Racquet that gives you a heavier ball or one that puts more balls in court? Help me pick my racquet before season starts!

[brentzki]

Hey holics,


Intermediate (5 UTR) player here.

I have serial racketholicism which has definitely impacted my development and results as I use new racquets as dopamine rushes like a new kids toys.


With upcoming season approaching I’ve been pondering the stick picking process as I locked into one frame for the season to maximise my results and overall development of game.

Similar to @curtstead’s thread on putting an end to it all - I’m in similar vein for the upcoming season.

I’m currently tossing between 3 rackets:
- EZone 98 (weighted to approx 330 SW with dampener and OG)
- Head GPro Auxetic (340g static, 335 SW with dampener and OG)
- Solinco Whiteout 18x20 XTD (331g static, 340 SW)

Here are the basic summary of each:
EZ98
- hitting partners notice I hit my heaviest ball from groundies with it, way more than any racquet i’ve ever used. Dont feel super confident on defence with it though.
- However I don’t feel super “connected” to it

GPro
- I get the most balls in play with this racquet. However shots lack the venom that the EZ98 has.
- Suprisingly the best racquet when it comes to the combination of 1st serve % and power. (EZ98 heavier first serve but lower first and second serve % for some reason). Something about the weight and balance of GPro works with the mechanics of my service motion and body
- However my brain is thinking “you’re not good enough for it, pick something easier to use”. Everyone says it’s an advanced players racquet and I’m only 5 UTR so it seems like I “shouldn’t” be using it. The only caveat is that I am very physically capable to handle it, fit 26yo male, regular runs and weight training 3-4x a week.

WO XTD
- Have the best connected feeling of all 3
- Serve really struggles with this racquet for some reason, maybe the extended length I can’t gel with?
- Good combination of power on groundstrokes and ability to defend (defence still not as good as GPro, maybe due to GPro being 100” and elliptical beam shape?)

I would describe myself as a mix between a counterpuncher and aggressive baseliner (kinda like Zverev? heavy groundies focused on keeping balls in play and playing consistent tennis, rather than attacking).

My style suggests that I should pick the GPro or WO - but is this the right path?

Please help me out holics!!!! Any advice is good advice. Alternative options for demos (might) be welcome if there’s strong reasoning for something I haven’t tried yet.

 

[GermanBeast]

Confidence and consistency are the keys in tennis. You should always choose the racket, where you are most comfortable with and where you had the best results with it.
At the amateur level, shot selection , placement and consistency are always more important than hitting with power and heaviness. But, of course hitting a laser beam winner is more satisfying, but often not the best strategy.
Your rackets you have mentioned, have all relatively high SW. I can understand that it feels nice and the balls you are hitting with high SW rackets are feeling heavier, but can you do that for 3 hours in the summer heat in maybe two matches at one day.
The most satisfying heaviness I feel, when I hit with the Tecnifibre Tfight 305 ISO, but can I handle it for more than 3 hours?

I would suggest, that you go with Gravity Tour maybe with a small amount of lead at 10/2 or 12 and work on technique.
Hitting a heavy ball requires body weight transfer, loseness in your motion and racket headspeed

I hope, I could help you a little bit

 

[mhkeuns]

I’d suggest looking into Tour 100P from Prince. To me, it has the best combination of power and control in a 100” racket. Very spin friendly.

 

[Gee]

Or... the Prince Phantom 100x 18x20 that has better control and feel and a more solid hit than the Tour 100P.
It is also a very maneuverable whippy frame because of its very thin beam and headlight balance. (So don't be scared off the static weight of 320 grams).
The sweetspot is also huge because of the rounder headshape that makes it a forgiving 100" frame as well with a very connected stringbed that gives you great directional control.
I think you'll love this one if you like something like the GPro but with a little more maneuverable balance.

 

[A_Instead]

Easy Peazy... VCore 98..one of the better all around rackets.. perhaps even the best..

