Racquet demo suggestions for aggressive baseliner

[marcelefel]

Based on the below information about me, do you have any suggestions on what racquets I should demo? I've listed the ones I'm currently considering below.

Right now, I play with second-hand, 14 year-old racquets that work decently well for me, but I imagine there is a setup that would work even better. I know this is a lot of information, but I think it'll help the right folks give me the best help possible over the internet

Playing Style

Aggressive baseliner with a 100 mph first serve, pretty big forehand, slow kick second serve, and medium-big/inconsistent backhand.

EDIT: Thanks for the feedback! I've updated my list and can't wait to try these out.

**Racquets I Tried and Did Not Like**

Head Gravity Pro Graphene 360+

• Had poly strings @ 54lbs
• Good weight, but lots of vibration
• Felt dead; very muted feedback when hitting the ball
• Hard to generate power, more so than my current (K)Blade Tour

Wilson Clash 98 v2

• Felt whippy and lightweight
• Was very arm-comfortable

**Racquets I'm Considering (Open to Other Suggestions)**

Tecnifibre TFight ISO 305

• Headsize: 98 sq. in.
• Length: 27 in.
• Weight (strung): 11.3 oz.
• Stiffness (Babolat RDC): 64
• Balance: 13.12 in. Head Light (3pts)
• Swingweight: 338
• String Pattern: 18x19
• TW Power Rating: Low-Medium

Head Extreme MP

• Headsize: 100 sq. in.
• Length: 27 in.
• Weight (strung): 11.2 oz.
• Stiffness (Babolat RDC): 66
• Balance: 13 in. Head Light (4pts)
• Swingweight: 322
• String Pattern: 16x19
• TW Power Rating: Low-Medium

Wilson Shift 99 Pro

• Headsize: 99 sq. in.
• Length: 27 in.
• Weight (strung): 11.7 oz.
• Stiffness (Babolat RDC): 68
• Balance: 12.75 in. Head Light (6pts)
• Swingweight: 332
• String Pattern: 18x20
• TW Power Rating: Low-Medium

Head Radical Pro

• Headsize: 98 sq. in.
• Length: 27 in.
• Weight (strung): 11.7 oz.
• Stiffness (Babolat RDC): 64
• Balance: 12.75 in. Head Light (6pts)
• Swingweight: 325
• String Pattern: 16x19
• TW Power Rating: Low-Medium

Yonex EZONE 98 Tour 2022

• Headsize: 98 sq. in.
• Length: 27 in.
• Weight (strung): 11.7 oz.
• Stiffness (Babolat RDC): 64
• Balance: 13 in. Head Light (4pts)
• Swingweight: 332
• String Pattern: 16x19
• TW Power Rating: Low-Medium

Head Boom Pro

• Headsize: 98 sq. in.
• Length: 27 in.
• Weight (strung): 11.6 oz.
• Stiffness (Babolat RDC): 66
• Balance: 12.79 in. Head Light (6pts)
• Swingweight: 325
• String Pattern: 16x19
• TW Power Rating: Low-Medium

Head Prestige Tour

• Headsize: 95 sq. in.
• Length: 27 in.
• Weight (strung): 11.7 oz.
• Stiffness (Babolat RDC): 62
• Balance: 12.79 in. Head Light (6pts)
• Swingweight: 330
• String Pattern: 16x19
• TW Power Rating: Low-Medium

 

[Fintft]

Based on the below information about me, do you have any suggestions on what racquets I should demo? I've listed the ones I'm currently considering below.

Right now, I play with second-hand, 14 year-old racquets that work decently well for me, but I imagine there is a setup that would work even better. I know this is a lot of information, but I think it'll help the right folks give me the best help possible over the internet

Playing Style

Aggressive baseliner with a 100 mph first serve, pretty big forehand, slow kick second serve, and medium-big/inconsistent backhand.

Current Racquet

2 Wilson KBlade Tour racquets (2010)

• Head Size: 93 square inches / 600 square centimeters
• Length: 27 inches / 69 centimeters
• Weight (strung): 11.8 ounces
• Stiffness (Babolat RDC): 68
• Balance: 10 pts Head Light
• Swingweight: 320
• String Pattern: 18x20
• No customizations

Current Strings

• Mains: Wilson Natural Gut @ 55 lbs
• Crosses: Luxilon ALU Power @ 52 lbs

What I’m Looking For

I'm looking for a racquet with a good amount of "plow-through" but still headlight enough to be fast to swing. Heavy, but headlight. Could also just add lead tape to a lighter frame? I will, of course, demo a few before buying.

