Vantage Racquets, Post Your Specs.

[Rexking]

Post specs of your proud Vantage racquet(s) and if possible explain the reasons you optioned for those specs.

I'm thinking of ordering a custom one of the following specs:

Frame size 95sq" (20mm beam)
String pattern 16x19,
Stiffness 70 RA,
Length 27.5",
Weight & Balance 310g / 11.0oz, 320mm / 7pts HL,
Colour black,
Handle shape 3,
Handle size 2 - 4 1/4",
Grip Leather Tan,
Cover Full Protection

Some questions for Vantage users.

Can I find out the swingweight from Vantage?

How much will the stiffness change after strung? Which is better 70 or 63?

What would the weight and balance be after strung and add an overgrip?

Is it possible to have a thinner beam in the 95sq" head?

Thanks

 

[1012007]

After demoing the 300g, 6pts HL frame (VT321) I am going for:

Frame size 100sq"
String pattern 16x19
Stiffness 63 RA,
Length 27",
Weight & Balance 290g / 2pts HL
Colour black,
Handle shape - Dunlop
Handle size 3 - 4 3/8



The stiffness will decrease by 4-5 RA after being strung. Id go for 63 as it will be easier on your arm and the racket doesnt feel overly flexible either

 

[mozzer]

Frame size 95sq" (20mm beam)
String pattern 16x19,
Stiffness 70 RA,
Length 27",
Weight & Balance 330g, 12pts HL,
Colour black,
Handle shape - Dunlop
Handle size - 4 - 4 1/2",
Grip Leather Tan,

Got this spec cus nickb sold it to me cheap. It was definately a gamble but after winning every match i have played and a tournament with it, im gonna get 1 more soon, then another for christmas. It is 70 RA and feels way flexier then my old pure drive.

 

[1012007]

Mozzer have you got my email?? re vantage

 

[Dino Lagaffe]

Frame size: 95sq"
String pattern: 16x19
Stiffness: 63 RA
Length: 27"
Weight: 330g / 11.7oz
Balance: 315mm / 9pts HL
Colour: black
Handle shape: 2 (Dunlop, I believe.)
Handle size: 3 - 4 3/8"
Grip: Drytack black

Main reason for those specs is that it was similar to the specs of other racquets that I like.

 

[El Diablo]

100 sq. in., 27 inches, 70 flex, 310 grams, 320 mm balance. I chose these specs with the intent to add a modest amount of lead tape at 3 and 9, as I come from oversize racquets and like the extra stability. Set up as such, it's the best stick I've ever used. I've never been a very big server -- until now. Suddenly my serve is unbreakable, with aces and big heavy bounce. I looked at the T-Flash 310 as well recently, but the Vantage set up hits a heavier ball and is much more comfortable (comfort not too bad on the 310, but you can definitely feel the aluminum). The 70 flex Vantages are fabulous, plenty of power and control, yet a cushy ride.

 

[gerrym40]

Frame size 95sq" (20mm beam)
String pattern 16x19,
Stiffness 63 RA,
Length 27",
Weight & Balance 320g, 12pts HL,
Colour black,
Handle shape - Wilson
Handle size - 4 - 4 1/2",
Grip Leather Tan

I have 3 vantage rackets all strung with gut mains and isospeed control crosses. Added overgrip, vibration damper, and racket head protection tape. The specs match close to the old Volkl tour 10 mids I use to play with.

 

[skierpaul]

VT112B - Stock Flex & Balance

Frame size: 90sq"
String pattern: 16x18
Stiffness: 70 RA
Length: 27"
Weight: 330g / 11.7oz
Balance: 305mm / 12pts HL
Colour: Black Frame / Black Grommet Strip
Handle shape: Vantage
Handle size: 3 - 4 3/8"
Grip: Leather Black

I ordered stock specs since with 12pts head light I have a ton of flexibility with what I can do. I can always add lead to the head and still have a reasonably balanced racket. I didn't want to take any chances by over customizing and getting a racket that I can't "uncustomize".

I'm ordering a second one this week! I love the stock specs btw, so I don't feel a need to change much of anything right now.

