Out of Touch With Racquet Technology...Please Help!

[UW_Husky88]

Hi all,

I'm a former competitive tennis player who fell out of the game after high school and am looking to get back into it. As a result, I've completely lost touch with racquet technology and was wondering if Talk Tennis can help me out.

Basically, I'm an aggressive baseliner that hits with heavy spin. I know what you're thinking: "get a babolat", but it's not that simple. The big reason why I cannot wield a pure drive is because my arm DIES from those things. I currently use an nBlade (in case you're wondering, yes, I haven't looked at racquets since these sticks came out way back when) with kevlar strings and I don't feel discomfort because of how flexible the racquet is and because I can play at low string tensions with the kevlar providing enough control for me. My arm would fall off if I pulled that setup on a pure drive.

I remember back in the day, I was debating between the radical and nBlade, but when I looked up the new radical, I was disappointed to see that its stiffness rating is now in the upper 60s and am at a loss for what to buy. I'm looking for the following:

1. A spin-friendly racquet (ideally 16x19 or thereabout pattern) with a power level similar to the nBlade. I think the power level of my racquet is fine, but the problem is that it isn't super spin-friendly (18x20) and I have to flatten it out a lot, which causes it to go long. I think either a control-oriented tweener or something similar in level to a pure drive that generates lots of spin would be ideal for me

2. Relatively low stiffness rating. This is the part I'm struggling the most with because I strongly prefer racquets that are in the upper 50s or low 60s for stiffness, but most that fall in this category get no pop on them at all (I've tried prestiges and staffs in the past and got no depth/pace on my balls from them, which is no bueno). Is there such a thing as a modern players frame that is arm friendly?

I think my ideal frame would be a pure drive that has a bit more control (but not overwhelmingly less powered) and is arm-friendly. Does such a racquet exist nowadays?

Thanks!

 

[movdqa]

TW still sells Microgel Radicals and they're quite inexpensive. I think that those are somewhere around 56-59. You'd probably have to add a little lead for stability. I think that they aren't the open pattern that you're looking for unless you go shopping for pro stock versions.

The key to getting power out of a very flexible stick is to crank up the swingweight. My current Prestige setup is more powerful than a Pure Drive Roddick - but you have to be able to swing it.

You might consider the current blades (98) as well.

Is there anything wrong with your nBlades outside of Wilson not making them anymore?

 

[Chotobaka]

Hi all,

I'm a former competitive tennis player who fell out of the game after high school and am looking to get back into it. As a result, I've completely lost touch with racquet technology and was wondering if Talk Tennis can help me out.

Basically, I'm an aggressive baseliner that hits with heavy spin. I know what you're thinking: "get a babolat", but it's not that simple. The big reason why I cannot wield a pure drive is because my arm DIES from those things. I currently use an nBlade (in case you're wondering, yes, I haven't looked at racquets since these sticks came out way back when) with kevlar strings and I don't feel discomfort because of how flexible the racquet is and because I can play at low string tensions with the kevlar providing enough control for me. My arm would fall off if I pulled that setup on a pure drive.

I remember back in the day, I was debating between the radical and nBlade, but when I looked up the new radical, I was disappointed to see that its stiffness rating is now in the upper 60s and am at a loss for what to buy. I'm looking for the following:

1. A spin-friendly racquet (ideally 16x19 or thereabout pattern) with a power level similar to the nBlade. I think the power level of my racquet is fine, but the problem is that it isn't super spin-friendly (18x20) and I have to flatten it out a lot, which causes it to go long. I think either a control-oriented tweener or something similar in level to a pure drive that generates lots of spin would be ideal for me

2. Relatively low stiffness rating. This is the part I'm struggling the most with because I strongly prefer racquets that are in the upper 50s or low 60s for stiffness, but most that fall in this category get no pop on them at all (I've tried prestiges and staffs in the past and got no depth/pace on my balls from them, which is no bueno). Is there such a thing as a modern players frame that is arm friendly?

I think my ideal frame would be a pure drive that has a bit more control (but not overwhelmingly less powered) and is arm-friendly. Does such a racquet exist nowadays?

Thanks!

Make sure you include the Volkl Organix 8 in your demos. It flies under the radar but has PD power and spin in an arm friendly package.

 

[SFrazeur]

Did you simply try the new Blade 98" 16x19?

 

[sam_p]

Hi all,

I'm a former competitive tennis player who fell out of the game after high school and am looking to get back into it. As a result, I've completely lost touch with racquet technology and was wondering if Talk Tennis can help me out.

