New Player(3.0) - want to demo a few racquets, are these a good start?

[jimrawr]

Hi all, I recently started playing Tennis more regularly, and want to invest into a nice racquet. I am probably around a 3.0 player. Right now I am using the Prince Thunderscream 105.

Does this seem like a good list for a newish player to demo?
Babolat Pure Drive
Wilson Pro Staff 97
Wilson Pro Staff 100L
Head Graphene Speed Pro

Should I demo them with Multifilament or Poly? Also I am wondering if anyone has used my racquet before (Prince Thunder Scream 105) and if these demo racquets will be a large improvement?

 

[rpr006]

I would take the speed pro and ps97 off that list and replace them with
Yonex si 98 or 100
Yonex ai 100
Volkl super g 8 300g or 315g
Babolat pure strike 16x19

 

[Lukhas]

I agree with the above but honestly if one remove the Speed Pro or the PS 97 I wouldn't add the Pure Strike; even if it's a good racquet. I would also remove the ProStaff 100L, brings nothing to the table honestly. None of the advantages of a 100in² light racquet. Instead I'd put a Prince Warrior 100 for example. And I'd demo with multi since it's most likely what you'll be using.

 

[rpr006]

I agree with the above but honestly if one remove the Speed Pro or the PS 97 I wouldn't add the Pure Strike; even if it's a good racquet. I would also remove the ProStaff 100L, brings nothing to the table honestly. None of the advantages of a 100in² light racquet. Instead I'd put a Prince Warrior 100 for example. And I'd demo with multi since it's most likely what you'll be using.

Agreed go with multi.

 

[jimrawr]

Why do you guys suggest removing those racquets? Would love some insight

 

[rpr006]

Why do you guys suggest removing those racquets? Would love some insight

Speed pro is too demanding for a 3.0 IMO. also, the ps97 can be too much for a new player. IMO you won't be able to play your best tennis with that kind of frame and will make it more challenging while you try and develop your game.

 

[Lukhas]

The PS97 and Speed Pro are decent racquets but they are better suited for players much above 3.0 and your level of play. You won't benefit from them that much. I understandit can be exiting to think that you'll get better through more demanding racquets, but I believe technique comes first and racquet second. To enjoy those frames you need better technique.
The ProStaff 100L is IMO just a failure from Wilson: it has none of the advantages commonly associated with lighter and bigger sticks bar the easiness of swinging. No power, no stability be it through weight or stiffness, the sweetspot isn't bigger than the one of a 95in² frame.

 

[jimrawr]

Thanks for the feedback guys, much appreciated.

So how does this look for a demo list?

Babolat Pure Drive
Yonex VCORE Si 100
Prince Warrior 100

Do you guys have any feedback on the racquet I am currently using? Can't find much info of it online really

 

[jimrawr]

What would be a good Wilson racquet to demo?

 

[rpr006]

Thanks for the feedback guys, much appreciated.

So how does this look for a demo list?

Babolat Pure Drive
Yonex VCORE Si 100
Prince Warrior 100

Do you guys have any feedback on the racquet I am currently using? Can't find much info of it online really

that seems like a solid start. you will have to wait for the wilson burns to be release and then demo them because those are only wilsons i feel would be suitable. I just personally hate the pure drive racquets so I would say don't try them but do what you wish and are comfortable with.

 

[jonestim]

I think you should plan on two rounds of demos, with the first being a more diverse group than you have. Those three frames are all 100 sq inch, 315g, and 16x19. That seems like a good second round of demos to try if you found that you like that spec. Your first suggestion of demos is more diverse and better for a first round than the second.

Think about beer. If you asked what kind of beer you should try and people gave you a list of three IPAs it would not be representative. You should try an IPA, a porter or stout, a pilsner and some crazy belgian thing.

I would suggest getting one - maybe two of those, and then some that are different. Heavier, denser, something with a spin pattern, etc... I would also try something from Head or Volkl just to see if
you like that grip shape better.

The new Pure Drives are coming out in a couple weeks, so if you are wanting the newest of those you should wait to demo.

