question on vantage

[skierpaul]

70 ra what?

What's the specs?

VT112B (I have no idea what the "B" stands for)
90sq
330g
16x18
12pts HL

There's also a #1 printed on the label, dunno what that means.


The thing is, I don't want to add any more weight to this frame, its at the limit of what I can wrangle. Anything heavier would just be too unwieldy for me.

Lowering the tension takes a lot away from the control and spin that this offers, unfortunately.

 

[GPB]

Lowering the tension takes a lot away from the control and spin that this offers, unfortunately.

That's because you're using spaghetti and egg noodles for strings!

 

[robertg06]

Anyone got a racket a bit like this?

95'
16x19
320g
Either flex

How does it play? thanks.

 

[marcb]

Any opinions on the vantage strings? Which is the poly and the multi?

I really like their poly. Here's a post with my observations http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=2826059&postcount=12 I talked with Sven at Vantage and he informed me that it is a string they have developed and not a re-brand. I'm actually trying out ProSupex Big Ace 17. For my purpose (only to tame the power of gut for more control) the Vantage is better even if it may not hold tension quite as long. Never tried a full job but did try it in the mains using their syn gut in the cross and liked it. Not spot on for me but really nice.

 

[skierpaul]

That's because you're using spaghetti and egg noodles for strings!

But they're so cheap! :?

 

[mawashi]

VT112B (I have no idea what the "B" stands for)
90sq
70RA
330g
16x18
12pts HL

There's also a #1 printed on the label, dunno what that means.


The thing is, I don't want to add any more weight to this frame, its at the limit of what I can wrangle. Anything heavier would just be too unwieldy for me.

Lowering the tension takes a lot away from the control and spin that this offers, unfortunately.

Here's my experience with these frames being that I have the 95 in both 63 n 70RA.

I prefer the 63 over the 70 even though the 70 is suppose to have more power but it doesn't translate to me.

With a 70ra I feel that the ball leaves the string bed before I'm able to really put more juice into my swing... donno if that makes sense but because the frame is more lively, I can't seem to give more action to the ball and so it either goes straight n flat or it doesn't have enough spin to trouble the opponent.

For my 63, it isn't as powerful but because I am able to feel more of from the shot I can put more spin and action on the ball and have it do more.

I can have better depth to the shots because I am able to better gauge the shot I'm making n therefore, can swing more freely.

It's hard to explain as it is really all down to personal preference. If you have the chance to hit with a 63 you'll understand what I mean.

As for what you can do to increase the power of the frame would be to use a powerful poly and a good multi in the cross.

Alternatively, you can use gut but my experience with gut is that I don't get the spin I like n it frays too quickly for my taste.

Cheers,

mawashi

 

[skierpaul]

I'd love to find somewhere that I can demo a 63 to get an idea for the feel. Maybe next time I roll through Atlanta, Hardcore tennis might have one. Thanks for the comparison!

BTW, I just ordered a Dunlop AG100 to compliment the Vantage 90.

 

[origmarm]

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=244031

"Dont forget to visit our website on February 7th to see what special birthday discount we are offering. Be sure to be quick though, our sale runs for just 2 days and some stock may be limited." From the Vantage Newsletter

Re the 2 day sale announced

Cheers, Orig

 

[mawashi]

LOL! Alternative, you could just get one when it's on sale rather than waiting when u're in Atlanta.

mawashi

 

[crism54]

in the new site it is not possible to purchase the packet of 2 or 3 rackets and the racketbag?
as it is the 95in vantage in comparison to others, more narrow like the 100in or circular? in comparison to wilson 95 6.1, for me the 100in seems me very oval and long, not round.

 

[0d1n]

in the new site it is not possible to purchase the packet of 2 or 3 rackets and the racketbag?
as it is the 95in vantage in comparison to others, more narrow like the 100in or circular? in comparison to wilson 95 6.1, for me the 100in seems me very oval and long, not round.

The 95 head shape is almost identical to the dunlop 200 G series (AG 200?). Very similar to Prestige MP's also.
Less round, more oval than Wilson's 95's as a rule (I don't have a Wilson 95 "handy" to compare exactly, but I just put a Vantage on top of an AG 200 and a Volkl 98 . It's almost identical to the aerogel, but it's slightly wider at 3 and 9 and less oblong when compared to the Volkl).

I don't think the difference is significant though, there are many "reports" around the forum of people who have played and loved the 6.1 series and now love the vantage 95's.
Hope this helps

 

[mawashi]

The 95 head shape is almost identical to the dunlop 200 G series (AG 200?). Very similar to Prestige MP's also.
Less round, more oval than Wilson's 95's as a rule (I don't have a Wilson 95 "handy" to compare exactly, but I just put a Vantage on top of an AG 200 and a Volkl 98 . It's almost identical to the aerogel, but it's slightly wider at 3 and 9 and less oblong when compared to the Volkl).

