alfa164164
Professional
Here's the setup, stock frame w/ Wilson Pro Overgrip, Pacific Force 18g string at 55 lbs., weighs in at 10.8 ounces (yikes, that's light - leather and lead may be in my future). Had a quick 30 minute hit, so this will be brief, just to tease the Slazenger faithful.
This is the US version: 292 grams unstrung, 98 sq. in. headsize, 27" length, 64 RA, 330 mm balance point, 21 mm beam width (feels a tad thicker though), 16x19 pattern - to me this feels like a 300G paintjob.
Plays a bit head heavy as you might guess, although at its lighter weight, manueverability is still fine and it has a real nice in-hand feel and balance. Pretty large sweetspot that stretches wide to the edges of the frame, however balls near these edges are not comfortable, and God help you if you hit a ball near the extreme top of the frame - downright harsh, she feels like a stiff, unforgiving board up there and makes a nasty noise to boot. Seems like the upper hoop is quite stiff. But I digress here, focusing on the negative: nice big sweetspot that creates a rewarding thud on impact.
The frame touts some sort of Nano technology that supposedly creates a tighter bond between the resin and the graphite fibers, yada yada yada.
The stick does hit really solid off the ground though, better than I expected given its weight. Serves bigger than its weight also, but watch out again if you catch the extreme upper hoop. Didn't have time to run through any volley drills though, this is where I'm hoping she'll shine. Like the 300G, the NX One seems like it would make an ideal platform frame for customizing if one is so inclined. Pretty nice paintjob, it doesn't have the gloss finish I prefer, but the "matte" paint still has a nice sheen to hit (I know that sounds like a contradiction). Sharp IMO.
I am out for a couple of weeks, so I won't be able to post an extended review for a while. The good news is that I should have one of the 320 gram UK versions in my hand to do a side by side comparison with when I get back.
Initially the US model seems to be the prototypical "light player's frame" - lower on power (not anemic though), but high on control. Spin is plentiful with the 16x19 pattern. ONLY at your local Dick's Sporting Goods.
This is the US version: 292 grams unstrung, 98 sq. in. headsize, 27" length, 64 RA, 330 mm balance point, 21 mm beam width (feels a tad thicker though), 16x19 pattern - to me this feels like a 300G paintjob.
Plays a bit head heavy as you might guess, although at its lighter weight, manueverability is still fine and it has a real nice in-hand feel and balance. Pretty large sweetspot that stretches wide to the edges of the frame, however balls near these edges are not comfortable, and God help you if you hit a ball near the extreme top of the frame - downright harsh, she feels like a stiff, unforgiving board up there and makes a nasty noise to boot. Seems like the upper hoop is quite stiff. But I digress here, focusing on the negative: nice big sweetspot that creates a rewarding thud on impact.
The frame touts some sort of Nano technology that supposedly creates a tighter bond between the resin and the graphite fibers, yada yada yada.
The stick does hit really solid off the ground though, better than I expected given its weight. Serves bigger than its weight also, but watch out again if you catch the extreme upper hoop. Didn't have time to run through any volley drills though, this is where I'm hoping she'll shine. Like the 300G, the NX One seems like it would make an ideal platform frame for customizing if one is so inclined. Pretty nice paintjob, it doesn't have the gloss finish I prefer, but the "matte" paint still has a nice sheen to hit (I know that sounds like a contradiction). Sharp IMO.
I am out for a couple of weeks, so I won't be able to post an extended review for a while. The good news is that I should have one of the 320 gram UK versions in my hand to do a side by side comparison with when I get back.
Initially the US model seems to be the prototypical "light player's frame" - lower on power (not anemic though), but high on control. Spin is plentiful with the 16x19 pattern. ONLY at your local Dick's Sporting Goods.
