New racket time for 3.5 ranked: Boris Becker, Volkl, ProKennex, or Dunlop?

[AWDriver]

I'm a 28 year old male with a two handed backhand that has been struggling with getting enough power out of the backhand side with Dunlop Aerogel 4D 200. Prior to that, I was hitting with the Dunlop Aerogel 4D 500 Tour.

I want to stick with racquets that are 100sq in. or greater, and are medium power. The 200 is slowly disassembling my backhand via reduced confidence, unless I'm perfectly positioned I can't get the ball back over the net since you have to generate all your own power and that's very hard to do on the run with a 2HBH.

I like the 500 Tour, but the sweet spot was too narrow and unforgiving.

I'm demoing the Boris Becker Sportster, Volkl Powerbridge 4, Prince EXO3 Red 105, and Head Youtek 6 Star.

I dislike the Head, feels very muted/dead. The Prince feels far too twangy (demo came strung mid tension with NXT) and it's impossible to control the depth of forehands (I'm constantly hitting too deep or the back fence, which I seldom do with other racquets).

I like the Volkl PB 4, but it feels a little trampoline like (NXT mid range tension, think about 55lbs). The Boris Becker Sportster feels very solid, and is currently my favorite of the demos.

I was wondering if anyone would recommend demoing the Boris Becker V1 (since it's half the cost of the Sportster), Volkl Powerbridge V1 (mid-plus or oversize, the reviews I've read said go with the OS as the mp has a very small sweet spot), Prokennex Sq Ltd, Prokennex Ionic Ki 15, and Dunlop Biomimetic 600?

Any other suggestions? I need something with plow through to help a weaker backhand get some depth and get over the net when on the run, but enough control so the forehand doesn't sail long.

I hit with an eastern/semi-western grip forehand (flat and windshield wiper), and a eastern/continental 2HBH. I'm a 5'6" male and have good muscle tone from lifting so weight of racquet isn't a huge concern, although I'd like to keep strung weight less than ~11.5oz to spare my wrist from fatigue during league matches.

Thanks!

 

[dave t]

racquet choice is definitely personal preference - if you like the BB, stick with it for a little while and try to make it work.

For me, my 2bh benefits tremendously from higher SW. I am currently trying to find the perfect specs that help the bh without adding too much sw for the fh.

 

[WitheringDemise]

You could first try looking at some videos of pros with 2hbh. It would be the cheaper route.

Try Safin! one of the best backhands in the world.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOgPPfZqUx8

 

[prjacobs]

I've had success with the 4D 500 tour and of the Becker frames, I'd say the the DC Pro would be the closest. I played with the pre DC version, which was pretty good, but I've heard the DC Pro is better. And apparently not too dissimilar to the 4D 500 tour, but more forgiving. You might also look at the London. It gets raves on the forum.

 

[peter]

I'm a 28 year old male with a two handed backhand that has been struggling with getting enough power out of the backhand side with Dunlop Aerogel 4D 200. Prior to that, I was hitting with the Dunlop Aerogel 4D 500 Tour.

Dunlop 300?

I personally play with a Wilson PS6.0-85, but my daughter and my league team mate both play with the 300 series and it is a good racket.

I have tried the Dunlop 200 and I find it too "slow"/sluggish. The 300 feels much better...

 

[TennisMaverick]

I like the Volkl PB 4, but it feels a little trampoline like (NXT mid range tension, think about 55lbs). The Boris Becker Sportster feels very solid, and is currently my favorite of the demos.

I was wondering if anyone would recommend demoing the Boris Becker V1 (since it's half the cost of the Sportster), Volkl Powerbridge V1 (mid-plus or oversize, the reviews I've read said go with the OS as the mp has a very small sweet spot), Prokennex Sq Ltd, Prokennex Ionic Ki 15, and Dunlop Biomimetic 600?

Any other suggestions? I need something with plow through to help a weaker backhand get some depth and get over the net when on the run, but enough control so the forehand doesn't sail long.

The PB 4 is supposed to trampoline due to the Catapult. Your string tension could be too loose, or you're too strong a player and don't need the extra help to use the frame.

The BB V1 was a really huge seller. The main difference is a little more heft in the throat/bridge area. You could accomplish the same thing with the BB V1 and a little lead tape, if you're looking to save money.

When you are on the run, don't worry where your feet are in relation to each other. Just run through the point of contact, and use your left hand more to flick-up the back of the ball. Secondly, hit high, not hard, so that not only does your ball go deep, but the height buys you time to recover.

 

[AWDriver]

Thanks for the responses guys, those were some good ones (and quickly posted too!).

I did an exchange during the demo period and tried out some more. Kept the Boris Becker Sportster, still liking it.

Have now also tried the following:

Dunlop Biomimetic 600. Pretty terrible racquet (in my opinion). Sweet spot is extremely narrow + no torsional stability + stiff feel = lousy for any off center hit. Also, even though racquet is supposed to be medium power akin to 4d 500 Tour, I found the 4d 500 Tour had oodles more and at least had the heft to plow through off center hits (despite not feeling great). Real letdown.

