Ultimate racquet of choice - tournament players and/or coaches

[Boubi]

my friend was using 4g soft for quite some time now. Loved it. But eventually switched to signum pro firestorm.

Liked it a lot but lasted 3 hours max

 

[ClaudTT]

DIADEM ELEVATE FS 98, 305g, 32cm balance, 64 ra, 16x20 pattern, 21.5 mm flat beam

Now this will stay in my bag!

how does it perform?
first - the racquet in stock form is enough stable for my game. Maybe because of the foam inside? Maybe because of the 21.5m beam ? I don't know but compared to Yonex Vcore Pro 97 (previous editions) and Yonex Vcore 95 it's night and day. It is also slightly more stable than Head Gravity Tour (review to come).

The biggest comparable, competitive racquet in that weight range would be Wilson Blade which is more stable but definitely harder to accelerate. I would estimate the SW to be at around 315-324 - similar to Yonex frames or Prestige line. Gravity Tour is slightly faster. Could be QC of course...

It's a perfect cross between Prestige MP 360+ (heavy but easy to accelerate) and Wilson Blade V7 (light but harder to accelerate). The weight distribution is almost perfect. It just clicked with me and my technique. I don't remember when was the last time I felt so much connected to the specs. Very smooth and easy!

Performance is closer to Prestige line with some hints of Blade. "easier Prestige in performance" and "easier Blade in maneuverability"

FEEL:

Slightly improved compared to Elevate Tour. They are still very similar and maybe on some certain shots like volleys I felt the biggest difference. Compared to Prestige 360+ MP or Gravity Tour or Tecnifibre RS305 or Blade v7 16x19 or Angell TC95 16x19 it's still slightly stiffer. SLIGHTLY. Maybe because most of them are also heavier so they have bigger mass (or SW) to take the vibrations and Gravity Tour is 100". Interesting fact that my student couldn't feel too much difference between regular and Tour Elevate. Not only feel but also how heavy they are. Sounds a bit silly but they are really close even in maneuverability department (you can feel the difference more on serves only)

PACKED with performance:

Do you remember when I said Gravity Pro has very bad performance per weight ratio (to be precise-how heavy the racquet feels and how much it gives in return) ? Head Speed Pro 360+ is a king here but Elevate is a smaller brother with better maneuverability, thinner beam and that special "connection" Every gram is doing it's job.

That could be an interesting fight Elevate customized to Speed Pro specs (including RA and SW). I actually think Elevate would blew Speed Pro out of the water ! Unfortunately stock specs make it impossible to customize it that way. WE WANT EVELATE TOUR with Speed Pro specs (310g/315mm balance 62ra, beam design of elevate, foam filled, 326-330 SW). thank you- racquet of destruction is ready, real tesseract !!!

What was wrong?

I noticed that despite my special connection and ability to hit fast shots they were lacking some "mass".
I mean - I noticed that my students and sparing partners are more comfortable with the incoming ball. There is a difference between "fast" and "heavy".

it became clear that I should try to find a solution.

BUT the racquet is stable enough for my game, I love how the racquet moves so adding mass to head makes little sense to me...

So decided to just add more mass to the handle (+/- 320g/310mm balance) - at the very bottom. So I have heavier frame overall with slightly higher SW but actually very maneuverable balance setup.

Did it work? Hmm...yes and no. I noticed few things:
-it maybe feels even faster than before, I indeed solved the problem with ball heaviness without sacrificing maneuverability. Forehand groundstrokes and serves improved.
-but my backhand is not so smooth as before - lost the feeling of "throwing" my arms into the ball's direction (Blade is the king here). - sounds like too small SW or I moved the balance too low.

at this point I will keep playing with it and try to adapt. Another serious session tonight so we will see!
possible further customizations:
1. move the weight from the bottom to the top of the handle ?
2. distribute the weight along the handle ?
3. concentrate even more mass at the bottom BUT remove some grams and add what's left at 3&9 ?
4. concentrate even more mass at the bottom, less grams AND what's left add to the bridge/6 o'clock ?
5. Ignore lead. It's poisonous. Just lower the tension or use more powerful strings?