• What does my game require? Easier access to power, with enough spin to keep it in the court + a good amount of plow-through feel
• Do I hit with a lot of topspin, or do I hit flat? Lots of topspin
• Do I lack power on short balls? No
• Do I need help gaining power on my serve? Not really, but would be nice
• Do I make wild unforced errors? Yes, mostly long
• Do I have any chronic injuries? No

Racquets Under Consideration

1. Wilson Pro Staff 97 v14
* Headsize: 97 sq. in.
* Length: 27 in.
* Weight (strung): 11.7 oz.
* Stiffness (Babolat RDC): 66
* Balance: 12.6 in. Head Light (7pts)
* Swingweight: 325
* String Pattern: 16x19
* TW Power Rating: Low
2. Wilson Blade 98 (18x20) v9
* Headsize: 98 sq. in.
* Length: 27 in.
* Weight (strung): 11.4 oz.
* Stiffness (Babolat RDC): 60
* Balance: 13 in. Head Light (4pts)
* Swingweight: 330
* String Pattern: 18x20
* TW Power Rating: Low
3. Tecnifibre TFight ISO 305
* Headsize: 98 sq. in.
* Length: 27 in.
* Weight (strung): 11.3 oz.
* Stiffness (Babolat RDC): 64
* Balance: 13.12 in. Head Light (3pts)
* Swingweight: 338
* String Pattern: 18x19
* TW Power Rating: Low-Medium
4. Head Gravity Pro Auxetic
* Headsize: 100 sq. in.
* Length: 27 in.
* Weight (strung): 11.7 oz.
* Stiffness (Babolat RDC): 63
* Balance: 12.75 in. Head Light (6pts)
* Swingweight: 334
* String Pattern: 18x20
* TW Power Rating: Low
5. Head Extreme MP
* Headsize: 100 sq. in.
* Length: 27 in.
* Weight (strung): 11.2 oz.
* Stiffness (Babolat RDC): 66
* Balance: 13 in. Head Light (4pts)
* Swingweight: 322
* String Pattern: 16x19
* TW Power Rating: Low-Medium
6. Wilson Shift 99 Pro
* Headsize: 99 sq. in.
* Length: 27 in.
* Weight (strung): 11.7 oz.
* Stiffness (Babolat RDC): 68
* Balance: 12.75 in. Head Light (6pts)
* Swingweight: 332
* String Pattern: 18x20
* TW Power Rating: Low-Medium

More knowledgeable people will help you, but my 2c are:
I'd rather go with Shift 300 and not with the pro version, as it is easy to customize (I've added 6g at noon on mine, OG and dampener and ended up with 334g strung and 325SW).

For more power I do prefer a Head TGT 293.1 Prestige PJ, 27.25" at 343g strung and 338SW, as they swing almost as fast( lower TW probably and L2 vs L3 in the Shift).
( I'll try the regular length, at 334g and 328SW and let you know).

My third option would be TGT 351.1, again 27.25, 337g, 334SW, that don't swing as easily as the 293.1.

 

[socallefty]

Pure Strikes are likely targeted towards this kind of player.

 

[AmericanTwist]

Hit a 6.1 95 too. That is a frame that a lot of people should try especially since pros still use it. Choose any frame 58-66ra stiffness. Head size dependent on how well you return serve.

 

[marcelefel]

Hit a 6.1 95 too. That is a frame that a lot of people should try especially since pros still use it. Choose any frame 58-66ra stiffness. Head size dependent on how well you return serve.

My return of serve could use some work against serves similar to mine or faster -- I'm just blocking shots back, if I'm lucky.

 

[Yamin]

I'd try the blade, clash 98 and standard shift given your description.

As for the rackets you mentioned..

1.) Don't like the weight distribution on Pro Staff for spin play.

2.) Blade is very good for what you're looking for, and spin is very good on 18x20, but much more penetrating given the balance as well. 16x19 may have a launch angle closer to what you're looking for.

3.) Very good racket and worth a try, but don't think it's what you're looking for given your description.

4.) Couldn't get good spin personally

5.) Too club like and not so whippy

 

[GermanBeast]

I would suggest the following based on your requirements:

Rackets that you can play stock and are similar to your current racket but easier to use:

Auxetic Radical Pro
Auxetic Prestige Tour or the newest version Auxetic 2.0
Prince ATS Textreme Tour 95

Rackets where you need to customize to get good plow through:
Auxetic Extreme Tour
Dunlop CX 200

 

[fuzz nation]

Playing Style

Aggressive baseliner with a 100 mph first serve, pretty big forehand, slow kick second serve, and medium-big/inconsistent backhand.

