Need some racket advice

[Overthinking Tennis]

Hi,

I hope it is ok to make a new thread for that. I have the following situation: I’m playing with an aero 98 for almost a year now. Really like the racket but for me as an approx 4.0 player it is on the edge of being usable. When I get tired, have a bad day on my legs or get overpowered, I really struggle with the racket. My backup until now has been the yonex percept 100 but they are way too different that this could work in the long run. Unfortunately I found the aero 100 too sluggish as a backup, but I enjoyed playing with the team.
Now my question: my plan would be to buy an aero team and customize it to have more like a 315 balance and a similiar swing weight as my aero 98. That I would have an easier but very similiar racket as a backup. This came to my mind since I really enjoyed the blackout v2 which is a 315mm 100sq racket.
Does this make sense or is this insanely dumb?

 

[Trip]

@Overthinking Tennis - Welcome to TT. Let's get right to it. For starters, I’d skip the whole “off day racquet” concept.

If the PA98 is already right on the edge for you, that’s your signal. Trying to band-aid that with a second frame usually just splits your timing and gives you two different problems instead of one solved one. If you’re playing to win, the better move is to raise your average ball quality by going to a more usable platform full-time.

So the target isn’t “easier racquet,” it’s “same intent, bigger effective window.”

That’s where the 100s come in. Not generic 100s, but ones that still give you that modern, slightly elliptical, spin-friendly response:
- PA100 first — closest DNA, just more margin and easier depth
- Ezone 100 — more stable, more neutral, very hard to outgrow
- Percept 100 — if you want to keep it more controlled and connected

On the Aero Team idea — it’s not dumb, it’s just a different path with tighter margins. Yes, you can absolutely build it up intelligently and land in a nice middle zone. But matching weight/balance/SW doesn’t fully recreate how a racquet behaves on a heavier incoming ball. Lighter layups tend to stay a bit more hollow/deflecty outside center, even when spec’d up.

So it comes down to intent:
- If you want the most complete, stable end product, start with a native 300g frame.
- If you want something faster, easier, and are willing to accept a slightly lighter-feeling hit, Aero Team + modest customization could potentially work.

The key is not trying to turn the Team into a fake PA100. Use it to land at a lighter, quicker, more forgiving Aero — not to chase full plow.

Overall: I’d still lean full switch to a well-chosen 100 and be done with it. Higher floor, same ceiling, less thinking.

Hope that helps. Any questions, feel free.

 

[Overthinking Tennis]

@Trip Thx a Lot for your Detailed and reasonable explanation.
Maybe I give a bit more context to my case. I played with several iterations of PD 100 for 15+ years. 1.5 years ago I started testing rackets which Took me on a Long and fun Journey. My Main issue with the PD was that I couldn‘t handle all the depth in Transition and attacking, for defensing it worked extremely well.
So I tested approx. 20 rackets (Ezone 98, Blades, Percepts, CX200L, Blackout, Aeros, PS100, …) and ended up with my Percept and Aero 98 setup.
My Main issues are: Percept 100 ist Great for defending but Slow on transitioning/attacking, while I often end up Messing around with it. Aero 98 is a Dream to attack but as I Said hard to defend against big hitters.
Maybe I tried too much or maybe I am too nitpicky but I don‘t feel Like I found the one racket yet. Maybe the akustisch feeling of the PA100 goes away when I‘m playing longer with it. Right now this feeling is compared to my PA 98 which is ofc an unfair comparison.

 

[Trip]

@Overthinking Tennis - Very welcome, and that second reply helps a lot. This really isn’t a power issue, it’s a window vs timing problem across phases. You’ve basically mapped it out: PA98 is great when you’re on, but it drops off when you're rushed, defending or just not on your game. Percept 100 stabilizes you on defense, but costs you in transition and attack. PD sits in between but never quite gives you enough control to trust it. All of that is good to note, but just as fairly, it's a bit endemic of the struggles of a 4.0-ish player who might be bouncing a bit too much between frames, and not just simply persisting, for better or for worse, with one of them, until you really get to know it.

