Racquet of the Year! Top 3 and per brand

[Frans Bleker]

2019 is a year of some interesting releases in my opinion. Hereby I am interested in what you folks have found to be contenders for the racquet of the year. Also rackets out of late 2018 may be mentioned as they were mostly played in 2019.

Lets use the following format:

Per Brand

Babolat:

Head:

Wilson:

Yonex:

Prince:

Tecnifibre:

[Other brands you want to mention]

Overall Top 3:

1.
2.
3.

 

[Frans Bleker]

I'll start!

Per Brand

Babolat: Pure Aero Tour

Head: Gravity Pro, no doubt

Wilson: Blade V7 16x19, no doubt

Yonex: Vcore 98

Prince: New 100P 18x20

Tecnifibre: XTC 305

[Other brands you want to mention]

Overall Top 3:

1. Gravity Pro
2. Pure Aero Tour
3. VCore 98

Note: Haven't had enough time with the Blade V7 to be able to compare it well enough with the other releases.

 

[Bobby O]

I would include the Dunlop Srixon CX 200 Tour in both the 18x20 and 16x19 versions.

 

[monax]

Babolat: Pure Aero 300grs

Head: Extreme 360 MP

Wilson: Clash 100

Yonex: Ezone 100

Prince: Textreme 100P

Tecnifibre: XTC 295 Tfight

[Other brands you want to mention]
Artengo 990 Pro
Pro Kennex Q+5 (310)
Snauwaert Grinta 100

Overall Top 3:

1. Artengo 990 Pro
2. Prince textreme 100P
3. Yonex Ezone 100

 

[Ashtonbrewer94]

Babolat: Pure Strike Tour

Head: Gravity Pro

Wilson: Clash Tour (Haven't got to hit with any of the new blades)

Yonex: Vcore Pro 97 HD

Prince: Textreme Tour 100P

Tecnifibre: TF40 305

Overall Top 3:

1. Dunlop CX 200 Tour 18x20
2. Technifibre TF40 305
3. Pure Strike Tour

 

[avocadoz]

Babolat: Pure Aero

Head: Gravity Pro

Wilson: Blade 98 (18x20)

Yonex: Vcore Pro 97 HD

Prince: Phantom Pro 100

Tecnifibre: Haven't played with one

Overall Top 3:

1. Blade 98 (18x20)
2. Pure Aero
3. Vcore Pro 97 HD

 

[Crocodile]

Babolat: withheld - too harsh on your arm
Wilson: Clash 100 Tour tie V7 Blade 16/19
Head: Gravity mp
Yonex: V Core Pro 97 330
Tecnifibre; T40 315
Dunlop: CX 200 Tour 18/20
PK: Q Tour plus 325 2019
Volkl: 2019 C 10 Pro tie re issue PB 10 mid
Angell: K7 Lime
Diadem: Elevate 98
Prince: textreme 93 open pattern
Overall
1. Clash Tour 100
2. V7 Blade
3. 2019 C 10 Pro/ PK Q Tour 325

 

[Bender]

Do people actually like the Clash 100? I know it has a few loyal fans but no-one I know who has it actually liked it. Played like a wet noodle, and this from someone who loves the feeling of a flexy box beam frame.

As for my list, I can only speak for Babolat and Yonex this year:

• Babolat: Pure Strike 16x19
• Yonex: Vcore 98

 

[TennisHound]

Do people actually like the Clash 100? I know it has a few loyal fans but no-one I know who has it actually liked it. Played like a wet noodle, and this from someone who loves the feeling of a flexy box beam frame.