 

[AgassiGrafFan]

I dont think you will have any physical issues wielding the Gravity based on your physical description. That frame is still much lighter than racquets from 25-30 years ago. With that said I think it is easy to develop some bad habits (poor footwork, hitting off balance, swinging for the fences) if you are a strong guy who is still developing in your technique. The Gravity will allow you to get away with all of that bc it is so controlled. I love the Gravities personally (have 3 Tours which give me a little more pop and bite than the Pro).

With all that said, I would go with the Ezone. It has decent power and spin, not overwhelming in either category, good comfort, and good control. There are many higher level players using it and when you learn to control that power with good technique you will be glad to have such a versatile frame. You can swing out of your shoes with the Ezone and rally consistently if you have good fundamentals. I would put a good poly in at 50 lbs and learn control it. As you get better I would even try dropping the tension a bit to open up more power, spin, and comfort. Everything will get better as you do that unless you are too sloppy. In that case you will have a rocket launcher. But the Ezone is a frame where you will only be limited by your own ability.

 

[Royp91]

I find that most people (me included) play quite different when matches count (e.g., league, tournaments, etc) and often it’s more conservative so the balls you will play and see will be slower, shorter and higher. These require keeping your swing speed high and racquets like the Gravity Pro are not easy to do that with. I saw this in 4.5’s when I would come out swinging hard and winning my opponents would start moon balling and taking off pace. Ultimately it led me to using racquets that were easier to swing than what I liked using just hitting with friends. Between these 3 racquets the Ezone would be my choice and the Gravity Pro would be by far my last choice, even though I love it.

 

[Roquestil]

I would go with the ezone

 

[Recoveringhobo]

I'm biased because I've decided to move on from the EZ98 due to the same reasons you list, but go with the racquet which gives you the most consistency.

Even at the 5.0 level I play at, consistency is key. Outsides of serves, it's the #1 most important thing. It's clear you're not 100% confident in the Ezone, so go with the Gravity Pro.

 

[Fighting phoenix]

I would say given your level, the Ezone 98 is the best bet, maybe even try the Ezone 100 if you're not confident enough with it on defense. Even as you improve and get better, you can develop with that racquet, and I think you should listen to what others are telling relative to hitting a heavier ball with it.

 

[SupremeCourt]

I find that most people (me included) play quite different when matches count (e.g., league, tournaments, etc) and often it’s more conservative so the balls you will play and see will be slower, shorter and higher. These require keeping your swing speed high and racquets like the Gravity Pro are not easy to do that with. I saw this in 4.5’s when I would come out swinging hard and winning my opponents would start moon balling and taking off pace. Ultimately it led me to using racquets that were easier to swing than what I liked using just hitting with friends. Between these 3 racquets the Ezone would be my choice and the Gravity Pro would be by far my last choice, even though I love it.

I’ll second this. As an example: ISO 305 hits the most heavy ball when you are casually rallying or when playing with good 4.5s/5.0 who are hitting back a solid ball. But as soon as you start getting slower moon balls or shots that are landing at uncomfortable heights. it becomes harder to time and swing out properly.
Ez 98 would probably be most forgiving/well rounded out of the bunch if you don’t mind the feel. Otherwise you could easily get used to using the gpro if you commit to it (but there may be times in matches where you are wanting more forgiveness) Ez100/vc100 could be a decent bet if you want more forgiveness.

 

[Hit 'em clean]

I'm glad this isn't an AA forum. Player wants to be cured of their racketholicism issues and true to form... the forum gives him more rackets to choose from than what they ask about, lol.

Forget about 'the heaviest ball' stuff. At your level that's not something you should be worried about. What racket do you win more with? I'd bet serious money it's the one you get the most balls in with. If what you say is true than of the three sticks you mentioned the GPro would be your best choice. If the weight isn't an issue don't worry about if it's an 'advanced player' stick. Sounds like you have enough power to make it work for you.

