My bi-annual racquet demo...

[Murrayalmagrofan]

My semi-annual racquet demo... (aka the 6 month itch!)

Much to my wife's chagrin, I go through this process every 6 months. I currently play with 3 Slazenger Pro Braided racquets that have been weighted to 12.0oz and adjusted to 6pts HL (weight inside the handle and lead tape at 9 and 3 o'clock). I play with full bed Solinco Tour Bite 16g @ 50lbs.

I'm an all-court 4.5 player with a one-handed backhand, big serve, and an all-court game. So I've typically preferred playing with mid to mid-plus sized racquets (nothing bigger than a 98sq in head).

The list of racquets I'm demoing this time around are as follows (all racquets ordered from TW with a poly string set-up):

Babolat Pure Storm Ltd GT
Head YOUTEK IG Prestige Pro
Tecnifibre TFight 325 VO2 Max
Wilson BLX Pro Staff Six.One 90

I'll post my thoughts once these racquets have come in and I've had a chance to hit with them and compare them to my beloved Slazengers.

 

[gino]

Interested about your thoughts on the prestige pro. I have a one hander also and a similar playing style

 

[Murrayalmagrofan]

Interested about your thoughts on the prestige pro. I have a one hander also and a similar playing style

That racquet has really peaked my interest as well as the Tecnifibre. Looking forward to getting out there and crushing some balls with these sticks hopefully by this weekend.

Even if I don't switch racquets I like to do a demo playtest every 6 months or so, to make sure no newer racquets on the market are better suited to my game.

 

[SFrazeur]

Why the demo? What do not not like about your current sticks?

-SF

 

[richsox]

Much to my wife's chagrin, I go through this process every 6 months. I currently play with 3 Slazenger Pro Braided racquets that have been weighted to 12.0oz and adjusted to 6pts HL (weight inside the handle and lead tape at 9 and 3 o'clock). I play with full bed Solinco Tour Bite 16g @ 50lbs.

I'm an all-court 4.5 player with a one-handed backhand, big serve, and an all-court game. So I've typically preferred playing with mid to mid-plus sized racquets (nothing bigger than a 98sq in head).

The list of racquets I'm demoing this time around are as follows (all racquets ordered from TW with a poly string set-up):

Babolat Pure Storm Ltd GT
Head YOUTEK IG Prestige Pro
Tecnifibre TFight 325 VO2 Max
Wilson BLX Pro Staff Six.One 90

I'll post my thoughts once these racquets have come in and I've had a chance to hit with them and compare them to my beloved Slazengers.

Looking forward to your feedback on the Technifibre most of all. I've been a Pure Drive User for over 10 years, and recently had the pleasure of using a TFight 305 and it was simply Love at first Hit!

 

[Murrayalmagrofan]

Why the demo? What do not not like about your current sticks?

-SF

Should have put this in post #1, but it appeared at the end of post #3:

Even if I don't switch racquets I like to do a demo playtest every 6 months or so, to make sure no newer racquets on the market are better suited to my game.

 

[Murrayalmagrofan]

Looking forward to your feedback on the Technifibre most of all. I've been a Pure Drive User for over 10 years, and recently had the pleasure of using a TFight 305 and it was simply Love at first Hit!

Over the last 3-4 months I've heard great things about the Tecnifibre line of racquets by people who've tried them. I'm very keen to try this one out!!!!

 

[2ManyAces]

the prestige pro is hefty. it hits a super crisp ball. my coach plays with it. good control, power on tap, I liked it except for the weight. it's a monster

 

[Murrayalmagrofan]

the prestige pro is hefty. it hits a super crisp ball. my coach plays with it. good control, power on tap, I liked it except for the weight. it's a monster

While the static weight of the Prestige Pro is 12.2oz, TW lists its swingweight as 321. The swingweight of my current Slazenger Pro Braided is listed at 330.

I'll see how my arm feels after a good hit with the racquet...