As for which to choose, I’d still keep you in the Aero lane first, just up a size. PA100 is the closest extension of what you already like, just with more margin and easier depth. If that still feels a bit loose or jumpy in transition, then you’re probably better suited to something like an Ezone 100. It keeps the easier defense and bigger window, but the response is a bit more neutral, so you don’t get as much uncontrollable launch tendency as you might with other 100's. Also, re- any PA100 perceived sluggishness: it could come down to swing weight more so than anything. If your local shop has a swing weight machine and enough stock of the PA100 in your grip size, I would have them measure a few samples for you, so you can pick the one(s) with the lowest swing weight, or if you buy via TW, definitely use their matching service ($30 per order to source racquets that are as identical in spec as possible, and you can request a certain swing weight (from the sounds of it, I would aim for no higher than 292 SW unstrung). The overarching message: Babolat quality control is wide-ranging enough that you can just as easily pull a higher-SW clunker out of the mix as anything if you blind-demo/buy, so going out of your way there will help hedge your bets in the direction of the frame feeling whippy enough.

Separate but just as important — don’t overlook strings here. The racquet in your hand is really the frame + string system, and most people only ever see a small slice of what a frame can do because they’ve only tried one or two setups. Even staying with the same string, tension changes alone can shift launch, pocketing, and control a lot. Then you’ve got gauge, and full bed vs hybrid options that can completely reshape how the frame plays. Before you write any frame off, it’s worth giving the best candidates a proper run with a few different string setups — even something as simple as a couple pounds up/down, or a slight main/cross split, can bring a frame into focus.

As for whether you stick with 98's/99's or not, maybe you can find one than is the absolute most forgiving possible (ex: VCore 98), but even doing that, you're still going to be closer to a place where they're will be a premium placed on how well you can customize and/or string for the best balance of forgiveness vs control, and at that point, simply starting with a wider forgiveness window in a ≥100 is likely the better play. Supporting that assertion even further is the fact that it's usually easier to tame excess power by stringing for control via tighter/thicker/firmer string beds, than it is to try and add forgiveness and/or power back into a frame that starts with too little of either, with hoop lead and/or softer/bouncier/more-explosive string beds. That comes from experience, and if you search the forums enough, you'll see it proven over and over.

Whatever you pick, swing normally on both your good days and your bad ones, get the string setup dialed, and commit to it. All of that together is the unlock.

 

[Overthinking Tennis]

@Trip thx a lot for your detailed explanation. You convinced me not to duck tape the problem with an aero team. I now compared the aero 100 with the bo v2, since these were for me the ones that came the closest to a more forgiving pa98. Measuring in Store Fire the pa100s is unfortunately quite Hard for me since there is no Store in Vicinity. Since I really enjoy the whippiness, feel and power of the bo I‘m currently tempted to Switch to this.
Regarding stings: very valid Point of course. I played with rpm Rough for years in my pd, then tried some and ended currently in my pa98 with tour m8, since it provides a great feel, nice Control and enough spin. I would also start with that with my new Racket and go from there. So you have any recommendations? I think I have a decent overview regarding rackets but Not tried that much strings.

 

[fritzhimself]

You're still young—assuming your age is correct—so you have plenty of time to really learn how to play tennis.
If I were you, I'd take a few dozen lessons with a coach to perfect your technique.
That will solve your racket problem.

