What are you liking at the moment in 2021?
- Thread starter Crocodile
- Start date
Crocodile
G.O.A.T.
This is an interesting post. Long time before the Clash was released Wilson did make a 6.7 Pro Staff which last light blue with a bit of dark blue, thick beamed but very flexible which was very comfortable but a bit too light for me at the time and as I recall it was a frame that you would easily spray the bell off course. Probably today with the new strings you could have dialled it in. Volkl also was way ahead in the 90’s made the Catapult 10mp which is probably close to the Clash 98.
The second thing I find interesting was about advisory people. I know Wilson used to have them but wonder if they still do and whether the other companies do as well. I would love to be an advisor to Volkl for example. Is there anybody here on the forum who gets to hit with early pre production prototypes ( even before the car dazzle marketing prototypes) ?
Automatix
Legend
What I like:
Prince - box beam thinner frames;
Head - Pro Tour 2.0;
Yonex - continuing with extended frames, liner tech;
Wilson - Pro Labs;
What I don't like:
Prince - too much focus on idiotic Hydrogen or whatever pj, Prince rep MIA, everything in CTS, I prefer a constant beam or thinning it out towards the head, not introducing the Phantom 97 outside Japan, no O3 Hybrid Tour 18x20 respawn
Yonex - no box beam frames - bring back the Ti 70s! Long, MP, Mid! All of them!
Wilson - quality control or lack there of, Pro Labs only available in some EU countries
What I hate:
- crappy matte/velvet painjobs, regardless of company. Bring back the glossy paintjobs!
Prince - box beam thinner frames;
Head - Pro Tour 2.0;
Yonex - continuing with extended frames, liner tech;
Wilson - Pro Labs;
What I don't like:
Prince - too much focus on idiotic Hydrogen or whatever pj, Prince rep MIA, everything in CTS, I prefer a constant beam or thinning it out towards the head, not introducing the Phantom 97 outside Japan, no O3 Hybrid Tour 18x20 respawn
Yonex - no box beam frames - bring back the Ti 70s! Long, MP, Mid! All of them!
Wilson - quality control or lack there of, Pro Labs only available in some EU countries
What I hate:
- crappy matte/velvet painjobs, regardless of company. Bring back the glossy paintjobs!
Pneumated1
Hall of Fame
I like the Gravity Tour a lot. Can't say I love it yet, but it's a great frame.
I love the Wilson Ultra Pro 16x19, my main frame at this point. Would love the chance to hit a slightly more flexible H19 16x19 just to see what a touch more flex could do, but the UP is an amazing racquet.
The surprise for me is the V-Feel V1 Pro. My son switched from these to the V-Sense 10 Tour, and I 'inherited' these. The V1 Pro is a paradox: all the benefits of a stiff frame with greater comfort than my UP 16x19s even. Nice muted thud on contact with a layer of crispness built in for connection and control. I'm liking it as much as my UPs at this point, especially on defense (slightly more forgiving and powerful).
I love the Wilson Ultra Pro 16x19, my main frame at this point. Would love the chance to hit a slightly more flexible H19 16x19 just to see what a touch more flex could do, but the UP is an amazing racquet.
The surprise for me is the V-Feel V1 Pro. My son switched from these to the V-Sense 10 Tour, and I 'inherited' these. The V1 Pro is a paradox: all the benefits of a stiff frame with greater comfort than my UP 16x19s even. Nice muted thud on contact with a layer of crispness built in for connection and control. I'm liking it as much as my UPs at this point, especially on defense (slightly more forgiving and powerful).
teachingprotx
Legend
I’d like to try prototypes too count me in! Especially for volkl . How cool would that be .. the only prototypes I’ve personally hit with were black out Wilson’s and color coded babolats . The way that happens is the local rep has the prototypes. Normally has you try the rackets for a certain amount of time .. and report back with your input on each frame .
Some of the ones I’ve tried in the past were the prototypes that finally turned into what everyone knows as the first edition RF 97.. Wilson ultra tour , Wilson clash 100 etc ...