 

[Murrayalmagrofan]

Racquets scheduled to arrive Friday afternoon. Might be able to get out for a hit Friday evening. If so, will post my initial impressions tomorrow night....

 

[Murrayalmagrofan]

Initial playtest thoughts...

I had a solid hit with the racquets tonight for a little over 2 hours. I started with my Slazenger pro braided, and once my strokes were warmed up, I went in the following order:

Head Youtek IG Prestige Pro
Wilson BLX Pro Staff Six.One 90
Babolat Pure Storm Ltd GT
Tecnifibre TFight 325 VO2 Max

I played with each racquet for ~20 minutes - hitting groundstrokes, volleys, overheads and serves.

Head Youtek IG Prestige Pro
This racquet had a very solid but dull feel. Decent access to spin and power on groundstrokes. Slice shots were solid as expected with most racquets in the prestige line. Racquet head felt a little 'slow' when maneuvering for volleys at the net. Overheads and serves were solid. Overall, a decent racquet.

Initial Grade = 7.5/10


Wilson BLX Pro Staff Six.One 90
On paper, this racquet has one of the biggest sweet spots in my group of playtest racquets - however, on court, the sweetspot felt small. I couldn't get much pace on my forehands and backhands. Slice shots were amazing. Volleys were decent. Overheads and serves were so-so. I felt like lost a little pace on my serves from the heavy static weight of this beast. Plus the racquet is so head light, that I would want to add a some lead tape at 12 o'clock. I also feel like a different string set-up would benefit this racquet greatly. Overall, it left me feeling luke-warm.

Initial Grade = 7/10


Babolat Pure Storm Ltd GT
This racquet was a pleasant surprise. I have pretty long strokes and can generate my own power, so despite the small sweetspot, I felt like I could really whip the racquet head and hit the ball with a ton of pace. Off center shots or defensive shots you might hit when pushed back deep behind the baseline, felt absolutely anemic with this racquet. I feel like Babolat has a winner on their hands if they just gave it a more open string pattern. However, this frame was by far the most accurate and precise stick that I hit with all night. Slice shots were amazing. I felt access to spin was decent despite the 18x20 string pattern. Volleys were sublime as the head could easily be maneuvered into position. Serves and overheads were decent but not spectacular. I felt like I lost at least 5mph on my serves (compared to my Slazenger). If I went with this racquet, I'd need to add some lead tape to the head (@ 9 and 3 o'clock + 12 o'clock).

Initial Grade = 8/10


Tecnifibre TFight 325 VO2 Max
First off, this was the best serving racquet I played with all night. My tennis coach (an ex-touring pro) has mentioned that my first serve is regularly in the 120-125mph range. I felt like I was serving at least 5 mph more with this racquet. At the net, I found this racquet easy to knock off solid volleys with. I made some of my best stab volleys all year with this frame. Overheads were the best of the group. At the baseline, I had a little trouble generating topspin on my backhand side. However, as I played with the racquet more and more, I felt like I was starting to figure it out. A few people cautioned me that this racquet could be tricky to 'whip' due to it's higher swingweight, but I found it easy to maneuver with my wrist. Slice shots were very, very good. This was the only frame I hit with all night that made me feel like I could hit clean winners from the baseline on a consistent basis.

Initial Grade = 8.5/10


Once I had tried all four frames, I got my hitting partner (a stronger 4.5-5.0 player like myself) to play 3 super tiebreaks against me.

In the first, I played with the Babolat and lost 10-8. I felt like my serves and groundstrokes were a little weak, and while I had great precision on my shots, I just couldn't put the ball away as easily as I would have wanted.

In the second super tiebreak, I switched to the Tecnifibre. I won 10-7. I easily won 90% of my service points. I also served and volleyed quite successfully with this frame on a few points (including a second serve). I did spray a few groundstrokes beyond the baseline by 1-2 feet, but I was able to punish ANY short ball I got.

