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

Trip

Legend
@TennisManiac - Understood re- the 100's.

Yes, I think a Radical MP demo is definitely in order. I would expect to add handle weight to bring balance more in-line with the Pro Staff.

As for the 315 ISO, you should demo from an online shop so you can cut out the demo string and put in Alu @ 45 (your regular setup). If your spidey sense says "yes", then beyond that you'll only really ever know the long-term comfort by purchasing, preferably with a matching service. If you have the cash to float, I'd say perhaps just buy right away for the privilege of avoiding an off-spec demo. Worst case, you flip the frames for decent resale value while the ISO series is still mid-lifecycle, and chalk up whatever little is lost as tuition/learning expense.

As for other options, not sure how willing you are to try off-brands, but there's the Fury Arma Pro 98, which is supposed to be a more powerful Pro Staff in both behavior and feel. It can be a bit "hot" in the upper half of the string bed, but perhaps Alu Power would help to tame that well enough. Then again, not much of that matters right now, as it's currently sold out in the US at least.
 

CVT

Rookie
If those are your finalists, I think one other racquet in your profile should be the Head Speed Pro. IMO, it was between the feel of the Blade and Radical. I’ve gone back and forth with the Speed and the Blade. The Blade has a great feel. The Speed is more powerful.

I also liked the Speed MP, but it needs more weight. It has less control but still good stability.
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
If those are your finalists, I think one other racquet in your profile should be the Head Speed Pro. IMO, it was between the feel of the Blade and Radical. I’ve gone back and forth with the Speed and the Blade. The Blade has a great feel. The Speed is more powerful.

I also liked the Speed MP, but it needs more weight. It has less control but still good stability.
Funny you say that. I thought the Speed Pro could be the one for me last Fall. I demoed both the Speed Pro and MP at the end of last season and liked the Pro better. I actually bought two matched frames. But after playing them for about a month I realized that I didn't care for the thick beam. And it was just too clumsy and sluggish feeling to me on serve, so I sold them.

I've ruled out the Blade V8 having played with it a couple of times recently. It's too underpowered and flexible for me. The dwell time is too long and robs energy from the ball. I also believe that the quicker a ball can get out of the stringbed the more accurate you can be in regards to hitting your spots.

So now it's down to the Rad MP Aux and the Extreme Tour Aux. I'm just having problems trying to obtain both demos at once as TW seems to be out of one or the other every time I check in to place my order.
 

Trip

Legend
I also believe that the quicker a ball can get out of the stringbed the more accurate you can be in regards to hitting your spots.
Depends. Yes, if you're accustomed to bringing the frame through contact at the very moment required to aim the ball optimally. No, if you're more used to more of a "lag and drag" type of contact; this typically tends to suit flatter hitters and requires a bit more strength and bodily brute force, which not all players have or prefer to exert on every shot. Certainly nothing wrong with either preference, and either one if of course dependent on personal preference.
 
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Tan Tennis

Rookie
@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)
I second ISO315. Zero adjustment switching from PS97. Hitting bigger and easier. I know the RA is high but I it’s more comfortable on the arm than the PS97. Magic.
 

A_Instead

Legend
TM... What if the Aux Radical and Aux Extreme do not meet your expectations?
Not to mention your requirements...
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
TM... What if the Aux Radical and Aux Extreme do not meet your expectations?
Not to mention your requirements...
Good question. I guess if it comes down to it... and I hope it doesn't. I can just bite the bullet and settle on the PSV14. But that's a last resort after all else has failed.
 

jbdbackfan

Semi-Pro
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.
Did you not try the Prince Tour 98?
 

Trip

Legend
And not to be a broken record here, but as per @Tan Tennis 's endorsement as well, you at least need to give the 315 ISO a demo try. You've come this far; I think it would be a shame not to.
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
And not to be a broken record here, but as per @Tan Tennis 's endorsement as well, I really think you need to book a date with the 315 ISO. It's all-but-made for what you're looking for. Seriously.
A part of me really wants to demo it. But I just can't see myself playing with a racket that's totally white. I use a white overgrip. So it would literally be white on white. Too much white! :laughing:
 

Trip

Legend
Well, to each their own I guess, but considering how few frames are a potential fit for you, I'd focus on playability above all else, and if it's really necessary, send them to CTR in Florida to get blacked out. But I get that we're all different.
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
Did you not try the Prince Tour 98?
Are you talking about the ATS Textreme Tour 98? I just watched the review and read the written reviews. TW gave this one a super high score. Michelle made it her second favorite. And Andrew switched to it. Makes me want to try it now. But the tip and beam thickness is 23mm. That's pretty chunky to me. Idk about that. :confused: What are the grip shapes like with Prince? Are they like WIlson? Or are they like Babolat and Yonex?
And not to be a broken record here, but as per @Tan Tennis 's endorsement as well, you at least need to give the 315 ISO a demo try. You've come this far; I think it would be a shame not to.
I actually just went to add it to my demo cart but there's no stock. :cautious:
 
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jbdbackfan

Semi-Pro
Are you talking about the ATS Textreme Tour 98? I just watched the review and read the written reviews. TW gave this one a super high score. Michelle made it her second favorite. And Andrew switched to it. Makes me want to try it now. But the tip and beam thickness is 23mm. That's pretty chunky to me. Idk about that. :confused: What are the grip shapes like with Prince? Are they like WIlson? Or are they like Babolat and Yonex?

