Recommended Racket for Aggressive Baseliner (Advanced)

[buttercluck]

Hi guys,

Im looking to purchase a new racket and as the title suggests, my game style is an aggressive baseliner who enjoys taking big cuts at the ball and going for a lot of shots on both wings. Generally have a big serve, playing a lot of +1 and short points. I’m coming from the Angell TC 97 18x20 line but find the racket too demanding at times and looking for a more modern, control orientated frame with more forgiveness. So I’m interested in:

Wilson blade 18x20
Wilson pro staff
Head Gravity Pro
Babolat Pure Drive
Yonex Vcore 95

would be great to hear everyone’s experience and recommendations.

Thanks!

 

[orlin zlatarsky]

Pure Aero VS, my current stick. For my game, better option than Pure Aero (spin, control...) Good for customisation too

 

[TennisViking]

My two cents……demo the Volkl Vcell V1 Pro that was just released. It is unstrung 305 grams and has a 99,50 sq inch headsize which makes it quite easy to use. Frame is 23-20-23 mm and as the 20mm is the central part, you will get plenty of control. The Yonex Ezone 98 is supposed to be very easy to use for a control type racquet.

 

[tennis347]

I have been playing for over 30 years and tried various thin players sticks. If you are looking for forgiveness but still want a controlled response with feel, I highly recommend the Prince Phantom 100P or in the alternative 97P. The 100P has has nice healthy stock swingweight in the high 320's to 330. The 100P is a great attacking that hits a very heavy ball and the control is phenomenal. It's also very arm friendly. I have not hit with the 97P but it's also a really good frame for a 4.5 player and above.

 

[nvr2old]

Angell TC100

 

[Curtennis]

I see no reason for an aggressive baseliner to playing with anything less than 100”

so, gravity pro or pure drive would be my choice from your list. Only problem with GP is you basically have to pay for specs, because going 5-10 grams high on that swing weight can make a basically unplayable racquet, especially for baseliners.

I play an aero myself and weight them up just a little at 10&2. I find my control with heavy top spin rather than tight patterns

 

[TennisLogic]

pure aero

 

[socallefty]

I’m coming from the Angell TC 97 18x20 line but find the racket too demanding at times and looking for a more modern, control orientated frame with more forgiveness.

Please translate these highlighted terms in terms of what it means for you and maybe somebody can give you helpful advice. Also what do you think your level is and what racquets did you like before the Angell, especially when you were learning tennis?

 

[buttercluck]

Please translate these highlighted terms in terms of what it means for you and maybe somebody can give you helpful advice. Also what do you think your level is and what racquets did you like before the Angelo especially when you were learning tennis?

Thanks socallefty. By too demanding I mean that the sweet spot is rather small and if my technique and footwork are not on point, then my performance drops dramatically. This also ties in with forgiveness. In essence, it’s quite like a classic players frame as the brand tries to market that to their audience. My technique and playstyle is modern in that I have a very fast , compact swing with high RHS and generated topspin. I tend to rely on powerful shots such as my serve and forehand to win short points. My level is around 4.5-5.0 right now.

when I was learning tennis, I played with Wilson’s and Babolats. Mostly with the Babolat Aero Storm and Pure Drive Z frames.

hope this helps address your points and thanks!

 

[socallefty]

Thanks socallefty. By too demanding I mean that the sweet spot is rather small and if my technique and footwork are not on point, then my performance drops dramatically. This also ties in with forgiveness. In essence, it’s quite like a classic players frame as the brand tries to market that to their audience. My technique and playstyle is modern in that I have a very fast , compact swing with high RHS and generated topspin. I tend to rely on powerful shots such as my serve and forehand to win short points. My level is around 4.5-5.0 right now.

when I was learning tennis, I played with Wilson’s and Babolats. Mostly with the Babolat Aero Storm and Pure Drive Z frames.

hope this helps address your points and thanks!