In the third, I decided to stick with the Tecnifibre. My hitting partner said he was going to go all out, as he hated losing. I won again 10-7. I had several service winners (2 were almost aces), and 2 really good return of serves for clean winners. Everything he threw at me I could handle with this stick.

 

[El Diablo]

To avoid confusion, you may want to describe your racquet hunt as semiannual, which always means every six months. Bi-annual can be used to describe something that occurs every two years or every six months, an unfortunate conundrum.

 

[SFrazeur]

To avoid confusion, you may want to describe your racquet hunt as semiannual, which always means every six months. Bi-annual can be used to describe something that occurs every two years or every six months, an unfortunate conundrum.

How about calling it "The 6 Month Itch."

-SF

 

[Murrayalmagrofan]

To avoid confusion, you may want to describe your racquet hunt as semiannual, which always means every six months. Bi-annual can be used to describe something that occurs every two years or every six months, an unfortunate conundrum.

I'll see if I can edit the title.

How about calling it "The 6 Month Itch."

-SF

Ha ha. I like the sound of that!

 

[Murrayalmagrofan]

Round 2...

Went out to hit with the racquets for another 2 hours this morning with a different hitting partner (4.0-4.5 player with heavy groundstrokes and a big serve).

We started off by playing some mini tennis in the service box area and I switched between all four racquets. The Prestige Pro was again very dull and lacking in any kind of feel. It was hard to have any kind of touch with the ball. The Pro Staff 90 came alive and felt very responsive. Off center shots still felt very weak. The Pure Storm Ltd GT really shined at mini tennis. Feel and control were both exceptional. The TFight 325 performed quite well. Feel was good as well as placement and I actually performed the best at mini-tennis with this stick. My hitting partner said he felt the slices I hit with this frame skidded more when they hit the court.

I then rotated through all four racquets as we rallied from the baseline. The Prestige Pro had solid power and depth, but the dullness didn't give me a lot of confidence when trying to place the ball. The Pro Staff was solid and top spin and slice were decent, but unless the ball found the sweetspot, my shots were no deeper than the service line. The Pure Storm Ltd GT was nice and whippy on topspin shots. Placement was again this racquet's strong point. I still enjoy hitting with this frame. The TFight 325 again stole the show. My hitting partner said my rally shots went up another 5-10mph with this stick. Placement and power were easy to come by, and plow-through on my 1HBH and slice backhand was great. I could easily take anything he dished out and re-direct it.

We then decided to play a some games in the 1/2 hour we had left. I typically beat this guy 6-3 whenever we play a set. Today I was leading 6-0, 3-0 when we quit.

All in all, I'm thoroughly enjoying my demo of the TFight 325...

 

[crazyups]

Went out to hit with the racquets for another 2 hours this morning with a different hitting partner (4.0-4.5 player with heavy groundstrokes and a big serve).

We started off by playing some mini tennis in the service box area and I switched between all four racquets. The Prestige Pro was again very dull and lacking in any kind of feel. It was hard to have any kind of touch with the ball. The Pro Staff 90 came alive and felt very responsive. Off center shots still felt very weak. The Pure Storm Ltd GT really shined at mini tennis. Feel and control were both exceptional. The TFight 325 performed quite well. Feel was good as well as placement and I actually performed the best at mini-tennis with this stick. My hitting partner said he felt the slices I hit with this frame skidded more when they hit the court.

I then rotated through all four racquets as we rallied from the baseline. The Prestige Pro had solid power and depth, but the dullness didn't give me a lot of confidence when trying to place the ball. The Pro Staff was solid and top spin and slice were decent, but unless the ball found the sweetspot, my shots were no deeper than the service line. The Pure Storm Ltd GT was nice and whippy on topspin shots. Placement was again this racquet's strong point. I still enjoy hitting with this frame. The TFight 325 again stole the show. My hitting partner said my rally shots went up another 5-10mph with this stick. Placement and power were easy to come by, and plow-through on my 1HBH and slice backhand was great. I could easily take anything he dished out and re-direct it.

