Need some help, struggling to find a good stick

Stringbed

New User
Active 4.0(USTA 3.75) in DC/VA area and won 80% of my ladder matches in last 3 years. My stock rackets were WIlson Blade V6 and V8, but have now sold most of them as was not able to hang in with the 4.5 with control.

My style is Eastern FH, 2HBH with flat forehands mixed with a ton of drop shots. No elegance at the net but can manage to win ugly. The style played is also grinding baseline low error ( not moonballs), have high endurance and ca go 2+ hours running any patterns on the court. Unfortunately, this does not work with higher level as am unable to finish a point, they dont make mistakes. I need a stick to make my FH add pace and spin.

Demoed TF 40 310, ISO 305, Yonex VCore 98, Dunlop FX 500. All these tackets were underpowered especially TF which had control/feel but by second set all my balls were barely making past the service line, there was was no force. The only racket that I was able to get purchase is Pro Staff X V14 when I hit with a advanaced 4.5 able to go 12- 12 over 22 games, generally was able to send the ball back using his pace and the slice on these sticks were biting. Unfortunately with the same racket, I lost to a 4.0 in straightsets that had defeated twice in straight sets, as was not able to put away balls and my drop shots were crappy.

All of this is denting my confidence, with the intent to upgrade to improve.. am now unsure. Be grateful for any guidance, TIA
 

AmericanTwist

Professional
Variation is great, but you won't get far with an eastern forehand these days unless you have impeccable timing. Even then I think semi western and western grips are superior. With an eastern forehand grip you will need to hang out at the baseline and block back a lot of shots using your opponents pace. But unless you can move your opponent around it will be tough to hit winners.

If you want to stick with the eastern grip, maybe try some stiffer frames like the Pro staff 97 and/or spinnier frames with 16x18 patterns like some of the Prince frames. Textreme tour, ATS, Phantom lines come to mind.

I live in the DMV and have some prince frames you could try. Message me.
 

Trip

Legend
@Stringbed - Based on your post here and what I could gather from your history, and setting aside the obvious implications on player improvement, as far as racquets go, mostly all signs I'm seeing are you being drawn towards higher stock swing weight frames with more hoop-based weight distribution, that pull you into the court and produce more penetration and weight of shot that way, but at the same time aren't too demanding on timing, mechanics and/or skill level. That can be a fine line to walk, but I think it explains pretty much all of your conclusions thus far — both around the frames that felt under-powered, likely due to stock swing weight and/or hoop mass being too low (TF40 315, VC98 and FX 500) and your probable inability to make up the power difference with racket head speed / technique, or for frames that felt underpowered more so because they were likely too cumbersome (ie. the ISO 305, which is really best utilized by 4.5+ stroke mechanics and physicality). Please know, I don't mention any of that to insult, but rather just to state things as I see them, in the interest of finding you a solution, at least for you and your game as they exist right now (and I fully well understand that you, and all of us, need to put time into personal improvement, more so than any racquet can make up for). That said...

Presuming the above is at least very close to true, and also presuming you don't really want to have to fuss with customizing / adding weight to frames, then that leaves you with the rather unenviable task of finding a frame that splits the difference on high-enough swing-weight and hoop mass, but also easy enough handling and forgiveness. I think you could get closest by aiming for the most forgiving 98-99" or otherwise 100" "pleener" (player/tweener cross-over) frames, 300-315g stock unstrung static weight, 295-ish to 300-ish stock unstrung swing weight (that spec is HUGELY important), mid-upper 60's RA flex, 16 centrally-dense mains, boxier beam shape, mid-beam width of 22-ish to 24-ish mm, and string bed with the most consistency, largest sweet spot and highest forgiveness possible. Here are the kind of frames I'm thinking of:

- Babolat Pure Strike 98 16x19 Gen 4 (only via matching service, for unstrung SW of 295-298)
- Babolat Pure Strike 100 16x19 Gen 4 (via matching, for unstrung SW of ~295) (much more and I think the 100" hoop will feel too sluggish)
- Dunlop CX 400 Tour (via matching, for low-mid 290's SW unstrung, any higher and it will feel too sluggish)
- Head Boom Pro (via matching, for 295-298 SW, similar to Strike 98)
- Prince ATS Tour 98 (via matching, for 295-298 SW unstrung; there's a chance the lower RA will feel too soft/flexy, but I've included it nonetheless)
- ProKennex Ki Q+ 5 (SW may be a bit high and sweet spot too small, but maybe worth a try)
- Wilson Pro Staff X v14 (definitely keep it in the list)
- Wilson Pro Staff Six.One 100 v14 (possibly a bit more powerful than the X in stock form, but smaller sweet spot and older school design are less forgiving)

Of all those, I'd be particularly interested to see how you'd get along with one of the Strikes and maybe the Boom Pro, in comparison to the PS X. Maybe the CX 400 Tour, although the string bed might be a little too open, maybe ATS 98, although you may find it dwells/flexes a bit too much.

