Please help me on my quest...... For a new racquet!

[smirker]

Yes I know there are at least five of these every day but this is mine so please find it in your better natures to help!

Some background: I played to a good level as a junior (county level in the UK) had a break after University and came back to tennis about 8 years ago.

I now play mainly doubles in a league team in division 3 (of 10) so again a reasonable standard.

I approximate this to equate to about 4-4.5 in the US system from what I have seen of those type of players hitting.

Racquet wise I currently play with the M-Fil 300 albeit in modified form from stock. My frames are currently all around 13oz and 8-10 points HL.

I have primarily played with heavy frames in the past (PK Copper Ace and a heavy english racquet) although more recently have used the Wilson 6.3HH and Dunlop 500 Tour. These were moderately successful but I think I prefer heavy.

The problem I am finding is in maneuverability(sp) not necessarily the static weight.

Likes of the racquet: Stability, soft/cushioned feel off the stringbed and plow-through. Power level.

Dislikes: have to prepare early and struggle if rushed on a shot. Also suffer in quick exchanges at net.

What I want from my next frame: retain the stability and plow factor whilst improving on speed for doubles. Also need to be able to S&V with it.

In essence I think I am looking for; a stable frame with a 90-100 sqin head, Head light and between 11-12oz (maybe 12.5oz) I do not stuggle to generate pace so a low powered stick is not a problem.

I know I could just plug the above into the racquet finder but I would really like some human input.

Finally manufacturers I can easily demo; Babolat/Head/Wilson/Yonex/Prince and with more difficulty Dunlop and Volkl.

thanks in advance for any help you are able to provide.

 

[kfrog12]

try the APDC or the APDGT, I think this is a great doubles raqcuet. You might want to lead it up a bit to get to 12.5oz, and a 340ish SW.

 

[BC1]

You may want to demo the Head Radical MP - It may be a little on the light side for you, but it's fairly stable and performs and feels like a heavier racquet since it's only a couple points HL, and you can always customize it to your weight preferences. Since you have no problem with power, it may be a good match. It's very manueverable, plow-through is ok, and it has unbelievable control. The Microgel version is marked way down, and IMO for the price it's the best buy out there.

 

[pheonix6579]

I would suggest the Babolat Pure Storm Tour (GT or Previous Version). I found the stick to have very nice plow through and wonderful to volley with.

Another frame would be the Youtek Radical Pro (with a little lead in the handle to make it more head light) also nice plow through and nice access to spin as well.

 

[smirker]

Thanks guys.

I will take at look at those mentioned. The Heads in particular I had earmarked for a demo.

The APDC is stiff and as I suffer with a bit of TE might give it a miss.

Anyone else want to chip in?

 

[jaskasm]

I'm looking for a doubles racquet with similar stats actually. Update us on what you like! I unfortunately do not have the time to demo so I would really appreciate any inputs you have into the racquets you demo.

 

[AndrewD]

Racquet wise I currently play with the M-Fil 300 albeit in modified form from stock. My frames are currently all around 13oz and 8-10 points HL.

The problem I am finding is in maneuverability(sp) not necessarily the static weight.

What I want from my next frame: retain the stability and plow factor whilst improving on speed for doubles. Also need to be able to S&V with it.

In essence I think I am looking for; a stable frame with a 90-100 sqin head, Head light and between 11-12oz (maybe 12.5oz) I do not stuggle to generate pace so a low powered stick is not a problem.

Firstly, I would suggest that you focus your attention on Swingweight and balance. Do that and you'll be able to retain the weight you prefer but make it easy to manoeuvre. At a guess I'd say that a swingweight around 325 and a balance of about 8pts HL would fit with what you're after.

A few racquets that might suit are:

Head Prestige MP (YouTek, Flexpoint and Microgel)
ProKennex Heritage Type C Redondo (Midplus)
Volkl Power Bridge 10 Mid+
Volkl C10 Pro

 

[smirker]

Firstly, I would suggest that you focus your attention on Swingweight and balance. Do that and you'll be able to retain the weight you prefer but make it easy to manoeuvre. At a guess I'd say that a swingweight around 325 and a balance of about 8pts HL would fit with what you're after.

A few racquets that might suit are:

Head Prestige MP (YouTek, Flexpoint and Microgel)
ProKennex Heritage Type C Redondo (Midplus)
Volkl Power Bridge 10 Mid+
Volkl C10 Pro

Thanks Andrew.

I have considered demoing all of the above so you are spot on with your recommendations. I imagine I am somewhere up near 350 SW currently so 325 would be a nice compromise to provide power whilst retaining a easy to manoeuvre frame. particularly want to try the Volkl PB Mid and Mid +.

I have hit with the Microgel Rad before but not the Prestige. Would love to try the Redondo but I doubt it's available over here.

Thanks for the pointers I'll update once i manage to get hold of the demos.

Finally, would you consider the above specs to fit well with an S&V/doubles game?

 

[smirker]

I'm looking for a doubles racquet with similar stats actually. Update us on what you like! I unfortunately do not have the time to demo so I would really appreciate any inputs you have into the racquets you demo.

No problem Jas. I'll post any findings here for you.

 

[fuzz nation]

I may not be at quite your level of play, but your story of finding better success with some more heft in your racquets has a familiar ring to it. If you can get a tryout with one, I'd strongly recommend a look at the Volkl C10 along with perhaps their PB 10 mid or midplus.

