New racquet after Wilson BLX pro open.

[Kule]

Hello everyone!
I need some help for choosing a new racquet. I currently play with 11 years old Wilson BLX pro open. For some of you that don't know, it's specifications are:
100 sq. in. head
4 pts HL balance
16x19
299grams unstrung weight
maybe 315,316 swing weight, i forgot exactly
66 stiffness
power level: medium
Now, i have modified it, i mistakenly took lower handle size, so i play with a replacement (i mean, base, whatever you call it) grip and 2 overgrips. So weight is now 335 grams, i have 4 grams of lead tape in total distributed at 9 & 3 o'clock(so 2 grams at both sides ), and 5 grams under the butt cap. Balance is probably between 4 and 5 pts HL. I have no idea of current swing weight, i guess that can be approximately calculated based on how much lead i use.
I consider myself as a NTRP 4.5, groundstrokes closer to 5.0, serve is lagging, maybe between 4.0 and 4.5. Playing style aggressive baseliner, bad at the net. Good offense, decent defense. Relatively flat shots but i can add decent spin. Two-handed BH. Best surface probaly slow HC, but i have only clay and medium-fast HC available where i live, that is Belgrade, Serbia.

I have postponed a racquet switch for a long time now, mainly because i didn't know what to buy, i was reluctant for a switch as i haven't been playing a lot of tennis, but now that is changing. I now need something new.
Aside for racquet being worn out , especially grommets, i need bigger handle size, as it's too round, i need a more control oriented racquet than this. BLX is too powerfull for me, and i want a lower head size, i want 97 or 98 sq. in. Simply because even though the sweetspot is large enough, i feel it's a bit too big, and i would like smaller head, and 95 is too small, so inbetween would be best, i think. Also unstrung weight min 300 but max 310 grams, with BLX i feel everything over 340 g is too much, probably closer to 330 g is ideal. Balance can be from 7 to 4 pts HL. Not too stiff racquet. I liked the feel of BLX. Also probably open string pattern, so not 18 x 20. Also not "full control" racquets like Pro Staff and Percept, that feel low powered and for a bit more advanced players.
I really don't have access to demoing a lot of racquets, plus i really don't want to overkill it with more than say, 5 racquets tops. Even that figure is stretching.
Based on internet reviews and specifications, i made a list of few models that i want to try. I am open for any suggestion.

YONEX Ezone 98 (2022 and 2024 Aqua Night )
WILSON Blade 98 16x19 v9 (2024)
HEAD Radical MP (2023)
HEAD Extreme Tour (2022)
Maybe Dunlop SX 300 tour or Dunlop FX 500 tour

I also have to mention i don't like Babolat racquets, somehow they always seemed too stiff, no feel, ballbashing and spin.
Also, English is not my first language, so sorry for potential spelling or grammatical errors, spelling is my weakest point.

 

[mpournaras]

You should try the Extreme MP and add weight if you need too. Really cool Stick similar to the Pro OPen but easier to hit with. Of the ones you posted I think youd like the Ezone 98 but you should of course try many different ones

 

[SinneGOAT]

Extreme tour is too low powered and just odd feeling stock, I wouldn’t go for that. I’d give the pure strike a try maybe, but the ezone would be your best bet.

 

[A_Instead]

Dunlop FX 500..

 

[Kule]

Thanks guys, but Extreme MP and FX 500 are 100 sq. in and i would like a smaller head, 97 or 98.

 

[Trip]

Hi @Kule - Welcome to TT. Let's look at the BLX Pro Open, then your customized spec, and finally all the best options to replace it, based on what it is you say you want.

​

Innate Qualities
The BLX Pro Open is a flatter-hitting power tweener, with a medium-firm flex, raw/unfiltered feel, somewhat concentrated 16" sweet spot and a fairly stable 14.4 stock strung twist weight. Good stick for power-centric, flatter-hitting baseline play, mixed with the occasional bit of all-court (when needed, less so desired).

Customized Spec
~ 335g / 32.0cm (~7pts HL) / 326sw / 15tw, per your mods, input into TWU's Reverse Customization Tool (link).

