The new tweener

[Roms]

Hi,

I am looking for a new stick and I would like a tweener. I have tested and buy many differents racquets by the past, not always for good reasons (for exemple buy racquets who look cool but I couldn't play with them because of my level ...). Today I decide to buy a racquet to play better and not because Fed play with

So I am looking for a tweener which is easy to play, and with good combinison of power spin control comfort. I play the baseline with versatile shot (flat, spin, slice). I have seen many stick which can be nice :

- APD 2013
- Dunlop F5.0 tour
- Ezone AI 100
- Juice 100 2014
- Graphene Radical S

Could you classify them for power / spin / control / comfort / easy to play ?
Wich one has the most flexible feel ?

I play with an head youtek instink mp (18x19 one) and i like it, best combo of power spin and control, but now this model doesn't exist ... and I can't find a 100 headsize with a 18x20 string ...

Thanks a lot for your help.

 

[The forehand]

I would play with mp version of radical 2inches is not that much.

 

[Roms]

Thanks for you answer, i have already tested the microgel radical mp some years ago, i loved the feel control spin and comfort, but i wasn't played so well than with 100 headsize ...

 

[KYHacker]

New Radical is a true 98. Older Radicals were actually 95's. There is no difference between 98 and 100. Other factors will be more important.

 

[torpantennis]

New Radical is a true 98. Older Radicals were actually 95's. There is no difference between 98 and 100. Other factors will be more important.

Yup, typical 100 is thicker beamed than 98. A case in point, Ai98/Ai100...

 

[prjacobs]

I think they're all potentially good choices, but you have to demo them, if you can. I had a lot of success ties the dunlop 4D 500 tour a few years ago, but, as the saying goes, your mileage may vary... I've enjoyed Yonex frames a lot.

 

[Roms]

New Radical is a true 98. Older Radicals were actually 95's. There is no difference between 98 and 100. Other factors will be more important.

I dont know, i have already buy a 98 ( dunlop 4d 300) and i think a real 100 is easier to play.

I have heard about Head and their headsize smaller than the specs, so was the youtek instinct mp a real 98 or a 100 ? beacause this racquet was perfect for me.

 

[ArliHawk]

If you like the old instinct, I think the Graphene Instinct is worth a look for you. Very comfortable frame for its stiffness rating.

 

[TennisLogic]

I dont know, i have already buy a 98 ( dunlop 4d 300) and i think a real 100 is easier to play.

I have heard about Head and their headsize smaller than the specs, so was the youtek instinct mp a real 98 or a 100 ? beacause this racquet was perfect for me.

are you saying you can visually tell the difference between 98 and 100 sq in frames?

FYI - two 98 sq in frames might play very differently as they might have different sweetspot sizes, hence one might feel bigger than the other.

 

[Roms]

I just say that i play better with pd, apd, etc ... than with 4d 300, pure storm, prestige pro etc ...

 

[sportsfan1]

Also look at the TW racquet selection tool - the intermediate category gives you tweener frames after you select one of power/comfort/control:

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/racfinder.html?ccode=INTERMEDIAT

The Radical MP comes up frequently if you are looking for 18x19. However if you can go 16x19 or 16x18, it gives you good power/spin, and some additional options such as Prince warrior 100, wilson pro open 100 etc. I believe the APD you listed is also 16x19.

 

[LeeD]

I have 3 Aero500's.
2 4D300's.
2 Bio300T's.
As you mentioned, the 500's are easier to play with. BUT, the Bio300T, with the smallest sweetspot, can play the best when my game is ON, because it gives me no free power or control, so I have to play my best, or get blown off the court.
This holds true playing against 3.5 players, 4.0's or 4.5's.
Which would I choose to play my best tennis? Good question, I've been using all 3 the equal number of hours the past month.

 

[torpantennis]

I just say that i play better with pd, apd, etc ... than with 4d 300, pure storm, prestige pro etc ...

So you play better with stiff thick/tapered (23/26/22) beam rocket launchers than flexier thin/flat beamed racquets. Go that way if you like, just beware that these racquets make it too easy, and you can develop bad habits. Happened to me, now I'm struggling to develop.

I'd advice to avoid these "modern" racquets, before you reach 4.0-4.5. A perfect racquet for you (and me) would IMO be an in-the-middle option: Flat relatively thick 23mm beam medium weight/SW 98 or 100. Looking to specs, Yonex Ai 98 seems almost perfect: 23-24mm beam, 322SW, 5pt HL, 11.5oz. Could be a bit too flexy at 63? I'd demo that. I'm almost about to order that also. Or then not...

 

[SpinToWin]

So you play better with stiff thick/tapered (23/26/22) beam rocket launchers than flexier thin/flat beamed racquets. Go that way if you like, just beware that these racquets make it too easy, and you can develop bad habits. Happened to me, now I'm struggling to develop.

