Need a softer, more control racket

[itischanandlerbong]

I’m a NTRP 4.5 currently using a Pure Aero VS 2020. I’m experiencing some wrist and elbow pain, looking to switch to a softer racket with more control.

What I’ve tried so far:
- I’ve strung with many soft polys between 38-50lb range to see if I could make it work with the PAVS. Mild pain still persists
- I’ve played with Ezone 98 2022 for 3 months. That was much softer (even though the flex rating isn’t much better, and I understand many experienced pain with it too), so I don’t think I need a much softer racket, just one that isn’t a babolat. Pain went away. Issue I had with ezone 98 was the lack of pinpoint control

I’d also prefer a slightly more control-oriented racket than the PAVS. I played with wilson six ones and pro staffs back in school (many years ago), looking for something with similar control but more forgiving given my age now.

I’m considering:
1. Wilson Blade v8 16x19
2. Yonex vCore 95

Any suggestions/opinions are welcome! Thank you.

 

[JOSHL]

I think the Ezone has more control than the frames you listed. The blade 18x20 would be better than the 16x19. I’d also recommend the Wilson Ultra Pro 18x20.

 

[LeftyMagic]

I’m a NTRP 4.5 currently using a Pure Aero VS 2020. I’m experiencing some wrist and elbow pain, looking to switch to a softer racket with more control.

What I’ve tried so far:
- I’ve strung with many soft polys between 38-50lb range to see if I could make it work with the PAVS. Mild pain still persists
- I’ve played with Ezone 98 2022 for 3 months. That was much softer (even though the flex rating isn’t much better, and I understand many experienced pain with it too), so I don’t think I need a much softer racket, just one that isn’t a babolat. Pain went away. Issue I had with ezone 98 was the lack of pinpoint control

I’d also prefer a slightly more control-oriented racket than the PAVS. I played with wilson six ones and pro staffs back in school (many years ago), looking for something with similar control but more forgiving given my age now.

I’m considering:
1. Wilson Blade v8 16x19
2. Yonex vCore 95

Any suggestions/opinions are welcome! Thank you.

i fell in love (for once) w the same frame as you, the VS, first time ever in life got wrist pain. dropped it went on a roller coaster of demos (21 vcore 95, head extreme tour…and so on) ended up w the v8 16x19 and was looking for the same control as you. (also tried the same ezone, liked the power but zero control). loved the v8 so much just got another 3 in the noir edition matched. nice soft frame that allows for basically any string type. Bonus experiment was the 18x20 v8 which hit a heavier ball but was less maneuverable and harder to serve w me for me. for the 16x19 i added 6g to the handle and 4g to the 3&9.

 

[eric42]

The '23 VC95 is a classic. Cuts through the air faster and has more spin than "traditional" control racquets like the Ultra Pro. Super stable and controlled soft feel, but it will be down on power and forgiveness compared to what you're used to, but I assume you'd expect that for the direction you're going. If you want to go old school control feel, the Ultra Pro is a no-nonsense classic feeling frame (requires some added weight), but IMO going from the string pattern of your PA VS to anything 18x20 will be a MAJOR adjustment in launch angle and some spin as well. I think you can get what you need while staying with 16x19. Other fairly soft frames on the market are the VCore Pro 97, Pure Strike VS, and Dunlop CX200, but IMO the PSVS and CX200 feel more hollow and flimsy than the Yonex and Ultra Pro frames mentioned.

 

[blue12]

Standard percept 310g is a control frame worth trying especially if u have arm issues. Its soft but still has feel!

 

[Deleted member 793875]

Blade v8 18x20 easy. Super soft. Maybe try the Head Speed Pro too, have found it to have a nice feel on the arm, but also gives you much more power than the Blade

 

[jimmy8]

Radical pro fits what you want except it might be heavy.

 

[Fintft]

Shift or even better, since I presume you can handle them, prostotcks: 293.1, 351.1 etc.

 

[heavyD]

LOL does anybody read anymore? OP specifically said "softer" citing elbow pain. Ezone and Shift are not soft frames.

 

[TennisCJC]

Personally, I would also try Volkl EVO C10 with a little lead in the head. I haven't demo-ed this one yet but I played Volkl 10 series customized for about 8-10 years and they are very good and super comfortable. It would need a little lead to bring SW up and open up the sweet zone.

 

[eric42]

Radical pro fits what you want except it might be heavy.