Rackets aren't magic... they won't make you a better player. Sometimes they can help in small ways in certain areas, but if you're relying on a stick to makeup problems in your game/swing you'll never get off the demo wheel. I've often found that the best stick for myself isn't the one that makes me go 'Wow'. But often that 'Wow' fades or you find out that what you liked hurts you as much as it helps. Go with the steady, reliable stick...

 

[Fighting phoenix]

I'm glad this isn't an AA forum. Player wants to be cured of their racketholicism issues and true to form... the forum gives him more rackets to choose from than what they ask about, lol.

Forget about 'the heaviest ball' stuff. At your level that's not something you should be worried about. What racket do you win more with? I'd bet serious money it's the one you get the most balls in with. If what you say is true than of the three sticks you mentioned the GPro would be your best choice. If the weight isn't an issue don't worry about if it's an 'advanced player' stick. Sounds like you have enough power to make it work for you.

Rackets aren't magic... they won't make you a better player. Sometimes they can help in small ways in certain areas, but if you're relying on a stick to makeup problems in your game/swing you'll never get off the demo wheel. I've often found that the best stick for myself isn't the one that makes me go 'Wow'. But often that 'Wow' fades or you find out that what you liked hurts you as much as it helps. Go with the steady, reliable stick...

Yeah makes sense - I guess when I hear "heavier ball", usually that translates to winning more points, vs. a racquet that feels good. But generally I agree with you and it sounds like the OP really should use whichever one he feels most comfortable with.

 

[Chairman3]

Play the one you feel most confident with, sounds like the Gravity.
Physicality doesn't have alot to do with using a heavy racquet, it's really footwork and technique. We rec players get tired because we end up using our arm too much or our legs are tired or footwork is sloppy. So don't worry about being physically fit, unless it's your cardio, or about the perception that it's an "advanced" racquet.

Confidence is key, I've had the same struggle since moving away from the racquet I used for two years to a new one.

 

[Tranqville]

I think you level and playstyle is the perfect fit for power-control category. Looks like you want a combination of power, control, and feel. Here are the product lines in that category:

Head Speed
Technifibre T-Fight
Babolat Pure Strike

I highly recomend the T-Fight ISO 315, if you're comfortable with the static weight, but it needs a 4-5 grams @12 to bring it to 330 SW. I'd also demo the Speed Pro and the new, Gen. 4 Pure Strike 16x19.

 

[legcramp]

Speed mp, hits heavy ball plus super easy on defense.

 

[TheBoom]

Hey holics,


Intermediate (5 UTR) player here.

I have serial racketholicism which has definitely impacted my development and results as I use new racquets as dopamine rushes like a new kids toys.


With upcoming season approaching I’ve been pondering the stick picking process as I locked into one frame for the season to maximise my results and overall development of game.

Similar to @curtstead’s thread on putting an end to it all - I’m in similar vein for the upcoming season.

I’m currently tossing between 3 rackets:
- EZone 98 (weighted to approx 330 SW with dampener and OG)
- Head GPro Auxetic (340g static, 335 SW with dampener and OG)
- Solinco Whiteout 18x20 XTD (331g static, 340 SW)

Here are the basic summary of each:
EZ98
- hitting partners notice I hit my heaviest ball from groundies with it, way more than any racquet i’ve ever used. Dont feel super confident on defence with it though.
- However I don’t feel super “connected” to it

GPro
- I get the most balls in play with this racquet. However shots lack the venom that the EZ98 has.
- Suprisingly the best racquet when it comes to the combination of 1st serve % and power. (EZ98 heavier first serve but lower first and second serve % for some reason). Something about the weight and balance of GPro works with the mechanics of my service motion and body
- However my brain is thinking “you’re not good enough for it, pick something easier to use”. Everyone says it’s an advanced players racquet and I’m only 5 UTR so it seems like I “shouldn’t” be using it. The only caveat is that I am very physically capable to handle it, fit 26yo male, regular runs and weight training 3-4x a week.