Recommended Replacement Spec
Here are the stock specs I think you should shoot for (in order of importance, most to least):
- Swing Weight: 315-325sw strung stock, enough to bring up to your preference with minimal to zero customization
- Static Weight: <=305g unstrung, to keep strung weight closer to 330g, or less
- Head Size: Only a Yonex 97", otherwise 98-99", or controlled-enough 100's
- Pattern: 16-mains, semi-dense (ideally 8+ mains in the throat)
- Balance: 4-7pts HL strung
- Beam: hybrid-box beam, with a mid thickness of >=22mm but <=24mm, constant-width if possible
- Flex: 60-65RA, for adequate pocketing with some counter-punching thud
- Layup: As direct, raw and unfiltered as possible

Recommended Racquets
Here's what I would recommend (alphabetical by brand/model):
- Babolat Pure Strike 98 16x19 2024 (via matching service only, selecting for low 290's unstrung SW)
- Babolat Pure Strike 100 16x20 2024 (via matching service only, selecting for low 290's unstrung SW)
- Dunlop CX 400 Tour (via matching service only, selecting for ~290 unstrung SW)
- Head Radical MP
- ProKennex Ki 5
- Wilson Blade 98 v9
- Wilson Blade 100 v8/v9
- Yonex Ezone 98
- Yonex Percept 100

If you're capable of full customization, the following platform frames:
- Head Gravity MP
- Head Prestige MP-L
- Blade 98L
- Wilson Blade 100L and/or 100UL

Racquets left out:
- Dunlop SX/FX - more muted in feel and noticeably less flat control than a CX, Strike, Blade, Radical. I would personally skip.
- Head Extreme Tour - too string-sensitive and customization-needy to be worth the headache. I would again skip.

Racquets on the bubble:
- Blade 98/L - Likely too low a power-to-weight ratio. I'd at least consider the Blade 100 as well. 80+% of the control with noticeably more controllable power.
- EZone 98 - Can feel clubby and lacking in feel. If you do try it, make sure it's with the most crisp strings possible (silver/alu-colored poly, crisp syn gut, crisp multi, nat gut)

A note on 100's: I would keep an open mind. Certain 100's, namely the ones I've mentioned, will handle more like 98/99's and offer more control than I think you may realize, especially those with constant beams (Blade, Percept). In the vein of not making tennis any harder than it already is, I always encourage going with as much forgiveness as possible, while maintaining the baseline-minimum required amount of maneuverability, precision and rebound control. If that can be a 100, then it's a win-win. I'd at least try a Strike 100, CX 400 Tour, Blade 100 or Percept 100, if you can.

Hope all of that helps. Any questions, feel free.

 

[Kule]

@Trip
Thank you, that was a very detailed recommendation, i hardly expected something like that.

I deffinitely won't try babolats, and those L/UL racquets, as i don't want to customize it too much, i don't want to add a kilo of lead.
Regarding "control 100s", my initial idea for using smaller head size was, obviously control, but why would you consider them to be behaving almost like 98s?
Also regarding blade 98, what exactly do you think might be the possible problem for me?

 

[raguhtheman]

I am in a similar situation. Have been playing for years with 2011 black/yellow version. Love it. Will be watching this thread...

Instead of looking for alternative, as of now, I have decided to collect more Pro Open racquets from buy/sell forum here as well as from bay. No plans to look for a different alternative.

I know you also want to reduce the head size (to 98) in new racquet to get better control. But you could also achieve the same goal with control oriented strings. I use Kirschbaum Max Power 17g @48lb. It's a perfect match for this racquet. I can take big cuts without the loss of control.

 

[Trip]

Thank you, that was a very detailed recommendation, i hardly expected something like that.

Very welcome!

I deffinitely won't try babolats, and those L/UL racquets, as i don't want to customize it too much, i don't want to add a kilo of lead.

I presume you won't try any Babolats because you anticipate them being arm-unfriendly? If so, I'll offer that Bab softened the flex of the 2024 Strikes a decent amount, including the all-new 100 16x20, which has a strung RA of like 61. I've personally demo'd it and found it to be fairly arm-friendly.

Regarding "control 100s", my initial idea for using smaller head size was, obviously control, but why would you consider them to be behaving almost like 98s?

Some 100's maneuver and get control off the string bed more like 98's, while others less so, mainly depending on beam thickness, mass distribution and string pattern density. The 100's I offered all have a combination of thinner beams (than your BLX Pro Open), fairly light stock swing weights (which means not too much hoop mass) and string patterns than are on the more dense side, which means they actually comparable level's overall maneuverability and control to many (most?) 98/99's out there, and are actually more controlled for flatter hitting than the most open-patterned 98's (Elevate, PA98, FX500T, SX300T, etc), or so I've found at least.

Also regarding blade 98, what exactly do you think might be the possible problem for me?

Coming from a 66RA 26mm-wide 100" frame, I think you may end up finding the much flexier 21.5mm beamed Blade 98 too under-powered, even with lead tape and/or a more explosive string bed. But, it's probably still worth a try, at least for no other reason than to test the bottom end of the power-to-weight spectrum that I think you'd be looking for.