I'd advice to avoid these "modern" racquets, before you reach 4.0-4.5. A perfect racquet for you (and me) would IMO be an in-the-middle option: Flat relatively thick 23mm beam medium weight/SW 98 or 100. Looking to specs, Yonex Ai 98 seems almost perfect: 23-24mm beam, 322SW, 5pt HL, 11.5oz. Could be a bit too flexy at 63? I'd demo that. I'm almost about to order that also. Or then not...

Funny that you mention this now. I just bought a Head MX Spark Pro for my mother (she wants to try playing tennis again after many years) and I noticed how great of a platform racquet it is for 90% of recreational players. Some modifications and it would fit right in there, at less than half the cost (picked it up new for 60€).

 

[LeeD]

I hit hardest with my Aero500's.
I hit softest with my Bio300T's.
4DAero is the worst of all 3 worlds.
All seem to be only EQUALLY effective in a tennis match.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

I would try the graphene speed mp or even the pro if you don't have issues with slightly higher weight. Great frames.

 

[KYHacker]

My point was that stiffness, beam thickness, string pattern, and head shape are more important. Most 98-100 are actually 96-103 with manufacturers choosing a moniker that fits their marketing strategy for the frame. Case in point, Juice 100L is actually a 102. First run of first generation cosmetic says so. Later runs say 100. For some reason there is a bias to "100". There is also a bias of some players who want below 100, but the actual difference between 98-100 that you would have to have ATP sensitivity to discern.

 

[JackB1]

Hi,

I am looking for a new stick and I would like a tweener. I have tested and buy many differents racquets by the past, not always for good reasons (for exemple buy racquets who look cool but I couldn't play with them because of my level ...). Today I decide to buy a racquet to play better and not because Fed play with

So I am looking for a tweener which is easy to play, and with good combinison of power spin control comfort. I play the baseline with versatile shot (flat, spin, slice). I have seen many stick which can be nice :

- APD 2013
- Dunlop F5.0 tour
- Ezone AI 100
- Juice 100 2014
- Graphene Radical S

Could you classify them for power / spin / control / comfort / easy to play ?
Wich one has the most flexible feel ?

I play with an head youtek instink mp (18x19 one) and i like it, best combo of power spin and control, but now this model doesn't exist ... and I can't find a 100 headsize with a 18x20 string ...

Thanks a lot for your help.

I also played with that Instinct. You will like the Wilson Blade 104. Very close in most ways. APD & Juice are great tweeners, but quite stiff feeling.
AI 100 is a nice choice and worth a demo. I would also recommend the Graphene Speed MP. I am betting you will enjoy the Blade 104. Don't let the 104" size worry you....it looks, plays and feels like a 100".

 

[Roms]

My point was that stiffness, beam thickness, string pattern, and head shape are more important. Most 98-100 are actually 96-103 with manufacturers choosing a moniker that fits their marketing strategy for the frame. Case in point, Juice 100L is actually a 102. First run of first generation cosmetic says so. Later runs say 100. For some reason there is a bias to "100". There is also a bias of some players who want below 100, but the actual difference between 98-100 that you would have to have ATP sensitivity to discern.

Yes I understand what you say, maybe i am a little too focused on the headsize. The ai 98 could be nice so, but what is the difference between both in term of power and ease to play ?

JackB1, how could you compare the speed mp 300 and the youtek instink mp in term of power, spin, control, comfort, maneuvrability ? Is it a soft stick ? I saw many people say that ig is better than graphene, is it true ?
For blade I dont know, you can say i am an idiot but i hate the pj, and i cant play with raquet that i dont like th pj

 

[LeeD]

TW is selling the Prestige S for 65 bucks.
Get is strung with STBite16 (NOT Lite) at 44 lbs., add 6" of 1/4" lead to the inside of the 3-9 positions (3" at each) and you have a winner.

 

[JackB1]

The Prestige S is a light, player's racquet. Not a tweener at all.
Plus there's a reason they have to practically give them away.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

The Prestige S is a light, player's racquet. Not a tweener at all.
Plus there's a reason they have to practically give them away.

I didn't find anything wrong with this frame, the market is probably just very small for this frame class. Which is why the organix 9 doesn't sell well either I'm guessing. But yeah, not a tweener at all.

There's really so many tweeners than do everything well, that you can't really go wrong with any of them. Just grab and go. Personally, I like a little more control.

 

[JackB1]

I didn't find anything wrong with this frame, the market is probably just very small for this frame class. Which is why the organix 9 doesn't sell well either I'm guessing. But yeah, not a tweener at all.

There's really so many tweeners than do everything well, that you can't really go wrong with any of them. Just grab and go. Personally, I like a little more control.