WO XTD
- Have the best connected feeling of all 3
- Serve really struggles with this racquet for some reason, maybe the extended length I can’t gel with?
- Good combination of power on groundstrokes and ability to defend (defence still not as good as GPro, maybe due to GPro being 100” and elliptical beam shape?)

I would describe myself as a mix between a counterpuncher and aggressive baseliner (kinda like Zverev? heavy groundies focused on keeping balls in play and playing consistent tennis, rather than attacking).

My style suggests that I should pick the GPro or WO - but is this the right path?

Please help me out holics!!!! Any advice is good advice. Alternative options for demos (might) be welcome if there’s strong reasoning for something I haven’t tried yet.

If your goal is to enjoy hitting, go with the racket that feels best. If your goal is to compete, go with the racket you play best with.

IMO consistency > heavy ball 90% of the time so I would (and have done so my self) go with the racket you feel most consistent with.

I did this going w/ my APD and while it’s less satisfying to hit with, I play better bc it suits my game better than the prestige mp did, even though I like the feel of the prestige better

 

[Shaolin]

Speed mp, hits heavy ball plus super easy on defense.

I second this. I love my Speed MPs.

String them up with Cyclone 16g at 53#. Has everything I need, spin, power, feel, control.

 

[dr. godmode]

What's the longest period you've stuck with a given racquet for? Do you switch between them every hit?

Sounds like the GPro is the way for you, but if you don't' give yourself several hours with the XTD, without going to something standard length, it'll be hard to adjust your serve contact point.

Don't let other people tell you that you aren't good enough for the Gravity. Why should they care if you have fun with it? It's not like us rec players have anything serious on the line. Nothing should stand between you and your enjoyment of the game.

 

[Royp91]

If your goal is to enjoy hitting, go with the racket that feels best. If your goal is to compete, go with the racket you play best with.

IMO consistency > heavy ball 90% of the time so I would (and have done so my self) go with the racket you feel most consistent with.

I did this going w/ my APD and while it’s less satisfying to hit with, I play better bc it suits my game better than the prestige mp did, even though I like the feel of the prestige better

How funny. Years ago I had the same experience. I didn’t want to like the APD, and wanted to play with the Prestige because it felt better, but my results were noticeably better with the APD. There are certain racquets that have just been easier to play well with for me, and it’s not always the ones I want.

 

[naylor73]

Imo when you’re feeling good and playing a blend of attacking and heavy ball tennis, Ezone 98 is a great stick. It’s a great serving racquet and just a good all-court stick. If you’re spending more time defending and baselining, I like an Ezone 100, Winners from offensive or defensive positions seem much easier with Ezone 100. It’s a good serving racquet but a terrible racquet at the net however, too light and zero feel. If you’re serve and volleyer or playing doubles exclusively, I would take an 18x20 any day as you’re not hitting many groundstrokes and 18x20s are usually good for serving.

 

[ZeroandOne]

I hope he chose the gravity

 

[tennisislife4622]

Speed mp, hits heavy ball plus super easy on defense.

Second this - demo a 2022 Speed Pro and either the new or 2024 Speed MP and go with the one that works best

 

[Trip]

@Hit 'em clean probably has the best reply so far. While there may be better sticks out there for the OP to discover, that's NOT what he's asking for. He wants to make a choice between the three he's got in front of him. So let's give him what he wants.

@brentzki - Based on what little I have to draw from -- 26-yo, 2 years playing, UTR ~5, one slow-mo forehand clip (link) and what you've written here and in other threads -- I would say go Ezone 98 if you could ever find a way to connect with it and control it reliably enough (more crisp strings and/or customization may help), but if there's too much doubt there, I would go Gravity Pro, as that seems to fit you best as things stand right now. As for the WO 18x20 XTD, I'm sure it's a great stick, but just for the sake of avoiding the extra complication of variable length, I would put it aside for now.

Hope some of that helps.

 

[brentzki]

These are all really great responses - thanks everyone!

As @Trip mentioned, here is a video (latest) of my rallying, this is around 4 months ago so my technique has improved a little since then.

