Ultimate racquet of choice - tournament players and/or coaches

[Gee]

just for you my friend!

racquets that are still in my tournament of racquets and compared to my previous main racquet - Angell tc95 16x19 with the specs: 320g/310mm/295 SW and 1.30 strings

1. Tecnifibre Tfight 305:
I already said - it kinda reminds me of the tc95 in some ways. It is similarly "solid" on impact. Not soft, not harsh. Solid. I think all Angell TC95 users might know what I am talking about since TC95 is far from being a "muted" frame compared to let's say Ezone Dr which was much more "pillowy" but less "solid" and dare I say - a little unstable. So this is feel. When it comes to the performance obviously tfight much lower launch so I kinda have to use thinner gauges. Something between 1.23 and 1.27 is nice. Thicker strings were making tfight too demanding. So with thinner strings I can shape the ball nicely but I think the biggest similary is me being to stay locked in the zone. Use the mass of the frame to do the work and out-grind the opponent. With thinner strings I can shape the ball but still the launch is more controlled but with less spin.

2. Diadem Elevate Tour:
this one is the closest to the angell tc95 16x19. with 16x20 however I feel like im not sure which string should work best because the mains are spreaded quite wide but more cross string is limiting the movement and power potential so the sweet spot is also smaller. I can get similar shapes (slightly lower) and similar fire power (with same strings but strung slightly lower to balance the extra cross string). Elevate Tour is also a bit stiffer and "hotter" through the court. Kinda similar to Radical Pro that has similar "jump" from the stringbed. Actually as I am typing I would say Elevate Tour is kinda closest to TC97 but slightly softer in feel.

3. Solinco Whiteout 16m
the stiffest of the foam filled options. I customized it quite heavy and with more mass the comfort improved - enough to even use 1.30 tour bite! This is probably the closest frame to TC95 when it comes to launch angle and spin potential. Still somehow it feels closer to something like a blade when it comes to control but you don't have the touch and feel of the tc95. maybe because of the stiffer feel I have better sense of how high the ball is going to jump. Despite the beam is not that thick it kinda feels close to speed mp. and the feel is also kinda depolarized similarly to speed mp. TC95 is more polarized I think (I mean lower twistweight)

4. Head Prestige Pro 18x20 - obviously the control is here the best and the launch is much lower. Prestige shares similar feel of the swing. Similar loop.

5. Gravity Pro 18x20 - this one feels most different compared to tc95. I guess thin beam is something similar. But someone who hates the launch from the tc95 might find this frame refreshing because the dwell time is kinda similar but it's still a tight 18x20 pattern and very low powered. Yet gives you more options to shape the ball compared to let's say Prestige 18x20

6. Head Prestige MP - this one is the easiest of the bunch. Very forgiving, very stable. A lot of control. AMAZING on returns, not so good on serves IMO. Very soft, softer than tc95 but at higher tensions can change into board. This has quite wide toolbox to work with from the baseline. You can shoot high, low, spin, flat. Very fun to play with but you have to string it low like 21kg to unlock the spin. Lacks a little mass and plow through so I will be testing it soon against the Whiteout 16m to see which is going to the next round

7. Yonex Vcore 98 Tour - similar jump from the stringbed, similar spin potential but can't take 1.30 strings. with leather grip it can play a very heavy ball and some coaches in the academy mentioned that I play the heaviest with this racquet. But the control goes down quite a lot. Kill or get killed kinda vibes. It was easier to tame the aggressiveness of the tc95.


something like that

What about volleys with these frames? Which one does feel most stable and most forgiving?

BTW I told you earlier but you still need to add the Angell TC99 to your racquet tournament imo. I'm sure you'll love it!

 

[galapagos]

What about volleys with these frames? Which one does feel most stable and most forgiving?

BTW I told you earlier but you still need to add the Angell TC99 to your racquet tournament imo. I'm sure you'll love it!

Imo head prestige pro is the best - stable, feel, touch, control and headlight yet heavy setup usually wins on volleys.

Then I would go prestige mp - more forgiving but still easy to move around. Still prestige.


Gravity Pro, Elevate tour and Tfight 305 kinda draw. Gravity less power so more control but tfight has better sense of what you are doing + more direct feel. Elevate is least stable but its kinda mix of tfight and prestige and radical.


Whiteout is to kill or make others feel uncomfortable on court. So not exactly for touch shots.

 

[Gee]

Imo head prestige pro is the best - stable, feel, touch, control and headlight yet heavy setup usually wins on volleys.

Then I would go prestige mp - more forgiving but still easy to move around. Still prestige.


Gravity Pro, Elevate tour and Tfight 305 kinda draw. Gravity less power so more control but tfight has better sense of what you are doing + more direct feel. Elevate is least stable but its kinda mix of tfight and prestige and radical.


Whiteout is to kill or make others feel uncomfortable on court. So not exactly for touch shots.

Thanks. That makes sense as I already guessed the Prestige Pro would be.

