Racket suggestion for 3.0 player

J

jps18

New User
Hi all,

I'm an intermediate player (NTRP 3.0), 43 years old, and have been playing for the past 4 years. I'm currently using a Head Geo Speed racket.

I really love this sport and want to improve. So good racket would be a great start.

Based on all the information i read here and in other reviews, I think Wilson clash V2,Head speed mp, Head boom mp seems to be good fit?

Any advice on which racket would be better fit for my needs?

My Playing Style:

Serve: Decent first serve(flat). Second serve (slice)
FH- Good flat forehand shots
BH- Weak, one handed so mostly pay slice.

Court Coverage: Play doubles regularly and enjoy aggressive baseline play. Also play singles whenever I get the chance.
 
Any 100 sq in, 300 gram racket that you like the way it looks and feels in your hand. Use a syn gut string around 45 lbs.
Clash 100 V2 is a good one. Easy on the arm while your developing your game.
 
Hi @jps18 - Welcome to TT. Before looking at new frames, if it's in good enough shape, your Geo Speed might be as good as anything to keep playing with. If you're looking to improve performance, a lot can be done by changing strings (tension, gauge, string type, etc), among other things. So, before diving into more frames, that might be an option.

Beyond that, one key thing to keep in mind is the Geo Speed is an extended length racquet (27.5"), which will swing differently than most standard-length racquets (27"). So if/when you change length, it will probably require an adjustment period. Usually, it's not that big a deal, and you can do it inside a few hitting sessions, but depending on how ingrained that extra length is, it could be something worth matching in your next racquet.

As for new racquets, at the 3.0-4.x level, consistency is key, and as such, I would keep your choice similar-enough to what you're used to, so >=100" head size, similar weight (290-300g unstrung) and string pattern (16 mains). To take things one step further, I would also focus on frames that feel as stable as possible on impact, and stick with proven frame designs that have been around for at least a few generations. Here is a list to get you started, with some extended-length frames, then standard length:

Extended-Length:
- Babolat Pure Drive Plus (27.5")
- ProKennex Black Ace 105 (27.25")
- Wilson Blade 104 (27.5")
- Yonex EZone 100+ (27.5")

Standard Length:
- Babolat Pure Drive 100
- Dunlop CX 400 Tour
- Tecnifibre TFight 300
- Yonex EZone 100
- Yonex Percept 100

Hope some of that helps. Any questions, feel free.
 
Last edited:
jps18 said:
Hi all,

I'm an intermediate player (NTRP 3.0), 43 years old, and have been playing for the past 4 years. I'm currently using a Head Geo Speed racket.

I really love this sport and want to improve. So good racket would be a great start.

Based on all the information i read here and in other reviews, I think Wilson clash V2,Head speed mp, Head boom mp seems to be good fit?

Any advice on which racket would be better fit for my needs?

My Playing Style:

Serve: Decent first serve(flat). Second serve (slice)
FH- Good flat forehand shots
BH- Weak, one handed so mostly pay slice.

Court Coverage: Play doubles regularly and enjoy aggressive baseline play. Also play singles whenever I get the chance.
Click to expand...
PS X. Give it a try despite all stupid clichés on PS. It's a superb option, especially for flat hitters.
 
stapletonj said:
Pure Strike? too advanced for a 3.0 - as well as Precept
Click to expand...
Notice that I was talking about the Strike 100 and Percept 100. Both are 300g 100's with very reasonable swing weights and easily-playable 16x19 string beds. Very similar to what the OP is already using. Put in a sensible string job and they're just as playable as anything else.
 
stapletonj said:
YMMV - should've added that. I found them both too advanced for me! (I play a 7th gen vcore 100 as a senior player)
Click to expand...
Understandable. But this guy is also 43 years old, and most 40-somethings I know seem to have no trouble at all playing with medium-powered 300g 100's, of just about any flavor, as long as swing weight isn't too high. (Speeds, Tours, 100" Percepts, 100" Strikes, etc).
 
Trip said:
Welcome to TT. Before looking at new frames, if it's in good enough shape, your Geo Speed mighr be as good as anything to keep playing with. If you're looking to improve performance, a lot can be done by changing strings (tension, gauge, string type, etc), among other things. So, before diving into more frames, that might be an option.
Click to expand...
Thank you. Do you have any suggestions for the strings to use in geo speed?

Thanks everyone for the recommendations! I'm still undecided, I'll be looking for any of these rackets on sale to see what I can find.
 
I just turned 40 and recently jumped from 3.0 to 3.5. I primarily play with a Blade 100 (16 x 19) or Pure Strike 100 (16x20).

