Hello, I am around 8 Utr and have high level footwork and point construction etc. I am coming from a pro staff v13, but sadly it broke. Even though my pro staff has done so well for me, I am looking for something more easier to play with. I play mostly doubles very competitively in tournaments. I was looking at the whiteout and aero 98 because I heard a lot of good things and think it fits what I’m looking for. I’m starting to lean into the aero 98 because I like to naturally like to attack. I also plan on customizing like adding a leather grip. I’m posting for opinions and stuff.
Racquet Switch: Whiteout 18x20 & Aero 98
danbrenner
Legend
Demo them both.
Honestly, just about everybody on these boards wants to use an arrow 98 because of the obvious reasons, but it is not for everybody. Alternatively, I have heard great things about the white out. So yes, they are both obviously good choices but with a sophisticated game, like you’re telling us you have, only you will feel the nuances and attributes of any frame. There is no amount of conjecture from anyone on these boards, that could possibly help you over. You demoing the actual rackets. I’m only mentioning this because of your high-level if somebody was mediocre or of a low level, I wouldn’t even have commented about this.
Thanks, yah I would have demoed but where I live the stores don’t have the racquets and demos are unable to be shipped to me. But I’ll try ask around to see if anyone I know has.
y0035215
Rookie
I also think you would have to test both....
I was firmly convinced to buy the WO18M. I didn't want a Babolat anymore, although the BAPD was my first racket... too arm-unfriendly, lack of feel and too much power....
However, the WO18M is still not available in Europe. Because the PA 98 has a suitable for me recoilweight in stock, I have tried it nevertheless. And what can I say. I will not try any other racket for the present. I feel somehow at home with the PA98. On the one hand, it's the most demanding racquet I've played, because it always wants to be swung full and the sweetspot is small, and on the other hand, it feels super natural for my swing behavior.
I was firmly convinced to buy the WO18M. I didn't want a Babolat anymore, although the BAPD was my first racket... too arm-unfriendly, lack of feel and too much power....
However, the WO18M is still not available in Europe. Because the PA 98 has a suitable for me recoilweight in stock, I have tried it nevertheless. And what can I say. I will not try any other racket for the present. I feel somehow at home with the PA98. On the one hand, it's the most demanding racquet I've played, because it always wants to be swung full and the sweetspot is small, and on the other hand, it feels super natural for my swing behavior.
mhkeuns
Hall of Fame
Demo both if you can. What I can say about WO 18x20 is that it is a control oriented racket that will give you the precision. It is, however, surprisingly capable in the spin dept. & power. You will have to generate power, and power comes from being able to swing freely knowing where the ball will land. I’ve head great things about Pure Aero 98, but what I noticed from the Pure Aero VS users (*different racket, I know) is that many fell in love with it initially but eventually came back to more control oriented player sticks. That’s just from my observation of a couple of players, which is a small sample though. As others have mentioned, demo both.
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Tweener
Semi-Pro
I actually made the switch from a PS97 to the PA98 earlier this year. I have no experience with the WO 18x20, but I do have a Gravity Pro which may be similar at least in terms of being an 18x20. As most of us would agree, it's always best to demo whenever possible. Without that option, I can only share my personal comparison of the 3 models that I have listed here.
Gravity Pro (18x20): Great feel and solid control, less spin but an amazing racquet if you want to just bash the ball with massive flat strokes. I didn't love it on serves nor on my one handed backhand, and I found it harder to maintain consistency when playing pushers or getting inconsistent balls coming my way due to the lack of ability to inject spin for safety/margin when scooping up uncomfortable shots.
PS97 (I have v11 and v13): Great well rounded control frame. Really pretty good at everything for me, but I particularly prefer it for the serves and volleys, and for my one handed backhand. It can offer control both on flat shots and with an injection of topspin if your strokes are able to generate it. I feel like I can really aim for small targets on serves and groundstrokes with this thing.
PA98: Feel isn't quite as good as the other two options, and neither is control on flatter shots or serves. However, the power and spin I can generate with this frame rewards my offensive shots the best and gives me the ability to turn defense or neutral rallies into offense much more easily than the other two. It is my frame of choice for the results I get with it, and I didn't think anything would get me to switch from the PS97. People often say the slice on the PS97 is great, and it is, but I'd put the PA98 up there with it in that regard as well. Flat serves with pinpoint accuracy are tougher for me than with my PS97s, but I've learned to lean more into my slice and kick serves and whip up even more racquet head speed to make this a breakeven factor for me when I was making the decision to switch.
Gravity Pro (18x20): Great feel and solid control, less spin but an amazing racquet if you want to just bash the ball with massive flat strokes. I didn't love it on serves nor on my one handed backhand, and I found it harder to maintain consistency when playing pushers or getting inconsistent balls coming my way due to the lack of ability to inject spin for safety/margin when scooping up uncomfortable shots.
PS97 (I have v11 and v13): Great well rounded control frame. Really pretty good at everything for me, but I particularly prefer it for the serves and volleys, and for my one handed backhand. It can offer control both on flat shots and with an injection of topspin if your strokes are able to generate it. I feel like I can really aim for small targets on serves and groundstrokes with this thing.
PA98: Feel isn't quite as good as the other two options, and neither is control on flatter shots or serves. However, the power and spin I can generate with this frame rewards my offensive shots the best and gives me the ability to turn defense or neutral rallies into offense much more easily than the other two. It is my frame of choice for the results I get with it, and I didn't think anything would get me to switch from the PS97. People often say the slice on the PS97 is great, and it is, but I'd put the PA98 up there with it in that regard as well. Flat serves with pinpoint accuracy are tougher for me than with my PS97s, but I've learned to lean more into my slice and kick serves and whip up even more racquet head speed to make this a breakeven factor for me when I was making the decision to switch.
