Racquet Of The Year 2023
- Thread starter Underdog
- Start date
jimdontcare
Semi-Pro
For me the 2023 FX 500 has to be in the convo for providing quite a formidible contribution to a very busy segment of the racquet market.
jimdontcare
Semi-Pro
Pure Aero 98 too
TwinCinema
Professional
Wilson Shift wins Best Cosmetic for me. Insanely gorgeous in person.
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
Also, playwise.
ttlapointe
Rookie
Haven't tried the Shift and the Auxetic Gpro yet, but otherwise I'm pretty much sharing the views in this video :
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
Understandably, he talked most about the Shift 99.
GoArmyTennis
Rookie
Total Gravity homer.
Ryebread
Hall of Fame
It’s not my racquet of choice. But I own one. I think the Shift should win. Interesting new tech. I like how Wilson is trying new things every year or two.
Playing with the v7 Vcore 95 right now. That also came out this year. But there’s not too much “new and exciting” here for me to consider this a racquet of the year. They did fix the SW though (thank you YY). It’s a proper grownup SW now. Especially when compared with previous generation and also pretty much EVERYTHING coming out these days.
I think most but not all players here 3.5-4.5 want to start with 322-328 SW (not 315-318) racquets, prob with 4-7 pts HL balance, 61-64 RA, 16x20/18x19 make them interesting.
Playing with the v7 Vcore 95 right now. That also came out this year. But there’s not too much “new and exciting” here for me to consider this a racquet of the year. They did fix the SW though (thank you YY). It’s a proper grownup SW now. Especially when compared with previous generation and also pretty much EVERYTHING coming out these days.
I think most but not all players here 3.5-4.5 want to start with 322-328 SW (not 315-318) racquets, prob with 4-7 pts HL balance, 61-64 RA, 16x20/18x19 make them interesting.
PistolPete23
Hall of Fame
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Crocodile
G.O.A.T.
I don’t know yet, haven’t hit with all releases for 2023 extensively enough. I’m going to hold off till early December or late November.
Pacific and Angell have new releases of late.
I did like like the Yonex Percept H update and the Wilson Pro Staff 315g.
Many will choose one of the shift models. I had a hit with the 315 with a dead poly so I couldn’t get a real take on it but I’m still of the view that the Clash was a more useful release.
The V3 Diadem Elevate is a frame I want to hit with and the new Prestige’s
Pacific and Angell have new releases of late.
I did like like the Yonex Percept H update and the Wilson Pro Staff 315g.
Many will choose one of the shift models. I had a hit with the 315 with a dead poly so I couldn’t get a real take on it but I’m still of the view that the Clash was a more useful release.
The V3 Diadem Elevate is a frame I want to hit with and the new Prestige’s
Underdog
Professional
I strongly agree with the last part. Not all rec players are into customization nor have the expertise to use better, more “end-product” racquets.
I believe making a racquet line around those specs is a big W. Mid 320s SW, headlight balance, variable static weight (say a 310 and a 290g options), low 60s flex, a semi open 16x20 pattern and a 22mm beam. Different head size options. That would be amazing.
TennisHound
Legend
(as a platform racquet) Wilson Blade Team V8.
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Fighting phoenix
Professional
None of these were 2023 releases
Fighting phoenix
Professional
Best overall stick: PA98
Best unique new frame: Wilson shift
Best surprisingly great: Rafa Origin
Best comeback line: percept (vcore pros were terrible)
Best unique new frame: Wilson shift
Best surprisingly great: Rafa Origin
Best comeback line: percept (vcore pros were terrible)
Underdog
Professional
Nice list. So unfortunate that the Percept paint job is hideous. It’d be fire if they’d slapped a gun metal grey on that
Fighting phoenix
Professional
It is! I thought it looked cool in videos but in person it looks not so great.
Curtennis
Hall of Fame
Rafa origin purely cause they gave us exactly what we wanted. Also many were shocked just how accessible heavier swing weights could be.
ROTY has to be the origin.
It’s not even worth mentioning the runner ups. anything else is just the same thing jts always been, just repackaged compared to what the origin is.
Percept 100d? Yeah it’s neat but doesn’t change the game. Pro staff X? No one needed that racquet despite it being cool. Pure aero 98? Hardly an improvement over the VS. Head? They’ll just make a million racquets until one works out. And they need to keep trying.
ROTY has to be the origin.
It’s not even worth mentioning the runner ups. anything else is just the same thing jts always been, just repackaged compared to what the origin is.
Percept 100d? Yeah it’s neat but doesn’t change the game. Pro staff X? No one needed that racquet despite it being cool. Pure aero 98? Hardly an improvement over the VS. Head? They’ll just make a million racquets until one works out. And they need to keep trying.
ryushen21
Legend
Admittedly, I haven't hit with as many of the new releases as I normally would have due to being thoroughly in the groove with Yonex.
That being said, the 23 VCore 100 is a superb frame for the modern spin-oriented player. The Percepts are also proving to be great frames that are finally bringing some feel back into the Yonex racquet profile.
