The switch is coming down to two... Radical MP Aux and Blade V8 16x19

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
My racket switch journey is coming to an end. Thank God! I'm an aggressive baseliner with a one handed backhand currently playing with the 2015 Pro Staff 97 "customized". I've ruled out the following frames for one reason or another.

VCore 95
VCore 98
VCore Pro 97 310
Ezone 98
PA98
TF40 305
Pro Kennex Q+ Tour
Gravity Pro

There's actually three left on my list. The Radical MP Auxetic, Extreme Tour Auxetic and Blade V8 16x19. I've basically already ruled out the Extreme Tour because of what I keep hearing everyone say. I keep hearing that it's launch angle is high, control is just so so and the frame feels hollow, not solid. Neither of which I'm looking for.

So that leaves the Rad MP Auxetic and the Blade V8 16x19. I hope to test these two out very soon. But until then I wouldn't mind hearing others opinions and comparisons between the two.
 

jdx2112

Hall of Fame
My racket switch journey is coming to an end. Thank God! I'm an aggressive baseliner with a one handed backhand currently playing with the 2015 Pro Staff 97 "customized". I've ruled out the following frames for one reason or another.

VCore 95
VCore 98
VCore Pro 97 310
Ezone 98
PA98
TF40 305
Pro Kennex Q+ Tour
Gravity Pro

There's actually three left on my list. The Radical MP Auxetic, Extreme Tour Auxetic and Blade V8 16x19. I've basically already ruled out the Extreme Tour because of what I keep hearing everyone say. I keep hearing that it's launch angle is high, control is just so so and the frame feels hollow, not solid. Neither of which I'm looking for.

So that leaves the Rad MP Auxetic and the Blade V8 16x19. I hope to test these two out very soon. But until then I wouldn't mind hearing others opinions and comparisons between the two.
I’m in the same exact boat. Will post my demo journey soon.

I've been playing with the Blade V8s for about a year and a half. Love the racquet, but often worry it lacks a bit of put-away power. So...what to do?

I've been taking two tracks: 1. Demo; 2. String combos

DEMOS:

So far I've had the most success with the Radical MP, Dunlop FX Tour 2023 and, maybe, the Tfight 300 ISO.

All three of these racquets are firmer than the Blade but not so stiff as to hurt my arm. The ball also dwells less on these string beds. They are point and shoot sticks. They excel at serve, return of serve and attacking winners. Defense is good too, but also requires coverage on the shots bc the ball can fly.

So far the Radical MP leads, but I'm trying the other two again.

STRINGS:

Basically I'm shifting from lower tension on Volkl Cyclone Tour/Tier One Black Knight, then multi/poly hybrid and then, soonish, gut/poly hybrid.
 
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TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
I’m in the same exact boat. Will post my demo journey soon.

I've been playing with the Blade V8s for about a year and a half. Love the racquet, but often worry it lacks a bit of put-away power. So...what to do?

I've been taking two tracks: 1. Demo; 2. String combos

DEMOS:

So far I've had the most success with the Radical MP, Dunlop FX Tour 2023 and, maybe, the Tfight 300 ISO.

All three of these racquets are firmer than the Blade but not so stiff as to hurt my arm. The ball also dwells less on these string beds. They are point and shoot sticks. They excel at serve, return of serve and attacking winners. Defense is good too, but also requires coverage on the shots bc the ball can fly.

So far the Radical MP leads, but I'm trying the other two again.

STRINGS:

Basically I'm shifting from lower tension on Volkl Cyclone Tour/Tier One Black Knight, then multi/poly hybrid and then, soonish, gut/poly hybrid.
Yeah man... I can't wait to try the Radical MP. I keep hearing great things about this racket. Have you ever tried adding some lead to the hoop of your Blade V8s? That should significantly boost your put away power. I plan on modifying which ever one I end up going with by adding some weight to the handle and a little to the hoop to 10 and 2. There's no way I could play with either one in stock form.
 

jdx2112

Hall of Fame
Yeah man... I can't wait to try the Radical MP. I keep hearing great things about this racket. Have you ever tried adding some lead to the hoop of your Blade V8s? That should significantly boost your put away power. I plan on modifying which ever one I end up going with by adding some weight to the handle and a little to the hoop to 10 and 2. There's no way I could play with either one in stock form.
Yeah, I have about a 2 grams in the hoop for each one. One with all of it at 12, the other spread out. Both were needed, for sure, and I was ok with that. But I'm still looking for a bit more pop. Plus, I've got some other racquets I can use for trade-in to lessen the cost a bit.

