I got itchy for a demo of the RDS 001 to see if there was any reason to move on from the RDX 500 mid I've been using for about 2 years now. While I was ordering up the RDS demo I went ahead and added the RD Ti-80, Ncode Tour 90, and Volkl Tour 10 VE mid. All in the same category more or less.
I was a little surprised that I didn't really like anything better than the RDX 500. The RDS 001 was good, but I don't think the additional stiffness really adds much to the frame. It was solid all around and I'm sure I could grow to like it if I played with it full time, but nothing special compared to the RDX.
Next up was the Ti-80. I actually liked this one a little better than the RDS. Good control and feel solid frame all around, plus the ability to hit some really nice spin due to the more open string pattern.
The Volkl was next in line, and I think this might be the one I would pick of the lot if I was going to get another frame. It's a little better than the RDX IMO for flat shots and it has good feel. Spin is there, but this is not a serious spinners frame. This is for driving the ball and it's very good at it. Very nice frame, but I think I would prefer the RDX since the balance of spin and control is better for me.
The tour 90 is another solid frame. It's actually got a little more pop than I wanted and it might be better strung a little tighter or with a poly mix. This is the second time I've hit with this frame, and it has some allure to it. It just doesn't seem quite as consistent for me. You can hit flat and get mad spin with it, but I didn't always get what I was going for. This might just be something you'd have to live with while you got used to this frame.
Overall I would say any of them would be excellent frames for some one who likes extra control and stability from a heavier frame. I just didn't find anything with the same sweet blend of characteristics as the RDX 500. I can see now though why the pros rarely change sticks. Once you build a relationship with one you like, it's pretty difficult to really enjoy hitting with another frame. I'll probably spend some time just serving with each of them just to see if there is anything that stands out, but it looks like I'll be sticking with the RDX for some time.
I was a little surprised that I didn't really like anything better than the RDX 500. The RDS 001 was good, but I don't think the additional stiffness really adds much to the frame. It was solid all around and I'm sure I could grow to like it if I played with it full time, but nothing special compared to the RDX.
Next up was the Ti-80. I actually liked this one a little better than the RDS. Good control and feel solid frame all around, plus the ability to hit some really nice spin due to the more open string pattern.
The Volkl was next in line, and I think this might be the one I would pick of the lot if I was going to get another frame. It's a little better than the RDX IMO for flat shots and it has good feel. Spin is there, but this is not a serious spinners frame. This is for driving the ball and it's very good at it. Very nice frame, but I think I would prefer the RDX since the balance of spin and control is better for me.
The tour 90 is another solid frame. It's actually got a little more pop than I wanted and it might be better strung a little tighter or with a poly mix. This is the second time I've hit with this frame, and it has some allure to it. It just doesn't seem quite as consistent for me. You can hit flat and get mad spin with it, but I didn't always get what I was going for. This might just be something you'd have to live with while you got used to this frame.
Overall I would say any of them would be excellent frames for some one who likes extra control and stability from a heavier frame. I just didn't find anything with the same sweet blend of characteristics as the RDX 500. I can see now though why the pros rarely change sticks. Once you build a relationship with one you like, it's pretty difficult to really enjoy hitting with another frame. I'll probably spend some time just serving with each of them just to see if there is anything that stands out, but it looks like I'll be sticking with the RDX for some time.
The RDX Mid is a sweet frame, and I have yet to find another racquet that puts as big a smile on my face. I am doing a lot of demos right now (Summer brings out the demo-monster in me) and so far I've liked some frames quite a bit overall, found some excellent in cetain areas, but none has felt as great in hand and provided the results that the RDX Mid does for me. 