 

[0d1n]

I have 1 100 left (had 3)
310 g, 315 balance, 63 flex.
This one is the most spin friendly racket I have ever used. Perfect power level (for me) also. I ditched this spec though because the string pattern is very open (even in the sweet spot).
As a result when playing hard hitters I have control problems when strung with soft string (multi) and also I break strings WAY too often. I can control the ball just fine with poly, and I get wicked spin...but I don't want to go back to full poly for comfort/feel reasons.

So ... after demoing a 16x19 95 63 flex...which has very similar string spacing...I decided to order some 18x20's.
In order to keep the power level similar though ... I went with the 70 flex....so I ended up with:
2 x 95, 18x20, 70 flex, 27 inch long, 310 grams, 315 balance, dunlop grip shape (3/8 ), leather grip. I usually string it with PSGMulti @ around 26 kg's and it plays great.
I like the 310g/315 mm spec because it suits my needs perfectly....it's the perfect platform. With minimal amounts of lead I can get it to play just the way I like it...with a slightly bigger SW. Haven't tried the 320 grams spec yet ... and I think I'll keep the spec I have anyway .
With 3-4 grams of lead, some head tape and an overgrip ...it has perfect playing weight/sw for me, and I still have the option to go lighter in SW if I want.
I like this spec flexibility...the 320 grams spec might be perfect for me (stock) on clay for example, but if I get to play on indoor carpet ...it might be too unwieldy (not sure since I haven't tried it) .
I'm still using my Tour 10's as mains but I might change to the specs I just described during this winter season...to get used to the spec by next summer . This will most certainly happen if there's another sale in february and I'm able to get a healthy number of frames for cheapish prices .

 

[martini1]

I think the whole point of getting a custom made is to get something you can't find elsewhere. So I'd order specs that the major brands don't offer.

 

[1012007]

I think the whole point of getting a custom made is to get something you can't find elsewhere. So I'd order specs that the major brands don't offer.

Not really... If you prefer a vantage over a "major brand's racket" then you can match the vantage to that spec

 

[giolp]

my first 2 vantages were:

95" 18x20 63 flex
dunlop grip shape gripsize 3 leather tan
320 grams 12 points headlight
white with clear grommets

after demoing the VT221 I ended up with my new 2 frames:

95" 16x19 63 flex
dunlop grip shape gripsize 3 leather brown
320 grams 12 points headlight
black with black grommets

fantastic frames indeed.
I really love their comfort and consistency, the flex rating and their consistent flex response.
built quality is second to none, many other major brands' frames feel like toys compared to Vantages

 

[larry10s]

strings add approximately 15 grams and change the balance point 8mm or so.dampener and over grip can add 4-5 grams and change the balance 2-3mm. my vantage strung 12.1 oz 9 pts hl swingweight 327 16x 19 4 3/8 dunlop grip black frame black leather.(unstrung 330 gram 305mm hl 63 flex) you can get a swingweight measurement on your racquet. but i do not know if you can specify swingweight to your specs. for example if you get a 330 gram 305mmm balance racquet the swingweight will probably be 325. i do not know if they can make a 330 gm 305mm racquet with a swingweight of 315. i chose those specs because after many demoes of racquets and tinkering with weight and balance that is my preference . very solid great plowthrough lower flex for less arm strain.(bad tennis elbow years ago).i demoed a 70 and 63. personally could not tell much difference went with lower flex for reason stated.these are great racquets!!! to answer another poster you are not only buying a set of specs you are buying the feel and hit of the racquet and the company that stands behind their product and will work with you to make sure you are satified

 

[Deleted member 21996]

Hi VT's... i have a small question. does anyone know why Vantage doesnt have more sizes and colors..

i always wanted to order one but i cant match my specs with the ones the have. you cant reproduce a radical os or a pc 660... to me its a pitty...

 

[mozzer]

Frame size 95sq" (20mm beam)
String pattern 16x19,
Stiffness 63 RA,
Length 27",
Weight & Balance 320g, 12pts HL,
Colour black,
Handle shape - Wilson
Handle size - 4 - 4 1/2",
Grip Leather Tan

I have 3 vantage rackets all strung with gut mains and isospeed control crosses. Added overgrip, vibration damper, and racket head protection tape. The specs match close to the old Volkl tour 10 mids I use to play with.

Can you tell me what this plays like? I have the similar spec but mine is 330g and 70 RA. Wanted to try the lighter one as after my tournament, my arm was aching pretty bad.