Overall I rate it at 7.5 / 10 . Paintjob looks great and the control oriented performance with that "special connection" is what I am usually looking for in the racquet !
Waiting for the updated Elevate Tour
I think regular Evelate is as good as it is and doesn't have to be improved. Perfect platform racquet that can be used in stock or customized version.

rest of the racquets (click)

What was your final preferred custom set up from above 1-5 ? Thanks. I am currently testing the Elevate 305... found coincidence on your appreciations, but did not see comments on serving and off center response. I find some upper head rigidity for serves and volleys. Great GS ... any shots.

 

[galapagos]

What was your final preferred custom set up from above 1-5 ? Thanks. I am currently testing the Elevate 305... found coincidence on your appreciations, but did not see comments on serving and off center response. I find some upper head rigidity for serves and volleys. Great GS ... any shots.

I am currently playing it with all the lead at the handle but I think i will do like @Gee suggested. Lead at 2 and 10 (4g total) with some mass at the bottom. I am trying to create my top 3 racquet list. I think it will be angell tc95, tecnifibre rs305 and diadem elevate. Still have few more frames to try
Elevate is a players racquet. Off center response is kinda dead. Similar to prestige but more power and spin. Elevate actually kicked out prestige from my bag. Serves i am still tweaking. You miss the plow. My biggest concern is that stock elevate doesnt do much harm. However the precision is great. Customized is better but i lost a bit of that connection. Still not sure what string should be working there. Signum pro firestorm didnt work. Mayami tour hex is ok but so far the best combination for diadem racquet was… diadem strings- solstice power. Maybe solinco confidential…head lynx tour strung low… Who knows… but i am fine with 1.25 gauge in it.

 

[ClaudTT]

I would say my slice serve (being a lefty) and my forehand. And my backhand is a serious weakness. Not sure whether to optimize for the strengths or get something to make my weakness less of an issue. Or whether to just pick whatever feels nicer at impact since I’m not too competitive.

OK then, choose was is nicer overall and then learn tactics.... the Chess of Tennis.

 

[bersimon]

I am currently playing it with all the lead at the handle but I think i will do like @Gee suggested. Lead at 2 and 10 (4g total) with some mass at the bottom. I am trying to create my top 3 racquet list. I think it will be angell tc95, tecnifibre rs305 and diadem elevate. Still have few more frames to try
Elevate is a players racquet. Off center response is kinda dead. Similar to prestige but more power and spin. Elevate actually kicked out prestige from my bag. Serves i am still tweaking. You miss the plow. My biggest concern is that stock elevate doesnt do much harm. However the precision is great. Customized is better but i lost a bit of that connection. Still not sure what string should be working there. Signum pro firestorm didnt work. Mayami tour hex is ok but so far the best combination for diadem racquet was… diadem strings- solstice power. Maybe solinco confidential…head lynx tour strung low… Who knows… but i am fine with 1.25 gauge in it.

Actually you should try the same setup on the Extreme tour. With those specs it’s a beast: power, decent control, spin and a good amount of feel.

 

[galapagos]

are you guys excited?

 

[YCata]

are you guys excited?

very, need to figure out which one is better for my OHBH coming from a 300 RS

 

[BBM]

very, need to figure out which one is better for my OHBH coming from a 300 RS

Watching too. I really don’t understand why the swingweights aren’t the other way around though

 

[Wilhelm]

are you guys excited?

We are! I'm just really confused by the specs. If the 315 had the swingweight of the 305 it would be way more enticing for me.

 

[YCata]

We are! I'm just really confused by the specs. If the 315 had the swingweight of the 305 it would be way more enticing for me.

Same, but I'm afraid to get the 305 since no trap door to tail weight. Not a fan of lead under grip.

313 seems too light for groundstrokes

 

[Gee]

I am currently playing it with all the lead at the handle but I think i will do like @Gee suggested. Lead at 2 and 10 (4g total) with some mass at the bottom. I am trying to create my top 3 racquet list. I think it will be angell tc95, tecnifibre rs305 and diadem elevate. Still have few more frames to try
Elevate is a players racquet. Off center response is kinda dead. Similar to prestige but more power and spin. Elevate actually kicked out prestige from my bag. Serves i am still tweaking. You miss the plow. My biggest concern is that stock elevate doesnt do much harm. However the precision is great. Customized is better but i lost a bit of that connection. Still not sure what string should be working there. Signum pro firestorm didnt work. Mayami tour hex is ok but so far the best combination for diadem racquet was… diadem strings- solstice power. Maybe solinco confidential…head lynx tour strung low… Who knows… but i am fine with 1.25 gauge in it.

