Volkl PB10 Mid vs PK Redondo MP vs Donnay X-dual Platinum 99 vs. Head Prestige MP

[321lor]

Hello all,
I am considering buying some new racquets and the ones in the title are under consideration, except the Volkl PB10 mid which I already have.
Basically, what I am interested in:
-lowest power racquet, so I have more flexibility with strings and tension
For example, I found the Volkl PB10 Mid to be surprisingly powerful for my mainly flat strokes (and one handed back-hand). I have to string at fairly high tension, which start giving me golfers elbow.
-stability against really heavy hitters. I am mainly playing strong players that play with a lot of pace, including powerful serves.
-maneuverability

Is PK Redondo MP head size closer to a true 98?
Also, Iplayed with the Donnay X-dual gold 99 and I found it to be very powerful. Is the X-dual Platinum significantly less powerful?

The Aerogel 4D 100 is very suitable for my style of play (very low power, fairly stable with lead at 3-9 and 12), but occasionally I do get overpowered due to its small head size coming against heavy balls.

I anyone has played with these racquets against heavy hitters, please let me know your comments.

 

[Timbo's hopeless slice]

well, best rule out the Donnay.

excellent racquet, but if you thought the PB10 mid was powerful, you don't want a Plat-99

you must hit REALLY flat..

 

[anirut]

If you like flexy, low powered sticks and not afraid of smaller head size (like the 4D100 which you like), then consider the Redondo MID and string at lower tension. It's got enough heft against big hitters and great for playing flats. It can generate decent spin but the balls won't jump very high.

The Redondo MP head size is about a true 98. I played only once and wouldn't want to comment much on it, only that I could really feel the flex more than the mid, probably due to the larger head size.

BTW, the Redondo Mid feels like a low powered stick, but the other guy receiving the ball won't feel that way, especially if strung right. I've tasted my own medicine.

 

[jayserinos99]

I'd also throw in the Head Prestige Mids as well if you want low power and stability. Depending on which model you get will vary maneuverability. The current IGs swing really fast for me.

As for the Redondo MP and Prestige MP, they seemed like they came from the same mold, so they're comparable in head size. The Redondo has a lot of flex and is heavy enough to hang with the big hitters.

What are you currently using in your PB10? I liked MSV 1.10 at 48-52 when I used them but could also go with Tour Bite 18 at the same tension.

 

[spinovic]

Yes. IG Prestige Mid is the lowest powered frame I've ever used.

 

[thejuice]

I figured Anirut would respond but I'll chime in too (as one of the original members of the Redondo club). I owned both the Redondo Mid and MP. The Mid is an awesome stick and though it carries the same name as the MP, it does pack a heavier punch. With that said, the MP can handle heavy serves and give them back as well. I currently own a few Prestige MPs and I can tell you that the biggest difference between the Redondo MP and Prestige MP is the feel at the net. For me, the Prestige is more of a beast at the net. For serves, both the Redondo and Prestige are surgical instruments.

With all that off my chest, I feel I've found my new racquet that will be used for years to come and that is the Prince Tour 100 18x20. I am NOT a Prince fan and don't think I've ever LOVED a Prince racquet but I have seen the light with this stick and it is still a flexy frame which would allow for more string and tension choices.

 

[jayserinos99]

I'm going to throw out another Prince frame, the Rebel 95 (the first black/yellow version, not the current version). I found the Rebel 95 to be very similar to the Prestige MP (again, probably from the same mold), also very flexy, stable, and very maneuverable.

 

[anirut]

I'm going to throw out another Prince frame, the Rebel 95 (the first black/yellow version, not the current version). I found the Rebel 95 to be very similar to the Prestige MP (again, probably from the same mold), also very flexy, stable, and very maneuverable.

I like this Rebel 95 too.

 

[VaththalKuzhambu]

The Redondo MP head size is about a true 98. I played only once and wouldn't want to comment much on it, only that I could really feel the flex more than the mid, probably due to the larger head size.

BTW, the Redondo Mid feels like a low powered stick, but the other guy receiving the ball won't feel that way, especially if strung right.