I actually just went to add it to my demo cart but there's no stock. :cautious:
The grip shape is more like a Wilson to me. Nothing like head. The phantom 97P may be one to look at too
 

Trip

Legend
That's a nice trio - 300, 305 and 315g, varying levels of medium-stiff, decent string density variation, and similar-ish power levels. Should be a good demo!
 

Trip

Legend
hit the MP at my local club and was pleasantly surprised, almost to the point of trying out the pro since it packs more punch.
Actually, the Pro packs less punch, at least in the form of free power (at equivalent strung spec). It has a narrower beam and a smaller sweet spot, although it is a bit more "thuddy" on contact, so it may pack more punch from a feel perspective.
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
Actually, the Pro packs less punch, at least in the form of free power (at equivalent strung spec). It has a narrower beam and a smaller sweet spot, although it is a bit more "thuddy" on contact, so it may pack more punch from a feel perspective.
Exactly
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
Just received my demo order today.

"Without" overgrip and dampener:

The Rad MP came in at 316 gms strung and 5 pts HL
The Extreme Tour came in at 320 gms strung and 5 pts HL
The TFight ISO 315 came in at 329 gms strung and 6 pts HL

I'll modify them tonight to bring them to my desired specs. and play with them tomorrow.
 

Trip

Legend
@TennisManiac - Excellent, although it seems like the 315 ISO may be a tad head-heavier than advertised. Oh well. Can't wait to hear your feedback. For the sake of getting right to the point, please cut the demo string and put in Alu @ 45 in each.
 

jdx2112

Hall of Fame
Just received my demo order today.

"Without" overgrip and dampener:

The Rad MP came in at 316 gms strung and 5 pts HL
The Extreme Tour came in at 320 gms strung and 5 pts HL
The TFight ISO 315 came in at 329 gms strung and 6 pts HL

I'll modify them tonight to bring them to my desired specs. and play with them tomorrow.
Interesting. My recent demo came in at 330 with overripe and strings...bit too heavy for me, at least at that sw.
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
Interesting. My recent demo came in at 330 with overripe and strings...bit too heavy for me, at least at that sw.
I'm thinking that the reason the Rad MP came in at such a low static weight was because it came strung with Syn Gut. I can't believe TW would put that crap in a demo racket. I didn't have time last night to tear that junk out and restring it with a proper string. I played with it today and could tell that I would probably really like the racket. I just ripped that garbage out and will be restringing it tonight with Alu Power. Then playing with it again tomorrow and the next day before sending it back. So I'll have a real gauge on what's going on in a couple of days.

Come on TW.... Syn Gut? Really? :rolleyes:
 

jdx2112

Hall of Fame
I'm thinking that the reason the Rad MP came in at such a low static weight was because it came strung with Syn Gut. I can't believe TW would put that crap in a demo racket. I didn't have time last night to tear that junk out and restring it with a proper string. I played with it today and could tell that I would probably really like the racket. I just ripped that garbage out and will be restringing it tonight with Alu Power. Then playing with it again tomorrow and the next day before sending it back. So I'll have a real gauge on what's going on in a couple of days.

Come on TW.... Syn Gut? Really? :rolleyes:
You should have a choice of poly or multi when selecting a demo from TW. Others don't offer that.
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
O.k. I just strung the Rad MP with Alu 1.25 and the static weight jumped up 5 grams. So this demo actually came in slightly over spec. Which is fine by me. I have it set up with a static weight of 340 grams, 6 pts. HL and a swing weight of 337. Let's see how it plays now. ;)
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
@TennisManiac - Did you throw Alu 1.25 @ 45 in all three frames? Or just focusing on the Rad MP first?
I played a set with each today with the crappy string that came with them. The Rad MP had syn gut, the Extreme Tour had Lynx Tour and the ISO had Triax. I immediately ruled out the Extreme Tour for a few reasons. It's down to the Rad MP and the ISO 315. From what I could gather today I can easily tell that I like the Rad MP much more. But I'll play with both for the next two days and finalize my decision soon. Alu Power will be in both rackets. Same tension, same static weight, same balance and same swingweight.