Some themes that have resonated with me the most since posting this thread:

- Having a controlled, advanced racquet, can mask bad technique and development, as it allows you to swing out on the balls when timing or footwork may be off as there is a higher chance the balls will still stay in. As someone who's main goal is to get better (whilst having fun), this is something I do find important.
- People have mentioned that because of this, I should actually may try to use to a more powerful stick, lets say EZ100, so it actually teaches me to time the ball well and making sure contact point is always in front so I can keep balls in play with proper technique and spin. I actually have a VC100 '23, and I probably play my "best" tennis with it, in terms of when it comes to actual point play, it gives me a lot of forgiveness, especially on defence. But I do find that it does launch on me more than the others - but maybe this is something I can actually learn to control, which may be better in the long run?
- To the above point about the VC100 '23. I also don't want to be trapped into having a powerful, light racquet as I do eventually want to move to heavier, lower powered set ups when I get better. I also do get worried about the whole high vs low SW debate on these forums and what is actually better for modern tennis. I.e. heavier racquets, long, slower swings vs light racquets and more RHS (think Novak vs Alcaraz examples).
- I do find that the VC100 allows me to slow down my swing a little bit and not beat the living crap out of the ball, where the focus is more on placement and timing, would this be considered a good thing?

Anyway, these are my preliminary thoughts, let me know what you guys think....

 

[socallefty]

A racquet Is not going to magically make you have a textbook swing. A coach and purposeful practice will. Just play with the racquet you enjoy playing with if you don’t intend to take lessons. You’ll slowly improve over time but your ceiling will be low regardless of what racquet you choose especially if you only play points/matches like most rec players.

 

[johnmccabe]

Look no further than Gpro if you can serve well with it and prefer relatively low ball trajectory. If you like loopy shots, try shift pro.

I'm short and skinny. Once I get used to the timing. I started to add weight to my Gpros. All leather grip and a few grams in the handle. Additional tapes to the hoop in three of mine.

 

[jimmy8]

Shift 99 300, technology enables you to have lightweight maneuverability while still having great stability. Power is good without being too much. The spin is second best, only bested by pure aero. You will create very heavy balls and control the ball with spin. The feel of the racket is amazing.

 

[CosmosMpower]

At utr 5 pick the frame that gets the most balls in play, nothing else really matters.

 

[Fintft]

I usually go for more power, over control.

 

[brentzki]

A racquet Is not going to magically make you have a textbook swing. A coach and purposeful practice will. Just play with the racquet you enjoy playing with if you don’t intend to take lessons. You’ll slowly improve over time but your ceiling will be low regardless of what racquet you choose especially if you only play points/matches like most rec players.

I’ll be resuming lessons pretty soon - the two coaches I’ve had in the past never really had any recommendation for racquets for me as they’re weren’t really knowledgeable in that area, they said just pick what you like. Would an approach where I play with the above racquets in lessons with them and get their opinion on which one they think is best for me may be the best approach?

My first season of comp was last year where I would play anyone from 4-6.5 UTR. I play sets with mates but on weekends are UTR graded matches.

 

[socallefty]

the two coaches I’ve had in the past never really had any recommendation for racquets for me as they’re weren’t really knowledgeable in that area, they said just pick what you like. Would an approach where I play with the above racquets in lessons with them and get their opinion on which one they think is best for me may be the best approach?

Their opinion is not going to change and they will continue to say ‘Pick what you like’. The racquet doesn’t matter in terms of your ability to improve especially considering the models you mentioned - none are too light, too heavy, too big/small head or too stiff to be a liability. If you need a little more/less power, control, comfort, talk to your stringer and they will be able to help you get a stringjob that gives you what you need. Unless coaches get paid to endorse a particular brand, most will let you play with whatever racquet you want to play with.