 

[Klitz]

Shift 99

 

[Trip]

Shift 99

The OP is a mostly flatter hitter and the Shift is really meant for someone who hits with western, windshield-wiper type stroke mechanics, in order to find enough consistency with the dual flex profile. Also, the dual flex is only softer in the swiping plane; much more firm from face-on (very Babolat-like in that axis). When one hits with a motion that tends to cross between the two planes of flex in a single motion, it can be erratic in its response -- as confirmed by many reviewers, even apparently so by Maria Sakkari, who ironically enough, is back to playing a... you guessed it... a Pro Open. Don't get me wrong, a good concept from Wilson, but it needs another design iteration to better blend the two flex profiles for more universal consistency, and especially in this case, probably not the right call. Just my 2C.

 

[Klitz]

The OP is a mostly flatter hitter and the Shift is really meant for someone who hits with western, windshield-wiper type stroke mechanics, in order to find enough consistency with the dual flex profile. Also, the dual flex is only softer in the swiping plane; much more firm from face-on (very Babolat-like in that axis). When one hits with a motion that tends to cross between the two planes of flex in a single motion, it can be erratic in its response -- as confirmed by many reviewers, even apparently so by Maria Sakkari, who ironically enough, is back to playing a... you guessed it... a Pro Open. Don't get me wrong, a good concept from Wilson, but it needs another design iteration to better blend the two flex profiles for more universal consistency, and especially in this case, probably not the right call. Just my 2C.

Who really hits the ball flat anymore?

Medvedev & Mannarino?

So, we should recommend:

Tecnifibre Dynacore 305

Babolat Aero Pro Drive

 

[Alcawrath]

Seems like the percept line from Yonex would fit the bill best here

 

[Trip]

Who really hits the ball flat anymore?
Medvedev & Mannarino?
So, we should recommend:
Tecnifibre Dynacore 305
Babolat Aero Pro Drive

I think that's being a bit too black and white. The OP said he hits the ball pretty flat, and which is probably not the best fit for the Shift. He's welcome to try it, but I think he's going to come away with the impression I described. Who knows, though. Maybe not.

 

[Kule]

I presume you won't try any Babolats because you anticipate them being arm-unfriendly? If so, I'll offer that Bab softened the flex of the 2024 Strikes a decent amount, including the all-new 100 16x20, which has a strung RA of like 61. I've personally demo'd it and found it to be fairly arm-friendly.

No, i found that virtually every Babolat that i have ever hit with was like a stick. No feel, muted, just for groundstrokes. That is more of an issue than stiffness.

 

[Kule]

Who really hits the ball flat anymore?

I do...hahahaha. Medvedev is atp no. 4. Not too bad!

 

[Trip]

No, i found that virtually every Babolat that i have ever hit with was like a stick. No feel, muted, just for groundstrokes. That is more of an issue than stiffness.

That's a fair enough point. Bab layups definitely prioritize energy return, more so than feel or finesse, though I will say their latest iterations using NF2 flax inserts (currently the '23 Aero and '24 Strike) feel substantially better than recent past releases. If you're used to more of a Wilson/Head type layup, though, then probably not something you'd still consider worth it. Understandable.

In that case, I'd probably key in on:
- Head Radical MP
- Wilson Blade 98 and/or 100
- Yonex EZone 98 and/or Percept 100

The Blades will play the best with the widest variety of strings, soft to firm, muted to crisp, whereas the Radical will bias towards a bit softer/gummier string setup (as it's a bit more firm and still pretty raw in feel), and with the Yonex's you'll want to go as crisp as possible, as both the EZ and Percept are still some level of slightly to moderately muted.

Hope that helps again.

 

[Klitz]

That's a fair enough point. Bab layups definitely prioritize energy return, more so than feel or finesse, though I will say their latest iterations using NF2 flax inserts (currently the '23 Aero and '24 Strike) feel substantially better than recent past releases. If you're used to more of a Wilson/Head type layup, though, then probably not something you'd still consider worth it. Understandable.

In that case, I'd probably key in on:
- Head Radical MP
- Wilson Blade 98 and/or 100
- Yonex EZone 98 and/or Percept 100

The Blades will play the best with the widest variety of strings, soft to firm, muted to crisp, whereas the Radical will bias towards a bit softer/gummier string setup (as it's a bit more firm and still pretty raw in feel), and with the Yonex's you'll want to go as crisp as possible, as both the EZ and Percept are still some level of slightly to moderately muted.

Hope that helps again.