Current Racquet

2 Wilson KBlade Tour racquets (2010)

I'm looking for a racquet with a good amount of "plow-through" but still headlight enough to be fast to swing. Heavy, but headlight. Could also just add lead tape to a lighter frame? I will, of course, demo a few before buying.

• What does my game require? Easier access to power, with enough spin to keep it in the court + a good amount of plow-through feel
• Do I hit with a lot of topspin, or do I hit flat? Lots of topspin
• Do I lack power on short balls? No
• Do I need help gaining power on my serve? Not really, but would be nice
• Do I make wild unforced errors? Yes, mostly long
• Do I have any chronic injuries? No

I'd say the world is your oyster if you're coming from the 93" KBlade Tour. You might feel a little odd jumping up to a 100" frame or even a 98" option, but it's tough to predict the personalities of any racquets without a demo - good to hear that you plan to do some sampling. It's likely that you'll find some extra inherent liveliness with a larger head size, but again - the truth is in the demo. I personally look to get more inherent power from a racquet having just a little extra heft, but that's assuming that it's other specs are similar to an option that's a bit lighter.

Last year I had a go for a few months with the Dunlop CX200 Tour 18x20, which has a 95" head. This Dunlop comes to mind because it's not a very big leap away from your Wilsons. This is a current model that has a little old-school flavor to it with lots of control and what I consider to be very good feel/feedback. More control than free power here - it would really only do what I'd tell it to do. Extra spin or heavier power only came for me if I was more deliberate with my particular swing, but the control and consistency with the CX-200 Tour were quite good for me.

The Prince Phantoms also have some old-school personality and I'm currently loving the Phantom 97. Both this one and the Dunlop have been better for me with some lead on their handles to give me a more familiar balance.

In case you eventually try a Yonex, I'd say don't go any bigger than 97"-98" there. The square-ish head shape of those racquets seems to make them play "bigger" than oval-shaped frames having the same head size and similar weight, balance, flex, etc.

Another mild step toward a racquet having a larger head size and maybe a little bump in terms of free power could be a Head Prestige.

 

[marcelefel]

Thanks! This is kinda how I've been feeling – racquets have changed so much since the KBlade Tour was released, so it's a good and bad problem in some respects. I appreciate the Yonex head size advice, as I'm leaning that direction from internet research.

 

[Alcawrath]

Are you anti-Babolat? When you say that your playstyle is aggressive baseliner and that you're looking for a racquet, I can't help but wonder why you wouldn't check out the racquet brand known for aggressive baseline play.

 

[marcelefel]

Are you anti-Babolat? When you say that your playstyle is aggressive baseliner and that you're looking for a racquet, I can't help but wonder why you wouldn't check out the racquet brand known for aggressive baseline play.

Lol I wouldn't say "anti" – I used an AeroPro Drive Cortex back in the day switching to the Kblade.

That said, I'm looking for a better feeling (more plush / less vibration) at contact and more precision. Something heavier too. I'm wanting to go up from the 11.7oz (strung) that I'm at now.

 

[socallefty]

Lol I wouldn't say "anti" – I used an AeroPro Drive Cortex back in the day switching to the Kblade.

That said, I'm looking for a better feeling (more plush / less vibration) at contact and more precision. Something heavier too. I'm wanting to go up from the 11.7oz (strung) that I'm at now.

Pure Strike Tour?

 

[Alcawrath]

Lol I wouldn't say "anti" – I used an AeroPro Drive Cortex back in the day switching to the Kblade.

That said, I'm looking for a better feeling (more plush / less vibration) at contact and more precision. Something heavier too. I'm wanting to go up from the 11.7oz (strung) that I'm at now.

That's fair. I demoed the last gen pure aero and the last two gen pure strikes and hated them. I thought they were harsh, lacked feel, and felt inaccurate. I actually settled on the blade v7 around that same time because it had everything the Babs didn't. Fast forward to this year and I'm loving the way the current PSVS and PA98s play. They're not for everyone, but if you haven't played a Babolat in a while, they're worth a demo for an aggressive baseliner!