 

[ZeroandOne]

What @socallefty said is true and we can end the thread right there. Your racquet choice won't hinder your development. Just keep in mind that stringjobs won't suddenly give an ezone the forgiveness of an gravity, for example. But then again, if you like the ezone or whiteout more in terms of fun factor, then that's gonna be the one for you.

Gravity is good. I think the headsize is forgiving, and you can serve well with it, right? If you get the most balls back with the gravity, that's gonna help you be more competitive and win more points for sure.

Also, I don't think that you're cheating fundamentals by using a heavier controlled stick. Bad timing or footwork will still get punished, even more so, in my experience. It seems to demand more from the user in terms of kinetic chain.

 

[Hulger]

Go for the one that allows you to feel liberated in hitting any shot. Then, you can concentrate on strategy and physique – something to proudly bring back home, rather than dealing with remarks about racquet behavior.

 

[KungfuTennis]

I'd stick with GPro in your case

 

[TF40]

I would stay with GPro for a while. You may try 17g string instead of 16g, use multi instead of poly, which will offer you more pop and less SW. I just restrung a racket from 17g poly to 17g multi, surprisingly it lost 3-4 grams of static weight, and it swings noticeably lighter.

 

[Anton]

GPro man.

It’s not for heavy loopers but If you mostly drive the ball it’s just such a solid ride that has you covered anywhere on the court.

Tennis is mostly about confidence and you’ll have that in spades with GPro. Power will come as you develop and learn how to better turn mass into pace with unit rotation and wrist lag.

 

[Modal]

What @socallefty said is true and we can end the thread right there. Your racquet choice won't hinder your development. Just keep in mind that stringjobs won't suddenly give an ezone the forgiveness of an gravity, for example. But then again, if you like the ezone or whiteout more in terms of fun factor, then that's gonna be the one for you.

Gravity is good. I think the headsize is forgiving, and you can serve well with it, right? If you get the most balls back with the gravity, that's gonna help you be more competitive and win more points for sure.

Also, I don't think that you're cheating fundamentals by using a heavier controlled stick. Bad timing or footwork will still get punished, even more so, in my experience. It seems to demand more from the user in terms of kinetic chain.

Couldn't have said it better myself. Using a controlled stick will help enforce applying proper footwork and fundamentals, just like how you mentioned a less "demanding" stick helps you out on defence which I assume you mean when you are stretched and can't possibly execute a good swing, the opposite is true.

As for my opinion, just go for the gravity. Eventually get used to it and you will be hitting a heavier ball than your ezone in no time while having that control.

 

[Yamin]

That question is more about what type of player you want to be rather than what type of racket to buy.

 

[brentzki]

Funny this thread got bumped.

I’ve been getting regular lessons with my coach coming into comp season.

I asked him today what would be a good racquet for my game, in which he suggested the PA23. Main reasons is big topspin forehand and power game from baseline. He said it’s better to bring that out more where control and consistency will come over time and practice.

I have never really given the PA23 much of a go (only very briefly). I’m going to grab a demo next week and hit next lesson with it and see how it goes. It’s also funny because he said nothing heavier than 325g strung, no playing around with lead or modifications.

The whole point of this is to put the racketholicism to an end so I stop spending so much time lurking this sub forum!

 

[TheRareCreature]

Gravity Pro based on what you wrote. I demoed it twice and it was one of the best racquets I have ever played with if not the best. If I was your age and in your shape, I would be using it today.

 

[nyta2]

Funny this thread got bumped.

I’ve been getting regular lessons with my coach coming into comp season.

I asked him today what would be a good racquet for my game, in which he suggested the PA23. Main reasons is big topspin forehand and power game from baseline. He said it’s better to bring that out more where control and consistency will come over time and practice.

I have never really given the PA23 much of a go (only very briefly). I’m going to grab a demo next week and hit next lesson with it and see how it goes. It’s also funny because he said nothing heavier than 325g strung, no playing around with lead or modifications.

