Need help choosing a racquet for ~$70

[reaxn]

Just getting into tennis and learning the basics. I'm ready to step it up and try out a half decent racquet. Currently I've been looking at the following racquets:

Head Liquidmetal 4
Prince Triple Threat Scream/Bandit/Warrior

Anyone want to make recommendations for a new racquet?

 

[witit]

Get Head Liquidmetal Radical. Best value.

 

[vb2374]

Get Head Liquidmetal Radical. Best value.

Agreed. Or for $20 more - Head Radical Microgel.

 

[Lakers4Life]

The LM 4 and LM 8 both have thick beams. Balls have a tendency to frame when trying to hit with topsping.

There is a Wilson K Six pro at Costco for $50.

 

[runningmann]

lm radical is the best

 

[new_tennis_player]

They've actually reduced the costco racket price to $40. I still cannot recommend it. The feel of the racquet is awful. The strings feel awful in particular.

Try some prince OS or midplus rackets.

The LM 4 and LM 8 both have thick beams. Balls have a tendency to frame when trying to hit with topsping.

There is a Wilson K Six pro at Costco for $50.

 

[jedi clampett]

Prince hybrid hornet nuff said

 

[reaxn]

is the prince O3 Blue any good?

 

[reaxn]

what i mean is....is the prince O3 blue better or worse than the previously mentioned racquets?

 

[OrangeOne]

The LM 4 and LM 8 both have thick beams. Balls have a tendency to frame when trying to hit with topsping.

Ignore the above, with all due respect. Framing a ball due to beam width is not really relevant.

 

[bayoozen33]

Yonex RDS003 is a good tweener racket that I recommend. LM Radical MP isn't really that spin friendly because of the dense string pattern. RDS003 beats out the LM Radical, to me, in many categories including spin, power, and forgiveness while the Radical is probably better in the control department. It's pretty hard to generate power with the Radical, especially for a beginner.

 

[High Roller]

I am in the LM Radical MP camp at this price point. Get some lead tape and you are all set.

 

[OrangeOne]

I am in the LM Radical MP camp at this price point. Get some lead tape and you are all set.

For crying out loud.

The OP is "Just getting into tennis and learning the basics". Lead tape is the last thing a beginner should worry about.

 

[reaxn]

should i stick with the liquidmetal radical OS or buy the MP and grow into it?

 

[NotAtTheNet]

LM Rad is an excellent racquet that can provide ample spin despite its denser string pattern. I an also partial to the TT Warrior as well. Pay no attention to the think beam talk because Rafa hits with massive spin with the APD which has one of the thicket beams ever.

 

[blackfrido]

Get Head Liquidmetal Radical. Best value.

agree 100%

 

[chollyred]

A lot of good suggestions above.

Avoid the Scream. WAAYY too light and not much power for such a light racquet. Will cause bad habits to develop and can kill your elbow and/or shoulder.

 

[goran_ace]

LM Radical OS.

 

[Rockitdog]

LM Radical OS.

+1

10 char

 

[High Roller]

For crying out loud.

The OP is "Just getting into tennis and learning the basics". Lead tape is the last thing a beginner should worry about.

The Op said he was a beginner -- not an invalid.

 

[KenC]

I think you may want to find a good racquet used for that price. Buying at big box stores almost never works. I would go to a local park that has a lot of players and try out as many racquets as you can, then look for the one you want used.

 

[witit]

should i stick with the liquidmetal radical OS or buy the MP and grow into it?

If you really want to develop and work on your game, get the MP. I'm not a big fan of the OS racquet. I think it helps you too much and you may develop poor techniques. But if you just want to have fun on the weekend, it won't matter much.

Also, for $70, you can get many good used frames.