Yes you really should try lead at 2 and 10 as that'll increase the plow and serve power. At least to me this changed the Elevate into a great serving frame like my TC95.

 

[galapagos]

Yes you really should try lead at 2 and 10 as that'll increase the plow and serve power. At least to me this changed the Elevate into a great serving frame like my TC95.

Ye tc95 is great for serving. You dont notice it until you start testing other frames

 

[t_pac]

Same, but I'm afraid to get the 305 since no trap door to tail weight. Not a fan of lead under grip.

313 seems too light for groundstrokes

I've got head buttcaps on my TF40 305s, easy modification and makes adding weight much easier

 

[galapagos]

NICE

Pure legend

 

[ClaudTT]

I've got head buttcaps on my TF40 305s, easy modification and makes adding weight much easier

Nooooooo, they will vibrate and fall off... (according to Tecnifibre).

 

[ClaudTT]

are you guys excited?

Not really... not anymore.

 

[cdrrcd]

I've got head buttcaps on my TF40 305s, easy modification and makes adding weight much easier

Could you please share which buttcap did you use? The old rectangular TK82 or the new TK82s? Thanks.

 

[galapagos]

I guess we should all now try newest yonex ezone ? #teamshapo ?
As an ex yonex ezone dr user (had like 6 of them) i am always keeping an eye on this line.

 

[ClaudTT]

I guess we should all now try newest yonex ezone ? #teamshapo ?
As an ex yonex ezone dr user (had like 6 of them) i am always keeping an eye on this line.

Don't be so impressed he just obliterated Zverev in the heat... we will see against Mr. spin from Mallorca...

 

[galapagos]

Don't so impressed he just obliterated Zverev in the heat... we will see against Mr. spin from Mallorca...

What about Monfils ? So great to see him rocking again with a new toy!

 

[t_pac]

Nooooooo, they will vibrate and fall off... (according to Tecnifibre).

They're holding up so far (and they're not even stapled...sssh don't tell Tecnifibre)

Could you please share which buttcap did you use? The old rectangular TK82 or the new TK82s? Thanks.

No idea, in the UK the only option seemed to be one described as 'Head XT buttcap'. I didn't buy from TWE but I think it's this one:

Head Standard Butt Cap (Grey & Black) | Tennis Warehouse Europe

www.tenniswarehouse-europe.com

 

[galapagos]

Today testing Tecnifibre TF40 315g 16x19 22kg/21kg black code

 

[YCata]

Today testing Tecnifibre TF40 315g 16x19 22kg/21kg black code

Can’t wait, please compare with the Extreme Tour / RS 305 / Elevate please

 

[t_pac]

Be interested to hear the differences vs the 18m version

 

[galapagos]

Today testing Tecnifibre TF40 315g 16x19 22kg/21kg black code

first test was very promising a bit like prestige MP 360+ but with 16x19 pattern. More forgiving than TF40 18x20 from 2020. I think It will be a tight battle vs Diadem Elevate. More to come!

 

[ClaudTT]

first test was very promising a bit like prestige MP 360+ but with 16x19 pattern. More forgiving than TF40 18x20 from 2020. I think It will be a tight battle vs Diadem Elevate. More to come!

My tests showed that the Elevate is much more muted in the head top...excessively.

 

[galapagos]

Angell TC97 18x20 REVIEW

There is a never ending war between TC95 and TC97 fanbase Which one is more forgiving ? Which one is more stable? Which one offers more spin? Which one offers lower launch angle? Which one is more comfortable? It's funny how many "small things" are discussed and how variable the experience are from one user to another.

So first, let's make a brief description how I see the frame:

From TC97 18x20 I had only V2 version (I think?) which was all black with silver lines on the side. Specs were 320g/310mm SW around 297 unstrung, pretty much same specs as my ex TC95 18x20.
It's a great, classic racquet most similar to some oldchool head radicals/prestige frames. I had that image in my head that Djokovic and Monfils might like this frame.

