Well, I myself am an intermediate. The racquet is supposedly and probably above my pay grade, but since I play mostly spin shots (not a flat hitter at all) and I’m on the athletic/brute force side, I decided I demanded something that fitted my stroke style without being overpowered.I have always used the aero 100, and have used all iterations since the 2007 version. The 98 was an incredible update for those who are above a 4.0 UTR or above, or even pretend to be.
It isn't meant to be a pro staff or prestige or classic feeling racquet. It is meant for those that love the easy power and spin of the aero, but want just 90% of it, and not the full 100 sq inch package the aero is meant for.
That being said, i have used both the pure aero vs and the 98. The VS version seems to have more feel and be lively, which personally I do like. The new 98 is a bit toned down and more muted feeling, and can feel the stiffness a bit more.
Good stuff! I don't subscribe to the idea that rec players must avoid certain racquets because their level doesn't match the racquet. None of us are pros, so we should play whichever racquet we want and for whatever reason we want whether that's maximization of our skill set, to match our play style, or simply because it aligns with our fandom. Hope you're enjoying it, I know I am!Well, I myself am an intermediate. The racquet is supposedly and probably above my pay grade, but since I play mostly spin shots (not a flat hitter at all) and I’m on the athletic/brute force side, I decided I demanded something that fitted my stroke style without being overpowered.
I needed more help on my backhand and defense, so I went up to the PA98.
But I’m a huge Nadal fan and I enjoy Alcaraz’ tennis a lot.
Before the PA98 I used the blade v7. I feel like you just posted about my own experience to a T!!!I'm playing stock, though a tad light in SW which I like...Playing with Firewire Boost 1.18 right now to access more spin and coverage on my shots. Black Knight/Ghostwire was just a bit too much power.
It's not my main racquet. I play with the Blade V8 16/19 as my main. So my thoughts are largely based on this comparison.
-Serving is great with the PA98, though not necessarily better than the Blade. It's different, but about equal for me.
-Groundstrokes are where I've struggled. Specifically in controlling the ball. The PA98 is a more powerful frame and I have to put more cover on the ball. I hit with a lot of spin with the Blades, but if my technique slips a bit and the ball is flatter, the ball still goes in. There's forgiveness in the Blade here. The PA98 is nice when I CHOOSE to hit flat. But balls will sail on me a bit if my topspin technique slips. My coach suggests I hit through the court more intentionally with the racquet.
-Volleys are better with the PA98. The firmer layup must makes it easier.
-Similar to volleys, the bh slice is just easier to access bc I get easier depth. This is really obvious when I have to take a low mid-court ball and slice it down the line. Very good.
-Return of serve is tough to dial in. But I've been having issues with the Blade too. Timing, nerves, etc. That's on me. I think I over adrenaline on return.
Well, for me, coming from a lower powered frame in the VCP 97, I know what you mean by your Blade comparison.I'm playing stock, though a tad light in SW which I like...Playing with Firewire Boost 1.18 right now to access more spin and coverage on my shots. Black Knight/Ghostwire was just a bit too much power.
It's not my main racquet. I play with the Blade V8 16/19 as my main. So my thoughts are largely based on this comparison.
-Serving is great with the PA98, though not necessarily better than the Blade. It's different, but about equal for me.
-Groundstrokes are where I've struggled. Specifically in controlling the ball. The PA98 is a more powerful frame and I have to put more cover on the ball. I hit with a lot of spin with the Blades, but if my technique slips a bit and the ball is flatter, the ball still goes in. There's forgiveness in the Blade here. The PA98 is nice when I CHOOSE to hit flat. But balls will sail on me a bit if my topspin technique slips. My coach suggests I hit through the court more intentionally with the racquet.
-Volleys are better with the PA98. The firmer layup must makes it easier.
-Similar to volleys, the bh slice is just easier to access bc I get easier depth. This is really obvious when I have to take a low mid-court ball and slice it down the line. Very good.
-Return of serve is tough to dial in. But I've been having issues with the Blade too. Timing, nerves, etc. That's on me. I think I over adrenaline on return.
Another shot I hit better with the controlled Blade 98 v8 is the shallow cross fh. I pull it wide quite often. With the Blade, the ball sits on the strings longer and I feel like I can just place it.Well, for me, coming from a lower powered frame in the VCP 97, I know what you mean by your Blade comparison.
- I like serving better with the PA for the extra spin and pop, despite a little worse directional control.
- Returning has also been better for me because I have to do less to get good depth and it really helps when I have to return a strong serve or get late.
