Oversize racket recommendation for a recreational intermediate player

Gravity Team should be fun. not oversizes but was surprised in a good way by the VCore 100 and see a lot of people on Youtube playing with some version of the Dunlop FX500 as an arm friendly and maneuverable alternative to the Pure Drive
 
oldmanyellingatcloud said:
Gravity Team should be fun. not oversizes but was surprised in a good way by the VCore 100 and see a lot of people on Youtube playing with some version of the Dunlop FX500 as an arm friendly and maneuverable alternative to the Pure Drive
Click to expand...
I demoed Gravity Team and was pleasantly surprised by the racket, as it doesn't show it has 100+ head ... very nice racket, I must say! Same as Wilson Blade 104, but this one is also one inch longer (didn't affect me, though, but rather point it out).
 
dilshan said:
I ordered the following demos [...] for singles and doubles:

- Head Gravity Team
- Dunlop CX 200 OS
- Wilson Clash 108 V2
Click to expand...
Beautiful work. That's a nice trio. Just remember, with generic demos, keep the focus somewhat higher level -- a general feel for weight, balance, stability, feel and mix of control/spin/power. Anything more specific can be influenced with string setup and customization. Fascinated to see your take on those three.
 
To give you all an update, I made a slight change in my racket demos and replaced the CX 200 OS with the Gamma RZR Bubba 117. My demos arrived yesterday and I went for a hit in the evening for doubles at a clay court.

Day 1
Gamma RZR Bubba 117
  • String setup - The demo strings were practically dead as they were moving all over the place after each stroke. I had to keep adjusting the strings after each point
  • Forehands - I was returning bombs from the baseline with loads of spin and power. My opponent was saying that he was not able to even get near the shots with such heavy top spin. I was able to get good racket head speed and didn't have to change my stroke style much as when playing with my Vcore 95
  • Backhands - For some reason, I could not land my DHBH inside the baseline, but this was the case with the other rackets as well. It may have had something to do with the fact that there was a slight drizzle and was a bit windy too. Mostly went with the backhand slice which floated a few times but was ok
  • Serve - This is where I found it a bit tough. I was getting power but had to dial down my motion to get the ball in
  • Volley - Volleying was good with this racket and was very forgiving
  • Cons - Was feeling a lot of vibrations and was a bit hard on the arm and I believe this is mainly due to the low static weight and head heavy nature of the racket
Wilson Clash 108 V2
  • Forehand, backhand, serves - I had to dial my racket head speed and motion quite a bit for the strokes since the balls were flying off the racket
  • Comfort - was the most comfortable racket on the arm to play with
  • Feel - I definitely felt a lack of feel with this racket, it was difficult to place balls and often landed out.
Head Gravity Team
  • Forehands, backhands, serves - This racket felt more at home to me and played similar to my Vcore 95. Moderate power and good control
  • Comfort - was very good on the arm
Overall, I believe I played well with the Gravity but really had fun with the Bubba 117. The Clash just felt weird to me.

My initial impression is that if I beef up the handle on the bubba 117 by bringing the strung weight from 262g to 320g, making it headlight, I think this could be the one for me, given the good control I had for a super oversize.

I have two more days of tennis ahead of me with these demos and will keep you all posted.
 
dilshan said:
To give you all an update, I made a slight change in my racket demos and replaced the CX 200 OS with the Gamma RZR Bubba 117. My demos arrived yesterday and I went for a hit in the evening for doubles at a clay court.

Day 1
Gamma RZR Bubba 117
  • String setup - The demo strings were practically dead as they were moving all over the place after each stroke. I had to keep adjusting the strings after each point
  • Forehands - I was returning bombs from the baseline with loads of spin and power. My opponent was saying that he was not able to even get near the shots with such heavy top spin. I was able to get good racket head speed and didn't have to change my stroke style much as when playing with my Vcore 95
  • Backhands - For some reason, I could not land my DHBH inside the baseline, but this was the case with the other rackets as well. It may have had something to do with the fact that there was a slight drizzle and was a bit windy too. Mostly went with the backhand slice which floated a few times but was ok
  • Serve - This is where I found it a bit tough. I was getting power but had to dial down my motion to get the ball in
  • Volley - Volleying was good with this racket and was very forgiving
  • Cons - Was feeling a lot of vibrations and was a bit hard on the arm and I believe this is mainly due to the low static weight and head heavy nature of the racket
Wilson Clash 108 V2
  • Forehand, backhand, serves - I had to dial my racket head speed and motion quite a bit for the strokes since the balls were flying off the racket
  • Comfort - was the most comfortable racket on the arm to play with
  • Feel - I definitely felt a lack of feel with this racket, it was difficult to place balls and often landed out.
Head Gravity Team
  • Forehands, backhands, serves - This racket felt more at home to me and played similar to my Vcore 95. Moderate power and good control
  • Comfort - was very good on the arm
Overall, I believe I played well with the Gravity but really had fun with the Bubba 117. The Clash just felt weird to me.