Re: Radical MP - this racquet has more pop than the Blade V8, at least in my demo (multi/poly hybrid). serves were pretty great and hitting winners and being aggressive felt natural with this stick. Dunlop FX Tour 500 is similar. Only issue with the Radicaly may be stability on the bh side, particularly on returns. The lightness lets you down on that side. For me, next time I demo the Radical I will add some weight at 10/2 to add some stability near the top of the hoop where the frame is thinnest.
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
Yeah, I have about a 2 grams in the hoop for each one. One with all of it at 12, the other spread out. Both were needed, for sure, and I was ok with that. But I'm still looking for a bit more pop. Plus, I've got some other racquets I can use for trade-in to lessen the cost a bit.

Re: Radical MP - this racquet has more pop than the Blade V8, at least in my demo (multi/poly hybrid). serves were pretty great and hitting winners and being aggressive felt natural with this stick. Dunlop FX Tour 500 is similar. Only issue with the Radicaly may be stability on the bh side, particularly on returns. The lightness lets you down on that side. For me, next time I demo the Radical I will add some weight at 10/2 to add some stability near the top of the hoop where the frame is thinnest.
I'm thinking the Rad MP will need 4 grams in the hoop. 2 grams each at 10 and 2. And a 5 gram overgrip and additional 5 grams of silicone in the handle. Then that puppy should be ready to battle.
 

jdx2112

Hall of Fame
I'm thinking the Rad MP will need 4 grams in the hoop. 2 grams each at 10 and 2. And a 5 gram overgrip and additional 5 grams of silicone in the handle. Then that puppy should be ready to battle.
Yeah maybe. But to be honest I like how light and quick it is. I would like to keep it a 300g class stick
 
I’m in a very similar boat to you - currently picking a new racket and the Auxetic Radical MP is in my final three after many many demos.

Blades got ruled out pretty quickly because I can’t stand the muted feel. The Rad isn’t stiff, but it’s definitely less muted and has more of an “honest” feel to me.

I briefly demoed the Auxetic Extreme Tour and couldn’t stand it - felt underpowered and unstable. This was with a very small amount of lead at 3 and 9 and no other mods.

The other two in my final three are the new ISO 300 (smaller sweet spot, feels like you really have to swing out on every single shot, but amazing forehands when you really nail the sweet spot) and, surprisingly, the new Vcore 98 (less muted than I expected, enormous sweet spot, easier to use than the Radical, better spin). The Rad is still my top contender, but you might consider the ISO 300 and revisit the Vcore 98.

For reference, I try to keep my frames with overgrip around 325 SW (definitely below 330), 3-5 pts HL balance, and 325-335 grams so I’m not adding much weight when I’m testing. If you are adding more weight, YMMV.

EDIT: For reference, my current frame is the Gravity Pro and I’m moving on because the SW is too high. And I own a Vcore Pro 97 310 and have demoed the TF40 16x19, so I can answer questions about those if that would be helpful.
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
I’m in a very similar boat to you - currently picking a new racket and the Auxetic Radical MP is in my final three after many many demos.

Blades got ruled out pretty quickly because I can’t stand the muted feel. The Rad isn’t stiff, but it’s definitely less muted and has more of an “honest” feel to me.

I briefly demoed the Auxetic Extreme Tour and couldn’t stand it - felt underpowered and unstable. This was with a very small amount of lead at 3 and 9 and no other mods.

The other two in my final three are the new ISO 300 (smaller sweet spot, feels like you really have to swing out on every single shot, but amazing forehands when you really nail the sweet spot) and, surprisingly, the new Vcore 98 (less muted than I expected, enormous sweet spot, easier to use than the Radical, better spin). The Rad is still my top contender, but you might consider the ISO 300 and revisit the Vcore 98.

For reference, I try to keep my frames with overgrip around 325 SW (definitely below 330), 3-5 pts HL balance, and 325-335 grams so I’m not adding much weight when I’m testing. If you are adding more weight, YMMV.