 

[jimmy8]

Shift 99 300, magical racket, great technology that brings stability to a light racket and brings tons of spin, I love the great maneuverability

 

[marcelefel]

That's fair. I demoed the last gen pure aero and the last two gen pure strikes and hated them. I thought they were harsh, lacked feel, and felt inaccurate. I actually settled on the blade v7 around that same time because it had everything the Babs didn't. Fast forward to this year and I'm loving the way the current PSVS and PA98s play. They're not for everyone, but if you haven't played a Babolat in a while, they're worth a demo for an aggressive baseliner!

oh that's good to know! the 2024 paint job looks v cool

 

[ChanterRacquet]

Babolat Pure Strikes are a solid entry for consideration. The outgoing VS is $150 and not only does it have the coolest paint job of any racquet ever, also seems to fit your boxes perfectly: heavy, whippier, softer, and more power at 97". Spin friendly at 16x20. I'm coming off a demo of the new 100 16x20 Strike and it's got me rethinking life's choices (should I try to tame my Rafa or unleash a 16x20 Strike?). Honestly, if you wanted a 100" this is it.

Racquetfinder.com suggests the Dunlop CX 200 Tour models based on similarities. These are also great racquets: 95", 16 and 18 main versions available. Also whippy for the weight. Outgoing models are $100.

 

[Trip]

@marcelefel - Welcome to TT. First off, here's the RacquetFinder profile on your current 14-year flame, the KBlade Tour:

So, in the KBT we have a 00's-era S&V/all-court control stick with a medium-weight, medium-stiffness, thin beam, very head-light balance and a meaty, raw and direct layup. Definitely a product of days gone by, but still a perfectly fine racquet, provided you can bring the power and mechanics, and you enjoy playing a more linear style.

In looking for a replacement, sticking somewhat close to what you're used to will make transitioning easier, but on the flip side, considering the way the game has changed, the fact that neither you nor I are getting any younger, and the list of frames you're already looking at, moving up a bit in head size and beam width are both probably good ideas, provided you keep string pattern dense enough to provide adequate control. All of that considered, here are mainstream options I would recommend looking at:

- Babolat Pure Strike 97 2024
- Babolat Pure Strike 98 2024 16x19 or an under-spec 18x20 - both with handle weight
- Dunlop CX 200 Tour 2024 16x19 and 18x20
- Head Auxetic Radical Pro (maybe MP as well)
- Head Prestige Pro (probably too flexy, but including it anyways)
- Head Prestige Tour (borderline due to noticeably higher stock swing weight than your KBT, but including it anyways)
- Solinco WhiteOut 18x20 standard length - with handle weight
- Tecnifibre TF40 315 16x19 (or 18x20 if you can find it) - w/ lead at 12
- Tecnifibre TF40 305, either pattern, both with a bit of handle weight, 16x19 w/ some hoop lead (18x20 is playable stock)
- Yonex Percept 97 w/ lead or 97D stock
- Wilson Ultra Pro v4 18x20 or 16x19

If you did want to move up to a 99-100:

- Babolat Pure Strike 100 16x19 and 16x20
- Head Prestige MP-L
- Prince ATS Textreme Tour 100P
- ProKennex Kinetic Pro 5G w/ lead at 12

Those 95's to 100's will be closest to what you're used to in terms of beam design, layup, flex and overall behavior. You're of course free to try more noodle-y control sticks and/or stiff/tweener-ish options, but they'll feel progressively more foreign at each end of the spectrum.

As for your shortlist, some did make my list. Here's why I'd avoid the ones that didn't: ISO 305 too cumbersome a combo of head-heaviness and high swing weight, Extreme MP string bed is too hot and control too lacking for what you're used to, Shift dual flex profile is too foreign and unpredictable compared to what you're used to, EZ98T too cumbersome overall and too muted, Boom Pro upper string bed hot spot and also way too muted.

If you want the closest like-for-like replacement, that would probably be the Dunlop CX 200 Tour 18x20 or Wilson Ultra Pro 18x20. If you wanted to move up in power-to-spec while retaining control and feel, I think the Radical Pro, one of the Strikes or TF40's would be a good bet. The Yonex Percepts are demo-worthy, but they will behave a bit differently than what you're used to. And if you do pick a Babolat, make sure you order via phone into TW's matching service, to get one that's actually on or under spec, as a fair amount of them are well over spec.

Hope some of that helps. Any questions, feel free.

 

[marcelefel]

@marcelefel - Welcome to TT. First off, here's the RacquetFinder profile on your current 14-year flame, the KBlade Tour:

So, in the KBT we have a 00's-era S&V/all-court control stick with a medium-weight, medium-stiffness, thin beam, very head-light balance and a meaty, raw and direct layup. Definitely a product of days gone by, but still a perfectly fine racquet, provided you can bring the power and mechanics, and you enjoy playing a more linear style.