I will echo what @Trip said about stick with the 100 sq. in. frames in the 300g (unstrung) range. Demo a few and see which one you like the way it swings the most. The demo racquet likely won't have the same strings as you use, so how it impacts the ball is less important (IMO).

Frame stiffness is often overlooked, especially as you get into the sport. I find anything under 60 RA (i.e. the Clash v2 100) to be too "noodly" / flexy. I originally upgraded to a Blade 100L, which is high in the ~70 RA. I liked it over the Clash because I was able to impart my will on the ball more. It was a bit light at 285g, so I opted for the Blade 100 at around 64RA and 300g. The Pure Strike 100 16x20 is very comparable.

As always, YMMV, so I do recommend doing some demos. Also, check any local classifieds, or the FS section here. You might find a really good deal on a gently used frame.
 
@jps18 - Very welcome. As for strings, for a 3.0 level in the Geo Speed, I would probably do a full bed of higher-end synthetic with a durability layer and/or some poly fusion in it, for a bit of poly-like performance, but still a string bed that is arm-safe all the way to breakage. Examples: full bed Prince Lightning Pro or Tecnifibre HDMX. As for tension, I would start in low-mid 50's, then adjust up or down as needed.

@Cowboy - Absolutely. Seems you're one of many in their 40's who find it easy enough to use a medium-powered 100 without too much trouble. And I would agree with your other points as well.
 
jps18 said:
Hi all,

I'm an intermediate player (NTRP 3.0), 43 years old, and have been playing for the past 4 years. I'm currently using a Head Geo Speed racket.

I really love this sport and want to improve. So good racket would be a great start.

Based on all the information i read here and in other reviews, I think Wilson clash V2,Head speed mp, Head boom mp seems to be good fit?

Any advice on which racket would be better fit for my needs?

My Playing Style:

Serve: Decent first serve(flat). Second serve (slice)
FH- Good flat forehand shots
BH- Weak, one handed so mostly pay slice.

Court Coverage: Play doubles regularly and enjoy aggressive baseline play. Also play singles whenever I get the chance.
Click to expand...
hehe, you won't listen to this advice, and if i was starting over, i wouldn't listen to me either... the money you save from NOT buying a new expensive racquet, spend it on {lessons, overgrips, head tape, strings, maybe 2nd cheap racquet} until you're at least bumped (through match performance) to ntrp3.5 (arguably to low ntrp4.0)... geo speed looks decent enough


as your footwork, timing, strokes, tennis specific strength, etc... get better, your needs for a racquet will change...

i learned as a kid on wooden racquets and later upgraded to an aluminum prince jr...

ok, since you've chosen to ignore... then make sure you buy 2 of whatever shiny new racquet you choose :P
 
nyta2 said:
hehe, you won't listen to this advice, and if i was starting over, i wouldn't listen to me either... the money you save from NOT buying a new expensive racquet, spend it on {lessons, overgrips, head tape, strings, maybe 2nd cheap racquet} until you're at least bumped (through match performance) to ntrp3.5 (arguably to low ntrp4.0)... geo speed looks decent enough
Click to expand...
While this is sound advice, on the flip side, if he's going to invest the hundreds, if not thousands, into that much coaching (depending on frequency, geography, instructor pedigree, private vs group, etc.) what's another $200-300 on a racquet, especially if it helps enhance his passion for the game and/or make him want to get out there, if he otherwise is unsure or unmotivated. Not to say that it could/would make any difference at all, but if it brings him joy and he can decide to afford it, then I say, have at it.
 
nyta2 said:
hehe, you won't listen to this advice, and if i was starting over, i wouldn't listen to me either... the money you save from NOT buying a new expensive racquet, spend it on {lessons, overgrips, head tape, strings, maybe 2nd cheap racquet} until you're at least bumped (through match performance) to ntrp3.5 (arguably to low ntrp4.0)... geo speed looks decent enough


as your footwork, timing, strokes, tennis specific strength, etc... get better, your needs for a racquet will change...

i learned as a kid on wooden racquets and later upgraded to an aluminum prince jr...

ok, since you've chosen to ignore... then make sure you buy 2 of whatever shiny new racquet you choose :p
Click to expand...
Thanks. No i am not ignoring any advise. The one you said is obviously the most logical thing to do. Skills matter than racquet.

Geo speed is a decent racquet and i bought it for 35$, Four years and still fine.


Actually my wrist pain prompted a search for a new racquet. I've been looking at used ones but really not sure what will be the right one to choose.

