Racquet suggestion for beginner-intermediate, 30 yrs

[mag8]

Dear Tennis nerds,
I would like to ask you for your help.

Two months ago I decided to pick up tennis again after two decades of nothing, and I could use some help looking for a suitable racket.

I am relatively fit, in my early 30s but I am a beginner. I can confidently hit top spins but I can't serve for the life of me.

To start with I did like I usually do: I contacted a local hobbyist for stringing, and looked for bargains in the local classifieds.
I think trying new racquets is useful to find one that suits, but at the moment I am all over the place.

Do you have good suggestions on which models I should aim for? Perhaps could you elaborate why you think that model fits?

So far I bought the following used ones:
Babolat Drive (not pure drive): feels nice but underpowered.
Wilson pro staff 97 v11.0: got it for cheap, but I think it might be too much for me
Wilson pro staff 6.1 blx 95: another cheapo, feels great, but I misshit it too much.
Wilson pro staff six one n code 95 team: cheapo, haven't played much yet with it but seems a bit more forgiving than the blx

I found a local guy selling a Wilson Clash 98, is it worth trying it?

 

[Dragy]

Are you going to take lessons or seek your route through the jungle of social hitting/playing?

 

[mag8]

Sorry, I should have mentioned:
I am taking lessons twice a week, and I am enjoying the summer playing various partners at the club for an average of 7-8 hours a week

 

[Dragy]

Taking 1-on-1 with a coach working on techniques? Or some group clinics?

Why I ask, if you more into groups/clinics, I’d suggest a 290-300g 100sq.in 16x19 racquet, just maybe beware stiffest options. It’s solid, not a toy or junk or smth.
If you have more focused practice available, you can try playing with anything 95-100 in a 300-320g unstrung range, softer option possible. You won’t feel handicapped but will learn to use good prep and body engagement to make a bit more demanding (and more potent) racquet work.

 

[ryushen21]

Dear Tennis nerds,
I would like to ask you for your help.

Two months ago I decided to pick up tennis again after two decades of nothing, and I could use some help looking for a suitable racket.

I am relatively fit, in my early 30s but I am a beginner. I can confidently hit top spins but I can't serve for the life of me.

To start with I did like I usually do: I contacted a local hobbyist for stringing, and looked for bargains in the local classifieds.
I think trying new racquets is useful to find one that suits, but at the moment I am all over the place.

Do you have good suggestions on which models I should aim for? Perhaps could you elaborate why you think that model fits?

So far I bought the following used ones:
Babolat Drive (not pure drive): feels nice but underpowered.
Wilson pro staff 97 v11.0: got it for cheap, but I think it might be too much for me
Wilson pro staff 6.1 blx 95: another cheapo, feels great, but I misshit it too much.
Wilson pro staff six one n code 95 team: cheapo, haven't played much yet with it but seems a bit more forgiving than the blx

I found a local guy selling a Wilson Clash 98, is it worth trying it?

There are a ton of frames that you could start with. The frames you have listed here are mostly "player" type frames that require you to supply your own power and are more demanding from you in terms of technique. This probably explains why you haven't exactly found a groove with them.

I'd suggest you check out some "tweener" style frames. Look for something with a 100sq.in. headsize and stiffness in the mid 60s. These kind of frames will allow you to focus on developing your form and finding your preferred hitting style without having to worry about hitting out.

 

[TagUrIt]

I agree with a lot of what’s already been posted. As far as the Clash 98, it’s a good racquet, but not necessary for a beginner. If you’re just getting back into tennis look at 100-105 sq frame racquets. They will offer a larger sweet spot and be more forgiving. I wouldn’t go over 11ozs though. That could be too much for you. Do a little research and demo some racquets and see what you like. I know it’s a pain, but demo before you commit to buying anything. I’d recommend the Yonex Ezone 100 but I’m biased, because that’s what I use. Seriously, Yonex does make some of the better racquets and they have excellent quality control.

 

[socallefty]

My wife started tennis two years ago with a Babolat Pure Drive 107 as I thought it would be easier to play with an oversize racquet with a large sweet spot. About six months ago, she hit with my Pure Strike Tour once and preferred it and so we got her a regular Pure Strike 16x19 demo to try out. After a few days, she bought it and likes it a lot. She has been playing 3 to 4 times a week all-along with many 1-1 coaching lessons from me and other coaches. None of the players she currently plays with can believe she started tennis two years ago - proper technique lessons taught to a fit adult beginner can help them improve pretty quickly. She is now playing doubles regularly with USTA 3.5 league players and occasional singles matches.

So, you might want to start with an oversize racquet, but if you take a lot of lessons you will outgrow it fast. The racquet doesn’t matter as much as getting good coaching and then a lot of repetitions (group drills, ball machine etc.).