My initial impression is that if I beef up the handle on the bubba 117 by bringing the strung weight from 262g to 320g, making it headlight, I think this could be the one for me, given the good control I had for a super oversize.

I have two more days of tennis ahead of me with these demos and will keep you all posted.
Click to expand...
You took the best racket out of your demos.

58 grams in the handle?! Wow!
 
Yeah, the Clash 108 is kind of a dumb racquet. I dunno who that's for that isn't better served by some other racquet.

Your second set of demos is spot on for playability!
 
my 50 cents … try to get Blade 104 and Gravity Team side by side … because for me, after demoing a bunch of rackets, was the grand final …
 
Gravity. but was really back and forth with Blade. both are really good racquets! but I was comparing the playability with one of my older racquets and that’s where Gravity came closest …
 
I don’t see any advanced (4.5+) players below the age of 60 playing with oversized racquets over 100 sq inches. And the 60+ age guys who regularly play singles generally play with midplus too although the trend changes over 65+.
 
socallefty said:
I don’t see any advanced (4.5+) players below the age of 60 playing with oversized racquets over 100 sq inches. And the 60+ age guys who regularly play singles generally play with midplus too although the trend changes over 65+.
Click to expand...
maybe true. there are also people who play with 93 inches racquets, 89 even ... because it comes to personal preference. I tried racquets from 95 to 110. VCore Pro 97 surprised me with comfort, because I checked several time if it is realy 97 inch racquet or it has 97 for some other reason. on the other hand, when I played with Volkl V1 Classic I had a feeling that the head is extremely small as I could not get the sweetspot in 40% of strokes (due to differently shaped head which moves sweetspot a bit closer to the handle and it was complete miss for me). and with Gravity S/Team and Blade 104 I was so surprised, because it swings and goes through air like a small-head racquet, but offers much more comfort. and there are much more pluses, too, but want to keep it short for now.

it depends a lot on the design and also, on your hand and what you are feeling and what kind of feel you prefer. and with my Gravity S now I believe I can move from 4.0 to 4.5 fairly easily. and, on the other hand - I am not in tennis for competition (anymore), but for pure fun. sure, we play matches, but for fun. if I lose, I lose, if I win, I win, both time with smile, because most importantly - I had fun.
 
I am 67 and play with a vcore 100 with a little lead at 9 and 3....... STRONGLY recommend that you at least give one of these babies a demo. Although I have 3 of the all red 2018 models, I demoed the 2023 model and it is the bombdiggity.
 
Yurifi said:
maybe true. there are also people who play with 93 inches racquets, 89 even ... because it comes to personal preference. I tried racquets from 95 to 110. VCore Pro 97 surprised me with comfort, because I checked several time if it is realy 97 inch racquet or it has 97 for some other reason. on the other hand, when I played with Volkl V1 Classic I had a feeling that the head is extremely small as I could not get the sweetspot in 40% of strokes (due to differently shaped head which moves sweetspot a bit closer to the handle and it was complete miss for me). and with Gravity S/Team and Blade 104 I was so surprised, because it swings and goes through air like a small-head racquet, but offers much more comfort. and there are much more pluses, too, but want to keep it short for now.

it depends a lot on the design and also, on your hand and what you are feeling and what kind of feel you prefer. and with my Gravity S now I believe I can move from 4.0 to 4.5 fairly easily. and, on the other hand - I am not in tennis for competition (anymore), but for pure fun. sure, we play matches, but for fun. if I lose, I lose, if I win, I win, both time with smile, because most importantly - I had fun.
Click to expand...

We have had pros like Agassi playing with a 107. Yet there will be 4.5 rec players on ttw telling you how advanced players don’t play with head size over 100. Take advice here with a huge grain of salt.
 
stapletonj said:
I am 67 and play with a vcore 100 with a little lead at 9 and 3....... STRONGLY recommend that you at least give one of these babies a demo. Although I have 3 of the all red 2018 models, I demoed the 2023 model and it is the bombdiggity.
Click to expand...
I did. I demoed Ezone 100, VCore 100 and VCore Pro 100. chose Yonex Ezone 100. but wanted a second racket, bit lighter and forgiving and went for Head Gravity S.
 
Day 2
Had a 1 hour hit with a partner on a synthetic clay court
  • Bubba 117: My partner commented that he experienced the most top spin and power coming in from my strokes. However, my shorts were always landing either out or a few inches inside the baseline. Also it felt quite flimsy when returning heavy balls. Looks like this racket is too light for my liking
  • Clash 108: More stable than the Bubba but again I was finding it difficult to get enough top spin to land within the service court. Felt good on the arm though
  • Gravity team: Continues to play consistently albeit less power than the above two. Advantage is I can swing big and not worry about the ball landing out. My partner had a hit with it as well and loved the racket
My next day of play is tomorrow. By the looks of things the Bubba is out and the gravity team is looking like a good contender
 
BumElbow said:
Can you order it from Tennis Warehouse USA? Provided, of course, that the shipping cost is not exorbitant.
Click to expand...
I could but would be a blind buy as opposed to demoing. Also shipping from US to Australia is 40 USD as opposed to free shipping if within US. Hoping either the gravity team, Dunlop CX 200 os, or blade 104 would do in the interim.
 
