Spin friendly, controlled and forgiving 100 inch 16x19 Racket for Intermediate player

Snipe

Snipe

Rookie
I have:
Vcore 100 ('23) - powerful - spinny- muted - all the things folks say are true. HUGE sweetspot. Very forgiving. Not super string sensitive. Looks can take a bit to get over imo.
PAVS - Less powerful, significantly less forgiving, more feel, and more arm issues than the VCore 100. Extremely string sensitive.
Extreme Tour (Nite, pre Auxetic version) - Somewhere between the VC100 and PAVS in all categories except for spin which seems a little lower than both - but still plenty. Very good frame that deserves more love than it gets from me.

I have a '23 Pure Aero on the way (couldn't help it - found a place getting rid of tennis inventory for $200 new). Will have in a week or so.

Now is a great time to buy a Yonex if you're going to. The 20% off anniversary sale is tough to pass up.

To me, I'd say the VCore 100 is probably the frame given the OP, the current sale, etc. That said, the missing piece is what "I play using as much topspin as I can, not so many slices and I don't normally hit flat" really means. "Flat" and "High Spin" are terms folks use here that are EXTREMELY relative.
 
B

billsedd

Rookie
tennisBarcelona said:
That's the previous generation right? I'd buy the 2022 one that is 185€ in some websites and 150€ in second hand. I think my final decision will be this one tbh, wanted to try the Vcore 100 but I think the Speed MP is more convenient for now and some time after
Click to expand...

Yes the 360+ is the previous generation- the one before auxetic. I have not tried the auxetic speed MP but it has positive feedback as well. Not sure how much of a difference there is.
 
U

ulunxtns

Semi-Pro
After tried all the racquets you listed, I’m playing Speed MP now.

Spin comes more from your strokes/technique, I did like the ezone 100, it’s actually pretty controlled and not lacking spin potential.

Speed MP has very high spin potential imo.
 
Last edited:
brentzki

brentzki

Rookie
ulunxtns said:
After tried all the racquets you listed, I’m playing Speed MP now.

Spin comes more from your strokes/technique, I did like the ezone 100, it’s actually pretty controlled and not lacking spin potential.

Speed MP has very high spin potential imo.
Click to expand...

I've also tried all the racquets OP has listed and landed on the Speed MP 2022 like @ulunxtns.

Feedback from my hitting partners is that the spin generation is the same as the PA23 (my previous racquet), except its more penetrating spin, as opposed to loopy spin with my PA23.

I switched to the Speed MP as I was struggling with my first serve % in matches with PA23, it cuts very weirdly through the air on the first serve and couldn't gel with it even after putting lots of time of trying to get it to work. This was a dealbreaker as first serve is one of my strengths. I also found it quite hard to flatten out shots with the PA23, even though they tightened the string pattern this time around.

Speed MP is really good to hit consistent strong depth from baseline, with nothing overly powerful or launchy, its response and feel is what makes it a standout amongst 100" 16x19 modern frames IMO.

Yonex VCore 100 was really hard to control if you are not always applying spin, had a few shots where I tried to flatten out shots and they really flew off the racquet, the string pattern is extremely open for the 2023 version. IMO more erratic and unpredictable than the PA 23.

VCore Pro 100 might be an alright choice, although I think its a bit flimsy in stock form. May be good if you are open to adding weight.

I think if you are still 3.5 and improving, the Speed MP will be good in giving you good feedback of where you are hitting on the racquet and adjusting for the next shot, not muted like Bab's or Yonex's.

Another alternative is the Blade 100 v8, also on sale atm quite cheap. I would say its a slightly less powerful speed MP, with a touch less spin. You do have to work harder to get the same heaviness of ball though compared to the Speed MP.

As @Aestheticsaboveallelse, the Auxetic (2022) Speed MP is really different to the 360+, much more solid feel, so I would demo both generations to see what you prefer.
 
