Need Help Choosing New Racquet

[Scribbles]

Hi,

I'm switching away from the Head IG Radical Pro. I enjoyed the bit of free power, pop, plow, and ample-sized sweet spot of the IG Radical Pro (SW ~330, 11.5 oz strung, ~4 pts headlight) but my racquets are a bit damaged and it's hard to find a replacements for older models.

I'm considering the Yonex AI 98, DR 98, and Head Graphene XT Prestige Pro. I've demo'ed these racquets but because of all the string differences (AI 98 was a multi, DR 98 was a poly, and XT Prestige Pro was a soft poly), I was having trouble accurately comparing these racquets so I'd really appreciate your 2 cents. I tend to play with 16L Solinco Tour Bite or 17 Volkl Cyclone.

How would you rank these racquets in terms of most free power, pop, plow, and sweet spot?

Thanks in advance!

 

[TW Staff]

The TW testers who have played with the racquets you mentioned are all away at the BNP Paribas this week. I'll forward them this note, but it may be a few days before they answer.

Thanks for your patience,
Tiffani, TW

 

[Scribbles]

The TW testers who have played with the racquets you mentioned are all away at the BNP Paribas this week. I'll forward them this note, but it may be a few days before they answer.

Thanks for your patience,
Tiffani, TW

Ah ok! I will wait. Thanks

 

[Chuonfood]

Ai 98 is too similar to the DR98, I would get the Ai98.

 

[TW Staff]

Hi,

I'm switching away from the Head IG Radical Pro. I enjoyed the bit of free power, pop, plow, and ample-sized sweet spot of the IG Radical Pro (SW ~330, 11.5 oz strung, ~4 pts headlight) but my racquets are a bit damaged and it's hard to find a replacements for older models.

I'm considering the Yonex AI 98, DR 98, and Head Graphene XT Prestige Pro. I've demo'ed these racquets but because of all the string differences (AI 98 was a multi, DR 98 was a poly, and XT Prestige Pro was a soft poly), I was having trouble accurately comparing these racquets so I'd really appreciate your 2 cents. I tend to play with 16L Solinco Tour Bite or 17 Volkl Cyclone.

How would you rank these racquets in terms of most free power, pop, plow, and sweet spot?

Thanks in advance!

The Ai 98 and DR 98 are very similar, but we found the DR offered a slightly crisper, more solid feel that we prefer just slightly overall. The Graphene XT Prestige Pro has a stiffer feel than the Yonex racquets and will offer the most power of the bunch, but with the least amount of control and feel. The sweetspot on the Yonex frames are a bit more generous as well.

Andy, TW

 

[Scribbles]

The Ai 98 and DR 98 are very similar, but we found the DR offered a slightly crisper, more solid feel that we prefer just slightly overall. The Graphene XT Prestige Pro has a stiffer feel than the Yonex racquets and will offer the most power of the bunch, but with the least amount of control and feel. The sweetspot on the Yonex frames are a bit more generous as well.

Andy, TW

Thanks Andy! Would you say the Graphene XT Prestige Pro has more plow through than the Ai/DR 98?

 

[TW Staff]

Thanks Andy! Would you say the Graphene XT Prestige Pro has more plow through than the Ai/DR 98?

Maybe a bit more than the Ai 98, but the DR 98 has comparable plowthrough to the Prestige Pro.

Andy, TW

 

[csabam1975]

Hi Andy! Recently managed to hold several new racquets in my hand and 2 of them felt extraordinary in my hands: DR 98 310 gr and Volkl Super G 10 325 gr. Unfortunately I was not able to hit with them but definitely will change to one of these. Playing a very variable game, strong flat first serve, huge kick on second. Strong, flat forehand and a one-handed backhand (usually with a nasty slice, plenty of drop shots). Watching your play-test videos, would even say my game is similar to yours. What would you suggest? - 40 years old, assume 4-4.5 NTRP level game. Currently using a modified Volkl PB 8 295 gr (with 16 gr lead), need something with better plow and more precise.

 

[TW Staff]

Hi Andy! Recently managed to hold several new racquets in my hand and 2 of them felt extraordinary in my hands: DR 98 310 gr and Volkl Super G 10 325 gr. Unfortunately I was not able to hit with them but definitely will change to one of these. Playing a very variable game, strong flat first serve, huge kick on second. Strong, flat forehand and a one-handed backhand (usually with a nasty slice, plenty of drop shots). Watching your play-test videos, would even say my game is similar to yours. What would you suggest? - 40 years old, assume 4-4.5 NTRP level game. Currently using a modified Volkl PB 8 295 gr (with 16 gr lead), need something with better plow and more precise.

If you like that signature soft, dampened feel from Volkl racquets, then I'd recommend going with the Super G 10. If you want something a little crisper feeling and a bit more responsive, then I'd recommend the DR 98. Personally, I prefer the DR 98, but I'm also not a huge fan of that soft, dampened feel from Volkl racquets.

Andy, TW