Babolat had their prototypes that were mostly black with white orange if memory serves .. unfortunately, I never found out what I was actually using under the paint on those babolats ..
would be fun to have down these prototype play tests for volkl c 10’s ..
Or the old Korda stick ..
Late 80’s to mid 90’s would of been my wish list hey day for testing
But I was just a kid then ...
recreationalplayer
Semi-Pro
New Yonex EZONE 105's w/leather grip, an overgrip and juiced w/lead tape, strung w/Tonic Gut. The more I hit the more powerful it becomes (I guess until the strings break)
Hit 'em clean
Semi-Pro
Speed Pro 360+ has been my only stick for several months now and will probably be that way for a while. I've had little to no desire to try anything else or revert back to another racquet. Although it is really nice to be going steady with one stick... I do miss that excitement of trying and finding the next new thing. The honeymoons are always great, but like an addict you eventually come down to reality again and the up and down can get tiresome.
What is really new for me in 2021 is old... apparently I've pivoted my racketholism from trying or switching to new frames... to one of collecting old classic frames. Sticks that I played with or lusted after and could never afford. This was kicked off by my buddies and I deciding to do a vintage/classic frame doubles tournament. I bought a Dunlop Max 200G years ago used for $15... that was the number one racquet I lusted after in high school and never had a chance to own or even play with. Now I've recently bought a Rossignol F200 (Wilander), Yonex Rex King R22 (Navratilova), Prince original graphite oversize, Wilson Sting.
The pics of the Vacuum Fischer Pro 90 didn't help my addiction. Used to play with that stick... after seeing the pics in this thread I of course went and bought one.
What is really new for me in 2021 is old... apparently I've pivoted my racketholism from trying or switching to new frames... to one of collecting old classic frames. Sticks that I played with or lusted after and could never afford. This was kicked off by my buddies and I deciding to do a vintage/classic frame doubles tournament. I bought a Dunlop Max 200G years ago used for $15... that was the number one racquet I lusted after in high school and never had a chance to own or even play with. Now I've recently bought a Rossignol F200 (Wilander), Yonex Rex King R22 (Navratilova), Prince original graphite oversize, Wilson Sting.
The pics of the Vacuum Fischer Pro 90 didn't help my addiction. Used to play with that stick... after seeing the pics in this thread I of course went and bought one.
Fxanimator1
Hall of Fame
“What are you liking at the moment in 2021?
The 2015 Wilson Pro Staff RF 97.
The 2015 Wilson Pro Staff RF 97.
Purestriker
Legend
The new Wilson Blade Pros.
michael valek
Hall of Fame
Wilson h22 along with classic frames, plus new pacific x fast pro
taydbear7
Professional
I'm liking the VDM. I got to hit with the new 98+ and have been impressed.
Since the court opening after England lockdown 3.0… (since end of March)
these had some considerable court time… in this order.
UT
PT 2.0
Blade 18x20 2015
Blade 18x20 2013
360+ Extreme MP
360+ Gravity Pro 2019
I will try my best I can to keep 1 x +EMP and 2 x GPros in my bag for as long as I can.
these had some considerable court time… in this order.
UT
PT 2.0
Blade 18x20 2015
Blade 18x20 2013
360+ Extreme MP
360+ Gravity Pro 2019
I will try my best I can to keep 1 x +EMP and 2 x GPros in my bag for as long as I can.
CosmosMpower
Hall of Fame
Prestige MP G360+, Vcore 95 2021. Test driving Radical Pro G360+
Turbo-87
G.O.A.T.
I'm starting to like lighter-weight racquets lately. I had previously been playing with 305g or heavier racquets. I have played a few weeks with a used Prince Textreme 100T (that I picked up a few years ago) and I have enjoyed the whippy and fast feel it had in doubles. I am going to go even lighter tonight with a demo of a Head Graphene 360 Radical S. We'll see how that goes. It seems that I might like generating more head speed, which is going to be different for me. I am going to give this racquet some time because I am sure I will have to adjust to it. I think what drove me to this was the disappointing session I had with a Head Radical Agassi re-release from 2018. It was just too heavy for me and it was humbling.
Crocodile
G.O.A.T.
