Time to change racquets, but I don't have a clue

[Maui19]

For the past 4 years, I've been playing Boris Becker NYC racquets. When I first started playing them, they were a huge improvement for my game, partly because they were so light that I got more power and spin. Unfortunately, all of the frames have cracked at the throat and I am down to my last two. Last week, one of these has started feeling and sounding dead, which I know is the beginning of the end for these frames. So now I need to move to a new frame, but I don't have a clue what is going on with racquets these days. When last I looked, the big deal was very open, spinney racquets that ate strings like mad. That marketing fad seems to have passed.

I am "high 4.0" in my mid-fifties, very fit and speedy. I play dubs almost exclusively. I am strong from the baseline. I rely on a variety of spin, placement and speeds on my serve, which for me is pretty effective. My volleys are ok but could be better.

My rally ball is medium pace with a lot of spin from both sides, although I can hit harder when called for. I have a OHBH.

I don't know where to begin to look. Last time around, I demoed racquets and found that to be a mixed bag because demo's have such variable strings and tensions. I am looking for suggestions on frames I should consider so that my task is a little more manageable. All I know for sure is that I want something at least 100sq", light and head light.

Thanks for any insights you may have.

 

[toby55555]

Your game sounds like mine and same age group. Prince Textreme 100P is worth a demo but its standard length and not as stiff.
you can enter desired specs in raquetfinder to narrow down your choice; nearest might be
Volkl V-Sense V1 MP.

http://www.racquetfinder.com

BB NYC specs:
Technical Specifications
Length 27.25 inches 69 centimeters
Head Size 100 square inches 645 square centimeters
Weight 10.8 ounces 306 grams
Balance Point 12.88 inches
33 centimeters 6pts Head Light
Construction 23mm / 23mm / 23mm Straight Beam
Composition Graphite / Delta Core
String Pattern 16 Mains / 18 Crosses
Babolat RDC Ratings
Score
Grade
Flex Rating 68 Range: 0-100
Swing Weight 304 Range: 200-400

 

[pabletion]

Your game sounds like mine and same age group. Prince Textreme 100P is worth a demo but its standard length and not as stiff.
you can enter desired specs in raquetfinder to narrow down your choice; nearest might be
Volkl V-Sense V1 MP.

http://www.racquetfinder.com

BB NYC specs:
Technical Specifications
Length 27.25 inches 69 centimeters
Head Size 100 square inches 645 square centimeters
Weight 10.8 ounces 306 grams
Balance Point 12.88 inches
33 centimeters 6pts Head Light
Construction 23mm / 23mm / 23mm Straight Beam
Composition Graphite / Delta Core
String Pattern 16 Mains / 18 Crosses
Babolat RDC Ratings
Score
Grade
Flex Rating 68 Range: 0-100
Swing Weight 304 Range: 200-400

Looks very similar in specs to thw Tecnifibre TFight 305 DC. I can tell you theyre very solid sticks, not über light and/or stiff, modern but a much better feel than say Babolat.

And it comes in an 18x19 patter. So its string friendly.

 

[lwto]

If you don't have any shoulder issues, I'd try a Yonex DR100. Really great racquet, but again..It will hurt your shoulders if you have a issue.

 

[toby55555]

Tecnifibre TFight 305 DC is 320g and 95" head. He wants at least 100" and light which for me means around 300g.

 

[nvr2old]

Angell - pick your custom spec!

 

[Muppet]

Besides the cracking, is there anything about your NYC that you'd like to change?

 

[esgee48]

Head Radical S or Volkl V1 (iterations are the same, so demo and pick your price range.)

 

[Maui19]

Good thoughts thus far. Thanks and keep them coming! The Prince and Yonex both look interesting.

I wouldn't get another Volkl racquet of any kind. Every one that I have owned has cracked at the throat.

I've never heard of Angell. If I knew what specs I needed, I could narrow things down.

Why has the industry gone back to denser string patterns? What happened to all the spin effect mumbo jumbo?

 

[SpinToWin]

This if it is available in the US (where I assume you are from):


http://www.tenniswarehouse-europe.c..._Tennisschlager/descpageRCPACIH-XFALT-DE.html

 

[toby55555]

http://www.tenniswarehouse-europe.com/Pacific_BXT_X_Fast_LT_Racket/descpageRCPACIH-XFALT-EN.html
in English

 

[CopolyX]

Yep, as the great esgee48 suggested, demo-ing this the path to go.
20 bucks gives you four to try for a week.
If you do it right, the racquet will pick you.