 

[larry10s]

gorecki what specs do you want. and are those specs strung or unstrung

 

[larry10s]

mozzer you said in prior post your racquet was the best . do you think your arm ached because you played more tennis than usual. i bought a 320gm racquet to compare with my 330gm could not tell much difference . alittle less plowthrough not tremendous weight feel difference you probanly need to go one more weight class lighter to feel a difference.imo

 

[El Diablo]

Gorecki
For much the same reason Babolat only offered a PD, PD+, PC and PC+ early on. Getting started takes investment, and capital is not infinite. I think the choices are adequate, and head sizes spaced at 5 sq.in. intervals ought to satisfy normal human beings. If you tell me that you need a 98 and can't play with a 95 or 100, I'll tell you to get yourself some therapy.

 

[Deleted member 21996]

gorecki what specs do you want. and are those specs strung or unstrung

nothing special... i was just saying i dont have the chance to get the specs of a Radical, 21mm beam, 107 sq, 18x20 sp... its just an example!

Gorecki
For much the same reason Babolat only offered a PD, PD+, PC and PC+ early on. Getting started takes investment, and capital is not infinite.

i know that... i happen to have a PHd in Business management...

I think the choices are adequate, and head sizes spaced at 5 sq.in. intervals ought to satisfy normal human beings. If you tell me that you need a 98 and can't play with a 95 or 100, I'll tell you to get yourself some therapy.

hold your horses there boy. we are not that close so you can advise me anything. why wont you tell Andre Agassi and Michael Chang to get therapy... they never played with 105 frames... that is quite uncalled for...

i never said i wouldnt play with a 100 or a 105, but you cant get their 105 in 18x20 sp with a 21mm beam... how much investment does that take? get it?

now im not saying Vantage does not have a good selection, but in falls short in oversize players racquets...

if anything a should state that Vantage is the most customer geared company, and their job is wonderfull in every sense of the word. i just happen to be out partially served by their excelent (cant say that too much) service to tennis as an industry.

 

[mozzer]

mozzer you said in prior post your racquet was the best . do you think your arm ached because you played more tennis than usual. i bought a 320gm racquet to compare with my 330gm could not tell much difference . alittle less plowthrough not tremendous weight feel difference you probanly need to go one more weight class lighter to feel a difference.imo

Yes, i played 3 matches. I have never really demo's rackets, got 2 pure drives when i started just over 3 years ago. This is my second racket ever. 30g heavier and with a leather grip, feels quite alot beefier. Wouldnt want to go down to 310g though.

 

[sureshs]

Can I find out the swingweight from Vantage?

Yes Paul will send you his SW estimate by email

 

[mawashi]

Yes Paul will send you his SW estimate by email

Good luck with that, Paul isn't the easiest person to get. I usually have to wait at least a week or 2 for his replies and he tends to forget some of my questions when he answers LOL!

Been waiting for his estimate for sw on my frames and new order for a long while already LOL!


My Vantage unstrung specs:

Head Size:95 sq. in. / 613 sq. cm
Length: 27.25 inches
Strung Weight: 320g
Balance: 9pts Head Light
Swingweight: ???
Stiffness: 70
Power Level: Low
Swing Speed: Fast
String Pattern:
16 Mains / 19 Crosses

mawashi

 

[martini1]

Not really... If you prefer a vantage over a "major brand's racket" then you can match the vantage to that spec

If the specs is the same they would pretty much play the same, won't they? Unless you want a different grip shape or you have to have a Vantage brand racket I really don't see the point of spending the extra money on Vantage over another brand.

I don't live in Europe and Vantage prices + S&H is rather expensive compared to top of the line Head, Wilson, and Prince to name a few.

 

[mawashi]

If the specs is the same they would pretty much play the same, won't they? Unless you want a different grip shape or you have to have a Vantage brand racket I really don't see the point of spending the extra money on Vantage over another brand.

I don't live in Europe and Vantage prices + S&H is rather expensive compared to top of the line Head, Wilson, and Prince to name a few.

I too don't live in Europe and it is expensive to get the frames but I understand from Paul that they have a new US office.

And no even frames with near exact specs from different companies can play different. A combination of different graphite, kevlar and whatever else they make the frames from can really change the way a frame feels.

mawashi

 

[skierpaul]

I too don't live in Europe and it is expensive to get the frames but I understand from Paul that they have a new US office.

