Raket that is most similar to Aero Storm GT / PA VS (2016)
- Thread starter Lavs
- Start date
@Lavs - First, RF profiles, then recommendations.
This a tough one. Not too many frames made these days that are both thin-beamed and firm/stiff, let alone have the feel/behavior of the ASGT/PAVS. Of all that's out there, the following is probably the closest:
- Babolat Pure Strike 98 16x19 - especially if you want to emulate more of the higher stock swing weight of the ASGT.
- Babolat Pure Drive 98 - now with more of a box-beam cross section in the upper hoop and a 16x20 pattern; good if you want a bit more of that aero-ish neck and higher power response.
- ProKennex Ki Q+ 5 - I know, it's a PK, but they did build what became the Pure Drive, so deep in every Bab, there's a bit of PK DNA. The combo of 100", 21.5mm, 16x20 , 329 SW and 65RA may just do the trick.
If you don't mind more a more boutique option, potentially the Angell TC100 in the 71RA flex, at the 305g/320mm spec (or close), but it may be more open-patterned than you're looking for and the foam filled feel and slightly more "meat mallet" type physics may or may not be your thing.
Hope that helps, at least a little. If I think of anything more, I'll update.
- Babolat Pure Strike 98 16x19 - especially if you want to emulate more of the higher stock swing weight of the ASGT.
- Babolat Pure Drive 98 - now with more of a box-beam cross section in the upper hoop and a 16x20 pattern; good if you want a bit more of that aero-ish neck and higher power response.
- ProKennex Ki Q+ 5 - I know, it's a PK, but they did build what became the Pure Drive, so deep in every Bab, there's a bit of PK DNA. The combo of 100", 21.5mm, 16x20 , 329 SW and 65RA may just do the trick.
If you don't mind more a more boutique option, potentially the Angell TC100 in the 71RA flex, at the 305g/320mm spec (or close), but it may be more open-patterned than you're looking for and the foam filled feel and slightly more "meat mallet" type physics may or may not be your thing.
Hope that helps, at least a little. If I think of anything more, I'll update.
Grab a PK 5G. $130 new and the founding racket of what is the Q+5 lineage
Mine arrives tomorrow.
Dont overlook PK. I was a former Pure Control 95+ user, and the 7g (which is 5G but extended length) and the Q+5x Pro are great frames.
I've since moved away from extended lenth, hence my purchase of the 5G
codonnell
Semi-Pro
Hello again, seems to be we share the same love for this frame. Closest recommendations I have for you would be:
Yonex Sv 98 - this is as close as you’re going to get from another manufacturer. Steve Johnson even switched from his AS to it for a while. It shares the same stiffness (67), string see up (16x20), aero dynamic throat, and has a somewhat decent feel for the power you get from the frame. I find it more relatable to the aero 98 now then the storm and it’s an older model. It is however the most one for one switch and I have played with both. Sw should be rather similar too but the AS swings easier.
Pure strike Vs/98 - I have not really used but the hoop looks like a slight more modernized storm hoop and has the Babolat branding with softer feel (but storms had decent feel). This frame I have also heard swings quite fast and is great at low tensions like the storm is. Frame also offers a thin beam profile that you are looking for.
@Trip had a point with the PD98 being a semi box beam hoop with a more so aero dynamic rounded neck compared to other frames. However the frame is a lot more powerful then a AS. Still worth a shot has it fits the stiffness criteria (67), string pattern, headsize, and brand. But do think the frame is unique and has decently different playing characteristics (I was on the playtest).
The prince beast 98. This frame is a 98, 300 gram, 16x20 racquet. So it shares a similar profile to the AS there. The frame does have a relatively thicker throat but overall an excellent balanced racquet that shared a more rounded modern throat with a somewhat boxy hoop. The stiffness is a bit lower than the AS but it compliments that with a higher power trajectory. It is pretty easy to string low and felt like it had great feel for the type of frame it is.
My final recommendation is the Yonex percept 97 or their previous line counterparts. It’s a lower powered spin friendly frame. Relatively thin beamed, great at lower tensions, swings through the air fast. The stiffness and feel dont quite align with this one but I felt like the touch and feel were an improvement and the ability to swing out mimic my current aero storms. With some tinkering of weight and tension you may have a valid replacement with it. I felt like the trajectory of the ball of the frame to be one of the most similar to the AS too. If it helps Jack Sock also used this frame before retiring after his stint with the ezone was considered I guess unsuccessful .
Let me know if you have another other questions or want more suggestions. The AS is truly a unique frame the teeters the like of tweener and player stick but almost is closer to a players frame compared to the modern spin 98 frames.
Yonex Sv 98 - this is as close as you’re going to get from another manufacturer. Steve Johnson even switched from his AS to it for a while. It shares the same stiffness (67), string see up (16x20), aero dynamic throat, and has a somewhat decent feel for the power you get from the frame. I find it more relatable to the aero 98 now then the storm and it’s an older model. It is however the most one for one switch and I have played with both. Sw should be rather similar too but the AS swings easier.
Pure strike Vs/98 - I have not really used but the hoop looks like a slight more modernized storm hoop and has the Babolat branding with softer feel (but storms had decent feel). This frame I have also heard swings quite fast and is great at low tensions like the storm is. Frame also offers a thin beam profile that you are looking for.