- Volleys are circumstantial. I surely get better touch and feel with the VCP, but the extra forgiveness and power help me with put away volleys better
- Finally, I strongly agree with such lack of power forgiveness. When my hand-eye coordination is off and I’m not playing a good enough stroke, the ball tends to sail long - that’s on my forehand. On my backhand, though, things are much better. The added forgiveness and power help my weaker backhand become more stable.
Hello, Beckett. Thanks for you contributions. I’m a big TennCom content consumer and created this thread based on yours.I’m considering jumping ship from the Whiteout 18x20.
Aero 98 gives so much extra forgiveness against players who are better than me and I don’t lose anything against players who are at my level or below. It’s just less of a treat to use due to some mild clunkiness and less connected feel. But the off centre stability is just so good it really helps me stay in the point for a few extra shots.
What would you say is your play style?Another shot I hit better with the controlled Blade 98 v8 is the shallow cross fh. I pull it wide quite often. With the Blade, the ball sits on the strings longer and I feel like I can just place it.
However, my coach said that if I can adjust to the racquet's strengths, it will be easier to stay in longer points.
I’m considering adding some weight at 3 and 9. I already use a dampener (4 grams) and I use a Gamma Ultra Cushion grip covered with Head Super Comp overgrip (surprisingly good for sweaty hands, you see). I want a slightly headlight package, around 325-335g sw (I don’t have the means ti measure it) with a 330-340g static weight. That seems to be comfortable for me.I’m considering jumping ship from the Whiteout 18x20.
Aero 98 gives so much extra forgiveness against players who are better than me and I don’t lose anything against players who are at my level or below. It’s just less of a treat to use due to some mild clunkiness and less connected feel. But the off centre stability is just so good it really helps me stay in the point for a few extra shots.
I'm somewhere between 4.5 and 5. I'm an aggressive baseline that likes to move forward. But, sometimes that means I'm too aggressive and try to finish points early. At 51, this will often mean getting a little tired, sprinting forward and swinging too hard. I'm trying to expand my game a bit and win points on the 5th and 7th shot, rather than the 3rd.What would you say is your play style?
(I do think at lower levels like myself, playing with a racquet you like is more important than it being a perfect play style match and so on, but it sure helps).
I ask because, you see, I try to play an aggressive all court game. I like to stay offensive as much as I can and approach the net when suitable and my previous racquet was good for this, but I realized I needed more from the frame when I got on my back foot.
Well, I could say we probably have similar play styles, but you’re probably much better than me xD. I’m half your age, though, so getting tired is not a problem. Still, I feel very much like you, I need better rally tolerance, in my case because I’m too erratic because of being aggressive. I joke that I’m an intermediate Alcaraz with the need for a low advanced Nadalness, haha.I'm somewhere between 4.5 and 5. I'm an aggressive baseline that likes to move forward. But, sometimes that means I'm too aggressive and try to finish points early. At 51, this will often mean getting a little tired, sprinting forward and swinging too hard. I'm trying to expand my game a bit and win points on the 5th and 7th shot, rather than the 3rd.
With that in mind, it's nice to get some free pop and depth from a racquet. Challenge is I really like how the Blade feels. I may just keep the one PA98 and go back and forth bc it's a fun challenge.
Also very curious about the Blade V9 coming out next winter. If it's just a firmer version of the V8, it could be what I need.
Maybe the Radical could be a good try, I don’t know.I'm somewhere between 4.5 and 5. I'm an aggressive baseline that likes to move forward. But, sometimes that means I'm too aggressive and try to finish points early. At 51, this will often mean getting a little tired, sprinting forward and swinging too hard. I'm trying to expand my game a bit and win points on the 5th and 7th shot, rather than the 3rd.
With that in mind, it's nice to get some free pop and depth from a racquet. Challenge is I really like how the Blade feels. I may just keep the one PA98 and go back and forth bc it's a fun challenge.
Also very curious about the Blade V9 coming out next winter. If it's just a firmer version of the V8, it could be what I need.
It’s been in the demo mix a lot. Great for flst serves and put away groundstrokes, bh included. But it’s a very tight 16/19 and a lot of shots just dump into the net…requires better strings than the demos…nice feel too…Maybe the Radical could be a good try, I don’t know.
Well, if you’re unsettled with the Blade, but not quite convinced by the Aero, I recommend to check out this video by TennCom about 98 racquets.It’s been in the demo mix a lot. Great for flst serves and put away groundstrokes, bh included. But it’s a very tight 16/19 and a lot of shots just dump into the net…requires better strings than the demos…nice feel too…
Think I've seen that video before. The only issue I have with the Blade is just wanting a bit more power.Well, if you’re unsettled with the Blade, but not quite convinced by the Aero, I recommend to check out this video by TennCom about 98 racquets.
There are also tierlists and playstyle-based suggestions on other videos. Good studf in general.
