New racquet - advice please

[BillKid]

Hello,

I'm 37 years old, my current level is about 4.5, I would describe my self mostly as a baseline player with topspin shots (eastern or semi-western grips) although I like finishing points at the net. I'm rather in good shape but not physically very strong.
For years I have been playing with the Pure Drive and then the Aeroprodrive GT.
I'm now looking for something that would provide me with a better feel and touch without sacrifying too much power. I would like something in the 300+/-5g unstrung weight range. Ideally it would be a bit more like a player racquet than the PD (but not too much...).
Recently, I demoed the Yonex Ai98, which I found great but lacking a bit maneuvrability, probably as a result of the relatively high (for me) SW.
I also gave a shot to the Head Graphene Radical mp and loved how I was able to swing it fast. I liked the control although I did not find it very comfortable.
I was considering the Volkl Organix super G 8 300g but I'm afraid it may be very similar to the Pure Drive.

Thanks in advance

 

[SpinToWin]

The Wilson Pro Staff 97 is worth a very good look IMO.
Babolat's Pure Control line also is a must demo given your racquet history.
Pacific's X Fast Pro 100 is another good option worth a demo.
I'm not sure whether you're accustomed to Spin Effect racquets, but the Six.One 95S seems like it could be a good fit. Alternatively, the Blade 98S is an option more within your spec range.
Finally, given that you liked the Ai 98, give the Yonex Ai 100 a try.

 

[rpr006]

I agree with STW the babolat pure control line is defiantly worth a shot. To me it plays like an ai98 but with better touch/feel and has a lighter SW (the pure control tour model).

 

[donquijote]

I'd suggest insisting on the Yonex Ai 98 (or try 100 which has more power) with a different set of strings. Babolats are arm killers. Yonex has so much more dampening even with the high stiffness rates.

 

[rpr006]

I'd suggest insisting on the Yonex Ai 98 (or try 100 which has more power) with a different set of strings. Babolats are arm killers. Yonex has so much more dampening even with the high stiffness rates.

Babolat pure control line is nothing like the rest of their lines. It is super comfortable and soft and not at all an arm killer.

 

[junior74]

Babolat Pure Strike 16x19 is actually pretty comfortable, as well. I would also recommend trying ProKennex QTour 295. Mobile and solid for its low weight. It deserves more attention, in my opinion. Yonex AI racquets are also supposed to be really good and easy on the arm, I have never tried them, though.

 

[oldschoolrules]

Prince Tour Pro 100

 

[fuzz nation]

I'd say you'd be smart to look at the Volkl Orgainix 10 295g. I agree that the specs on that Volkl Super G 8 300g look too much like the Pure Drive layout to give you a different sort of frame.

I'm a big Volkl fan and enjoy both their C10 and O10 325g. I've been keeping an eye on the experiences of our pals here with both the 325g and 295g versions of the O10 and while some have found home-sweet-home with the stock offerings, others have benefitted from a little tuning (myself included).

The softer O10 might seem a little more mellow than the Babolats, but it could easily be the case that a couple grams of lead tape on the hoop could steady it up and give your shots a little more authority when you need it. Given the sale price on these frames right now along with what you seem to be looking for in a new racquet, I strongly recommend a try with the O10 ahead of the Super G 8.

 

[Byakuya]

I also vote Babolat Pure Strike 16x19 and Pure Control Tour. The Control Tour is a bit more aerodynamic than the Pure Strikes though due to the thinner frame.

 

[bertrevert]

What strings did you gravitate towards in your PD?

Could different strings bring back touch?

Somewhat I reckon it's the thickish beam in a PD that deadens touch.

However I'm contemplating moving back to the PD after much noodling about. You see whenever I'm hitting singles I just need the additional power it provides. I'm fit, older, but not big on strength. Player-type racquets need you to supply more of the power.

I've enjoyed the Dunlop 300g in various incarnations, and Radicals, so you might like to try those, but don't sell the PD too quick, just put it away in a cupboard...

 

[BillKid]

Thanks a lot guys!
Basically I see three categories of sticks:
1- classic player sticks (+310-315g)
2- light player sticks (295 - 300g)
3- Tweeners

I'm not sure it would be a good thing to go with a stick that would be much heavier than what I'm used to (Pure Drive). As stated above, even the Ai 98, which might fall between categories 1 and 3, was a little too much for me.
I think I'm going to demo the Pure Control 98 (295g) and the Prince Tour Pro 100.
If I don't feel comfortable with these sticks, I may pick the Volkl Super G8 300g. Since the Super G8 seems to have a 23mm constant beam, I thought it may have something more like a classic feel compared to the Pure Drive.

Does it make sense?

 

[bertrevert]

You may want to look at tapered beams or box beams in the hoops to get a little more feedback...

I mucked around with this one for a while
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Wilson_Blade_98S/descpageRCWILSON-BLD98S.html

as it's very responsive in the hoop (and of course produces bulk spin).

Would the Head Speeds fit into what you're looking at?

I think it makes sense to get to know then be cautious of your spec range but some players seems to be able to be fine with wider variety and are unconcerned by +/- 5 grams or more of swingweight etc. However I notice incremental changes and if you do then it may help to use the TW matching service to get exactly what you want when you actually make a purchase...

 

[Backhanded Compliment]

Pacific X Force frames, precision and comfortable. excellent at the net and zero toleranceon specs... they all match.