Aestheticsaboveallelse

Aestheticsaboveallelse

Legend
brentzki said:
I've also tried all the racquets OP has listed and landed on the Speed MP 2022 like @ulunxtns.

Feedback from my hitting partners is that the spin generation is the same as the PA23 (my previous racquet), except its more penetrating spin, as opposed to loopy spin with my PA23.

I switched to the Speed MP as I was struggling with my first serve % in matches with PA23, it cuts very weirdly through the air on the first serve and couldn't gel with it even after putting lots of time of trying to get it to work. This was a dealbreaker as first serve is one of my strengths. I also found it quite hard to flatten out shots with the PA23, even though they tightened the string pattern this time around.

Speed MP is really good to hit consistent strong depth from baseline, with nothing overly powerful or launchy, its response and feel is what makes it a standout amongst 100" 16x19 modern frames IMO.

Yonex VCore 100 was really hard to control if you are not always applying spin, had a few shots where I tried to flatten out shots and they really flew off the racquet, the string pattern is extremely open for the 2023 version. IMO more erratic and unpredictable than the PA 23.

VCore Pro 100 might be an alright choice, although I think its a bit flimsy in stock form. May be good if you are open to adding weight.

I think if you are still 3.5 and improving, the Speed MP will be good in giving you good feedback of where you are hitting on the racquet and adjusting for the next shot, not muted like Bab's or Yonex's.

Another alternative is the Blade 100 v8, also on sale atm quite cheap. I would say its a slightly less powerful speed MP, with a touch less spin. You do have to work harder to get the same heaviness of ball though compared to the Speed MP.

As @Aestheticsaboveallelse, the Auxetic (2022) Speed MP is really different to the 360+, much more solid feel, so I would demo both generations to see what you prefer.
Click to expand...
Speed mps are the best 1st serve racquet for some reason really increases serve in percentages
 
T

tennisBarcelona

New User
Hi all, I forgot to mention, demoed the Head Speed MP and I didn't like it, so I was thinking about trying/buying Yonex Vcore or Ezone 100.
I know for spin (it's how I hit, plus slicing a lot recently with backhand) it's better the Vcore but at a level as mine (intermediate at most, level between 3,5-4) could be easier to get on with the Ezone, plus it's spin friendly also as I read. I workout so I need also an arm-friendly racquet.

Would appreciate some piece of advice, thanks in advance!
 
T

tennisBarcelona

New User
Also, I read the Ezone is more forgiving and controlled than Vcore, plus easier to play, so every time I have it more in mind and it's more likely that I buy it for Black Friday :D
 
P

patrickluvsoj

Rookie
tennisBarcelona said:
Hi all, I forgot to mention, demoed the Head Speed MP and I didn't like it, so I was thinking about trying/buying Yonex Vcore or Ezone 100.
I know for spin (it's how I hit, plus slicing a lot recently with backhand) it's better the Vcore but at a level as mine (intermediate at most, level between 3,5-4) could be easier to get on with the Ezone, plus it's spin friendly also as I read. I workout so I need also an arm-friendly racquet.

Would appreciate some piece of advice, thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

What did you not like about the speed mp and what things did you like? It might help others suggest a direction based on that.
 
T

tennisBarcelona

New User
ClownCar96 said:
Try ezone 98. Best out there. 100 a little stiff and too powerful.
Click to expand...
Thing is I only have 98 racquets (Aero VS and TR960) and I wanted to use a 100 for extra forgiving. Does the 98 give that extra forgiveness too?
patrickluvsoj said:
What did you not like about the speed mp and what things did you like? It might help others suggest a direction based on that.
Click to expand...
Good question, I played with it for 3-4 matches. Didn't like the feel at all, also it was harder for me to move the racquet and direct my shots and I lacked consistency on them (I normally don't). I found the racquet heavier and much less comfortable to move than my Pure Aero VS (which has a little more weight). I also didn't find that extra forgiveness considering it's 100 and the VS a 98. So my feelings weren't good.
forzmr_b said:
Pro Staff X if you can wield a slightly higher static weight frame.
Click to expand...
Seems too heavy for me.
Thank you all!
 