I like my Prestige Pros Aux. 1.0 (347 grams - 31.3 cm - 330 sw strung with TF Multifeel 1.25 at 22kg tension) regarding these characteristics though I sometimes crave a little more foregiveness.

 

[landcookie]

just for you my friend!

racquets that are still in my tournament of racquets and compared to my previous main racquet - Angell tc95 16x19 with the specs: 320g/310mm/295 SW and 1.30 strings

1. Tecnifibre Tfight 305:
I already said - it kinda reminds me of the tc95 in some ways. It is similarly "solid" on impact. Not soft, not harsh. Solid. I think all Angell TC95 users might know what I am talking about since TC95 is far from being a "muted" frame compared to let's say Ezone Dr which was much more "pillowy" but less "solid" and dare I say - a little unstable. So this is feel. When it comes to the performance obviously tfight much lower launch so I kinda have to use thinner gauges. Something between 1.23 and 1.27 is nice. Thicker strings were making tfight too demanding. So with thinner strings I can shape the ball nicely but I think the biggest similary is me being to stay locked in the zone. Use the mass of the frame to do the work and out-grind the opponent. With thinner strings I can shape the ball but still the launch is more controlled but with less spin.

2. Diadem Elevate Tour:
this one is the closest to the angell tc95 16x19. with 16x20 however I feel like im not sure which string should work best because the mains are spreaded quite wide but more cross string is limiting the movement and power potential so the sweet spot is also smaller. I can get similar shapes (slightly lower) and similar fire power (with same strings but strung slightly lower to balance the extra cross string). Elevate Tour is also a bit stiffer and "hotter" through the court. Kinda similar to Radical Pro that has similar "jump" from the stringbed. Actually as I am typing I would say Elevate Tour is kinda closest to TC97 but slightly softer in feel.

3. Solinco Whiteout 16m
the stiffest of the foam filled options. I customized it quite heavy and with more mass the comfort improved - enough to even use 1.30 tour bite! This is probably the closest frame to TC95 when it comes to launch angle and spin potential. Still somehow it feels closer to something like a blade when it comes to control but you don't have the touch and feel of the tc95. maybe because of the stiffer feel I have better sense of how high the ball is going to jump. Despite the beam is not that thick it kinda feels close to speed mp. and the feel is also kinda depolarized similarly to speed mp. TC95 is more polarized I think (I mean lower twistweight)

4. Head Prestige Pro 18x20 - obviously the control is here the best and the launch is much lower. Prestige shares similar feel of the swing. Similar loop.

5. Gravity Pro 18x20 - this one feels most different compared to tc95. I guess thin beam is something similar. But someone who hates the launch from the tc95 might find this frame refreshing because the dwell time is kinda similar but it's still a tight 18x20 pattern and very low powered. Yet gives you more options to shape the ball compared to let's say Prestige 18x20

6. Head Prestige MP - this one is the easiest of the bunch. Very forgiving, very stable. A lot of control. AMAZING on returns, not so good on serves IMO. Very soft, softer than tc95 but at higher tensions can change into board. This has quite wide toolbox to work with from the baseline. You can shoot high, low, spin, flat. Very fun to play with but you have to string it low like 21kg to unlock the spin. Lacks a little mass and plow through so I will be testing it soon against the Whiteout 16m to see which is going to the next round

7. Yonex Vcore 98 Tour - similar jump from the stringbed, similar spin potential but can't take 1.30 strings. with leather grip it can play a very heavy ball and some coaches in the academy mentioned that I play the heaviest with this racquet. But the control goes down quite a lot. Kill or get killed kinda vibes. It was easier to tame the aggressiveness of the tc95.


something like that

Thank you sir.

I was only expecting this after you had chosen your winning racquet but this is even better!

Going by your videos our forehands and play style could not be more dissimilar. Yours is more linear, a guiding shot like an Agassi; whereas I naturally hit with more spin and am more explosive which comes with it pros and cons.

You are a self confessed grinder whereas I need to be aggressive to cover up for my lack of elite footspeed.

You gravitate towards the feel based control racquets whereas I have no problem controlling power frames - and want them, and have not gone anywhere near an 18x20 pattern in 5 years.

On paper our racquet choices could not be any more different yet we somehow (at some point in time) settled on a D beam Angel. That is a true testament to the stick in my humble opinion!

I eagerly await to find out the winner of your racquet tournament!

 

[galapagos]

Thank you sir.

I was only expecting this after you had chosen your winning racquet but this is even better!

Going by your videos our forehands and play style could not be more dissimilar. Yours is more linear, a guiding shot like an Agassi; whereas I naturally hit with more spin and am more explosive which comes with it pros and cons.

You are a self confessed grinder whereas I need to be aggressive to cover up for my lack of elite footspeed.

You gravitate towards the feel based control racquets whereas I have no problem controlling power frames - and want them, and have not gone anywhere near an 18x20 pattern in 5 years.

On paper our racquet choices could not be any more different yet we somehow (at some point in time) settled on a D beam Angel. That is a true testament to the stick in my humble opinion!