So, is it more forgiving than tc95?

Yes and no. If we are looking at the headsize then the difference is so minimal (maybe even none) that the area of sweet spot is basicly the same. Most players that were not happy with TC95 lack of forgiveness will most likely not enjoy tc97 either. They are just too close in my opinion.

BUT ! What's different is the stiffness of the frame (or perhaps the way it flexes) - TC97 is hotter. If you find the sweet spot it gives the ball some extra additional punch. Which is very very pleasent. Even addictive I would say. Stiffer frames with hotter response give the illusion of more forgiveness since they are slightly more stable.

I talked to Paul about this when I was on the fence between tc95 and tc97 and he confirmed - TC97 was designed to offer slightly more power. It's a small difference that in different hands create different experience.

However it was slightly disappointing that the "hotter" response was not always "on". It was switching on and off kinda randomly which was taking away some of my confidence. I could adjust to either "mode" but I didn't enjoy it switching from time to time. This was caused probably by worse string of choice or tension. I guess it could be solved with a softer string or lower tension.

With tc95 you can hit out and the difference is that instead of occasionally hitting the ball out with tc97, you hit the ball too short. But at least the ball is still in play which is my preferred scenario

That added "boost" can give you more spin. Very minimal difference. Not big enough to discuss it imo.

FEEL - this is noticable. TC97 is slightly stiffer than TC95. With tc95 I can use whatever string I want. TC97 is asking for a slightly softer setup.

Launch angle - very similar. IMO TC97 could have a slightly lower launch since TC95 is softer and offers longer dwell time but at the same time the way racquets flex might create different experience depending on your strokes. For some reason I experienced lower launch when 1.25 gauges were used in both racquets and with 1.30 it was almost the same or maybe even in favor of tc95 (regarding launch control).

In conclusion
Feel:
TC95 is more comfortable than TC97
Power:
TC97 is more powerful than TC95
Stability:
TC97 is more stable than TC95
Forgiveness:
same but the added stability can help you out
Maneuverability:
TC95 is faster, which for some players can create more spin. It all adds up and makes sense I think. TC97 a bit more bulky=more stability, less spin, lower launch, more power. TC95 silky smooth silent killer.

I prefer TC95 (as a blade fan previously) and my coach liked TC97 more (as a prestige fan)

My suggestion: since TC97 is a bit more bulky and stable then you can drop down a bit on weight vs TC95 (that one loves to be heavy). 310g/315mm , 305g/320mm or 320g/305mm (more headlight for better acceleration)

I rate the frame 7.0
Nothing bad with it, but I liked TC95 18x20 much more, K7 Lime also amazing but you can't order the specs you want. Tecnifibre TF40 had a bit better response (more consistent) and Dunlop CX200 Tour has the best feel around.

rest of the frames (click)
say hello on IG ! @dandan.tennis

 

[Searah]

what about the Prince Twistpower 100 or 97 tour.

i really enjoy this racket, maybe too light for you tho.

 

[williamthurman]

Did you customize it in any way? RS305 is totally different in weight distribution. This can mess up with your mechanics. Racquet that comes to my mind is head speed pro 360+. Packed with performance, forgiving, more power than yonex but still a lot of control. Amazing racquet. And the weight distribution is less extreme. Only thing that can bother you is higher SW.

also sometimes good to stay within the brand you got used to, so Maybe new yonex ezone ? Shapovalov did change from his vcore to ezone i guess for same reason you are thinking now but of course just much higher level.

Thanks for the reco @galapagos got a couple of hours with the 360+ Speed Pro and it does everything well without having to overcommit and it is super stable in form, the switch is really easy as well. Did you have any mods. during your test? I am just thinking of throwing in leather grips as the hydro grip lacks bevel feel but feels like a great honest frame with Lynx tour in it, lot of control but not a tiring set up. Many thanks again!

 

[Wilhelm]

Angell TC97 18x20 REVIEW

There is a never ending war between TC95 and TC97 fanbase Which one is more forgiving ? Which one is more stable? Which one offers more spin? Which one offers lower launch angle? Which one is more comfortable? It's funny how many "small things" are discussed and how variable the experience are from one user to another.