Vantage Sport International LLC
6485 NW 32 Way
Boca Raton, FL 33496

(561) 441-6402

Sven is the contact there.
sven@vantagetennis.com

I demoed mine at Hardcore Tennis in Marietta, GA - outside of Atlanta. You can order through those guys too. That's what I did. I paid $184 + $10 s&h.

 

[mawashi]

Thanks mate, really appreciate the help.

mawashi

 

[todot62]

My Vantage unstrung specs:

(2)X
Head Size: 95 sq. in.
Length: 27 inches
Weight: 330g
Balance: 12pts Head Light
Stiffness: 63
String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses
Butt Cap: Volkl Soft
Grip: 3/8 TW Leather w/ Yonex over grip
String: Kev18g @45 X Gosen 17g @50
Color: Both black, (1) with red grommets (1) with black grommets

These racquets play like butta'. An interesting spec would be the same as what I have but an 18x20 and 70RA. Maybe even going with a 27.25. I am hoping Paul has another sale in March. He may not now that he has USA representation.

Tod

 

[martini1]

I paid $184 + $10 s&h.

That's a lot better than the prices they show on the website!

 

[mawashi]

Vantage Sport International LLC
6485 NW 32 Way
Boca Raton, FL 33496

(561) 441-6402

Sven is the contact there.
sven@vantagetennis.com

I demoed mine at Hardcore Tennis in Marietta, GA - outside of Atlanta. You can order through those guys too. That's what I did. I paid $184 + $10 s&h.

Thanks for the mail info but Vantage really needs to get their act together, I mail Sven and got 4 repeat mails saying sorry and that Paul usually is quite good with replying to clients... yeah right LOL!

If that's so how come there''s so many comments here bout 3 weeks or more of waiting for one of Paul's reply.

mawashi

 

[larry10s]

mawashi ill try to get thw swingweight for you as i am in touch with sven. i would guess your swing weight is over 330 because my racquet 330 gm 308mm unstrung after stringing has a sw of 327. your racquet is longer and more headheavy(relatively speaking) but ill try to get the # for you if you do not hear from them first.larry

 

[larry10s]

todot62 i demoed aracquet with those specs and i could not tell a big difference in the flex but you got what would be expected in a tighter pattern stringbed less power same swing balls landed alittle short compared to 16x19. less spin and for me not as "heavy" a ball. i needed the exra boost from the 16x19.. what sold me on the racquet was the extra boost was CONTROLABLE. balls dont spray. its me making the ball go where i want(sometimes lol) the racquet helps but doesnt take over.

 

[larry10s]

gorecki for my info how many frames are out there that match your specs from any company?

 

[mawashi]

mawashi ill try to get thw swingweight for you as i am in touch with sven. i would guess your swing weight is over 330 because my racquet 330 gm 308mm unstrung after stringing has a sw of 327. your racquet is longer and more headheavy(relatively speaking) but ill try to get the # for you if you do not hear from them first.larry

larry10s,

Don't worry bout it, it's their problem not yours. Sven and Paul have gotten my mails and I'll see just how long they'll take to reply and for me to make my purchase.

If they take too long I'll just go get 6 more frames of the APDC as I seem to play as well with the Babos as with the Vantage. It's just WAYYYYY easier to buy Babos then the vantages.

Cheers,

mawashi

 

[ls206]

Hey guys, if it helps anyone I got a SW quote for these specs:
VT111
-27"
-310g / 9pts hl
-leather grip
The swing weight was estimated at 320 strung

 

[0d1n]

As far as I saw, most 90's will be "approximated" @ 320 sw, most 95's at around 325 and most 100's at about 330 within the spec ranges that Vantage offers.
I've spoken with Paul and he said that the weight/balance don't generally have a huge impact on the SW, and most will be close to what I stated.
The LENGTH however will impact SW more, and from what I saw the "estimates" will be bumped about 5 points for +0.25 inch length...so a 27.25 inch 100 will generally be estimated at 335 SW.
You get the idea ...
I'm not sure if he was just trying to get rid of me or not, as I'm pretty sure that the sw WILL be affected by the rest of the specs but that's roughly what you will get from an estimate.
I'm pretty sure that final SW will be different from one racket to another even for the same weight/balance/head size specs...but don't expect the same kind of difference you would get from a company like Wilson ... Vantage specs will "feel" much more consistent in my experience.
Hope this helps