I do really like the Strike VS. I need to put fresh strings in it and get it up to 330SW so it can match up properly with the Aero. I probably need to do this with my Whiteouts as well, just to keep things on an even playing field.Hello, Beckett. Thanks for you contributions. I’m a big TennCom content consumer and created this thread based on yours.
I feel the same. The feel was pretty sweeter with my Yonex - lower flex, more weight in a smaller package. Although I feel the difference from my VCP (of course), I don’t feel necessarily clunkiness with the Aero. From day one I noticed the jump in defensive prowess and I didn’t feel like I lost much when I’m trying to dictate points and approaching the net.
I thought maybe you would jump to the Strike VS?![]()
No need to thanks. Just keep spamming the great content.I do really like the Strike VS. I need to put fresh strings in it and get it up to 330SW so it can match up properly with the Aero. I probably need to do this with my Whiteouts as well, just to keep things on an even playing field.
My Aero came underspec so I have 2g at 12 and that's it. I will likely slap on some leather and maybe add some lead at 7 inches for mgri.
Part of my interest in going to the Aero is because I've got some content planned where winning is quite important haha.
PS thanks for watching and supporting the channel!
I find it to be fairly comfortable. It feels stiffer than the blade for sure, but I'm thirty five (so not super young) and have had no arm or elbow discomfort or pain in the last four months swinging it.how's the comfort level on the PA 98?
I would agree. I'm 51 and haven't felt an issues. That said, I'm stringing a hybrid, Firewire or Black Knight with Ghostwire. I definitely want a soft poly in that.I find it to be fairly comfortable. It feels stiffer than the blade for sure, but I'm thirty five (so not super young) and have had no arm or elbow discomfort or pain in the last four months swinging it.
GMP needs a lot of weight imo. It’s so fast that I had to slow down my swing and it created a hitch which lead to late contact and wrist pain. Recoil weight is so low it’s better for short players imo.No need to thanks. Just keep spamming the great content.
I got my Aero really recently, but I’m really curious about both the PSVS and the Gravity MP.
BTW, I ended up stringing my PSVS with 4G Black in the mains (1.25), MSV Swift (White, 1.25) in the crosses (soft, slippier poly) - tried it today with a ball machine, the string looked hot and played great!!I do really like the Strike VS. I need to put fresh strings in it and get it up to 330SW so it can match up properly with the Aero. I probably need to do this with my Whiteouts as well, just to keep things on an even playing field.
My Aero came underspec so I have 2g at 12 and that's it. I will likely slap on some leather and maybe add some lead at 7 inches for mgri.
Part of my interest in going to the Aero is because I've got some content planned where winning is quite important haha.
PS thanks for watching and supporting the channel!
Yes, it sure does. 295g unstrung is very low, imo. I’m not q customization geek, so I can’t go into detail such as recoil weight or polarization, but I’d love to try a GMP customized. I assume that I’d like it a bit stiffer too, like 62RA.GMP needs a lot of weight imo. It’s so fast that I had to slow down my swing and it created a hitch which lead to late contact and wrist pain. Recoil weight is so low it’s better for short players imo.
Rad has a very low launch angle and it’s tough to get a lot of topspin compared to the Aero. Aero has more power and stability but overall feel is more muted, whereas the Rad is quite raw and connected. Control to the Rad.How is the PA98 compared to the Radical MP? Both on the stiffer side, control with some power and spin?
My current racket is the Aux Rad MP and my previous racket was the PAVS weighted up to increase the swingweight a bit. My experience was almost exactly the same as @dr. godmode. Radical has a lower launch angle (although I don’t find it VERY low), much harder to hit big topspin, nice raw/connected feel. PAVS was much more powerful, much easier to hit spin (almost required to hit with a lot of spin or else balls would fly), more muted feel (but still possible to hit touch shots). The only place I would really disagree with @dr. godmode is on stability - the Rad MP is maybe the most stable frame I have played with at that weight. Will also note that even though the Rad MP is generally lower powered, it still hits bombs on serve - great serving frame.How is the PA98 compared to the Radical MP? Both on the stiffer side, control with some power and spin?
I think that’s probably a pretty fair assessment with the PAVS over the PA98. 98’s 330SW adds a lot compared to the 320ish on the VS.My current racket is the Aux Rad MP and my previous racket was the PAVS weighted up to increase the swingweight a bit. My experience was almost exactly the same as @dr. godmode. Radical has a lower launch angle (although I don’t find it VERY low), much harder to hit big topspin, nice raw/connected feel. PAVS was much more powerful, much easier to hit spin (almost required to hit with a lot of spin or else balls would fly), more muted feel (but still possible to hit touch shots). The only place I would really disagree with @dr. godmode is on stability - the Rad MP is maybe the most stable frame I have played with at that weight. Will also note that even though the Rad MP is generally lower powered, it still hits bombs on serve - great serving frame.