@Trip had a point with the PD98 being a semi box beam hoop with a more so aero dynamic rounded neck compared to other frames. However the frame is a lot more powerful then a AS. Still worth a shot has it fits the stiffness criteria (67), string pattern, headsize, and brand. But do think the frame is unique and has decently different playing characteristics (I was on the playtest).
The prince beast 98. This frame is a 98, 300 gram, 16x20 racquet. So it shares a similar profile to the AS there. The frame does have a relatively thicker throat but overall an excellent balanced racquet that shared a more rounded modern throat with a somewhat boxy hoop. The stiffness is a bit lower than the AS but it compliments that with a higher power trajectory. It is pretty easy to string low and felt like it had great feel for the type of frame it is.
My final recommendation is the Yonex percept 97 or their previous line counterparts. It’s a lower powered spin friendly frame. Relatively thin beamed, great at lower tensions, swings through the air fast. The stiffness and feel dont quite align with this one but I felt like the touch and feel were an improvement and the ability to swing out mimic my current aero storms. With some tinkering of weight and tension you may have a valid replacement with it. I felt like the trajectory of the ball of the frame to be one of the most similar to the AS too. If it helps Jack Sock also used this frame before retiring after his stint with the ezone was considered I guess unsuccessful .
Let me know if you have another other questions or want more suggestions. The AS is truly a unique frame the teeters the like of tweener and player stick but almost is closer to a players frame compared to the modern spin 98 frames.
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SirCraigoryy
Semi-Pro
Most of what I would recommend has already been mentioned but I will echo them and add a couple more ideas just to give you a few more options.
As mentioned above the Yonex VCORE SV 98 (my personal racket of choice) is the most one for one replacement and an obvious choice in my mind.
I know these next two recommendations are a stretch but you'd have to keep an open mind with them but potentially look into the Head Extreme Pro and the Wilson Blade 98 16x19.
The Head Extreme Pro is a whippy, tight 16x19, 98 head size frame. I was on the playtest for this frame last summer and it plays more like a control frame with some spin attributes sprinkled in, kind of like the Aero Strom which is a true control/spin hybrid frame IMO. The feel is connected but on the softer side IMO. It has lower power levels similar to the Aero Storm GT and begs to be swung fast. The main difference I see is that I get more penetrating spin that drives through the court with the Extreme Pro and more arching loopier spin with the Aero Storm.
As for the Wilson Blade 98 16x19, it's very similar to the Head Extreme Pro in that it's a tight 16x19 and 98 head size frame. I find the hoop to be very aero dynamic and the throat to be boxier and more controlled (so kind of the opposite set up as an Aero Storm, controlled hoop and spiny throat). However, it is a fairly low powered control frame that has a very connected or softer feel depending which generation you choose. I would suggest the V6 Countervail version (but the model they produced without CV) as they were very cheap and probably cheaper second hand and it was supposed to mimic their V5 generation which many consider the best Blade ever. This will provide you with a fairly low powered response, firm and connected feel similar to the Aero Storm, and good access to spin.
As mentioned above, there truly is no frame currently out there like the Aero Storm/PA VS (2016) other than the PA98 as it was very unique but I hope you find what you're looking for.
Good luck!
As mentioned above the Yonex VCORE SV 98 (my personal racket of choice) is the most one for one replacement and an obvious choice in my mind.
I know these next two recommendations are a stretch but you'd have to keep an open mind with them but potentially look into the Head Extreme Pro and the Wilson Blade 98 16x19.
The Head Extreme Pro is a whippy, tight 16x19, 98 head size frame. I was on the playtest for this frame last summer and it plays more like a control frame with some spin attributes sprinkled in, kind of like the Aero Strom which is a true control/spin hybrid frame IMO. The feel is connected but on the softer side IMO. It has lower power levels similar to the Aero Storm GT and begs to be swung fast. The main difference I see is that I get more penetrating spin that drives through the court with the Extreme Pro and more arching loopier spin with the Aero Storm.
As for the Wilson Blade 98 16x19, it's very similar to the Head Extreme Pro in that it's a tight 16x19 and 98 head size frame. I find the hoop to be very aero dynamic and the throat to be boxier and more controlled (so kind of the opposite set up as an Aero Storm, controlled hoop and spiny throat). However, it is a fairly low powered control frame that has a very connected or softer feel depending which generation you choose. I would suggest the V6 Countervail version (but the model they produced without CV) as they were very cheap and probably cheaper second hand and it was supposed to mimic their V5 generation which many consider the best Blade ever. This will provide you with a fairly low powered response, firm and connected feel similar to the Aero Storm, and good access to spin.
As mentioned above, there truly is no frame currently out there like the Aero Storm/PA VS (2016) other than the PA98 as it was very unique but I hope you find what you're looking for.
Good luck!
socallefty
G.O.A.T.
I moved from AeroStorm Tour GT to the Pure Strike Tour first version when it came out 11 years ago. Now I’m still playing with the PST Gen 3. So maybe Pure Strikes are good to try if you use the Storm GT.