Last edited:
T

tennisBarcelona

New User
curtstead said:
Wilson Blade 100 v8.

Maybe not as much spin as other recommendations in the thread, but still decent spin potential and very controlled. I also find it to be pretty forgiving.
Click to expand...
Didn't think about the Blade at all to be honest, seems a really good option! Will look into it but specs look good to me, maybe I'd like a little more swinweight but I can customise it. Does it lack power as the stiffness and SW are low-medium?
 
W

WNB93

Semi-Pro
VCore 100. Ticks all your boxes. I might be biased but I switched to it, then the pro I travel with switched and most my friends switched right after.
Softer than most spin frames is imo the main thing, powerful enough but not crazy and forgiving enough for even your average rec. player.
Pair it up with REV 1.20 or Hyper G/confidential 1.20 and you're golden.
 
tennisandtennis

tennisandtennis

Semi-Pro
WNB93 said:
VCore 100. Ticks all your boxes. I might be biased but I switched to it, then the pro I travel with switched and most my friends switched right after.
Softer than most spin frames is imo the main thing, powerful enough but not crazy and forgiving enough for even your average rec. player.
Pair it up with REV 1.20 or Hyper G/confidential 1.20 and you're golden.
Click to expand...
My VCORE 100 with a heavy spin string like YTEX Quadro Twist… I hit with a western and my 4.0 opponents say, “I always think it’s going long, and then it’s on the baseline.”

It’s a friggin’ mortar. So comfortable too.
 
Sonam1234

Sonam1234

New User
I am 3.5-4 player too, depending on a day..And I use a lot of spin, slice, I like racket that I can move around easily. I'v been playing with Radical MP and loving it. Although would like sth more forgiving that would make tennis fun on not so good days. :) So I tested that Extreme MP that lot of ppl suggest, I couldn't stand it at all. It was so stiff but I don't like any Babolat racket either because of the stiffness..But Speed MP is different, very similar to Radical, so I might change to that. It has enough control, power and isn't so hard on shoulder on serve.
 
T

tennisBarcelona

New User
Sonam1234 said:
I am 3.5-4 player too, depending on a day..And I use a lot of spin, slice, I like racket that I can move around easily. I'v been playing with Radical MP and loving it. Although would like sth more forgiving that would make tennis fun on not so good days. :) So I tested that Extreme MP that lot of ppl suggest, I couldn't stand it at all. It was so stiff but I don't like any Babolat racket either because of the stiffness..But Speed MP is different, very similar to Radical, so I might change to that. It has enough control, power and isn't so hard on shoulder on serve.
Click to expand...
I tried the Speed MP and didn't like it at all, very muted and didn't like the feeling with it. I think my final tries will be the Blade 100, Vcore 100 and if these 2 don't convince me, the Ezone 100.
 
Sonam1234

Sonam1234

New User
tennisBarcelona said:
I tried the Speed MP and didn't like it at all, very muted and didn't like the feeling with it. I think my final tries will be the Blade 100, Vcore 100 and if these 2 don't convince me, the Ezone 100.
Click to expand...
I would like to hear your feeling on Vcore and Ezone. Also that Shift is sth to look into, no?
 
I

ivanjo

Rookie
I use TR960CT and I like the Head Gravity MP with leather grip to match my TR960CT 16m. Try the Gravity MP,imho
 
Hawks9451

Hawks9451

Semi-Pro
konstantinos kalfountzos said:
Just get the Head Speed MP auxentic. If I didn't already have the Diadem Nova FS100, I'd keep the Speed MP and would have added a few grams to bring it up to 325 grams total. The one a friend had borrowed me was 317 grams (a bit too light). If you play the backhand with 2 hands, it's great. If you hit it one-handed, it may feel a bit weird. My Diadem Nova FS100 is faster through the air on the backhand side than the Speed MP, the Technifibre TF-X1 300, the Pro Kennex Black Ace 300 and Ki5 295.