Looks like the main change you need is a larger sweet spot. You probably still need a high static weight and SW to have enough stability against 4.5+ opponents. I’ve been using Babolat 12 oz, thin-beam racquets for 20 years like the Pure Control+, AeroStorm Tour, Pure Strike Tour (G1 and G3) and a big reason is that Babolat racquets seem to have bigger sweet spots compared to other 12 oz thin-beam racquets. Maybe you are just missing that feeling after playing with Babolats growing up. I would suggest trying the Pure Strike Tour - I moved to the Gen 3 from the Gen 1 even though I demoed Blades, VCores, Prestiges and the Volkl 10 series racquets. You might want to demo the Pure Aero VS Tour also.

 

[Jingo]

Similar level and style. I've been loving both the VC 95 and VCore Pros these days. Great spin and directional control, with low-ish power. Don't much care for the Aero or Drive--too stiff for me with too much power.
Of the other ones you listed--Wilson Blade 18x20 comes off a bit flat for me (but I've heard the new one is lighter and better suited to big cuts, so it could be neat), Pro Staff is alright but I found it was more of a Serve and Volley stick, and Gravity Pro hits a mean ball but requires stamina--and your spin mileage may vary as it comes off real low (though that can be adjusted with thinner gauges).

 

[tomkowy]

I'm currently playing with Wilson Ultra Tour 18x20 so quite similar to Angell TC97, my three cents:
Gravity Pro - it's a great racket but different than other rackets on the market. Sweetspot is higher and it's more muted than a typical control-frame. Definitely demo before buying. I didn't choose Gravity Pro because getting used to it could take some time.
ProStaff 97 - it's not much more forgiving than Ultra Tour. A bit more power and spin than Ultra Tour.
VCore 95 - I didn't find it more easy to play or more forgiving than Ultra Tour. Maybe it's a bit more spin friendly.
Pure Drive - it's definitely not a control-oriented racket. It's a rocket launcher

Definitely try Tecnifibre 305 RS, fits your description well. Here you have a nice review: https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...rs-and-or-coaches.705277/page-3#post-15750216

 

[asamo]

I recently jumped back into the game since taking a long break after playing in college and needed to find a replacement for the racquets I played with back then (Head Instinct Tour XL). I figured I would stick with a Head racquet since they served me well so I demoed every one that looked like it would fit my game. I play an aggressive baseline game as well and wanted to find something I could swing out with and redirect balls with power. I tried the gravity, extreme, prestige, radical, speed lines and each one felt pretty good until I got to the 360+ Speed Pro... I wasn't even that excited to test it out base on the specs but this racquet is a cheat stick. You think about the exact spot you want the ball to go and it just goes there. whether you have to swing soft to lift a low short ball to the corner, tee up a high ball for a winner, or just redirect and crush ground strokes, it honestly feels like the racquet changes mid point to suit whatever you need to do.

There is one con though. I've always played with 16x19 racquets and I struggle to hit hard kick serves and keep them in with this. But if you are already coming from an 18x20 then this might not be a problem for you.

Good luck!

 

[tennisislife4622]

I would put the new vcore 97 310 on the list...

 

[Ryebread]

I think launch angle is a big concern.
do you prefer lower or higher.
for me, I like a lower launch angle from the bed.

so my main two sticks right now

vcore pro 97, new one, round co-poly protour 17L 51/50 I think is where I'm going next (52/51 right now)

gravity tour, with hexagon X string 16L at 52/51, trust me with this combo and tension.
this is 18x20 like the pro. but a little more speedy through the air, with a little more pop, and still so much control,
so freaking stable!

gravity tour.... it's a pure aero for an advanced player IMO:
1. stable like the PA
2. 100 head size like the PA
3. 61 RA, is a lot nicer on your arm than 67. an advanced player shouldn't play a stiff frame, don't need it b/c you can generate your own power, and don't want it b/c you play too much and could hurt your arm. and b/c you can move around with tensions any way you wish b/c the stick isn't stiff!
4. good pop, but more control than the PA
5. similar balance point, need to tail weight it with 3 grams to get it to 32.5

 

[EggSalad]

I’d hit the Radical Pro and MP and Speed Pro and MP.

 

[Jor3lBR]

You might want to demo the Pure Aero VS Tour also.