I eagerly await to find out the winner of your racquet tournament!

ye TC95 is so interesting because it covers 2 grounds at the same time. Feel, touch (small headsize and thin beam), control (small headsize and great flex) and offers crazy amount of power and spin (relatively healthy specs and very opened 16x19). With pure control racquets I miss the power tc95 offers on those difficult situations and with spinny racquets obiously I miss the control. Overall I feel more at home with control racquets hoping to find the one that can help me on defense and "neutral" shots wont be too easy to attack by opponents. With tc95 I was able to kinda hold on and keep the ball neutral. With some control racquets I have to work all the time. With control racquets I am kinda forced to use 1.25 strings where I already created a huge collection of 1.30 strings hahahah
also with control racquets i am stringing pretty low and with tc95 it was 24kg and most "spin" racquets at that tension feel kinda boardy or on the edge of it.
the best players (coaches) in my city are playing with: Speed Pro (2022), Prestige Pro and Tfight 305.

next wave of players (younger) in the academy that are on my level or better: Radical Pro, Prestige Pro, Speed Pro (2022)

Some other players around my level: Radical MP, Prestige Pro, Prestige MP, Percept 97, Blade

what might be interesting for you is that those players with Prestige Pro are hitting actually hard. I mean they accelerate a lot and Prestige helps them stay longer in a rally and stay aggresive without making unforced error.

last week we had a sponsored tournament and the finals were between Extreme Pro and Speed Pro (2022). Extreme Pro player won the whole thing ;p I will try the racquet as soon as I finish the tournament.

 

[galapagos]

everybody discussing new ezones, tfights, pure drives, gravities….but it seems the first strike is coming from the Radical i dont know why. Is it because Agassi was my first hero? Or Maybe because Radical Pro on paper is „my racquet”? But I am excited. Actually more than about the ezones which turned basicly more towards power than feel (I still miss Dr!)

 

[landcookie]

ye TC95 is so interesting because it covers 2 grounds at the same time. Feel, touch (small headsize and thin beam), control (small headsize and great flex) and offers crazy amount of power and spin (relatively healthy specs and very opened 16x19). With pure control racquets I miss the power tc95 offers on those difficult situations and with spinny racquets obiously I miss the control. Overall I feel more at home with control racquets hoping to find the one that can help me on defense and "neutral" shots wont be too easy to attack by opponents. With tc95 I was able to kinda hold on and keep the ball neutral. With some control racquets I have to work all the time. With control racquets I am kinda forced to use 1.25 strings where I already created a huge collection of 1.30 strings hahahah
also with control racquets i am stringing pretty low and with tc95 it was 24kg and most "spin" racquets at that tension feel kinda boardy or on the edge of it.
the best players (coaches) in my city are playing with: Speed Pro (2022), Prestige Pro and Tfight 305.

next wave of players (younger) in the academy that are on my level or better: Radical Pro, Prestige Pro, Speed Pro (2022)

Some other players around my level: Radical MP, Prestige Pro, Prestige MP, Percept 97, Blade

what might be interesting for you is that those players with Prestige Pro are hitting actually hard. I mean they accelerate a lot and Prestige helps them stay longer in a rally and stay aggresive without making unforced error.

last week we had a sponsored tournament and the finals were between Extreme Pro and Speed Pro (2022). Extreme Pro player won the whole thing ;p I will try the racquet as soon as I finish the tournament.

Yes extreme pro is an amazing racquet. I really like it.

Is your academy / city sponsored by majority by Head or is that just the preferred brand over there?

 

[galapagos]

Yes extreme pro is an amazing racquet. I really like it.

Is your academy / city sponsored by majority by Head or is that just the preferred brand over there?

Academy not, but head coaches of the academy I play in yes. The only brand that is kinda growing there on its own is Yonex. Especially one handers and people coming from badminton. Blade users are usually the one that remember 2015 and CV and never tested anything else since then

 

[galapagos]

What about volleys with these frames? Which one does feel most stable and most forgiving?

BTW I told you earlier but you still need to add the Angell TC99 to your racquet tournament imo. I'm sure you'll love it!

I know I would love TC99! However I am on a slightly tight budget since I was part of the layoff wave in my company. Angell is the most expensive option with brexit unfortunately.

One day!

 

[Gee]

I know I would love TC99! However I am on a slightly tight budget since I was part of the layoff wave in my company. Angell is the most expensive option with brexit unfortunately.

One day!

Yes it is an expensive option.

However, you know that you will get the racket with the best feeling and you can save yourself all that hassle and time of customizing your rackets.

BTW the prices of the Angell frames are similar like the top frames of other big brands as Head and Wilson. Even with custom charges I paid about 280 euros for my TC99 (to the Netherlands).

 

[galapagos]

Yes it is an expensive option.

However, you know that you will get the racket with the best feeling and you can save yourself all that hassle and time of customizing your rackets.

BTW the prices of the Angell frames are similar like the top frames of other big brands as Head and Wilson. Even with custom charges I paid about 280 euros for my TC99 (to the Netherlands).

Did you pick the same specs as your tc95 or you adjusted it a little?