Already looking for the ones on sale as well as used market.
 
Trip said:
Notice that I was talking about the Strike 100 and Percept 100. Both are 300g 100's with very reasonable swing weights and easily-playable 16x19 string beds. Very similar to what the OP is already using. Put in a sensible string job and they're just as playable as anything else.
Click to expand...

+1 on the PS100. Strung with multis (the OP seems to have wrist issues too), the PS is very easy to use and great for a flat forehand. I’ve added handle weight to make it more HL/maneuverable.

The Clash v3 is a good option too, slightly less friendly to flat forehands, but super stable for a 100.
 
Trip said:
While this is sound advice, on the flip side, if he's going to invest the hundreds, if not thousands, into that much coaching (depending on frequency, geography, instructor pedigree, private vs group, etc.) what's another $200-300 on a racquet, especially if it helps enhance his passion for the game and/or make him want to get out there, if he otherwise is unsure or unmotivated. Not to say that it could/would make any difference at all, but if it brings him joy and he can decide to afford it, then I say, have at it.
Click to expand...
and that's how i justified all my purchases :P

over the last 6y after returning back from an 7y hiatus, in trying to "find my game again" i bought... 5x sw104, 6x percepts, 3x blades, 4x rf97, many generations of radicals, 4x aeros, few babolats, etc...
my journey has taught me that i would have been better off focusing on lessons, refreshing/relearning fundamentals, etc.. :P

if i had it all over again, i would have realized that my radicals from the late 1990's/early 2000's were just fine, as long as i improved my movement/footwork/technique/etc... :P
(side note, and just sticking with good ole lux alu power worked fine too.... no need to try dozens of string types)
 
Ombudsman said:
+1 on the PS100. Strung with multis (the OP seems to have wrist issues too), the PS is very easy to use and great for a flat forehand. I’ve added handle weight to make it more HL/maneuverable.

The Clash v3 is a good option too, slightly less friendly to flat forehands, but super stable for a 100.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the added feedback. Which would you say is the more reliable racquet for you? (purely curious)

@nyta2 - Indeed. These days, though, at least past a certain level of competitiveness, if you're not playing with at least a certain base-level of forgiveness and free performance, then you're probably making the game harder on yourself than it needs to be, and some gear improvements can very much be worth subscribing to (for example: parallel drilling, more explosive layups, etc.). That said, we certainly don't need to go switching racquets ever time the wind changes direction just to keep pace (thus my initial point in my first reply, that very likely, the OP probably doesn't need to switch frames). And I think that was ultimately your point, with which I 100% agree.
 
Ombudsman said:
+1 on the PS100. Strung with multis (the OP seems to have wrist issues too), the PS is very easy to use and great for a flat forehand. I’ve added handle weight to make it more HL/maneuverable.

The Clash v3 is a good option too, slightly less friendly to flat forehands, but super stable for a 100.
Click to expand...
PS as Pro Staff 100 aka X ? Is exactly very easy for flat hitters.
 
@Trip The Pure Strike 100 16x19

I’m on the playtest for the new Clash 100 Pro, and while I like it very much and the 16x20 helps, the stringed of the PS is much more predictable and hits a heavy, penetrating ball. I do only use it for match play as the Clash offers better arm protection

@gfwp - clarified.
 
I posted something similar and was in a position similar to yours. 3.0, now 3.5. For me, and I'd advise this to anyone, the key was to look at racquets that are good all around and not something power-focused, spin-focused, or control-focused. I came to the following three as "finalists" and will be choosing this week:

1. Wilson Blade 100 V9
2. Head Speed MP 2024
3. Dunlop CX 400 Tour

All 100sq in, 300g, and good for all around playing.
 
@ghostwind - Seems to align with my initial suggestions. Additionally, all your choices are constant beam thickness, which I find very often lends extra predictability to the flex and rebound response. Another contributor to helping with consistency, crucial at the 1.x to 3.x level, but of course valuable at all levels.
 
jps18 said:
Thanks. No i am not ignoring any advise. The one you said is obviously the most logical thing to do. Skills matter than racquet.

Geo speed is a decent racquet and i bought it for 35$, Four years and still fine.


Actually my wrist pain prompted a search for a new racquet. I've been looking at used ones but really not sure what will be the right one to choose.

Already looking for the ones on sale as well as used market.
Click to expand...