We then decided to play a some games in the 1/2 hour we had left. I typically beat this guy 6-3 whenever we play a set. Today I was leading 6-0, 3-0 when we quit.

All in all, I'm thoroughly enjoying my demo of the TFight 325...

So will you stick to the slazengers or are you considering the tfight? I am asking because I use the slazenger but have been eyeing the tfight. I might go for a test if the sweetspot is longer. Is the head of the tfight bigger than the slaz?

 

[Murrayalmagrofan]

So will you stick to the slazengers or are you considering the tfight? I am asking because I use the slazenger but have been eyeing the tfight. I might go for a test if the sweetspot is longer. Is the head of the tfight bigger than the slaz?

Short answer: Not sure.

Long answer: I need to test the TFight 325 some more. I need to see how my body holds up to swinging a 12.2 oz racquet in a long 3 set match. Tecnifibre lists the racquet being best suited to someone with a baseline game (I have a developing all-court game). I also wonder how this racquet will play with my usual Solinco Tour Bite 16g string. I'll probably order another batch of demos after this playtest - thinking about getting the TFight 325 (again), TFight 320 and maybe the Solinco Pro 10.

TWU lists the TFight 325 as having a similar sweetspot area as the Slaz pro braided. However, the TFight has more plow-through than the Slaz (which is better for baseline groundstrokes). Back in March/April I did my previous playtest. The TFight 325 almost plays like a 2012 Pure Drive Roddick with a smaller, more maneuverable head.

Regarding your headsize question - both racquets are listed at 95 sq in. TWU has the spin window tool and at the mid-point of the head (21"), both racquets have an identical 5.79" spin window. However, if you go up from that point and compare the spin window at the 22" and 23" points, the TFight has a bigger spin window. It seems like the Slaz is narrower up top than the TFight. I tend to hit many shots during the course of a match in the upper part of my racquet (especially when I'm on the run), and I found that I had fewer mishits with the TFight 325 than I've been having with my Slaz.

 

[crazyups]

Short answer: Not sure.

Long answer: I need to test the TFight 325 some more. I need to see how my body holds up to swinging a 12.2 oz racquet in a long 3 set match. Tecnifibre lists the racquet being best suited to someone with a baseline game (I have a developing all-court game). I also wonder how this racquet will play with my usual Solinco Tour Bite 16g string. I'll probably order another batch of demos after this playtest - thinking about getting the TFight 325 (again), TFight 320 and maybe the Solinco Pro 10.

TWU lists the TFight 325 as having a similar sweetspot area as the Slaz pro braided. However, the TFight has more plow-through than the Slaz (which is better for baseline groundstrokes). Back in March/April I did my previous playtest. The TFight 325 almost plays like a 2012 Pure Drive Roddick with a smaller, more maneuverable head.

Regarding your headsize question - both racquets are listed at 95 sq in. TWU has the spin window tool and at the mid-point of the head (21"), both racquets have an identical 5.79" spin window. However, if you go up from that point and compare the spin window at the 22" and 23" points, the TFight has a bigger spin window. It seems like the Slaz is narrower up top than the TFight. I tend to hit many shots during the course of a match in the upper part of my racquet (especially when I'm on the run), and I found that I had fewer mishits with the TFight 325 than I've been having with my Slaz.

Thanks for the info. The problem with the pro braided is that the quality control is not that good. On my second one I had to add more than twice as much lead to the head to make it feel the same. If I were to get a third one I would just order the heaviest one they have. The tfight is too head light so I would get a bigger gripsize and put one overgrip on it which would decrease the weight and make it more similar the the slaz. One good thing for me about the tfight is that it looks like it has a more uniform string spacing where as the slaz is very dense in the middle. Keep us posted.

 

[Bartelby]

Biannual does mean twice a year.

Biennial means every second year.