The sound it produces was music to my ears:
Click to expand...
Bro
 
Fintft

Fintft

G.O.A.T.
tennisBarcelona said:
I just tried it and it's a serve monster and hitting feels pretty good, will try it more during training but seems a nice racket
Click to expand...
Don't know about serve monster, but Shift 300 ProLabs is a spin monster, as I've never made sharper angles, at will, in my life, even against coaches, especially with the FH.
Glad that you've liked it.
I've added about 6g at 12 to both of mine. They both have 334g static weight, but one is at 331 swing weight while the second at 325. I'm thinking removing about 3-4g from the first one, b/c the SW is a bit too high for my liking.
I use soft polies in both, usually as per my sig.
 
Last edited:
P

PurcellPower

Rookie
Fintft said:
Don't know about serve monster, but **** 300 ProLabs is a spin monster, as I've never made sharper angles, at will, in my life, even against coaches, especially with the FH.
Glad that you've liked it.
I've added about 6g at 12 to both of mine. They both have 334g static weight, but one is at 331 swing weight while the second at 325. I'm thinking removing about 3-4g from the first one, b/c the SW is a bit too high for my liking.
I use soft polies in both, usually as per my sig.
Click to expand...
You added 6g at 12 and only got to 325 from 317 stock? That doesn’t seem right.
 
Tronco20

Tronco20

Rookie
Are some users paid to promote the Speed MP 22 or what? The guy said he had tried it and didn't like it. Why suggest the same racquet yet again?

I've been playing with Pure Strike 100 3rd Gen and so far the best feeling 100 racquet for me. The best combination of power and control I've ever had. Some people here say it's muted. I was coming from Pure Drive 2018 and that was apparently the most muted tweener ever, so PS100 seems crisp to me.
I've also played Vcore 98 2018, while a good solid controlled frame, it lacks the wow factor and feel, very very muted.
Some racquets are muted in a good way Blade v7, but not the two I mentioned earlier.
I also tried 100sq.in Vcore 2021 and Ezone 2020 and didn't like either.
 
V

veelium

Hall of Fame
Tronco20 said:
Are some users paid to promote the Speed MP 22 or what? The guy said he had tried it and didn't like it. Why suggest the same racquet yet again?

I've been playing with Pure Strike 100 3rd Gen and so far the best feeling 100 racquet for me. The best combination of power and control I've ever had. Some people here say it's muted. I was coming from Pure Drive 2018 and that was apparently the most muted tweener ever, so PS100 seems crisp to me.
I've also played Vcore 98 2018, while a good solid controlled frame, it lacks the wow factor and feel, very very muted.
Some racquets are muted in a good way Blade v7, but not the two I mentioned earlier.
I also tried 100sq.in Vcore 2021 and Ezone 2020 and didn't like either.
Click to expand...
Reading is not very popular here.
 
T

tennisBarcelona

New User
Fintft said:
Don't know about serve monster, but **** 300 ProLabs is a spin monster, as I've never made sharper angles, at will, in my life, even against coaches, especially with the FH.
Glad that you've liked it.
I've added about 6g at 12 to both of mine. They both have 334g static weight, but one is at 331 swing weight while the second at 325. I'm thinking removing about 3-4g from the first one, b/c the SW is a bit too high for my liking.
I use soft polies in both, usually as per my sig.
Click to expand...
Yes it is, I tried it yesterday for 2 hours and even though the grip was one size bigger than mine + overgrip, it was very reliable at both FH and BH, and also in drop shots and slices. Plus in the net was really good too, and also forgiving.