Is the current Auxetic significantly softer than the previous Graphene 360? I thought the Radical Pro 360+ was stiff as a board, very underpowered, but also easy enough to swing. It did have great stability and control feel, just way too stiff for my liking.

 

[TennisCJC]

I think the Volkl 10 series and the Wilson PS97 are 2 of the more control oriented rackets. Some say PS97 is stiff buy I find mine comfortable.

 

[SupahMan5000]

Is the current Auxetic significantly softer than the previous Graphene 360? I thought the Radical Pro 360+ was stiff as a board, very underpowered, but also easy enough to swing. It did have great stability and control feel, just way too stiff for my liking.

both Rads are stiffer than Ezone imo

 

[JOSHL]

LOL does anybody read anymore? OP specifically said "softer" citing elbow pain. Ezone and Shift are not soft frames.

I cited Ezone because op mentioned he used it so there’s familiarity there. Oh and op said it was much softer.

 

[kevin qmto]

Bosworth Tour 96.

 

[ohplease]

Ditch the poly, run anything but poly in the mains, or keep it and restring often.

Alternatively, find an 18x19/20 and string with full multi or syngut. If it were me I'd look at one of the white frames like the shift pro, whiteout 18x20, tfight 305, tour 100p, speed pro, strike 18x20, or precept 100d (which isn't white, but plays in the same space)

 

[jimmy8]

Is the current Auxetic significantly softer than the previous Graphene 360? I thought the Radical Pro 360+ was stiff as a board, very underpowered, but also easy enough to swing. It did have great stability and control feel, just way too stiff for my liking.

Graphene 360 from 2019 - extremely stiff

Graphene 360+ from 2021 - stiff

Auxetic - comfortable

 

[Cerdany]

Gravity Pro.

 

[Hawks9451]

I'd recommend demoing the racquets you stated interest in. Esp Blade v8 16x19. Finding out whether you like or dislike the Blade would give us a lot more to go on.

That said, Speed Pro.

 

[abhi_trip]

Try Gosen OGSM in a full bed at a higher tension (around 2.25kg or 5lbs) than what you string your poly at.
It's a relatively durable and comfortable string with good control.

 

[fuzz nation]

I’m a NTRP 4.5 currently using a Pure Aero VS 2020. I’m experiencing some wrist and elbow pain, looking to switch to a softer racket with more control.

What I’ve tried so far:
- I’ve strung with many soft polys between 38-50lb range to see if I could make it work with the PAVS. Mild pain still persists
- I’ve played with Ezone 98 2022 for 3 months. That was much softer (even though the flex rating isn’t much better, and I understand many experienced pain with it too), so I don’t think I need a much softer racket, just one that isn’t a babolat. Pain went away. Issue I had with ezone 98 was the lack of pinpoint control

I’d also prefer a slightly more control-oriented racket than the PAVS. I played with wilson six ones and pro staffs back in school (many years ago), looking for something with similar control but more forgiving given my age now.

I’m considering:
1. Wilson Blade v8 16x19
2. Yonex vCore 95

Any suggestions/opinions are welcome! Thank you.

I've been a long-time user of both the Volkl C10 and also their Organix 10 325g - both have weight added to their handles and the O10's also have a little on their hoops for a rather head-light layout in the neighborhood of 12.5 oz. I moved into these frames some years ago from the mighty Wilson 6.1 Classics when I trended away from a S&V style of play into more of an all-courter. The more flexible racquets helped me with comfort and control, especially around the baseline.

Now I'm in transition again and looking for something a little more lean than my old Volkls, but not what I'd consider to be a middleweight (11.0-11.3 oz.). I've worked since the spring with a pair of Dunlop CX-200 Tours with the 18x20 string pattern (strung with 17 ga. syn. gut). Mine have lead on the handles and weigh 11.9 oz. Nice frames that do pretty much exactly what I tell them to do and they deliver a nice helping of that soft racquet feel when I make good contact.

Then I pulled out a Prince Phantom 97 earlier this week that I picked up maybe last year just to try something different... I think it was on clearance at TW when I got it. I'm not sure exactly what I wasn't getting with the Dunlops, but whatever wasn't quite right for me with those is happening BIG TIME for me with the Phantom 97. Comfortably soft, stable through the ball, gobs of spin if I want that, all the power I can use if I want that, very potent around the net where I still do business whenever I can... I didn't exactly click with this frame when I first bought it, but now that I've dusted it off and used it three or four times, I can say I've found my new player and I'm getting at least one more as soon as I can get the TW gang on the phone. I'm happy with this frame strung with a snug bed of 16 ga. syn. gut - my favorite these days if from Kirschbaum.

