Nordicdots 98!

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lphillips96

New User
Very keen to try this... Looks like it's going to be released tomorrow. Has anyone been able to test it?

I tried the M99 for a week, loved the feel but found it way too inconsistent due to the progressive string pattern. Don't understand why they did that, hoping the 98 does not have this. Keen to try this and M100.
 
If they are only offering 1/4’s and 3/8’s then that rules me out ever getting one. On the other hand if they did at least offer a grip size in a 4 1/2 at best , then I would get one because I like to support new and up and coming brands;
 
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More than likely as nearly all racquets are but there could be a small chance they are not

China can produce amazing stuff with high quality materials
 
I like the high stiffness rating on a 98 sq inch frame. The 18x19 is a bonus. Nowadays, everyone seem to go too mute, too dampening-technology-kill the feel (kill the ball message) and almost every brand has chosen to go blue-electric on one of their lines. Even Solinco trolled the competition with an instrgram story, saying their new Blackout will not be blue, also!
Personally, I'm all in for the black Model99. I'm not sold for the model 100, seems too "generic" and I don't want to spend my hard-earned money for something like that without being able to thoroughly demo it. Since I don't play competitively, I'd buy the 18x19 Model98.
 
Got an order in for one of each frame, will update on thoughts as I have with the other frames once they arrive! Looking forward to the 98 Pro in particular, I came to the M99 after using Six One 95s and heavy-spec Angell racquets, hoping that slightly beefier static weight might light a fire under my nostalgia for those classic, more controlled frames.
 
I’m interested in knowing the power levels of both these 98’s can’t wait to hear the unstrung specs people get as to be honest I could be interested in either as I like Nordicdots no nonsense approach and prefer racquets that are simple and have identity
 
Per tennis nerd’s review. It seems like many of them thought they’d prefer the s over the pro but ended up liking the pro more. On spec and on paper, I’d also think I’d prefer the s model but now I’m torn if I want to try the s or the pro…
 
hdjs94 said:
Per tennis nerd’s review. It seems like many of them thought they’d prefer the s over the pro but ended up liking the pro more. On spec and on paper, I’d also think I’d prefer the s model but now I’m torn if I want to try the s or the pro…
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Only one thing to do – man up and pull the trigger on BOTH! :happydevil:
 
@Tom_C - I would agree with @tele that an 18x19 tends to play more like an 18x20 (vs a 16x19), only with a bit more trampoline, and, if the center mains and most crosses are mapped wide-enough, a bit deeper ball bite and easier access to curvature and spin at lower RHS. But even so, it's still an 18-main pattern, which usually requires more input per unit output than is optimal for most players, especially at the rec level. But, again as @tele said, a lot depends on how any pattern is actually mapped, and in examining the TN video, it appears it's similar to the TFight 305S, if that helps to give you any indication of how it will play. If I had to guess, with a slightly more isometric shape to the upper hoop, the sweet spot might be a cross or two higher than the 305S, more inline with perhaps where more players actually tend to make contact these days (and one of my only pet-peeves with the 305S). On that note, I think Jonas (and I'm sure others) will be doing M98P vs 305S comparisons at some point soon.

TL;DR - I think a smartly-drilled 16x20 can often be an even better choice, the 16 mains providing a more present amount of easier lift, spin, exit velocity and automatic depth, with the 20 crosses add in just enough facial consistency and control. Often times more optimal for the modern game and modern player. But that's ultimately just my opinion, so I digress.
 
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hdjs94 said:
Per tennis nerd’s review. It seems like many of them thought they’d prefer the s over the pro but ended up liking the pro more. On spec and on paper, I’d also think I’d prefer the s model but now I’m torn if I want to try the s or the pro…
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same, but that 310g weight gives basically no room for customization, so I am sure if I will get the S and customize it to my liking it will be better in the end. I wouldn't be able to put more weight on the Pro version. Right now I have 330g racket strung, with my base grip and overgrip. with 310g base I would be over the spec already. 305g is borderline for me, was hoping for 300g base weight. Might even ask Nordicdots to find some under weight spec when I will order.
 
Just pulled the trigger on a 98 Pro in Grip 4. The first frame I've bought in a while. Also having them try and pull a fairly under-spec one for me, with a fairly low balance point and SW, allowing me to reach a higher recoil weight with less static weight, which will work better in attaining the swing physics that I know tend to work best for me. Will update as I know more details.
 
Trip said:
Just pulled the trigger on a 98 Pro in Grip 4. The first frame I've bought in a while. Also having them try and pull a fairly under-spec one for me, with a fairly low balance point and SW, allowing me to reach a higher recoil weight with less static weight, which will work better in attaining the swing physics that I know tend to work best for me. Will update as I know more details.
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Highly looking forward to your thoughts especially on how it plays compared to the 305s!!