 

[mawashi]

I'm not sure if he was just trying to get rid of me or not, as I'm pretty sure that the sw WILL be affected by the rest of the specs but that's roughly what you will get from an estimate.
I'm pretty sure that final SW will be different from one racket to another even for the same weight/balance/head size specs...but don't expect the same kind of difference you would get from a company like Wilson ... Vantage specs will "feel" much more consistent in my experience.
Hope this helps

He was trying to get rid of you LOL! I know that the SW will be affected by the balance. There's no way a 7 pt frame will have the same sw as a 12 pt frame, there should be bout 5-12 g difference.

mawashi

 

[0d1n]

He was trying to get rid of you LOL! I know that the SW will be affected by the balance. There's no way a 7 pt frame will have the same sw as a 12 pt frame, there should be bout 5-12 g difference.

mawashi

There is no direct correlation between balance and SW. I have tested plenty of high balance low swing weight frames and plenty of low balance high sw frames to know that.

 

[mawashi]

There is no direct correlation between balance and SW. I have tested plenty of high balance low swing weight frames and plenty of low balance high sw frames to know that.

I hope that isn't totally true otherwise whats the point of having all these different specs if they all swing the same?

Like you I too have a lot of frames and other than maneuverability I can feel some differences in sw with frames with different balance.

Most importantly, I can feel the difference in plow through between different frames as a frame with a lower hl balance seems to have more weight to the shot. A 10 hl frame may have the same sw but upon contact with a ball, you really need faster head speed to punch through the ball compare to a frame with a less hl balance.

I donno but that's what I feel when I use frames with different balance points.

Thanks,

mawashi

 

[0d1n]

^^ The point is that SW will be the more important spec on ground strokes and to some extent serving, but for volleying for example weight/balance combo might be more important because there's no "swinging" involved if the volley is done properly.
That's why there's so much variation in specs on the market, because each player has different requirements for all these different specs.
I'm sure there IS some effect on V rackets when they change the "basic frame" to get to a specific weight/balance, but what they've probably seen "experimentally" is that between the limited options they offer the SW variation will be small enough to ignore (for most people) hence their approximation being based mostly on head size instead of the weight/balance specification.
I'm pretty sure that most people who asked for estimates on SW from Vantage and ordered 95's standard length got the 325 answer regardless of the chosen specs....and that was all I was saying.

 

[todot62]

todot62 i demoed aracquet with those specs and i could not tell a big difference in the flex but you got what would be expected in a tighter pattern stringbed less power same swing balls landed alittle short compared to 16x19. less spin and for me not as "heavy" a ball. i needed the exra boost from the 16x19.. what sold me on the racquet was the extra boost was CONTROLABLE. balls dont spray. its me making the ball go where i want(sometimes lol) the racquet helps but doesnt take over.

Interesting. I would have thought that the 70RA might add enough power. That is why I think I would go with a 27.25 or even a 27.5 if I had an 18X20. Maybe that would add enough power.

However, let me tell you, someone would have to pry my current spec Vantage out of my cold dead hands before I would give it up. There is something about the old school, 12 oz, head light, 63RA, with the new school 16x19 that just has sweet written all over it. I also wouldn't mind trying my current specs at 27.25 to gain a bit extra power. With my current setup I can leave the ball a bit short at the end of a long match.

 

[Deleted member 21996]

gorecki for my info how many frames are out there that match your specs from any company?

i dont know... a maybe a few... i would say: All the Radical OS for 18 x19 with 107sq. is this a weird choice?

and as far as the 18x20 102sq all the Head Prestige classic 660 and Team versions...
plus add Dunlop 300 g, Head Classic Tour MP 18x19...

and with 16x19, POG...

seem fair enough to aspire that a custom racquet brand would make at least one racquet to match something to rival the Rad OS or POG... no? not that the others matter as they are lesser selling frames.

what im trying to say is that there is no thin beam, flexy, Oversize\ SMP racquets in Vantage... maybe on prebuilt... never looked...