Rad has a very low launch angle and it’s tough to get a lot of topspin compared to the Aero. Aero has more power and stability but overall feel is more muted, whereas the Rad is quite raw and connected. Control to the Rad.
Cool, thanks. I demoed both very briefly and the Rad MP had more power than I thought it would, it also felt and very connected with great accuracy, but it did feel a bit stiff to me so not sure how that would affect me long term. I want to get a PA98, but have a chance to get the Rad at a really good price so thought I might go that route.My current racket is the Aux Rad MP and my previous racket was the PAVS weighted up to increase the swingweight a bit. My experience was almost exactly the same as @dr. godmode. Radical has a lower launch angle (although I don’t find it VERY low), much harder to hit big topspin, nice raw/connected feel. PAVS was much more powerful, much easier to hit spin (almost required to hit with a lot of spin or else balls would fly), more muted feel (but still possible to hit touch shots). The only place I would really disagree with @dr. godmode is on stability - the Rad MP is maybe the most stable frame I have played with at that weight. Will also note that even though the Rad MP is generally lower powered, it still hits bombs on serve - great serving frame.
To me and others I think, the Rad MP feels stiffer than the 65RA it's reported to be. I think it's a really good stick, but had to go hybrid with it since it actually did cause me tennis elbow issues w/ full poly that I'm not experiencing with the PA98.Cool, thanks. I demoed both very briefly and the Rad MP had more power than I thought it would, it also felt and very connected with great accuracy, but it did feel a bit stiff to me so not sure how that would affect me long term. I want to get a PA98, but have a chance to get the Rad at a really good price so thought I might go that route.
Interesting, good to know!To me and others I think, the Rad MP feels stiffer than the 65RA it's reported to be. I think it's a really good stick, but had to go hybrid with it since it actually did cause me tennis elbow issues w/ full poly that I'm not experiencing with the PA98.
I have not tried the Lynx Tour in the PA98 yet. My favorite string in it so far is Toroline Wasabi - firm, comfortable, spin friendly, really checks all the boxes for me. I've been thinking about Lynx Tour, but a little worried since it is a stiffer racquet and it isn't that arm friendly of a string (I love it however)Has anyone ever tried Lynx Tour on the Aero?
Also, any other full bed poly suggestions?
Looking for tamed power and launch angle, whilst keeping reasonable easiness of accessing spin and enhancing control.
I’ve tried Silver 7 Tour, which in my experience is similar in feel/stiffness to Lynx Tour, and it was too stiff for the PA98 and I had wrist pain after an fairly intense 2 hour session. Wasabi has been my go-to so farHas anyone ever tried Lynx Tour on the Aero?
Also, any other full bed poly suggestions?
Looking for tamed power and launch angle, whilst keeping reasonable easiness of accessing spin and enhancing control.
Oh, and toroline caviar is great in this stickI’ve tried Silver 7 Tour, which in my experience is similar in feel/stiffness to Lynx Tour, and it was too stiff for the PA98 and I had wrist pain after an fairly intense 2 hour session. Wasabi has been my go-to so far
I find full-bed Caviar feels very plasticky, especially in the firm racquets. It's a good hybrid cross tho. In the beginning, I thought Caviar was a soft version of Lynx Tour, but it turns out they're very different. Lynx Tour def has more ball pocketing than Caviar.Oh, and toroline caviar is great in this stick
Yeah, I'm a big fan of Lynx Tour so I gotta try that in the PA98.I find full-bed Caviar feels very plasticky, especially in the firm racquets. It's a good hybrid cross tho. In the beginning, I thought Caviar was a soft version of Lynx Tour, but it turns out they're very different. Lynx Tour def has more ball pocketing than Caviar.
Does anyone have further/detailed info on this?The specs on this are confusing to me, it's 305 gr static weight and 6 pts HL, but the swingweight is 327? That swing weight seems quite high to me based on the 305 and 6 pts HL...
Mine is 324 sw with the same static weight (unstrung) and balance (strung) as you. The unstrung balance is 9 HL. This is a very polarized stick which explains why it packs such a punch while remaining relatively light and maneuverable.The specs on this are confusing to me, it's 305 gr static weight and 6 pts HL, but the swingweight is 327? That swing weight seems quite high to me based on the 305 and 6 pts HL...
The ones I had were 284 and 286 SWSo I just strung a brand new one of these for a friend and measured the unstrung SW and it was 284. Well I decided to buy one from a local shop-not where he got his-and the one I bought is also 284 SW unstrung. Anyone else seeing this low for SW? Don’t want to get one at 300 in case I want another one.