Ye, I know. Angell is kinda for all the people Who are frustrated with the market. I found Angell in the weak era of Graphene and Countervail, even Ezones were no longer great. I dont recall a single good racquet from that period post Ezone Dr, IG prestige and blade 2015 graphene 360 + for head and blade v7 for Wilson were those racquets where i started looking at the market again with some hype

 

[dl32]

Yes extreme pro is an amazing racquet. I really like it.

Is your academy / city sponsored by majority by Head or is that just the preferred brand over there?

I've been using a PT version of the extreme tour/pro. Same mold, no tech and higher grade graphite vs the retail auxetic layups.
The setup I landed on was 333 Static 32Bal and 337 SW. You'd think this might feel heavy but the frame really cuts through the air and feels whippy.

It's the main frame I pull out for anything competitive. Will mess around for fun with old frames, like Federer's 90 sq pro staff.
For anything serious, the extreme is hands down the most consistent and reliable frame from the several I've tested. It has zero holes.

 

[galapagos]

So unfortunately prestige pro didnt make it through to the next round but maybe it was a premature final. Compared to tfight 305 i prefer the weight distribution of the prestige pro. Feel, control and fluidity goes to the prestige pro. The biggest factor that made the difference was that with the tfight 305 (which is 18x19) i get a little bit hotter response on serves and its easier to create different shapes. So it offers me bigger toolbox that I can pick vs different playstyles and opponents. I am not entirely sure I made a good call but since my serves are a bit worse since achilles injury I feel like I need a little bit more help. That being said on the baseline when it comes to confidence Prestige Pro is the best possible pick for me. Thats why the call was hard. How much i can drop the confidence to get a bit more playability? And how much more playability do I need until its too hot or inconsistent. That I was trying to answer basicly.


I think Prestige Pro 16x19 is a must release as a global offer. Prestige Pro 18x20 is already perfect for specific players so I dont think it needs any updates- maybe slightly lower SW so the action on the ball is a bit easier to create (through RHS). But maybe 2grams in the handle, shifting balance and maybe even 1.20 strings could push Prestige Pro 18x20 to similar territory. Lack of Prestige Pro with 16x19 always keep me looking at the Radical Pro but so far the feel was not that great compared to Prestige line. I guess this missing racquet pushes the sales of the Radical Pro so its something for something.

 

[landcookie]

I've been using a PT version of the extreme tour/pro. Same mold, no tech and higher grade graphite vs the retail auxetic layups.
The setup I landed on was 333 Static 32Bal and 337 SW. You'd think this might feel heavy but the frame really cuts through the air and feels whippy.

It's the main frame I pull out for anything competitive. Will mess around for fun with old frames, like Federer's 90 sq pro staff.
For anything serious, the extreme is hands down the most consistent and reliable frame from the several I've tested. It has zero holes.

What does PT stand for?

 

[Gee]

Did you pick the same specs as your tc95 or you adjusted it a little?

I used to order Angells with very similar specs based on my current racquet.

However this time I ordered my TC99 with a slightly longer 27.25 inch extended and a little less headlight frame because I added a little lead at 10 and 2 to my TC95 18x20 in the past.

 

[galapagos]

I used to order Angells with very similar specs based on my current racquet.

However this time I ordered my TC99 with a slightly longer 27.25 inch extended and a little less headlight frame because I added a little lead at 10 and 2 to my TC95 18x20 in the past.

Djokovic-inspired setup
What is the general vibe? „More focused” tc100 ? Or „easier” tc95 ?

Can you compare to speed pro or gravity pro?

 

[Gee]

Djokovic-inspired setup
What is the general vibe? „More focused” tc100 ? Or „easier” tc95 ?

Can you compare to speed pro or gravity pro?

The TC99 plays like a mix of a TC95 18x20 and TC100 63RA. I also think it plays very similar like a Prestige MP (as it has a 99sq inch 18x19 string pattern and a 21.5 (vs 21mm) beam).
The Angell TC99 is foam filled though.

 

[galapagos]

The TC99 plays like a mix of a TC95 18x20 and TC100 63RA. I also think it plays very similar like a Prestige MP (as it has a 99sq inch 18x19 string pattern and a 21.5 (vs 21mm) beam).
The Angell TC99 is foam filled though.

You did try the Prestige MP ? Nice. I really respect this racquet. The power lvl is a bit low but it enables to shape the ball really well. Similarly to gravity pro.

I suspect the power lvl of the TC99 is angells power range ?

 

[Gee]

You did try the Prestige MP ? Nice. I really respect this racquet. The power lvl is a bit low but it enables to shape the ball really well. Similarly to gravity pro.

I suspect the power lvl of the TC99 is angells power range ?

No I didn't hit with the Prestige MP but I guess it is a very similar frame as the TC99 considering the specs and I bet the TC99 has a more refined feel because of the foam filled frame.

And yes,... the TC99 has enough power like all TC models.

 

[galapagos]

No I didn't hit with the Prestige MP but I guess it is a very similar frame as the TC99 considering the specs and I bet the TC99 has a more refined feel because of the foam filled frame.

