorite.
I have broken a string in a match and had to use a much lighter backup. Not a good thing.

 

[Jason_Pierce]

styksnstryngs: Thanks for that perspective. I agree that it's a great sport for those who (like me) often indulge in "gear obsession," but it does seem to make sense to spend more time developing before adding a bunch of variables to the equation. On the other hand, if I want to make sure that the "grass isn't greener" with respect to other racquets, doesn't it make sense for me to try a couple different models that are similar in certain respects to the Prestige before I get fully accustomed to the racquet? For instance, it seems that many folks with more experience than I have consider the Prestige to lack power. If I dial in my strokes on a relatively powerless racquet, will that negatively impact my development?

heninfan99: That's helpful advice as well. It seems that the consensus so far is that consistency is more important than variety with respect to racquets. That makes sense considering that consistency is one of the most important aspects of a player's game.

 

[styksnstryngs]

styksnstryngs: Thanks for that perspective. I agree that it's a great sport for those who (like me) often indulge in "gear obsession," but it does seem to make sense to spend more time developing before adding a bunch of variables to the equation. On the other hand, if I want to make sure that the "grass isn't greener" with respect to other racquets, doesn't it make sense for me to try a couple different models that are similar in certain respects to the Prestige before I get fully accustomed to the racquet? For instance, it seems that many folks with more experience than I have consider the Prestige to lack power. If I dial in my strokes on a relatively powerless racquet, will that negatively impact my development?

heninfan99: That's helpful advice as well. It seems that the consensus so far is that consistency is more important than variety with respect to racquets. That makes sense considering that consistency is one of the most important aspects of a player's game.

You said that the prestige feels good for you right now, right? If you're actively looking for something with more power, then maybe try a stiffer frame- at the cost of comfort and feel, as well as some control. I'm not disputing that there may be a better racquet for you... but if it takes a year to find it, aren't you better off having kept the prestige as your racquet and improving with it? Trust me, the difference between the RF or the Duel G and the Prestige may seem huge, but it takes a day to adjust between them- after that, nothing happens. The only thing I would be wary of is a 2.5-3.0 using such a heavy racquet. I have a D1 friend who switched from the DR98 to the Prestige Pro, win state, then went back to the DR because he felt it wasn't worth the extra weight, which caused some issues with his arm/shoulder. He told me he regretted switching racquets because he had been happy with the DR98s anyways, and the honeymoon period with the prestige pros disappeared quickly.

 

[CosmosMpower]

Same

 

[Turbo-87]

That's great that you found tennis. I didn't play regularly until I was 40 (now 45) and I am at the point where I know I should have started MUCH younger. Oh well.

If I were you, I would just play with the racquet you have for a while and let your skills develop more. You'll start to figure out what kind of player you will be and then you can let curiosity get the best of you like it did for me. That's when you can demo racquets again. Curiosity about new models always gets me and I can say that the longest I have stuck with a particular one is two years. My progression was Prince O3 Hornet->Babolat Pure Drive 2012->Head Microgel Radical MP->Prince Textreme Tour 100T->Wilson RF97A. Yeah, kind of an expensive track for a thin tennis resume but I had the disposable income and it was fun. There are far worse ways I could have spent that money and I did get a couple of them used.

 

[Jason_Pierce]

You said that the prestige feels good for you right now, right? If you're actively looking for something with more power, then maybe try a stiffer frame- at the cost of comfort and feel, as well as some control. I'm not disputing that there may be a better racquet for you... but if it takes a year to find it, aren't you better off having kept the prestige as your racquet and improving with it? Trust me, the difference between the RF or the Duel G and the Prestige may seem huge, but it takes a day to adjust between them- after that, nothing happens. The only thing I would be wary of is a 2.5-3.0 using such a heavy racquet. I have a D1 friend who switched from the DR98 to the Prestige Pro, win state, then went back to the DR because he felt it wasn't worth the extra weight, which caused some issues with his arm/shoulder. He told me he regretted switching racquets because he had been happy with the DR98s anyways, and the honeymoon period with the prestige pros disappeared quickly.

Good point. Since I've already ordered the demos, I'll give them a spin and keep an open mind. However, if I'm not particularly moved by any of the racquets, I'll just move on and buy a duplicate Prestige Pro and spend more time swinging racquets than studying them!

I appreciate all the helpful advice from everyone. Unfortunately, I don't have many tennis friends to geek out with, so it's nice to get some perspective from other players with more experience. Thanks!

 

[styksnstryngs]

Good point. Since I've already ordered the demos, I'll give them a spin and keep an open mind. However, if I'm not particularly moved by any of the racquets, I'll just move on and buy a duplicate Prestige Pro and spend more time swinging racquets than studying them!

I appreciate all the helpful advice from everyone. Unfortunately, I don't have many tennis friends to geek out with, so it's nice to get some perspective from other players with more experience. Thanks!