In looking for a replacement, sticking somewhat close to what you're used to will make transitioning easier, but on the flip side, considering the way the game has changed, the fact that neither you nor I are getting any younger, and the list of frames you're already looking at, moving up a bit in head size and beam width are both probably good ideas, provided you keep string pattern dense enough to provide adequate control. All of that considered, here are mainstream options I would recommend looking at:

- Babolat Pure Strike 97 2024
- Babolat Pure Strike 98 2024 16x19 or an under-spec 18x20 - both with handle weight
- Dunlop CX 200 Tour 2024 16x19 and 18x20
- Head Auxetic Radical Pro (maybe MP as well)
- Head Prestige Pro (probably too flexy, but including it anyways)
- Head Prestige Tour (borderline due to noticeably higher stock swing weight than your KBT, but including it anyways)
- Solinco WhiteOut 18x20 standard length - with handle weight
- Tecnifibre TF40 315 16x19 (or 18x20 if you can find it) - w/ lead at 12
- Tecnifibre TF40 305, either pattern, both with a bit of handle weight, 16x19 w/ some hoop lead (18x20 is playable stock)
- Yonex Percept 97 w/ lead or 97D stock
- Wilson Ultra Pro v4 18x20 or 16x19

If you did want to move up to a 99-100:

- Babolat Pure Strike 100 16x19 and 16x20
- Head Prestige MP-L
- Prince ATS Textreme Tour 100P
- ProKennex Kinetic Pro 5G w/ lead at 12

Those 95's to 100's will be closest to what you're used to in terms of beam design, layup, flex and overall behavior. You're of course free to try more noodle-y and/or stiff/extreme/tweener-ish options, but they'll feel progressively more foreign at each end of the spectrum.

As for your shortlist, some made my list. Here's why I'd avoid the ones that didn't: ISO 305 too cumbersome a combo of head-heaviness and high swing weight, Extreme MP string bed is too hot and control too lacking for what you're used to, Shift dual-profile flex profile is too foreign compared to what you're used to, EZ98T too cumbersome overall and too muted, Boom Pro upper string bed hot spot and also way too muted.

If you want the closest like-for-like replacement, that would probably be the Dunlop CX 200 Tour 18x20 or Wilson Ultra Pro 18x20. If you wanted to move up in power-to-spec while retaining control and feel, I think the Radical Pro, one of the Strikes or TF40's would be a good bet. The Yonex Percepts are demo-worthy, but they will behave a bit differently than what you're used to. And if you do pick a Babolat, make sure you order via phone into TW's matching service, to get one that's actually on or under spec, as a fair amount of them are well over spec.

Hope some of that helps. Any questions, feel free.

Wow this is what I hoped would happen when I signed up for this forum!! Thank you, Trip. I take all of your suggestions and will adjust my list accordingly.

I was glad that you also saw the Head Radical Pro as a good fit, because it is my current top contender. I definitely want to demo a Yonex racquet as well.

• I guess Percept > EZONE for my requirements then?
• In saying that the Dunlop CX200T would be very like-for-like, do you mean that it would be like staying in the 00's era? I don't want to do that...ha! I need more easily accessible power at similar swingweight, at a minimum.

FYI -- I don't think I want to go with the frames from Babolat (feel) or Dunlop (wrong direction with swingweight) that have been mentioned -- just my gut feeling after my research and reading/watching reviews.

 

[Trip]

Wow this is what I hoped would happen when I signed up for this forum!! Thank you, Trip. I take all of your suggestions and will adjust my list accordingly.

I was glad that you also saw the Head Radical Pro as a good fit, because it is my current top contender. I definitely want to demo a Yonex racquet as well.

• I guess Percept > EZONE for my requirements then?
• In saying that the Dunlop CX200T would be very like-for-like, do you mean that it would be like staying in the 00's era? I don't want to do that...ha! I need more easily accessible power at similar swingweight, at a minimum.

FYI -- I don't think I want to go with the frames from Babolat (feel) or Dunlop (wrong direction with swingweight) that have been mentioned -- just my gut feeling after my research and reading/watching reviews.

Very welcome, and regarding your points:

- Yes, the Rad Pro should remain a top contender -- considering where you're coming from, it's probably the most playable option in stock form of anything out there (ie. the least amount of fiddling with customization).
- As for Yonex's, yeah, I think for overall behavior, you'd find the Percept most agreeable, and less "club-like" than an EZone, although the EZ98/100 are just flat-out "easy button" frames, so they may merit a try.
- On the Dunlop CX's, the Tours and likely the regular CX 200 would all need a decent amount of customization to give you the power return you probably want. In that vein, the CX 400 Tour may actually be the one to try, if you're going to try any of them.