As for my list, I can only speak for Babolat and Yonex this year:

• Babolat: Pure Strike 16x19
• Yonex: Vcore 98

X2, Clash was a hot mess

 

[mnttlrg]

Best - Ezone 98 305 (very well-balanced, fantastic racket)
Radical Pro / Speed MP (added throat weight helped out vs previous lines)

Worst - Blade 16x19 (wimped out uncomfortable junk)
Radical MP / Speed Pro / Extreme Pro (added throat weight ruined)
Pure Strike Tour (arm breaker, minimal spin and control)
Clash series (wimpy)

 

[Ashtonbrewer94]

Best - Ezone 98 305 (very well-balanced, fantastic racket)
Radical Pro / Speed MP (added throat weight helped out vs previous lines)

Worst - Blade 16x19 (wimped out uncomfortable junk)
Radical MP / Speed Pro / Extreme Pro (added throat weight ruined)
Pure Strike Tour (arm breaker, minimal spin and control)
Clash series (wimpy)

Goes to show how subjective feel is! The Pure Strike Tour has been an excellent frame for me, and very plush for a Babolat. Also hit the 16x19 version and that felt great as well. I found the Ezone 98 to be a solid racquet, but the tip was extremely jarring.

 

[mnttlrg]

Goes to show how subjective feel is! The Pure Strike Tour has been an excellent frame for me, and very plush for a Babolat. Also hit the 16x19 version and that felt great as well. I found the Ezone 98 to be a solid racquet, but the tip was extremely jarring.

My guess would be that you generally hit a more horizontal ball than I do. Your descriptions sound like what I would say about them when hitting lower, more drivey shots. Maybe, just guessing.

 

[Ashtonbrewer94]

My guess would be that you generally hit a more horizontal ball than I do. Your descriptions sound like what I would say about them when hitting lower, more drivey shots. Maybe, just guessing.

That’s actually a very accurate statement regarding my game! I can hit with plenty of spin when needed, but I definitely prefer to drive the ball. I play my best game with heavier, tighter-pattern racquets

 

[DjokerStyle]

Prince Beast 100: Arm friendly Pure Drive. Beast serves.

 

[megamind]

Babolat: withheld - too harsh on your arm
Wilson: Clash 100 Tour tie V7 Blade 16/19
Head: Gravity mp
Yonex: V Core Pro 97 330
Tecnifibre; T40 315
Dunlop: CX 200 Tour 18/20
PK: Q Tour plus 325 2019
Volkl: 2019 C 10 Pro tie re issue PB 10 mid
Angell: K7 Lime
Diadem: Elevate 98
Prince: textreme 93 open pattern
Overall
1. Clash Tour 100
2. V7 Blade
3. 2019 C 10 Pro/ PK Q Tour 325

why gravity mp over gravity pro? (for me, the pro plays much better, and it seems like that is a common opinion on this site, so just curious to hear why you thought otherwise)

 

[Crocodile]

why gravity mp over gravity pro? (for me, the pro plays much better, and it seems like that is a common opinion on this site, so just curious to hear why you thought otherwise)

Lot of the people I know that have tested both racquets prefer the mp 16/20 string pattern and 323 swingweight to the pro with its 18/20 and too high 334 SW. Some players using the pro are havng arm issues due to the SW.
I am concerned about light static weight frames with high SW's for longer term arm issues. I would rather a 360g racquet with a 328SW than a 315g racquet with a 335SW.
This issue along with polarised weighting system is something I am looking into at present in terms of arm health.

 

[USPTARF97]

Wilson: RF97

 

[megamind]

Lot of the people I know that have tested both racquets prefer the mp 16/20 string pattern and 323 swingweight to the pro with its 18/20 and too high 334 SW. Some players using the pro are havng arm issues due to the SW.
I am concerned about light static weight frames with high SW's for longer term arm issues. I would rather a 360g racquet with a 328SW than a 315g racquet with a 335SW.
This issue along with polarised weighting system is something I am looking into at present in terms of arm health.

thanks for posting this!

i'm still a bit new to different racquets, and was looking to move away from Babolat to an arm-friendly racquet after some injuries. Was only looking at stiffness earlier, and wasnt looking at the swingweight (I'll keep that in mind!) For my type of gamestyle, I preferred the Pro because of the added power and stability, that I found lacking in the MP. I'll continue my search though with your suggestion about swingweight in mind!