I'm the biggest tennis gearhead I know.

 

[Jason_Pierce]

That's great that you found tennis. I didn't play regularly until I was 40 (now 45) and I am at the point where I know I should have started MUCH younger. Oh well.

If I were you, I would just play with the racquet you have for a while and let your skills develop more. You'll start to figure out what kind of player you will be and then you can let curiosity get the best of you like it did for me. That's when you can demo racquets again. Curiosity about new models always gets me and I can say that the longest I have stuck with a particular one is two years. My progression was Prince O3 Hornet->Babolat Pure Drive 2012->Head Microgel Radical MP->Prince Textreme Tour 100T->Wilson RF97A. Yeah, kind of an expensive track for a thin tennis resume but I had the disposable income and it was fun. There are far worse ways I could have spent that money and I did get a couple of them used.

Tennis is definitely a sport you can love at any age, and at any age you feel like you should have started earlier!

 

[Moonarse]

Racketaholicizing is like cocaine. It is not gonna help your tennis journey at all, but damn, it feels sweet!

 

[styksnstryngs]

Tennis is definitely a sport you can love at any age, and at any age you feel like you should have started earlier!

True that. I started summer before freshman year, and I wish now, in my junior year, that I had played earlier.

 

[CopolyX]

Sure is nice to have a few back frames but that is based on your needs and how much you play. But if you want to have more, it is your money.
Has for other frames, as your game and level progresses someday a racquet change maybe there.
But my 2 cents that you seem to past a beginner and in the intermittent zone.
Better money, time and effort would be spent on lessons.
If on the side, you want to demo and mess around with other racquets, go for it.
But don't be blinded by specs and power.
Keep that same open mind and has you stated, which I have also.....let the racquet pick you.
Just don't have the mindset that you can instantly buy a better game.
Stick to having fun, focused, lessons, practice and patients .. and it will come...

 

[frinton]

If you found a racket you like, stick to it, maybe get a 2nd one as a back up. If you enjoy it, keep testing other rackets. I started collecting rackets a few years back and most of my collection are vintage rackets and I have fun trying various different ones every now and then. Sometimes it helps to “recalibrate” my strokes to switch to something totally different for a training session and then switch back to my go-to stick and start “feeling” it again. Don’t overdo the fooling around, put in enough time with your main frame (giggles for IT-Tennis nerds)


...fail better!

 

[whorng]

Buy a used racquet of the one you are using now.
Improve your game to 3.5 - 4, then demo some more.

I also did not appreciate tennis through high school and didn't make the team.
Was probably a 2.5 at that point.
4 months ago at the age of 31, I picked up tennis again.
With the help of youtube now I have a decent kick serve, slice, and a very inconsistent, but powerful flat serve.
Full swings on my 2HBH and FH.
Self rated solid 3.5.
Unfortunately my knees and upper arm are not totally happy with me.

 

[mhkeuns]

I would not advise you to get more rackets right now. Your needs will definitely change once you get higher up on the ratings. Then, you can demo as you wish since you will have more knowledge on your game, as well as the rackets.

 

[hanjulian]

I think you should demo more racquets given the chance instead of just going out there and doing a racquet shopping spree. Like you i started my tennis quite recently too. I started tennis when i was 31 years old, used to play badminton, had been watching tennis since 2012 but never got into the game. Top Spin 4 was the only thing tennis drill that i did. Once i started tennis in 2015 i was like TOTALLY IN LOVE with it...so obsessed...i would try to hit with the coach 3 hrs a day 4 times a week for a few months then i sprained my ankle (yea i blame the whole aging process...it took me a few months to really recover, damn it...i wish i was still 21 years old)

I started to play with 2014 Pure Strike 100 (sick paintjob hence the purchase) after a while i started to look for other racquets, around this time i tried my friend's NCode Prostaff 90. I totally loved how it feels on sweetspot. Then i went out and bought the 2014 Prostaff 90. Played with it for a few months and thought i should try a more forgiving racquet. ( my lowly skills was not up there to wield this STAFF) Then i tried Youtek IG Prestige Mid, it felt pretty similar to Prostaff but more forgiving. 19mm beam vs 17.5mm. Played with the Mid for a while before i decided again...i needed more power and pop in my shots...so i went to shop for more racquets. In the end i got Head Graphene Radical Pro, initially loved the easy power but after some time i miss the FEEL of the MID racquets and the Radical Pro started to hurt my elbow and wrist so i retired it. (In the middle i did try some racquets like Six One 95S, Pro Staff 95S, Prestige Rev Pro, none of them felt right)

This time i went back to my 2014 Prostaff, i was shocked to find how much easier it is to play with it now after experimenting with a few racquets. Everything just feels right...like i have just found that 1 PERFECT partner !!!. Of course i still fooled around, i found a 1995 Pro Tour 630 cos i was so curious about this so called Holy Grail of the traditional player's racquet. Yes it has more power than the Prostaff 90 but there is something missing from it...i can not explain it...but i still went back to my beloved Pro Staff 90 in the end.