I don't think the difference is significant though, there are many "reports" around the forum of people who have played and loved the 6.1 series and now love the vantage 95's.
Hope this helps

Yes, most similar to the Head MGMP.

The 100 is just longer not wider.

mawashi

 

[crism54]

thanks, can please measure the inside width of the hoop at 3/9 and 12/6 position? I believe that the 95 dunlop is enough round (I measure 23.9cm/9.40in and 32.5cm/12.79in), the 98 prestige mp and the 98 dunlops are narrow and only longer.

where can I see frontal photo of the 95in shape vantages?

 

[0d1n]

thanks, can please measure the inside width of the hoop at 3/9 and 12/6 position? I believe that the 95 dunlop is enough round (I measure 23.9cm/9.40in and 32.5cm/12.79in), the 98 prestige mp and the 98 dunlops are narrow and only longer.

where can I see frontal photo of the 95in shape vantages?

The strung 95 18x20 I have handy is about 24 cm (give or take a couple of mm (looks a bit bigger...maybe 24.1...), and 32.7 respectively.
This is a very "rough" measurement using a less than precise instrument (I'm @ the office, and I'm using a normal desk ruler, and if I measure these rackets much more ... my colleagues might think I'm a lunatic ).

 

[mawashi]

thanks, can please measure the inside width of the hoop at 3/9 and 12/6 position? I believe that the 95 dunlop is enough round (I measure 23.9cm/9.40in and 32.5cm/12.79in), the 98 prestige mp and the 98 dunlops are narrow and only longer.

where can I see frontal photo of the 95in shape vantages?

I have a bunch of frames n the measurements really don't make a huge difference, What's more important is the size n shape of the sweet spot n the power level at different layers.

Equally important is the stability n plow through measurements.

Unfortunately, it isn't possible to find a consistent shape of these elements as each vantage with different specs will play differently.

What I can tell you is that compared the same head size frames like the N95, Head MGMP n Head MGPro the 63RA vantage will play similar.

My experience with the Vantage 95 in similar specs 320g to the MGMP, the Vantage feels softer n muted because of the foam inside the frame. Personally control is similar or better cus of the feel n power level is somewhat similar too. The primary difference is the MGMP's sweet spot is lower n more centered around the 3 & 9 o'clock.

The Vantage sweet spot is slightly higher at about an inch. Furthermore, the sweet spot stretches all the way to around 4 rolls from the top.

Vs the Pro, the Vantage is more consistent, controllable, n more comfortable. I found the sweet spot of the Pro to be rather small n not to my liking, I was very inconsistent with the Pro.

I totally agree with the TW review bout the Head MG Prestige frames in that there is a wow but no plow factor. I don't have the same issue with the Vantage in 320 n my modified 325g frame. I found plenty of plow through.

Vs the N95 in the 330g model, the plow through is the same but in lighter n more head light versions the plow through is less. I much preferred the 18x20 version of the N95 as it was more consistent for me n I found the same consistency even with the more open patten of 16x19 of a similar spec. The N95 is one of the better 95 frames out there n the only thing that it lacks compared to the Vantage would be feel & comfort.
The shape n size of the sweet spot of the N95 is very nice as you can hit quite high up on the loop and there is very good stability at the sides due to the PWS. The sweet spot of the N95 is rounder and wider, the Vantage is longer n slightly higher.


Can't really say more except I found the Vantage string bed with a 16x19 patten to give a very consistent n I did not find the dead zone that some others have mentioned about the upper loop.

mawashi

 

[activentures]

i am all set to buy some vantage frames. I am still unsure which string bed to go for. I expected to go for the 16x19 but have started to think about going 18x20. I spent my better playing years using the PS 85 and liked the fell I got from this string bed. given that the vantage frame I'm going for is 95" which is 10sqin larger, would a 18x20 bed give me a more similar density to the PS 85? I used the n95 which I liked but didn't quite gel with (bit too much power I think), and am beginning to think this could have been due to the more open string pattern. Thoughts and experiences welcome.

The general specs I'm looking at are 95" 70RA 27" 320g 11HL

 

[mawashi]

If you are going the 18x20 patten to give max control I strongly recommend that you consider the 63ra instead.

The reason is that I could not generate much spin with my 70ra even with a 16x19 patten.