And, as much of an unnecessary PITA as it seems, I would only buy most of the above via matching service, at the unstrung SW's specified, as opposed to just buying blind, where there'd be a high enough chance of any of them coming in either too under-spec or over-spec, requiring that you screw around trying to customize the under-spec ones and/or unload the over-spec ones at a loss, then reshuffle. So I know a matching service may seem like total overkill generally, but considering how we're kind of walking a fine line on targeted swing weight here, I think the extra $10-$30 would be a no-brainer.

As for all the other frames I've left out, yes, I'm aware of pretty much all of them, and have my reasons, typically because they are too far out of your spec on at least one of the following: weight (too low, too high), beam geometry (too thick and clunky, or too thin and meager), drill pattern (too open or closed), flex (too floppy, or, too board-stiff), or simply too outmoded or demanding for your level to offer enough benefit in exchange (ex: <= 97", PS97 included, ISO 305, Blade Pro, and similar).

Hope some of that helps. Any questions, feel free.
 
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landcookie

Semi-Pro
Cliches aside of having to improve your game (which goes without saying), it sounds like you need something to give more oomph on your rally ball to hang with the 4.5s to give you more opportunities to win points/extract errors.

Generally agree with suggestions put forward by @Trip with maybe the Speed MP to consider. I do differ though in that I think you need a racquet you can swing fast with so something no higher than 325-330 swing weight (which ironically the Speed MP is pushing). If you are a grinder you won’t be aiming anywhere close to lines anyway which alleviates what could be the only major flaw with the Speed MP.

Ezone also another to consider. It is more of the power line where as vcore is the spin line.

Babolat pure drive will solve all your power issues but may buy you a new one in tennis elbow.
 
Try the Head 360+ Radical MP (raw and direct feel) or Auxetic Radical MP (a little bit more muted than 360+).
This racket is very stable and powerful for its weight. Also it is very controlled because of the tight 16x19 string pattern. It should suits your flat game very well.
 
If you want to ad power to a baseline game without going all the way to stiff rocket launchers like Babolats I suggest Boom Pro or Ezone 100. Both deliver power, but each in a different way, so you can choose what aligns better with your playing style.
 

Soundbyte

Hall of Fame
If the FX500 was under powered for you, youll likely have a hard time finding a frame for you.

Ones to consider: Babolat Pure Drive or Pure Aero, Dunlop CX400 Tour, Diadem Nova, Head Extreme lines.

Alternatively try more powerful string setups. If your using poly, try multi/synthetic/gut in the mains or a full bed. You'll get an instant pop boost from that
 

gfwp

Rookie
Active 4.0(USTA 3.75) in DC/VA area and won 80% of my ladder matches in last 3 years. My stock rackets were WIlson Blade V6 and V8, but have now sold most of them as was not able to hang in with the 4.5 with control.

My style is Eastern FH, 2HBH with flat forehands mixed with a ton of drop shots. No elegance at the net but can manage to win ugly. The style played is also grinding baseline low error ( not moonballs), have high endurance and ca go 2+ hours running any patterns on the court. Unfortunately, this does not work with higher level as am unable to finish a point, they dont make mistakes. I need a stick to make my FH add pace and spin.

Demoed TF 40 310, ISO 305, Yonex VCore 98, Dunlop FX 500. All these tackets were underpowered especially TF which had control/feel but by second set all my balls were barely making past the service line, there was was no force. The only racket that I was able to get purchase is Pro Staff X V14 when I hit with a advanaced 4.5 able to go 12- 12 over 22 games, generally was able to send the ball back using his pace and the slice on these sticks were biting. Unfortunately with the same racket, I lost to a 4.0 in straightsets that had defeated twice in straight sets, as was not able to put away balls and my drop shots were crappy.

All of this is denting my confidence, with the intent to upgrade to improve.. am now unsure. Be grateful for any guidance, TIA
Practice more with PS X. It's a scalpel and has lot of power. Eventually move to a multi setup to enhance feeling (and power). The overall performance is always 50% the stick and 50% the strings. And of course if money is on the table and the search for "ooomph" a dire need, test natgut either pure or mixed with poli crosses.
 
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Donmikan

Rookie
Variation is great, but you won't get far with an eastern forehand these days unless you have impeccable timing. Even then I think semi western and western grips are superior. With an eastern forehand grip you will need to hang out at the baseline and block back a lot of shots using your opponents pace. But unless you can move your opponent around it will be tough to hit winners.

