Recommendation for Racquets for Older Player

[WPS97]

Hi,

I'm looking to get a new racquet for my dad's birthday. He's in his 70s and mainly plays doubles. Not as mobile as before. He is still using a 2013 Babolat Aeropro Drive, but it's too stiff and unforgiving now.

He has tried the Yonex EZONE 100 which was too stiff. I am thinking of the Clash 100, 100 Pro, Head Speed lines as something a little more flexible and forgiving while still giving free power, soft feel etc. Any other racquets you guys recommend trying out? Anything in the Prince lineup?

 

[Soundbyte]

Prince 107G.

Any of the ProKennex frames (ProKennex Ki Q+ 5, ProKennex Ki 5, or the classic 5g)

 

[jimmy8]

Prince ATS Textreme Tour 100P

 

[jimmy8]

Clash is too soft in my opinion

 

[PMF]

Order a demo box for him. Maybe even try that 2-3 times, etc. He is bound to like something. There are lot's of choices available. You could also ask one of the TW play testers for their opinion. They have a wealth of knowledge and experience. Wilson Blade 104 v9 or Prince Phantom 107G might be interesting.

 

[Injured Again]

A few of the guys at my club who are in their later 60’s and early 70’s and who are strongly competitive in doubles in level 2 tournaments use the Clash 108. I hit with the version 1 Clash 108 just before it was released and though it had nearly the same control as the 100, and I’ve been told the version 2 108 is better.

 

[PMF]

A few of the guys at my club who are in their later 60’s and early 70’s and who are strongly competitive in doubles in level 2 tournaments use the Clash 108. I hit with the version 1 Clash 108 just before it was released and though it had nearly the same control as the 100, and I’ve been told the version 2 108 is better.

I run a doubles league on Saturday mornings, and one of the guys, who is about 65, uses the Clash 108 v1. He plays very well with it.

 

[mhkeuns]

I’d also recommend a Prince Phantom 107 for feel, playability, and real estate. Prince Textreme Tour 100P is probably the easiest frame to become familiarized quickly & most well-rounded 100” frame with nice feel, imo.

 

[Trip]

For a 70+ doubles player, I would definitely recommend going >=100", and generally, you don't need to go overly soft in flex, as with such a large face, most of the comfort can be supplied from an adequately soft and shock-absorbent string setup. I would also stick closely enough to the playability of the APDO, so you're dad doesn't feel like he's made too far a jump in any particular direction. As such, I would look at the following:

- Head Gravity Team (customization required)
- Head Radical Team (light customization required)
- Prince O3 Legacy 105 or 110 (with leather grip)
- Prince Warrior 107 (light customization required)

And yes, feel free and throw a Phantom 107G and/or CX 200 Oversize his way, but they'll be a bit of a departure from what he's used to.

Hope that helps. Any questions, feel free.

 

[socallefty]

For a 70+ doubles player, I would definitely recommend going >=100",

I see a lot of superseniors playing doubles with the 107 or 110 versions of the Pure Drive.

 

[AmericanTwist]

Prince 100x 18x20, 100p, maybe even the ATS 98. Some nice Dunlops too. cx 200, cx 200 LS, cx 400 Tour. Second the idea of demos. Try a mid to soft flex 98-100 frame. What's your dad's game like? Ezone 100 and aero pro drive are stiff.

 

[Crocodile]

Volkl Vostra V 4 would work well. In the Prince line up I would have a look at the new Legacy frames - the gold ones just released from TW.
Pro Kennex Q+20 and 30 - lots of power and great for the elbow and shoulder.
Both these racquets are powerful, light and gentle on the tendons.
The Wilson Clash 108 and Yonex Astrel are also good options.
The reason why I picked these frames for a player in his 70’s because he will get much more energy return on each shot l

 

[louis netman]

Look at at the entire line of PK Kinetics.
There will be something that works for him that also saves his arm, wrist, hand, etc..

 

[WPS97]

Thanks everybody for the input. Will try to get some demos. Seems like Prince is worth a look.

 

[carlosrothstein]

Two frames to consider, Volkl V1 or Prince Warrior, check them out.

 

[WPS97]

Just to follow up, he was able to try a few more from friends including the Head Radical, Speed Team (2024), Yonex Vcore100, Clash 100Pro, and Aero 100. He actually plays best with the Speed Team (105 sq in and head heavy), and the Yonex Vcore (he says the larger sweet spot due to the isometric head). Clash 100Pro didn't jive. Aero was also good as it is similar to his APD.

 

[Trip]

He actually plays best with the Speed Team (105 sq in and head heavy), and the Yonex Vcore (he says the larger sweet spot due to the isometric head).

Good stuff. Speed Team is another solid suggestion with the 24mm constant beam and semi-open pattern. VCore 100 as well. He'd be served well by either of those, no doubt.

 

[swish41]

Hi, do ypu consider oversize players racket such as dunlop cx 200 os, blade 104 and prince phantom 107G?

 

[WPS97]

He ended up selecting the Head Speed Team 2024, and I put Hyper-G at 52# in it for him to start. What strings and tension do you recommend to try?

 

[GodlessEndeavor]

He ended up selecting the Head Speed Team 2024, and I put Hyper-G at 52# in it for him to start. What strings and tension do you recommend to try?

Why Hyper-G? As I understand it that's a fairly stiff poly string, and you previously said you wanted a soft feeling setup.

If you really have to go with a poly string I'd go with a softer poly. Ideally go with multifilament strings or syngut.

If you really have to go with Hyper-G, you can certainly string it way lower than 52 lbs.

 

[stapletonj]

there is a 115 babolat pure drive like stick. my brother plays with it and likes it. he is 66

 

[Kelly2131]

I second the recommendation to avoid polyester strings. I would suggest a full bed of Velocity MLT at 52 lbs. Soft multifilament with good durability.

 

[LOBALOT]

I am 61 and do not mind poly for an older player. However, I would not pick that poly string.

Depending on arm health and ability at least go with HG soft vs HG. I think Volkl Cyclone Tour is a fantastic string so that would have been my first pick for a full bed.

Although I think the best choice would be Gut/Poly and for older guys like me are a great option especially as we aren't as hard on strings as we used to be.

If my kid presented me with the gift of a new stick with gut/poly I would be a proud dad and a happy camper.