 

[netlets]

X2, Clash was a hot mess

Switched from Pure Drive to Clash 100 Tour. Amazing racquet - plays like a soft Pure Drive. Stable when you hit out and flexes when you need it to. Amazing. Just slightly less powerful than a Pure Drive. Not for flat hitters - designed for people with modern swing path. Great on the arm. I’m a 5.0 all court player with a semi western FH and 2 handed bh.

 

[Ryanblessed]

Babolat: Pure Strike Tour

Head: Gravity Pro

Wilson: Clash 98

Yonex: Vcore Pro HD 97

Prince: Phantom 18x20

Tecnifibre: TF40 315

Angell: ASL2

Dunlop: CX200 Tour 16x19

Overall Top 3:

1. Dunlop CX200 Tour 16x19
2. ASL2
3. Clash 98

 

[megamind]

Babolat: Pure Strike Tour

Head: Gravity Pro

Wilson: Clash 98

Yonex: Vcore Pro HD 97

Prince: Phantom 18x20

Tecnifibre: TF40 315

Angell: ASL2

Dunlop: CX200 Tour 16x19

Overall Top 3:

1. Dunlop CX200 Tour 16x19
2. ASL2
3. Clash 98

What’s your game style and level?

 

[Ryanblessed]

What’s your game style and level?

4.0, all court(at least try to be)

 

[megamind]

4.0, all court(at least try to be)

nice, was just curious because the dunlop and clash feel like different racquets (dunlop amazing for volleys, clash for groundstrokes )

 

[Ryanblessed]

nice, was just curious because the dunlop and clash feel like different racquets (dunlop amazing for volleys, clash for groundstrokes )

For Sure I prefer Dunlop's feel, just mention Clash since I have to pick one from Willson....

 

[gazz1]

Babolat PS Tour

Wilson Blade 16x19 v7

Head Gravity Pro

Yonex - I wan’t my DR98 back!

Prince: I can’t split the TT310 & TT100P ...bought both

Tecnifibre XTC305

Top 3
1. Prince TT310
2. Prince TT100P
3. Head Gravity Pro...a distant 3rd, and I own all 3 of these.

 

[McLovin]

Yonex: Vcore 98

Yonex: Vcore 98

Technically, the VCORE 98 was released in 2018: https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/yonex-vcore-series-2018.621140/

 

[Bender]

Technically, the VCORE 98 was released in 2018: https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/yonex-vcore-series-2018.621140/

Guess I can kinda sidestep that error and name the Galaxy Black version then, although having played with it a bit it doesn't play the same

 

[smalahove]

Babolat:
Pure Strike 100 (gen3)*

Head:
Graphene 360 Extreme MP *

Wilson:
Blade V7 98 16x19 *

Yonex:
VCore Pro 97 310 Teal

Tecnifibre:
T40 305 *


* Haven't tried the other PS's, nor any of Head Gravity, the Blade V7 98 18x20, nor the TF40 315


Overall Top 3:

1. Pure Strike 100 (gen3)
2. TF40 305
3. Blade V7 98 16x19

 

[bmd9]

why gravity mp over gravity pro? (for me, the pro plays much better, and it seems like that is a common opinion on this site, so just curious to hear why you thought otherwise)

Still keeping an eye out for a used Tour in the states; not needing to tinker enough to go away from my Speeds just yet and invest in a full switch, but liked parts of the Gravity MP and parts of the Pro enough to think the Tour may be the sweet spot for more "casual"/doubles days. Aggravating that they (Head) won't just bring out a limited run of Tour frames in the US.

 

[Frans Bleker]

Technically, the VCORE 98 was released in 2018: https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/yonex-vcore-series-2018.621140/

Also rackets out of late 2018 may be mentioned as they were mostly played in 2019.