If you want to stick with the eastern grip, maybe try some stiffer frames like the Pro staff 97 and/or spinnier frames with 16x18 patterns like some of the Prince frames. Textreme tour, ATS, Phantom lines come to mind.

I live in the DMV and have some prince frames you could try. Message me.
 

Stringbed

New User
Sir, I would love to send you a thank you card. You have responded to others as well in intricate details.

This is amazing information and you took so much time to craft this. Appreciate you, very much. I will try one by one of these, starting with the Prince as per the well detailed reccomendation from @AmericanTwist
 

Stringbed

New User
If you want to ad power to a baseline game without going all the way to stiff rocket launchers like Babolats I suggest Boom Pro or Ezone 100. Both deliver power, but each in a different way, so you can choose what aligns better with your playing style.
Thank you, will try the Boom Pro as the Ezone playtest was average for me.
 

Stringbed

New User
If the FX500 was under powered for you, youll likely have a hard time finding a frame for you.

Ones to consider: Babolat Pure Drive or Pure Aero, Dunlop CX400 Tour, Diadem Nova, Head Extreme lines.

Alternatively try more powerful string setups. If your using poly, try multi/synthetic/gut in the mains or a full bed. You'll get an instant pop boost from that
Maybe the strings was the issue as none of the demos from TW provide the string tension or maybe I did not see hard enough. If I get one locally, they always put it on the sticker. I have a running list of strings and play results on my Blade but will obviously need to alter my set up based on all the responses.
 

gfwp

Rookie
Just take a video of McEnroe playing from baseline. I think he plays all possible forehand strokes with the same grip, I mean slice, top spin. Basically a continental grip if I'm correct. And turning the wrist. It's such a personal thing...

So hilarious Federer's reply. It's the same for me. I'm not aware of which grip. It's just the correct one. And most players with mature technique would reply in the same way.

And moreover the grip is pretty loose all the time. I need I tight grip only at the net.
 
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Stringbed

New User
Try the Head 360+ Radical MP (raw and direct feel) or Auxetic Radical MP (a little bit more muted than 360+).
This racket is very stable and powerful for its weight. Also it is very controlled because of the tight 16x19 string pattern. It should suits your flat game very well.
Radical is where I started 20+ years back and still have one old version. I tried Gravity and other modern lines from Head, hated them as they did not have the "feel" of Blade. Let me give it shot once I go through Trips list starting with Prince.
 

Stringbed

New User
Keep using the same racquet and work on getting more power and racquet head speed by improving your technique and or fitness. Boring I know!
I hear you but am extremely fit for my age group, 4 days a week on the court and 3 days in the gym with weights. Have had the same racket for 10 years, or the same type. I have endless videos of mylsef in matches hoping to improve technique, but alas am not an athlete who can pick up skills at ease.

Hence need to change other variables that influence outcomes. I will continue to work on fitness and technique, thank you for responde.
 

Sandro_Z

New User
Active 4.0(USTA 3.75) in DC/VA area and won 80% of my ladder matches in last 3 years. My stock rackets were WIlson Blade V6 and V8, but have now sold most of them as was not able to hang in with the 4.5 with control.

My style is Eastern FH, 2HBH with flat forehands mixed with a ton of drop shots. No elegance at the net but can manage to win ugly. The style played is also grinding baseline low error ( not moonballs), have high endurance and ca go 2+ hours running any patterns on the court. Unfortunately, this does not work with higher level as am unable to finish a point, they dont make mistakes. I need a stick to make my FH add pace and spin.

Demoed TF 40 310, ISO 305, Yonex VCore 98, Dunlop FX 500. All these tackets were underpowered especially TF which had control/feel but by second set all my balls were barely making past the service line, there was was no force. The only racket that I was able to get purchase is Pro Staff X V14 when I hit with a advanaced 4.5 able to go 12- 12 over 22 games, generally was able to send the ball back using his pace and the slice on these sticks were biting. Unfortunately with the same racket, I lost to a 4.0 in straightsets that had defeated twice in straight sets, as was not able to put away balls and my drop shots were crappy.