For sure. Angell is a Specialist here

 

[galapagos]

Prestige MP vs Solinco Whiteout 16x19

I had a really hard time picking between those two. They are totally different but also help my game in different ways. Might be down to specs and opponent. Prestige MP is getting quite a lot of love in the academy here i would risk the statement - perhaps better than Speed Pro for most players. I will be testing the newest speed pro soon to really know which „family” I like more

 

[pico]

Prestige MP vs Solinco Whiteout 16x19

I had a really hard time picking between those two. They are totally different but also help my game in different ways. Might be down to specs and opponent. Prestige MP is getting quite a lot of love in the academy here i would risk the statement - perhaps better than Speed Pro for most players. I will be testing the newest speed pro soon to really know which „family” I like more

I never heard it put this way @6:40 "you feel awful playing with this type of racquet but somehow you win everytime...." lol but it is true eh? I feel this way about the PAVS (though I don't win everytime).

 

[galapagos]

I never heard it put this way @6:40 "you feel awful playing with this type of racquet but somehow you win everytime...." lol but it is true eh? I feel this way about the PAVS (though I don't win everytime).

Everytime of course not. But what I mean is that your perception of your game can be totally different to what your opponent is experiencing.

i kinda have it with „pure control” racquets. I dont make many errors, it feels amazing and exciting. But the ball is also easier for the other experienced guys to attack me. So maybe i dont make many errors but I have to run more and other guys hit more winners. I hit towards their striking zone or too short in general and trying to get out of this loop costs me more energy- i need to accelerare more and focus more just to keep it safe.

Or..you take a racquet with more juice. You loose some confidence (and you work on controling this to the point where its no longer a problem for you or almost…). And then you have the edge! The other guy is also feeling this extra juice from your racquet, balls jumping high etc. From defense its easier to neutralize the ball and this creates another frustration for the opponent. Their game is not effective and they loose confidence over time because the game you play with those frames is dirty and out of their comfort zone as well. Its a game of controling the unpredictable you win more than you loose.
I am a grinder so finding solutions is kinda my game. But i need different tools for different opponents and i need something that can help me play well from every situation.

So only thing you have to figure out is how much power/spin can you actually control until you will start loosing more than you can win.

 

[emhtennis]

Everytime of course not. But what I mean is that your perception of your game can be totally different to what your opponent is experiencing.

i kinda have it with „pure control” racquets. I dont make many errors, it feels amazing and exciting. But the ball is also easier for the other experienced guys to attack me. So maybe i dont make many errors but I have to run more and other guys hit more winners. I hit towards their striking zone or too short in general and trying to get out of this loop costs me more energy- i need to accelerare more and focus more just to keep it safe.

Or..you take a racquet with more juice. You loose some confidence (and you work on controling this to the point where its no longer a problem for you or almost…). And then you have the edge! The other guy is also feeling this extra juice from your racquet, balls jumping high etc. From defense its easier to neutralize the ball and this creates another frustration for the opponent. Their game is not effective and they loose confidence over time because the game you play with those frames is dirty and out of their comfort zone as well. Its a game of controling the unpredictable you win more than you loose.
I am a grinder so finding solutions is kinda my game. But i need different tools for different opponents and i need something that can help me play well from every situation.

So only thing you have to figure out is how much power/spin can you actually control until you will start loosing more than you can win.

Having a friend that will give you this type of feedback is so valuable!

I have recently had the same experience. The string i liked - and thought - was creating a harder ball actually wasn't. I never would have known if he hadn't told me.

 

[galapagos]

Having a friend that will give you this type of feedback is so valuable!

I have recently had the same experience. The string i liked - and thought - was creating a harder ball actually wasn't. I never would have known if he hadn't told me.

when you play vs really good players you start to notice it in your legs ;p but of course you are right. Some players give me feedback when I ask them. Some players are so focused on their game that they dont even notice when I change racquets hah. I assume then that my level didnt change much as well and I can rely purely on the feel that i have with racquet.

My idea for my game is that in theory i shouldnt be swinging above 80% of my full speed. Everything above starts to feel like I am taking risks. I wanna focus on anticipation, counter-attacks and netplay. Ideally other players should self-destroy out of frustration hahah
Of course if the guys are hitting hard then I kinda accelerate to compensate the overall increase in speed but my body is kinda feeling it still as something fluid and within this 80%.

I might be changing this theory as I know I need weapons. But you can kinda see this applied from many top players. Djokovic, Murray,….totally differnt vibes compared to Alcaraz or Kyrgios. Sinner seems to be in between.

 

[galapagos]

Another story for you guys. I gave some of my racquets for the Yonex Vcore Pro 97 user (in the past prestige and pro staff as well).

Racquets I gave him for a test:
1. Head Prestige Tour
2. Diadem Elevate Tour
3. Percept 97 customized slightly
4. Tecnifibre TF40 315 16x19 slightly customized

He is a one-hander. Level between 4.0-4.5

Out of those he liked Prestige Tour the most. He instantly noticed how much easier it is to guide the ball with the prestige tour compared to his uncostomized vcore pro.
He also loved the feel of it.