Personally considering letting my 305s go soon…
 
TN commented on you tube reply that the model 98 has some what of a similar feel to Novak’s actual frame minus the SW …

Not sure how true or false that is ..

Wonder what the MGR I is of the model 98

And what the best strings for the frame are ..
 
Trip said:
Absolutely intending on doing a full 305S vs M98P comparison, especially now that TW is sending me a replacement for my cracked playtest 305S, which is slated to arrive this week.
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Sounds great as I’m interested in both the 16x19 interests me more but I can easily be swayed I’m interested in pulling the trigger but I have a few other racquets that interest me and I need a new main so I will need a minimum of 3 racquets can’t wait to hear you and others feedback. Thank you for this
 
Tom_C said:
How does 18x19 generally play? Closer to 16x19 or 18x20?
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Depends on spacing
Some are tighter so play more linear like an 18x20 but some are a little more open so have a higher launch angle but still play with more predictability than a 16x19.
So they generally play like a denser pattern but the angle of attack can look different
 
So my Model 98 Pro will be on the way as of today. Per my request for something a bit under-spec on swing weight, and to give you guys an idea of what's available on the lower end of the spectrum, they listed these three for me in Grip 4:

Option 1: 309.2gr / 316mm / 290sw
Option 2: 309.3gr / 318mm / 289sw
Option 3: 310gr / 311mm / 288sw

I chose Option 3, with the crucial aspect being the lower balance point, which will allow me to reach a higher recoil weight with less static weight, similar to several setups I've created recently that have worked out really well. ND suggested I perhaps go with Option 1, as it would be potentially easier to replicate if/when I wanted to buy more, but I figured I'd roll the dice, as I'd really prefer to not have to go up into the low-mid 340's grams static strung to get the upper 160's - 170+ RW that I tend to prefer, when I can get it with Option 3 and still be down in upper 330's grams static. In past playing experiences, that can yield a decent difference in ease of playability and exhaustion levels over time. So I'm rolling with it.

As for the spec range overall, I would have to imagine that just as there are low 31.x cm + high-280's-290-ish SW samples on the bottom end, there are probably 32-ish cm + upper 290's-300-ish SW samples on the top end, so if you know you like more of that Blade Pro / ISO 305 style weighting (paging @Tranqville), then you can probably find those, too.

Very much looking forward to this arrival. Having played the VCore Pro 97D in the past and loving it, save for its excessive static weight, sluggishness and too-low a launch angle, I was excited to hear that Jonas of TN has already commented about having directly compared the two, noticing that the M98P solves pretty much all of that in one go, and allows one to play a lot more of their selected variety of tennis, at will, which is music to my ears, and already a very encouraging sign. Beyond that, going to temper my enthusiasm until I get it out on court, but will keep you guys updated with early feedback and then a full review at some point.
 
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Trip said:
As for the spec range overall, I would have to imagine that just as there are low 31.x cm + high-280's-290-ish SW samples on the bottom end, there are probably 32-ish cm + upper 290's-300-ish SW samples on the top end, so if you know you like more of that Blade Pro / ISO 305 style weighting (paging @Tranqville), then you can probably find those, too.
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Blade Pro style weighting optimizes for RHS on serve and forehand, while making the racquet slightly less stable on OHBH, volleys, and returns. This setup works best for 2HBH baseliner, but not so much for Federer-like all-court game or S/W.
 
Took the plunge and ordered a 98 Pro. These guys are super responsive, and got back to me within minutes. And after I ordered, the racquet was shipped literally within the hour. Pretty impressive.

Here are the options I was given for a grip 3, as I asked for a SW around 297:

Option 1: 310.7gr / 315mm / 295sw
Option 2: 311.8gr / 316mm / 296sw
Option 3: 312.1gr / 317mm / 297sw

This is probably as good as one would get in terms of tightness of specs, and right up there with with Angell, which I have a ton of experience with.

I chose option 2, and depending on how I like it, might order another one. I'm very eager to see how this plays compared to my Angell TC99, which is also an 18x19.
 
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TN replied to my comment stating that the 98 pro and the 305s are very similar in terms of power and spin. The increased crispness of the pro seems to be the bigger difference.

If this is the case I’d be more inclined to go with the S model despite people enjoying the pro more.
 
@flanker2000fr - Outstanding, and a very nice and tight "range" of spec choices there. I have no doubt you're be quite satisfied with the solidness. Looking forward to your feedback, as you have time!
 
Trip said:
@flanker2000fr - Outstanding, and a very nice and tight "range" of spec choices there. I have no doubt you're be quite satisfied with the solidness. Looking forward to your feedback, as you have time!
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Well, before I stumbled on TN's review of the ND 98 Pro, I was strongly considering getting the Tecnifibre 305S, given the rave review it's been getting, specs in my wheelhouse, and dynamite cosmetics.