All of this is denting my confidence, with the intent to upgrade to improve.. am now unsure. Be grateful for any guidance, TIA

More and more people at my club are enjoying the BOOM MP, including myself (some ladies the MPL); give it a try, it may surprise you.
I may compare with the VCORE 98 that recently tested, and the BOOM has a bit more power, a bit less spin, and both for me have nice damped feeling. Quite impressive, compared with the power level they provide.
FYI - I did the switch from a Gravity Tour: wonderful feeling on any shot, perfect control with a very low launch angle which I love, BUT not enough power as I'm getting older... ;(
 
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Stringbed

New User
Practice more with PS X. It's a scalpel and has lot of power. Eventually move to a multi setup to enhance feeling (and power). The overall performance is always 50% the stick and 50% the strings. And of course if money is on the table and the search for "ooomph" a dire need, test natgut either pure or mixed with poli crosses.
Got it, one new stick is on its ways and am going to work with the PS X- stay the course for 20 hours min. I will also try Prince ATS. Agree, strings is 40-50% of the difference maker on how far and high it goes,
 

gfwp

Rookie
Got it, one new stick is on its ways and am going to work with the PS X- stay the course for 20 hours min. I will also try Prince ATS. Agree, strings is 40-50% of the difference maker on how far and high it goes,
Try a good multi at an average tension. Just to feel the huge difference. The touch will drastically improve.
 

Stringbed

New User
Cliches aside of having to improve your game (which goes without saying), it sounds like you need something to give more oomph on your rally ball to hang with the 4.5s to give you more opportunities to win points/extract errors.

Generally agree with suggestions put forward by @Trip with maybe the Speed MP to consider. I do differ though in that I think you need a racquet you can swing fast with so something no higher than 325-330 swing weight (which ironically the Speed MP is pushing). If you are a grinder you won’t be aiming anywhere close to lines anyway which alleviates what could be the only major flaw with the Speed MP.

Ezone also another to consider. It is more of the power line where as vcore is the spin line.

Babolat pure drive will solve all your power issues but may buy you a new one in tennis elbow.
I need to test drive Babolot if Prince does not get me there. Just been scared of TE, am not anyway interested in blasting balls of the court.

Your post confused me, so you think 325 SW but Head MP is quite light at 315g strung. @Trip is right that my preference is for heavier sticks, even my community tennis coach reccomended heavier stick watching me hit with 4.5 saying I cannot hold their game.
 

gfwp

Rookie
I need to test drive Babolot if Prince does not get me there. Just been scared of TE, am not anyway interested in blasting balls of the court.

Your post confused me, so you think 325 SW but Head MP is quite light at 315g strung. @Trip is right that my preference is for heavier sticks, even my community tennis coach reccomended heavier stick watching me hit with 4.5 saying I cannot hold their game.
If you partially like PS X, you hardly will like Babolats. They are too stiff and have an high launch angle. And yes, TE is frequently an issue with them. In general to avoid TE is better to use heavy frames and multi. Light stiff frames + poli is the perfect equation for a TE disaster.
 

Stringbed

New User
If you partially like PS X, you hardly will like Babolats. They are too stiff and have an high launch angle. And yes, TE is frequently an issue with them. In general to avoid TE is better to use heavy frames and multi. Light stiff frames + poli is the perfect equation for a TE disaster.
What tension and exact string do you have on your PS X? Are you a FH thumper or S&V?
 

dnj30

Semi-Pro
Active 4.0(USTA 3.75) in DC/VA area and won 80% of my ladder matches in last 3 years. My stock rackets were WIlson Blade V6 and V8, but have now sold most of them as was not able to hang in with the 4.5 with control.

My style is Eastern FH, 2HBH with flat forehands mixed with a ton of drop shots. No elegance at the net but can manage to win ugly. The style played is also grinding baseline low error ( not moonballs), have high endurance and ca go 2+ hours running any patterns on the court. Unfortunately, this does not work with higher level as am unable to finish a point, they dont make mistakes. I need a stick to make my FH add pace and spin.

Demoed TF 40 310, ISO 305, Yonex VCore 98, Dunlop FX 500. All these tackets were underpowered especially TF which had control/feel but by second set all my balls were barely making past the service line, there was was no force. The only racket that I was able to get purchase is Pro Staff X V14 when I hit with a advanaced 4.5 able to go 12- 12 over 22 games, generally was able to send the ball back using his pace and the slice on these sticks were biting. Unfortunately with the same racket, I lost to a 4.0 in straightsets that had defeated twice in straight sets, as was not able to put away balls and my drop shots were crappy.

All of this is denting my confidence, with the intent to upgrade to improve.. am now unsure. Be grateful for any guidance, TIA
Honestly, from the description of the matches you're playing i think the blade is a really good fit. Maybe just getting sw up a bit(325 to 330) will do the trick. The V8 blade in particular is pretty unstable with low swingweight(compared to most other blade versions) If you haven't already, give the V9 a try. Just make sure you check the specs. Swingweights with them can vary wildly. I have 3 V9s, stock Swingweights are 309, 320, and 330!. Matched them at 321 sw. At that sw I find enough stability for returning a heavy ball. And the power is pretty good for a control frame.
Good luck
 

Tranqville

Professional
Generally agree with the direction of @Trip recomendation. I think your style of game calls for higher static weight, for a number of reasons. You probably use more shoulder driven forehand with slow racquet head speed and do not utilize wrist that much. You need stability to redirect shots and land flat shots accurately in terms of depth and direction.