EDIT: For reference, my current frame is the Gravity Pro and I’m moving on because the SW is too high. And I own a Vcore Pro 97 310 and have demoed the TF40 16x19, so I can answer questions about those if that would be helpful.
I too demoed the Vcore Pro 97 and the TF40. I actually really liked everything about the Vcore Pro 97, but it was pretty low in power. It's weird... it's like the racket plateaued in power potential no matter how much weight I added to the tip. And the TF40 was pretty nice as well. But it had the same problem. I think the TF40 was so soft and flexible that it was just absorbing energy from the ball and killing the power potential. And in regards to the last generation Vcore98. I thought it was o.k. in all depts. But it was unstable when returning heavy balls. Wasn't impressed with it. And I simply can't bring myself to even trying the new version because of the horrible head shape. :laughing:
 
I too demoed the Vcore Pro 97 and the TF40. I actually really liked everything about the Vcore Pro 97, but it was pretty low in power. It's weird... it's like the racket plateaued in power potential no matter how much weight I added to the tip. And the TF40 was pretty nice as well. But it had the same problem. I think the TF40 was so soft and flexible that it was just absorbing energy from the ball and killing the power potential. And in regards to the last generation Vcore98. I thought it was o.k. in all depts. But it was unstable when returning heavy balls. Wasn't impressed with it. And I simply can't bring myself to even trying the new version because of the horrible head shape. :laughing:
Totally agree on the Vcore Pro 97. I liked the TF40 somewhat better but really preferred the ISO 300. I was expecting to hate the new Vcore 98, because as much as I like Yonex as a company, I haven’t gelled with any of their frames since the Tour G way back when, and I have a last generation Vcore 100 that I don’t really like. But the new Vcore 98 surprised me. Reflex shots in particular were amazing (same as the new Rad). I like frames with a higher sweet spot, though.
 

Goof

Professional
Blade

Finest racquet I have ever hit with, I dream about it daily but I have so many frames already I can't justify spending $250/each on yet another frame. And I like to have at least 3

Blade was so weird to me, feels like crap/very "disconnected" compared to what I'm used to, yet I hit amazing (for me) with it immediately with no "breaking in" period. I would very seriously consider switching to it (v8, 98, 18x20) if I was a tournament player rather than recreational player who just plays in a few leagues.
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
Blade was so weird to me, feels like crap/very "disconnected" compared to what I'm used to, yet I hit amazing (for me) with it immediately with no "breaking in" period. I would very seriously consider switching to it (v8, 98, 18x20) if I was a tournament player rather than recreational player who just plays in a few leagues.
What do you currently play with?
 

Fed Kennedy

Legend
Blade was so weird to me, feels like crap/very "disconnected" compared to what I'm used to, yet I hit amazing (for me) with it immediately with no "breaking in" period. I would very seriously consider switching to it (v8, 98, 18x20) if I was a tournament player rather than recreational player who just plays in a few leagues.
Can you clarify this? Why would you want no feel for tournaments
 

RedClayFan

Rookie
Nice timing on this thread as I'm in the exact same boat, eliminated almost all the racquets you listed, and have narrowed my choice down to the Head Radical Pro and the Blade V8. I want to test the V8 in the 18x20 config as well for comparison.

I find the Radical has a really nice feel compared to the Blade insofar as it feels like I just hit through the ball without any vibration. Very solid feeling without being heavy. It also feels light and with a higher swing wait, but I'm not a pro at testing racquets so my assessment could be off. What's weird though is the V8 despite not feeling as nice had me playing a bit better I think. I had incredible feeling and control on my volleys, sufficient power and control on my forehand, but did feel a little underpowered with my 1HBH if I didn't really commit and get my timing down well. When I did that it went in nicely.

In the end I reckon I'll go with the Blade, and ideally a Blade Pro, but will need another week or so to make my mind up.
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
Nice timing on this thread as I'm in the exact same boat, eliminated almost all the racquets you listed, and have narrowed my choice down to the Head Radical Pro and the Blade V8. I want to test the V8 in the 18x20 config as well for comparison.

I find the Radical has a really nice feel compared to the Blade insofar as it feels like I just hit through the ball without any vibration. Very solid feeling without being heavy. It also feels light and with a higher swing wait, but I'm not a pro at testing racquets so my assessment could be off. What's weird though is the V8 despite not feeling as nice had me playing a bit better I think. I had incredible feeling and control on my volleys, sufficient power and control on my forehand, but did feel a little underpowered with my 1HBH if I didn't really commit and get my timing down well. When I did that it went in nicely.