But then, there were two problems:
1) They always seem out of stock at TWE, which is the only place that still provides a proper matching service, where the specs of 5 frames will be provided for one to chose. Unlike TW US which basically send over 2 closely matched frames, irrespective of the specs
2) Just saw on the New TF 2005 thread the specs of 10 305S, and the SW is all over the shop, with a maximum differential of 9. I guess the issue is magnified by the use of foam filling, which adds another variable for inconsistent weight distribution. In any event, it was just too inconsistent for my liking, especially if I can't get a proper matching service

This is the reason why I like a brand like Angell so much: you get the specs you asked for, within 1g / 1mm / 1-2 SW. Seems like Nordicdots have the same approach. It remains to be seen if I gel with the frame, which is stiffer than I typically like. But the good people at ND have told me that the stiffness strung at 21 kg should be 66 RA. Still a bit higher than what I usually play (61-63), but worth a try. I'll probably have to go for a softer set up than my usual one.
 
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Will be interested to get feedback on what others have to say about the 72ra in terms of power, stability and comfort;
 
Crocodile said:
Will be interested to get feedback on what others have to say about the 72ra in terms of power, stability and comfort;
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As said above, they claim that the strung RA is 66. Not sure how they achieve this, as I always read that the strung / unstrung RA difference was -3, so theoretically, it should be coming down from 72 to 69 rather than 66. But RA can be deceptive, as it only measures the longitudinal rigidity, whereas a racquet flexes in many more directions.

In any event, I will come back here to report on my experience once I've managed to get a couple of hits with the 98 Pro.
 
Trip said:
So my Model 98 Pro will be on the way as of today. Per my request for something a bit under-spec on swing weight, and to give you guys an idea of what's available on the lower end of the spectrum, they listed these three for me in Grip 4:

Option 1: 309.2gr / 316mm / 290sw
Option 2: 309.3gr / 318mm / 289sw
Option 3: 310gr / 311mm / 288sw

I chose Option 3, with the crucial aspect being the lower balance point, which will allow me to reach a higher recoil weight with less static weight, similar to several setups I've created recently that have worked out really well. ND suggested I perhaps go with Option 1, as it would be potentially easier to replicate if/when I wanted to buy more, but I figured I'd roll the dice, as I'd really prefer to not have to go up into the low-mid 340's grams static strung to get the upper 160's - 170+ RW that I tend to prefer, when I can get it with Option 3 and still be down in upper 330's grams static. In past playing experiences, that can yield a decent difference in ease of playability and exhaustion levels over time. So I'm rolling with it.

As for the spec range overall, I would have to imagine that just as there are low 31.x cm + high-280's-290-ish SW samples on the bottom end, there are probably 32-ish cm + upper 290's-300-ish SW samples on the top end, so if you know you like more of that Blade Pro / ISO 305 style weighting (paging @Tranqville), then you can probably find those, too.

Very much looking forward to this arrival. Having played the VCore Pro 97D in the past and loving it, save for its excessive static weight, sluggishness and too-low a launch angle, I was excited to hear that Jonas of TN has already commented about having directly compared the two, noticing that the M98P solves pretty much all of that in one go, and allows one to play a lot more of their selected variety of tennis, at will, which is music to my ears, and already a very encouraging sign. Beyond that, going to temper my enthusiasm until I get it out on court, but will keep you guys updated with early feedback and then a full review at some point.
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You played with it Trip?
Waiting to hear from ya how it felt!!
 
Initial thoughts on the frames (will update when I have more than a few hours of mostly feeding and teaching): Feel-wise I find them closest to a classic Pure Drive frame, the stiffness is noticeably higher than the 99 or 100 but not quite tipping into discomfort, just very solid with a quick release sensation rather than the pocketing you experience on the other ND frames.

The 98 Pro swings pretty heavy and slow through the air, not a whippy, cutting-through-the-air frame, moreso "hit like a truck". Slice still feels great, probably the best serving racquet of the line, outdoing even the 99 in my opinion. The 98S retains a lot of that same DNA through the stiff and direct contact while being slightly more maneuverable than the pro. It still swings slow and (for lack of a better word) clunky through the air, though it lacks that extra punch from the Pro's higher mass.
Both frames are great volley racquets, that stiffness just gives you a point and shot rocket launcher in the front court.
Overall I'm enjoying the frames, will update more once I get some real matchplay experience in. Will say that my standard setup of Pure Rush and Ghostwire at 54 is probably too tight to really let the racquets open up and do their work, will drop to 48 and see if that lets some more magic through.
 
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