Well, my original post was back in March this year, so it’s good to see people continuing to express interest in this topic. At present Im still playing with the Volkl Power Bridge 10 Mid, I have 2 of them, one which I will keep in new condition as an example of a memory of Volkl’s high point in making something special. I feel however that maybe it might be time to move on.
What I am noticing is quite a bit of price inflation happening with many things right now and this includes tennis racquets.
I am hoping that the US will receive the new green coloured PK Q Tour 325’s soon preferably in a grip 5 to buy.
Other then that the new Angell cosmetic updates of the K7 series looks like a good product. If I had to stay with say a 93/ 95/96 head I will be trying to track down a Gamma 340x, Dunlop Bio 200, Yonex V Core 95 ( 2018) and Volkl SG Mid 330.
What I am noticing is quite a bit of price inflation happening with many things right now and this includes tennis racquets.
I am hoping that the US will receive the new green coloured PK Q Tour 325’s soon preferably in a grip 5 to buy.
Other then that the new Angell cosmetic updates of the K7 series looks like a good product. If I had to stay with say a 93/ 95/96 head I will be trying to track down a Gamma 340x, Dunlop Bio 200, Yonex V Core 95 ( 2018) and Volkl SG Mid 330.
acintya
Legend
The best two racquets in the world for groundstrokes:
Head Microgel OS
WIlson Six.One 95s
I love these racquets. All yonex racquets i tried felt like a plastic toy. I just keep returning to these two. I only wonder why you like the Blade so much?.............................stiff as hell
Head Microgel OS
WIlson Six.One 95s
I love these racquets. All yonex racquets i tried felt like a plastic toy. I just keep returning to these two. I only wonder why you like the Blade so much?.............................stiff as hell
acintya
Legend
man, you will change your mind as soon you will play against some heavy hitter with brand new balls.I'm starting to like lighter-weight racquets lately. I had previously been playing with 305g or heavier racquets. I have played a few weeks with a used Prince Textreme 100T (that I picked up a few years ago) and I have enjoyed the whippy and fast feel it had in doubles. I am going to go even lighter tonight with a demo of a Head Graphene 360 Radical S. We'll see how that goes. It seems that I might like generating more head speed, which is going to be different for me. I am going to give this racquet some time because I am sure I will have to adjust to it. I think what drove me to this was the disappointing session I had with a Head Radical Agassi re-release from 2018. It was just too heavy for me and it was humbling.
I think any racquet should NOT be lighter than 295g unstrung which is the weight of Radical Microgel OS
with only 315 grams strung - i think the Radical Microgel OS is the winner in stability/weight ratio
Turbo-87
G.O.A.T.
Probably.man, you will change your mind as soon you will play against some heavy hitter with brand new balls.
I think any racquet should NOT be lighter than 295g unstrung which is the weight of Radical Microgel OS
There are some big hitters in my group so I will find out quickly. I do have the option of adding lead, which I did with my Radical Microgel MP's back in the day. A little at 3 and 9 did the trick.
Hankenstein
Hall of Fame
I found a new love in the 2021 Head Instinct MP with some slight customizing. Will use it some time now on our clay season and see how it turns out
n8dawg6
Legend
fantastic frame. but dont feel too bad about getting humbled by it. its downright cumbersome due to size and weight, and the string pattern is dense. i bring it out sometimes and let other people hit with it. people usually like it, but everyone eventually puts it down.Head Radical Agassi re-release from 2018. It was just too heavy for me and it was humbling.
s_p_a_c_e_m_a_n_
Rookie
Same, I used to play alot with them 'back in the days'.. still regretting getting rid of my Elliptic Vacuum Twintec (Charlie Steeb version) I absolutely loved the smokey greyish brownish with neon yellow paintjob
I can't remember how it played though.. I still wonder sometimes how it would feel to play with again, today
(Somebody knows where to find the specs?)
Turbo-87
G.O.A.T.
Update on this Head Graphene 360 Radical S. I left it in stock form. I hit with some heavy hitters this evening and I was really surprised at how well I was dealing with pace. I think having a light racquet allowed me to get the head speed I need to make good contact at the right time, or at least a better time than I was experiencing with a heavier racquet. I didn't feel like it was being pushed around at all. I have it strung with multi at 57 pounds. It is probably just a honeymoon phase, but I am going to stick with it.man, you will change your mind as soon you will play against some heavy hitter with brand new balls.