Given where you're coming from, I'd say look into both the Dunlop CX-200 Tour and the Phantom 97. Maybe even try for a demo. I know that if I wanted to try anything from Yonex, the VCore 95 would be my first stop, so maybe our racquet preferences are not terribly different.

 

[Crocodile]

Yes soft and controllable
1. C10
2. Angell K7 Lime
3. The blades and ultra pro
4. Pacific X Tour 97
5. Prestige is soft enough
6. PK Q Tour 315 or black ace 97 tour
7. Prince Phantoms - all of them
8. Prince ATS tour 95 snd 98
9. TF 40 315 and 304
10. Diadem Elevate MP
12. Heysil 98
13. Tenex X Calibre
14. Yonex Percept - take your pick
15. Dunlop CX Tour 18/20 - can’t go wrong really
16. Artengo Cintrol Tour - is a very good racquet - great feel - recommended

 

[miki]

V-core 98

 

[ChocoLab]

Dunlop CX Tour is very soft and comfortable. Maybe even the "regular" CX over the Tour if you don't want to lose too much power or move from 98 to 95 sq in.

Or even the SX 300 Tour if you want less of a change but (supposedly) more comfort than the Babolat.

 

[Alexh22]

Agreed. The cx200 tour is a good choice.

 

[steveq81]

A frame that doesn't seem to get nearly enough love is the ProKennex Kinetic Pro 5G.

Very easy on the arm and minimal vibration with the Kinetic system, and that also helps the racquet feel softer than it's 65 RA would suggest. Still a decent amount of pop if you have the strokes. Seems to have the reputation as a racquet for those with arm trouble, but it's actually a nice player's racquet. Definitely flies under the radar.

As others have said, strings/tension also can make a big difference.

 

[itischanandlerbong]

Thanks everyone! I’ll trial the wilson blade 98 16x19 and report back (probably buy it second hand and have it restrung to my preferred setup, as demos aren’t available where i am)

 

[UruguayanPLayer]

Happened the same to me, had 3 pavs i played great with but it gave me pain, tried the blade 18x20 16x19 balls didnt carry the weight i was looking for with them, then tried gravity pro which i liked on my backhand but couldnt get the hang of it with my forehand, also tried the new vcore 98(too disconnected) until i finally tried the ezone 98, now you have to swing out with it every shot, but if you do it has the control of an 18x20, amazing spin, average feel but solid, amazing serve, and you feel like you have no limits in power as long as you can provide the rhs. I did went down a grip size with yonex, i feel most of those who get pain from this frame is because they buy there usual grip size and its much bigger so they start playing tense, i measure it with a digital caliper.

 

[nov]

Happened the same to me, had 3 pavs i played great with but it gave me pain, tried the blade 18x20 16x19 balls didnt carry the weight i was looking for with them, then tried gravity pro which i liked on my backhand but couldnt get the hang of it with my forehand, also tried the new vcore 98(too disconnected) until i finally tried the ezone 98, now you have to swing out with it every shot, but if you do it has the control of an 18x20, amazing spin, average feel but solid, amazing serve, and you feel like you have no limits in power as long as you can provide the rhs. I did went down a grip size with yonex, i feel most of those who get pain from this frame is because they buy there usual grip size and its much bigger so they start playing tense, i measure it with a digital caliper.

You mean Yonex L2 is same as wilson/head L3?

 

[born_hard]

Try the Extreme Tour Auxetic. Its soft on the arm, light racket with low swingweight but has still a good amount of power. Its fast in the air, it gives you spin but has low launch angle at rhe same time and can therefore it can beused for flat shots. The feel is also top notch, crisp and soft (has controllable flex) at the same time. Drop shots very accurate.
I use MSV Hex 38 1.15mm in mains and Cyberflash 1.20mm cross. A heaven to play with. Thinner strings increase softness and sweet spot. Give it a try. Put some lead, 0.5g at 12clock. 1g at 10clock and 1g at 2clock.
And i have wrist and shoulder issues since months.
The Artengo control tour 16x19 is sonewhat similar but even with lots of lead is not as powerful as the Extreme Tour

 

[AmericanTwist]

Demo frames in the 59-65RA stiffness range. The smaller the head the higher the stiffness number would be roughly equal in string bed feel. I owned some Pure drives but even with syn gut they had too much power. With poly it was like a pickleball paddle lol. You can stay with a 100 size frame, but if you are a 4.5 you should be able to play with a 95 too. What you gain is feel and control and frame swing speed.