 

[YourHuckleberry]

buy the new 28" blade 102 - at your age and fitness - early reviews are promising - imagine your serves with a 28" and more forgiving racket

Babolat Drive (not pure drive): feels nice but underpowered. - sell this
Wilson pro staff 97 v11.0: got it for cheap, but I think it might be too much for me - this is a beast - it will slow down your learning curve
Wilson pro staff 6.1 blx 95: another cheapo, feels great, but I misshit it too much. - you want more forgiveness
Wilson pro staff six one n code 95 team: cheapo, haven't played much yet with it but seems a bit more forgiving than the blx

find a great coach - learn to stretch

Clash is great alternative

have fun

 

[cortado]

I'm 30, started playing 1 year ago. I bought a Yonex VCore Duel G Alpha 97. (Alpha is made in China not Japan, beam is 22mm instead of 20). I've had no problems with this racquet. 97 head-size is plenty big enough.
Current Vcore Pro 97 comes in a 290g or 310g unstrung.

 

[flanker2000fr]

In your position, I would get either a Yonex Ezone 100 or a Prince Phantom 100X. The former if you want more power, the latter if you want more comfort. Both are excellent frames.

 

[Jouke]

Get the clash 100 or 100l and spend the rest on lessons

 

[fuzz nation]

Sorry, I should have mentioned:
I am taking lessons twice a week, and I am enjoying the summer playing various partners at the club for an average of 7-8 hours a week

It's great that aside from taking lessons, you're also doing you're homework. Playing on your own is where you'll digest the lessons and absorb at least some of what you're working on in a different setting.

The Clash 98 should be fine. Stay away from poly strings - those won't help you. Syn. gut or multifiber at the right tension should work great for the near term.

TW is still selling the Head MG Radical - great deal on a decent frame if you want to buy something with that new racquet smell . Both versions are pretty good, but I'd personally go for the mid-plus ahead of the oversize.

Among the racquets you already have, that ProStaff 97 is pretty manageable. I'd expect that one to be a little easier for you to work with than the BLX 6.1 95, but the PS 97 won't give you that same stability and plow-through without adding some heft in the form of lead tape, etc.

 

[MICHELUZZO]

I'm gonna plug the Gravity Mp. Easy to swing, ample sweet spot, and loads of spin with the right technique. Low RA. I'm currently using the Clash. Really nice. I think it's a bit more demanding of clean strokes then the Gravity.

 

[BBender716]

Clash 98 will be slightly tougher to start with but if you've played tennis a while ago, this will be fine and allow you to grow into it.

Otherwise I think I've seen the Prince Beast recommended here as a viable beginner/intermediate frame.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

 

[DC74]

Dear Tennis nerds,
I would like to ask you for your help.

Two months ago I decided to pick up tennis again after two decades of nothing, and I could use some help looking for a suitable racket.

I am relatively fit, in my early 30s but I am a beginner. I can confidently hit top spins but I can't serve for the life of me.

To start with I did like I usually do: I contacted a local hobbyist for stringing, and looked for bargains in the local classifieds.
I think trying new racquets is useful to find one that suits, but at the moment I am all over the place.

Do you have good suggestions on which models I should aim for? Perhaps could you elaborate why you think that model fits?

So far I bought the following used ones:
Babolat Drive (not pure drive): feels nice but underpowered.
Wilson pro staff 97 v11.0: got it for cheap, but I think it might be too much for me
Wilson pro staff 6.1 blx 95: another cheapo, feels great, but I misshit it too much.
Wilson pro staff six one n code 95 team: cheapo, haven't played much yet with it but seems a bit more forgiving than the blx

I found a local guy selling a Wilson Clash 98, is it worth trying it?

See if he will let you try it out first. You'll best bet is to demo rackets. Tennis Warehouse has a demo plan as do some local Tennis shops. You will then start to see what feels better for you as there is a lot at play with weight and balance and head size of the racket that works well with your natural swing whether its faster or slower. I would not fall in love with a name and try to make it work for you. In reality no one any of us play will be impressed with what we have in the bag, especially if we find ourselves losing a lot as that will just lead to frustration.

 

[time_fly]

Current mainstream specs are 98-100", 10.9 to 11.3 oz strung. You need to honestly evaluate yourself to see what works best. If you don't shank the ball much, you could use a 97 or 98. If you shank a normal amount for a beginner, you should stick to 100". If you take a big swing but have trouble keeping it in the court, go for a racquet that is more control oriented (usually, reviews will mention whether the frame emphasizes control or power); if you have a shorter stroke, go for a bit thicker, stiffer setup. There are tons of racquets in this spec range, too many to even list, and any high-quality racquet from a major brand should be acceptable.

Also, make sure you have the right grip size. The pro from your lessons can also help check this.

It sounds like you are also looking for a good value. There isn't a ton on clearance right now at TW, but some that might fit the bill are the Prince Warrior 100, Prince Textreme Tour 100P, and Volkl V-Feel 8 300g. If you look at used racquets then the Yonex EZONE 100 or (for a bit more control) VCORE Pro 100 are also good options.

 

[caesar66]

+1 to Someone above who mentioned the MG Radical. Either the MP or OS are great frames which will serve you very well right where you are and as your game develops. The stretch of radicals from the Ti. series to the youteks is about the most versatile bunch of racquets you can find for levels along the NTRP spectrum, and you could get two new from TW for the price of one current release. Get one with a good multi and let your game flourish.

 

[mag8]

Thanks all for your replies!