So first, let's make a brief description how I see the frame:

From TC97 18x20 I had only V2 version (I think?) which was all black with silver lines on the side. Specs were 320g/310mm SW around 297 unstrung, pretty much same specs as my ex TC95 18x20.
It's a great, classic racquet most similar to some oldchool head radicals/prestige frames. I had that image in my head that Djokovic and Monfils might like this frame.

So, is it more forgiving than tc95?

Yes and no. If we are looking at the headsize then the difference is so minimal (maybe even none) that the area of sweet spot is basicly the same. Most players that were not happy with TC95 lack of forgiveness will most likely not enjoy tc97 either. They are just too close in my opinion.

BUT ! What's different is the stiffness of the frame (or perhaps the way it flexes) - TC97 is hotter. If you find the sweet spot it gives the ball some extra additional punch. Which is very very pleasent. Even addictive I would say. Stiffer frames with hotter response give the illusion of more forgiveness since they are slightly more stable.

I talked to Paul about this when I was on the fence between tc95 and tc97 and he confirmed - TC97 was designed to offer slightly more power. It's a small difference that in different hands create different experience.

However it was slightly disappointing that the "hotter" response was not always "on". It was switching on and off kinda randomly which was taking away some of my confidence. I could adjust to either "mode" but I didn't enjoy it switching from time to time. This was caused probably by worse string of choice or tension. I guess it could be solved with a softer string or lower tension.

With tc95 you can hit out and the difference is that instead of occasionally hitting the ball out with tc97, you hit the ball too short. But at least the ball is still in play which is my preferred scenario

That added "boost" can give you more spin. Very minimal difference. Not big enough to discuss it imo.

FEEL - this is noticable. TC97 is slightly stiffer than TC95. With tc95 I can use whatever string I want. TC97 is asking for a slightly softer setup.

Launch angle - very similar. IMO TC97 could have a slightly lower launch since TC95 is softer and offers longer dwell time but at the same time the way racquets flex might create different experience depending on your strokes. For some reason I experienced lower launch when 1.25 gauges were used in both racquets and with 1.30 it was almost the same or maybe even in favor of tc95 (regarding launch control).

In conclusion
Feel:
TC95 is more comfortable than TC97
Power:
TC97 is more powerful than TC95
Stability:
TC97 is more stable than TC95
Forgiveness:
same but the added stability can help you out
Maneuverability:
TC95 is faster, which for some players can create more spin. It all adds up and makes sense I think. TC97 a bit more bulky=more stability, less spin, lower launch, more power. TC95 silky smooth silent killer.

I prefer TC95 (as a blade fan previously) and my coach liked TC97 more (as a prestige fan)

My suggestion: since TC97 is a bit more bulky and stable then you can drop down a bit on weight vs TC95 (that one loves to be heavy). 310g/315mm , 305g/320mm or 320g/305mm (more headlight for better acceleration)

I rate the frame 7.0
Nothing bad with it, but I liked TC95 18x20 much more, K7 Lime also amazing but you can't order the specs you want. Tecnifibre TF40 had a bit better response (more consistent) and Dunlop CX200 Tour has the best feel around.

rest of the frames (click)

This is super interesting since I'm currently considering the TC95, TC97 or TF40 (all in 16x19). Do you have any opinions on the stringbed response of the 18x20 vs the 16x19 Angells?

 

[galapagos]

what about the Prince Twistpower 100 or 97 tour.

i really enjoy this racket, maybe too light for you tho.

i am thinking about prince from time to time. Just not enough time for additional work. I still have so many frames to review here. I am interested in Prince used by Pablo Andujar but I guess it's a paintjob? What about Ferrer's Prince? Is it available or something similar enough?

 

[galapagos]

Thanks for the reco @galapagos got a couple of hours with the 360+ Speed Pro and it does everything well without having to overcommit and it is super stable in form, the switch is really easy as well. Did you have any mods. during your test? I am just thinking of throwing in leather grips as the hydro grip lacks bevel feel but feels like a great honest frame with Lynx tour in it, lot of control but not a tiring set up. Many thanks again!