I think some dictionaries may have decided that the word biannual is used for both and as they're descriptive and not prescriptive in nature they have changed the definition.

Where I come from the distinction is still pretty clear and I had no confusion as to what you meant.

 

[Murrayalmagrofan]

Thanks for the info. The problem with the pro braided is that the quality control is not that good. On my second one I had to add more than twice as much lead to the head to make it feel the same. If I were to get a third one I would just order the heaviest one they have. The tfight is too head light so I would get a bigger gripsize and put one overgrip on it which would decrease the weight and make it more similar the the slaz. One good thing for me about the tfight is that it looks like it has a more uniform string spacing where as the slaz is very dense in the middle. Keep us posted.

Agreed. The balance and weight of two of my Slazs were quite close, but the third was significantly off. However, at their price, I'm not complaining.

The TFight 325 is truly a solid stick, however, your typical recreational player wouldn't be able to swing a racquet with this swingweight very effectively. For the typical Pro Braided user, I have a hunch that the TFight 320 would be the more natural racquet to switch to. I would demo both racquets if you're considering making a switch.

I'll definitely keep sharing my thoughts.

 

[richsox]

I'm following this demo session very closely, as right now I am strongly considering a move from a 2012 PD (been using PD's for over 10 years) to the TFights (although I am not sure if it will be the 320 or 305). I'd be very interested in your views on the Tfight 320 and 305.

I somehow feel that I have moved on from using the PD (which when I started 10 years ago playing tennis with a PD Team) I was very much a still a novice

I play 4 times a week (am in mid-40's), prefer singles, and probably a 3.5 in U.S. speak (in the UK we have a different rating system, and I'm a 7.2 LTA rating). My primary weapon is my serve - fairly pacey 1st, and 2nd decent kicker. I camp out at the baseline a lot.

I feel ready to move to a Pure Drive-esq type of power racket to maintain my serve weapons, but I seriously need a more consistent ground stroke game (single backhand, Eastern Forehand).

I tested a Tfight 305 and beat a level 4.0 type player who normally pushes me aorund, and I just loved the feel/control of the TFight 305 (am now waiting for a demo to arrive)

I'm wondering if the 320 would be even better for me than the 305?

Many thanks

 

[Bartelby]

The 320 has a very, very wide 16/19 pattern so that may not suit.

 

[Murrayalmagrofan]

I'd be very interested in your views on the Tfight 320 and 305.

I won't be demoing the 305. With a strung weight of 11.3oz, it's far too light for my game. However, if a stronger 3.5/4.0 baseline player asked me for a Tecnifibre racquet to demo, I would probably recommend the 305.

When I play against 4.5 & 5.0 players, I need a racquet with some serious weight and plow-through. That's where the Pro Braided was starting to fail me...but the TFight 325 shines.

The 320 has a very, very wide 16/19 pattern so that may not suit.

Agreed. The TFight 320 has a very open 16/19 pattern and has a bigger sweetspot than the TFight 325. Control will be compromised with this stick...

 

[richsox]

You mentioned the Pro Braid. Is this not found on the 320 and the 325?

Also - is the 320 vastly different from the 325? Do you know which is the powerful serving stick?

I note that the 325 has a RA of 68 vs the 320 at 66

 

[Murrayalmagrofan]

You mentioned the Pro Braid. Is this not found on the 320 and the 325?

'Pro Braid' refers to my current stick the Slazenger Pro Braided.

Also - is the 320 vastly different from the 325? Do you know which is the powerful serving stick?

I need to demo both to know for sure. However, from comments I've read about both sticks, the extra mass of the 325 gives advanced players extra pop on their serves.

P.S. You may be in luck with me trying the 305. When I order my second group of demos, if I can't find a suitable 4th stick to add to my demo box, I'll add the 305.

 

[richsox]

'Pro Braid' refers to my current stick the Slazenger Pro Braided.