In the end I reckon I'll go with the Blade, and ideally a Blade Pro, but will need another week or so to make my mind up.
A buddy of mine was using the Rad Pro from two generations ago and just recently switched to the Blade V8. He bought 4 of them. I'll be hitting with him in two days. He's going to let me play with one of his Blades with Alu/Element. I'll be making lots of notes about this frame. Then in another week or so I'll be demoing the Rad MP and Pro.
 

Ryebread

Hall of Fame
I've played with the v8 16m a lot
I just strung the radical mp auxetic for it's first go, just a few days ago.
I've played with it twice.

my radical mp came in at 305 unstrung, fwiw.
soft co poly around 51 lbs

for me:
similar maneuverability
blade feels more muted and comfortable
radical more crisp, little more of a metallic feel to it, when compared to a blade.
may give the nod to the radical when it comes to slice.

I feel power is very similar with them!
that the radical mp MAY have a smidge more power, but it's smaller sweet spot makes it feel underpowered at times.
radical is a little better at net, shockingly good stability for it's class. the 360+ was the same, so this is nothing new here.

this new radical is more comfy than the 360+, as of now, it's comfy enough that I could keep it.
I had issues with the 360+ version, and I didn't have issues with an ezone 98 2020 or 22, fwiw.

I've had some grip size issues with head in the past with extreme mp/tour and sometimes even radical 360+.
this new grip on the auxetic seems on point.

good luck
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
I've played with the v8 16m a lot
I just strung the radical mp auxetic for it's first go, just a few days ago.
I've played with it twice.

my radical mp came in at 305 unstrung, fwiw.
soft co poly around 51 lbs

for me:
similar maneuverability
blade feels more muted and comfortable
radical more crisp, little more of a metallic feel to it, when compared to a blade.
may give the nod to the radical when it comes to slice.

I feel power is very similar with them!
that the radical mp MAY have a smidge more power, but it's smaller sweet spot makes it feel underpowered at times.
radical is a little better at net, shockingly good stability for it's class. the 360+ was the same, so this is nothing new here.

this new radical is more comfy than the 360+, as of now, it's comfy enough that I could keep it.
I had issues with the 360+ version, and I didn't have issues with an ezone 98 2020 or 22, fwiw.

I've had some grip size issues with head in the past with extreme mp/tour and sometimes even radical 360+.
this new grip on the auxetic seems on point.

good luck
Thanks man! I appreciate the comparison. Which frame provided more pop on serve? And were you playing with both rackets in stock form or modified?
 
I used a Pro Tour 630/280 for a couple of years, and then switched to a blade v8 16x19 last summer, which took some time, but was a huge improvement. I've added some weight to my blades to have a higher static and swing weight.

The other day a friend was demoing an auxetic radical mp, and I was surprised how nice it felt, despite being so light. I demoed the mp for a couple of days, and then decided to buy 2x mps (with matching service via tennis warehouse). It might be because I weighted my blades, but the mp felt so light and nimble for me, and I feel like I get quite a bit more free power, so I don't have to work so hard in long matches. I love my blades, but in long single matches the weight ends up getting to me. But I didn't like how they felt unweighted, and I felt like I really needed to add weight to make it feel more substantial, but maybe it was because I was so used to my old PT630 weight.

Long-winded reply, but I am going from PT630 -> blade v8 16x19 -> auxetic radical mp. My only concern is about the higher stiffness rating from blade -> radical. I originally used a PT630 due to how soft it was on the arm, but now that I have improved my technique, I'm hoping I can get away with stiffer racquets. Using my blade v8s, I have no arm issues at all (with my soft tier 1 black knight strings). My 2x radical mps will arrive this weekend, so I'll find out how they are on my arm!
 

Lorenn

Hall of Fame
I used a Pro Tour 630/280 for a couple of years, and then switched to a blade v8 16x19 last summer, which took some time, but was a huge improvement. I've added some weight to my blades to have a higher static and swing weight.

The other day a friend was demoing an auxetic radical mp, and I was surprised how nice it felt, despite being so light. I demoed the mp for a couple of days, and then decided to buy 2x mps (with matching service via tennis warehouse). It might be because I weighted my blades, but the mp felt so light and nimble for me, and I feel like I get quite a bit more free power, so I don't have to work so hard in long matches. I love my blades, but in long single matches the weight ends up getting to me. But I didn't like how they felt unweighted, and I felt like I really needed to add weight to make it feel more substantial, but maybe it was because I was so used to my old PT630 weight.