+1

As for the Redondo MP and Prestige MP, they seemed like they came from the same mold, so they're comparable in head size. The Redondo has a lot of flex and is heavy enough to hang with the big hitters.

+1

I owned both the Redondo Mid and MP. The Mid is an awesome stick and though it carries the same name as the MP, it does pack a heavier punch. With that said, the MP can handle heavy serves and give them back as well. I currently own a few Prestige MPs and I can tell you that the biggest difference between the Redondo MP and Prestige MP is the feel at the net. For me, the Prestige is more of a beast at the net. For serves, both the Redondo and Prestige are surgical instruments.

+2

I would recommend Red MP for baseline play and Red Mid for all-court play.

 

[321lor]

Hi there,
Thanks to you all for your replies and suggestions.
Here are some comments below.
I am considering changing the racquet mainly to hang on with the really top players in the area that can generate really heavy balls on serve and grounstrokes.
With moderate players (4.5 and below) it really does not matter a lot which racquet I use, since the pace is slower.

well, best rule out the Donnay.
excellent racquet, but if you thought the PB10 mid was powerful, you don't want a Plat-99

You must hit REALLY flat..

Moderate spin mainly, flatter when going for winners.
I was surprised how powerful my PB10 are.
Probably I got some more powerful than average. They are also lighter at 11.8 oz with overgrip and strings!

If you like flexy, low powered sticks and not afraid of smaller head size (like the 4D100 which you like), then consider the Redondo MID and string at lower tension. It's got enough heft against big hitters and great for playing flats. It can generate decent spin but the balls won't jump very high.

Not sure if I would not get pushed around with a 93 head size, especially that people think it may be closer to 90!

The Redondo MP head size is about a true 98. I played only once and wouldn't want to comment much on it, only that I could really feel the flex more than the mid, probably due to the larger head size.

BTW, the Redondo Mid feels like a low powered stick, but the other guy receiving the ball won't feel that way, especially if strung right. I've tasted my own medicine.

I'd also throw in the Head Prestige Mids as well if you want low power and stability. Depending on which model you get will vary maneuverability. The current IGs swing really fast for me.

As for the Redondo MP and Prestige MP, they seemed like they came from the same mold, so they're comparable in head size. The Redondo has a lot of flex and is heavy enough to hang with the big hitters.

Good to know, than you. Is it easy to maneuver?

What are you currently using in your PB10? I liked MSV 1.10 at 48-52 when I used them but could also go with Tour Bite 18 at the same tension.

Using Yonex Poly tour Pro at ~ 60 lb and Mantis Comfort at 58 lb. Feels powerful in this set-up, same when I used Cyberflash 17L at 50 lb and Mantis Comfort at 58 lb.

Yes. IG Prestige Mid is the lowest powered frame I've ever used.

Is it stable against really heavy balls?

I figured Anirut would respond but I'll chime in too (as one of the original members of the Redondo club). I owned both the Redondo Mid and MP. The Mid is an awesome stick and though it carries the same name as the MP, it does pack a heavier punch. With that said, the MP can handle heavy serves and give them back as well. I currently own a few Prestige MPs and I can tell you that the biggest difference between the Redondo MP and Prestige MP is the feel at the net. For me, the Prestige is more of a beast at the net. For serves, both the Redondo and Prestige are surgical instruments.

Many thanks for your detailed reply. You found the Red MP or the Prestige IG MP more stable against heavy hitters?

With all that off my chest, I feel I've found my new racquet that will be used for years to come and that is the Prince Tour 100 18x20. I am NOT a Prince fan and don't think I've ever LOVED a Prince racquet but I have seen the light with this stick and it is still a flexy frame which would allow for more string and tension choices.

Interesting racquet. Do you used the grommets?
Is it really low power and stable against heavy balls?

I'm going to throw out another Prince frame, the Rebel 95 (the first black/yellow version, not the current version). I found the Rebel 95 to be very similar to the Prestige MP (again, probably from the same mold), also very flexy, stable, and very maneuverable.

I like this Rebel 95 too.

The older version not easy to find.

+1


I would recommend Red MP for baseline play and Red Mid for all-court play.

I spend most of the time at the baseline, but I will go to the net when possible.