 

[Crocodile]

Volkl V1 Pro or V Sense 8 300g since you have got used to using the softer feeling frames in the past.

 

[Maui19]

Besides the cracking, is there anything about your NYC that you'd like to change?

Not, not really. It used to make a great sound at impact, but that went away with age.

 

[Maui19]

Volkl V1 Pro or V Sense 8 300g since you have got used to using the softer feeling frames in the past.

Thanks, but every Volkl racquet I've had has cracked at the throat (BBs were made by Volkl). I'm never getting another Volkl.

 

[nvr2old]

Good thoughts thus far. Thanks and keep them coming! The Prince and Yonex both look interesting.

I wouldn't get another Volkl racquet of any kind. Every one that I have owned has cracked at the throat.

I've never heard of Angell. If I knew what specs I needed, I could narrow things down.

Why has the industry gone back to denser string patterns? What happened to all the spin effect mumbo jumbo?

Per post above your BB specs area about:

BB NYC specs:
Technical Specifications
Length 27.25 inches 69 centimeters
Head Size 100 square inches 645 square centimeters
Weight 10.8 ounces 306 grams
Balance Point 12.88 inches
33 centimeters 6pts Head Light
Construction 23mm / 23mm / 23mm Straight Beam
Composition Graphite / Delta Core
String Pattern 16 Mains / 18 Crosses
Babolat RDC Ratings
Score
Grade
Flex Rating 68 Range: 0-100
Swing Weight 304 Range: 200-400

Angell is a custom foam filled frame highly praised by many here made in England by Paul Angell. You can choose custom specs from a menu.

 

[ace18]

Angell - pick your custom spec!

+1 for Angell. Sounds like a TC100 would be a great frame for you. I also like the Textreme Tour 100P a lot, but it caused me some wrist discomfort.

 

[Crocodile]

Thanks, but every Volkl racquet I've had has cracked at the throat (BBs were made by Volkl). I'm never getting another Volkl.

I'm surprised about that, I have never had a problem with any Volkl ever. I wonder whether the person doing the stringing for you is doing something wrong. I've also used a BB Melbourne and it has been a rock solid frame.

 

[nvr2old]

+1 for Angell. Sounds like a TC100 would be a great frame for you. I also like the Textreme Tour 100P a lot, but it caused me some wrist discomfort.

My Angells (TC97 and 100) but truly awesome sticks. My other keeper rackets include my TT 100P's as well as my MG Rads (MP and Pro) as well as my Yonex ai 98's and vcore tour f 97's. Lots of excellent racquets out there honestly. Demo'ing is great advice if possible. I also liked the new Wilson Ultra Tour (not a fan of the new price point though).

 

[toby55555]

+1 for Angell. Sounds like a TC100 would be a great frame for you. I also like the Textreme Tour 100P a lot, but it caused me some wrist discomfort.

What string and tension in the 100P. I find it very comfortable with TF X-One Biphase at 50lbs. Previously with a syn gut I had some wrist soreness too, I would imagine poly is a no no if you have sensitive wrist.

 

[SpinToWin]

An Angell TC 100 will be way too hefty given what he came from. Come on guys, be serious, it's not Angell above all else

 

[SinjinCooper]

An Angell TC 100 will be way too hefty given what he came from. Come on guys, be serious, it's not Angell above all else

Wut?

You can order a TC100 lighter and more headlight than the Becker NYC, or heavier and heftier, or anywhere in between. Angells are the best racquets on the market, bar none, and by far the most customizable.

 

[SpinToWin]

Wut?

You can order a TC100 lighter and more headlight than the Becker NYC, or heavier and heftier, or anywhere in between. Angells are the best racquets on the market, bar none, and by far the most customizable.

Check the swingweight. He will not get a 27.25 Angell at a 304 swingweight. Fair enough?

Also, the quality of Angell frames is undoubtedly there, I liked them a lot myself, but people tend to exaggerate. I don't think they're better than quality offerings from big brands.

 

[4-string]

Check the swingweight. He will not get a 27.25 Angell at a 304 swingweight. Fair enough?

Also, the quality of Angell frames is undoubtedly there, I liked them a lot myself, but people tend to exaggerate. I don't think they're better than quality offerings from big brands.