The C10 is certainly one of the better all-court frames available and offers what I find to be a very good combination of power and comfort. Its HL balance makes it nicely maneuverable at net, yet it is stable enough to volley well against heavy shots. I've always enjoyed the old ProStaff 6.1 Classics for pure S&V play, but the C10 gives me superior performance from the back court - it's soft enough that I can land strokes with a much greater margin for error, but its not so soft of a racquet that it's especially dead. For a comfortable frame, it also offers me plenty of pop.

 

[smirker]

I may not be at quite your level of play, but your story of finding better success with some more heft in your racquets has a familiar ring to it. If you can get a tryout with one, I'd strongly recommend a look at the Volkl C10 along with perhaps their PB 10 mid or midplus.

The C10 is certainly one of the better all-court frames available and offers what I find to be a very good combination of power and comfort. Its HL balance makes it nicely maneuverable at net, yet it is stable enough to volley well against heavy shots. I've always enjoyed the old ProStaff 6.1 Classics for pure S&V play, but the C10 gives me superior performance from the back court - it's soft enough that I can land strokes with a much greater margin for error, but its not so soft of a racquet that it's especially dead. For a comfortable frame, it also offers me plenty of pop.

Thanks for the feedback. I will see if I can get hold of the C10 along with the PB10.

I find I really struggle with anything sub 12oz to retain any control. The problem with my Dunlops is although they have a 64 flex they feel quite stiff. With the extra weight they are plenty powerful but lack the manouevrability I need for quick net exchanges.

Without any mods they feel harsh and lack that plush feel you get from weight behind the ball. I also struggled to generate pace with them in stock form but they were plenty manouevrable.

Theirin lies the problem with modding a racquet. You get what you want on the one hand but lose out in other aspects.

I therefore need a stock racquet with enough mass that I can bring round quickly when needed.

Poor footwork has always been my nemesis and a heavy slow racquet is not helping.

P.s, don't assume I play a higher level than you. I maybe did once when I was in college but at 36 it only goes one way now!

 

[TennisCJC]

HI,

Here's my 2 cents. I play about the same level 4.0 - 4.5 USTA and have been playing since the late 70s. Around 12 - 12.3 oz, try the Wilson BLX 6.1 95 or the Volkl PB10 Mid+. I play with the Wilson BLX6.1 95 and it is great in stock form but you could add weight if needed - mine is 9 pts HL which is very manuevarable. I demo-ed the PB10 Mid+ and it is a great racket too. I have not demo-ed but the Dunlops: AG 4D 300, and AG 4d 300 tour both are under 12 oz. You could weight these up for more power and the reviews sound good.

 

[smirker]

HI,

Here's my 2 cents. I play about the same level 4.0 - 4.5 USTA and have been playing since the late 70s. Around 12 - 12.3 oz, try the Wilson BLX 6.1 95 or the Volkl PB10 Mid+. I play with the Wilson BLX6.1 95 and it is great in stock form but you could add weight if needed - mine is 9 pts HL which is very manuevarable. I demo-ed the PB10 Mid+ and it is a great racket too. I have not demo-ed but the Dunlops: AG 4D 300, and AG 4d 300 tour both are under 12 oz. You could weight these up for more power and the reviews sound good.

Thanks, I will take a look at the Wilson as it is readily available here. The AD 100 also looks interesting, if only I could get hold of one.

The demo programme at TW must be a god-send.

 

[smirker]

Tried a few demo racquets today. Not really what I wanted but it was all they had in.

Two versions of the Yonex RQis Tour Xl. The 95 and 100" headsizes i think.

Quite liked the 95. Hit a solid ball with it but lacked feel and heft compared to my Dunlops which I also hit with a comparison.

100" was way too light. No guts to it, the ball went in but with no penetration. Easy pickings for a good player.

Babolat Aero Storm. Didn't like this one either. Way too stiff. It gave me a throbbing elbow after 10 minutes of hitting. Did deliver a spinny ball but again with no penetration.

Wilson Khamsin 5. Way off my spec list but they had it in so I had a hit. Tons of power and actually felt ok but balls sail out if you don't have proper technique.

last (and least!) Head Extreme MP. Ughh what a hollow feeling frame. no power, no feel, no thanks.

So all in all a disappointing start although none of the frames bar the Yonex 95 were on my list. guess I really am used to heavy rackets as these all felt like junior frames to me. i much prefer my leaded up Dunlops so far.

Hope to playtest some more serious frames soon. Will report if I do.

 

[smirker]

HI,

Here's my 2 cents. I play about the same level 4.0 - 4.5 USTA and have been playing since the late 70s. Around 12 - 12.3 oz, try the Wilson BLX 6.1 95 or the Volkl PB10 Mid+. I play with the Wilson BLX6.1 95 and it is great in stock form but you could add weight if needed - mine is 9 pts HL which is very manuevarable. I demo-ed the PB10 Mid+ and it is a great racket too. I have not demo-ed but the Dunlops: AG 4D 300, and AG 4d 300 tour both are under 12 oz. You could weight these up for more power and the reviews sound good.

Cheers CJC.

Both the Wilson and Volkl are on my list but I probably won't bother with the Dunlops as I already play with the M-fil300. The only Dunlop frame I might try if I can get one is the 4D 100 as it fits my specs well.