Customized Percept 97 he felt it was similar to his vcore pro but was a bit late on his backhand.

Diadem he didnt like - too much power

TF40 he didnt like as much as the prestige tour but i dont recall any specific reason. He was already hooked with the prestige tour.

He asked me to borrow it for a week where he could compare it under pressure when competing.

He restrung it with tecnifibre red code at 24/23kg (even though I said its a prestige and you should go low like 21kg). He didnt listen

Then he returned the racquet saying it is too demanding and was hurting his body haha

Came back to his vcore pro 97. He is stringing his vcore high as well so at least it was a fair chance but i dont understand why he strings so tight.

 

[Gee]

Another story for you guys. I gave some of my racquets for the Yonex Vcore Pro 97 user (in the past prestige and pro staff as well).

Racquets I gave him for a test:
1. Head Prestige Tour
2. Diadem Elevate Tour
3. Percept 97 customized slightly
4. Tecnifibre TF40 315 16x19 slightly customized

He is a one-hander. Level between 4.0-4.5

Out of those he liked Prestige Tour the most. He instantly noticed how much easier it is to guide the ball with the prestige tour compared to his uncostomized vcore pro.
He also loved the feel of it.

Customized Percept 97 he felt it was similar to his vcore pro but was a bit late on his backhand.

Diadem he didnt like - too much power
individuals
TF40 he didnt like as much as the prestige tour but i dont recall any specific reason. He was alreadindividualsy hooked with the prestige tour.

He asked me to borrow it for a week where he could compare it under pressure when competing.

He restrung it with tecnifibre red code at 24/23kg (even though I said its a prestige and you should go low like 21kg). He didnt listen

Then he returned the racquet saying it is too demanding and was hurting his body haha

Came back to his vcore pro 97. He is stringing his vcore high as well so at least it was a fair chance but i dont understand why he strings so tight.

Quite typical and recognizable behaviour of stubborn people who disregard the advice of racket experts. ;-)

What strings and tension did you string your Prestige Tour?

 

[landcookie]

Another story for you guys. I gave some of my racquets for the Yonex Vcore Pro 97 user (in the past prestige and pro staff as well).

Racquets I gave him for a test:
1. Head Prestige Tour
2. Diadem Elevate Tour
3. Percept 97 customized slightly
4. Tecnifibre TF40 315 16x19 slightly customized

He is a one-hander. Level between 4.0-4.5

Out of those he liked Prestige Tour the most. He instantly noticed how much easier it is to guide the ball with the prestige tour compared to his uncostomized vcore pro.
He also loved the feel of it.

Customized Percept 97 he felt it was similar to his vcore pro but was a bit late on his backhand.

Diadem he didnt like - too much power

TF40 he didnt like as much as the prestige tour but i dont recall any specific reason. He was already hooked with the prestige tour.

He asked me to borrow it for a week where he could compare it under pressure when competing.

He restrung it with tecnifibre red code at 24/23kg (even though I said its a prestige and you should go low like 21kg). He didnt listen

Then he returned the racquet saying it is too demanding and was hurting his body haha

Came back to his vcore pro 97. He is stringing his vcore high as well so at least it was a fair chance but i dont understand why he strings so tight.

I read 4-4.5 and Prestige Tour and my first thoughts were “he’s dreaming”.

Sounds like a true competitive player though otherwise he would not have admitted the PT is too demanding. Kudos to him!

Is the Prestige Tour anything like the Angell 95?

 

[emhtennis]

when you play vs really good players you start to notice it in your legs ;p but of course you are right. Some players give me feedback when I ask them. Some players are so focused on their game that they dont even notice when I change racquets hah. I assume then that my level didnt change much as well and I can rely purely on the feel that i have with racquet.

My idea for my game is that in theory i shouldnt be swinging above 80% of my full speed. Everything above starts to feel like I am taking risks. I wanna focus on anticipation, counter-attacks and netplay. Ideally other players should self-destroy out of frustration hahah
Of course if the guys are hitting hard then I kinda accelerate to compensate the overall increase in speed but my body is kinda feeling it still as something fluid and within this 80%.

I might be changing this theory as I know I need weapons. But you can kinda see this applied from many top players. Djokovic, Murray,….totally differnt vibes compared to Alcaraz or Kyrgios. Sinner seems to be in between.

Completely agree on the 80% rule. If I had the money to take regular lessons again I would tell the pro I want to "raise my floor" not "increase my ceiling". As in, I want my 80% ball to be bigger, not my 97% ball.

For me, I am always trying to play to bigger targets inside the baseline, like Djokovic/Murray etc. Very hard habit to break growing up watching Agassi and Seles do nothing but paint lines!

 

[galapagos]

Quite typical and recognizable behaviour of stubborn people who disregard the advice of racket experts. ;-)

What strings and tension did you string your Prestige Tour?

