Switched from Nike to Asics shoes

I just made the switch from the Nike Lunar Vapor Tours to the Asics Gel Challenger 7s. I had to return the Vapors due to the upper separating from the sole (just as other TTers have reported)

I could not be happier with the switch! I only play on hardcourts and the Asics are more comfortable and easier on my feet and knees than the Vapors. It required almost no break-in, I just walked around my house for 5 minutes with them on before hitting the courts.
I'm so glad TW offers a 6 month durability guarantee on almost all Asics shoes now, becuase I'll be sticking with Asics for a while.

My shoe history: Vapor 4, 6, and 7. Courtballistec 1.3. Barricade 5. Adidas Ultimate Edge.

Side note: it may just be me, but the Challengers have a Vapor-like look when I look down on them.
 

Carolina Racquet

Professional
Congrats on the wise choice to go from hype to substance. ASICs shoes IMO are the best shoes offering both comfort and performance.

Not a bad choice in strings either :)
 
Congrats on the wise choice to go from hype to substance. ASICs shoes IMO are the best shoes offering both comfort and performance.

Not a bad choice in strings either :)

I <3 my Asics R2 . It is very comfortable and cheaper than hype up nike and addidas...btw bhbr ftw :)

Thanks! Nice to see fellow BHBR-ers. BTW, have any of you tried the new Challenger 8s? It could be my next shoe when my 7s wear out
 

Carolina Racquet

Professional
I haven't worn the Challenger 8s... but a club member loves them and also wears the GR3s. I found the Challenger 7s to be too narrow in the toe bed, but I believe the 8s are wider.

They sure look nice.

Of subject, but since I moved to the Prince EXO3 frame, I like the BHB 'non-rough' better. Don't need any help in producing spin with the frame.

Cheers!
 

stringertom

Bionic Poster
Nike & Asics not for me; Yonex are Tops on my List!

I had a closet full of Breathe Frees I gave to a friend after making the switch to Yonex SHT-306s. I was curious about Asics because of my luck with their running shoes but a Xmas present of a pair of Res2s have turned into comfort shoes at the dogpark: too heavy, too high-up instability feel and too puffy a tongue to secure around my high ankles. I gladly give up a bit of durability for the most cushioned low-rider feel I have ever worn. That, plus great cosmetics and a great clay sole on their clay-dedicated version. BTW, if you like Unique polys, try some Signum Pro on your next restring.
 

Lex

Semi-Pro
I may switch to asics too. I tried on a pair of the gel res3. Felt pretty good!

I've always been a die-hard Nike guy. When I ran track in High School and college, I always trained/raced in Nike's.

The last 4 Nike tennis shoes that I've tried just don't get it for me anymore. (Zoom Breathe 2k10, CB 2.3, CB3.3 and Vapor Eight). The vapor tour feels low, light and fast though. The V8 just didn't fit right in the forefoot.


Asics, Here's another future customer.....
 
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how low to the ground do these feel compared to the vapors?

The 7s are a bit higher up than the Vapors. I don't mind too much, I still move and stop just as aggressively with both.

Stringertom: I have tried Signum Pros on my Vantages and I really like them! I may have to try them out on my PS Limiteds.
 

stringertom

Bionic Poster
For More Info, post in Strings Forum!

The 7s are a bit higher up than the Vapors. I don't mind too much, I still move and stop just as aggressively with both.

Stringertom: I have tried Signum Pros on my Vantages and I really like them! I may have to try them out on my PS Limiteds.

Glad to help if you need more info. My signature includes my favorite SP!
 

Carolina Racquet

Professional
How do the Gel Game 2's perform and fit? My pair of Vapor VIs are wearing down. I'm a size 9.5 in Vapor VIs and 9 in CB 1.3s

I wear the Gel Game 2s to play on clay. Plus side... low to ground, light and fast. Negatives, not as comfortable and will wear faster.

Fit is comparable to Gel Res 2... pretty much true to size. "Normal" wide in toe box and 'normal' length.

Hope that helps.
 

Cloned_Spud

New User
I tried on the Res 2 last year whilst waiting in the store, they felt really comfortable with great cushioning.

Now that my Bal 2.3 are wearing out and the 3.3 seems to be rather uncomfortable, going to take a closer look at the Res 3 next week; found them selling on line for 25% less than their normal shop price too:)!
 

eidolonshinobi

Professional
I ran with asics during my track years and I could not be happier when I found out they also made tennis shoes!

I'll be purchasing the GR3 when my propulse 2 wears out
 

owtdoorguy

New User
Not sure if you can list this info.....but where is everyone finding the best prices for asics?
I am new to asics but would like to give them a try.
Thinking the barricades will be too heavy to start off from nike vapor tours.

Thanks for the info.
 

dangitaaa

New User
I got my asics gel R2 for $37 from amazon (price mistake); grab 5 of them :)...I wear them to the court right after I got them and it was very uncomfortable. It needs to be well beak-in before playing with them. Other wise it's a great shoe.
 

owtdoorguy

New User
I got my asics gel R2 for $37 from amazon (price mistake); grab 5 of them :)...I wear them to the court right after I got them and it was very uncomfortable. It needs to be well beak-in before playing with them. Other wise it's a great shoe.

Thanks dangitaaa, going to check there.
Looking forward to trying them out.
 

MomentumGT

Semi-Pro
Thanks! Nice to see fellow BHBR-ers. BTW, have any of you tried the new Challenger 8s? It could be my next shoe when my 7s wear out

I currently have the Challenger 8s which I came from the GR2s and Game 2s. The C8's are definitely stiffer and more durable than both the GR2s and Game 2s. Felt stiff for the first hour or so. . .just like any Wilson, Addidas, etc shoe with a warranty. . .but once broken in the C8s were just as comfortable as any Asics shoe I've worn. They do sit taller than the GR2s and Game 2s but that's fine with me since I'm short LOL.

-Jon
 
i have played a lot of tennis on a lot of courts in the US and never recall every seeing one person where Asics. Your compliments of their product have sparked curiosity.
 
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