 

[PistolPete23]

I always find it so interesting that whenever somebody asks for racquet recommendations, there’s barely any overlap in what’s suggested.

 

[jxs653]

Deleted.

 

[ZeroandOne]

PSVS is quite soft and flexy, but needs some tinkering for stability and plow. If you don't like to mod, avoid this one.
VC95 is my favorite from the Yonex family. More juice than VCP, and better feel/touch/hitting sensation than EZ. Swings much faster too.

 

[Grafil Injection]

Another vote for the Percept 97 range or recent Extreme Tours. Very plush (for a modern racket).

 

[A-Style]

Can definitely vouch for Prince Phantom 100G which wouldn't be the goto for many.

58RA. 336g with overgrip and dampener. 16 x 18 softens the frame up.

If you are chasing that old school, box-beam feel then I highly recommend it. Great strung with Alu Power or 4G Rough at about 50/51lbs

 

[aaron_h27]

I’m a NTRP 4.5 currently using a Pure Aero VS 2020. I’m experiencing some wrist and elbow pain, looking to switch to a softer racket with more control.

What I’ve tried so far:
- I’ve strung with many soft polys between 38-50lb range to see if I could make it work with the PAVS. Mild pain still persists
- I’ve played with Ezone 98 2022 for 3 months. That was much softer (even though the flex rating isn’t much better, and I understand many experienced pain with it too), so I don’t think I need a much softer racket, just one that isn’t a babolat. Pain went away. Issue I had with ezone 98 was the lack of pinpoint control

I’d also prefer a slightly more control-oriented racket than the PAVS. I played with wilson six ones and pro staffs back in school (many years ago), looking for something with similar control but more forgiving given my age now.

I’m considering:
1. Wilson Blade v8 16x19
2. Yonex vCore 95

Any suggestions/opinions are welcome! Thank you.

String the ezone tighter for more control or use a thicker string. Problem solved. Money saved.

 

[Brando]

Hi, @itischanandlerbong. The solution to your pain may not be in finding just a "softer" racquet (with a sub 63 RA) but in finding one that de-stresses your arm. A new "science" is afoot. Using a little known measure called recoil weight (RW), you can find a frame with a weight distribution tailored to swing naturally for you. It depends on the length of your arm as the upper lever of a racquet swing. The racquet, being the lower lever, comes thru faster or slower depending on its RW. By matching arm length with RW, you can find a frame that comes-thru in harmony with your arm.

The upshot? No more muscling the racquet face open or closed at contact. There’s also evidence that apt weight distribution encourages the modern (loose like a whip) swing that improves games. Read this to investigate it for yourself. In the meantime, how tall are you, @itischanandlerbong?

 

[KYHacker]

I think the Ezone has more control than the frames you listed. The blade 18x20 would be better than the 16x19. I’d also recommend the Wilson Ultra Pro 18x20.

Blade 18x20 definitely fits the bill. Also look at Speed Pro and Prince 100P.

 

[KC!]

I was playing with 2022 Ezone 98 & having some tennis elbow. I switched to the Percept 97D & have not had any issues. It’s as controlled as it gets & the flex of the racquet is good on the arm. I string in the low to mid 40’s with controlled poly.

 

[Underdog]

Would anyone vouch for a beefed up Gravity MP? Controlled, low flex design, but forgiving 100sq head

 

[itischanandlerbong]

Thanks everyone! I’ll trial the wilson blade 98 16x19 and report back (probably buy it second hand and have it restrung to my preferred setup, as demos aren’t available where i am)

I ended up demo-ing the blade 98v8 16x19, I felt it was lacking put away power — a common theme for blade v8 users on this forum I’ve noticed. I tried weighting it up, but it got less maneuverable and I struggled with racquet head speed, which I rely a lot on for my forehand stroke.

I bought 2 x blade 98 v6 16x19 on a whim when TW had them for $69 each the recent black friday, and it was perfect. Exactly the power/control blend I have been looking for, with much better control than the PAVS given its tighter string pattern and resulting lower and more predictable launch angle. With the added confidence I am actually hitting better more penetrating shots too. Comfort is excellent despite the 67 RA rating. Hopefully it isn’t just the honeymoon phase speaking! I’ve only had it for 2 weeks.

If I end up switching permanently, I just have to worry what to do next now that the v6s are no longer in production…but that’s a problem for a few years from now (hopefully)