Light + thin beam + low power + small sweet spot = not good

 

[torpantennis]

Light + thin beam + low power + small sweet spot = not good

Exactly. You should add lots of lead to that racquet to add to power and size of sweet spot.

Personally, I feel the tapered beams really destroy control and feel. I just don't get it: Why is it so difficult to find a racquet with 23-24mm flat beam?

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

Light + thin beam + low power + small sweet spot = not good

Yeah, I know what you mean. I think the only strings that would he decent in it are multi or gut.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

Exactly. You should add lots of lead to that racquet to add to power and size of sweet spot.

Personally, I feel the tapered beams really destroy control and feel. I just don't get it: Why is it so difficult to find a racquet with 23-24mm flat beam?

I think I've found it in tecnifibre. I'm tempted to buy without a demo after hitting with one the other day. Gotta make room in the bag first. Too many dormant frames.

Tecnifibre frames are the only ones that I've found have the beam you refer to along with some decent power, control, sweet spot, and feel.

 

[souledge]

Hi,

I am looking for a new stick and I would like a tweener. I have tested and buy many differents racquets by the past, not always for good reasons (for exemple buy racquets who look cool but I couldn't play with them because of my level ...). Today I decide to buy a racquet to play better and not because Fed play with

So I am looking for a tweener which is easy to play, and with good combinison of power spin control comfort. I play the baseline with versatile shot (flat, spin, slice). I have seen many stick which can be nice :

- APD 2013
- Dunlop F5.0 tour
- Ezone AI 100
- Juice 100 2014
- Graphene Radical S

Could you classify them for power / spin / control / comfort / easy to play ?
Wich one has the most flexible feel ?

I play with an head youtek instink mp (18x19 one) and i like it, best combo of power spin and control, but now this model doesn't exist ... and I can't find a 100 headsize with a 18x20 string ...

Thanks a lot for your help.

Pure Strike Tour?

 

[Roms]

I think the pure strike tour need higher skill than mine, it s a player racquet ... I think to go with the ai 100 or 98, apd 2013 or speed mp 300. I will try to test them but it could be difficult here

 

[JackB1]

I think the pure strike tour need higher skill than mine, it s a player racquet ... I think to go with the ai 100 or 98, apd 2013 or speed mp 300. I will try to test them but it could be difficult here

Out of those, I would go with the AI 100.

APD is stiff feeling, AI98 is borderline players racquet, Speed MP 300 was low powered. If you want to try a Speed, go with the Graphene Speed MP.

 

[Roms]

Out of those, I would go with the AI 100.

APD is stiff feeling, AI98 is borderline players racquet, Speed MP 300 was low powered. If you want to try a Speed, go with the Graphene Speed MP.

The AI 100 appear as a good choice, but i will try to test the new apd too. I had a cortex 2010 version, i loved everything about it exepted the hollow feeling. But i think these two stick will be my finalist.

 

[JackB1]

The AI 100 appear as a good choice, but i will try to test the new apd too. I had a cortex 2010 version, i loved everything about it exepted the hollow feeling. But i think these two stick will be my finalist.

wasn't one of your requirements "comfort"? That wouldn't be the APD.

another great choice for a "comfortable APD-like" racquet would be the
Donnay Formula 100 or the Volkl Organix 8-300 or the Volkl V1 MP.

 

[SpinToWin]

Exactly. You should add lots of lead to that racquet to add to power and size of sweet spot.

Personally, I feel the tapered beams really destroy control and feel. I just don't get it: Why is it so difficult to find a racquet with 23-24mm flat beam?

the funny thing is where you find these beams.

I found it in a Head MX Spark Pro (rec. player line by head) I bought for my mother. If she doesn't like it, I'm customizing it to my specs and I'm curious to see how it performs. Would be a huge bargain if I end up liking it.

 

[Roms]

wasn't one of your requirements "comfort"? That wouldn't be the APD.

another great choice for a "comfortable APD-like" racquet would be the
Donnay Formula 100 or the Volkl Organix 8-300 or the Volkl V1 MP.

Thank you every one for your help.

Yes I ask for comfort, but I had no problem with the apdc 2010, it was just the feeling ..

I understand that the AI 100 is more comfortable, but has it same efficiency in term of power and spin ? If it is the case I ll go with the yonex, if not I will prefer the new apd.

 

[Lilguy1456]

Plenty of 100 sq in with 18x20...Graphene Speed Pro, Prince Tour, etc

 

[Roms]

Plenty of 100 sq in with 18x20...Graphene Speed Pro, Prince Tour, etc

Thank you, I have already seen them, but I think it require better skills than mine...

 

[mawashi]

Thank you, I have already seen them, but I think it require better skills than mine...

Have you tried some OS sticks like the Head MG Rad OS? It's cheap, comfy, stable and really easy to use.