Switch to Extended Length Racquets

[bjn74]

Am curious to hear from those that have switched to an extended length racquet: why did you change and how was the transition? I just saw the TW review of the DR98+ and both Chris and Andy are switching to it.

Is there much of a transition time or did it fall into place pretty quick? I'm currently playing the Blade 98 16x19 and will probably demo the DR98+.

Cheers,

Ben

 

[Power Player]

I tried a few XLs over the years until I settled in with the Pure Aero plus. The main thing to understand is that if your footwork is not good with a standard, an XL magnifies that a little. Besides that it offers real advantages on serve and groundstrokes, and I have no issues volleying with it at all.

 

[ZirkusAffe]

I tried a few XLs over the years until I settled in with the Pure Aero plus. The main thing to understand is that if your footwork is not good with a standard, an XL magnifies that a little. Besides that it offers real advantages on serve and groundstrokes, and I have no issues volleying with it at all.

how's the adjustment going back to normal length? easy adjustment (like riding a bike) besides most likely serve? I switch racquets so much but I would be nervous to play extended and then switch to normal length... but is it even an issue?

 

[Dartagnan64]

I have no problem switching back and forth but admittedly I have a pretty gear agnostic brain when it comes to adapting to things. I can grab any racket off a demo rack and play tennis at my usual level within a few strokes or so. Same thing with golf club rentals.

I prefer XL rackets for their leverage on the 2HBH and serve. As long as they remain HL in balance I am quick enough with them to volley well.

If you play a Blade, try the SW Blade 104 when you demo the 98. You might be surprised. I certainly was impressed with it.

 

[SCSI]

I have had no issues going back to the regular length rackets before, though I used to use long rackets such as Pure Drive Plus and POG Longbody. However, I am going back to the extended length rackets again. I like extended rackets more and I would like to reward Yonex for giving us these seemingly unlikely options in 2017. So, I just ordered a Yonex EZone DR 98 plus. I will get more if it works out well. I would hope that Babolat would would consider ProjetOne plus rackets also.

 

[Power Player]

how's the adjustment going back to normal length? easy adjustment (like riding a bike) besides most likely serve? I switch racquets so much but I would be nervous to play extended and then switch to normal length... but is it even an issue?

Yes, pretty easy. Lots of things in life to get nervous about but this is not one of them.

 

[movdqa]

I bought some XL Pro Stocks many years ago (2010) and loved them for the extra boost on the serve and a few other things that are better with XL. It did take a while to adjust going longer and I've been hitting with XLs since then. My current frames are 27.6 inches though I'd prefer 27.75. In the XL world, you take what you can get because there's not much out there. If I were looking today, I'd consider the Angell TC97 18x20 and the SW104. The TC97 would likely be a lot closer to what I'm using today though. I'd say that the transition took about three weeks initially but I later made changes to my forehand and backhand technique that took about six months each. I don't know whether or not the XL made that easier or harder.

I have used one SL racquet since I switched back in 2010 and that's the RF97. It took me a few days to adjust but part of that was the big difference in weight.

Edit: just had a look at the specs and it looks quite nice - I like the flex and relatively high swingweight. I prefer 18x20 to 16x19 but I can manage either. 27.5 is pretty good too and maybe the Yonex frames hit reasonably well higher on the frame because of the head shape. Looks like a nice players stick. I didn't find a TW Video Review so I guess I'll keep a look out for it.

 

[ZirkusAffe]

I bought some XL Pro Stocks many years ago (2010) and loved them for the extra boost on the serve and a few other things that are better with XL. It did take a while to adjust going longer and I've been hitting with XLs since then. My current frames are 27.6 inches though I'd prefer 27.75. In the XL world, you take what you can get because there's not much out there. If I were looking today, I'd consider the Angell TC97 18x20 and the SW104. The TC97 would likely be a lot closer to what I'm using today though. I'd say that the transition took about three weeks initially but I later made changes to my forehand and backhand technique that took about six months each. I don't know whether or not the XL made that easier or harder.

I have used one SL racquet since I switched back in 2010 and that's the RF97. It took me a few days to adjust but part of that was the big difference in weight. I haven't looked at the DR98+ but will take a look at it now.

It feels like one of those things 'if you haven't tried it, you got to!'. although since I have only had the RF97 for like 3 weeks I should probably do this +plus racquet experiment post team 18+ season and not during. Maybe I will try to hit with the SW104 if they have it at our club, it should be coming in since one pro is using it.

 

[ZirkusAffe]

Yes, pretty easy. Lots of things in life to get nervous about but this is not one of them.

nervous = I probably will like it and it will blow up my view on SL racquets.

 

[2HBH-DTL]

I'll stick to the 27" length standard racquets because well you know... they're standard.

 

[sureshs]

Yes, pretty easy. Lots of things in life to get nervous about but this is not one of them.

That is not true. The higher SW and longer lever can put extra pressure on the wrist.

 

[SpinToWin]

I'll stick to the 27" length standard racquets because well you know... they're standard.

And I'm Extra Long.

Well... at least one part of my body is

 

[movdqa]

That is not true. The higher SW and longer lever can put extra pressure on the wrist.

I think that this is only an issue on the 1HBH but you can compensate with early prep (fast body turn) and a fairly loose wrist hitting through the shot. You lose some accuracy but gain topspin. That's one of the adjustments that I had to make in going to XL (also from 90 sq in to 95 sq in).

 

[sureshs]

And I'm Extra Long.

Well... at least one part of my body is

Don't people mock you about your long nose?

 

[SpinToWin]

Don't people mock you about your long nose?

Not really, I'm not known for lying unlike you Pinocchio

 

[Power Player]

That is not true. The higher SW and longer lever can put extra pressure on the wrist.

Does that make you nervous though? I believe the crux of your anxiety is that the new XL craze could cut into sales of the Gamma Authentic Sureshs frame that actually has a higher SW than my Pure Aero Plus.

 

[movdqa]

Does that make you nervous though? I believe the crux of your anxiety is that the new XL craze could cut into sales of the Gamma Authentic Sureshs frame that actually has a higher SW than my Pure Aero Plus.

Is that the Sureshs Autograph? Maybe we should ask for a + size.

 

[Wheelz]

I have no problem switching back and forth but admittedly I have a pretty gear agnostic brain when it comes to adapting to things. I can grab any racket off a demo rack and play tennis at my usual level within a few strokes or so. Same thing with golf club rentals.

I prefer XL rackets for their leverage on the 2HBH and serve. As long as they remain HL in balance I am quick enough with them to volley well.

If you play a Blade, try the SW Blade 104 when you demo the 98. You might be surprised. I certainly was impressed with it.