I think leather could improve the frame. I don't really like stiff, harsh feel under hand but I respect the added weight to the handle. Speed isn't too fast or too slow but maybe it could turn into monster server with a bit heavier, more HL setup. Anyway to me Speed Pro was pretty much spot on. Very easy to pick and play.

 

[galapagos]

This is super interesting since I'm currently considering the TC95, TC97 or TF40 (all in 16x19). Do you have any opinions on the stringbed response of the 18x20 vs the 16x19 Angells?

totally different response. I mean Angell's 18x20 is very tight and 16x19 is very open. TF40 16x19 is somewhere in the middle and reminds me of blade and radical line.. As you might know I am currently messing around with TF40 16x19 and I think it might need some weight for more stability. But that's pretty much a case with every 315g/310g with 310mm balance racquets I tested recently. Last frame with similar specs that was amazingly stable for me was Head Graphene Speed Pro. It was massive ! (but also SW around 327-330 I think). Rest needed a little wakeup or were just barely stable enough. I am not yet sure if I want to add a bit more stability or plow to TF40 16x19. Not enough hours behind it. Maybe it's all good anyway... We will see

 

[Liam Grennon]

Would love to hear your thoughts on the

are you guys excited?

Very excited - wondering if you could compare to the v7 Blade 16x19

 

[galapagos]

Would love to hear your thoughts on the

Very excited - wondering if you could compare to the v7 Blade 16x19

loading...loading...loading...

 

[Wilhelm]

totally different response. I mean Angell's 18x20 is very tight and 16x19 is very open. TF40 16x19 is somewhere in the middle and reminds me of blade and radical line.. As you might know I am currently messing around with TF40 16x19 and I think it might need some weight for more stability. But that's pretty much a case with every 315g/310g with 310mm balance racquets I tested recently. Last frame with similar specs that was amazingly stable for me was Head Graphene Speed Pro. It was massive ! (but also SW around 327-330 I think). Rest needed a little wakeup or were just barely stable enough. I am not yet sure if I want to add a bit more stability or plow to TF40 16x19. Not enough hours behind it. Maybe it's all good anyway... We will see

Thanks for these comparisons. I don't mind the stringbeds of the Blade and Radical lines, but I never liked the weight distribution of those frames. Maybe the TF40 305 would be nice with a leather grip and a touch of lead at 12. I doubt I would get the modding right on the 315.

 

[abhi_trip]

Ferrer's Prince

https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Prince_Phantom_O3_100X/descpageRCTWABG-PP100X.html maybe the racket on the market, that is closest to what Ferrer used in the past.

 

[PureAsDrive]

@galapagos I have the pure drive 2021 , will you please share your thought about this frame and the perfect string on it?

 

[marquette100]

The diadem elevate tour is legit

 

[galapagos]

@galapagos I have the pure drive 2021 , will you please share your thought about this frame and the perfect string on it?

New pure drive looks amazing. I was using this frame in my junior era (back when Roddick was one of the best)

i dont have experience with the newest edition but i know many many semi-pro players using rpm blast 1.30 at 24kg/23kg.

 

[ClaudTT]

The diadem elevate tour is legit

What SW value you got ?

 

[galapagos]

Pacific anyone ?

 

[galapagos]

TF40 with mods is really something!

 

[Roquestil]

TF40 with mods is really something!

Which version? Currently ordered 305 18x20 2022 version.

 

[galapagos]

Which version? Currently ordered 305 18x20 2022 version.

I am using now 315g 16x19.
I tried tf40 18x20 315 from 2 years ago and it was also great. I dont know if they changed something in 2022. You should love slices with that one

 

[galapagos]

some new racquets added to the list

 

[galapagos]

PACIFIC X Force Pro No. 1 REVIEW
this was a very interesting playtest. If you are old enough you probably remember this guy:

Marcos Baghdatis - ex top 10 ATP player, Australian Open finalist.

Now the paintjob is slightly different but it's still the same magic formula that probably inspired other brands to make their own version of this No. 1. We would have to look at the timeline of releases to investigate deeper

Good thing - in stock form it's very stable and forgiving. I am surprised because 305g with 315mm balance sounds a bit risky when it comes to stability and plow through. Not an issue with this frame so I suspect the SW is around 324-327 (I don't know)
Compared to Diadem Elevate (16x20 305g) and Yonex Vcore 95 (16x20 310g) I actually have no need to customize it. I could tweak it of course but no need to. Great weight distribution. The stability is comparable to Wilson Blade I think but it's definitely faster than a Blade.