As for anything else, if you didn't mind a little light/simple customization, I would also recommend a demo of TF40 315, with 2-3g of lead at 12 o'clock, and keeping an open-enough mind to try a Babolat, the 2024 Pure Strike 98 16x19 (maybe 18x20 as well), with ~10g of added handle weight (easiest way to do that on a demo stick would be spiral-wrapping 20" of .25g/inch lead tape over the base grip, then putting an over grip over that). Not sure when the last time you hit a Babolat was, but the new '24 Strike update has done a fair amount to improve the feel and flex; granted, it's still not a Prestige or a CX, but it's much better than it was, and I'd say a tad better than the current EZone, to put it into perspective. I mean, if you really are melding into aggressive baseliner territory, you almost owe it to yourself to try at least one Strike from the 2024 release. Even the 100's have improved (I'm currently playtesting the 100 16x20 and it's impressive -- this coming from a Prestige MP-L, Tour 100P guy -- so that's saying something).

Hope that helps again.

 

[socallefty]

FYI -- I don't think I want to go with the frames from Babolat (feel)

There is no one Babolat ‘feel’ just like there is no one feel for other brands - they all make light/oversize racquets, tweener and heavier players racquets which all feel different. Babolat’s popular models are Drives/Aeros which are tweeners and so people often associate the entire brand only with how those racquets play and their stiffer feel. If you try their heavier racquets with higher Swingweight (currently Strikes, formerly Strike Tour, Strike VS Tour, Pure Control, Storm etc.), they all had solid players racquet specs and a more flexible feel compared to their tweeners. The Strike feel in particular has changed a lot from their Gen 2. If you go look at the vibration frequency spec of different Babolat product models, you can get a good idea of how comfortable they will feel like just like for other brands.

 

[AmericanTwist]

Hi OP. I read your original post a bit quickly the first time around. I would second another poster saying you should try a Prince Phantom. The 100x 18x20 might also be a good choice since you can hit 100 mph serves. Some of our playing group members regularly serve above 100 mph so I know what that's like. I counter with the cx 200 tour 18x20. Softish, control frame. This is another frame you should try. They are on close out now or get the new ones which have more power. You can also try the Ultra pro v3 or v4. I think these 3 frames are fantastically underrated. In the Yonex brand try the 97D. I own one of these. Also a great frame. I think Giron has switched to this frame and it might be partly why he has been playing so well. Kevin Anderson use the Revo cx 2.0 tour 18x20 a progenitor of the cx 200 tour frames. And you know the H19s of which the UP is based upon has been widely used among pros. Notice the commonality? Control frames...

Prince and Yonex frames may not need as much weighting but the UP and Dunlop definitely do. One of my buddies is a VCP user and when I first tried these two frames he commented that these oval shaped heads don't appear to be as forgiving as the isometric shape. But after he tried each he commented...hmmm actually they are pretty good lol...

Everything is some sort of compromise. With the isometric shape you have more frame (literally lol) to hit scoop shots with towards the corner tip, but the oval shape is better for defending body serves with a block/slice. Nothing is for free!

 

[marcelefel]

Hi OP. I read your original post a bit quickly the first time around. I would second another poster saying you should try a Prince Phantom. The 100x 18x20 might also be a good choice since you can hit 100 mph serves. Some of our playing group members regularly serve above 100 mph so I know what that's like. I counter with the cx 200 tour 18x20. Softish, control frame. This is another frame you should try. They are on close out now or get the new ones which have more power. You can also try the Ultra pro v3 or v4. I think these 3 frames are fantastically underrated. In the Yonex brand try the 97D. I own one of these. Also a great frame. I think Giron has switched to this frame and it might be partly why he has been playing so well. Kevin Anderson use the Revo cx 2.0 tour 18x20 a progenitor of the cx 200 tour frames. And you know the H19s of which the UP is based upon has been widely used among pros. Notice the commonality? Control frames...

Prince and Yonex frames may not need as much weighting but the UP and Dunlop definitely do. One of my buddies is a VCP user and when I first tried these two frames he commented that these oval shaped heads don't appear to be as forgiving as the isometric shape. But after he tried each he commented...hmmm actually they are pretty good lol...

Everything is some sort of compromise. With the isometric shape you have more frame (literally lol) to hit scoop shots with towards the corner tip, but the oval shape is better for defending body serves with a block/slice. Nothing is for free!

Make sense, @AmericanTwist -- appreciate the tips!

 

[marcelefel]

Totally fair on Babolat, @Trip and @socallefty -- I'll give the new Pure Strike a demo

 

[marcelefel]

Any tips on whether I should think about switching from 18x20 to 16x19?

 

[marcelefel]

As for Yonex's, yeah, I think for overall behavior, you'd find the Percept most agreeable, and less "club-like" than an EZone, although the EZ98/100 are just flat-out "easy button" frames, so they may merit a try.

