Switching from my KBT

[Necroblood]

For the last six months I've been playing with the kblade tour. But now I feel like it doesn't suit my game as much as I had thought. I definitely like the feel and the swingweight, but its just not producing any desired results for me. When I first played with the racquet it seemed like I was crushing the ball but in reality the shots weren't even that fast. There were no easy winners for me no were there any free aces. I've tried every different stringing possibility to maximize this racquet's potential but in the end it just let me down. Any and all points I won were because of hardwork; I had to either angle my shots, or just outsmart my opponent. Because I'm playing junior tournaments I find that outsmarting my opponents are harder to do, so I've decided to change my racquet.

I decided on sticking with the 93 inch headsize since I wasn't framing any of my shots much, and I wanted to keep the weight that the KBT provided. I like to play with a lot more spin so I decided on changing the string pattern. This ultimatly left me with a choice between the k90 (which i really don't like playing with because of the headsize) and the Prince originial graphite midsize. I was thinking of changing to the latter and so I just wanted some advice from the people who might have played with both the KBT and the POG. How does the POG compare in terms of power with the KBT? I'm especially interested on the POG's serving capabilities. Does anyone recommend the switch?

Some additional details about my playstyle: I'm a 4.0 all courter who likes to be on the attack. My one handed backhand is a weapon, and I like to put a lot of topspin with my extreme western forehand grip. I also like to serve and a volley a lot.

 

[ryushen21]

I know it's a bigger headsize than you mentioned but why not try out the K6.1 95 16x18. It seems like that would suit your game pretty well. I demoed the 18x20 version and really liked the stick a lot. In the end it wasn't the one that I went with but it was definitely a solid stick.

 

[Necroblood]

Actually I've tried out both and I didn't like either of them. The 16x18 felt unstable and my arm suffered a lot of vibration from it. The 18x20 was more stable but it really doesn't compromise with my current situation. I won't really achieve more spin because of a 2 inch difference and the though the pop was great I just felt that the racquet wasn't for me.

 

[furyoku_tennis]

have you considered the prestige or a becker 11 mid? they're both pretty good.

 

[In D Zone]

Here's my suggestion / reviews on 93 frames:
I am all court player 4.0 (SW forehand, 1bhb as well).

- DNX10 mid : feels a little heavy at first when you hold it but when you start playing the racquet just flys. Flex frame less vibration and delivers heavy action on the ball due to its mass. Much easier to play than k90 due to a larger head size. Best to string the frame in the upper 50's.

- BB11 Mid: lighter and slight stiffer version of DNX10. Solid all court frame.
Best strung it in the upper 50's.

- POG mid: somehow I just did not gel with the POG mid. May be its the open string pattern; felt the frame is too stiff and too head light. Ended up trading it for Diablo

- Diablo Tour mid: added lead at 3 and 9 made to increase sw and improved sweet spot. I would say its the lighter version of K90. Frame is stiff ; you can feel the feedback of ball but when you find the right string / tension set up its a great racquet to play.

- RDS001 mid: (my racquet) although this came in with 90 sized frame. The isometric head offers a larger and sweeter sweet spot. Great for all court play and is arm friendly.

- RDiS 100 mid: came in 93 frame. (newly acquired and had been playing extensive with it exeperimenting on the setup)
Stiff frame , lighter sw than the RDS001. I had to make some modifications to better suite my game. Added lead at 3 and 9, experimented on string tension ; finally settling in at lower 50's. Finding the right string tension is very important , other wise this frame feels like a board (my arm and shoulder would get sore) after 30 mins of play. Definitely more powerful than the KBT; offers a bit more better control than the RDS001 mid.

 

[Necroblood]

I've played with the prestiges and I liked them a lot but the mid is the same thing as my KBT so i doubt I'll get much success out of it. And the pro is just a tinker toy to me.

InDzone did you feel that the POG was really stiff? I played with my coach's in the summer and it felt alright to me. The diablo mid was the one that felt really stiff for me, I really couldn't wield that racquet. I might take your suggestion about the RDis100 mid and if it plays with more power than my KBT I might consider a switch.

 

[gusty_86]

In D Zone.. i got a question.. i use the rds 001 mp and i was lookin for a racket that has a little bit more power... with same control and stability.. which i love from my yonex...
i tried the 6.1 95 and i found it too powerful...
since u recommended necroblood the volkl DNX 10 mid... i wanted to know what did u think about it.. how would u compare it with the yonex in terms of power, stability confort and control... thanks

 

[T1000]

try the rds 001 mid or rdis 100 mid

 

[mawashi]

In D Zone.. i got a question.. i use the rds 001 mp and i was lookin for a racket that has a little bit more power... with same control and stability.. which i love from my yonex...
i tried the 6.1 95 and i found it too powerful...
since u recommended necroblood the volkl DNX 10 mid... i wanted to know what did u think about it.. how would u compare it with the yonex in terms of power, stability confort and control... thanks

From what you described, the RDS002Tour seems to be what you are looking for if you can handle the weight.

mawashi

 

[mawashi]

For the last six months I've been playing with the kblade tour. But now I feel like it doesn't suit my game as much as I had thought. I definitely like the feel and the swingweight, but its just not producing any desired results for me. When I first played with the racquet it seemed like I was crushing the ball but in reality the shots weren't even that fast. There were no easy winners for me no were there any free aces. I've tried every different stringing possibility to maximize this racquet's potential but in the end it just let me down. Any and all points I won were because of hardwork; I had to either angle my shots, or just outsmart my opponent. Because I'm playing junior tournaments I find that outsmarting my opponents are harder to do, so I've decided to change my racquet.

I decided on sticking with the 93 inch headsize since I wasn't framing any of my shots much, and I wanted to keep the weight that the KBT provided. I like to play with a lot more spin so I decided on changing the string pattern. This ultimatly left me with a choice between the k90 (which i really don't like playing with because of the headsize) and the Prince originial graphite midsize. I was thinking of changing to the latter and so I just wanted some advice from the people who might have played with both the KBT and the POG. How does the POG compare in terms of power with the KBT? I'm especially interested on the POG's serving capabilities. Does anyone recommend the switch?

Some additional details about my playstyle: I'm a 4.0 all courter who likes to be on the attack. My one handed backhand is a weapon, and I like to put a lot of topspin with my extreme western forehand grip. I also like to serve and a volley a lot.

Although, you are not framing your shots much, a larger head size will allow a bit more room for error n usually give you the opportunity to generate more spin... my 2 cents.

I have found that even smaller frames like the Redondo mid & K90 have the ability to produce generous spin from factors like string patten and/or a softer frame.

If you have the chance why not look at the price ex03 95 or 93, babolat pst or the RDS002T?

mawashi

 

[In D Zone]

In D Zone.. i got a question.. i use the rds 001 mp and i was lookin for a racket that has a little bit more power... with same control and stability.. which i love from my yonex...
i tried the 6.1 95 and i found it too powerful...
since u recommended necroblood the volkl DNX 10 mid... i wanted to know what did u think about it.. how would u compare it with the yonex in terms of power, stability confort and control... thanks

As Mawashi has suggested RDS002 Tour would be the best option if you are looking for added power and comfort (that is if you are staying with Yonex and at 98 head frame)
DNX10 is a bit more heavier compared to RDS002 T. If you are curious, I suggest you might want to demo both and see which would be a better match for you. Either way both are great racquet.

It's a matter of preference on racquet head size. I enjoy playing the RDS002 T but I am more comfortable playing with Mid.

The OP wanted to stay with 93 head size - that's why I did not suggest RDS002 T.

Hope this help!