Day 3
Played 3 hours of singles with two players solely with the Bubba 117. My results:
  • Set 1: 6-0
  • Set 2: 6-4
  • Set 3: 6-4
I was serving bombs and my forehands had so much pace that had my opponents running. My backhand needed work but once I adjusted to the physics of the racket, I was able get my DHBH in consistently and was able to execute drop shots with ease.

When facing heavy serves, I gripped the handle tight for returns and not only was I able to return heavy serves with ease but I was able to return winners as well.

I was expecting some arm pain since it's a head heavy racket but no issues at all.

I think I have found the racket for me folks. It's the Gamma RZR Bubba 117!

I'm going to add 30g of putty in the handle, a leather grip, overgrip (brings the weight to 309g), and add a vibration damper followed by 4g at 10 and 2 o clock for more stability.

My search for a super oversize racket is finally done
 
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dilshan said:
Day 3
Played 3 hours of singles with two players solely with the Bubba 117. My results:
  • Set 1: 6-0
  • Set 2: 6-4
  • Set 3: 6-4
I was serving bombs and my forehands had so much pace that had my opponents running. My backhand needed work but once I adjusted to the physics of the racket, I was able get my DHBH in consistently and was able to execute drop shots with ease.

When facing heavy serves, I gripped the handle tight for returns and not only was I able to return heavy serves with ease but I was able to return winners as well.

I was expecting some arm pain since it's a head heavy racket but no issues at all.

I think I have found the racket for me folks. It's the Gamma RZR Bubba 117!

I'm going to add 30g of putty in the handle, a leather grip, overgrip (brings the weight to 309g), and add a vibration damper followed by 4g and 10 and 2 o clock for more stability.

My search for a super oversize racket is finally done
Click to expand...

I was a bit surprised when you wrote earlier that the racquet felt light against heavy hitters. I play against some heavy hitters too and never felt overwhelmed with this racquet as I have felt against the same folks with some other light racquets. Plus it is a low flex racquet. So the comfort part also checks out.

The control is the main issue for me. I can absolutely just touch and keep balls in but that’s not how I want to play. I cannot consistently take cuts and keep the ball in as balls tend to fly with this large a frame. Technique issue on my end. I will go back to it and retry.
 
dilshan said:
Day 3
Played 3 hours of singles with two players solely with the Bubba 117. My results:
  • Set 1: 6-0
  • Set 2: 6-4
  • Set 3: 6-4
I was serving bombs and my forehands had so much pace that had my opponents running. My backhand needed work but once I adjusted to the physics of the racket, I was able get my DHBH in consistently and was able to execute drop shots with ease.

When facing heavy serves, I gripped the handle tight for returns and not only was I able to return heavy serves with ease but I was able to return winners as well.

I was expecting some arm pain since it's a head heavy racket but no issues at all.

I think I have found the racket for me folks. It's the Gamma RZR Bubba 117!

I'm going to add 30g of putty in the handle, a leather grip, overgrip (brings the weight to 309g), and add a vibration damper followed by 4g and 10 and 2 o clock for more stability.

My search for a super oversize racket is finally done
Click to expand...
Report back after you add weight and play.
 
mcs1970 said:
I was a bit surprised when you wrote earlier that the racquet felt light against heavy hitters. I play against some heavy hitters too and never felt overwhelmed with this racquet as I have felt against the same folks with some other light racquets. Plus it is a low flex racquet. So the comfort part also checks out.

The control is the main issue for me. I can absolutely just touch and keep balls in but that’s not how I want to play. I cannot consistently take cuts and keep the ball in as balls tend to fly with this large a frame. Technique issue on my end. I will go back to it and retry.
Click to expand...
Took me a few games but I was able to apply a lot of topspin to keep the ball in. Id definitely recommend you give it another go
 
stapletonj said:
Would probably help significantly if you went with a tight as possible string bed, while keeping a close eye on your elbow and wrist.
Click to expand...
Thanks @stapletonj . The demo I played with was a cheap dead string and the strings were moving all over the place. I believe it's lost it's tension but I was still able to get some nice control on the racket. Definitely thinking of a multi filament with tension in th high 50s in terms of stringing
 

I've added weight to the handle on the bubba 117 to bring it to 301g (leather grip, overgrip, lead tape). Strung it with Yonex Rexis Comfort multi at 57 lbs tension. It's around 4-5pts head light with the changes, compared to it's previous strung balance of 7pts head heavy.

Going to have a hit in a few days! The only thing my stringer mentioned was given the lower static weight compared to my Vcore 95 (335g) I might have issues with stability.

Will post my experience after a couple of sessions
 
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