Your mention of the N95 being too powerful is also why I would say consider the 63ra as the 70ra is more powerful.

mawashi

 

[robertg06]

I currently use a Dunlop Aerogel 200 and 300, and want something a bit in between, with good control and decent power, but not any real extreme of the two.

 

[mawashi]

I currently use a Dunlop Aerogel 200 and 300, and want something a bit in between, with good control and decent power, but not any real extreme of the two.

You need to be more specific cus 18x20 vs 16x19, 309g vs 337g n 8pt vs 4pt?

There are too many variables to get a proper in between frame.

If you can nail down the string patten, n weight it may be possible to get an in between frame, otherwise it is going to be messy.

Also why do you want an in between frame? Rather than an in between frame what exactly are you looking for in a new frame and why? Game style, swing type, age, level, preferences all apply.

mawashi

 

[activentures]

If you are going the 18x20 patten to give max control I strongly recommend that you consider the 63ra instead.

The reason is that I could not generate much spin with my 70ra even with a 16x19 patten.

Your mention of the N95 being too powerful is also why I would say consider the 63ra as the 70ra is more powerful.

mawashi

I have heard they are closer to 66/67 RA strung which is similar to the N95 and which I had no problem with generating spin.

Also, I have used the mfil 200 and found this far too flexy. while the 63RA will arguably be more comfortable, less powerful (more control) and give more access to spin, I have also heard it is more flexy when strung than the dunlop and therefore I just don't think I'll get on with it.

 

[mawashi]

Sounds like you know what you want so good luck : )

Hope you love the frame.

mawashi

 

[activentures]

me too. do you think my thoughts about comparative stiffness of the 63 and 70 to the dunlop and N95 are accurate?

 

[Frankauc]

mashawi, can you please tell me what's your player profile? How do you play, how do you hit the ball, flat? spinny? thanks

 

[mawashi]

Frankauc,

It's difficult for me to describe my playing style cus I'm been changing it as I've being coached. However, the basics still remain.

I'm in my mids 30s, I like to attack the net when possible but it's a WIP.

I used to hit flatter but recently I've started to use the ww stroke but cus I still use a semi western grip and I do hit it flatter than some of the younger players.

That's why I prefer softer frames to help with the spin. I prefer to hit through the ball than brush against the ball.

In terms of strokes I'm at a 3 - 3.5 but serves are really at a 2.5 even though I'm 181cm sob!

I play similar but no way at the level of Giles Simon.

mawashi

 

[Frankauc]

ok personnally i use the semi western too but i have a spinny forehand but i hit flatter on shorts balls. I dont have problems generating spin. god, so hard to choose. lol

 

[mawashi]

me too. do you think my thoughts about comparative stiffness of the 63 and 70 to the dunlop and N95 are accurate?

Can't really help you there cus I don't know what's wrong with flexi frames : )

I feel that you'll get less spin out of a 70 vantage than with the N95 because of the shape of the sweet spot n the overall feel of that frame.

I have a 95, 9hl 70ra frame and I got less spin out of it then my previous N95.

As with all these opinions, they are mine n might not be what you'll feel when you get your frame.

mawashi

 

[mawashi]

ok personnally i use the semi western too but i have a spinny forehand but i hit flatter on shorts balls. I dont have problems generating spin. god, so hard to choose. lol

Go with your gut. I feel the 70 ra is specs wise more powerful n has less spin but my 63 ra at 12 pts hl is as powerful a frame as I'll need now.

You really have to make a decision n go with it. If you make a mistake just sell the frame n get another. No other choice unless you can actually try one out before buying : (

mawashi

 

[Frankauc]

k thanks i think ill go with the 70Ra since i've always played with stiff frames and i can generate spin a lot. Hope ill like it!

 

[activentures]

k thanks i think ill go with the 70Ra since i've always played with stiff frames and i can generate spin a lot. Hope ill like it!

frankauc,

are you going for 16 x 19 or 18x20? whats your other specs?

 

[Frankauc]

95 sq in
16x19
320 g 10 pt HL
70RA
All black with 4 1|4 leather grip

 

[mozzer]

95 sq in
16x19
320 g 10 pt HL
70RA
All black with 4 1|4 leather grip

I use these exact spcs, love it.

 

[robertg06]

95 sq in
16x19
320 g 10 pt HL
70RA
All black with 4 1|4 leather grip

I'm thinking those exact specs but wither white and red or black and red.

 

[GPB]

You really have to make a decision n go with it. If you make a mistake just sell the frame n get another. No other choice unless you can actually try one out before buying

I haven't poked around the new site much, but the old site said that if you weren't happy with your frame you could return it to them and they'd make you another -- thus creating sort of a demo program, only you give them the money of a full purchase up front.