If you're having wrist pain then I can't tell you to go pick up the racquet Thiem was using when he permanently destroyed his wrist

Clash v3 if you want a plush racquet that will soothe your arm and give you some help on the power

Prince Textreme Warrior 100 if you want a tweener like a Pure Aero, but one that won't hurt your arm

Blade 104 if you want oversized
 
Rosstour said:
If you're having wrist pain then I can't tell you to go pick up the racquet Thiem was using when he permanently destroyed his wrist

Clash v3 if you want a plush racquet that will soothe your arm and give you some help on the power

Prince Textreme Warrior 100 if you want a tweener like a Pure Aero, but one that won't hurt your arm

Blade 104 if you want oversized
Click to expand...
For a protective one, perhaps Volkl C10 is the best pick
 
Rosstour said:
If you're having wrist pain then I can't tell you to go pick up the racquet Thiem was using when he permanently destroyed his wrist
Click to expand...
Just for clarity, the Strike I referenced is the 100 16x19 Gen4, which is not the racquet with which Thiem injured his wrist — that was a 98 18x20 that was at least a few RA points more firm, less absorbent layup, more boardy string pattern, and he strung it with RPM at a high-enough tension that it basically turned the stick into a highly vibratory frying pan. I wouldn't advocate any of that for the OP, nor did I imply it initially.

The current Strike 100 16x19 with a reasonable-enough string setup could work, but if he's super concerned, he could certainly look elsewhere at plenty of other conventional-flexing 100's, and may not necessarily have to go straight to a Clash, though that is a decent option as well.
 
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I am 41 y.o. and when I started and knew nothing about tennis, I chose a new Pure Drive because it is a top selling racket worldwide for the last 30 years, must be for a good reason. Also saw it being used from beginners up to advanced and pros, so definitely could grow with it if I chose to. So I figured it would be a good starting point until I get to know my game and preferences, and if and when I choose to sell it, it would have great liquidity (easy to sell).

IMO it was a good decision. Never had any elbow pains or discomfort, just lots of fun using it.
 
pub said:

Head Graphene XT Radical S​

https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/He...wmkpxFygpG_TcmIO_xpMx8JQA2SCoLthoCr5MQAvD_BwE

Get the 2016 Head Graphene XT Radical S = $99 or get it on **** for used

Every spec of this racket would suit your rating and your age. (Head size, string pattern, stiffness, weigth, swingweight, balance...)
There is a reason that this 2016 is still selling new.
Click to expand...
there were more than a few kids playing with Head Liquidmetal 4s back in the day and they were pretty good. this looks like a modern version of that
 
Everyone likes or prefers something else so it will be hard to get a recommendation this way - the net is too wide.

The best way is to demo yourself and choose the one that you feel the most comfortable with. It doesn't take long to find racquets that are too stiff, too slow to maneuver, without feeling, uncontrollable or with power too low etc. And eventually you click with one that does everything well - for you.
 
I tested the Clash 100, Boom MP 2022, and Clash 98 racquets, and found I liked the Clash 100 the most. It felt good and all three were easy on my wrists.

While searching for new racquets on sale, I luckily found a Boom MP 2022 for $80 (brand new, unstrung).

I set it up with a hybrid setup of Wilson Sensation and Luxilon Eco Power at 23 kg, as suggested by the shop for wrist pain and durability.

Although this setup feels quite different from the demo Boom MP, my wrist feels less strained after playing.

Thanks, everyone, for your suggestions. It's great to see people helping each other out.
 
jps18 said:
I tested the Clash 100, Boom MP 2022, and Clash 98 racquets, and found I liked the Clash 100 the most. It felt good and all three were easy on my wrists.

While searching for new racquets on sale, I luckily found a Boom MP 2022 for $80 (brand new, unstrung).

I set it up with a hybrid setup of Wilson Sensation and Luxilon Eco Power at 23 kg, as suggested by the shop for wrist pain and durability.

Although this setup feels quite different from the demo Boom MP, my wrist feels less strained after playing.

Thanks, everyone, for your suggestions. It's great to see people helping each other out.
Click to expand...
if you still feel any issues with your wrist, i recommend removing the poly from the setup or at least going with an even softer poly than eco power in the crosses.
 
stephenpinkus said:
Definitely thrown away poly, or if u have to use it, be willing to restring every few few weeks
Click to expand...

My elbow agrees with this statement. I will usually get 2-3 doubles matches along with some hitting sessions in between before I feel I need to restring. That's restringing about every 2-3 weeks.
 
Volkl Classic V1. It will grow with your game as you improve. A racquet that you do not have to get rid of as you improve. Saves you money not having to keep replacing to another racquet as you improve. Nice feel, great control, and not harsh on your arm or shoulder.
 
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