 

[Overthinking Tennis]

@fritzhimself now I’m curious how old you think I am

 

[fritzhimself]

 

[Trip]

@Trip thx a lot for your detailed explanation. You convinced me not to duck tape the problem with an aero team. I now compared the aero 100 with the bo v2, since these were for me the ones that came the closest to a more forgiving pa98. Measuring in Store Fire the pa100s is unfortunately quite Hard for me since there is no Store in Vicinity. Since I really enjoy the whippiness, feel and power of the bo I‘m currently tempted to Switch to this.
Regarding stings: very valid Point of course. I played with rpm Rough for years in my pd, then tried some and ended currently in my pa98 with tour m8, since it provides a great feel, nice Control and enough spin. I would also start with that with my new Racket and go from there. So you have any recommendations? I think I have a decent overview regarding rackets but Not tried that much strings.

At that point then, I'd look at the choice this way:
- PA100 if you want the safer, more proven answer. More torsionally stable, more uniform through the hoop. It holds up better when you’re late, stretched, or dealing with heavier incoming ball, and gives you a more predictable, “finished” outcome. Very likely the more complete tool, and the more direct move from the PA98 if your goal is the same intent with a bigger window and less punishment.
- BOv2 if what you keep craving is a quicker, more “alive” response. Easier acceleration, easier pop when you’re the one driving the ball. But that same liveliness means a bit less inherent stability when you’re rushed, and a bit more dependence on timing and stringbed to keep the ball on a leash.

In short:
- PA100 = higher floor, more plug-and-play, more stable under pressure
- BOv2 = more lively and fun, but a bit more timing and setup dependent

So if you made me call it for playing percentage tennis and actually solving the problem, I’d still lean PA100 first.

Additionally, strings still matter a fair amount. Full-bed Tour M8 is a great baseline. You could just hold there, optimize tension, and be done with it. Or, if you like the feel and response but wanted to max out the spin capability, I would keep M8 mains and but swap out the M8 crosses in favor of something more permanently slick, but similar-enough rebound characteristics — something like Toroline Snap Tour or A5. At that point, I would probably limit the string journey to maybe some small tension adjustments, and call it good.

And yes, @fritzhimself is right in the obvious big-picture sense: better mechanics and footwork = better tennis. But along with all that, an optimal frame + string setup for where you're at will help maximize your outputs while you're going through that process. I say, if all that involves is simply finishing off this gear decision, why not have both.

So my advice: pick your lane between PA100 and BOv2. Highest-probability based on everything you're shared: PA100. Then dial in string, and commit for at least 1 year, while you put all extra energy into training and play.

Hope that helps round things out.

 

[Overthinking Tennis]

You're still young—assuming your age is correct—so you have plenty of time to really learn how to play tennis.
If I were you, I'd take a few dozen lessons with a coach to perfect your technique.
That will solve your racket problem.

Thx for the reply. I‘m playing for 25 years and take Lessons once a week. I think that bump in Performance won’t come with a few more lessons ^^

 

[Overthinking Tennis]

At that point then, I'd look at the choice this way:
- PA100 if you want the safer, more proven answer. More torsionally stable, more uniform through the hoop. It holds up better when you’re late, stretched, or dealing with heavier incoming ball, and gives you a more predictable, “finished” outcome. Very likely the more complete tool, and the more direct move from the PA98 if your goal is the same intent with a bigger window and less punishment.
- BOv2 if what you keep craving is a quicker, more “alive” response. Easier acceleration, easier pop when you’re the one driving the ball. But that same liveliness means a bit less inherent stability when you’re rushed, and a bit more dependence on timing and stringbed to keep the ball on a leash.

In short:
- PA100 = higher floor, more plug-and-play, more stable under pressure
- BOv2 = more lively and fun, but a bit more timing and setup dependent

So if you made me call it for playing percentage tennis and actually solving the problem, I’d still lean PA100 first.

Additionally, strings still matter a fair amount. Full-bed Tour M8 is a great baseline. You could just hold there, optimize tension, and be done with it. Or, if you like the feel and response but wanted to max out the spin capability, I would keep M8 mains and but swap out the M8 crosses in favor of something more permanently slick, but similar-enough rebound characteristics — something like Toroline Snap Tour or A5. At that point, I would probably limit the string journey to maybe some small tension adjustments, and call it good.