So my suggestion, play some more...try to improve your ratings, then after some time it will come naturally as what you really seek in a racquet. All the best to you and good luck in finding your perfect racquet, most importantly HAVE FUN while doing it !!!

greeting from fellow late but better than never avid tennis fan

 

[Dark_Angel85]

Sure is nice to have a few back frames but that is based on your needs and how much you play. But if you want to have more, it is your money.
Has for other frames, as your game and level progresses someday a racquet change maybe there.
But my 2 cents that you seem to past a beginner and in the intermittent zone.
Better money, time and effort would be spent on lessons.
If on the side, you want to demo and mess around with other racquets, go for it.
But don't be blinded by specs and power.
Keep that same open mind and has you stated, which I have also.....let the racquet pick you.
Just don't have the mindset that you can instantly buy a better game.
Stick to having fun, focused, lessons, practice and patients .. and it will come...

This is very sound advice. As you are in this stage, check back your needs for a backup racquet. if you're not a string breaker, it really is better to invest in other things like what this person has said. But no harm as well buying multiple racquets if money is no issue just to see which one you want, but sticking to one which you REALLY seem to like right now is just as good cause eventually that's what you want. 1 racquet that suits you well and then when you do become a string breaker later, buy 1-2 spare of the same specs/setup

I always advice against switching racquets that could be TOO different or setups that are TOO different. you don't want to be constantly 'getting used to' racquets.

 

[Jason_Pierce]

Lots of good advice on this thread. Thanks all! I haven't broken a string yet, but I'd like to have a back-up racquet just in case I start breaking strings or need a spare stick while my workhorse is getting restrung. It seems that most of the stringing shops around me have limited hours, which can be a hassle because my hours at work are crazy and unpredictable. In any event, I think the overwhelming message is clear: focus on getting out there and hitting more balls, and don't get hung up with racquet envy.

Hope all of you have some great points out there this week!

 

[Dark_Angel85]

Lots of good advice on this thread. Thanks all! I haven't broken a string yet, but I'd like to have a back-up racquet just in case I start breaking strings or need a spare stick while my workhorse is getting restrung. It seems that most of the stringing shops around me have limited hours, which can be a hassle because my hours at work are crazy and unpredictable. In any event, I think the overwhelming message is clear: focus on getting out there and hitting more balls, and don't get hung up with racquet envy.

Hope all of you have some great points out there this week!

Yes, @Jason_Pierce, everyone is circumstantially different tennis-wise, and since your situation somehow requires you to have a backup due to stringer related issues, no harm there~.

In fact, who doesn't like to have more racquets here? Some WAY more than others. hahahahha

 

[fuzz nation]

Lots of good advice on this thread. Thanks all! I haven't broken a string yet, but I'd like to have a back-up racquet just in case I start breaking strings or need a spare stick while my workhorse is getting restrung. It seems that most of the stringing shops around me have limited hours, which can be a hassle because my hours at work are crazy and unpredictable. In any event, I think the overwhelming message is clear: focus on getting out there and hitting more balls, and don't get hung up with racquet envy.

Hope all of you have some great points out there this week!

If it's a really big inconvenience to have to wait for a restringing, get a second racquet. Maybe you can snag a good deal in the classifieds here or elsewhere - I'm not a fan of the price tags on most of the new frames out there these days. A little patience should eventually land you a good deal on a nice used backup.

I teach, coach high school teams, and also play some on my own. I keep two different racquets in my bag. I LOVE both of them and they have enough of their own personalities that they nicely complement each other. One is much better for slugging at top speed with stronger kids, playing heavy singles, or occasional doubles settings. The other model is usually much better for teaching/feeding, working out at more moderate speeds with intermediate players, and is lethal for almost every sort of doubles match I play.

With these two frames in my bag, all my bases are covered. It's also rather easy for me to switch off between them because they're the same brand - the grip shapes are very similar. I've also tuned these racquets with lead tape and they have balances that are almost exactly the same. Even if you get two different frames from different companies and they have different grip shapes, you might find it easier to switch off if they're balances are rather close to each other.

Conventional wisdom usually calls for having a pair of the same racquet if we get any extras for ourselves and that's not unreasonable advice. But I look at this as more of a guideline than gospel. Sometimes having a different frame in the bag can be great on those "off" days when I'm just not clicking with the first one I grab. The switch can sort of jolt my tennis senses to life a little bit. If you like different racquets, then you'll be more happy to get out there and use them - a good thing!!

 

[Imago]

It's so simple - do not buy new rackets until you became a stable 3.5 and know for sure what you need.