Need recommendations for a new racquet

[fyzbo]

I played tennis regularly in High School and then took a long hiatus starting in 2001. I've picked the game back up this year taking drills twice a week. I'm about 10 weeks in and I'm wondering if there is any new technology that may enhance my game. Based on who I've played with and the tournaments they play I'm likely a 3.0-3.5. I'm sure as my game continues to come back I'll fall nicely at 3.5.

I currently play with a Gamma PowerStick 26XL. It has a new set of strings. The racquet works well for me, my biggest complaint is a lack of spin, I really need to work at adding any spin either top spin or back spin.

One feature I would definitely like to keep is the extra length. I appreciate the extra reach that 28" provides. Any advice is appreciated, especially if you are familiar with my current racquet.

 

[fyzbo]

I'd also love to hear opinions on what technology changes have had the largest impact in the past 10-15 years.

 

[Lukhas]

Seriously? More open patterns, co-poly (shouldn't try it), and O3/EXO3. The rest hasn't changed much, besides the switch towards lighter and stiffer sticks compared to heavier and softer racquets.

This said, you're not going to find much more 28" racquets anymore. There are a couple of extended lengths racquets, but not many at 28" or longer. Besides the old Prince Graphite LB and its spiritual successor the Graphite 100 LB.

 

[SCRAP IRON]

I'd also love to hear opinions on what technology changes have had the largest impact in the past 10-15 years.

The biggest impact by far is the introduction of polyester strings. That is hands down the biggest change in tennis during the time period you suggested.

 

[Lukhas]

I gave it a search, and it seems that your frame is quite interesting. High swingweight, low static weight, quite light, headlight balance and oversize. It's almost quite hard to believe those specs. The closest thing I found through Racquet Search is the Prince triple Threat Warrior OS. It retains the oversize although slightly smaller (110 vs 107in²). It has a lower swingweight to be easier to swing and generate spin, but a slightly higher static weight. Slightly shorter, 27.5in vs 28in, but it should also improve manoeuvrability and hopefully, spin generation. Good news, it's rather affordable.

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpage-TTWO.html

 

[Anton]

I played tennis regularly in High School and then took a long hiatus starting in 2001. I've picked the game back up this year taking drills twice a week. I'm about 10 weeks in and I'm wondering if there is any new technology that may enhance my game. Based on who I've played with and the tournaments they play I'm likely a 3.0-3.5. I'm sure as my game continues to come back I'll fall nicely at 3.5.

I currently play with a Gamma PowerStick 26XL. It has a new set of strings. The racquet works well for me, my biggest complaint is a lack of spin, I really need to work at adding any spin either top spin or back spin.

One feature I would definitely like to keep is the extra length. I appreciate the extra reach that 28" provides. Any advice is appreciated, especially if you are familiar with my current racquet.

If the racket works well and all you want is more spin have it restrung with polyester.

Assuming your racket is OS with 16x19 pattern - I'd recommend you try Signum Pro Hyperion 16g at 55lbs.