Agree. Angells are great, but not necessarily for everyone or the solution to everything.

I have one, but still prefer a couple of my Pro Staffs over it. [emoji51]

 

[kenyee]

What string and tension in the 100P. I find it very comfortable with TF X-One Biphase at 50lbs. Previously with a syn gut I had some wrist soreness too, I would imagine poly is a no no if you have sensitive wrist.

FWIW, the TW demo of the TT100P gave me some wrist discomfort too...it hit really well though.
I'd add the Phantom Pro to the list...that's on my demo list.

 

[Faris]

Most definitely look at Angells....i dont care what anyone says, their quality IS higher and better than mainstream brands...i have tried them all......that AND you can email Paul Angell, tell him ur specs and he will work with you to get you your stick even if the website doesnt have the exact specs you are looking for...

 

[tennisgurl]

I have one, but still prefer a couple of my Pro Staffs over it.

Glad you are liking those Wilson Pro Staffs. But unless you order matched set, be prepared to get out of whack specs too. Wilson has notorious quality control. My bf ordered two and got one 6 grams diff and completely diff balance. Like two different rackets. So many other stories here as well for Blades, Pro Staffs, Burns you name it. I mean offcourse you can adjust specs using lead etc but you won't have that problem with Angell even if you buy two at different times. Just drop a message asking for exact weight and balance and you get exactly what you request. That alone can not be beat. An even bigger plus offcourse is that Angells play so well!

 

[tennisgurl]

Most definitely look at Angells....i dont care what anyone says, their quality IS higher and better than mainstream brands...i have tried them all......that AND you can email Paul Angell, tell him ur specs and he will work with you to get you your stick even if the website doesnt have the exact specs you are looking for...

Agree all the way!

 

[nvr2old]

An Angell TC 100 will be way too hefty given what he came from. Come on guys, be serious, it's not Angell above all else

Yep not only game in town but pretty close.

Stiffness63 RA (£0)

Length27.25 (£0)

Bumper GrommetsBlack (£0)

Weight / Balance310g(11oz) / 325mm(6ptsHL) (£0)

Grip SizeL1 - 4 1/8 (£0)

Handle ShapeB ( Standard) (£0)

Grip TypeRed (£
Leather

Or other choices as needed.

 

[SpinToWin]

Yep not only game in town but pretty close.

Stiffness63 RA (£0)

Length27.25 (£0)

Bumper GrommetsBlack (£0)

Weight / Balance310g(11oz) / 325mm(6ptsHL) (£0)

Grip SizeL1 - 4 1/8 (£0)

Handle ShapeB ( Standard) (£0)

Grip TypeRed (£
Leather

Or other choices as needed.

That frame will have a 340ish swingweight. And a higher static weight too

 

[SpinToWin]

Most definitely look at Angells....i dont care what anyone says, their quality IS higher and better than mainstream brands...i have tried them all......that AND you can email Paul Angell, tell him ur specs and he will work with you to get you your stick even if the website doesnt have the exact specs you are looking for...

Well then you're just wrong. We can have a meaningful discussion about the great Angell frames, or turn into Angell sycophants. There are Angells on the FS forums rather often, they're not for everybody.

 

[SpinToWin]

Glad you are liking those Wilson Pro Staffs. But unless you order matched set, be prepared to get out of whack specs too. Wilson has notorious quality control. My bf ordered two and got one 6 grams diff and completely diff balance. Like two different rackets. So many other stories here as well for Blades, Pro Staffs, Burns you name it. I mean offcourse you can adjust specs using lead etc but you won't have that problem with Angell even if you buy two at different times. Just drop a message asking for exact weight and balance and you get exactly what you request. That alone can not be beat. An even bigger plus offcourse is that Angells play so well!

News flash: Angell has varying specs too, that's why he can take out especially low/high swingweight samples. There have also been conflicting reports about performance and @dgoran has suggested it may be different samples performing differently. Plus one poster dd get a different spec sample which performed much worse according to him.

 

[joohan]

Angell is great and I happily suggest it to anyone looking for a new tennis racquet but there are frames that feel better to me. Even DR98 feels better to me than TC100, for instance. Performance-wise (on clay) I’m not sure anything’s better for me than TC100...depends on what you’re looking for and allowances you’re prepared/not prepared to make.