I need to demo both to know for sure. However, from comments I've read about both sticks, the extra mass of the 325 gives advanced players extra pop on their serves.

P.S. You may be in luck with me trying the 305. When I order my second group of demos, if I can't find a suitable 4th stick to add to my demo box, I'll add the 305.

I would welcome that as I will be demoing the 305 for 2 weeks starting this Thursday,and would be great to compare findings, although I appreciate we are 2 different players at different levels with differing playing styles no doubt.

 

[crazyups]

I won't be demoing the 305. With a strung weight of 11.3oz, it's far too light for my game. However, if a stronger 3.5/4.0 baseline player asked me for a Tecnifibre racquet to demo, I would probably recommend the 305.

When I play against 4.5 & 5.0 players, I need a racquet with some serious weight and plow-through. That's where the Pro Braided was starting to fail me...but the TFight 325 shines.

Agreed. The TFight 320 has a very open 16/19 pattern and has a bigger sweetspot than the TFight 325. Control will be compromised with this stick...

Can't you lead up the pro braided for weight and plow-through?

 

[Murrayalmagrofan]

I would welcome that as I will be demoing the 305 for 2 weeks starting this Thursday,and would be great to compare findings, although I appreciate we are 2 different players at different levels with differing playing styles no doubt.

Okay, I'll see what my final decision ends up being. I'll probably order the second round of demos within the next day or so (while the first set is still in my possession). I want to see how good Tecnifibre's quality control is when I try a second TFight 325.

Can't you lead up the pro braided for weight and plow-through?

Maybe, but it would take a lot of trial and error to get the weight and balance just right.

 

[Murrayalmagrofan]

I have my first set of demos until Thursday. Second set were ordered this evening and will ship out tomorrow.

They include:

Tecnifibre TFight 325 VO2 Max
Tecnifibre TFight 320 VO2 Max
Tecnifibre TFight 305 VO2 Max
Solinco Pro 10 Mid+

Looks like you're in luck richsox!

 

[richsox]

I have my first set of demos until Thursday. Second set were ordered this evening and will ship out tomorrow.

They include:

Tecnifibre TFight 325 VO2 Max
Tecnifibre TFight 320 VO2 Max
Tecnifibre TFight 305 VO2 Max
Solinco Pro 10 Mid+

Looks like you're in luck richsox!

Perfect

Thanks Murray!

 

[Torres]

Babolat Pure Storm Ltd GT
This racquet was a pleasant surprise. I have pretty long strokes and can generate my own power, so despite the small sweetspot, I felt like I could really whip the racquet head and hit the ball with a ton of pace. Off center shots or defensive shots you might hit when pushed back deep behind the baseline, felt absolutely anemic with this racquet. I feel like Babolat has a winner on their hands if they just gave it a more open string pattern. However, this frame was by far the most accurate and precise stick that I hit with all night. Slice shots were amazing. I felt access to spin was decent despite the 18x20 string pattern. Volleys were sublime as the head could easily be maneuvered into position. Serves and overheads were decent but not spectacular. I felt like I lost at least 5mph on my serves (compared to my Slazenger). If I went with this racquet, I'd need to add some lead tape to the head (@ 9 and 3 o'clock + 12 o'clock).

Initial Grade = 8/10

I don't particularly like the Pure Storm but there are a heck of alot of errors / inaccuracies in your comments.

 

[Murrayalmagrofan]

Perfect

Thanks Murray!

TW has a max of 4 demos per customer. So I will not get my 2nd group of demo racquets until I return the first batch. However, I will still post my feedback when I get them in. Might not be until sometime late next week.

I don't particularly like the Pure Storm but there are a heck of alot of errors / inaccuracies in your comments.

I re-read my comments and I don't see anything erroneous/inaccurate that I wrote. If you have a different experience with the racquet, by all means start your own thread and share them.

 

[DevilDog]

Biannual does mean twice a year.

Biennial means every second year.