After having tested much more 16x20 pattern rackets I must say that to me it's probably the most tricky pattern when it comes to string combination. It's not as spin friendly as typical 16x19, it's slightly more powerful than 18x20 patterns and the launch is somewhere in between (closer to 18x20 or a very tight 16x19). Therefore I advice to use 1.25 gauge string or maybe even thinner. This should unlock the frame even more and offer more spin potential. Recommended tension around 24-22kg.

In general the frame is focused on performance. It's a racquet for first-strikers that enjoy hitting from a baseline.

25mm / 23mm / 20mm beam width. Is it telling you something? Ye, it sounds a bit like YONEX EZONE ( 23.5mm / 24.5mm / 19.5mm ). And yes, overall I recommend NO. 1 to every Yonex Ezone users that are looking for a bit more predictable response, flatter, more "tight" ball. But with that you are slightly loosing some of spin potential which can be good or bad thing depending on your preferences. Another racquet idea that sounds very similar to NO. 1 is Babolat Pure Aero VS. So basicly we are talking about very spin oriented frames yet tamed a bit with either string pattern or stiffness or swing weight.

The feel really reminded me of the Ezone line (I was a DR user for a year). Very comfortable,plush (for some maybe even mushy?) with lots of pocketing. NO. 1 offered better launch angle control but slightly less spin. More plow through and stability. Can you see how the width of the racquet is getting thinner? It gives great sensation under supporting hand (feel).

I could hit every shot from my book. The frame is very forgiving and again, weight distribution makes it move very smoothly and stable yet with great acceleration.
Quality control was amazing. Spot on.

Is it a frame for me? Sadly, no. I prefer less "springy" response and 16x20 pattern is not giving me enough spin to compensate the added power. Overall it's still a control oriented frame but with that "hotter" response. I guess I prefer more uniform flex? Or at least I just got very used to it after so many years with Angell TC95. However I can't rate frames only based on my preferences. It's about the design and intention behind it (for who is this frame made?).

I would like to see 16x19 pattern version of it and basicly No.1 is ment to compete with Yonex Ezone, Babolat Pure Aero VS, Speed MP. It's more ready to play in stock form than Diadem Elevate and definitely more stable than Yonex Vcore 95. Head Extreme Tour is a toy below the frames mentioned here when it comes to plow and stability.
Previous paintjob is a bit more exciting to me

Once again, great job with weight distribution because even for the lower weight and lower balance point the frame is very stable with good enough plow through which is making the frame very easy to play for a broad spectrum of players.
RATING: 7.0
rest of the frames (click)
say hello on IG ! @dandan.tennis

 

[Shaolin]

I keep it simple, HEAD Speed MP...Cyclone 16 full bed. No mods.

I'm trying out Tourna silver 7 tour soon but seem to always go back to Cyclone.

 

[antony]

After my adventure with ultimate string of choice thread (click here) it is time for something a bit more exciting - racquets !

What are you guys using and why ?????

I seek mostly control and feel with good spin potential and forgiveness (modern frame description?) I hate when the racquet is not stable enough in stock form.
Perfect stick = Easy depth control with counter-attack option at hand! Forgiving but not springy, good plow but not too slow on second serves or defensive shots. But I am interested in your choices and perspective. Let's make this thread open and not about me.

TECNIFIBRE:
1. Tecnifibre TFight 305 RS (click) - 7.5/10- comfort, solidness, easiness. It's somewhere between Speed Pro and Prestige MP. 18x19 pattern !!! Would like to see 315-320g version with 305mm-310mm balance.
2. Tecnifibre TF40 315 (click) - 7.1/10 - "prestige on steroids" but also feels slightly heavier
3. Tecnifibre TRebound 298 IGA - 7.0/10 - how Head Graphene 360+ Speed MP should play like.
4. Tecnifibre Tfight 300 RS - review to come
5. Tecnifibre Tfight 315 RS - review to come

WILSON:
1. Wilson Blade V8 18x20 (2015, CV and V7 comparison) - review to come
2. Wilson Blade V8 16x19 (and V7) - review to come
3. Wilson Pro Staff - anyone?