 

[mawashi]

^^ The point is that SW will be the more important spec on ground strokes and to some extent serving, but for volleying for example weight/balance combo might be more important because there's no "swinging" involved if the volley is done properly.
That's why there's so much variation in specs on the market, because each player has different requirements for all these different specs.
I'm sure there IS some effect on V rackets when they change the "basic frame" to get to a specific weight/balance, but what they've probably seen "experimentally" is that between the limited options they offer the SW variation will be small enough to ignore (for most people) hence their approximation being based mostly on head size instead of the weight/balance specification.
I'm pretty sure that most people who asked for estimates on SW from Vantage and ordered 95's standard length got the 325 answer regardless of the chosen specs....and that was all I was saying.

Thanks for the info, I get what you are saying and you are right in that maneuverability is more important in volleys and having a nice hl frame really helps in that regard.

I agree with most if not all your points and now that I think about it it would be nice if there is little correlation between balance and sw cus I could get a really high hl like 12pts and yet have the sw remain at 325g.

Looks like we have quite a few questions for the elusive Paul LOL!

Sorry for the hijacked thread.

mawashi

 

[Alexio92]

330g
27.5 inch
63 RA
100"

 

[Maestro Nalbandian]

Nice thread for all Vantage users!

Here is mine,

Head Size:90 sq. in.
Length: 27 inches
Unstrung Weight: 320g
Balance: 12pts Head Light
Stiffness: 70
Grip size: 2
Grip shape: unsure as I bought it on e b a y (felt like Wilson)

Btw were you guys refering to strung swingweight or unstrung?

What would my estimated swingweight be?

 

[martini1]

And no even frames with near exact specs from different companies can play different. A combination of different graphite, kevlar and whatever else they make the frames from can really change the way a frame feels.

mawashi

In that case you must really really like the feel of the Vantage over other brands to pay a premium on getting the same specs!

BTW if the frames are made in UK I would buy it at a premium as a collector's item (of course, it has to be a good frame as well). They are still made in China like the others so I'd rather get the spec I want but no one else offer.

 

[mawashi]

In that case you must really really like the feel of the Vantage over other brands to pay a premium on getting the same specs!

BTW if the frames are made in UK I would buy it at a premium as a collector's item (of course, it has to be a good frame as well). They are still made in China like the others so I'd rather get the spec I want but no one else offer.

LOL! I do love the feel of vantages but I certainly don't want to pay a premium if possible !

The frames are made in China but adjusted and finished in the UK or recently in the US.

I'm a bit anal bout specs and such but I'll be happy to play with any frame that I feel comfortable with.

After fooling about with 12 different frames, I can say that most player frames play real sweet and other than swing weight and stiffness, the differences aren't so vast that I won't be able to adjust to that frame in time.

I'm just really fussy bout specs n feel that's all .

mawashi

 

[mawashi]

Nice thread for all Vantage users!

Here is mine,

Head Size:90 sq. in.
Length: 27 inches
Unstrung Weight: 320g
Balance: 12pts Head Light
Stiffness: 70
Grip size: 2
Grip shape: unsure as I bought it on e b a y (felt like Wilson)

Btw were you guys refering to strung swingweight or unstrung?

What would my estimated swingweight be?

From what 0d1n has mentioned, assuming that balance doesn't affect sw too much, it should be about 320g strung.

mawashi

 

[skierpaul]

For you Vantage 90 (70RA) non-poly users, what tension are you stringing at?

I've been stringing around 58-60, but want to string a little less for better ball pocking and to take a touch more of the edge off.

 

[gerrym40]

Can you tell me what this plays like? I have the similar spec but mine is 330g and 70 RA. Wanted to try the lighter one as after my tournament, my arm was aching pretty bad.

Hey Mozzer, I demoed a vantage 330g 95" 63ra 9pts HL version before i purchased my 320g versions. My demo had a lot of pop at 330g, but I was getting tired hitting with it after a couple of sets (felt heavy with a 3 or 5pt balance with strings).

For me, the 320g version plays super comfortable (gut mains/ soft poly crosses) and I can use it for 3-4 sets and not get tired. Also I have the option to add a bit of lead tape to it if I need more power and stability against hard hitters.

Now I am thinking of trying a vantage 90 for more control.
Gerry

 

[TonyB]

Can anyone tell me what a typical Vantage "feels" like? Any other racquets that compare in terms of feel?