My first thought was Pure Strike Tour 3d gen. It's 320g static, very powerful and supports flat shots well. Its' THE ONLY frame I know that combines insane power with excellent control. Speed Pro also makes a lot of sense. Pro Staff X can work, with its 315 static and familiar feel. This one may be controversial, but I think Gravity Pro may work surprisingly well for your game.
 

Stringbed

New User
Generally agree with the direction of @Trip recomendation. I think your style of game calls for higher static weight, for a number of reasons. You probably use more shoulder driven forehand with slow racquet head speed and do not utilize wrist that much. You need stability to redirect shots and land flat shots accurately in terms of depth and direction.

My first thought was Pure Strike Tour 3d gen. It's 320g static, very powerful and supports flat shots well. Its' THE ONLY frame I know that combines insane power with excellent control. Speed Pro also makes a lot of sense. Pro Staff X can work, with its 315 static and familiar feel. This one may be controversial, but I think Gravity Pro may work surprisingly well for your game.
Let me add Pure Strike 3d to my demo list that am just about to place. Thanks a ton.
 

landcookie

Semi-Pro
I need to test drive Babolot if Prince does not get me there. Just been scared of TE, am not anyway interested in blasting balls of the court.

Your post confused me, so you think 325 SW but Head MP is quite light at 315g strung. @Trip is right that my preference is for heavier sticks, even my community tennis coach reccomended heavier stick watching me hit with 4.5 saying I cannot hold their game.
At 4.0 /4.5 you don’t need anything heavier.

You need something beefy enough (which all stock tweeners are for your level, some even moreso) but not too heavy that you can’t swing fast and generate your own pace and spin on the run - given you like to grind.
 

Trip

Legend
Let's be clear: by "heavy" enough, I meant a certain amount swing weight, (ie. the moment of inertia), in this case mid-upper 320's to no more than 330-ish SW strung, more so than static weight (ie. stationary weight, just sitting there on the scale or in your hand), but static weight doesn't need to be, and really shouldn't have to be, much over 315g unstrung stock, likely a bit less, more in-line with modern-day pleeners/tweeners (300-ish to 305-ish grams), as long as the stick has enough inherent hoop mass to begin with. This is why I'm thinking a 300-305g Strike Gen 4, specifically the 98 16x19 or 100 16x19, would likely be ideal for the OP (provided he gets one at the unstrung SW that I outlined in my previous reply).
 
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fuzz nation

G.O.A.T.
Active 4.0(USTA 3.75) in DC/VA area and won 80% of my ladder matches in last 3 years. My stock rackets were WIlson Blade V6 and V8, but have now sold most of them as was not able to hang in with the 4.5 with control.

My style is Eastern FH, 2HBH with flat forehands mixed with a ton of drop shots. No elegance at the net but can manage to win ugly. The style played is also grinding baseline low error ( not moonballs), have high endurance and ca go 2+ hours running any patterns on the court. Unfortunately, this does not work with higher level as am unable to finish a point, they dont make mistakes. I need a stick to make my FH add pace and spin.

Demoed TF 40 310, ISO 305, Yonex VCore 98, Dunlop FX 500. All these tackets were underpowered especially TF which had control/feel but by second set all my balls were barely making past the service line, there was was no force. The only racket that I was able to get purchase is Pro Staff X V14 when I hit with a advanaced 4.5 able to go 12- 12 over 22 games, generally was able to send the ball back using his pace and the slice on these sticks were biting. Unfortunately with the same racket, I lost to a 4.0 in straightsets that had defeated twice in straight sets, as was not able to put away balls and my drop shots were crappy.

All of this is denting my confidence, with the intent to upgrade to improve.. am now unsure. Be grateful for any guidance, TIA
After reading through the whole thread, I can say that my first thought was in agreement with our pal @Trip in terms of going for something with a little more beef to help you with standing up to a faster ball and also producing one of your own. When you mentioned that the ProStaff was the one in the bunch from your trials that gave you more than the rest, that was sort of the signal - that one lists at a full half-ounce heavier than the Dunlop FX 500 (for example) and it also comes with moderate stiffness.

I'm 58 and relatively healthy, but I'll admit that I'm not currently on the weights twice a week like I should be to keep everything working better. At least I'm out on my bicycle on a semi-regular basis. I am old enough that I was playing with heavy wood racquets right into the middle of my high school S&V years and I've never really trended away from that sort of equipment as I've become more of an all-court player. When I'm working out with the kids on the high school teams I coach, I always need "enough" racquet to be able to sustain solid rallies, command the ball around the net, and thump a healthy serve.