Volkl Powerbridge V1 Oversize. Great for serving and volleying and decent on groundstrokes, although I've found it's a little too easy to not properly open the face on the forward swing due to the slightly larger head size and hit down on the ball. Pretty decent racquet, just not what I was quite looking for.

Prokennex Ionic Ki 15 PSE. Good frame, seems like a great compromise for those who want power/heft without getting a thick(er) beam. Has good control, forgiving sweet spot, great for serves.

Prokennex SQ Ltd. Now in the top running for favorite demo with the Boris Becker Sportster. Prokennex feels like it has more power and plow through, while feeling a little spongier/having a slight trampoline feel v. the Becker which hits with a more solid "thunk" feel. Great torsional stability, generous sweet spot. I think this has probably been the best for my backhand, allowing me to drive through the ball with the left hand a little more and get it deep even when slightly stretched out.

Boris Becker Sportster. Still in the top 2, but the SQ Ltd. may be the one to beat. Sportster is very solid, but feels like it has a little less mass (or head weight, I'll have to check the swing weights when I get a moment) for driving through the ball. Probably has a little more control, verdict still out on feel.

I'll update when I play with them a little more.

TennisMaverick, thanks for the tip. I'll try it out!

Peter, I thought about the 300 but decided to go for something a little more forgiving. After having now hit with the Prokennex racquets and the Boris Becker, I can resoundingly say the Dunlops are just too unforgiving for off center and poorly timed hits. They're great if you're on your game, but both the 500 and 200 left me unsatisfied in that department.

WitheringDemise, I've watched tons of backhands, but replicating a motion with your off-hand consistently in play can be tough! I'll take a look at his form though, I always did like when he was playing (and had his head on straight).

 

[WitheringDemise]

Thanks for the responses guys, those were some good ones (and quickly posted too!).

I did an exchange during the demo period and tried out some more. Kept the Boris Becker Sportster, still liking it.

Have now also tried the following:

Dunlop Biomimetic 600. Pretty terrible racquet (in my opinion). Sweet spot is extremely narrow + no torsional stability + stiff feel = lousy for any off center hit. Also, even though racquet is supposed to be medium power akin to 4d 500 Tour, I found the 4d 500 Tour had oodles more and at least had the heft to plow through off center hits (despite not feeling great). Real letdown.

Volkl Powerbridge V1 Oversize. Great for serving and volleying and decent on groundstrokes, although I've found it's a little too easy to not properly open the face on the forward swing due to the slightly larger head size and hit down on the ball. Pretty decent racquet, just not what I was quite looking for.

Prokennex Ionic Ki 15 PSE. Good frame, seems like a great compromise for those who want power/heft without getting a thick(er) beam. Has good control, forgiving sweet spot, great for serves.

Prokennex SQ Ltd. Now in the top running for favorite demo with the Boris Becker Sportster. Prokennex feels like it has more power and plow through, while feeling a little spongier/having a slight trampoline feel v. the Becker which hits with a more solid "thunk" feel. Great torsional stability, generous sweet spot. I think this has probably been the best for my backhand, allowing me to drive through the ball with the left hand a little more and get it deep even when slightly stretched out.

Boris Becker Sportster. Still in the top 2, but the SQ Ltd. may be the one to beat. Sportster is very solid, but feels like it has a little less mass (or head weight, I'll have to check the swing weights when I get a moment) for driving through the ball. Probably has a little more control, verdict still out on feel.

I'll update when I play with them a little more.

TennisMaverick, thanks for the tip. I'll try it out!

Peter, I thought about the 300 but decided to go for something a little more forgiving. After having now hit with the Prokennex racquets and the Boris Becker, I can resoundingly say the Dunlops are just too unforgiving for off center and poorly timed hits. They're great if you're on your game, but both the 500 and 200 left me unsatisfied in that department.

WitheringDemise, I've watched tons of backhands, but replicating a motion with your off-hand consistently in play can be tough! I'll take a look at his form though, I always did like when he was playing (and had his head on straight).

You're also going to have to practice a lot. Switching rackets can be an easy way out, but what if something else goes wrong? Are you going to switch rackets again? and so on...

To become better, you must practice. Nothing changes if you just expect things to happen and not do anything about it(not saying you do, but everyone needs to remember this)

 

[AWDriver]

True, but practice with my current one hadn't been yielding any results, just varying degrees of floundering. I'm able to hit out more confidently with those two racquets than the other demos, and more consistently off the backhand side, which gives me hope that it'll get me over the hump and allow me to mend that broken wing.

 

[nickarnold2000]

I've had success with the 4D 500 tour and of the Becker frames, I'd say the the DC Pro would be the closest. I played with the pre DC version, which was pretty good, but I've heard the DC Pro is better. And apparently not too dissimilar to the 4D 500 tour, but more forgiving. You might also look at the London. It gets raves on the forum.

I've heard the same thing. I'm currently using the older Becker Pro and am about to switch to its successor, the Delta Core Pro. People say the newer one is more comfortable. I'll write a review in a few weeks.

 

[alidisperanza]

Have hope! The 4D 200 is a pretty demanding stick!

In the end, playing with a "player's frame" isn't always the best solution especially if it doesn't complement your game. Work on your technique a bit and then find a frame that's comfortable, and complements your strokes.

Good luck!