Long-winded reply, but I am going from PT630 -> blade v8 16x19 -> auxetic radical mp. My only concern is about the higher stiffness rating from blade -> radical. I originally used a PT630 due to how soft it was on the arm, but now that I have improved my technique, I'm hoping I can get away with stiffer racquets. Using my blade v8s, I have no arm issues at all (with my soft tier 1 black knight strings). My 2x radical mps will arrive this weekend, so I'll find out how they are on my arm!

You also have to consider you are hopefully improving over time as well. Higher static weight can be used to improve mistiming/miss hitting the ball. You don't have to be perfect if you have enough mass to correct for your error. If you improve your game and switch to a lighter racquet and have spot on timing/hitting... you gain from racquet head speed/efficiency(less fatigue). I prefer the Radical over the Blade, but would be reasonably happy with both.
 

Ryebread

Hall of Fame
Thanks man! I appreciate the comparison. Which frame provided more pop on serve? And were you playing with both rackets in stock form or modified?

np

both stock
I really don't do the lead tape thing.
sometimes I do tail-weight, to fix balance obv.

I remember pretty good placement ability with the blade, on serve.
With the radical, it wasn't love at first sight, with the serve.
still trying to get it dialed in. for now, for some reason I think the blade had a bit more power on serve.
 

jdx2112

Hall of Fame
I've played with the v8 16m a lot
I just strung the radical mp auxetic for it's first go, just a few days ago.
I've played with it twice.

my radical mp came in at 305 unstrung, fwiw.
soft co poly around 51 lbs

for me:
similar maneuverability
blade feels more muted and comfortable
radical more crisp, little more of a metallic feel to it, when compared to a blade.
may give the nod to the radical when it comes to slice.

I feel power is very similar with them!
that the radical mp MAY have a smidge more power, but it's smaller sweet spot makes it feel underpowered at times.
radical is a little better at net, shockingly good stability for it's class. the 360+ was the same, so this is nothing new here.

this new radical is more comfy than the 360+, as of now, it's comfy enough that I could keep it.
I had issues with the 360+ version, and I didn't have issues with an ezone 98 2020 or 22, fwiw.

I've had some grip size issues with head in the past with extreme mp/tour and sometimes even radical 360+.
this new grip on the auxetic seems on point.

good luck
I didn't find the sweet spot that different between the two, but I have a hard time discerning that difference in general. TWU says the sweet zone is the same size, for what it's worth.

But I think you've nailed it regarding stability. I'm not sure it's a significantly more powerful racquet than the Blade, but the firmness and stability gives it more energy. There's less dwell time on the Radical..
 

pico

Hall of Fame
Watching this as I have a ohbh and been on quite the racquet journey too. I have not played the Radical line but curious now. I currently float between the Gravity Pro, PAVS and Dunlop CX 200+. Curious as to why you eliminated the Gravity Pro?
 

jdx2112

Hall of Fame
Watching this as I have a ohbh and been on quite the racquet journey too. I have not played the Radical line but curious now. I currently float between the Gravity Pro, PAVS and Dunlop CX 200+. Curious as to why you eliminated the Gravity Pro?
For a ohbh that’s a big heavy stick to swing.
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
I used a Pro Tour 630/280 for a couple of years, and then switched to a blade v8 16x19 last summer, which took some time, but was a huge improvement. I've added some weight to my blades to have a higher static and swing weight.

The other day a friend was demoing an auxetic radical mp, and I was surprised how nice it felt, despite being so light. I demoed the mp for a couple of days, and then decided to buy 2x mps (with matching service via tennis warehouse). It might be because I weighted my blades, but the mp felt so light and nimble for me, and I feel like I get quite a bit more free power, so I don't have to work so hard in long matches. I love my blades, but in long single matches the weight ends up getting to me. But I didn't like how they felt unweighted, and I felt like I really needed to add weight to make it feel more substantial, but maybe it was because I was so used to my old PT630 weight.

Long-winded reply, but I am going from PT630 -> blade v8 16x19 -> auxetic radical mp. My only concern is about the higher stiffness rating from blade -> radical. I originally used a PT630 due to how soft it was on the arm, but now that I have improved my technique, I'm hoping I can get away with stiffer racquets. Using my blade v8s, I have no arm issues at all (with my soft tier 1 black knight strings). My 2x radical mps will arrive this weekend, so I'll find out how they are on my arm!
I enjoyed reading this. Thanks!
 

jdx2112

Hall of Fame
I used a Pro Tour 630/280 for a couple of years, and then switched to a blade v8 16x19 last summer, which took some time, but was a huge improvement. I've added some weight to my blades to have a higher static and swing weight.