That being said, the 23 VCore 100 is a superb frame for the modern spin-oriented player. The Percepts are also proving to be great frames that are finally bringing some feel back into the Yonex racquet profile.
dr. godmode
Hall of Fame
I think the Radical MP deserves some mention. Head has turned that racquet from a complete joke into a serious contender in the past couple of generations. The Radical felt like it was about to die off until G360 and they've implemented steady improvements, making this new Auxetic Radical MP one of the best modern player's racquets on the market, finally fulfilling their marketing of "the People's Racquet."
Blade_X
Professional
I still prefer 360+ version. For my taste it became soooo soft and a little bit more muted
Nevertheless this racquet with an 1.20 string is one of the best racquets out there for all around playstyle.
Fighting phoenix
Professional
Agree with @dr. godmode that this has evolved into one of the better racquets out there, but I also feel like they made that step with the 360+ orangesicle - I've played with that extensively and the Auxetic version, and can't tell that there's much of a difference.I still prefer 360+ version. For my taste it became soooo soft and a little bit more muted
Nevertheless this racquet with an 1.20 string is one of the best racquets out there for all around playstyle.
atatu
Legend
Was just checking out the Blades and didn't see a Team, just the v8100L and the v8 100 ? Is there a Team that TW doesn't carry ?
TennisHound
Legend
That’s because it’s a cheaper pre-strung racquet. I know right. It’s oddly good with weight though. 99” Head, tight 16x18 string pattern. I have mine weighted to 11.1oz. They’re stable and powerful at a light weight.
Nope,Pure Aero 98 is a massive improvement over Pure Aero Vs. It got rid off the spin grommets and its launch angle is 100% more stable. Thats why Carlos and Rune instantly switched.
Curtennis
Hall of Fame
You sure they’re using the new one and not just pj? This is the first I’ve heard about it if so.
n80aoag
Professional
In order of preference of racquets I've owned or hit with extensively this year:
1. Whiteout XTD 18x20
2. Whiteout XTD+
3. TFight ISO 305
4. VCore 98
5. Auxetic Gravity Pro
6. Pure Aero 98
7. Auxetic Radical MP
8. EZone 98 2022
9. TF40 305 16m
10. Pro Staff X
Hit with other frames but these are the ones I played my best tennis with (especially the top 5)
1. Whiteout XTD 18x20
2. Whiteout XTD+
3. TFight ISO 305
4. VCore 98
5. Auxetic Gravity Pro
6. Pure Aero 98
7. Auxetic Radical MP
8. EZone 98 2022
9. TF40 305 16m
10. Pro Staff X
Hit with other frames but these are the ones I played my best tennis with (especially the top 5)
1HBHfanatic
Legend
-wilson.SHIFT.315, awesome easy power racquet to play with
-these 2x i have yet to hit with, but the buzz is real, and checks off all my boxes
-wilson.blade.98 v9, highly anticipated racquet, coming soon, i cant wait
-yonex.vcore.98.TOUR, finally a decent weight option from the vcore line
-these 2x i have yet to hit with, but the buzz is real, and checks off all my boxes
-wilson.blade.98 v9, highly anticipated racquet, coming soon, i cant wait
-yonex.vcore.98.TOUR, finally a decent weight option from the vcore line
I don't have a "best racquet of the year" in mind, but Yonex should definitely win best brand of the year. They make great racquets, have decent quality control, and their updates are genuine with real technological improvements with each iteration.
Laziest brand of the year goes to Head.
Laziest brand of the year goes to Head.
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Yeap the grommets are different thats why, otherwise i wouldnt know. There is a thread about it, i ll try to find it.
curtstead
Professional
Have tried a lot this year. My favorites so far would be (of racquets released in 2023):
Solinco Whiteout 305 XTD 18m
Yonex Vcore 2023, both 98 and 100 (haven't hit the 95)
Wilson Blade 100 v8 (edited in, see post further below in the thread)
Babolat Pure Aero 98
Not ranked in any order, although I would put the Vcore 98, 100, and the Whiteout XTD above the Aero 98 personally. I am also soon to try the Prestige MP-L and the Prestige Pro 16x19 once it gets here to the states.
Solinco Whiteout 305 XTD 18m
Yonex Vcore 2023, both 98 and 100 (haven't hit the 95)
Wilson Blade 100 v8 (edited in, see post further below in the thread)
Babolat Pure Aero 98
Not ranked in any order, although I would put the Vcore 98, 100, and the Whiteout XTD above the Aero 98 personally. I am also soon to try the Prestige MP-L and the Prestige Pro 16x19 once it gets here to the states.
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The Big Kahuna
Hall of Fame
Absolutely the SOLINCO WHITEOUT 18x20 XTD. Best racquet of the 2023 hands down!
flanker2000fr
Hall of Fame
Now that it has been released, surely the Head Prestige Classic 2.0?
PistolPete23
Hall of Fame
It’s the most interesting release, but unfortunately it doesn’t have widespread appeal. I personally think it’s the racquet of the year, but I also think we’re part of the minority.
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