There is a Pure Aero, Pure Aero Tour or Pure Aero VS, which one you referring too? Thanks

 

[TennisLogic]

Regular pure aero is all sweet spot. Some of the best rec players use it. Pure aero vs has a more defined sweet spot.

 

[McLovin]

looking for a more modern, control orientated frame with more forgiveness.

Given that description, I'd nix the Pure Drive and add the Extreme Tour (which is a thinner-beamed player's frame), as well as either the VCORE 98 or the Ezone 98.

 

[socallefty]

There is a Pure Aero, Pure Aero Tour or Pure Aero VS, which one you referring too? Thanks

Pure Aero VS in that case as the OP said he played with the Aero Storm years ago and it is supposed to be descended from that design.

 

[rrepp]

Demo the new Young V Core Pro 97D. It should be right in your wheelhouse. But I think whatever 'it' is you'll have a very good idea altering hitting a selection. Of course if you really just want to 1-2 punch every point then something like the Pure Drive would work great.

 

[Wheelz]

Regular pure aero is all sweet spot. Some of the best rec players use it. Pure aero vs has a more defined sweet spot.

Well said sir !

 

[Polotechnics]

Head Extreme tour.

I'm 4.5 ish in the UK (using USA system, it's different in the UK)

It offers perfect the blend of spin and control.

It's like a Radical mated with an Extreme.

 

[fundrazer]

My suggestions would be the following. I haven't tried the latter two (have played DR98 which should be fairly close to the EZone Tour), but they sound like they'll be up your alley.

VCore Pro 97HD
Blade 98 18x20
EZone Tour
Extreme Tour

 

[EggSalad]

I recently jumped back into the game since taking a long break after playing in college and needed to find a replacement for the racquets I played with back then (Head Instinct Tour XL). I figured I would stick with a Head racquet since they served me well so I demoed every one that looked like it would fit my game. I play an aggressive baseline game as well and wanted to find something I could swing out with and redirect balls with power. I tried the gravity, extreme, prestige, radical, speed lines and each one felt pretty good until I got to the 360+ Speed Pro... I wasn't even that excited to test it out base on the specs but this racquet is a cheat stick. You think about the exact spot you want the ball to go and it just goes there. whether you have to swing soft to lift a low short ball to the corner, tee up a high ball for a winner, or just redirect and crush ground strokes, it honestly feels like the racquet changes mid point to suit whatever you need to do.

There is one con though. I've always played with 16x19 racquets and I struggle to hit hard kick serves and keep them in with this. But if you are already coming from an 18x20 then this might not be a problem for you.

Good luck!

It’s pretty easy to add weight to a Speed MP and get to the specs of a pro but have the 16 x 19 string pattern. That was how I decided between the pro and mp and 16x19 was also a deciding factor for me.

 

[Dbrizz]

Blade v7 18x20
Blade pro 18x20
Vcore 95

That’s what I’d recommend those have been my fav

 

[Anton]

Hi guys,

Im looking to purchase a new racket and as the title suggests, my game style is an aggressive baseliner who enjoys taking big cuts at the ball and going for a lot of shots on both wings. Generally have a big serve, playing a lot of +1 and short points. I’m coming from the Angell TC 97 18x20 line but find the racket too demanding at times and looking for a more modern, control orientated frame with more forgiveness. So I’m interested in:

Wilson blade 18x20
Wilson pro staff
Head Gravity Pro
Babolat Pure Drive
Yonex Vcore 95

would be great to hear everyone’s experience and recommendations.

Thanks!

RF97 is a first strike tennis machine
Yonex 97 Pro is it's softer, a bit less powerful counterpart.

 

[pico]

Pure Aero VS, my current stick. For my game, better option than Pure Aero (spin, control...) Good for customisation too

How did you customise?

 

[orlin zlatarsky]

How did you customise?

Leather grip+overgrip, 2g at 3,9, and 12 . Still experimenting with 12. Already won a tournament match with this setup. Heavy ball on the serve...

 

[pico]

Leather grip+overgrip, 2g at 3,9, and 12 . Still experimenting with 12. Already won a tournament match with this setup. Heavy ball on the serve...

