Need help picking a new racquet

[kev380]

Hi all, I am a 3.5 player looking to purchase a new racquet to improve my game. I am currently using Head LM Radical OS and find my returns lack of power and top spin. Here are 4 racquet characteristics I am most concerned about in order of importance(Top spin being the most important):

1. Top spin 2. Groundstroke 3. Control 4. Power

Price is not an issue as long as it's worth it. Thanks in advance!

 

[tribunal4555]

If you really want something that will help your game immensely, and price is not an object, I suggest trying a custom-built tennis racquet from vantagetennis.com.

Otherwise, I find that although the frame does matter, the strings make a large difference as well. Also, if your returns lack power with an oversize racquet, you might need to take more of full-length swing. On topic with the frames though, I'd recommend something that's headlight with a smaller headsize for more control and topspin, 98-100sq. inches and 3-7 pts HL. Of racquets that fit into these categories, two that I greatly prefer are the Babolat Aerostrike (TW specs are wrong, no way that racquet is head heavy) and the Gamma T-7.

 

[coyfish]

Ima 4.5 and I use a head LM radical MP. It has great feel and control but moderate spin / power.

What exactly is 2. "groundstroke??"

If you want spin than get Nadals racket. Most spin on the market.

 

[kev380]

By groundstrokes, I mean I am a baseliner. I will put Nadal's racket on my demo list.

When i said price is not an issue, I mean I don't mind spending $200 on the latest models, but I probably won't spend a fortune on a custom racket, lol.

Thanks for your inputs. Any other suggestions?

 

[Power Player]

aeropro drive cortex
technifibre 320 v02 max

 

[Cross Court]

Try a Babolat, like the APDC or one of the new pure drives. Babolats are very good with topspin, with an awesome blend of power and control.

 

[canuckfan]

I've heard good things about the volkl powerbridge 8. A friend of mine loves his microgel extreme (2009). However reviews for the extreme seem to vary widely. Probably worth a demo.

 

[ir0-ed]

Hi all, I am a 3.5 player looking to purchase a new racquet to improve my game. I am currently using Head LM Radical OS and find my returns lack of power and top spin. Here are 4 racquet characteristics I am most concerned about in order of importance(Top spin being the most important):

1. Top spin 2. Groundstroke 3. Control 4. Power

Price is not an issue as long as it's worth it. Thanks in advance!

you need:

open string pattern and a heavy racket or heavily leaded.

 

[kev380]

Any other suggestions i should considering demoing? Thanks.

 

[rikiruj]

I beg to differ.. i'm currently using the aerostrike and it is head heavy...

 

[mosh17]

Originally posted by kev380
Hi all, I am a 3.5 player looking to purchase a new racquet to improve my game. I am currently using Head LM Radical OS and find my returns lack of power and top spin.

Maybe you should consider messing around with different strings and tension.

A thinner string will make it feel like a more open pattern (and get more spin), and a lower tension will give you more power than you currently get.

 

[Conquistador]

I would look at a racquet with a thicker beam for more topspin and a racquet size of at least 100 sq inches for the power that you want.