Need help on racquet choice

[StratykArtemis]

Hey all, so.. I've been playing for about 4-5 years.

My first year, I played with a head racquet - something of the ti series.

My second year up until now, I've been playing with a head flexpoint fire, with a spare racquet being a Head ATP series.

I currently am about a 4.0-4.5 NTRP player, and am looking into a new set of game racquets for the summer, preferably around 2.

I have no problem with switching brands, but I do have quite a shallow pocket for doing so.

My playstyle is that of a defensive baseliner, I enjoy rallying deep and switching up into a serve and volley style occasionally.

Currently, I'm torn between a couple of racquets, which are:

1) Head flexpoint instinct - since I really enjoy the flexpoint series
2) Wilson BLX series - Have never tried it, but I've heard good reviews of this racquet.
3) Babolat Aero Storm - I've demoed one of these before, and they weren't bad.
4) Head YouTek Radical/Speed - I've heard good reviews on these racquets, and wouldn't mind staying with Head.

Thanks!

 

[Seth]

For shallow pockets looking to maximize those dollars, I'd go with the Dunlop AeroGel 4D 200 Tour. Great specs, great feel, and at a great price. Especially since buying more than one gives you a discount, and right now it's poised to feature an even bigger discount if it continues to win in TW's Facebook March Madness bracket.

 

[StratykArtemis]

any other suggestions?

 

[deco0028]

Agree with Dunlop 4D 200 Tour. Maybe the Volkl PB8 315 if you prefer a tweener stiffer racquet in an open string pattern? For a closed pattern Head LM Radical is a solid enough frame.

 

[tennismonkey]

the head flexpoint fire is a very light racquet - 10 ounces strung and 102 square inches. for maximum bang for the buck, i'd look at TW's sale racquets or the for sale board. assuming your flexpoint fire is bone stock - i can't see you jumping to say a 12+ ounce racquet. might be too big a jump.

 

[Marcus2137]

Right here on TW you can pick up either the Microgel or Liquidmetal Radicals at a great price brand new (warranty). Or if you're looking for a little more spin and power, the Microgel extreme might be worth a shot, also cheap here on TW.

Personally, I've used the Microgel Radicals, and Extreme (same version sold at TW), and both are great rackets (Radical is great all around racket, Extreme is what I pick up when I want to bash and rip ball fuzz off). The Liquid Metal Radical also has good specs/performance numbers, and is pretty well respected by many.

 

[StratykArtemis]

Would the Dunlop 4D 200 Tour be a good replacement racquet for the flexpoint fire?