The whole point of this is to put the racketholicism to an end so I stop spending so much time lurking this sub forum!

not sure racketholicism will ever end... especially at utr5, you will absolutely be getting better, and adding elements to your game - and what you're asking of your racquet will change
imo it's not about heavy vs consistent... a better question is "what racquet allows me to hit with the most consistent depth from all parts of the court on both offense & defence?"
guessing at utr5, your game is basically to bash fh's into opponents bh corner... and at utr5, maybe that's enough to solicit a mistake, but eventually you'll be playing opponents with really good bh's (eg. can take advantage of the short ball to the bh), then the solution becomes "how do i hit deeper consistently?".
i played the PA+ (with weiss cannon ultra cable) for a while, and loved the spin and consistency through my shape (particularly on fh side), but if hit a shot that landed short (especially my bh while spinny tended to land short), my opponents were really taking advantage (redirecting to where i was uncomfortable)... (and generally had trouble controlling depth with the PA+). that said the PA and + are super fun for the extra shape it appears to let me create especially serve&fh... (but hated it for anything in the mid court - approach shots, volleys)
i vote gpro
my $.02

 

[GodlessEndeavor]

If you have tried several racquets, I'm guessing you know which racquet you feel most confident with.

If you're playing to win, being confident is key.

I use several racquets these days at times because it's fun, but the one I feel most confident with is still the Ezone 100 which was my first decent racquet (although I have customised it a bit to feel more solid). This makes my racquetaholism feel pretty ridiculous at times but it is what it is.

 

[dgoran]

GPro is one of the best on the market. If you are looking for something completely different my second suggestion might be controversial but Pure Aero ORIGIN is best for what you are looking for. At your level I promise you that you can be effective with it at least try it. Dont let the numbers scare you.

 

[pico]

Pulled out my Gravity Pro yesterday. Solid racquet! I would also vote to stick with it and perservere!

 

[Anton]

Hey holics,


Intermediate (5 UTR) player here.

I have serial racketholicism which has definitely impacted my development and results as I use new racquets as dopamine rushes like a new kids toys.


With upcoming season approaching I’ve been pondering the stick picking process as I locked into one frame for the season to maximise my results and overall development of game.

Similar to @curtstead’s thread on putting an end to it all - I’m in similar vein for the upcoming season.

I’m currently tossing between 3 rackets:
- EZone 98 (weighted to approx 330 SW with dampener and OG)
- Head GPro Auxetic (340g static, 335 SW with dampener and OG)
- Solinco Whiteout 18x20 XTD (331g static, 340 SW)

Here are the basic summary of each:
EZ98
- hitting partners notice I hit my heaviest ball from groundies with it, way more than any racquet i’ve ever used. Dont feel super confident on defence with it though.
- However I don’t feel super “connected” to it

GPro
- I get the most balls in play with this racquet. However shots lack the venom that the EZ98 has.
- Suprisingly the best racquet when it comes to the combination of 1st serve % and power. (EZ98 heavier first serve but lower first and second serve % for some reason). Something about the weight and balance of GPro works with the mechanics of my service motion and body
- However my brain is thinking “you’re not good enough for it, pick something easier to use”. Everyone says it’s an advanced players racquet and I’m only 5 UTR so it seems like I “shouldn’t” be using it. The only caveat is that I am very physically capable to handle it, fit 26yo male, regular runs and weight training 3-4x a week.

WO XTD
- Have the best connected feeling of all 3
- Serve really struggles with this racquet for some reason, maybe the extended length I can’t gel with?
- Good combination of power on groundstrokes and ability to defend (defence still not as good as GPro, maybe due to GPro being 100” and elliptical beam shape?)

I would describe myself as a mix between a counterpuncher and aggressive baseliner (kinda like Zverev? heavy groundies focused on keeping balls in play and playing consistent tennis, rather than attacking).

My style suggests that I should pick the GPro or WO - but is this the right path?

Please help me out holics!!!! Any advice is good advice. Alternative options for demos (might) be welcome if there’s strong reasoning for something I haven’t tried yet.

Nvmnd, old thread