I think some dictionaries may have decided that the word biannual is used for both and as they're descriptive and not prescriptive in nature they have changed the definition.

Where I come from the distinction is still pretty clear and I had no confusion as to what you meant.

Its good to know that Martians use the same word for Biannual.

 

[Murrayalmagrofan]

Playtest has come to an end...

All,

It looks like my playtest has come to an end. I rolled my right ankle pretty badly. I've decided to go ahead an purchase one Tecnifibre TFight 325 V02 Max and once I'm back on the courts in a few weeks, I'll probably order another 2-3.

Sorry that I wasn't able to test the TFight 305 richsox.

 

[richsox]

All,

It looks like my playtest has come to an end. I rolled my right ankle pretty badly. I've decided to go ahead an purchase one Tecnifibre TFight 325 V02 Max and once I'm back on the courts in a few weeks, I'll probably order another 2-3.

Sorry that I wasn't able to test the TFight 305 richsox.

Sorry to hear about your injury Murray - that's a definite ouch factor for you (I once had a bit of an ankle roll, enough to scare me for good away from using Nike Vapor's - the Fed shoe, and I now only use K-Swiss defier RS's--I know they're chunky and heavy, but they are very stable and "fingers crossed" they stay that way for me!)

My time demo-ing the T305 is very Love-hate right now. I've been here many times, and seems when I first pick a stick up, I play like Tennis Robocop, and just play so unhibited. My 2nd test play with the T305, was not entirely as joyous as my first outing....

Compared to my PD, it is less forgiving, and I felt it played more stiff sometimes, but other times not. I've got another 7 days with it, and this weekend will play my usual grudge match with it aganist my No.1 buddy/competitor rival

I plan on adding the PD Roddick (again) and the Pure Storm Tour to my demo-ing, and will decide in 3 weeks which racket I go to...

Best wishes to you for a speedy recovery......

 

[Murrayalmagrofan]

Thanks. I'm sure I'll be better in 2 weeks or so.

I can understand the feeling you describe. If the strings in the demo racquet are fresh, they could loosen up a bit as you play with it more (a couple of service games loosens up new strings for me). Btw, that's a good additional group of racquets you selected there. Should find something great among those racquets.

 

[crazyups]

Sorry to hear about the ankle roll. I use McDavid ankle braces, the lightweight black ones. In fact I have never rolled an ankle using braces the last 25 years or so playing basketball or tennis. But a few years ago I rolled one really badly when I wasn't wearing them.
I see you put your slazengers up for sale. Are you sure it's not premature? They are super solid once they are customized. Plus they feel and look great. Be careful of the honeymoon period. That being said, maybe the tfights could outperform them for me. Or maybe the donnay pro one 16X19. BLX95 is getting a bit small headsize wise for me. Good luck.

 

[Murrayalmagrofan]

Sorry to hear about the ankle roll. I use McDavid ankle braces, the lightweight black ones. In fact I have never rolled an ankle using braces the last 25 years or so playing basketball or tennis. But a few years ago I rolled one really badly when I wasn't wearing them.
I see you put your slazengers up for sale. Are you sure it's not premature? They are super solid once they are customized. Plus they feel and look great. Be careful of the honeymoon period. That being said, maybe the tfights could outperform them for me. Or maybe the donnay pro one 16X19. BLX95 is getting a bit small headsize wise for me. Good luck.

Thanks. I've picked up an ankle brace and will probably always wear one from now on when I play on clay.

Regarding the "honeymoon period" - I had a chance to let my coach try the racquets and he also recommended that I switch to the TFight 325. The Slazenger Pro Braided is a great racquet for a serve-n-volleyer, but for an all-court player who gets to the net once, maybe twice a game, it needs more plow-through to deal with those heavy paced baseline rallies.

I feel my game has evolved to a point where the Slazenger was starting to become deficient. This is the reason why I do a 6 month playtest... :mrgreen:

 

[2ManyAces]

I should really do something like this!