 

[Faris]

Well then you're just wrong. We can have a meaningful discussion about the great Angell frames, or turn into Angell sycophants. There are Angells on the FS forums rather often, they're not for everybody.

Actually no,not wrong but the fact that you are here to rub your opinion as fact shows me much abt your knowledge on subject..i mentioned I have a hitting partner with close specs and yet you resort to implying im an Angell sycophant..tht fact that you force yoir opinions as facts is a put off man, dont tag me again pls

 

[tennisgurl]

News flash: Angell has varying specs too, that's why he can take out especially low/high swingweight samples. There have also been conflicting reports about performance and @dgoran has suggested it may be different samples performing differently. Plus one poster dd get a different spec sample which performed much worse according to him.

Every manufacturer will have variances. Angell are much better, however. And if you buy them just a note in message section will make sure you have matching specs for multiple frames. Also, if you already have one racquet and know specs you can ask Paul for exact same specs and he will pick one out for you. Stop drawing a strawman argument here and pretending like I said something else. You are much better than that.

 

[topspn]

An Angell TC 100 will be way too hefty given what he came from. Come on guys, be serious, it's not Angell above all else

Way to hefty? You can get one in lighter form, it is not hefty at all. A 3.5 small woman is hitting with TC100 and loves it so its not hard to wield in lower weight.

 

[tennisgurl]

That frame will have a 340ish swingweight. And a higher static weight too

A 70 RA, 27.25inch, Custom TC100 can have swingweight as low as 280. You can ask Paul yourself. With strings that comes out close to 305 and static weight in the same range which infact IS the desired range for OP.

 

[SpinToWin]

Every manufacturer will have variances. Angell are much better, however. And if you buy them just a note in message section will make sure you have matching specs for multiple frames. Also, if you already have one racquet and know specs you can ask Paul for exact same specs and he will pick one out for you. Stop drawing a strawman argument here and pretending like I said something else. You are much better than that.

And how is that any different from shooting a message to TW and asking for matched specs?

Look, I tested Paul's frames and liked them a lot. I even am seriously contemplating switching to them in the medium term, as he offers longer frames unlike most other companies. However, I seriously dislike the need to suggest Angell frames everywhere. Just check the FS forums and you'll see many Angells being sold. When the OP comes from using a stiff and thicker beamed, light, and extended frame with a low 300s swingweight, recommending a frame, which, to have comparable specs, will have a swingweight almost 30 units higher, is not good advice.

A 70 RA, 27.25inch, Custom TC100 can have swingweight as low as 280. You can ask Paul yourself. With strings that comes out close to 305 and static weight in the same range which infact IS the desired range for OP.

I am not sure where you got that number from, but agree to disagree. Last I checked the lowest swingweight for the standard length was around mid 310 to 320 strung.

 

[tennisgurl]

Way to hefty? You can get one in lighter form, it is not hefty at all. A 3.5 small woman is hitting with TC100 and loves it so its not hard to wield in lower weight.

I often use a TC100 these days. I'm 125lbs and petite. One of the easiest racquets to use in my opinion.

 

[SpinToWin]

Way to hefty? You can get one in lighter form, it is not hefty at all. A 3.5 small woman is hitting with TC100 and loves it so its not hard to wield in lower weight.

Sigh... swingweight and what the OP is coming from...

I know amateur women using weighted 6.1s, that doesn't mean I'd recommend them to the OP.

 

[tennisgurl]

And how is that any different from shooting a message to TW and asking for matched specs?

Look, I tested Paul's frames and liked them a lot. I even am seriously contemplating switching to them in the medium term, as he offers longer frames unlike most other companies. However, I seriously dislike the need to suggest Angell frames everywhere. Just check the FS forums and you'll see many Angells being sold. When the OP comes from using a stiff and thicker beamed, light, and extended frame with a low 300s swingweight, recommending a frame, which, to have comparable specs, will have a swingweight almost 40 units higher, is not good advice.


I am not sure where you got that number from, but agree to disagree. Last I checked the lowest swingweight for the standard length was around 310 strung.

You cant ask for matching second racquet from TW without paying for their custom service which is $20. You dont pay anything to Paul. Big difference.

Just because you see everyone suggesting Angells does not mean I am one of them. They are fabulous racquets though. In this scenerio I just think it is a right fit. Has nothing to do with being an Angell groupie like you have been implying.