If babbylot prioritizes energy return and wilson/head focus on feel/finesse, then what does yonex focus on????

Every single yonex racquet I have tried has felt the same way....? You cannot feel sheit on the stringbed? What's even more intriguing to me, is some Wilson's, heads, dunlops, etc... felt this way too, but others from these brands feel great. Yonex seem like they are only capable of making rackets with 1 kind of feel? They are the blue steel of tennis rackets?

I asked this question in another thread, and didn't really get an answer.

 

[Trip]

These days, Yonex frames tend to have a mostly-solid but partially-muted/partially-crisp type of feel to them. I see that continuing, as they are likely to keep at least some vibration reduction "additive" in their layups (be it VDM, Servo Filter, etc). That said, I think they're moving in a good direction, trying to split the difference between the fully raw/crisp layups of 15+ years ago and the overly-dampened messes that we had to endure not just 5 or so years ago. Clearly, they're at least do something right, as they've been building market share and their playability must have at least something to do with it. So I'd say if you can find someone locally who has a Percept or current EZone, try and get a few hits in with it. One of the two may surprise you.

 

[Federerkblade]

Great advice from Trip

 

[TennisCJC]

Try a Speed Pro MP L (light). You'll have to add a little lead tape to the head and counter balance with lead in the handle. I just demo-ed Yonex Vcore 98, Yonex Vcore 100, Wilson Blade 100 V9 and Speed Pro MP L. I went with the Blade 100 v9 as I really like the softer feel but the Speed Pro MP L was my 2nd choice. Vcore 100 is very good too. It would make a good demo if you can try those 3 100 frames. I think the firmer Vcore 100 would be the most similar to the Wilson Pro BLX but I preferred the other 100 frames.

 

[Kule]

@Trip

You are a wizard man!

Your estimate was so spot on. I tried Yonex Ezone 98 and Wilson Blade 98 v9 16x19. Hour per racquet, switching every half an hour.

Blade is great, i like it a lot. It has enough control. I can see it's great for counterpunching as well as for attacking. I too felt it is just a bit underpowered. Not much, but it is. Backhand when i had to generate my own pace was a bit problematic and also i felt a bit odd with the serve. Feel is quite okay, still think it's not as good as my BLX, but i didn't mind.

Ezone on the other hand, almost opposite. A bit too much power, still a bit too muted feel, not as much control, i must say at first 30 min i wasn't impressed. Later on it felt noticeably better, still not great but better. I don't know if it's how it travels through the air, but i was never able to hit the flat serve faster!

I will try both tomorrow again, to see if the impression is going to change.
As for 100s, Blade 100 v9 is still not available, and i am thinking on Percept 100.

 

[Kule]

Two hours of playing again with Ezone98 and Blade 98 16x19. More or less the same impressions as yesterday.

Ezone 98 felt better today, which means i would probably be able to get used to it, but it still feels too disconnected to the ball, not quite as hitting with a stick, but disconnected. Slightly too much power. It even felt a bit stiff today, which is strange , as it has RA 65, that is not much.
Blade 98 also seemed a bit better, less underpowered than i initially thought, but a but underpowered definitely. Really good control, feel is significantly better than the Ezone 98, not as good as my old BLX. From some reason i don't like how it felt on my serve, but my toss was inconsistent today, so more likely my fault, and not the racquet. As always.

I think i would definitely eliminate the Ezone 98, as i would rather use Blade 98 out of those two.
I am wondering if i should try the Percept 100 at all, some have said that it has similarly muted feel, if so, maybe i shoudn't waste my time. I don't know...

 

[Klitz]

If you want feel them try the dunlop cx400 tour & the Shift 99

 

[Kule]

CX 400 tour is not available here. Here i have "The Big 4" racquet brands, and on two places few Dunlops and Technifibres. That's all folks.

 

[Trip]

@Kule - Considering all updates, I would point you towards the Head Auxetic Radical MP, Wilson Blade 100 and Pro Staff Six.One 100 v14.

 

[mauricem]

Blade 98 also seemed a bit better, less underpowered than i initially thought, but a but underpowered definitely.

If these are pre strung demos then a change of strings might be all you need. Lower tension or NG/Multi poly hybrid will up the power for sure.

 

[Kule]

If these are pre strung demos then a change of strings might be all you need. Lower tension or NG/Multi poly hybrid will up the power for sure.

Well, Ezone was freshly strung with Babolat RPM Hurricane 24 kg, because i recently strung my BLX with that string.
Blade 98 is actually my friend's racquet, he also recently strung it with Luxilon Alupower Big Banger, i think also 24 kg. Maybe 5 or 6h of play before my test.