Strings and tension?

 

[Hit 'em clean]

Speed Pro 360+ should be a consideration if you're looking for a great modern day frame with control and a decent amount of pop... especially if you're a baseline basher.

 

[orlin zlatarsky]

Strings and tension?

Silver 7 Tour 17g 19/18kg, but for me is too powerless....otherwise great spin and control.Will try next time 17/16kg.

 

[buttercluck]

Hi guys,

thanks for all the great feedback - appreciate it.
A lot of responses share similar rackets which I’m going to demo over the coming months:

Wilson Blade 18x20
Yonex Vcore 95 and Pro
Head Speed Pro 360+
Babolat Pure Aero VS
Head Gravity Pro/Tour

I bought a second hand Pure Aero VS and gave it a go this evening in stock form with RPM blast (327g). To be honest, wasn’t a massive fan coming from the Angell TC97 which weighs in at 345g. Added a Head leather grip and 3g at 12 so it’s similar spec and hopefully it plays better when I next hit with it. Any string recommendations from the group with this frame?

I’m intrigued by the Speed Pro 360+ so might give that one a demo next. Thanks for all the tips team

 

[pico]

Silver 7 Tour 17g 19/18kg, but for me is too powerless....otherwise great spin and control.Will try next time 17/16kg.

Thats actually my fave string!

 

[pico]

Hi guys,

thanks for all the great feedback - appreciate it.
A lot of responses share similar rackets which I’m going to demo over the coming months:

Wilson Blade 18x20
Yonex Vcore 95 and Pro
Head Speed Pro 360+
Babolat Pure Aero VS
Head Gravity Pro/Tour

I bought a second hand Pure Aero VS and gave it a go this evening in stock form with RPM blast (327g). To be honest, wasn’t a massive fan coming from the Angell TC97 which weighs in at 345g. Added a Head leather grip and 3g at 12 so it’s similar spec and hopefully it plays better when I next hit with it. Any string recommendations from the group with this frame?

I’m intrigued by the Speed Pro 360+ so might give that one a demo next. Thanks for all the tips team

Hi guys,

thanks for all the great feedback - appreciate it.
A lot of responses share similar rackets which I’m going to demo over the coming months:

Wilson Blade 18x20
Yonex Vcore 95 and Pro
Head Speed Pro 360+
Babolat Pure Aero VS
Head Gravity Pro/Tour

I bought a second hand Pure Aero VS and gave it a go this evening in stock form with RPM blast (327g). To be honest, wasn’t a massive fan coming from the Angell TC97 which weighs in at 345g. Added a Head leather grip and 3g at 12 so it’s similar spec and hopefully it plays better when I next hit with it. Any string recommendations from the group with this frame?

I’m intrigued by the Speed Pro 360+ so might give that one a demo next. Thanks for all the tips team

Funny thing is that I have all those racquets except the Speed Pro (though I did have the older model). I actually like all those racquets. The Gravity Pro is the one that works best for me right now but they are all so close. I plan to use my PAVS tmr. I have a Gamma leather grip on it and an overgrip. It has 2g of lead at 3, 9 and 12. I strung it with Silver 7 Tour 17g on mains and Signum Hextreme 18g on crosses at 54lbs. I will update tmr how it felt.

 

[sredna42]

Hi guys,

Im looking to purchase a new racket and as the title suggests, my game style is an aggressive baseliner who enjoys taking big cuts at the ball and going for a lot of shots on both wings. Generally have a big serve, playing a lot of +1 and short points. I’m coming from the Angell TC 97 18x20 line but find the racket too demanding at times and looking for a more modern, control orientated frame with more forgiveness. So I’m interested in:

Wilson blade 18x20
Wilson pro staff
Head Gravity Pro
Babolat Pure Drive
Yonex Vcore 95

would be great to hear everyone’s experience and recommendations.

Thanks!

Prince Beast 98 03 or even the 100 03

 

[Lorenn]

Wilson blade 18x20
Head Gravity Pro

These would be where I would start...I ended up with a Gravity Pro when I was looking for a new racquet last year.