Basically, I'm an aggressive baseliner that hits with heavy spin. I know what you're thinking: "get a babolat", but it's not that simple. The big reason why I cannot wield a pure drive is because my arm DIES from those things. I currently use an nBlade (in case you're wondering, yes, I haven't looked at racquets since these sticks came out way back when) with kevlar strings and I don't feel discomfort because of how flexible the racquet is and because I can play at low string tensions with the kevlar providing enough control for me. My arm would fall off if I pulled that setup on a pure drive.

I remember back in the day, I was debating between the radical and nBlade, but when I looked up the new radical, I was disappointed to see that its stiffness rating is now in the upper 60s and am at a loss for what to buy. I'm looking for the following:

1. A spin-friendly racquet (ideally 16x19 or thereabout pattern) with a power level similar to the nBlade. I think the power level of my racquet is fine, but the problem is that it isn't super spin-friendly (18x20) and I have to flatten it out a lot, which causes it to go long. I think either a control-oriented tweener or something similar in level to a pure drive that generates lots of spin would be ideal for me

2. Relatively low stiffness rating. This is the part I'm struggling the most with because I strongly prefer racquets that are in the upper 50s or low 60s for stiffness, but most that fall in this category get no pop on them at all (I've tried prestiges and staffs in the past and got no depth/pace on my balls from them, which is no bueno). Is there such a thing as a modern players frame that is arm friendly?

I think my ideal frame would be a pure drive that has a bit more control (but not overwhelmingly less powered) and is arm-friendly. Does such a racquet exist nowadays?

Thanks!

Try the prince 98 tour, flexible stick still with good pop.

 

[UW_Husky88]

TW still sells Microgel Radicals and they're quite inexpensive. I think that those are somewhere around 56-59. You'd probably have to add a little lead for stability. I think that they aren't the open pattern that you're looking for unless you go shopping for pro stock versions.

The key to getting power out of a very flexible stick is to crank up the swingweight. My current Prestige setup is more powerful than a Pure Drive Roddick - but you have to be able to swing it.

You might consider the current blades (98) as well.

Is there anything wrong with your nBlades outside of Wilson not making them anymore?

My frames are feeling kind of dead, there's no replacement for them since the nBlades are discontinued, and I need the more open spin pattern because I no longer hit as flat. Other than that, I like my nBlades a lot.

EDIT: Also, the nBlade is a bit too even balanced for my taste. I want a frame that's more head-light so that I have better maneuverability at net.

 

[UW_Husky88]

Did you simply try the new Blade 98" 16x19?

I must be blind as I definitely didn't see that when I was browsing the website. How do they play relative to the nBlade though? I remember that the blade that came after my racquet, the kblade, was totally different in feel and I hated them because they felt babolatized (read way too stiff).

Try the prince 98 tour, flexible stick still with good pop.

Does Prince make good frames? I kept hearing how they were in decline and not picking up pros because nobody likes their grommet-less racquets.

 

[Lukhas]

EDIT: Also, the nBlade is a bit too even balanced for my taste. I want a frame that's more head-light so that I have better maneuverability at net.

A Blade with a leather grip maybe? A Prince Rebel98/Tour98 would be a good demo. Yonex Ai 98 may also be worth checking; didn't try this one but the reviews are pretty nice.

 

[SpinToWin]

You could pick up an IG Radical Pro, as it has low flex, good stability and access to spin and lots of power.
A very popular lower flex (somewhat) tweener style frame here on TT is the Yonex Ai98. This will be a must demo for you IMO.

 

[mhkeuns]

I think my ideal frame would be a pure drive that has a bit more control (but not overwhelmingly less powered) and is arm-friendly. Does such a racquet exist nowadays?

Thanks!

I think you should demo the Pacific XFast Pro, or Donnay Formula 100 if you are looking for something that plays like the Pure Drive with more arm-friendliness. To me, both of those frames were more maneuverable with equal power. I love the APD but hated the Pure Drive for some reason. The Pure Drive felt bulky and slow.

Also, if you don't mind trying out the older frames, I think Head Prestige Pro should give you spin and control. I hit with heavy top spin from the baseline, but I personally prefer the 18x20 string pattern and play with the Pure Strike Tour and IG Prestige MP right now.

 

[KYHacker]

If you are looking for an arm-friendly Pure Drive, look no further than the Prince Warrior. Old paint job is $79 right now.