The other day a friend was demoing an auxetic radical mp, and I was surprised how nice it felt, despite being so light. I demoed the mp for a couple of days, and then decided to buy 2x mps (with matching service via tennis warehouse). It might be because I weighted my blades, but the mp felt so light and nimble for me, and I feel like I get quite a bit more free power, so I don't have to work so hard in long matches. I love my blades, but in long single matches the weight ends up getting to me. But I didn't like how they felt unweighted, and I felt like I really needed to add weight to make it feel more substantial, but maybe it was because I was so used to my old PT630 weight.

Long-winded reply, but I am going from PT630 -> blade v8 16x19 -> auxetic radical mp. My only concern is about the higher stiffness rating from blade -> radical. I originally used a PT630 due to how soft it was on the arm, but now that I have improved my technique, I'm hoping I can get away with stiffer racquets. Using my blade v8s, I have no arm issues at all (with my soft tier 1 black knight strings). My 2x radical mps will arrive this weekend, so I'll find out how they are on my arm!
Similar fears of stiffer frames, I’ve found that the auxetic material, even the 360+, is pretty kind on the arm. And there are softer string to consider, ie cyclone tour — I use black knight too, but stead away from it in cold weather
 

EggSalad

Hall of Fame
I hate to throw a wrench into things, but you should hit the Prince Tour ATS 98 before making a decision based on the other sticks you are trying.
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
Lol. But how did you find it on your ohbh?
From what I can remember. It was very stable but slow. I think it had a very high swing weight from the factory. And the head shape to me somehow seemed to prohibit a fast path through the air if that makes any sense. It was awkward for me. Not my cup of tea.
 

Lorenn

Hall of Fame
From what I can remember. It was very stable but slow. I think it had a very high swing weight from the factory. And the head shape to me somehow seemed to prohibit a fast path through the air if that makes any sense. It was awkward for me. Not my cup of tea.

Mine are close to average spec.(Gravity Pro) Only thing I had to change from my previous racquets was my one handed backhand. I have to add extra burst at the start of my backhand, then relax. I try to make sure to turn enough at the start as well and not cut corners like I can with say a Gravity MP 360+ or LM Radical. I don't normally think about it anymore, but it took quite sometime. I totally can see the issue you are mentioning. It might be worthwhile testing the new Tour in April.
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
The Blade V8 is out. Too spongy and anemic feeling imo. Tried adding weight here and there. But there was nothing I could do to make it work. I didn't like the color anyhow. :giggle:

Next on the list is the Extreme Tour and then finally the Rad MP and Pro.
 

Fintft

G.O.A.T.
Blade

Finest racquet I have ever hit with, I dream about it daily but I have so many frames already I can't justify spending $250/each on yet another frame. And I like to have at least 3
Blade...Pro v8 16x19 for me and I got one at $150 and another one at $200 new.
 

Trip

Legend
@TennisManiac - So I think it's clear you're just not going to gel with <= low-60's RA sticks, especially softer flex in a 98 head size or smaller, or anything that is too hollow/tiny. That pretty much nixes almost all of your original list, save for perhaps the Rad MP (maybe Pro). In my eyes, what you're really after is that similarly meaty, thuddy, solid feel from your '15 PS97, in a 97-100 head, with an RA of 65ish to 68ish, and >= 5 or 6pts HL strung stock. As such, I would look at the following:

- Head Auxetic Radical MP, maybe the Pro -- Versus the PS97, the MP will likely need handle weight. The Pro is also reported to be less cumbersome; might also be worth a look (if it's not too underpowered).
- ProKennex Ki Q+ 5 Pro (not the Q+ Tour, as IMHO impact feel will be yet again too soft) - It is a 100, but a 16x20 for more control. Same weight/balance as the PS97. Thuddy 67RA. Solid feel.
- Tecnifibre TFight ISO 315 - This is a sleeper. Again, same weight/balance as the PS97. Hits solid and big. Multiple accounts of it playing softer than the 69RA would otherwise indicate. You need to try it, period.
- Wilson Prostaff X v14 - I know, I know (re- any recent PS97), but if you'd consider the X, you'd get more power from more string bed trampoline, if that's tolerable.