For several years, my primary go-to hitter has been the Volkl C10 (the Pro 98). I have some weight added to the handles of mine to give me more of a familiar feeling balance and I string them with a snug bed of syn. gut. These land at around 12.5 oz. with 10-11 pts. HL balance and they're supremely kind to my arm as long as I avoid poly. Others I've gotten along with lately include the Prince Phantom 97P and Dunlop CX 200 Tour, but both of these frames bring me a lot more control at the expense of some power... and both are lighter than my C10's.

I don't assume that the sort of racquets I like are appropriate for everybody, but I have squared away a few adults through recent years with a switch to a heavier racquet when the fly-swatters they were playing with were forcing them to swing out of their shoes to hit a halfway decent ball. You might find more of the performance you're looking for with a heavier frame in the neighborhood of 11.7-12.0 oz., but that's nothing to be afraid of. If you can also get the proper balance with a heavier frame, it will likely be easy enough to maneuver and swing to contact. Many "middle-weight" frames in the neighborhood of 11.0-11.2 oz. can actually be somewhat sluggish if they include a balance that's no more than a couple of points head-light. Try this and that, but don't rule out some of the heavier options out there until you sample a couple.
 

Trip

Legend
Former blade user and really liking the Percept 100D!
Good stick for sure, but unsure about it here, mainly because it tends to be no more than 290-ish SW unstrung, which will end up requiring at least a bit of customization to get the level of hitting weight that the OP apparently thinks he needs in order to find enough power. Would the customization be trivial? Yeah, probably. But if he's not really looking to go there, then it may just be a moot point. That said, the 100D is generally a great stick, and potentially worth at least a demo, maybe with some quickly-applied TW tungsten tape in the right spots, if @Stringbed is willing.
 

Trip

Legend
I don't assume that the sort of racquets I like are appropriate for everybody, but I have squared away a few adults through recent years with a switch to a heavier racquet when the fly-swatters they were playing with were forcing them to swing out of their shoes to hit a halfway decent ball. You might find more of the performance you're looking for with a heavier frame in the neighborhood of 11.7-12.0 oz., but that's nothing to be afraid of. If you can also get the proper balance with a heavier frame, it will likely be easy enough to maneuver and swing to contact. Many "middle-weight" frames in the neighborhood of 11.0-11.2 oz. can actually be somewhat sluggish if they include a balance that's no more than a couple of points head-light. Try this and that, but don't rule out some of the heavier options out there until you sample a couple.
The other option is, of course, to simply take those fly swatters and customize them up to proper spec, as is done with pro stock hairpins all the time, and if it works for the pro's, chances are it could work for the average Joe. That said, I understand it takes skill and usually multiple iterations, and not everyone has the tools or the luxury with their time/patience, so it can very often simply be easiest to just move to a higher weight class of frame (be that static weight, swing weight, or both) -- thus, my initial list of frames that basically go there straight away, with the likes of a Strike, Boom Pro, etc.
 
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Chairman3

Hall of Fame
You should have just added a small bit of lead to your existing frame. That would have accomplished what you wanted for only a fiver.

You said you sold them now, so I guess that's irrelevant.
I'd say go for the V9 Blade, they upped the SW a bit on both the 16 and 18 main so this should give a little more power and stability in a package you are accustomed.

Otherwise, the Rad Pro is a decent modern interpretation. Has a more modern little bit firmer feel than the Blades but is pretty good for what you're after.
 

Stringbed

New User
After reading through the whole thread, I can say that my first thought was in agreement with our pal @Trip in terms of going for something with a little more beef to help you with standing up to a faster ball and also producing one of your own. When you mentioned that the ProStaff was the one in the bunch from your trials that gave you more than the rest, that was sort of the signal - that one lists at a full half-ounce heavier than the Dunlop FX 500 (for example) and it also comes with moderate stiffness.

I'm 58 and relatively healthy, but I'll admit that I'm not currently on the weights twice a week like I should be to keep everything working better. At least I'm out on my bicycle on a semi-regular basis. I am old enough that I was playing with heavy wood racquets right into the middle of my high school S&V years and I've never really trended away from that sort of equipment as I've become more of an all-court player. When I'm working out with the kids on the high school teams I coach, I always need "enough" racquet to be able to sustain solid rallies, command the ball around the net, and thump a healthy serve.

For several years, my primary go-to hitter has been the Volkl C10 (the Pro 98). I have some weight added to the handles of mine to give me more of a familiar feeling balance and I string them with a snug bed of syn. gut. These land at around 12.5 oz. with 10-11 pts. HL balance and they're supremely kind to my arm as long as I avoid poly. Others I've gotten along with lately include the Prince Phantom 97P and Dunlop CX 200 Tour, but both of these frames bring me a lot more control at the expense of some power... and both are lighter than my C10's.