YONEX:
1. Yonex Ezone 98 16x19 2020 ( Dr comparison) - review to come
2. Yonex Vcore 95 16x20 2021 (click) - 6.8/10- too demanding for beginners, not enough mass for advanced players. Design and the potential is great.
3. Yonex Vcore Pro 97 (Duel G, 2019 comparison)- review to come
4. Yonex Vcore Pro 97 HD 18x20 2021 (2019 comparison)- review to come

HEAD:
1. Head Gravity Pro (click) - 7.0/10 - perfect modern racquet but the head shape is stealing some of the performance and you are forced to add more weight while it's already a demanding frame
2. Head Graphene 360+ Speed Pro (click) (Graphene Speed Pro and IG Speed MP (18x20) comparison) - 7.5/10 - 360+ is the best speed pro ever made packed with performance
3. Head Graphene 360+ Speed MP (click) ( XT , Touch, 360 comparison) - 5.5/10 - all speed mp are very similar and there is nothing special about them. this line is standing in one place
4. Head Graphene 360+ Radical MP (click) - 6.8/10 - Radical we all wanted for many years (since 18x20 versions) but it's more of a transition racquet.
5. Head Graphene 360+ Radical Pro - review to come
6. Head Graphene 360+ Prestige MP (click) - 7.5/10 (+previous models) - best Prestige I ever tested. Could have slightly more plow and spin potential.
7. Head Graphene 360+ Extreme Tour (click) - 6.9/10 - too light but amazing design, SW should be slightly higher. feels a bit like a toy
8. Head Gravity Tour (click) - 7.3/10 - easiest to play control oriented frame but could be slightly more stable

ANGELL:
1. Angell TC95 18x20 - 7.4/10 - crazy good, crazy demanding. Teaches how to be better but only for advanced players.
2. Angell K7 Lime (click) - 7.0/10 - perfect replacement for IG prestige MP. I would prefer higher static weight and lower SW for even better touch. Maybe thinner beam.
3. Angell TC95 16x19 (click) - 7.5/10 - best angell frame but still quite demanding. 1.30 string gauge recommended
4. Angell TC100 16x19 - review to come
5. Angell K7 Red - review to come
6. Angell TC97 18x20 - 7.0/10 (click) - a bit hotter, more stable version of tc95 but also stiffer in feel.
7. Angell TC97 16x19

DUNLOP:
1. Dunlop CX 200 Tour 18x20 (2019 and 2017 comparison) - review to come

Diadem:
1. Elevate FS 98 (click) - 7.5 / 10 - perfect platform racquet that you can use in stock form or customized. Either way you will be very happy. Similar to Elevate Tour but better feel. Amazing weight distribution.
2. Elevate FS Tour 98 (click) - 7.4 / 10 - somewhere between Prestige and Blade. Head Radical Liquidmetal reincarnation but with 16x20 pattern. I would prefer lower RA.

Babolat:
1.Pure drive (???? any users here?)
2.Pure Aero (???? any users here?)
3.Pure Aero VS (???? any users here?)
4.Babolat Pure Strike 16x19 (???? any users here?)

Pacific:
1. X Force Pro No. 1 (click) - 7.0 / 10 - "Yonex Ezone" with a tighter launch angle. Aggresive baseliners will like it. 1.25 gauge or thinner recommended for more spin potential.
2. X Force Pro 320
3. X Tour Pro 97 (??? any users here?)

Prince:
WANNA BE LIKE DAVID FERRER or Pablo Andujar!!!


wow.

I tried out the Wilson Pro Staff six.one 95 because I heard it was a racquet lots of pros used and it is still my most favorite racquet I’ve used. Great connection to the ball.

 

[galapagos]

I tried out the Wilson Pro Staff six.one 95 because I heard it was a racquet lots of pros used and it is still my most favorite racquet I’ve used. Great connection to the ball.

so perhaps you should try to move on like those pro players Rublev from six.one to Gravity Pro and Medvedev from six.one to Tecnifibre TFight 18x19