 

[McLovin]

@Frans Bleker, I guess it all depends on what you call 'late 2018'. The frames were released in August, 2018. That's not 'late 2018' to me.

Of course, I also don't believe in putting up Christmas decorations until December. You probably have your's up already...

 

[ChaelAZ]

I didn't get a chance to demo too much this year, so I can only list a few.


Babolat: Only the new Pure Strike 100

Head: Only had one demo and that was another pro that just got a new Head and was looking for feedback. Don't recall the model (some black and white stick).

Wilson: Clash (98, 100, Tour), Blade V7, CV, Ultra 100 and 95.

Yonex: VCore 100 and another 98. 97 is the one I really want to try in that 18x20.

Prince: NA

Tecnifibre: NA

Not enough play testing to really pick any top racquets, especially since some I tested this year were actually last years release. Finding more and more that 98 sqaure inch head is about right for me. Out of the few I tested I suppose my order would be Blade, Yonnex 98 305, and then Clash 98. As mentioned, the Yonnex 97 in the 18x20 is my next play test.

 

[JOSHL]

Still keeping an eye out for a used Tour in the states; not needing to tinker enough to go away from my Speeds just yet and invest in a full switch, but liked parts of the Gravity MP and parts of the Pro enough to think the Tour may be the sweet spot for more "casual"/doubles days. Aggravating that they (Head) won't just bring out a limited run of Tour frames in the US.

The tour is coming to the us. Watch the last TW vlog on YouTube.

 

[JOSHL]

Babolat:
Nope

Head:
Gravity Pro

Wilson:
Blade V7 98 18x20

Yonex:
VCore Pro 97 HD

Tecnifibre:
I want to try the TF40 305

Prince:
Textreme Tour 100p 2019

Top 3:
Blade V7
VCore pro HD
Textreme 100p

 

[megamind]

Babolat:
Nope

Head:
Gravity Pro

Wilson:
Blade V7 98 18x20

Yonex:
VCore Pro 97 HD

Tecnifibre:
I want to try the TF40 305

Prince:
Textreme Tour 100p 2019

Top 3:
Blade V7
VCore pro HD
Textreme 100p

How’d you compare the Vcore pro hd to the blade v7?

 

[JOSHL]

How’d you compare the Vcore pro hd to the blade v7?

Both are great but the HD is a tad on the heavy side. Blade feels and hits a similar ball but in a much lighter package.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Haven't played with any this year but the Wilson v7 Blade 18x20 sounds really nice, as does the TF40, Yonex 97HD, and Gravity Pro.

I played with the 93P... does that one count? Also, I like the TFight 305 XTC (although on the firmer side of my preferences)... will try it with a softer poly.

The TC95 63RA 18x20 has been a revelation... but it's the V2.

I've mostly been accumulating oldies but goodies

 

[lwto]

Must be the Yonex DR 100, you cannot find them for sale... oh wait, is that last year?

 

[2nd Serve Ace]

2019 is a year of some interesting releases in my opinion. Hereby I am interested in what you folks have found to be contenders for the racquet of the year. Also rackets out of late 2018 may be mentioned as they were mostly played in 2019.

Lets use the following format:

Per Brand

Babolat: pure drive with low tension

Head: gravity pro

Wilson: v7 blade 18x20

Yonex: 97 vcore hd pro

Prince: TT 290 (best lowweight option)

Tecnifibre: tf40 315

Volkl c10 pro!

Overall Top 3:

1. Gravity pro
2. TT 290
3. C10 pro

Sent from my SM-T560NU using Tapatalk

 

[Frans Bleker]

@Frans Bleker, I guess it all depends on what you call 'late 2018'. The frames were released in August, 2018. That's not 'late 2018' to me.

Of course, I also don't believe in putting up Christmas decorations until December. You probably have your's up already...

Ah yeah, I get that. I mean when a racket releases in Europe in August, it won't be played alot anymore that year in general.

 

[USPTARF97]

RF97