Will test Vcore 100 and maybe the Blade 100 for curiosity but they have to be really really good to give me better feedback than this one
 
S

stapletonj

Hall of Fame
tennisBarcelona said:
Yes it is, I tried it yesterday for 2 hours and even though the grip was one size bigger than mine + overgrip, it was very reliable at both FH and BH, and also in drop shots and slices. Plus in the net was really good too, and also forgiving.

Will test Vcore 100 and maybe the Blade 100 for curiosity but they have to be really really good to give me better feedback than this one
Click to expand...
Def. demo the 2023 vcore 100. It is more powerful than the 2018 model A LOT.
 
M

mesaage85

New User
I have ultra v4, vcore 100 23, pure drive 2021 and ezone 100 2022. I played with all of them. Power: PD=UV4=VCore>Ezone. Spin: Vcore>PD>UV4>Ezone. Control: Ezone>PD>UV4>Vcore. Stifness: UV4>PD>Ezone>Vcore
 
T

tennisBarcelona

New User
mesaage85 said:
I have ultra v4, vcore 100 23, pure drive 2021 and ezone 100 2022. I played with all of them. Power: PD=UV4=VCore>Ezone. Spin: Vcore>PD>UV4>Ezone. Control: Ezone>PD>UV4>Vcore. Stifness: UV4>PD>Ezone>Vcore
Click to expand...
What do you define as control? Because I used PD (lite) a couple of years ago and there was no control on it in my opinion, it was uncontrolled power, I ended up selling it. If the Vcore has even less control than that I'd be surprised
 
M

mesaage85

New User
Because vcore is higher launch angle, If you don’t hit with spin, it is hard to control it, PD has much power but its launch angle is lower, but the difference is small.
 
T

tennisBarcelona

New User
mesaage85 said:
Because vcore is higher launch angle, If you don’t hit with spin, it is hard to control it, PD has much power but its launch angle is lower, but the difference is small.
Click to expand...
Yep, but almost always I hit with spin, except if I have a high ball to hit not far from the net, then I hit flat to win the point but I don't think any racquet would make a difference. Also I spin the BH. Maybe I'll demo the Ezone 100 too
 
P

PurcellPower

Rookie
Fintft said:
What 317 stock?
Besides we measured my 2 Shifts 300 twice.
Click to expand...
Stock swingweight for a shift is 317. 1 gram of lead at 12 is 3 SW points. You added 6g at 12 (18points). How did you get to 325 from 317 and adding 18pts?
Its math, and i am trying to understand how this is the case. Yours must have been way under spec.
 
Fintft

Fintft

G.O.A.T.
PurcellPower said:
Stock swingweight for a shift is 317. 1 gram of lead at 12 is 3 SW points. You added 6g at 12 (18points). How did you get to 325 from 317 and adding 18pts?
Its math, and i am trying to understand how this is the case. Yours must have been way under spec.
Click to expand...
You presume about stock SW. But probably it was under specs.
 
O

optic yellow

Legend
tennisBarcelona said:
What do you define as control? Because I used PD (lite) a couple of years ago and there was no control on it in my opinion, it was uncontrolled power, I ended up selling it. If the Vcore has even less control than that I'd be surprised
Click to expand...
I personally feel the VCore is extraordinarily easy to control. Maybe just because it feels amazing to hit in general?

Edit: I also don't feel like the launch angle is abnormally high at all. Very predictable and very easy to keep things low over net.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

M
Best Spin-Friendly & Forgiving Player's Racket?
Replies
29
Views
4K
ilikephobo
ilikephobo
A
Looking for arm-friendly racket.
Replies
13
Views
2K
stephenpinkus
S
acintya
Spin friendly racquet for a intermediate?
Replies
4
Views
729
acintya
acintya
G
Help to buy Yonex racket!!!
Replies
23
Views
2K
GEGD
G
D
My partner needs a racket
Replies
24
Views
695
Tranqville
Tranqville
Top