 

[buttercluck]

Thank you for the recommendations everyone.

I went ahead and bought a Babolat Pure Aero VS and made it closer to me specs by adding 3g lead at 12 and a leather grip. What a difference it made, completely different racket and a huge improvement in all departments. Hopefully my arm lasts playing with it as I can see myself switching.

it is currently stung with RPM blast at 53lbs. I’m thinking over time this could be more harsh on the arm. Has anyone with experience got any recommendations for string sets up? Preferably poly but open to trying a hybrid.

 

[pico]

Thank you for the recommendations everyone.

I went ahead and bought a Babolat Pure Aero VS and made it closer to me specs by adding 3g lead at 12 and a leather grip. What a difference it made, completely different racket and a huge improvement in all departments. Hopefully my arm lasts playing with it as I can see myself switching.

it is currently stung with RPM blast at 53lbs. I’m thinking over time this could be more harsh on the arm. Has anyone with experience got any recommendations for string sets up? Preferably poly but open to trying a hybrid.

How do you find bh slices with it?

 

[buttercluck]

How do you find bh slices with it?

Not too bad, definitely a weaker shot compared with the topspin but that's what the frame has been designed for. As long as my technique is good (high staring position and guiding follow through etc.) then the result is as good as my angells.

 

[jdx2112]

Thank you for the recommendations everyone.

I went ahead and bought a Babolat Pure Aero VS and made it closer to me specs by adding 3g lead at 12 and a leather grip. What a difference it made, completely different racket and a huge improvement in all departments. Hopefully my arm lasts playing with it as I can see myself switching.

it is currently stung with RPM blast at 53lbs. I’m thinking over time this could be more harsh on the arm. Has anyone with experience got any recommendations for string sets up? Preferably poly but open to trying a hybrid.

If you think you will already get srmnissues from the Babolat, I would recommend a softer string or just ditch Babolat all together.

soft polys I’ve enjoyed:

Volkl cyclone tour
Diadem solstice black
Solinco TournBite Soft

 

[EggSalad]

Thank you for the recommendations everyone.

I went ahead and bought a Babolat Pure Aero VS and made it closer to me specs by adding 3g lead at 12 and a leather grip. What a difference it made, completely different racket and a huge improvement in all departments. Hopefully my arm lasts playing with it as I can see myself switching.

it is currently stung with RPM blast at 53lbs. I’m thinking over time this could be more harsh on the arm. Has anyone with experience got any recommendations for string sets up? Preferably poly but open to trying a hybrid.

I haven’t played with this in an Aero, but Yonex Poly Tour Pro (or strike) in the mains and synthetic gut in the crosses is a comfortable set up that still gives the benefits of poly.

 

[MasterZeb]

Dunlop cx200

 

[Slicehand]

For an agressive baseliner, a baseball bat should do

 

[jdx2112]

The big question is whether you need a racquet to give you power or if you can generate it yourself. That cuts down the list pretty fast.

 

[buttercluck]

The big question is whether you need a racquet to give you power or if you can generate it yourself. That cuts down the list pretty fast.

I generate all the power myself typically, especially on the forehand and serve.

 

[Rosstour]

I generate all the power myself typically, especially on the forehand and serve.

Tecnifibre TF40 (305g, 18x20) was my answer to this question.

Went from a PK7G to a Textreme Warrior 100 to this racquet, and it was the missing ingredient I was looking for.

I generate enough power and spin--my weakness was control. If you are looking at control sticks like the Blade you have to check out the TF40.

 

[jdx2112]

Tecnifibre TF40 (305g, 18x20) was my answer to this question.

Went from a PK7G to a Textreme Warrior 100 to this racquet, and it was the missing ingredient I was looking for.

I generate enough power and spin--my weakness was control. If you are looking at control sticks like the Blade you have to check out the TF40.

Nice racquet. Almost bought one.

 

[jdx2112]

I generate all the power myself typically, especially on the forehand and serve.

You need a soft/control-oriented racquet with either an open 16/19 pattern that gives you some lift or a tighter 18/20 that is lower over the net but more accurate. Look for racquets with 22mm beams or less.