Racquet finder is showing the EZones as more powerful than the Percept, which appeals to me. I want some easier power for sure.

 

[marcelefel]

Updated list (in order of excitement to demo):

*I added the Yonex Percept 97 -- even though the TW Power rating is "Low" -- because so many of you raved about it

1. Head Radical Pro
   • Headsize: 98 sq. in.
   • Length: 27 in.
   • Weight (strung): 11.7 oz.
   • Stiffness (Babolat RDC): 64
   • Balance: 12.75 in. Head Light (6pts)
   • Swingweight: 325
   • String Pattern: 16x19
   • TW Power Rating: Low-Medium
2. Yonex EZONE 98 Tour 2022
   • Headsize: 98 sq. in.
   • Length: 27 in.
   • Weight (strung): 11.7 oz.
   • Stiffness (Babolat RDC): 64
   • Balance: 13 in. Head Light (4pts)
   • Swingweight: 332
   • String Pattern: 16x19
   • TW Power Rating: Low-Medium
3. Head Prestige Tour
   • Headsize: 95 sq. in.
   • Length: 27 in.
   • Weight (strung): 11.7 oz.
   • Stiffness (Babolat RDC): 62
   • Balance: 12.79 in. Head Light (6pts)
   • Swingweight: 330
   • String Pattern: 16x19
   • TW Power Rating: Low-Medium
4. Tecnifibre TF40 315
   • Headsize: 98 sq. in.
   • Length: 27 in.
   • Weight (strung): 11.3 oz.
   • Stiffness (Babolat RDC): 64
   • Balance: 13.12 in. Head Light (3pts)
   • Swingweight: 338
   • String Pattern: 18x19
   • TW Power Rating: Low-Medium
   • Customize with 2-3g of lead at 12 o'clock
5. Babolat Pure Strike 98 16x19 (2024)
   • Headsize: 98 sq. in.
   • Length: 27 in.
   • Weight (strung): 11.4 oz.
   • Stiffness (Babolat RDC): 64
   • Balance: 13 in. Head Light (4pts)
   • Swingweight: 330
   • String Pattern: 16x19
   • TW Power Rating: Low-Medium
   • Customize with 10g of added handle weight (easiest way to do that on a demo stick would be spiral-wrapping 20" of .25g/inch lead tape over the base grip, then putting an over grip over that)
6. Yonex Percept 97
   • Headsize: 97 sq. in.
   • Length: 27 in.
   • Weight (strung): 11.5 oz.
   • Stiffness (Babolat RDC): 60
   • Balance: 12.59 in. Head Light (7pts)
   • Swingweight: 315
   • String Pattern: 16x19
   • TW Power Rating: Low
   • Customize with 2-3g of lead at 12 o’clock

 

[Trip]

@marcelefel - That's a bit better list, although I think you accidentally transposed swing weight and string pattern of the ISO 305 over those of the TF40 315 -- which are 313sw and 16x19 (with 2-3g of lead at 12, it should give you a 319-322 swing weight). I'd be keen to see your reaction to the EZone Tour as well; the majority consensus here is that while the EZT is nice with the extra weight on board, it also makes the racquet fairly demanding, and shrinks the customization window versus the regular EZone 98, which many just prefer to use instead, with a bit more customization, but there are pluses and minuses to both approaches (some like having the extra mass simply baked in from the start). And yes, as for the Percept 97, in stock form, it's going to feel borderline-anemic compared to most of the others; it really needs weight added to have any chance of being a final choice, so just know that going in. Best of luck with the demo process!

 

[marcelefel]

Hey all, I'm back with a lot of feedback from my demo process! I took a break from hunting for a new racquet for a while, but have tried several (all stock versions) in the last two weeks

Thanks for all of the recommendations! Here are my thoughts so far:

Racquets I Tried and Liked

• Head Auxetic Radical Pro
  • Strung with poly (demo)
  • Really liked the swingweight; would be easily customizable to add more plowthrough to where I like it
  • Was surprised by the easy power it generated; seems perfect for an aggressive baseliner
  • Contact-feel was pretty good, but not as nice as the Yonex racquets IMO; this racquet is more raw and vibrate-y; lots of feedback
  • Very cool, electric color
• Yonex Percept 100
  • Had multifilament strings @ 53lbs (friend’s racquet)
  • Amazing contact-feel — just the right mix of firm and plush
  • Slightly lower plowthrough than preferred, but could be achieved with customization (leather grip and 4-6g on 3:00 and 9:00 to help with the swingweight)
• Yonex Percept 97
  • Had Yonex PTStrike strings @ 52lbs (demo strung 8 months ago)
  • Laser accuracy and great feel; loved the vibration dampening technology
  • Groundstrokes were so crisp and racquet was responsive to power/spin input
  • Good amount of power on serve
  • Great weight and balance; felt like I could hit a heavy ball with good plowthrough
  • One very small drawback is that it seems a little more difficult to flatten out and unleash power than some racquets; it’s like the racquet wants you to be precise and measured
• Yonex EZONE 98 16x19 (2022)
  • Strung with Weiss Cannon Ultra Cable @ 55 lbs (not recently)
  • Plenty of power, except on backhands (could just be that my technique wasn’t good enough)
  • Very plush feeling at contact; major pocketing effect
  • String / racquet combo had crazy spin
  • Needs more weight, for better plowthrough and stability when facing heavy pace

Racquets I Tried and Did Not Like

• Babolat Pure Strike 98 16x19 (2024)
  • Strung with poly (demo)
  • Really did not like how it felt as I swung — it felt hollow and lacked the plowthrough that I need to confidently hit heavy groundstrokes
  • Firmer contact-feel than I prefer
  • Not worth the customization it would need, and not sure that would help the contact-feel anyways
• Head Auxetic Prestige Tour
  • Strung with poly (demo)
  • Lots of power for such a small headsize; almost too responsive
  • Not very maneuverable; feels pretty heavy — perhaps it was the balance, because 315g is not really that heavy?
  • Wanted more of a crisp plowthrough feel at contact; didn’t experience that, but it could’ve been from me missing the sweet spot
  • I found myself missing the feel of the Yonex Percept racquets I had been playing with beforehand
  • Had a luxury car / retiree aesthetic that doesn’t really suit my tennis style of play either
  • Overall, was decent but not amazing enough to buy
  • Seems more like a collector’s item
• Yonex Percept 100D
  • Had Yonex PTStrike strings @ 52lbs (demo strung 8 months ago)
  • Requires complete swing to feel comfortable — difficult to control power and trajectory / direction
  • Not enough weight — a tiny bit whippy and unstable; low amount of plowthrough for my taste
  • Trampoline feel
  • There are many better options, even within the Percept line
• Head Gravity Pro Graphene 360+
  • Had poly strings @ 54lbs (not recently)
  • Good weight, but lots of vibration
  • Felt dead; very muted feedback when hitting the ball
  • Hard to generate power, even more so than my current (K)Blade Tour
• Wilson Clash 98 v2
  • Felt whippy and lightweight
  • Was very arm-comfortable though
  • I would have to add a ton of weight/customization to make this feel playable for me
• Wilson Pro Staff 97v14
  • Felt much lighter than I expected – didn't get the plow-through feeling that I was hoping for
  • I almost got a "tin-y" feeling, but it might have been the strings. Friend wasn't sure about his string tension
  • Was disappointed because I was sure that the Pro Staff was going to be my next racquet

Racquets I Still Want to Demo

1. Tecnifibre TF40 315
   • Headsize: 98 sq. in.
   • Length: 27 in.
   • Weight (strung): 11.7 oz
   • Stiffness (Babolat RDC): 64
   • Balance: 12.51 in. Head Light (8pts)
   • Swingweight: 313
   • String Pattern: 16x19
   • TW Power Rating: Low
2. Yonex VCORE 98 (2022)
   • Headsize: 98 sq. in.
   • Length: 27 in.
   • Weight (strung): 11.4 oz
   • Stiffness (Babolat RDC): 62
   • Balance: 12.79 in. Head Light (6pts)
   • Swingweight: 318
   • String Pattern: 16x19
   • TW Power Rating: Low-Medium
3. Yonex EZONE 98 Tour (2022)
   • Headsize: 98 sq. in.
   • Length: 27 in.
   • Weight (strung): 11.7 oz
   • Stiffness (Babolat RDC): 64
   • Balance: 12.99 in. Head Light (4pts)
   • Swingweight: 332
   • String Pattern: 16x19
   • TW Power Rating: Low-Medium

 

[marcelefel]

I'm curious to hear what you all think of these "reviews"!

If I'm honest, I'm currently torn between the Percept 97 and Percept 100 (with future customization). But still interested in the Radical Pro and want to try the VCORE 98 + TF40!

(I think the EZONE Tour will feel too heavy, but I'm happy to try it. I'm not in a rush to decide, especially at these price points.)

 

[marcelefel]

@Trip would love to hear your thoughts on the above. Also, @socallefty, I did give the Pure Strike a try!