If you didn't mind taking a flyer, I'd think one of these might work as well:
- Angell TC97 16x19 in 315g/310mm weight/balance
- Artengo TR960CT 16x19 (customized up)
- Head Prestige MP-L (customized up)
 
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Fintft

G.O.A.T.
@TennisManiac - So I think it's clear you're just not going to gel with <= low-60's RA sticks, or anything that is too hollow/tiny, either. In my eyes, what you're really after is that similarly meaty, thuddy, thick and solid feel from your '15 PS97, in a 97-100 with an RA of 64ish to 68ish, and >= 5 or 6pts HL strung stock. Rather than try any more of that stuff (you've already nixed the Blade, TF40 and VCP for being too underpowered), I would try the following:

- ProKennex Ki Q+ 5 Pro (not the Q+ Tour, as IMHO it will be too soft) - Same weight/balance as the PS97. Thuddy, solid feel. It is a 100, but 16x20 for more control. Worth a hit IMHO.
- Tecnifibre TFight ISO 315 - This is a sleeper, for sure. Again, same weight/balance as the PS97. Hits solid and big. Multiple accounts of it playing softer than the 69RA would otherwise indicate.
- Wilson Prostaff X v14 - I know, I know (re- any recent PS97), but if you'd consider the X, you'd get more power from more string bed trampoline, if that's tolerable.

If you didn't mind taking a flyer, I'd think one of these might work as well:
- Angell TC97 16x19 in 315g/310mm weight/balance
- Artengo TR960CT 16x19 (customized up)
- Head Prestige MP-L (customized up)
I second the Artengo and the PK, including KI5 295g.
 

Trip

Legend
Large customization window at 295g, but at 3pts HL strung stock balance, more work to do to bring it more towards what the OP is used to. I'd first try a few of the others with 6 and 7pt HL strung balances -- 'Tengo included. That Ki 5 is a nice stick otherwise, though.
 

Fintft

G.O.A.T.
Large customization window at 295g, but at 3pts HL strung stock balance, more work to do to bring it more towards what the OP is used to. I'd first try a few of the others with 6 and 7pt HL strung balances -- 'Tengo included. That Ki 5 is a nice stick otherwise, though.
Easy customization for the 295g, I got it to similar specs as the Artengo, just with a leather grip and some tungsten tape.
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
@TennisManiac - So I think it's clear you're just not going to gel with <= low-60's RA sticks, especially softer flex in a 98 head size or smaller, or anything that is too hollow/tiny. That pretty much nixes almost all of your original list, save for perhaps the Rad MP (maybe Pro). In my eyes, what you're really after is that similarly meaty, thuddy, solid feel from your '15 PS97, in a 97-100 head, with an RA of 65ish to 68ish, and >= 5 or 6pts HL strung stock. As such, I would look at the following:

- Head Auxetic Radical MP, maybe the Pro -- Versus the PS97, the MP will likely need handle weight. The Pro is also reported to be less cumbersome; might also be worth a look (if it's not too underpowered).
- ProKennex Ki Q+ 5 Pro (not the Q+ Tour, as IMHO impact feel will be yet again too soft) - It is a 100, but a 16x20 for more control. Same weight/balance as the PS97. Thuddy 67RA. Solid feel.
- Tecnifibre TFight ISO 315 - This is a sleeper. Again, same weight/balance as the PS97. Hits solid and big. Multiple accounts of it playing softer than the 69RA would otherwise indicate. You need to try it, period.
- Wilson Prostaff X v14 - I know, I know (re- any recent PS97), but if you'd consider the X, you'd get more power from more string bed trampoline, if that's tolerable.

If you didn't mind taking a flyer, I'd think one of these might work as well:
- Angell TC97 16x19 in 315g/310mm weight/balance
- Artengo TR960CT 16x19 (customized up)
- Head Prestige MP-L (customized up)
Thanks for the suggestions. You're pretty much right on the money in regards to what I'm not going to gel with. The Ki Q+5 Pro is an interesting racket. Seems to check a lot of boxes for me. But I've never been able to gel with a 100 square inch head. They feel way to clunky to me on serve and on my one hander. I'd just rather stay away from all of them. The TFight ISO 315 on the other hand has me a bit intrigued. On paper it looks like it could fit the bill. But the 69RA scares me. Even if it doesn't bother my arm when I demo it. What happens down the road after I buy a matched pair and play with them for a while? Does that 69RA start to haunt me? I might end up adding this one to my demo list anyhow. I still have high hopes for the Rad MP Auxetic. After some modifications of course.
 
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