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

[Simon_the_furry]

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.

These are my recommendations from the racquets that are currently on the market:


ProKennex Ki Q+ 5 Pro (310)
Head Size: 100 sq. in. / 645 sq. cm.
Length: 27.00 inches / 68.58 cm
Strung Weight: 11.50 oz / 326 g
Balance: 7pts HL
Swing Weight: 320
Beam Width: 21.5mm
Tip/Shaft: 21.5mm / 21.5mm
Composition: High Modulus Graphite/SpiralTech Carbon
Power Level: Low-Medium
Stiffness: 67
String Pattern: 16 Mains/20 Crosses
Main Skip: 8T,8H
String Tension: 50-65


Babolat Pure Strike 16x19 (Project One7)
Head Size: 98 sq. in. / 632 sq. cm.
Length: 27.00 inches / 68.58 cm
Strung Weight: 11.30 oz / 320 g
Balance: 4pts HL
Swing Weight: 323
Beam Width: 23.3mm
Tip/Shaft: 21.3mm / 21.3mm
Composition: Graphite
Power Level: Low-Medium
Stiffness: 67
String Pattern: 16 Mains/19 Crosses
Main Skip: 8T,8H
String Tension: 50-59


Prince Textreme Tour 100P
Head Size: 100 sq. in. / 645 sq. cm.
Length: 27.00 inches / 68.58 cm
Strung Weight: 11.50 oz / 326 g
Balance: 7pts HL
Swing Weight: 321
Beam Width: 23.5mm
Tip/Shaft: 22.5mm / 21.0mm
Composition: Graphite & Textreme
Power Level: Low-Medium
Stiffness: 62
String Pattern: 18 Mains/20 Crosses
Main Skip: 8T,10T,8H,10H
String Tension: 45-55


Yonex VCORE Duel G 97 (310g)
Head Size: 97 sq. in. / 626 sq. cm.
Length: 27.00 inches / 68.58 cm
Strung Weight: 11.50 oz / 326 g
Balance: 7pts HL
Swing Weight: 315
Beam Width: 20.5mm
Tip/Shaft: 20.5mm / 20.5mm
Composition: H.M. Graphite w/Tough G Fiber & Black Micro Core
Power Level: Low
Stiffness: 64
String Pattern: 16 Mains/20 Crosses
Main Skip: NONE
String Tension: 50-65

 

[nvr2old]

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

Yep you’re spot on. Bottom line many racquets put there you’d prob like. Maybe the TW compare racquet section would be of use. And Spintowin is correct there are MANY frames out there. Good luck. Have fun.

 

[haqq777]

I would definitely recommend short listing the racquets of your desired specs using racquet finder just as @nvr2old said. And then try demos for those if you have the chance. I can certainly understand the issue with demos having so many variable though. Best of luck.

 

[tmc5005]

Have you tried the Blade 98S 18X16 Countervail Tennis Racquet it is about the same weight as your racquet and has an open string pattern which would generate more spin. If you are concerned about arm or elbow problems you should be looking at something a little heavier but head light balanced which gives it a lower swing weight.

 

[Attila_the_gorilla]

If I were buying brand new frames, Angell would indeed make a lot of sense to me. But if your budget is limited and you're happy with second hand, then there are lots of options. You can get used frames in good condition for around or less than half the price of new ones.

 

[Maui19]

I don't have any prob with used frames. I got several of my BB NYC frames "used" for around $45. Several of them appeared to be brand new.

 

[nvr2old]

Honestly my Prince TT tour 100p and TTvwarrior 100T are excellent racquets and compare very favorably IMO to my Angells. Can be gotten used for great prices. Got mine for about $100.