1. Pure Drive or VCORE Si 100(stiffer 100)
2. Yonex AI 98 or Prince Tour 98 (softer 98)
3. Graphene Speed Pro or Blade 98 (for the 18x20)
4. Something different:
- Prince Tour 100T ESP for the open
- Something extended - A babolat or Prince Longbody
- Something demanding - Volkl PB 10 mid, Prince Tour 95, Pro Kennex Redondo 98

You are just starting this process. You need to try some crazy different racquets in the first demo so you can have an idea of the VAST range of frames there are out there. Two of them you will probably hit with for less than 5 minutes and think 'what the hell was that?' That's fine. Pick them up again after a few days. THEN come back and say "I liked the Pure Drive - what else should I demo" and then get another demo pack with the Pure Drive and 3 other similar racquets. You might surprise yourself and all of us and decide you have much better results with a much more control oriented frame, or you may find that you really like a soft frame and want a second round of the most arm friendly ones out there.

Don't get a demo box of Pure Drive wannabees until you find out you like that spec.

 

[skfx]

I think you should plan on two rounds of demos, with the first being a more diverse group than you have. Those three frames are all 100 sq inch, 315g, and 16x19. That seems like a good second round of demos to try if you found that you like that spec. Your first suggestion of demos is more diverse and better for a first round than the second.

Think about beer. If you asked what kind of beer you should try and people gave you a list of three IPAs it would not be representative. You should try an IPA, a porter or stout, a pilsner and some crazy belgian thing.

I would suggest getting one - maybe two of those, and then some that are different. Heavier, denser, something with a spin pattern, etc... I would also try something from Head or Volkl just to see if
you like that grip shape better.

The new Pure Drives are coming out in a couple weeks, so if you are wanting the newest of those you should wait to demo.

1. Pure Drive or VCORE Si 100(stiffer 100)
2. Yonex AI 98 or Prince Tour 98 (softer 98)
3. Graphene Speed Pro or Blade 98 (for the 18x20)
4. Something different:
- Prince Tour 100T ESP for the open
- Something extended - A babolat or Prince Longbody
- Something demanding - Volkl PB 10 mid, Prince Tour 95, Pro Kennex Redondo 98

You are just starting this process. You need to try some crazy different racquets in the first demo so you can have an idea of the VAST range of frames there are out there. Two of them you will probably hit with for less than 5 minutes and think 'what the hell was that?' That's fine. Pick them up again after a few days. THEN come back and say "I liked the Pure Drive - what else should I demo" and then get another demo pack with the Pure Drive and 3 other similar racquets. You might surprise yourself and all of us and decide you have much better results with a much more control oriented frame, or you may find that you really like a soft frame and want a second round of the most arm friendly ones out there.

Don't get a demo box of Pure Drive wannabees until you find out you like that spec.

This should be sticky for all the new comers who have exactly same question, well put.

 

[Toyo]

Aero Pro

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the Babolat Aero Pro as it's rated for 3.5 players and up.

It was my very first racket and have used for the past 5 years. It's very forgiving, has a large sweet, plenty of power and spin...what more can you ask for?

It can be a stiff racket for some but a good multi or hybrid should solve that problem. If you want something easier on the arm with similar characteristics but less power, better feel and touch-go for the Yonex AI100.

 

[Toyo]

Aero Pro

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the Babolat Aero Pro as it's rated for 3.5 players and up.

It was my very first racket and have used it for the past 5 years. It's very forgiving, has a large sweet spot, plenty of power and spin...what more can you ask for?

It can be a stiff racket for some but a good multi or hybrid should solve that problem. If you want something easier on the arm with similar characteristics but less power, better feel and touch-go for the Yonex AI100.

 

[The_Racketeer]

Well said jonestim. I agree. Make your first group of demos a varied range of racquets in terms of weight, head size, flex, and string pattern. You should be able to extrapolate some preferences from them. You'll probably need a 2nd round of racquets, playing with different combinations of those same variables.

Eventually, you'll have your general preferred specs nailed down, and then it's on to demoing within that range. Good luck!

 

[jimrawr]

Yeah that makes a lot of sense Jonestim. Especially since I dont have a good feeling of what to like/dislike in a racquet, I really do need experience playing with various types to see what fits.

So heres my new list:

Babolat Pure Drive
Prince Tour 98
Head Graphene Speed Pro
Babolat AeroPro Drive

 

[jonestim]

Pick either the pure drive or APD first round. Both stiff, 100 sq inch, mid weight 16x19s.