Lowest swingweight unstrung for standard is as low as 275 as I have seen it myself. Unstrung lowest swingweight for 70RA 27.25 can be as low as 280. You can email Paul and confirm yourself.

 

[SpinToWin]

Actually no,not wrong but the fact that you are here to rub your opinion as fact shows me much abt your knowledge on subject..i mentioned I have a hitting partner with close specs and yet you resort to implying im an Angell sycophant..tht fact that you force yoir opinions as facts is a put off man, dont tag me again pls

You're the one making objective claims about quality bud. You can't go claiming your subjective impressions to be objective fact and then go cry wolf when you're called out for falsely asserting objective facts.

Most definitely look at Angells....i dont care what anyone says, their quality IS higher and better than mainstream brands...i have tried them all......that AND you can email Paul Angell, tell him ur specs and he will work with you to get you your stick even if the website doesnt have the exact specs you are looking for...

 

[topspn]

Sigh... swingweight and what the OP is coming from...

I know amateur women using weighted 6.1s, that doesn't mean I'd recommend them to the OP.

What he is coming from is redundant. We have all played with different racquets and different specs. Question is, is a TC100 easy to wield at lower weights and it is a resounding yes. It may still not be the racquet for him but it is not hard to wield and he can ask a target SW with Paul. You need to calm down a bit with everyone is an Angell fanatic lecture bro and you are the one realist. Just saying, no offense...

 

[Maui19]

And another thread devolves into an Angell pissing contest. If you want to argue about racquets, please go elsewhere to do it. Thank you.

 

[SpinToWin]

You cant ask for matching second racquet from TW without paying for their custom service which is $20. You dont pay anything to Paul. Big difference.

Just because you see everyone suggesting Angells does not mean I am one of them. They are fabulous racquets though. In this scenerio I just think it is a right fit. Has nothing to do with being an Angell groupie like you have been implying.

Lowest swingweight unstrung for standard is as low as 275 as I have seen it myself. Unstrung lowest swingweight for 70RA 27.25 can be as low as 280. You can email Paul and confirm yourself.

Not really referring to you, you have had too few posts to belong into that bracket. I was commenting in general as it's a continuing trend.

Still not sure about the specs, but if you say so I'll take your word for it. I personally still am skeptical that the 100 will play good at such a low swingweight, considering its thinner beam and lower flex among other things (also, I seem to recall somebody saying the off sample he had was lower in swingweight and thus felt off even when weighted up, but I won't claim certainty).

In the end, the decision is up to the OP. I personally would suggest he look for frames he can demo, I'm not sure how easily he'll resell the Angell considering the specs he'd end up with.

 

[SpinToWin]

And another thread devolves into an Angell pissing contest. If you want to argue about racquets, please go elsewhere to do it. Thank you.

Sorry, I'll leave it at that.

 

[Faris]

You can't go claiming your subjective impressions to be objective fact and then go cry wolf when you're called out for falsely asserting objective facts.

Yeah..right back at ya.

 

[Faris]

And another thread devolves into an Angell pissing contest. If you want to argue about racquets, please go elsewhere to do it. Thank you.

Im out too. Best of luck.

 

[tennisgurl]

Not really referring to you, you have had too few posts to belong into that bracket. I was commenting in general as it's a continuing trend.

Still not sure about the specs, but if you say so I'll take your word for it. I personally still am skeptical that the 100 will play good at such a low swingweight, considering its thinner beam and lower flex among other things (also, I seem to recall somebody saying the off sample he had was lower in swingweight and thus felt off even when weighted up, but I won't claim certainty).

In the end, the decision is up to the OP. I personally would suggest he look for frames he can demo, I'm not sure how easily he'll resell the Angell considering the specs he'd end up with.

Will agree to disagree on playability as well as resale. Angells sell like hotcakes whatever the specs, just my two cents. Other than that, will not hijack thread anymore. Wish OP best in finding the right racquet be it Yonex, Babolat, Wilson, Head, Angell, Donnay whatever!

 

[SpinToWin]

Will agree to disagree on playability as well as resale. Angells sell like hotcakes whatever the specs, just my two cents. Other than that, will not hijack thread anymore. Wish OP best in finding the right racquet be it Yonex, Babolat, Wilson, Head, Angell, Donnay whatever!

You should post more often, you're a pleasant poster. Don't let this place warp you though lol