 

[Lukhas]

Does Prince make good frames? I kept hearing how they were in decline and not picking up pros because nobody likes their grommet-less racquets.

It's hit or miss, and they did reissue racquets with more traditional grommets. But they are great frames. It's at least worth a demo.

 

[ROCKinCourier]

Volkl PB10 Mid ...

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Volkl_Power_Bridge_10_2013_Mid/descpageRCVOLKL-PB10M.html

 

[mctennis]

Try either a Volkl Power Bridge 10 or a Tecnifibre T-Fight 315 LTD. These two are close to your requested specs. If you want a 18x20 pattern close to your specs try the ProKennex Heritage Type C Redondo racquets. I have demoed tons of racquets over the years. I like the old feel of a softer racquet as well. The racquets above are ones I actually use now except for the 315. I use an older Tecnifibre T-Fight 325 VO2 MAX XL instead.
Just remember, demo..demo,demo ...before you buy. Every persons tastes are different. Good luck.

 

[kingcheetah]

In my experience, the Blade 104 is very spin friendly and easy on the arm, but still retains a lot of the control of a player's racquet... if you want a higher weight/swingweight you can customize it pretty easily. Worth a demo in my opinion.

 

[fuzz nation]

I must be blind as I definitely didn't see that when I was browsing the website. How do they play relative to the nBlade though? I remember that the blade that came after my racquet, the kblade, was totally different in feel and I hated them because they felt babolatized (read way too stiff).



Does Prince make good frames? I kept hearing how they were in decline and not picking up pros because nobody likes their grommet-less racquets.

The nBlade design has lots of its flex in the throat, while the hoop is relatively firm. This is a great design in my opinion, because it provides soft-racquet performance with more of a crisp firm-racquet feel. Pacific took over Fischer and continued to produce a few racquets with this same layout, but I only see a few available models on TW's page now. Their X Feel Tour could be worth a look, but it's on the lighter side.

Prince seems to be on the comeback trail after bottoming out a year or two ago. They just came out with the Classic Graphite 100, which could be a potential honey of a frame, grommets 'n all. Their other models with the "ports" come in several sizes, weights, and flex ratings, including a couple of very soft ones. In my experience with a couple of these "ported" racquets, they're fine with the right string setup that dials in decent feel and performance.

I'm a fan of Volkl gear and I was using their C10's for a few years with solid results. Those racquets are peculiar because they have significant flex in their hoops. This gives them a certain personality (they're a little dead up toward the top of the string bed) and very soft feel that I really liked for a while. Then I tried their newer Orgainix 10 325 last year and immediately noticed that this model had less flex in its hoop than my C10's, but was also somewhat soft.

In stock form, I thought this O10 was a little bit of a dud, but when I put some lead tape on the handle for more head-light balance and just a little at 3/9 o'clock, I got everything I wanted. More stability, better soft feel, more maneuverability, and I also got significantly better spin from this frame than with my C10's. I'm cautious about recommending this racquet because I think it's sort of a diamond in the rough. Since you're looking out for softer frames though, I think Volkl's lineup is worth a look.

 

[LeeD]

ANY racket, but you gotta be somewhat smart.
Look up the racket, LOOK at the SW and flex ratings.
Get something around 330 in SW and 57-62 in flex.

 

[MWM400]

I love my Prince EXO3 Tour 16x18. I have an 18x20 that I've played as well, but I always wind up going back to the 16x18.

I used to play with the Babolat PSTGT and I tried a few in the the Youtek line as well. I loved the PST, but it caused me some serious shoulder soreness. I always felt like I had to work too hard over a long match with the Head raquets and I'd get some elbow soreness. I went to the EXO3 and any and all arm soreness went away and has not come back. It took some adjustment, but once I grooved my stroke with the EXO3 16x18, I wound up liking it better than any of the others I used, regardless of the arm.

 

[SpinToWin]

ANY racket, but you gotta be somewhat smart.
Look up the racket, LOOK at the SW and flex ratings.
Get something around 330 in SW and 57-62 in flex.

sounds like a Head YouTek IG Radical Pro!

 

[Fifth Set]

Here's another vote for volkl. I too was out of the racquet game - for over 20 years. I wanted some power and some spin but easy on the arm. Nothing quite fit the bill. Then I found the volkl organix 4. I wouldn't call this a player's stick because it's a 105, but it has been very good for me.

I think volkl makes some very underrated sticks so I would make sure to include a couple on your demo list.