I don't assume that the sort of racquets I like are appropriate for everybody, but I have squared away a few adults through recent years with a switch to a heavier racquet when the fly-swatters they were playing with were forcing them to swing out of their shoes to hit a halfway decent ball. You might find more of the performance you're looking for with a heavier frame in the neighborhood of 11.7-12.0 oz., but that's nothing to be afraid of. If you can also get the proper balance with a heavier frame, it will likely be easy enough to maneuver and swing to contact. Many "middle-weight" frames in the neighborhood of 11.0-11.2 oz. can actually be somewhat sluggish if they include a balance that's no more than a couple of points head-light. Try this and that, but don't rule out some of the heavier options out there until you sample a couple.
That is impressive that you morphed into the modern game, and even more that you coach and keep up with young ones. It is also funny you mentioned Volkl C10, I missed that in my demo list. Actually bought the stick without demoing as there was a good sale at Tennis Point, its a yellow frame. That stick if I remember was head heavy and while it helped me with 4.0s, wore my arm out with 4.5. The serves were smashing good but volleys were a chore as the racket lagged behind my intended positioning.

Hence, I might not be able to wield a bludgeon heavy stick like you but defintely agree. It gave me a good laugh to read your fly-swatters and heavy balls. Good stuff.. am waiting for the demos to come for now.
 

Stringbed

New User
Good stick for sure, but unsure about it here, mainly because it tends to be no more than 290-ish SW unstrung, which will end up requiring at least a bit of customization to get the level of hitting weight that the OP apparently thinks he needs in order to find enough power. Would the customization be trivial? Yeah, probably. But if he's not really looking to go there, then it may just be a moot point. That said, the 100D is generally a great stick, and potentially worth at least a demo, maybe with some quickly-applied TW tungsten tape in the right spots, if @Stringbed is willing.
@fuzz nation Will keep it in my second list as demos are set for now based on Trips advice. I also got to experience Ezone yesterday with a Japanese partner (apparently thats the most common there) and that stick was a litle light. Honestly, I used the advice by @gfwp and Pro Staff X came alive in the second set. The balls were popping and he was having a hard time staying with me. All with some random strings and random lbs that am not sure of, as it was a demo.
 

Stringbed

New User
You should have just added a small bit of lead to your existing frame. That would have accomplished what you wanted for only a fiver.

You said you sold them now, so I guess that's irrelevant.
I'd say go for the V9 Blade, they upped the SW a bit on both the 16 and 18 main so this should give a little more power and stability in a package you are accustomed.

Otherwise, the Rad Pro is a decent modern interpretation. Has a more modern little bit firmer feel than the Blades but is pretty good for what you're after.
Hmm.. you intrigue me. I have one stick unsold on ****, can you pls confirm what you reccomend. 2g Lead stickers exactly where and what total statis wt are we targetting? I can experiment in parallel.
 

Chairman3

Hall of Fame
Hmm.. you intrigue me. I have one stick unsold on ****, can you pls confirm what you reccomend. 2g Lead stickers exactly where and what total statis wt are we targetting? I can experiment in parallel.
I'd start with 2g at 12 o clock, that's generally the spot to get more power.
Now bear in mind, adding weight also changes the balance so you may need to counter in the tail with some weight to keep it the same as before.

If that doesn't feel like enough id just add 1g at a time or switch the placement if you don't feel like it is giving you what you need.

Not really targeting a static weight, more a swingweight but without tools you just do it by feel/the eye test. Basically play some matches and see if you feel like it gives you what you need, if it doesn't add a bit more to the same spot, if it still doesn't try it in a different spot.

Sadly there are a huge amount of possible combinations, so it can be tedious.
 

swiss_cheese

New User
Hmm.. you intrigue me. I have one stick unsold on ****, can you pls confirm what you reccomend. 2g Lead stickers exactly where and what total statis wt are we targetting? I can experiment in parallel.
Seconding @Chairman3. Start with adding 2 grams at 12 o'clock.
The more weight you add, the greater power you'll have, with the expense of the frame being slightly tougher to swing for a whole match.
 

fuzz nation

G.O.A.T.
That is impressive that you morphed into the modern game, and even more that you coach and keep up with young ones. It is also funny you mentioned Volkl C10, I missed that in my demo list. Actually bought the stick without demoing as there was a good sale at Tennis Point, its a yellow frame. That stick if I remember was head heavy and while it helped me with 4.0s, wore my arm out with 4.5. The serves were smashing good but volleys were a chore as the racket lagged behind my intended positioning.