FWIW, both rackets are 339 gms static weight, 6 pts. HL and 337 swingweight.
 
D

Deleted member 746200

Guest
If you are leaning Blade, the Blade Pro is way to go. Better feel & power.
Nope. Blade Pro and Blade are totally different. Different beam and balance.
 

A_Instead

Legend
Perhaps the last person who demod the Radical strung it with syn. Gut.. unlucky you.
So the next person who gets your Radical Demo will get Lux.. lucky them.

Demoing is like going fishn.. you throw your line in and you never really know what you are going to catch..
That's why the sell fish in the market..one can pick their preference..
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
Perhaps the last person who demod the Radical strung it with syn. Gut.. unlucky you.
So the next person who gets your Radical Demo will get Lux.. lucky them.
Exactly! When I send these demos back I should include an invoice to TW for the cost of my Alu with only like an hour or two on it.

TW..... YOU'RE WELCOME
 

Trip

Legend
@TennisManiac - How are you doing on this journey? Last I think we left off (in the TFight ISO thread of all places) you were quite smitten with the Auxetic Radical MP. Is that still the case? I take it the ISO 315 is out; if so, care to share why? Anything else still on the radar? Close to switching to the Rad MP and calling it good? Curious to hear your latest thoughts.
 

A_Instead

Legend
Not to speak for TM..
But he is on the court as we speak trying to get the final lead tape location figured out on his 2023 vcore 95 demo...
He is almost there... but he will advise his outcome..
 

Trip

Legend
Nice! The VC95 enters the fray. Being a former VC95'er myself ('15 SV, '18 and '21), I'm even more interested now...
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
@TennisManiac - How are you doing on this journey? Last I think we left off (in the TFight ISO thread of all places) you were quite smitten with the Auxetic Radical MP. Is that still the case? I take it the ISO 315 is out; if so, care to share why? Anything else still on the radar? Close to switching to the Rad MP and calling it good? Curious to hear your latest thoughts.
The journey has been long. But I'm about to make my choice. I've demoed so many rackets these past three weeks it's been mind boggling. I'm still processing things right now. I'll let you know which way I go in a day or so. ;)
 

pico

Hall of Fame
The journey has been long. But I'm about to make my choice. I've demoed so many rackets these past three weeks it's been mind boggling. I'm still processing things right now. I'll let you know which way I go in a day or so. ;)
I am so excited!!!!! I am on a similar journey but everytime I feel I get to the end, a curveball is thrown lol.
 

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
The journey has been long and frustrating. My competitive season is right around the corner so I had to make a decision. Either upgrade/switch to new frames, or stay with the 8 year old 1st Gen Pro Staff 97s another year.

FWIW, I really liked a couple of these frames. There were two that checked all the boxes for me. But their flexibility created too much dwell time and robbed energy from the ball. It felt like it didn't matter how hard I hit. The ball just wouldn't move through the court any faster. Almost like there was a power plateau that you couldn't pass. And that doesn't sit well with me. I want exactly what I put into my shots. I don't want a racket that limits the ball speed speed because of it's energy robbing technologies.

After extensively demoing the latest versions of the following frames "customized to my liking" I've made a decision.

VCore 95
VCore 98
VCore Pro 97 310
Ezone 98
PA98
Pure Strike 3rd Gen 16x19
TF40 305
TFight ISO 315
Pro Kennex Q+ Tour
Gravity Pro
Radical MP
Extreme Tour
Pro Staff 97 V14
Whiteout 16x19




And the winner is..........
























The Pro Staff 97 V14 ;)
 

jdx2112

Hall of Fame
The journey has been long and frustrating. My competitive season is right around the corner so I had to make a decision. Either upgrade/switch to new frames, or stay with the 8 year old 1st Gen Pro Staff 97s another year.

FWIW, I really liked a couple of these frames. There were two that checked all the boxes for me. But their flexibility created too much dwell time and robbed energy from the ball. It felt like it didn't matter how hard I hit. The ball just wouldn't move through the court any faster. Almost like there was a power plateau that you couldn't pass. And that doesn't sit well with me. I want exactly what I put into my shots. I don't want a racket that limits the ball speed speed because of it's energy robbing technologies.

After extensively demoing the latest versions of the following frames "customized to my liking" I've made a decision.

VCore 95
VCore 98
VCore Pro 97 310
Ezone 98
PA98
Pure Strike 3rd Gen 16x19
TF40 305
TFight ISO 315
Pro Kennex Q+ Tour
Gravity Pro
Radical MP
Extreme Tour
Pro Staff 97 V14
Whiteout 16x19




And the winner is..........
























The Pro Staff 97 V14 ;)
A close second? Third?
 
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