And yes, @fritzhimself is right in the obvious big-picture sense: better mechanics and footwork = better tennis. But along with all that, an optimal frame + string setup for where you're at will help maximize your outputs while you're going through that process. I say, if all that involves is simply finishing off this gear decision, why not have both.

So my advice: pick your lane between PA100 and BOv2. Highest-probability based on everything you're shared: PA100. Then dial in string, and commit for at least 1 year, while you put all extra energy into training and play.

Hope that helps round things out.

Thanks a lot that summarized the problem and the decision actually perfectly.
I now decided for the blackout v2 because of the fun factor that is coming with the whippiness and bought also the 5g buttcap to see if that gives some extra stability.
The funny thing is since ordered it, I played freely with my pa98 and percept100 and realized that dialing in to one could have helped to basically deal with my problems.

That being said I can’t wait to get my bo v2s to a spec I like and then fully dial in. As you said, when I make a Choice I have to Stick to it for a longer time for Progress.

Thanks also for the string advice, I will start with m8, search for the perfektes tension and then experiment with a hybrid

Thanks a lot for the advices, that was tremendously helpful.

 

[Trip]

@Overthinking Tennis - Very welcome and congrats on the decision to go BOv2. You're in a nice spot because between the BOv2, PA98 and P100, you now own three models that are either the class leader or top competitor in each of their sub-segments — all with noticeably more strengths than weaknesses. So at this point then, you don't need to look for any better frames that what you already have. Rather, I would have one last extended playoff, using an identical string setup in all frames, to pick a winner. Then double-down on that frame by buying a spare (or two), and closet or sell the losers. Then put all effort into playing, wellness and footwear.

 

[fritzhimself]

Thx for the reply. I‘m playing for 25 years and take Lessons once a week. I think that bump in Performance won’t come with a few more lessons ^^

Wow—well, if you've been playing tennis for 25 years, your skill level still hasn't reached where it could be.

Either your coach is mediocre, or you have no natural talent.
Or maybe you didn't tell us the whole truth.

 

[Overthinking Tennis]

Wow—well, if you've been playing tennis for 25 years, your skill level still hasn't reached where it could be.

Either your coach is mediocre, or you have no natural talent.
Or maybe you didn't tell us the whole truth.

Didn’t really have valuable Training until I was 16, so I had to „unlearn“ bad habits for years.
According to this table I would be 4.5 in the „USA“ section (if that’s ntrp)

https://www.sportprogramm.unisg.ch/unisg/SysBilder/File/TennisRankingSystem_different_countries_20.pdf

But at the end of the day i find it very hard to judge my own level since you can’t really transfer the German System to ntrp. So maybe I‘m also just a little understating. We‘ll Never know ^^

 

[fritzhimself]

Welche LK hast du wirklich?

 

[Overthinking Tennis]

12
Hätte anhand meiner Gegner behauptet das ist halbwegs akkurat

 

[fritzhimself]

Wenn du Medenspiele spielen würdest, wüsstest du deine LK genau.
Mit LK 12 kannst du den Ball schon richtig bewegen und der Schläger sollte auch kein Problem darstellen.
Vielleicht passt dein Setup nicht?
Eventuell bei der Bespannung etwas runtergehen?

 

[Overthinking Tennis]

Wenn du Medenspiele spielen würdest, wüsstest du deine LK genau.
Mit LK 12 kannst du den Ball schon richtig bewegen und der Schläger sollte auch kein Problem darstellen.
Vielleicht passt dein Setup nicht?
Eventuell bei der Bespannung etwas runtergehen?

12,5 nach dem Sommer, 13,2 nach jetzt gerade
Habe die lk nur in Relation gestellt, da sie imo oft nicht so aussagekräftig ist.

Den PD hab ich immer mit 26kg gespielt. Bin beim pa98 auf 22-24kg runtergegangen.