Hence, I might not be able to wield a bludgeon heavy stick like you but defintely agree. It gave me a good laugh to read your fly-swatters and heavy balls. Good stuff.. am waiting for the demos to come for now.
Nice to apparently have TT back up and functioning...

I've come to believe that racquet balance is just as essential as any other spec - at least for me, but I doubt I'm the only one - in terms of getting a decent fit with any racquet. My C10's have weight added only to their handles and they're much better behaved for me than stock pretty much everywhere around the court. Although that frame has a balance of perhaps 7-8 pts. HL strung, I find that its static weight demands a balance up at around 10 pts. HL to make it more comfortable to negotiate.

I tried the Blade 98 a few years ago and despite its lighter weight (compared with my regular players), that racquet was a little on the slow and clumsy side for me with its stock balance at only a couple of points HL. I had a similar experience several years ago with the ultra popular Head LM Radical mp - lighter in weight, but not head-light enough to swing and maneuver right for me. Some of this comes down to individual technique and personal taste for sure, but balance seems to be much more than simply a minor detail to me.

A number of years ago I also picked up a pair of Head LM Prestige mids, probably from a seller here. In their stock form, those frames weighed at least 12.5 oz., but had only around 6 pts. HL balance and I found them to be virtually unplayable for me like that. I experimented by incrementally adding lead to their handles until they felt manageable hitting against a wall and also hitting practice serves and then I checked their specs when I got home. They were much more playable for me at 13.4 oz. with about 11 pts. HL balance.

That sort of layout isn't anything practical for me to use for match play, but I learned an eye-opening lesson about the relationship between racquet balance and static weight. I can also say that I kept those frames as trainers when I was working out a lot with a new hitting pal who played in college and was hot to get back up to speed. We had terrific sessions together out on the practice grinder and those Prestiges were great for helping me with advancing my swing timing and efficiency.

Yaddah-yaddah... sorry. If you have a heavier package that seems pretty decent aside from being a little hard to handle for an entire outing, you may want to experiment with some handle weighting. The C10 isn't a racquet for everybody, but I think it's one example of a stick that can be dialed into a better layout for some players. Just be aware that too much handle weighting with more of a middle-weight frame can make its behavior more twitchy and unpredictable for some folks. Another case of you'll know it when you feel it.
 

Stringbed

New User
NMy C10's have weight added only to their handles and they're much better behaved for me than stock pretty much everywhere around the court. Although that frame has a balance of perhaps 7-8 pts. HL strung, I find that its static weight demands a balance up at around 10 pts. HL to make it more comfortable to negotiate.
Just be aware that too much handle weighting with more of a middle-weight frame can make its behavior more twitchy and unpredictable for some folks. Another case of you'll know it when you feel it.
You are right, it was HL but essentially it felt heavy and cannot recollect why. The description above makes sense. Its an interesting variable to see how many point HL is a stick, although my hunch is its 5% of the entire calculation.
 

Tan Tennis

Rookie
Gut feeling:
- Gravity MP with added weight
- Gravity Tour (100 sqin. 18x20)
- Speed MP
- Percept 100D

Background: I'm a Blade 98 user. Should be around the same level as yours. I play mostly with higher level players (ex-pros, coaches, college players). I found that although Blade 98 and other 98 sqin control frames give me better feel and stability to handle their pace and keep the rally going, it doesn't win me many points in the end. It also wears you down when playing against lower level cuz there's no pace in the rally you have to generate the power yourself. Something more forgiving, a bit more power, stable just enough to drive counter-punch, a bit lighter, give me much better results when playing against higher level players. It also helps creating pace when playing against lower level players as well.
 

Hulger

Semi-Pro
String a low-powered poly loose for increased sweetspot and spin. Nothing compares to the feel of Blade; Maybe vcore pro 100 or Gravity come close but don’t quite deliver the same power. Pure Strike 100 16x19 is good, but notably stiffer and quite the spin machine.
 

Stringbed

New User
Colder weather and end of ladders has impacted my ability to see the impact of recommended rackets. I tried VCore but really waiting for more matches to schedule tests with Boom Pro or Pure Strike as once I get a demo need to use it to arrive at a decision. Got a Used TF 305 18x20 based on another users feedback, my allround game improved much better. It has more plow through than a TF315 and Blade. The Pro Staff X V14 is a no go and put it on sale, its a funny tweener.
@Tan Tennis your situation mirrors mine, good enough to hold a point with higher rated players but too much effort to put a winner on low end players
@Hulger are you reccomending keeping Blade and resting with a lose poly. Which Gravity will you reccomend, Pro Tour Team etc? Can I get a used older model as somehow demo is just not enough time to be comfortable with match play like I discovered with Pro Staff X
 
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