Before that change from him I was using hawk touch at around 21kg. I also liked it a lot with solinco confidential at around 22kg. Both 1.25

 

[galapagos]

I read 4-4.5 and Prestige Tour and my first thoughts were “he’s dreaming”.

Sounds like a true competitive player though otherwise he would not have admitted the PT is too demanding. Kudos to him!

Is the Prestige Tour anything like the Angell 95?

For a second I thought yes because my backhands clicked right away and serving also felt familiar. But overall the power lvl is night and day different. I also think that TC with foam has a much better feel. I can only say that prestige had great launch angle which is a „problem” in tc95. With prestige tour hitting that clean linear penetrating ball is just very addictive. I was in love when testing the tour for the first time and so was he.

But eventually we both ended up crossing this frame out of potential switches.

Also because the tc95 has such wide string spacing it is overall more forgiving.

TC95 stays as my favourite 95” frame and im not sure i will ever try any other 95” unless it will have a strong connection with some of my guru players. Murray or Djokovic maybe Del Potro.

 

[galapagos]

Completely agree on the 80% rule. If I had the money to take regular lessons again I would tell the pro I want to "raise my floor" not "increase my ceiling". As in, I want my 80% ball to be bigger, not my 97% ball.

For me, I am always trying to play to bigger targets inside the baseline, like Djokovic/Murray etc. Very hard habit to break growing up watching Agassi and Seles do nothing but paint lines!

Hehe Yes exactly ! Rising the floor is crazy important while competing. You wanna stay „relaxed” but solid and still perform well. When I started coaching occasionally I improved this much more than when i was a „player” under a coach. As a coach you want to place the ball so the other player can practice. Eventually you become a wall and you work up your tempo from there.

guys too often want to impress more rather than „stabilize”.
also they dont feel the pressure of mistake while coach kinda has this responsibility to keep the ball in play. Totally different vibes but both are important skills to practice. I am often too passive with my tennis and i am trying to fix it first in my head.

 

[galapagos]

Whiteout joining the final 4 but it was heavily modified. Around 15g added

 

[ChrisJR3264]

Whiteout joining the final 4 but it was heavily modified. Around 15g added

Maybe more racket mfg. will procure the weighted butt cap module. This was a smart move by solinco for easy customization to add weight to the handle.

The avg SW strung for both 16x19 and 18x20 white outs are 324-327. Very stable for 4.0-5.5 usta level players. 5-10 grams give you a 315 racket easily by installing a +10g butt cap and for me - no playing around adding lead to the hoop.

 

[galapagos]

Maybe more racket mfg. will procure the weighted but back module. This was a smart move by solinco for easy customization to add weight to the handle.

The avg SW strung for both 16x19 and 18x20 white outs are 324-327. Very stable for 4.0-5.5 usta level players. 5-10 grams give you a 315 racket easily by installing a +10g butt cap and for me - no playing around adding lead to the hoop.

Ye that I also enjoy. Very fast testing.

 

[galapagos]

quick rest from my tournament of racquets. Testing Head Speed Pro 2024 - is it any better than the previous editions?
in short: feel and performance imo still goes to 360+ but it's still close enough for all the current speed users. Fun racquet to play with. It's helping a lot. But the "issues" I have with 2022 continues with the auxetic 2.0.

 

[galapagos]

Rublev should switch to Prestige Pro be the face of the racquet!

 

[Toydy]

Rublev should switch to Prestige Pro be the face of the racquet!

He may need a softer ra to combat against knee injuries

 

[galapagos]

just before the final pick little highlights of every round.

 

[galapagos]

Final pick. Going live in 20 min. I remember nothing will have to watch it with you
Will come back later with the review of the review haha

 

[galapagos]

Another story for you guys. Racquet testing with aspiring pro female player. She is quite short but strong. Perfect work ethic, good technique but struggles with confidence. Previous main racquet: radical mp (old version when it was 295g)

she was looking for more plow through and power as she moved to Italy where she constantly experience heavy ball and doesn’t want to be bullied. That being said she still needs control since mental game is not her strongest part. Very difficult mission I would say. Something forgiving and stable enough (since she is short), good plow through so she can rely on racquet during tough moments yet still with enough control.

Racquets tested:
1. Yonex percept 97
2. Yonex ezone 100
3. Yonex vcore 98
4. Yonex vcore 100
5. Tecnifibre tempo 298 Iga
6. Head Extreme MP
7. Tecnifibre tfight 300 ISO
8. Head Speed Pro
9. Head Gravity Tour 98
10. Solinco Whiteout customized
11. Head Prestige MP
12. Yonex Percept 100

Out of all the above she enjoyed:
1. Yonex Vcore 98
2. Tecnifibre tempo 298
3. Head Speed Pro
4. Head Gravity 98
5. Yonex Percept 100

She couldn’t control the vcore 100, ezone 100 and extreme mp.