I think any racquet should NOT be lighter than 295g unstrung which is the weight of Radical Microgel OS
acintya
Legend
maybe you can handle it and maybe the racquet behaves a little different than my yonex dr 100 L with 285g unstrung. maybe the fault is a polyester string. It feels like a toy with this string - but the serve is awesome. very good racquet otherwise - if you can demo it sometimes.Update on this Head Graphene 360 Radical S. I left it in stock form. I hit with some heavy hitters this evening and I was really surprised at how well I was dealing with pace. I think having a light racquet allowed me to get the head speed I need to make good contact at the right time, or at least a better time than I was experiencing with a heavier racquet. I didn't feel like it was being pushed around at all. I have it strung with multi at 57 pounds. It is probably just a honeymoon phase, but I am going to stick with it.
See, the Head Graphene is 295 unstrung - just like I sad - this is the minimal weight i would go with it - i am comfortable with this weight, but 10grams less makes already a significant difference!
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Boubi
Professional
Me Too ! Let's add it's fantastic at net
You should try the Synergy 98 then. You will lose a bit of power and gain a bit of spin. Slices will be just as good.
BillKid
Hall of Fame
Thanks, interesting suggestion. It seems to me that the Synergy’s mold is very similar to the Beast 98, which is my current stick.
There are a few differences though:
The Synergy is a tad softer, head heavier and has a higher SW. String pattern is 18x18 vs 16x20, not sure how different it is.
Since I find the Beast 98 very comfortable and I added a bit weight at 12, I doubt the Synergy would play very differently from my set up. That would be great to compare but where I live it’s impossible to demo Prince racquets. I took a leap of faith when I bought my Beast 98 racquets.
I've not played with the Beast 98, but I do have a beast 100 which I love and is my secondary stick. Great choice on the beast 98s. They were very underrated in my opinion. The launch angle of an 18x18 pattern is definitely not as high as a 16x19, but is just a bit more than a 18x19 like the RS 305. I played with the RS 305 and loved it, and almost switched to it but I didn't like the fact that sometimes my shots barely skidded over the net when I didn't impart enough spin and the rectangular handle shape (That maybe due to the fact that I play with a 1/4 and had demoed a 3/8). That led me to pick the Synergy 98 as my main stick. I think Tennisnerd in his shot clock review said that the launch angle of the Synergy 98 is similar to a 16x20 . Since you're already familiar with Prince rackets, I would suggest you to demo one if you can. You may also try to reduce the tension or use a thinner gauge string in your RS 305 to gain some spin.
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PistolPete23
Hall of Fame
Diadem Elevate - foam filled, ribbed structure, and flexible (61 RA strung). Just really solid and stable for a sub 11 oz racquet; will be fun customizing it.
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BillKid
Hall of Fame
I have a Beast 100 too and prefer the 98 because it has much better feel and control. It is almost as spin friendly as the 100. The 100 has more power and probably a bigger sweetspot. I think it feels more comfortable than most stiff thick beams 300g 100sqin contenders.
I agree these frames were underrated, especially the 98. Although TW review was lukewarm at best, feedback from players was just great. My 4.5 tennis pal, who is demoing a new racquet almost every week was very impressed by the 98, especially with regards to comfort, which is his main concern.
The 98 being dismissed is quite ironic considering the number of players who pray for a frame that would be basically a softer Pure Drive, with better feel and more control oriented. I guess the Tour line ecplipsed the Beast.
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Exactly, I fail to understand the reason why the beast frames weren't as popular as they should have been. Both, the 100 and 98 offered a low to mid 320s swingweight which is about the same as their competitors, while being head-lighter(6 and 7 points strung respectively). That gave them room for customization as well. Apart from the weight distribution, the string pattern was also denser in the centre which made them more controlled than their tweener competitors. It seems that most recreational players buy frames that are endorsed by their favourite players without play testing rackets that fall in their spec range.
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