 

[Lukhas]

So heres my new list:

Babolat Pure Drive
Prince Tour 98
Head Graphene Speed Pro
Babolat AeroPro Drive

Pure Drive and APD are very similar, I'd either one but not both and replace the second one with a Prince Warrior 100. If you don't care about the new model and prefer getting racquets on sale, pick the PD. All three are tweeners with good power, but the Warrior is soft while the PD and APD are stiff. I'd drop the Speed Pro for the Speed MP, a real gem and much easier to use than the Pro.

 

[jonestim]

I'd drop the Speed Pro for the Speed MP, a real gem and much easier to use than the Pro.

Which is another low 11oz, 100 sq inch, 16x19.

 

[kailash]

Yeah that makes a lot of sense Jonestim. Especially since I dont have a good feeling of what to like/dislike in a racquet, I really do need experience playing with various types to see what fits.

So heres my new list:

Babolat Pure Drive
Prince Tour 98
Head Graphene Speed Pro
Babolat AeroPro Drive

Agree with what Jonetism and others are recommending.

My recommendations for the first round:

1) Babolat Pure Drive or AeroPro Drive - power & spin; stiffer
2) Prince Tour 98 or 95 - control; softer
3) Head Microgel Radical Oversize - bigger, softer, control
4) ProKennex 7G - arm friendly, power, control and longer

 

[Lukhas]

Which is another low 11oz, 100 sq inch, 16x19.

Yep, but which doesn't performs anywhere close to a Warrior/PD/APD. Much more control oriented, much less power, firmer than a Warrior but softer than either APD or PD.
EDIT: Honestly based on performance, I wouldn't ever suggest that the Speed MP is in the same category as those racquets.

 

[Sparky]

Yeah that makes a lot of sense Jonestim. Especially since I dont have a good feeling of what to like/dislike in a racquet, I really do need experience playing with various types to see what fits.

So heres my new list:

Babolat Pure Drive
Prince Tour 98
Head Graphene Speed Pro
Babolat AeroPro Drive

Pure Drive and APD are very similar, I'd either one but not both and replace the second one with a Prince Warrior 100. If you don't care abotu the new model and prefer getting racquets on sale, pick the PD. All three are tweeners with good power, but the Warrior is soft while the PD and APD are stiff. I'd drop the Speed Pro for the Speed MP, a real gem and much easier to use than the Pro.

You've received very good advice from everyone here. I'd second Lukhas on the PD with the close out pricing for the new PD 2015.

 

[jimrawr]

Just to revisit this thread and give a conclusion, I am going to go with the Prince Warrior 100. It was a close one between the Warrior 100 and the Yonex EZone Ai 100. Also really liked the Prince Tour 98, and Graphene Speed Pro.

 

[eelhc]

Funny how quick folks are recommending specific racquets without even asking how big, strong, athletic, fit... the OP is or even why the OP thinks he/she needs a different stick vs the Prince Thunderscream 105 that he/she is presently using.

 

[Toyo]

Just to revisit this thread and give a conclusion, I am going to go with the Prince Warrior 100. It was a close one between the Warrior 100 and the Yonex EZone Ai 100. Also really liked the Prince Tour 98, and Graphene Speed Pro.

Congrats on your new racket!

I too picked up a new racket for the new year and went for the Yonex AI 100 and kept my APD as a backup. Mind if I ask what made you choose the Warrior over the AI 100?

 

[Bud]

Delete poast

 

[ryydman]

PD 2012
Ezone Ai 100
Head Instinct
Wilson Six.One 95S

 

[AHJS]

Babolat Aeropro Drive
Babolat Pure Drive
Wilson Juice
Head Extreme MP

 

[KYHacker]

I would demo one frame from each of the following categories:

1) Tweener oversize-- e.g. Pure Drive 107 (not just a game improvement or "beginner" frame.

2) Player/tweener-- a little heavier/lower power frame that is still in the tweener arena. Examples are Blade 98 or Yonex Ai98.

3) Tweener-- middle of the road on power, control, etc. Examples are Wilson Juice 100 or Babolat Pure Drive. I would personally skip the APD as I think the Juice and Pure Drive are slightly better.

4) Something entirely different. Maybe a players frame but more likely something like the Gamma Razr 117 or Asics 109. Both of these frames have some unique characteristics that may make tennis more enjoyable and which probably won't prevent you from developing solid technique.

Stay away from game improvement or beginner frames if you plan to improve. My experience has been that those frames lead to better initial results but will hamper improvement down the road.