RDX 500 MP vs. RD Ti-80

[AC]

Sure seems like these two sticks, in specs anyway, are pretty darn close to each other. Anyone play both and find any differences of note?

As an aside, the swingweights of these latest Yonex player sticks seems much lighter than many other player sticks out there. Is there decent power in the Ti-80/RDX 500 frames? My Ti-70 was a great frame, and great balance/weight, but possibly the least powerful frame I've had, even more so that the Prestige Tour, which is sayin' something. Not sure how these newer and lighter swingweight Yonexes compare.

 

[Jerry Seinfeld]

The 80 is more powerful than the 70. It's a great stick. Solid in every way. Haven't hit with the new 500 yet, but would also be very interested in reading what others think who have hit with both.

 

[AC]

Jerry,
Yeah, these new 500 MP and the Ti-80 sure seem like a similar creature in specs (almost exactly the same).
So you found the 80 to be pretty solid, did you? That 315 swingweight (despite the 12oz weight, which is strange) made it seem like it might be a bit unstable. Then again, stable is sort of the forte of the Precision Response Ti's that I use now...thus my reluctance. Sure seems like these new Yonex models have pretty high static weights but pretty low swingweights. Good to hear the 80 is working so well for you. BTW, what grip size do you have? Guess that's another thing to take into consideration. I don't think the TW specs on it say what grip size they weighted/measured to get their numbers. I do remember seeing on the yonex website that they listed the static weights of the Ti-80 and the Ti-70 88" as being the SAME. That hardly seemed close to reality. The Ti-70 88" was a tank of a stick. No way that thing had a 315 swingweight. More Yonex specs shrouded in mystery I guess ;-)

 

[askani]

I have been using the Ti-80 for the past year. I love the racquet but wanted to give Yonex's latest racquet a try.
I am currently testing the RDX500 MP and have noticed that the racquet feels a little lighter then the Ti-80. Groundstrokes took a little while to get used to because I feel the RDX500 MP has more power then the Ti-80.
The feel at the net was better and my volleys had more depth. I believe this racquet also allowed me to put more spin on the ball. My opponent actually mentioned this to me after our match.
My serve had just as much or more speed and the spin was definitely improved.
I will test it one more time, but I think I will change from my Ti-80's. I also tested the Prince Diablo MP which played similar to the Ti-80 but with an uncomfortable square grip.

One last note: I did notice that when I had the RDX500 MP strung with gut and Lux AL it did not play as well as when I had it strung with Technifibre NRG 16.

 

[AC]

Askani--interesting, thanks for the input. So you thought the 500 mp felt even a bit lighter than the Ti-80, that's interesting. But felt a bit more power and feel at, which is kind of a surprise. All told then, I assume the 500 mp felt more 'forgiving' to you overall, especially on volleys? Anyway, appreciate your take on these sticks, as just looking at the specs they appear almost identical.

 

[askani]

The Ti-80's always feel pretty solid but slightly muted feel. I do not know if that makes any sense but the RDX500 MP just felt a little nicer. I guess I would say it gave me more feedback on my shots. The true test I have tonight when I play against a big, hard hitting doubles team. I want to see if is as stable on returns as the Ti-80. I will let you know tomorrow.

 

[AC]

Cool, sounds good; look forward to hearing how it turned out.

 

[ErwinFromParis]

Yes the specs seems identical but to me it seems the shape of the string bed is a bit more compact (circular) on the Ti-80, isn't it? Maybe it explains the different feel...
I had a test of the Ti 80 and as a 30 yrs old 4.0/4.5 all court player with Big F/hd I was really enjoy by this stick! It fits like the perfect weapon for my 'hard hitters game'. But it's still an enigme for me, cause I either didn't feel the "heavy weight" specs: I was finding myself wondering where are the 343g ??? and I was really surprised by the "grab" of he stringbed despite its a headlight... So I think I 'm gonna have a test of the RDX500 regarding your comments ASKANI!!
Also, how does the ti80 compare tothe RDX 300???

 

[askani]

AC,

I hit against some big hitters last night and found the racquet had too much power for my game compared to the Ti-80. I had to shorten my swing and it did not feel right. Against the counter puncher I played a few days ago I was able to swing away, but with the ball coming much faster last night it was too much. With the Ti-80's I was always able swing out. I am not going to give up just yet on the RDX500 MP but I am leaning back to my Ti-80's. I am a 4.5 all court player.

 

[AC]

Interesting. That noticeable a diff in power, huh? With such close specs in weight, swingweight, etc., I just assumed they'd almost be identical. Doesn't the 500 have a tad wider beam-width? I can't remember. Anyway, thanks for the info about your results. Did you think the 500 swung heavier than the Ti-80 or feel different that way (weight/balance/etc.)?

 

[salomon]

In my opinion, RDX 300 MP has considerably more power but sacrifices control compared to Ti 80. RDX feels very stable, has a good pop, very comfortable and pleasure to play with.
Ti 80 feels better balanced than RDX 300. (8 points HL versus 5 points)

In a search for perfection I am planning to try RDX 500 (90 sq.in., 16x18) it should play similar to Ti 80.

And don't forget that Ti 80 and RDX 500 are player sticks. The rest are more like tweeners.

 

[salomon]

All new RDX racquets have different beam widths, wider at the tips. It could attributed to some extra power. Over than that specs are quite similar.

Ti 80 has 19" constant beam.

 

[ErwinFromParis]

Ti 80 has 20" at the tips // 19 " at the rest of the beam. So far...