Out of those 5 frames her final choice was between the speed pro (loved the plow through and forgiveness) and gravity 98 (more spin and a bit more easy to swing with still that bigger plow through)

She went with the gravity 98.
(Few days of testing, unfortunately the strings were not the same so there is some luck involved)

 

[landcookie]

Another story for you guys. Racquet testing with aspiring pro female player. She is quite short but strong. Perfect work ethic, good technique but struggles with confidence. Previous main racquet: radical mp (old version when it was 295g)

she was looking for more plow through and power as she moved to Italy where she constantly experience heavy ball and doesn’t want to be bullied. That being said she still needs control since mental game is not her strongest part. Very difficult mission I would say. Something forgiving and stable enough (since she is short), good plow through so she can rely on racquet during tough moments yet still with enough control.

Racquets tested:
1. Yonex percept 97
2. Yonex ezone 100
3. Yonex vcore 98
4. Yonex vcore 100
5. Tecnifibre tempo 298 Iga
6. Head Extreme MP
7. Tecnifibre tfight 300 ISO
8. Head Speed Pro
9. Head Gravity Tour 98
10. Solinco Whiteout customized
11. Head Prestige MP
12. Yonex Percept 100

Out of all the above she enjoyed:
1. Yonex Vcore 98
2. Tecnifibre tempo 298
3. Head Speed Pro
4. Head Gravity 98
5. Yonex Percept 100

She couldn’t control the vcore 100, ezone 100 and extreme mp.

Out of those 5 frames her final choice was between the speed pro (loved the plow through and forgiveness) and gravity 98 (more spin and a bit more easy to swing with still that bigger plow through)

She went with the gravity 98.
(Few days of testing, unfortunately the strings were not the same so there is some luck involved)

Surprised she tested extrême MP but not pro?

 

[galapagos]

Surprised she tested extrême MP but not pro?

well it was the first session where I showed her Vcore 100, Ezone 100, Iga Tempo, Extreme MP and Vcore 98. Extreme Pro was not available at that time but it make sense that she could like it.
Then she tested gravity 98 and it was pretty much it (out of 12 frames so already quite large group). From my experience Extreme Pro has a bit more power / it's a bit more responsive. Gravity 98 is kinda perfectly in between Radical MP and Extreme Pro (newest edition) and offers biggest plow through - something that she was looking for.

 

[landcookie]

well it was the first session where I showed her Vcore 100, Ezone 100, Iga Tempo, Extreme MP and Vcore 98. Extreme Pro was not available at that time but it make sense that she could like it.
Then she tested gravity 98 and it was pretty much it (out of 12 frames so already quite large group). From my experience Extreme Pro has a bit more power / it's a bit more responsive. Gravity 98 is kinda perfectly in between Radical MP and Extreme Pro (newest edition) and offers biggest plow through - something that she was looking for.

On a separate topic, Been having a hit with a beefed up Extreme Pro around my TC 100 specs. My hitting partner really notices the extra jump from the Extreme. Visually the difference in ball shape is also very evident from my end and how much more difficult it is for the opponent to handle.

I don’t know if ball speed is the same as the TC but I feel more in control overall. I think I’m going to switch to it.

 

[galapagos]

Extreme Pro is an interesting frame for sure. Recent release is much more solid in feel compared to previous editions. Not many mods needed IMO. I liked it too but haven't yet reviewed it. Feel is a bit stiffer but the response is kinda similar (with more directional control I would say)

 

[galapagos]

Which new racquet release will be the best in 2025? already tried the whiteout, pure drives, gravity tour, tfight hopefully soon as well. Gravity pro ? I will try the ezone too but don’t know when. Radical Pro is interesting as well.. hmm

 

[KC!]

Which new racquet release will be the best in 2025? already tried the whiteout, pure drives, gravity tour, tfight hopefully soon as well. Gravity pro ? I will try the ezone too but don’t know when. Radical Pro is interesting as well.. hmm

Really excited to try the new Solinco Whiteout & TFight lines. What is your thoughts on the new Whiteout?

The Radical Pro would be my racquet of choice if they could increase its sweet spot. It may have the smallest sweet spot of any racquet i’ve played.

 

[landcookie]

Really excited to try the new Solinco Whiteout & TFight lines. What is your thoughts on the new Whiteout?

The Radical Pro would be my racquet of choice if they could increase its sweet spot. It may have the smallest sweet spot of any racquet i’ve played.

Get an under spec one and lead up at 3 and 9?

 

[galapagos]

Really excited to try the new Solinco Whiteout & TFight lines. What is your thoughts on the new Whiteout?

The Radical Pro would be my racquet of choice if they could increase its sweet spot. It may have the smallest sweet spot of any racquet i’ve played.

Solinco tweaked the feel, control and comfort. Waiting for the honeymoon to end so I can really catch the essence of the frame
in the meantime here is my Tfight 300 16x19 review which imo is designed to compete with the Ezones, Whiteout, Radical MP and maybe Pure Drives?

next - probably Tfight 305!

 

[galapagos]

Small offtop. What shoes are good now on the market ? Lf comfort and stability.
I am thinking about nike zoom gp challenge 1, Adidas barricade 13, diadora blueshield torneo 2, kswiss ultrashot 3, Lacoste ag ultra